Section 8: Welcome, Santa Claus

... ...

...Now that the party is over...

...I can't help but feel kind of sad. But, I suppose that's nothing new.

These tables were so lively a little while ago, but now, there's no one here.

All those voices that were happily chattering away are gone, and now there's only silence.

I've always hated this feeling.

But...

I still love parties. I especially love when everyone gathers around the dining table.

I love welcoming guests, and cooking special meals for them.

Even though it's all over now, I enjoyed every second of it!

I really did, you know.

？！

Christmas is almost over. It's time I went back to being Saint Martha.

A saint, huh.

You know, even now, I still don't really feel like a saint.

I'm sure I haven't lost my faith or anything, but it's just not quite the same.

It'll probably go right back to normal once I return to my original Spirit Origin.

After all, for me...the day I welcomed Him into our home still hasn't happened yet.

Since this Spirit Origin is me from when...

...I was still just a teenager...

It's from before I came into my faith, and before I became a saint.

So I'm sure that when I go back to my original Spirit Origin...

...I'll remember how I feel about Christmasthe day He was born.

Okay, see you later, Master!

Take care of yourself, okay? Make sure to eat everything on your plate! No being picky! And make sure you stay happy and healthy on your journey!

Promise me you will, okay?

Do you promise?

？！

... ...

...Master.

？！

Thank you.

...It's good to be back.

So, um, I

？！

Huh?

...Ehehe.

Huh? Me? Are you...me, but when I was still a teenager?

Senpai! Santa Martha's Spirit Origin was just registered automati

Oh, she's there with you. That's a relief.

So, you were registered as a separate Spirit Origin? Huh? Seriously?

Ehehe. Um...

I, um, guess I should introduce myself again...?

I'm Martha. Santa Claus Martha.

I hope we can all stay great friends! That goes for my original self, too!

Wha..!?

(Huh. That happened ta you too, huh.)

(Well, all I can say is, good luck!)

...Hey.

Hm?

What do you think of Martha?

There's gotta be another version of her too, right?

Different from her Santa version, but still from before she became a saint. One who's really frigging rough and tough in a fight?

Y'know, fair point. She must've been one hell of a badass.

No mistake about it.

Right? So if she ever shows up in that Spirit Origin here...

...what's gonna happen then?

What do you mean, what's gonna happen?

What are you two talking about?

Whoa! None of your business, all right? Don't just sneak up on people like that, dumbass!

What's this all about?

Gah! You trying to give me a damn heart attack!?

Dammit, why're there two Marthas now? Come on, Mordred, let's book it!

...Tch!

...So, um, I'm not quite sure what to say, but

I think we're going to get along great, don't you?