#ねこと

[neko-no-oto]

はるらんまん。おひるねもはかどったご様子。

Spring is in full bloom. She seems to take her naps well.

[mayamiyamaillustration]

幸せなねこようびを🐾

「猫と蝶々🐈‍⬛🦋」

Have a happy caturday🐾

”Cat and Butterflies 🐈‍⬛🦋“

[sunghee96]

Kotone Fuyue (冬愛ことね)

[nora-yoko]

[t0ram1]

[96925mm]

あけましておめでとう🎍

Happynewyear💐

post,20250103

[jennietw]

藤田ことね

[princessantisocial]

🌈☀️🌺🍓🎀☘🐬

[lecialucille]

メイとナツキはいますか？

[yury-nm]

[findflower96]

栗山ことね

[neko-no-oto]

車検中。

Car inspection in progress.

[dialaiya]

[setsukochihara]

ことね by 。 [Twitter/X] ※Illustration shared with permission from the artist. If you like this artwork please support the artist by visiting the source.

[oqwomyo]

Hanamaru's Birthday card translation

Part 1.

- Conservatory -

- The day before Hanamaru's birthday -

The cherry blossom trees were in full bloom. On Hanamaru's birthday... It was the peak of cherry blossom viewing. I think Hanamaru would definitely be interested in it.

- I wish tomorrow would come soon...

Imagining his smile... I left the conservatory.

- A few weeks ago -

Hanamaru's birthday is coming soon... I was looking for him in the garden. The butlers' birthdays this year... I decided to celebrate them with a flower theme. That flower that Hanamaru might like... I went out to look for it. And after a while... I noticed Hanamaru looking at the cherry blossoms.

Hanamaru: .....

When Hanamaru looked at the cherry blossoms... He had an incomprehensible expression. Although I wasn't sure if I should disturb him... I approached him.

- Good afternoon, Hanamaru

Hanamaru: Hm?

Hanamaru: Oh... Hello, Master.

Hanamaru: Sorry for taking so long to respond. Did that bother you?

- Are you thinking about something?

Hanamaru: Well, you could say that.

Hanamaru: The cherry blossoms are really beautiful... I think they bloomed a little earlier this year.

Hanamaru: The earlier the blossoms bloom, the faster they'll fall... That gave me mixed feelings.

- Would you like them to bloom later?

Hanamaru: Hmm, no, that's not quite right...

Hanamaru: ... I just remember the cherry blossoms blooming on my birthday.

Hanamaru: My first birthday was at a church... That year, the cherry blossoms bloomed a little later than usual.

Hanamaru: The taste of the cherry blossom mochi I ate with children and nuns back then... I still haven't forgotten it...

Hanamaru: And the fact that the cherry blossoms bloomed before my birthday... It makes me feel a little sad.

- I see...

Did I sound too sad..? Hanamaru smiled brightly.

Hanamaru: Well, even if the cherry blossoms aren't blooming, the mochi made from them are still delicious... I wonder if I can eat them on my birthday.

Hanamaru: And by the way... Master.

Hanamaru: This year, I'm asking for cherry blossom mochi for my birthday.

- What?

Hanamaru: Hehe, jeez. Isn't it too rude of a butler to ask a master for a gift?

Hanamaru: But at the same time... I'm sure I wanted to eat sakura mochi on my birthday.....

- Sakura mochi, huh....

Maybe, Hanamaru... He probably knew that I was worried about what to give him. Something he would be happy to receive... I was glad that he shared it with me.

Hanamaru: Oops..... I can't slack off forever.

Hanamaru: See you later, Master.

After saying that... Hanamaru left, waving his arms behind him. Then... I decided that I would make sakura mochi for him. If it was possible..... Then, on his birthday, I would like to eat mochi and watch the cherry blossoms together.... This year, with the cherry blossoms blooming earlier, it will be difficult to do... But still, I... I prayed with all my heart that the flowers would not fall off due to the wind or rain.

- (Should I make a teru-teru boozu...)

- Devil's Palace Master's Room -

- The Next Day -

While I was making a teru-teru boozu, I hoped that the cherry blossoms would survive until Hanamaru's birthday. However, no matter how many charms I hung on the window... I never thought of a real way to preserve the flowers.

- (Can I just rely on luck...?)

While I was thinking about that... There was a knock on my door.

- Come in.

- It's open.

Hanamaru: Good afternoon, Master.

- Something happened?

Hanamaru: I saw that you were decorating the window with charms.

Hanamaru: If there are many of them... I thought I might be able to help.

- I-Is that so.

