Track 1

Thank you for the meal.

(Tonight’s natto choco dandan noodle¹ bowl didn’t taste as good as I’d hoped. I wonder if there’s anything I could add to make the flavor pop… Hm?)

……

Chief? Is something wrong?

Ah, sorry.

I was just thinking about how amazing your birthday party was the other day, Nayuki-kun.

Ah…

It was craaaazy lit, right~?! Just as expected of Raitin! He really is the Wacksong Jang of throwing festival-like events♪

Sure made me realize humans can celebrate as hard as they can if given the chance, huh.

Thinking about how much money was wasted on the budget makes my head hurt… But since it’s all out of his pocket, then there should be no problem.

Ahaha… How should I put it…? It definitely felt like a party only Raito-san could pull off.

I agree. The valuable data from the “Xtra Flashy” surprise party Raito had produced will be used as reference for future hospitality endeavors.

Don’t even try to copy him, Plüss. Such hypocrisy and poor taste does not suit you.

…I’m truly grateful to all of you for putting up with that man’s selfish behavior. Moreover—

Happy Birthday!

I was glad to receive such warm greetings from everyone. Though his meddling was truly irritating…it turned out to be a good birthday in the end.

I will treasure the rare kinds of pickled plums from all around the country that you have gifted me. Again, thank you very much.

Mhm. I hope they’re up to your taste…!

…Still, there is just one thing I regret.

Ah, Raitin!

What is it that you regret, Raito?

To put it simply—I never got to have an abacus² showdown with Nayuki.

Abacus showdown…?

………………

Abacus, huh… Sure brings back memories. Since it’s a showdown, does that mean both of you know how to use it?

Yeah. It’s a bit of a nostalgic memory for our family.

It’s been a while since then, so you probably feel like competing, right, Nayuki?

…Then, I’ll return to my room. I still have some unfinished paperwork, so I’ll take care of it first.

Wait, you still have things left to do? Do you want me to help?

No, it’s alright. There are just a few adjustments I’d like to do with the BD Area I’m working on. I only need to fine-tune them.

Your BD Area, hm? …And to think you bullied me so much last month. Surely you’ve already decided on what you’ll be presenting?

Of course. The President has already given me his approval, and I’ve also begun constructing the area. Everything is going smoothly.

(...But thanks to somebody, I almost felt like flipping everything on its head.)

…?