The abused merchant’s daughter – 41 | Sousaku – 創作

Chapter 1, Episode 41: Feelings (2)

I didn't quite understand.
I was trapped in a strange place in front of Farne-sama and the others.

The light that I didn't understand was trying to take my precious, cherished memories of Farne-sama with it, so I ran away from it as hard as I could, saying I didn't want to.

I ran and ran, but it chased me.
It tries to take away my precious, treasured memories of my dear Farne-sama.

When I first heard his voice.

I thought he was an angel.

Getting cuddled and fluffed up.
He didn't get angry when I woke up.
I was given some sweet, delicious water.
When I drank from a cup, I choked.
But even if I spilled it, he didn't get mad at me.
Farne-sama spoon-fed me some delicious water.

Until then, I had only drunk water with mud in it or my own blood.
The sweet water was very tasty.

Farne-sama gave me water with a spoon, just like Mama.

I was happy.
Farne-sama is an angel.

He then took care of me every day.
It was as if Mama was still alive.

He said "Aaah" just like Mama when he fed me.
He also helped me change my clothes.
If I was lonely, he would hold me.
He washed my body with warm water.

Farne-sama did all that and more.

I was happy. It was fun.
Every day I was happy.
I couldn't move much from the bed though.
But I was much, much happier than I had been in my dark cobblestone room.

Farne-sama also cooks meals.
And also cleans up.
I also see him staring at the flowerpot of the sacred tree with a look of trouble.

I was just happy to look at him.

I am happy.

And it's not just Farne-sama now. Cyril and Libelle, and more friends are joining.

Cyril is also very caring and kind.
Libelle also played with me innocently.

The spirits of the sacred tree are already my dear friends, you know?
Whenever I missed Farne-sama, they would come up to me and comfort me when I looked outside.

I have a lot more important people to me now.

I can now move freely, not only walk but also run and speak.
I've been studying and I can even write a little, you know?
I wanted Farne-sama to praise me, so I practiced hard and finally learned to write.
I worked hard so I could do it, you know?

Please, please, please.
Don't deny everything about me.
Because I'm not unhappy.

Because I endured pain, hardship, suffering, sleepiness, and everything else.
Now this is how I met Farne-sama.

I'm happy because I followed Mama's advice and worked hard to achieve it.

Because I met Farne-sama.
I am not unhappy anymore.
Don't tell me you're going to erase my memories.
Don't deny my efforts.
I could have met Farne-sama because I didn't give up living with the pain.
Why do Farne-sama, Cyril, and Libelle deny me?

Please, please, Farne-sama. Come and pick me up. Hug me.
Let me hear your voice. Read me a picture book.

If I lose my memory, I won't be Riese anymore.
I can't even remember Papa and Mama, and now Sonia is gone.
If even Riese is gone, who am I going to be?
I won't be me.

So don't take my precious memories.
My cherished memories of Farne-sama.

Please, please, please!!!! Farne-sama!!!!

■□■

Riese's cry brought Farne back to consciousness.
The memory of Riese, transmitted to him from Kardiana, brought him back to himself.
With tears streaming down his face, he looked up to see Kardiana smiling in front of him.

Why didn't I listen to Riese? He questioned himself.
Why was I pushing only my own feelings?

Because it was hard for me. And I assumed that it was hard for her, too.

But that―― is my own selfish decision.

I just assumed that Riese was pitiful and denied her.
She was so positive about life.
So honest.
She would smile at any moment…… believing in me.

But Farne betrayed that trust.

『It's not too late, right? Go to her.』
As she said this, Kardiana removed Farne's ring of the sacred tree.
A ring that connected the body to the soul.
A spiritual body would not be subjected to Riese's attacks.

"……Yes."

Farne said, wiped away his tears, and ran out―― to Riese.