[Part 4/4]
It was completely anecdotal, lacking coherence, just reminiscing about the carefree and enjoyable days of our childhood...
"Oh, that's right. Do you remember when you finally found me hiding in the closet during mansion hide-and-seek and I was crying? Moreover, as soon as you found me, you pretended to have a stomachache and ended up eating all the konpeito candy I had prepared."
"Hahaha. Those were the days. You remember so well?"
"They are cherished memories with the princess. I haven't forgotten a single one."
As I spoke, my words weren't exaggerated flattery. There was an ulterior motive, but at the same time, my days with her were truly enjoyable back then. In fact, it was surprising that she remembered so much.
"Of course, right? Whether it's you or me."
Hina responded as if it were obvious. She smiled pleasantly and replied to me. There was no hint of resentment. Her genuine affection overflowed.
"...That's kind of you."
Comparing her to when she was younger, she had matured, yet her innocent and pure demeanor remained unchanged. Seeing me like this, she directed a gentle gaze at me.
"I'm glad you're smiling."
"Huh?"
"You've been by my side for a while now, and I've noticed that you've been accumulating quite a bit of stress from an outsider's perspective. ...If I've brought you even a little comfort, then I'm glad."
As we walked through the bamboo grove, Hina spoke, voicing my concerns, considering me.
"...Seems like I've caused you some worry?"
"No need to worry about that. ...Didn't I tell you earlier? You and I are close. I've caused you trouble and worry many times. This time, you can lean on me if you need to. Don't hold back."
And then, with a slight pause, Hina continued.
"I understand that you're in a complicated position. Not to mention dealing with Onitsuki family matters... That's been causing you stress, right? It's a difficult situation. I'm not unrelated to it. So... could you rely on me?"
Hina's words might have been a sort of plea. I continued to gaze at her as she stood there for a moment...
"...Okay, I'll rely on you when the time comes."
"...I see. Then when that time comes?"
Hina half-jokingly nodded, though there was a hint of disappointment in her expression. She might think that I'm hesitating. But there's no need for her to worry about that. After all...
(I don't want to cause her trouble...)
I owed gratitude and favors to Onitsuki Hina, and at the same time, my goal was to repay those debts with my actions. Regardless of the person's character, to desire... Even thinking that way, it might have been a futile wish. Still...
"Hey."
"Huh? ...!!?"
Lost in thought, I suddenly snapped out of it at her words. Simultaneously, I was taken aback and instinctively recoiled at the sight of the beautiful face of the black-haired princess looking up at me.
"Princess...!?"
"Hehehe. You finally looked me."
Hina chuckled at my surprised expression. It was a mischievous smile, a smile I had seen many times before. A cheerful smile.
"I've been thinking about it for a while now... but I don't think it's a good idea to act like that, princess."
"Well, you're treating me with disdain, so I guess it can't be helped? If you want, you can do the same to me."
"I think I'll refrain from that."
"Hahaha, that's a shame."
Hina cleared her throat as if to compose herself and then looked at me. Then, she grabbed my hand.
"Princess, you really shouldn't do this..."
"Don't rush. ...Take this."
At Hina's guidance, I belatedly became aware of the sensation. As I gripped my hand, she pressed something into it...
"A seal case (Inro)?"
"You don't have it anymore, do you? Accept it."
Hina looked at me with a compassionate gaze as I appeared confused. It was a loving gaze, as if she cared for me deeply. With some skepticism, I checked the contents of the seal case. Inside were several reddish-black pills...
"Do you understand what this is, Princess?"
"Of course... though I can't really say it authoritatively. I'm not very familiar with these things around here. But I do know that these are essential medicine for you."
"However, why would you, Princess—!? Is that what this is?"
I was puzzled about why Hina had this and how she could give it to me, but it quickly made sense. When I thought about it, it was a straightforward explanation.
These were high-grade spiritual medicines that aren't even available in the general market, ones that could suppress the Youbo (youkai mother) factor I received regularly. Though I had been accepting them from Gorilla-sama without questioning, it was easy to imagine that they weren't easily obtainable even from their raw ingredients.
I didn't know the specifics, but Hina probably knew from quite early on about my body, about my need for medicine. And Gorilla-sama probably received some of the raw materials from Hina. Using the connection from our childhood, and knowing the personalities of the sisters, it might have even been a kind of coercion.
"Princess... I apologize. I never imagined that this would..."
"Don't say more than that. You just need to take care of your own body. I'm satisfied with that."
Hina stopped me from apologizing further. With a refreshing smile, she cared for my well-being. That only intensified the guilt I felt.
"Truly, I don't know how to express this... You've gone to such lengths, I'm truly grateful, princess."
"That's a bit exaggerated. However, I'm genuinely pleased with your words of gratitude. I suppose you'll accept them openly?"
Hina laughed cheerfully, her smile like the sun. In front of her, I found myself smiling in response. As I laughed, I also chuckled at myself. What would happen when she learned about the ugly emotions swirling inside me?
(Even if she kills me... I won't have any complaints)
Indeed, it wouldn't be unreasonable if I were eradicated. Fortunately, given Hina's personality, it was unlikely that she would implicate family or acquaintances. That was a relief.
"...It's getting late. Should we call it a night?"
Putting the seal case in my pocket, I suggested it was time to wrap things up. It was getting quite late; Magoroku and the others probably wouldn't eat until I returned. Hina, too, couldn't stay here indefinitely. She'd have to find an excuse sooner or later.
"Right. ...No, you're absolutely right. It's regrettable, but it can't be helped. Let's end it here for today."
Hina responded slightly wistfully to my suggestion. In the past, she might have thrown a tantrum, but she had grown up now. It was unexpected, but her growth made me both happy and somewhat melancholic.
"Hey, what if... If we had another two hours, would you meet like this again? I thought this time was enjoyable, and I believe you enjoyed it as well... Would that be okay?"
"..."
Taken aback by Hina's unexpected proposal, I was momentarily speechless. Actually, I was more surprised by her attitude than the actual suggestion. Her anxious eyes looking up at me weren't the commanding gaze she usually had, nor the dignified or affectionate ones. Instead, they were like the cloying gazes she used to direct at me...
"Yes. By all means, let's do that together."
I naturally and eagerly accepted her suggestion.
After all, I, too, cherished this time with her, and it was over too quickly...
"...I'll head back first. You should return shortly after."
Hina nodded slightly, then turned on her heel and left swiftly. She must have intended to return to her residence first, considering me. Her considerate actions made me feel grateful in the present moment.
"Seriously, she's always so considerate... Even though I'm just a mob, it's embarrassing to feel like a man."
'(-_-)zzz ( ﾟдﾟ) Huh!(*´∀｀)ﾉ Whoa!'
Suddenly, a foolish voice intruded into my thoughts, addressing my self-deprecating thoughts directly.
"..."
'(-∀・) It's time to breakfast~♪'
This voice, with a pace that completely disrupted the atmosphere, turned my focus inward. I no longer felt surprised by the white spider's appearance emerging from my mentally contained frustration. It rubbed its eyes and chuckled with a smile. That's right, it all made sense now. Yeah. For now...
"It's already late, you d*mn spider!!"
In response to the extremely unhealthy lifestyle of this utterly ridiculous spider, I let out a derisive comment to preserve my sanity.
...The announcement of Joraku (visiting capital) personnel responsible for guarding the capital was made on the day after this event.
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