A warm, soft spring breeze swept through the courtyard, causing Tenkei Shiomi's hair to curl in the wind. He couldn't help but pause in surprise.
This is...
Glancing around, Shiomi found it odd that he'd forgotten where he was. This was his home in Fuyuki, Japan.
Since heading to the Antarctic for the Chaldean project, Shiomi hadn't returned to Fuyuki in five or six years. After all, his entire family had reunited at Chaldea. For a family of Magi like theirs, living far from home held little significance.
As usual, he sat on the veranda facing the courtyard, letting his thoughts wander. The sunlight warmed his skin, and he found himself growing languid and drowsy, tempted to lie down for a nap. Forgetting things occasionally had become familiar to Shiomi—after all, he was a man without a past. Such moments were hardly surprising.
Taking a slow, deep breath, he thought to himself, What a beautiful day. Perhaps he should bring the family quilts out to the courtyard to air them. He loved the scent of cotton after it had been warmed by the sun.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Shiomi suddenly sensed a lively bustle in the house. A variety of cheerful sounds drifted from the living room, making him pause in surprise.
The Shiomi Residence wasn't particularly strict, but everyone was naturally quiet by nature, so such liveliness was rare. Had guests arrived?
He rose from the hallway, intending to return to the living room to investigate.
"I knew it—here you are," Scáthach's voice echoed from the hallway.
Shiomi froze. He saw his master round the corner, casually leaning against the wall with a playful smile.
"What's the matter?"
"Just came to see if you'd gone out." Scáthach nodded. "You should rest today. Don't wander off. We don't want the 'main character' missing when everyone's bustling about."
"Hmm..." Shiomi hadn't quite processed it.
"Oh, and are you hungry? Want me to grab some snacks to tide you over?" Scáthach asked again.
Shiomi walked up to Scáthach and shook his head. "Not for now."
"Then we'll see when you get hungry."
Scáthach stood on tiptoe, gave Shiomi a quick peck on the lips, then turned and strolled leisurely toward the living room.
Something felt off, so he followed Scáthach's footsteps all the way back to the living room. The lively scene before him startled Shiomi.
Sakura and Baobhan Sith were crafting decorations. With Barghest's help, Gray hung the finished ornaments on the living room wall. Meanwhile, Habertrot was helping Caren with her hair and makeup.
"Does it taste a bit off? Did you forget the salt?" Skadi asked, taking the plate Morgan handed her and tasting the broth inside.
"Could it be that your palate is just a bit strong?" Morgan disagreed. "I think the flavor is perfect. My husband loves it this way."
"It's definitely a bit bland," said Scáthach, who had helped taste it. "What do you think, King of Knights?"
Artoria, holding a piece of grilled sea bream, said, "I think it's great. Morgan's cooking is spot on. Tenkei will definitely like it."
"Are you really going to eat this much right now?" Morgan asked, looking slightly exasperated. "If you lose your appetite later, don't blame me."
"Don't worry. Now is now, and the party is the party." Artoria made a cheerful declaration with a clear-eyed expression.
Leaning against the doorframe, Shiomi scratched his head.
No wonder the house was so lively. With this many people cooking and decorating, it was impossible not to be bustling.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Guests?
Shiomi reflexively moved to answer it, but then suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder.
"You just rest. I'll get it."
Touko walked past him, a faint scent of tobacco on her, probably from sneaking off for a smoke somewhere.
"What are you doing here?"
"I arrived yesterday. Forgot?" Touko turned back with a carefree smile. "I didn't expect there'd be a room for me here. You really do keep your word."
"....."
Shiomi fell silent. It wasn't that he thought Touko shouldn't be here.
He had always wanted her to stay with him, but she was like a gust of wind, drifting around. At most, he could keep a comfortable room ready for her.
But... why the perfect timing?
The front door opened.
The voices outside grew even livelier.
"The guests are all here. I've brought the extra supplies. I'll put them in the kitchen first. Could you please help with the reception?"
Melusine, carrying large shopping bags stuffed to the brim, came in after changing her shoes. When she saw Shiomi, she smiled brightly, nodded, and walked across the living room to the kitchen.
Then came a series of lively voices, both male and female.
"Teacher, long time no see. Happy birthday."
Olga Marie turned into the hallway with a gift in her arms and congratulated Shiomi.
"A birthday for someone over 6,000 years old? That's truly terrifying, Teacher," Reines said with a mischievous grin.
"To gain so much time by entering the past of the Lostbelt is no small feat," El-Melloi II added.
"Please come in, or we'll all be stuck at the door," Romani said with a smile, trying to manage the situation.
Behind him stood Ritsuka, Mash, and both Da Vincis, young and old, each holding a gift.
Everyone greeted Shiomi as they made their way into the living room. Soon, the room was full, filled with laughter and cheer.
Shiomi finally realized today was his birthday.
It was the day registered when he joined the Mage's Association, and it had indeed been used as his birthday ever since.
But…
"Why is everyone here? Isn't the Planet already a Bleached World?" Shiomi suddenly snapped out of his daze and immediately questioned everyone. "What exactly—"
His question left everyone puzzled.
"The Bleaching crisis has already been resolved," Olga Marie said with a smile. "It's all thanks to the teacher, who's been blazing the trail and always leading the charge."
"Me?"
Shiomi did want to be at the forefront, but he had no memory of resolving this crisis, one no less devastating than Humanity's Incineration.
"My husband is always so modest." Morgan set a pot of stew down on the table's heat-resistant mat. "That's why he's so captivating."
"It's not modesty. How could I possibly claim something I never did?" Shiomi leaned against the doorframe, a dull ache throbbing in his head.
What had he been doing just moments ago?
How had he ended up back at his home in Fuyuki?
He covered his face as memories, once hazy like mist, began to sharpen.
"You don't look so well. Has the prolonged battle taken its toll?" Touko stepped forward and offered to support Shiomi's arm.
Shiomi slowly lowered his hand, shaking his head casually.
"Probably just exhausted. I'll need to rest a bit longer."
He slowly lowered his hand, flashing a bright smile, and gave Morgan a deliberately casual glance.