In the end, it takes quite a few moments to soothe this giant crybaby, but somehow, as bad at consoling people as I am, Luxia had now mostly calmed down.
Hand in hand, I quietly take Luxia to our fireworks observation spot, purposefully choosing a route with close to no people. Luxia gets a headache whenever she encounters a crowd, after all.
''...''
''...hic...''
Somehow, the rowdy saintess is now beyond obedient. She silently follows my lead, occasionally sniffing, but that's all. Beyond this air of stiffness between us, I can feel the warmth of her hand transferring onto mine.
The passersby seem to have taken an interest in us, most likely due to our appearances.
Nevertheless, after a few minutes of walking, we eventually arrive at the location. On the rooftop of the clock tower, Chloe, Nydia, and Claire can be seen preparing a small watch party. A small table filled with dessert and drinks is set near the railings, where one can have a clear view of the upcoming fireworks show, and five chairs are placed around it.
At this time, Luxia timidly hides herself behind me, the scene similar to a small animal hiding behind its parent.
''Oh, Aurora, you're back.''
Soon, the three notice us and huddle over. Seeing Luxia with her reddened eyes, they seem to have figured out the gist of what happened.
"Saintess, I'm sorry for your loss." Nydia takes Luxia's hand and says sincerely, "I truly believe you are innocent, so please don't listen to bad rumors."
''I feel the same, Saintess.'' Claire adds. ''I'm sorry you have to go through this.''
''Please share your worries with us, Saintess.'' Chloe follows. ''We are friends, after all.''
At these gestures, Luxia's eyes moisten once more, yet she is determined not to weep anymore.
''Thanks... But let's not for now.'' She musters a smile. ''I want to watch fireworks with you guys!''
'''' Of course! ''''
Temporarily leaving the heavy matters behind, we excitedly seat ourselves at the table, waiting for the show to begin.
''Nydia, how much time is left right now?'' Chloe asks.
''Around twenty minutes, Lady Luminous.''
''Hm... If so, let us dig in and talk a bit, shall we?''
Just like that, the five of us begin to initiate talks, eating away the dessert while watching the people below. Naturally, the conversation is heading toward the outrageous booth Claire has made.
"What do you mean 'outrageous'?! " Claire pouts. ''My faith in Silaerob is definitely real, and she is undoubtedly my idol—ah."
Perhaps realizing that mentioning Silaerob right in front of Luxia is quite taboo, Claire promptly shuts up and glances at the pinkhead awkwardly.
''...You guys can talk about her freely.'' Luxia replies with a bitter smile, holding a piece of bread timidly. ''It's only fair that way.''
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
''But didn't she...''
''...It's fine. It's fine. She only did what she needed to.''
At this, Nydia and Claire tilt their head, puzzled. Still, they respect Luxia's words and continue as usual, except they are not touching Vincent Neveah anymore.
''Ahem... In any case, I aspire to be like Silaerob.'' Claire continues.
I don't see the appeal, but alright.
''Right, Claire has exchanged words with Silaerob directly. Am I wrong?'' Nydia speaks up curiously.
''Of course, I did! Her demeanor was so cold and cool...!'' My number one fangirl hugs her face in ecstasy.
''I also talked to her.'' Luxia interjects. ''She was indeed cold and brutally honest. But I do admit she has a certain charm in her demeanor.''
''Right? Right?''
''Mhm. If I have to compare... She spoke like how Miss Maid here would.''
''Ah, you're kinda right.''
You don't have to compare, though.
Thanks to Luxia's unnecessary comment, everyone is drilling their sight through my head right now, including Luxia herself.
"Aurora, any input?" Luxia narrows her eyes knowingly; a faint grin can be seen on her face.
''...I don't know what to say.''
Seeing me glossing over the topic and focusing on the dessert, Luxia shrugs lightly and seems to have given up. Afterward, we switch to a more lighthearted subject and patiently wait for the show.
As time passes, I can gradually see people moving near the academy's plaza, signaling the impending moment.
''Fifty-nine. It's almost time.'' Nydia says softly; a hint of excitement can be inferred from her voice.
Soon, a loud voice, likely enhanced by magic, sounds from the direction of the plaza.
[Ladies and gentlemen! To celebrate this beautiful transition, please countdown with me!]
[Nine! Eight! Seven!]
[Six!]
[Five!]
[Four!]
[Three!]
'''' Three! ''''
The crowd seems to have been hyped up properly, seeing them shouting like this.
[Two!]
'''' Two! ''''
[One!]
'''' One! ''''
[Happy New Year!!]
Together with the bell's rings from the clock tower and the MC's shout, dozens of colorful fireworks are launched into the sky, exploding into mesmerizing patterns and filling the dark canvas with dazzling light.
''Happy New Year!! Yay!''
As Claire claps excitedly, we begin to exchange short yet heartful celebrations for a brand new year—well wishes, goals, and desires. With the vibrant fireworks background, we vow to spend another meaningful year together.
I never thought I would be making such friends in another world. Not at all. Yet this is what I find myself in, and I am not complaining.
Looking at the reflection of myself inside the teacup, I freshen my determination once again.
For this scene to continue and for my friends to stay as my friends, I shall, with every bit of my power, give this story a satisfactory, happy ending.
Unknowingly, a smile creeps up my face.
''Please take care of me this year.''
----------------------------------------
Waking up in the Backrooms, I quickly clean my face before teleporting to a hill near the border with the academy. There, I see my horror friends enjoying the fireworks show silently.
Ariel and Skely seem to be reminiscing while Slen and Smiley curiously observe the explosion. Even 049 looks deep in thought.
''Enjoying the show?''
I come up behind them, not forgetting to give Ariel and Smiley a treat. At this, they all give me an affirming nod, which warms my heart very much.
''Without you, Lady Aurora, it would have been impossible for us to welcome a new year like this.'' Skely says. ''Thank you, truly.''
''No problem.'' I reply. ''I've been saved by you guys, too.''
AUF—!
As Smiley nuzzles his head against my belly, I pinch his cheeks and gaze toward the sky, admiring the never-ending fireworks.
''Even though I have not been here for long, I can definitely see myself enjoying this place.'' 049 speaks up. ''Let us maintain our partnership, Miss Aurora.''
''Of course.'' I reply. ''Smiley and Mister Slen, too, let's all do well this year.''
For these horror friends, I want to provide a place for them to live as they wish. It will require me to have unparalleled power within this realm, but I am confident I can do it.
Before long, the fireworks show ends with a final wave of star-themed explosions. Each star is different in size and color and surrounds the biggest, brightest sphere.
After holding a small party in my main body, I let my friends here rest and switch back to Peln's body.
In an instant, the scene of four girls rubbing their chins while staring at me meaningfully greets my eyes.
''Hm... Yeah, there's only one option.'' Chloe says with a serious face. ''Aurora, you'll participate in the Miss Astra competition!''
...Peln, what on earth have you gotten yourself into??