I made teru-teru boozu for the sake of Hanamaru's birthday... I wonder if I can accept his help... Although it might be strange if I refuse... After thinking about it, I decided to accept his offer.

- After a while-

Hanamaru: Phew... So many talismans. Even the window might not have enough space for them.

- Thanks for the help.

Hanamaru: It's okay. I told you I wanted to help.

Hanamaru: It was interesting to make a teru-teru after all this time.

Hanamaru: Aaand... Look at the face of this big teru-teru boozu.

Hanamaru: Doesn't he look like mad Yuhan? And this one is Teddy.

Hanamaru: My~ I'm so good at drawing. My talent is scary.

Hanamaru: Of course... I think my face, which master drew, is also gorgeous.

- Really?

Hanamaru: Yes. That's why this kiddo... I suggest hanging him next to your pillow, not on the window.

Hanamaru: How about it? Don't you think you'll only have good dreams now?

- Um...

As soon as he said that... Lightning flashed outside the window. And to finish it off... It started raining heavily.

Hanamaru: Oh... It was quite a heavy rain.

- This is...

Hanamaru: Don't be so upset, Master.

Hanamaru: It's fine. The cherry blossoms will bloom next year too.

Hanamaru: It's just that Master's feelings... They were enough.

- Eh...?

Hanamaru: To do so many teru-teru boozu... I can guess what Master was thinking.

Hanamaru: Thank you, Master.

- Hanamaru...

Hanamaru: ...Heh. I showed you my cool side.

Hanamaru: ...If all of this was not for my birthday... It would really suck.

Hanamaru: ...Even if I'm wrong, please pretend otherwise. It's just simple human kindness.

- ...That's right, you're not mistaken.

Hanamaru: Uh-huh. As expected of my kind master.

Hanamaru: Even if we don't see the cherry blossoms this year... We can do it next year.

Hanamaru: "The lifespan of flowers is short"... That's why they bloom around the same time every year.

Hanamaru: That's what Ammon said. If you think about it, all the cherry blossoms here are the same variety...

Hanamaru: They cut branches from one tree and plant them in the soil to grow more... If you think about it, they're all clones of each other.

Hanamaru: That's why they bloom at the same time.

Hanamaru: The cherry blossoms in this mansion's garden... Ammon brought them from the nearby mountains.

- Really?

Hanamaru: Yes. They must have gotten this size from growing them from bonsai-sized seedlings.

- Bonsai...

- Cherry blossom saplings...

The two words flashed through my mind.

- I see!

Hanamaru: Whoa!?

Hanamaru: W-What is it..? You scared me...

- Sorry for scaring you.

Hanamaru: Oh well, it's okay.

Hanamaru: I don't know yet... But it seems like Master has had an idea.

- Thanks to Hanamaru, thank you.

Hanamaru: Hehe... I'm glad.

Hanamaru: The idea you came up with... Can I hear it now?

- It's worth waiting until the right time.

Hanamaru: Heh... Okay. I'll wait for "that time".

That's it, thanks to Hanamaru... I came up with an idea. If everything goes well... Maybe we can enjoy the cherry blossoms with Hanamaru on his birthday.

Part 2.

- Devil's Palace Master's Room -

- Hanamaru's Birthday -

With the help of the other butlers… I made some sakura mochi to give to Hanamaru. And… I told him to come to my room. I was a little worried… I was looking forward to him coming.

*Knock knock*

- The door is open

- Come in.

Hanamaru: Good afternoon, Master.

- What a wonderful outfit.

- Your birthday outfit suits you.

Hanamaru: Oh, really~? Even if I know that, I'm happy that Master said that.

Hanamaru: And… Today is my birthday…

Hanamaru: Maybe… Am I allowed to be a little impatient?

- Of course.

I showed Hanamaru the basket with the sakura mochi and the bottle of water.

- Let's take this today.

Hanamaru: Heh, a spring picnic? Where are we going?

- To the nearby mountain.

Hanamaru: Oh, great. Eating sakura mochi in the wild is a unique pleasure.

Hanamaru: So, I'm ready to go to the mountains. Leave the basket to me.

- Thank you, Hanamaru.

So, I... I invited Hanamaru to go to the mountain where the sakura were blooming.

- The mountain near the mansion -

- A little later -

We came to the mountain we were looking for. There were many sakura trees around... And they were all blooming. Wherever we went, we were surrounded by sakura flowers.

Hanamaru: Hmm, being among the flowers feels great. It's a great day to be here.

Hanamaru smiled softly as he watched the sakura trees. To be honest, Hanamaru wanted to eat sakura mochi while watching the trees bloom… So I was sure that he was trying not to show his true feelings in front of me. Seeing Hanamaru like this… I became even happier.

