kscans

Chapter 90 - The Birthday Plan

So, I had decided to aim for admission to the dungeon explorer training academy with Naoto and Sakinon.

According to the information I retrieved after returning home, there was an entrance exam to get into the new school. But it seemed that students who had attended Kawasaki Second High School would get extra points on the academic test, so I figured it would probably work out.

The exam details were scheduled to be sent out in December, so there was still more than two months' time. I decided to spend my days as I had been, clearing dungeons.

Then, one day in September, at Rena's family home.

"Hayate-sama, may I have a moment of your time?"

As I was preparing to head back to our base, the head butler, Todo-san, spoke to me.

I periodically visited Rena's family home to report on our dungeon clearing progress to Rena's father, Shinonome Group head Nobutaka-san.

Well, as for reporting, my dungeon clears are forcibly streamed, so there's not much new to say. The brilliant AI, Aina-san, records and processes everything. So the main purpose of my visits here is usually to consult about updating Rena's equipment.

"Yes, Todo-san. What is it?"

"Young Mistress Rena's birthday is next month… I was wondering if you had made any preparations."

"What, next month?"

I didn't know. My precious girlfriend's birthday, and I didn't know.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know, so I haven't prepared anything."

Can I get something ready in time? And what am I even supposed to do for a birthday?

I've celebrated Naoto's and Sakinon's birthdays, and they've celebrated mine. But that was just eating together at a family restaurant and giving small presents. Rena is my first-ever girlfriend, so I don't know what the right thing to do is.

"Next month is October, right? What day is it?"

"October 7th."

The day of 0(Re)-7(Na). That’s easy to remember.

There's still about a week. I think I can manage…

But what should I give a super-rich girl like Rena?

She can probably get anything she wants.

"Rena has a private jet. Will she really be happy with something I can give her?"

"I believe you need not worry on that point. If it is a gift from you, Hayate-sama, I believe the young mistress would be overjoyed even if it were a pebble picked up from the side of the road."

No, that can't be… Or maybe it can.

If it's from your favorite person, anything becomes a treasure. That's what it means to be a fan.

It feels weird to say it myself, but Rena is still one of my most dedicated fans.

But I would never give her just a pebble.

It's her first birthday we'll spend together. I want to make it the best day for her.

Something that will make Rena happy. A situation that she'll be thrilled with…

Hmm? What should I do?

'You seem troubled, Hayate-sama.'

"Ah, Aina-san."

A nearby television turned on by itself, displaying the girl who looked like a younger Rena.

'If I may be so bold, would you allow me to offer some advice?'

"Please!"

Aina-san, who adores Rena like a sister, must know what kind of present would make her happy.

'As Head Butler Todo said, Rena-sama will gladly accept anything she receives from you, Hayate-sama. Therefore, I believe you should focus on making the situation in which you give the present a special one.'

"I, I see."

'Furthermore, Rena-sama is not yet aware that you do not know her birthday. Therefore, Hayate-sama, please continue to act as if you do not know.'

…Huh? What does that mean?

'I will now explain the full scope of this operation. First…'

Aina-san explained the plan to make Rena happy, to make her birthday the best day ever.

"Whoa! Imagining my own favorite doing something like that for me, I'd be so hyped. The only problem is how embarrassing it is for me."

"It is for Young Mistress Rena's sake, Hayate-sama."

'That's right. Please endure it.'

It seemed these two were not on my side. But they were my allies in making Rena happy.

"I understand, I'll do my best. I'll be counting on your support."

""You can count on us.""

And so, a top-secret operation to celebrate Rena's birthday was set in motion.