Chapter 48
"Well then, shall we go, Lumière-san?"
『Huh? Go where?』
"Where else? To Albert-sama—no, to Noir’s side."
『W-What? What do you mean?』
"Call it a hunch, but I think Albert-sama must’ve dreamed of you too. A dream of meeting you as Noir."
『Ah! Could it be the familiar’s power?』
"Exactly. I can faintly sense what Albert-sama’s thinking now. I’m sure he’s waiting."
"Hmm. You’re early. Tea will be ready shortly—wait a moment."
Just as expected, Albert-sama had been anticipating us. Which meant—
"Albert-sama, you spoke with Noir-san?"
"Indeed. Given he’s my ‘past self,’ I wondered what sort of man he’d be. Surprisingly reasonable."
"That’s a relief."
"Right, it’s ready. No chairs, so sit wherever."
"Yes."
I settled onto the carpet. Albert-sama sat beside me.
"Lumière-san, the (分身), please."
"Then, as promised, Noir—I’ll lend you my bunshin (分身). Explain the rest to them."
As we murmured, light spilled from our bodies—and suddenly, another pair of us sat across the way. Lumière-san and Noir. They stared at one another. Lumière-san’s voice trembled.
"Loyd… Noir? Is it truly you…?"
"Lumière. It’s been too long. I’ve longed to see you."
"Noir… NOIR-SAMA—!! I-I’ve missed you, missed you so— WAAAAAH! NOIR-SAMAAAA—!!"
"Still as clingy as ever, I see. Ah… precious thing. If time allowed, I’d hold you like this forever…"
Sobbing uncontrollably, Lumière-san clung to Noir, who gently stroked her hair, his expression tender, eyes crinkled with a smile.
"(Let’s leave them be until she calms down.)"
"(Agreed. It’s been ages.)"
Albert-sama and I whispered. There was time yet—we’d wait.
Lumière-san’s tears had stopped, but her eyes remained red and puffy, fingers fidgeting. Gone was her usual dignified air—now she seemed every bit the young girl her appearance suggested. Quite refreshing.
"S-Such an unsightly display…"
"Don’t fret. There’s no shame in joy. Right, Yuka?"
"Right~! I’m so happy for you, Lumière-san. Reunited at last."
"Thanks to you both. You have my gratitude."
"We did nothing. Merely lent our bunshin."
"Really, don’t mention it."
"Thank you… truly. For letting me see Noir-sama again."
"Mm. Now then—shall we talk over tea? Yuka, assist me."
"At once. Will these sweets suffice?"
"Aye. Neither of you dislike sweets, yes?"
"I adore them."
"As do I."
"Good. Yuka."
"Here you are. Please enjoy."
I set out cookies and Darjeeling tea before Noir and Lumière-san. The cookies, pre-made by Karl, looked even more delectable than shop-bought ones. My tea knowledge was still shallow, but I knew basics—Darjeeling, with its fruity, refreshing notes, was a staple Albert-sama often drank straight.
"Delicious…"
"Fine brew."
Both seemed pleased, faces softening as they savored the treats.
"Now then—to business. Noir."
"Aye. What I’ll say concerns us all."
"The bond between Albert and I—and the curse."
"To cut to the heart of it: Albert is my reincarnation. The one who cursed him is of his own demonkin race. And—"
"Their goal is likely the revival of the Supreme Demon."
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