- Thank you for your concern.

Hanamaru: Hm? What does this mean?

- Look here, Hanamaru.

I pointed to an empty mountain path. I led Hanamaru along it. There… There was another tree, all in bloom. Or to be more precise… It was a bonsai with sakura.

Hanamaru: This…

Amidst the greenery, one's eyes could catch a particularly bright sakura color… Hanamaru rolled his eyes slightly.

Hanamaru: Maybe… The master made this?

Hanamaru: About something in my past… I told you about admiring the sakura on my birthday…

- That’s right.

I explained the situation to him. Ever since I heard that story from Hanamaru… I wanted him to be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms on this birthday too. So I ordered a bonsai tree with cherry blossoms… The conservatory helped the flowers survive the rain and wind. And the food that Hanamaru remembered… I made cherry blossom mochi with my own hands. While telling him that… I opened the basket that contained the mochi.

- Happy birthday, Hanamaru.

Hanamaru: Master…

Hanamaru: …Hehe. Thank you.

Hanamaru, unusually for himself, was scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. He must have been really happy.

- I'm glad you liked it.

Hanamaru: Master… I didn't just like it.

Hanamaru: You're so good at capturing my heart… It's becoming more and more unbearable.

Hanamaru: You've captured my heart and won't let it go.

Hanamaru: Well, I don't want you to let it go... I wouldn't dream of it.

Hanamaru said that and spread out a mat... He placed it next to the bonsai.

Hanamaru: Please, Master. Today, we'll enjoy watching the cherry blossoms.

- Uh-huh!

When I sat down on the mat... Hanamaru sat down next to me. And looking at the cherry blossoms... He began to speak with sincere emotion.

Hanamaru: But still... I can't believe that you've created such a wonderful atmosphere for me.

Hanamaru: This is something... I'm happier than I could have imagined.

Hanamaru: After all, Master did this for me.

Hanamaru: I felt the same happiness when I was watching the blossoms with the children… And now, I’m with Master…

Hanamaru: I might be happier in the future too… That’s what I think.

Hanamaru said this while smiling softly.

Hanamaru: So… Then, now…

Hanamaru: Master. Can I eat the mochi filled with love?

Hanamaru: They look so delicious… Could it be that master made them..?

- Of course.

Hanamaru: Hehe… Thank you.

While I was taking out the mochi… Hanamaru poured some green tea into a mug.

Hanamaru: Yeah, yeah… Yummy, yummy.

Hanamaru: The combination of salty cherry leaves and sweet sakura mochi is wonderful. It's cute and incredibly delicious.

Hanamaru: Washing it all down with strong tea… The sweetness becomes even more intense.

Hanamaru: And it's not just sweet… Other flavors actually enhance the sweetness…

Hanamaru: I guess it's the same with human relationships? …Master.

- What is?

Hanamaru: In other words, you don't have to be so timid… A little stimulation is also important.

- …Did the sweetness hit your head?

Hanamaru laughs when he hears my answer.

Hanamaru: Mm? Maybe Master wants more sweetness?

Hanamaru: I see, I see… Just say it quickly.

Hanamaru: If Master wants… I’ll be as sweet as you want.

Hanamaru: By the way… First, can we start with…

Hanamaru: …Your head on my lap?

- …Thank you for the offer.

Hanamaru: Eh~ you’re refusing? Really~?

Hanamaru: Master… Maybe you’re embarrassed?

Hanamaru: This kind of Master is cute too, but… Is everything really okay?

Hanamaru: It’s rare to get the chance to admire the sakura while lying on someone’s lap… Isn’t it?

- ………

Hanamaru: Hehe. Even Master’s embarrassed face is beautiful.

I’m sure it was just a joke… But to enjoy the sakura like this with Hanamaru on his birthday… When will the next time be? The desire to make as many memorable moments as possible on this day was growing within me.

- …Listen, Hanamaru.

Hanamaru: Mhm, what is it?

- If it's okay, I want to lie down for a moment…

Hanamaru: …!

Hanamaru: I see, I see. If that's the case, then you need a pillow.

Hanamaru: So, I ask you… Please use my lap.

Hanamaru teased me, but… His voice was full of tenderness. Slowly… I laid my head on his lap.

Hanamaru: Uh-huh, so good. Enjoy, Master.

- …Thank you.

I lay down on Hanamaru's lap and looked at the cherry blossom trees. While we were looking at the flowers swaying in the wind… Hanamaru and I had a wonderful time together.