Merry Christmas...! (Albeit a bit late).
Basically, what happened was that after the festivities, I didn't have much time, which caused my chapter frequency to drop. But don't worry, I'm still writing.
In the meantime, I've taken this opportunity to polish both Chapter 4 and Chapter 9, as I felt the quality of both was... well, quite abysmal. I'll do the same with the others as I improve at this writing thing.
Also, I wanted to apologize for not being able to bring you anything on December 25th, which is why I don't want to miss this chance. So, perhaps to make up for it, here is a little special I had ready a while ago. Something straightforward, quite simple, but at least for me, something I enjoyed making. In other words, completely necessary.
[Special]
My brother stood watching the snow with an unusual look in his eyes. You could say it was the first time in nine years I had seen him so engrossed in something that wasn't magic or the sword.
"...Brother," I called out to him, approaching carefully. "Is there something out there?"
"Huh? No, it's nothing dangerous. It's just that... according to my calculations, today would be 'Christmas' in our old world." He sighed. "I stopped celebrating it after I turned eight, honestly, but seeing the snow made me think that perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad to do it here. Although, of course, that is logically impossible."
"Hmm..." I brought a hand to my chin, striking a pose that, although theatrical and somewhat pretentious, made me feel much 'wiser'. "You are very wrong, brother..."
Daiki looked at me with a raised eyebrow, waiting for me to continue.
"I think you're giving up too quickly," I told him, a mischievous smile drawing across my face. "What if we try to do something? We could improvise."
"What do you mean?"
"Look where we are..." I spread my arms wide. "We are in the Boreas mansion. Here, resources abound for a feast fit for kings and for getting some last-minute gifts. Maybe instilling this celebration isn't so far-fetched after all..."
I leaned in a little closer, lowering my voice like a conspirator.
"Besides, think about it: Sauros loves noise, excess, and parties. If we tell him it's an 'ancient tradition to celebrate the winter,' I highly doubt he'll refuse. On the contrary, he'll probably scream with excitement and order the most expensive wine to be brought out."
Daiki seemed to consider it for a second.
"Rudy, that is—"
"Statistically possible?" I interrupted, mimicking his usual tone.
"I was going to say 'observant,' but that works too."
"Good, then the plan is solid... Phase one: Convince the elder beast."
It didn't take us long to find Sauros. He was in the main hall, as usual, shouting complaints. His voice, as usual, echoed through every wall.
"Grandfather Sauros!" I tried, with all my might, to put on my best face of an innocent and enthusiastic child as I entered the room.
"RUDY! DAIKI!" He turned with his usual force. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!? HAVE YOU FINISHED YOUR TRAINING!?"
"That's right!" With him, I had to speak in a louder tone. "But we came to propose something important to you. You see, uh... when the snow falls, a very special holiday is celebrated called... uh... 'The Night of the Red Saint'."
"The Night of the Red Saint?" This time, he didn't raise his voice. "I KNOW NOTHING OF THAT, BOY! I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING!"
Instinctively, I ducked my head and shrugged.
"But... IT SOUNDS IMPOSING! WHAT IS IT ABOUT!?"
I looked up, relieved.
"It is a day to celebrate the strength and prosperity of the clan." I improvised on the fly. "A great feast is held, mulled wine is drunk, and tributes are exchanged... I mean, gifts... to demonstrate the power of the family."
"EXCELLENT! A WORTHY TRADITION!" He slammed the table, knocking over all the glasses that were on it. "IF IT IS A PARTY TO CELEBRATE OUR GREATNESS, THEN IT SHALL BE DONE! ALPHONSE! PREPARE THE COOKS! I WANT MEAT! LOTS OF MEAT!"
I sighed in relief alongside my brother; our manipulation had been a complete success. Moreover... instinctively—simply by virtue of being twins—we both gave a thumbs-up at the same time in a sign of absolute victory.
"What is all that racket?"
Young Eris was standing in the doorway, arms crossed and chin raised. Ghislaine, as always, had appeared beside her.
"Eris!" I turned towards her. "We are organizing a party for tonight. There will be lots of food."
"Food?" She seemed to consider it. "Hmph... That doesn't sound bad."
"Of course it doesn't sound bad!"
"And gifts," Daiki added suddenly. "According to tradition, those who have put effort into their training receive special rewards."
"Gifts?" She dropped her arms. "For me? Because I'm strong?"
"Only if you've behaved well and trained hard," I said, raising a finger.
She swatted my finger away.
"I'M THE ONE WHO TRAINS THE MOST!" she shouted, imitating her grandfather. "Then I deserve the biggest gift! Grandfather! I want a gift!"
"Well, in any case, Daiki deserves it more..." I murmured, unable to resist teasing her.
"Rudeus!"
"I was just saying..." I shrugged with feigned innocence, but used the commotion to add a final whisper: "Although technically I'm not lying..."
Luckily, she didn't hear me. She was too busy devouring my brother with her gaze and muttering unintelligible things to pay attention to my provocations. I let out a sigh and decided not to tempt fate any further.
