Episode 9

As a thought flashed through my mind, I suddenly paused.

‘Wait. If As is a high-ranking noble, he’ll likely meet Akes quite often, right?’

Of course, As would need to grow a bit more, but in a few years, at royal banquets or balls, they’d surely cross paths.

‘In that case, I might be able to improve my relationship with Akes through As!’

It was the perfect messenger strategy! If I treated As well while he stayed here, I could ask him to speak kindly about me to Akes when he returned home. That might work in my favor.

After all, hearing praise from others is much more convincing than self-promotion!

I clenched my fists with determination, biting my lip as I remembered how Akes had been avoiding me.

‘…I can’t stay here forever like this.’

For the sake of my future plans—and my own selfish desires—I had to ensure Akes didn’t hate me.

I resolved to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

This way, I could go to the capital, carry out Harnen’s revenge more smoothly, and avoid seeing Akes avoid me any longer.

“…So, are you really not going to tell me who As is? I’m so curious.”

Even though Harnen said it wouldn’t do me any good to know, my curiosity was insistent.

Despite my persistent questioning, Harnen ended the communication without ever revealing As’s true identity. However, he didn’t forget to warn me repeatedly to be careful around As.

“In the end, all I learned is that As is a noble…”

I muttered to myself, glancing out the window.

The acacia branches, which had been all green just a few days ago, were now dotted with white flower buds, ready to bloom.

‘They’ll bloom tomorrow.’

The fragrant scent of blooming privet flowers drifted through the open window.

I took a deep breath and let out a small sigh.

It had been four days since As started living with me.

It wasn’t enough time to become close, but it was enough to tell if someone was putting up walls.

And As had clearly drawn a line between us.

‘Of course, he answers when I talk to him and even goes shopping with me…’

From the outside, he appeared polite and friendly, but I could tell. I’m sensitive to these things.

As was keeping a distance from me, avoiding getting too close.

‘I can’t just leave things as they are.’

I wanted to get closer to As.

Part of the reason was that I hoped As would speak well of me to Akes, but there was another reason: the line As had drawn reminded me of a day from my past.

How could I naturally get closer to As?

The inspiration came to me when I went shopping later that afternoon.

* * *

As I entered the bustling marketplace, I noticed the villagers decorating the street with colorful umbrella lanterns.

Around this time, when the acacia trees bloomed, the town held its annual festival.

It was one of the biggest festivals, and people from other territories often visited to see it.

‘So, this year, they’re decorating with umbrella lanterns.’

As I thought that, I glanced at As, who was walking beside me.

For some reason, the boy was staring at the umbrella lanterns with a dazed expression.

“As, do you find those umbrella lanterns interesting?”

“…No.”

As snapped out of it at my question, quickly averting his gaze.

His answer didn’t seem very convincing, so I narrowed my eyes slightly.

Even while we shopped and on our way home, As kept glancing at the umbrella lanterns.

It was exactly the kind of behavior you’d expect from a child excited about an upcoming festival.

Suppressing a smile, I watched him for a moment, then suddenly had an idea.

‘As seems to want to go to the festival. If we go together, it might be a chance to get closer.’

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a great idea.

By the time we were almost home, I was practically glowing with excitement as I turned to As.

“As, do you want to go to the festival together?”

“…The festival?”

As asked, looking up at me with a slightly confused expression.

I nodded and explained about the festival.

“Yeah, the acacia trees are about to bloom. Here in Jerome Village, we have a big acacia festival when they bloom!”

“…”

“Remember the umbrella lanterns you saw on the way? They light up at night, and they look really beautiful. Let’s go see them together.”

“…I don’t want to go.”

After a moment of silence, As averted his gaze and gave a quiet refusal. It was a stark contrast to how he had been glancing at the umbrella lanterns with interest just a little while ago.

“If you enjoy festivals, you should go with someone else instead of me,” he added calmly.

Hearing those words, something hot surged up inside me.

‘Go with someone else?’

How could he say that to someone who invited him because they *wanted* to go with him?

The strange sadness that had been building up over the past few days from the wall As had drawn between us suddenly exploded.

I strode forward and blocked As’s path.

“…As, why are you avoiding me?”

His red eyes widened in surprise.

I bent down to meet his gaze at eye level, our eyes locking at such a close distance.

As seemed momentarily frozen, staring at me, then quickly turned his head away.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“…”

“Is there something I did that you didn’t like? Or is it because I’m a commoner? Do you not want to get close to me?”

“…Ainra.”

“If I did something wrong, tell me. I’ll fix it. I’ll apologize. I’ll be more mindful from now on. So, if you don’t hate me…”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

As spoke in a voice that seemed like it might disappear at any moment.

His red eyes dimmed, and he lowered his gaze.

“It’s all my fault. I’m the selfish one…”

His lips moved as if he wanted to say more, but instead, he bit down on them.

“…I’m sorry.”

That single word, “sorry,” was uttered with a weight far too heavy for a child.

A shadow of guilt settled over his face, one I hadn’t expected.

I froze, unsure how to react.

This isn’t what I wanted!

‘Did I push him too hard…?’

I suddenly realized how intimidating I must have seemed, a grown adult standing so close, demanding answers. No wonder he felt pressured.

Feeling guilty, I immediately took a step back.

As’s crimson eyes followed my retreat.

“Uh, I mean…”

I fumbled for the right words, rolling my eyes nervously, unsure of how to continue.

After watching me struggle for a moment, As slowly spoke.

“…You don’t have to care about me.”

“Huh?”

He lowered his gaze again, his long lashes casting a shadow over his pale cheeks.

“I mean it. Just being able to stay here is enough for me. I’m grateful for that.”

Once again, he had drawn a line between us.

The distance, the emotional wall he put up, spread a sinking feeling through my chest like ink blotting paper.

I bit my lip and spoke in a low voice.

“You were half-dead when you collapsed in front of my house, and I brought you here to take care of you. I’m worried about you. I want you to be comfortable here, and if possible, to enjoy your time. How can I not care about you?”

As stiffened, as if hearing something completely unexpected.

Seeing him like that, looking so fragile, I swallowed the rest of the words I wanted to say.

Forcing a smile, I stepped aside.

“As, why don’t you head home first? I’ll go for a short walk around here before I come back.”

“…”

“The festival lasts for ten days, so if you feel like going, just let me know anytime.”

With that, I turned and walked away.

It seemed As stayed where he was because I didn’t hear any footsteps behind me.

I made my way up a small hill near our house.

Surrounded by trees, this hill was my secret hideaway, a place I often visited when I wanted to clear my head or enjoy a quiet walk.

I plopped down on the grassy patch, bathed in sunlight.

Perhaps sensing my gloomy mood, Quiel, the lower water spirit, along with Silavi, the lower wind spirit, Sella, the lower fire spirit, and Gnome, the lower earth spirit, began gathering around me one by one.

Their small, adorable faces looked at me with concern.