The abused merchant’s daughter – 54 | Sousaku – 創作

Chapter 2, Episode 8: Anxiety (Different POV)

Gatagatagata.

Riese was asleep in Farne's arms in the carriage that was returning from the market to the temple.

Farne sighed to himself when he saw Riese, who had become tired from walking, fall asleep in his arms.
It was heartwarming to see Riese having fun with her new friend, and it was a genuine cause for celebration that Riese, who had been so scared of children her age, had managed to speak to them.
However, Riese, who had unconsciously exerted her strength to protect Claire, who had almost been hit, looked more frightened than protective. She looked like she was about to cry at any moment. She seemed terrified as if Riese herself was about to be hit.
The fact that she was so afraid of violence being inflicted not on herself but on others showed that the wounds of her past abuse had not healed.
I know that you sometimes grunt in your sleep.
Even so, seeing Riese smiling bravely made my heart clench.
Even though Kardiana-sama has given her blessings to control it, I fear that it is still too soon to take her out in public, as she has involuntarily activated the power of a saint in that way.
I think I'll have to talk to Lars.

I really want to make her happy.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm making her happy.
Having once tried to forcibly take away Riese's memories, I constantly questioned myself about whether my choices were correct.
The happiness she thinks she deserves. Her idea of happiness is different.
I can't shake the feeling that I shouldn't be deciding what is good for her based on my own standards.
Whatever Riese wants. The answer she wants.

I pat Riese's head and make a promise.
I want to bring you peace and happiness with my own hands.

■□■

Inside the Eldia forest.
Cyril, who had been sleeping next to Libelle as she fished in the river, looked up.
After Riese left, she felt lonely, but she was still surrounded by Libelle and the animals of the forest…… She was also stalked by Eldia, who kept calling out “Paw! Paw! ”, but she lived a peaceful life in her own way.

Suddenly, she felt something.
Something bad is about to happen.

She looked up at the sign of a coming storm.
『Cyril, what's wrong!? What's the matter!?』

When Libelle asked Cyril about it while holding a large fish, Cyril lowered her eyes.
She tried to follow the signs, but there was nothing unusual in the forest.
So why was her heart racing like this?

Especially when she thought about Riese, the lump in her chest grew even bigger.
Was it a wild instinct? Was something bad going to happen to Riese?

『My dear child. You can feel it, right?
An evil presence can be felt from Kardiana's direction. Something is stirring.
Kardiana must be in meditation by now, on the Sunlit Moon.』

The blonde beauty Eldia appeared to answer Cyril's fears.