Shortly after, I found myself alone with Daiki again in one of the hallways. The machine was in motion: we had convinced Ghislaine to go into the forest to find the most robust and symmetrical tree possible, and the maids were already running from one side to the other collecting fabrics and ornaments.
"Right, brother..." I went over the list mentally. "Now only the gifts are missing. What do you have in mind? Do we use the cover story of the 'magical third party' who delivers presents?"
I paused.
"I mean, in this world magic exists, so the idea of an omniscient old man entering houses would be credible... but we'd have to invent a very convincing justification so it doesn't sound like a home invasion..."
"For the time being... it would be better not to mention any omniscient beings. It wouldn't be convincing. Besides, they would expect fantastic gifts brought by a guy who doesn't exist, and that would end in a disappointment we can't handle."
"I suppose you're right..."
-
After a couple of hours, Ghislaine returned.
She had brought a tree that was... perfect. Too perfect. It seemed to have grown with the sole purpose of becoming a Christmas tree. It was ideal for placing the decorations we had improvised with fabrics and, of course, for the ornaments made with earth magic.
We dedicated the next hour to decorating the tree. To my surprise, Eris joined the task, contributing ideas as they occurred to her. Being honest, she wasn't exactly a competent artist, but I must admit she was doing a great job.
For their part, Daiki and Ghislaine took care of the rest of the mansion, decorating the rooms, the main hallways, and, above all, the entrance.
Philip entered the hall, likely intrigued by the sudden commotion that had broken the calm of such a cold day. He approached Sauros while observing the decorations on the windows.
"Father... What is all this?" he asked, bringing a hand to his forehead.
"IT IS THE 'NIGHT OF THE RED SAINT'!" Sauros was truly excited. "RED IS THE COLOR OF THE BOREAS!"
Philip approached the tree. For my part, I put the finishing touches on my work: I finished painting some spheres red and others green, giving them texture and shape so they looked more elaborate.
"'Night of the Red Saint'..." he murmured.
"That's right. It is a day to celebrate the strength and prosperity of the clan." I repeated the explanation I had given Sauros, but this time I decided to add something else, designed for him. "The goal is to demonstrate the power of the family. That is to say... the more elaborate the decoration and the better the gifts, the greater the demonstration of status... or, at least, of family unity and affection."
"I like it. Politically speaking, it could be very useful..."
He nodded and withdrew immediately, taking Alphonse with him. He was surely already planning something in that head of his. I just hope it doesn't occur to him to patent Christmas.
.....
Thus, after a few hours, everything was finally ready.
The tree, although improvised, showed dedication and care. The rooms had ornaments perfectly placed... too symmetrical, courtesy of my brother. And, above all, the feast awaiting us at the table was of biblical proportions.
The dinner had been complete chaos, but the good kind.
Sauros jumped up every five minutes for the "eternal glory of the Boreas," pounding the table with such force that the plates jumped in rhythm. Philip, although maintaining his composure, didn't stop smiling while discussing with his father and Alphonse how to implement this holiday in the domain to increase public morale and foster unity.
Ghislaine, for her part, had also been invited. To be honest, she was already part of the family. She didn't stop devouring meat, something Daiki imitated without hesitation, as he was also a big eater.
Eris, following my brother's example, also devoured the food in a way that would frighten, or even kill, a noble. However, she stopped when we handed her the gift. It wasn't anything extraordinary, just a sheath for her wooden sword... The only special thing was the engravings we made. Even so, her eyes sparkled.
"Hmph! Not bad!" she said, trying to hide her smile while hugging the object. "I'll forgive you for today!"
Amidst all that noise, I looked to my side.
Daiki was drinking some water, clearly satisfied by so much food. He watched everything with that calm of his, as if he hadn't just eaten a whole pig a moment ago... But he stopped calculating. He was simply... there. Present.
I gave him a gentle nudge. "Hey."
He turned. "What's up?"
"Merry Christmas, brother."
He arched an eyebrow. "It's the 'Night of the Red Saint', Rudy. Stick to the script."
I let out a small laugh. I couldn't help it. In my previous life, this day used to be just another date. After all, I never had the courage to leave my room. But now, with my brother by my side and my new family, surrounded by shouting and laughter... it felt like the best day of my life. Or, at least, one of the best, one I certainly wouldn't forget.
"You're right," I replied, clinking my glass against his. "Happy Night of the Red Saint."
Daiki smiled warmly. One of those smiles that only happen in important moments.
"Likewise, brother."
Yes. It was definitely a good plan.
[End of Special]
That's all. I know it's been quite short, but I felt it was necessary.
I just hope you all had a great time at Christmas. And, beyond the date, remember to treasure every day and every moment. You never know when you might lose what you have.
I'm signing off here. I hope you have a good day. I'm still alive, so thank you to everyone who reads this.
—Beginner author attempting to do something big, but who, thanks to your support, was inspired to keep trying.