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“It’s been a while, nanny. I can’t even remember how long it’s been.”

Shione greeted Herrel calmly, taking a moment to look her over.

In my memories, Herrel was always a vibrant and strong woman in front of me. Yet now, she shrank back as if she were a criminal, merely mumbled without meeting my gaze.

No, perhaps the appearance of her shoulders looking smaller wasn’t solely due to guilt. The Herrel I saw had lost weight and looked quite drawn.

“You look really haggard. You mentioned you helped my sister with the curse. It must have been tough on you.”

“…Is that really you, Princess Shione? I never thought I’d get to see you again…”

A silent tension settled as the conversation teetered awkwardly.

But the silence didn’t last long.

After Herrel revealed her thoughts, Shione quietly followed up with her response.

“…Of course, what I can say is limited, especially since I once spoke ill of you in the past, and I know that could upset you.”

“But even so, I was there when you took your first steps, when you first spoke. I was by your side during our garden outings, chasing after fluttering butterflies.”

“Those memories fill a corner of my heart with warmth, even now in my old age.”

Herrel was unable to meet Shione’s eyes as she spoke.

Instead, Shione listened intently, her ears wide open to Herrel’s quiet whispers.

Shione stood above Herrel, looking down at her. Herrel was trying to speak with a trembling voice, making them resemble a judge and a sentenced criminal.

“My lady Siabel asked for me. She said you needed me, Princess Shione. If that’s the case, naturally, I should step forward.”

The sinner, Herrel, strained out her words.

“It’s too insignificant to call it atonement, but I cannot turn away or avoid it.”

“……”

Herrel hid her two hands which were resting on the table.

Below the table, her hands were obscured from view, but Shione understood.

She felt their tremor, which held a thread of courage amidst guilt and anxiety.

“It may be a selfish thought, but since that day, I wanted to apologize to you in person, for the misdeeds I committed.”

“Herrel.”

“I can promise you it’s not about seeking forgiveness. The wounds I caused you, dear Princess Shione, were far too great—”

“It’s okay now. Really. I’m not bothered by it at all.”

“…Princess Shione?”

Herrel slowly raised her head.

Shione, whom she looked up to, wore a mysterious smile that filled her presence.

Regret, emotion, and perhaps a joy at this reunion shone on Herrel’s face, leaving her speechless.

“I should be the one apologizing. I never knew the pain you went through, nor did I show any concern.”

“That’s—”

“You always filled in for my busy father and mother, didn’t you? Family should look after one another, yet I… I didn’t take care of you, who is like family to me.”

“……”

“It’s too late now, but I’ve come to realize. I understand how hard it was for you.”

Herrel simply opened her mouth, only to shut it tight again, unable to voice anything when being called family by Shione.

“In the end, you indulged me with your words, but at that time, it hurt so much. I sometimes wished I could just faint and die in my sleep.”

“……”

“But now I understand. Even when you wanted to flee my side, I can sadly comprehend it. But you did it for my sake, right? Even when I was being bullied, you were the one who got angry on my behalf. You wouldn’t just want to run away.”

“…Princess Shione.”

“You said it was because you didn’t want the pressure to be worse. If you hadn’t done that, the entirety of those around me would have pointed fingers at me. Not just incompetent, or weak-willed—they would have called me a disgrace of nobility, less than a dog. That could have stacked up until I was abandoned by my family. So—”

Shione took a moment to steady her breathing, which had momentarily quickened.

“I no longer hold any grudges. I’ve made mistakes… and besides, you’re the one who made my childhood so beautiful.”

As Shione finished speaking, she slowly approached Herrel.

The one who had cared for her was now more mature and controlled in her emotions, and she was the first to open her arms wide.

Lowering herself, she gently embraced her nanny.

Confirming that the hug felt as warm as it did in the past, Shione whispered softly.

“I’m sorry, nanny. I had no idea how hard it was for you.”

“Oh, no, it’s… it’s me who should—”

Herrel, now with more wrinkles and deeper lines from the trials she faced, buried her face within Shione’s embrace and began to shed tears like a chick.

Although they weren’t blood-related, Herrel cherished Shione like her own daughter. She regretted the hurt she had caused her more than anyone else.

