Chapter 2, Episode 26: Sonia’s 5th Birthday

"Well then, I'm off!”

　It's almost time for everyone to dance.
　Girls and boys in fancy clothes were gathering in the square.
　She waved to me happily, as if she was already dancing with someone she liked.

"Good luck! Good luck!”

　I also waved to Claire as hard as I could.
　I hope she dances well.

『Are we sure this is fine? Don't you want to dance too?』

　Cyril came out of my skirt after I saw Claire off.
　She was hiding because Claire was there.

"Yup! Farne-sama said he can't dance because of his age.
　I won't dance with anyone but Farne-sama."

　The one I want to dance with is Farne-sama.
　Not with another man.

『I'm finally through! Finally, sweets! 』

　Libelle also came out of Farne-sama's robe happily and started eating the sweets.
　Then.
　
『Riese! Riese! Libelle now wants to be inside Riese's skirt! 』

　Libelle wriggled her way into my skirt.

"Huh? Okay! But why?”

『The priest is annoying! You can't do that! You can't do that! He said. 』

『You're wandering around too much! You'll be found out!』

　Cyril got angry at Libelle's words and pulled her out of my skirt.

『But I want to eat lots of sweets! 』

『There are lots of them here.』

『I want to eat the food on the table! 』

"Libelle-sama, I will have the same thing prepared in the temple.
　I hope you can be patient for now."

　As Lars-sama poured the tea, Libelle nodded in satisfaction.

　That's great, Libelle.

　Shaan shaan.

　The sound of a mysterious bell echoed around the area.
　At that moment, the people in the square all started to head towards the center of the plaza.

"Riese. The dance is about to start.”

　Farne-sama held me up and made sure I could see the square well.
　Looking forward to it, looking forward to it, looking forward to it.
　It must be beautiful to see people dancing in their colorful, beautiful dresses all at once from above.
　Something I often saw in picture books. It's wonderful to be able to see that in real life.


　■□■


　The dance began with a grand orchestra performance.
　Everyone greeted each other with a bow and exchanged flowers, and after a while, the music changed.

　Then――　Everyone started dancing at the same time.

　Amazing, amazing, amazing!! !!
　Everyone in the beautiful clothes danced beautifully!

　People in beautiful dresses and suits danced to the music.

　All of them together, it was so beautiful.

"That's amazing, Farne-sama!”

　When I said that, Farne-sama smiled and said the same thing.

"I wonder if I'll be able to dance with Farne-sama someday?”

"Right. Let's have a dance party at the temple next time.
　Would you dance with me then? Princess?”

　Farne-sama said it in a slightly mischievous way, and I smiled with happiness.

　At that time.
　I suddenly heard Papa's voice.

"Let's have a big celebration for Sonia's 5th birthday and dance too."

　I was watching the ball from the balcony of the restaurant and I cried that I really wanted to dance, so my dad promised me.
　They threw a big party for Sonia's fifth birthday.
　Everybody danced.

　I suddenly remembered it.

　I felt like crying.
　I couldn't remember Papa's voice for a long time.

　That's right―― Sonia also had her happy days.
　Sonia had once watched this ball from outside the venue.
　I remember when Papa said that Sonia would be joining in one day, Mama said “It's too early for that. What are you so serious about?

　I wonder if Sonia too―― If I would have been able to dance every year if Papa and Mama hadn't died.
　Like that, I would join everyone in a circle.
　Maybe I would have danced happily with everyone.

　Why? Why did you die, Papa and Mama?
　Sonia had been waiting for her Papa and Mama to come home for a long, long time.
　But they didn't come back.
　Sonia was bullied by her aunt for a long time.
　I was lonely. It hurt a lot. I wanted to see you, Papa, and Mama.
　I prayed to Papa and Mama every day to help me.
　It was painful, difficult, and lonely.
　But, at some point, I stopped being able to remember Papa and Mama's faces or voices.

　If they loved Sonia, they wouldn't leave me behind.
　They're supposed to help me.

　That's why Papa and Mama hate Sonia.

　Every day Sharla would say that, and there was a time when Sonia even started to hate Papa and Mama.

　I'm sorry, sorry, Papa and Mama.

　I can't remember their faces or voices clearly because Sonia was a bad girl.
　How could I have forgotten something so important?

"Riese?”

　I found myself on the verge of tears, and Farne-sama looked at me with a worried expression.
　I shook my head vigorously.
　I just have to shut off those unpleasant feelings. I have to smile.
　I can't let Farne-sama worry about me.

"I was so happy! That made me want to cry a little!”

　When I smiled, Farne-sama smiled back.

"Shall we dance together?"

　He hugged me tight.
　I wonder why? Even though I should be extremely happy.
　I keep remembering all the bad things and comparing them to my current happiness.
　I wonder why I was so miserable.
　No, no, no. If I'm happy now, I should be happy, right?
　I have to put a lid on my sad memories. But the lid opens by itself and they come out.
　I tightly clung to Farne-sama.

　I have to make sure I keep a lid on all the unpleasant things. I'll make sure they don't come out.
　I have to really savor my current happiness.

　Please don't remember the painful things.

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 ToC  

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