90 Under a special birthday (for Gilbert)

Sofia pulled the embroidered frame at hand and threaded it with a ball clasp to hide the edges of the thread. Take a needle through a thread of another color from the needle pile and tie the ends and stab it again.

I have given embroidered handkerchiefs before. It is inspired by Gilbert's initials and embroidered with cymbals. I was glad to learn that the handkerchief was being used with great care in Baron Lannish territory.

This time the motif is rose flowers. They scatter green leaves on pale purple roses. The rose motif I came up with in my conversation with the gardener seemed to suit Gilbert as well as I thought.

That day, Gilbert finished his work as usual and returned home from the royal castle. I always have dinner with Sofia when I get back to the town house. It was always the case to hurry the carriage so as not to keep you waiting.

Hans picked up his luggage when he got off the carriage in front of the front door. Through the door opened by the maid, Sofia was not picked up as usual ─ ─. I feel sorry for you, but I'm worried about the emotions that come to mind first.

"How's Sofia?

"If it's Sofia, I'll be in your room. I've been pushed to study today, so please have a seat for dinner."

I see.

I felt a little uncomfortable with Hans telling me to flow, but I stopped thinking that there would be such a day. And if you're getting dressed, it's pathetic to visit the room.

Mr. Gilbert, please have a seat.

─ ─ Ah

Lightly sweat in your room and change from knight clothing to unseen personal clothing. I wore it in my room when I was alone, but I changed my clothes after I started eating with Sofia.

As usual, I went down the stairs and opened the cafeteria door, surprising the crowd there.

"Happy birthday, Gilbert."

"Congratulations!

Following Sophia smiling with a smile, the servants united their voices. I spread my mind about what a birthday was and finally realized that today was my birthday.

─ ─ Well, it's my birthday.

Yes, Miss Gilbert.

Sofia, who dyed her cheeks red, squeezed her hands tightly against her chest. The appearance was cute, and I walked in unexpectedly and stroked my head.

"Thank you, Sofia. Thank you, everyone."

Gilbert loosened his mouth and smiled. The servants who saw it rejoiced.

Again, it seems that almost all of the servants are gathered. The dining room, which is supposed to be huge for nothing, looks a little narrow. The large long tables were drawn to the edges, and instead there were several round tables lined up. The walls are tapestry hung, and the shelves and tables are beautifully decorated with flowers.

It's more serene than a party calling for nobility, and yet it's gorgeous.

"─ ─ I see. There's a way to celebrate."

"That's right, Mr. Gilbert. At Sofia's call, everyone wanted to celebrate Gilbert."

Hans.

Hans called out to Gilbert with a full smile. I found the edge of my mouth twitching with an unusual expression.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm not blaming you. ─ ─ Just don't forget to celebrate."

"Ah, ah. Okay."

While saying that I didn't blame you, the tone of caution was clearly filled with strong emotions.

"─ ─ Dear Gilbert, I have a treat today!

Sofia pulls Gilbert's arm. I love that innocent figure that I can't show at the night club.

Oh, yeah.

It looks like food is being brought in one by one. Small, divided dishes are arranged at a long table near the edge.

"I was hoping we could all eat together today... okay?

"Of course. ─ ─ Even though they're celebrating me, they won't eat anything else."

Wow, it was mainly the men's servants who boiled. Even though it was meant to be, it seems to be a pleasure to be recognized. What's more, today's dishes are more luxurious than the usual meal for servants.

"─ ─ Whose reward is it?"

Sofia giggles beside Gilbert, murmuring. Birthday cakes with names written in confectionery and cuisine brought in one after another.

I wanted to protect this happiness ─ ─ strongly.

Sophia and Gilbert first returned to their respective rooms after the last one left the party seat, which was completely transformed into a banquet. Sophia, sleeping in Carina, gently weaves a cardigan and leaves the room. The destination is Gilbert's private room.

"Mr. Gilbert, are you there?

A few gentle knocks on the door made a noise from the inside. Gently twist the knob and enter the room. Inside, Gilbert, already dressed in his room, sat on the sofa tilting a light amber glass.

"Sofia, what's wrong?

Follow Gilbert, who taps his neighbor and calls Sofia, and lower his hips. Gilbert stood up and prepared another glass, tilting one of the two bottles on the table. A clear liquid fills the glass.

"It's fruit water, so you can drink it with confidence."

Apparently it was meant to break the liquor. Sofia exhaled relieved and leaned the glass. The refreshing lemon scent is pleasant.

"Thank you, it's delicious."

Your unusual nervous heart is gradually calming down.

"Thank you for today. It was such a busy birthday ─ ─ No, it's been a long time since I've been celebrated."

"No, I didn't ─ ─"

"Hans said it was because of Sofia. I'm glad you thought about me."

"Well... thank you very much. When it's a fun memory, I think it's good... so, um"

Remove the parcel from your pocket.

Birthday gift.

The little floral wrapper looks like Sofia, but it won't suit Gilbert. But I dared to choose it because I thought you would take care of it.

"Thank you. Can I open it?

"Yes, um... I'm glad you like it...."

While Sofia was talking, Gilbert opened the package. The present is a handkerchief embroidered with roses and baked sweets made with the chef.

"I made it with the chef. That's why I think the taste is fine."

"Did Sofia make it?

Gilbert is staring at the baked goods.

"Yes...."

"Thank you. I'll see you later."

I've just finished my meal. Sofia nods. Gilbert took another present.

"That's the second embroidery you get from Sofia."

You are confident. I'm sure it's improved thanks to repeated embroidery to donate to the church since then.

I knew Gilbert would like rose flowers too.

The pale purple colour of the handkerchief embroidery on the hand is visible. Some of Gilbert's inorganic beauty and the cool glamour of silver hair made the flowers look great.

"Really?

Sofia nodded firmly to Gilbert, who leaned her neck.

"Yes, can I make it again?

What should I do next? Flowers are good, but you can model Timo from Equestria. I can see my mind rising.

I see. Sofia ─ ─ I'll buy a handkerchief, so could you stab me another five? "

Sophia shook her shoulders with a serious expression peeking at her eyes from the front. And I'm surprised at the contents.

"Eh... um... Five?

"Oh, it hurts faster in fewer numbers. Seven pieces, combined with what you got before, would you be able to hold each one for a week?

"Yes, yes. I don't mind...."

I'm glad you always said you wanted to carry it, but the seven sheets are also extreme. Gilbert hugged Sofia, who replied.

"Thank you, I'm so happy. For me, Sofia is a special thing that always heals my heart."

I wonder why I want to have a handkerchief. The words were followed by a loud and fast heartbeat. If it helps, Sofia wants to do anything for Gilbert. I'll stick as many pieces as I can embroider.

"... Dear Gilbert, congratulations on today."

Sofia turned her arm around Gilbert's back and pressed her forehead against his shoulder. Your cheeks are dyed even closer. If Sophia can still heal Gilbert's fatigue, I want to be close ─ ─ to her.

"Thank you. Was Sofia's birthday in the early summer?"

"Did you know?"

"Yeah, it was in the employment contract."

To be sure, Sofia nodded with a sigh. I am ashamed of myself for being careless until just before Gilbert's birthday.

"That's right...."

"Then I will celebrate Sofia as my husband."

The sweet words whispered in her ears made Sofia very happy. That's how long the night goes by.

The two men, who had not yet been allowed to sleep together, had unfortunately spoken and returned to their respective bedrooms.