Chapter 2, Episode 15: I love you!

"I love you, Farne-sama!!!”

　After Lars-sama left.
　I hugged Farne-sama as he returned just as Lars-sama walked out.
　I'm so glad, I'm so glad, I'm so glad.
　I wanted to tell him that I love him, after all.

"Yes, I love you too."

　As he said that, Farne-sama patted my head, and I was so happy that I hugged him again.
　It's nice to be able to say I love you.
　Because if I say I love you, Farne-sama will say that he loves me too.
　I was so happy about it that I ended up saying I love you, over and over again.
　Before. Cyril made sure that Farne-sama understood what I was thinking, so I didn't have to say it.
　But now, just thinking about it will not get the message across.
　I already know.
　When I couldn't speak, I couldn't get my point across.

　I was told I had to say it out loud.

　Also, you know... When I was being bullied by my aunt and my cousin, I was beaten up for talking too much, so I couldn't talk at all.
　I wanted to talk a lot, but I was scolded for making noise, so I stopped talking at some point.
　I used to chat with my Papa and Mama, who were always in my head, but one day they stopped answering me.
　I kept dreaming about meals, baths, and soft beds.
　The bed in my dream was fluffy, but the bed I have now is even fluffier.
　When you dive in, it makes a 'bofun' noise!!
　I was so happy when I first started living in this temple, playing with Libelle all the time.
　I had a stuffed animal about the size of Libelle, and when the two of us were playing with it roughly, beautiful bird feathers came out, causing Lars-sama to scold us.

　I was a little happy when Lars-sama did that.

　I remember how Papa used to get angry with me when I played on the bed.
　I was reminded of the outline of my father, as Lars-sama and my father overlapped for a moment.

"Riese?”

　I suddenly remembered something from the past and felt like crying, and then Farne-sama called my name.

"Nothing! Nothing! Everything's fine!"

　I said that and hugged Farne-sama.

　Lately, I've been having a lot of memories from the past that I haven't thought about in a while, and I find myself crying.
　I wonder why?
　Before, I was happy and excited about everything.
　Lately, when I have something happy happen, I find myself thinking more and more about why I was so miserable at that time.

　I'm too happy right now. Maybe it's because happiness has become the norm.

　Every day is so happy.
　I was able to hug Farne-sama as much as I liked, Farne-sama was very kind.
　If I look up at Farne-sama, he smiles and pats my back.
　I should be happy just for that.
　So I mustn't dwell on the painful times.
　I could have done it when I was locked up in that cramped room.
　When I wasn't being bullied by anyone, I spent all my time thinking about happy things.
　So I'll do that now, too.

　I'd embarrass Farne-sama if I cried.
　If I don't smile, I'll break my promise to Mama.

　I put a lid on the feelings that welled up in my chest.
　They're not supposed to come out.

　If it looks like they're about to come out, I have to put a lot of weight on them so they don't come out.
　
"I love you, I really love you, Farne-sama."

"Me too. Riese. I love you."

　I smiled happily at the words he quietly whispered in my ear.


　■□■

"Who will you give the harvest festival sweets to, Riese-chan?”

　When I went to visit Claire at her house, she asked me a question.
　Farne-sama was drinking tea with Sasha-san at a slightly distant spot.

"Sweets?”

　I asked out of curiosity.

"Girls, you know... During the Harvest Festival, it is traditional to give homemade sweets to the person you love."

"Is that so?! Then I'll give them to Farne-sama!! I want to make some too!”

"Then I guess you'll have to practice a bit.
　There are still a few days left."

　Mm-hmm. The Harvest Festival is a month-long, right? There's still time!

"Yup, yup. I'll make some! I'll practice!!”

"Understood. But let's keep this a secret from Farne-sama.
　You have to surprise him on that day."

"I promise! Let's do it! I'll keep it a secret!!”

"……Oh, but I think I was told that I have to ask Farne-sama before using fire."

　Claire remembered and smiled wryly.
　I see, when using fire, Farne-sama said he would watch over us to make sure nothing happened!
　But then it wouldn't be a secret.
　I want to surprise Farne-sama by making delicious sweets.
　What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?

　Ah, that's right!
　All I have to do is ask Lars-sama!

"Claire! I've got a good idea!”

"Huh?”

　I smiled happily at Claire.

■□■

"You want to go downtown with Kyle tomorrow?”

　I consulted with Lars-sama, who had come to eat snacks with me.
　That's right! I'm going with Kyle-san because I can't be caught making sweets with Claire in front of Farne-sama!

　When I nodded my head vigorously, Lars-sama stopped drinking his tea and raised his eyebrows.

"Alright. From tomorrow on let's get Kyle.
　We will still be providing you with bodyguards."

　He said and grinned at me.

"Thank you! Lars-sama!”

　I was so pleased I couldn't help but smile.
　When the baking for the bread to be sold at Claire's is finished, I'll be taught how to make sweets.
　She said she couldn't make a bear cake yet, but she would teach me how to make delicious cookies.
　I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to it.
　I'm going to make some for Cyril and Libelle too!
　Of course, I'll make some for Lars-sama and Kyle-san too!
　But the thing I want to make the most is cookies in the shape of Farne-sama's face.
　Clare said she would help make the molds.

　I wonder if Farne-sama will be pleased. I wonder if he'll say they're delicious.
　
"Riese-sama."

"Yes!”

"You're putting too much sugar in your tea."

"Aaah!!”

　I was imagining Farne-sama eating them and saying how delicious they were, and before I knew it I had put a whole lot of sugar in my tea.

　The tea was overflowing from the cup with the sugar and spilling over into the saucer.
　What should I do?

"I'm sorry. I apologize."

　I hurriedly tried to wipe it with a handkerchief.

"It's okay. Please wait while I get you a new one."

　Lars-sama deftly carried the tea so that it wouldn't spill.

　Cool. I'd like to learn how to do that too.
　I'll practice secretly later!

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