Perhaps her feelings transmitted through that embrace, for despite Herrel’s tears soaking into Shione’s attire, Shione held her even tighter.

“Nanny, have you cried it all out? I’ve already cried everything.”

“…I’m sorry, Princess Shione. Truly—”

“I really think that’s enough now. If you shed more tears than I for not giving you cookies, what will I do?”

Their reconciliation was more than sufficient.

Words weren’t necessary as both Shione and Herrel could read each other’s hearts.

Once their tension eased, gradually restoring the affectionate atmosphere of the past, it was only then that Shione confidently crossed her arms and said as she sat down opposite Herrel.

“How about it? Do I look a lot different from the last time you saw me?”

“Definitely… Seeing you looking this good makes me really happy.”

“…So does that mean I looked terrible before? Well, I also think back then when I was chubby like livestock was pretty unappealing…”

“Ah, no, I didn’t mean that…”

“Just kidding.”

“…Still, even back then, you looked great. Princess Shione never let go of her books, and you never got lost in play.”

“…You’re getting off the hook too easily. Was it really you, nanny?”

The atmosphere became cheerful.

Shione and Herrel began to unravel the stories they had never shared before.

With both setting aside their worries, they smiled purely at each other.

*

It had been quite a while since Shione last visited Herrel.

As I waited around, considering it was their time to enjoy themselves, Tania suddenly swooped in and landed on my shoulder.

“Piggyback!”

“At this height? You can just fly around this height every day. Why do you need a piggyback?”

“This is different. Flying is just flying, but a piggyback shows the affection between family. Spirits need their master’s attention.”

“…Then I guess I need to take Elvis and Orna for a ride next time. Just don’t pull my hair.”

“That goes without saying!”

Listening to the innocent laughter of the little kids, I included Elvis and Orna as well on this little adventure.

Some people around shot curious glances this way, but it was all friendly eyes looking at a little child, and even a few villagers recognized me with my sword and all. But then again, it was no concern since I wouldn’t see them again.

There was no harm in the tale of me playing with the kids circulating around.

As I played with the spirits, I finally saw that which I had been eagerly waiting for.

[Quest completed.]

Quest: Perfect Settlement.

Moreover…

[The relationship between Shione Shianella and Herrel has grown stronger than in the past.]

It seemed their conversation went well.

The once innocent little lady, Shione, and her nanny had improved their bond even further.

If I had witnessed it firsthand, I could have been moved, but this was already an impressive bonding moment.

I proudly checked the status window.

[The remnants of Shione Shianella’s heart have been thoroughly washed away.]

[She will enter a state of clarity and unity of body and mind during her next training or battle.]

This is what I’m talking about.

Thanks to me breaking down the barriers so easily, our Shione should appreciate having found a good husband.

Taking care of a husband who loves strong men and excelling in being a supporting partner—I should be pampered more than I already am.

“I should ask for some vacation time.”

I was vaguely wanting to visit my territory anyway.

It would be nice to take a vacation from the Knights and visit my domain.

I should mention it later.

However, as those idle thoughts passed, I was diverted by even more notifications popping up.

[A new voyage begins for Shione Shianella, whose fate has twisted in the most favorable direction.]

[All preparations completed; be her helmsman and prepare for battle.]

What do they mean by all preparations being complete?

There are still four demons left to defeat; what battle are they talking about?

“…Don’t tell me I have to face all four at once.”

That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?

Even if they are archdemons, they each have their own tendencies and personalities.

I understood better than anyone that they wouldn’t easily band together, making my worries only deepen.

But I quickly shook off those concerns.

“Have you finished sharing your stories?”

“Pretty much? I stepped out briefly since I felt you waiting too long. Let’s go back in together.”

“Sounds good. By the way… you seem quite cheerful. Did you like the gift?”

“……Isn’t it a bit absurd for a gift?”

There’s nothing more critical than nudging Shione when she looks exhausted.

Finally, after a sigh, she whispered in my ear.

“…Just wait till we get home.”

“Eh…? What do you mean by—”

“You understand, right?”

Tap tap tap.

While I was fumbling to understand her words, she quickly dashed back to the shop like a squirrel.

…So what exactly am I supposed to be looking forward to?

 

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