After more than three hours, they finally made it. The entrance hall of the huge estate of Kato's parents was adorned with brightly colored ribbons and greedings. The large dining room was covered in green, Kajiro's favorite color, and there were all kinds of delicacies on the table to celebrate the day. Maultaschen filled with meat or vegetables. Noodles in a spicy soy sauce, the rice that Kato's mother brought to the table, would have been enough for the whole village. On a small side table, in turn, were all the sweets such as small cakes, shortbreads, pralines and many other goodies.
Suddenly a loud scream pierced the silence. Kato's uncle, his mother's youngest brother, had arrived.
,, Natakue, my beloved brother, how happy I am to see you! How are you? If you have an arduous journey, come in first. "
Natakue looked no less astonished than his nephew Kato and her best friend Matsoru. His sister often tended to exaggerate, but today's greeting of the joy of reunion was extraordinarily stressful.
,, Thank you sister. I am also happy to see you. The journey was a bit strenuous, but apart from a little tiredness, I'm dazzling. But say dearest sister, how is Lee-Chaou? Has your old husband left you alone again to have a drink with his board members? "
“Don't talk about your brother-in-law Natakue like that! You know how important it is to maintain contacts in your office, you don't always have time. But that is also unimportant now. Come on! Go wash up and dress appropriately, the first guests will arrive shortly. "
Without further words and still indignant about her brother's cheeky mouth, Kato's mother went into the kitchen, insulted and hectic at the same time, to get the last roast out of the oven. After all, everything should be perfect.
Natakue looked around confused until he finally found his little nephew Kato and her best friend giggling in a corner at the end of the hall.
,, Well, you two toads! What is there to laugh about again? My goodness you've grown huge Kato, you'll grow over my head one day. What about you Matsoru? How are you and your sister Is everything okay at home? "
,, Thank you Natakue. Me and Kajiro are fine. I think she works a little too much, but she is a good substitute for my parents, she does her best. "
,, Yes yes uncle, tonight you have the chance to court her, it is her 19th birthday and we have organized a surprise party with mother. "
“I understand, that's why I should hurry up and wear something nice ... Well then I don't want to waste any time. "
With a smile on her face, Natakue disappeared into the bathroom singing. Kato looked at Matsoru knowingly and began to laugh loudly.,, What do you have Kato? "
“Well, I've always told you! Natakue is crazy about your sister, every blind person can see that. Or did you not notice how in a hurry he was suddenly when we told him that today is your birthday? "
Matsoru had noticed several times in the past that Natakue and his sister got along well and if he thought about it ... maybe there was something to what Kato had said. Pleased and in a good mood, the two offspring made their way to the fishing hut where Kajiro was still busy.
,, Kajiro! I'm back home! "
Kajiro stormed around the corner out of nowhere and hugged her brother.
,, Where have you been? I was already worried Matsoru! Thank god everything is fine. Never do something like that again without letting me know! "
Kato interfered in the conversation between the two of them and explained that he and Matsoru had got lost in the forest and had only now found our way back. He knew that Kajiro would behave so responsibly towards Matsoru and him that she would grab both of them by the head and accompany Kato home to explain the Miseere to his parents.
However, when they stood in front of the Koujin's house, she was speechless. All the guests had already gathered in the front courtyard to surprise the young woman on her birthday. And indeed they had succeeded in doing so. A huge fireworks display shot into the air and everyone sang the most beautiful songs for them. But when she saw Natakue among the other guests, she forgot everything around her. Their eyes sparkled with joy and they hugged each other. Matsoru had noticed that too. Now he understood what Kato wanted to say to him at noon. Apparently, Kajiro really liked Natakue. But why did he understand it so late? Had he really been so busy the last few months that he had actually missed it ....