Chapter 11

Souma: The place we were come to was overflowing with light. It was awash in paper lanterns, hanging lanterns, flickering lights like a bonfire...

‘Twas a scene from a dream. For a while I was struck with awe. I could only walk amidst the light, led by the hands of my parents.

Fufu. Before I was aware of it, my tears had gone.

Even after I had returned home, after I had nestled within my futon, I could not forget such a sight... At that time, I truly thought my parents had taken me to a legendary paradise of yore.

Well, I know now that it was a festival held within the mountains, and my mother and father brought me there to lift my spirits.

But at the time, I was much too young to understand my parents’ intentions. Thus, having wholly regained my cheer, I decided that I would return to my daily training once more.

Had I never seen that which I mistook for paradise, there is a possibility I would not be where I am today.

‘Tis a memory which left a strong mark upon mine heart.

The spectacle which I saw so long ago still shines within me today.

Hajime: So then, the light that never goes out is...?

Souma: Ay. Shino, thou didst say that when seest fireflies, thou think’st sadly upon the past.

Each person hath their own reason for sorrow or anxiety. Children commit cruelties because they are ignorant.

Those fireflies will never come back to life. That must be the tragic “light” which shines within thine heart.

Thou shouldst hold fast to that light. Try not to extinguish it with other lights, but face it in earnest.

In that way, thou wilt atone for those fireflies which died by thine hands.

We must think of what we can do, and then do it with sincerity.

Hajime: ...Could it be to shine as an idol, maybe?

Souma: Ay, indeed. At the Summer Night Festival, thou shalt become a light, one whose radiance will shine down upon the audience.

Though it be a dream that lasts but one night, that radiance will remain within the memories of the guests for an eternity. Just the same as the light which inadvertently saved me.

Fufu. Thou amazest me, Shino. Thou hast already found thine answer and knowest now how to proceed.

Hajime: No, no! Not even close. You’re the incredible one, Kanzaki-senpai.

...Kanzaki-senpai. Can I really become a light bright enough to illuminate everyone?

Souma: Surely thou shalt. That said, I know not thy true ability, but Hasumi-dono has deemed Nito-dono’s skill acceptable.

Th’art a member of Ra*bits, which Nito-dono leads. Should my conjecture serve me, I say thou hast skill in spades.

Hajime: Ahaha, that’d be nice. But I still have a long way to go.

However... the light of a single firefly may be too weak, and it’ll surely go out... but if many fireflies gather together, their light will be strong and beautiful.

So on my own, my light is too weak, and it’ll eventually go out. But if everyone comes together, we’ll be able to shine spectacularly.

Souma: Indeed. Fufu, I am relieved to see a smile on thy face at last.

Hajime: Umm, I’m sorry for making you worry about me!

I think I made Nii~chan worry, too, so I’ll have to apologize to him later... yaaawn...

Souma: Mm? Shino, art thou tired?

Hajime: Oops, sorry! I stayed up all night working on these... but since I was so tense, I didn’t feel sleepy at all.

Now that I’m relaxed, it’s like a wave of drowsiness just washed over me. Urgh, I’ll go to the bathroom and wash my face!

Souma: Nay, when one is plagued by drowsiness, ‘tis best to sleep.

There is time yet before the others arrive. I shall rouse you when they are all come, so sleep ‘til then.

Fufu, shall I sing you a lullaby to lull you to sleep? ~... ♪

Hajime: Wha...? Ohh, I can’t fight it. I’m getting really sleepy...?

Ngh... Kanzaki-senpai, thank you... I really... respect you...

Zzz, zzz... ♪

Souma: (Good, his breath hath evened out. Sweet dreams, Shino...)

Nazuna: Excuse m... huh?

Hajime-chin and Souma-chin? You guys’re already here? Actually, what’s Hajime-chin doing asleep?

Souma: Yes, well. He was want for sleep for one reason or another, and so I bade him rest.

Nazuna: Oh, okay. I was worried ‘cause it looked like Hajime-chin was overworking himself. But he looks so peaceful now that he’s asleep ♪ Maybe it’s because you were with him, Souma-chin.

Souma: Mm? I cannot think the same, for I believe he still fears me.

Nazuna: Nah, it was never you. It was your sword.

Hm, if we start practice, we might wake up Hajime-chin. What should we do?

Souma: If that is the concern, then these lanterns are not yet finished—shall we work on them together?

Nazuna: Uh, sure? It’d be a waste if we didn’t, so let’s get to work.

Souma: Ay. If we both contribute, we will finish the work quickly. Let us work hard, Nito-dono. Heigh-ho ♪

proofing: Verdantgrove