Chapter 10

"Edeline, it's all done."

That afternoon, while I was drawing with Ai, Yuri-sama appeared with a calm face.

This was usually the busiest time of the day for official duties. What could have happened? What did he mean by "it's all done"?

Seeing my puzzled expression, Yuri-sama smiled.

"The adoption procedures for Ai are complete. Now, Ai is officially our child."

"Oh my...!"

My face lit up instantly.

Even though I had already felt like Ai's parent, it was still deeply moving to have it officially recognized.

The joy of being able to proudly say we are a family! Should I introduce Ai to everyone I meet today as "my child"?

"Nice to meet you, Ai. I'm a first-time mom, but I'll do my best!"

Ai probably doesn't understand the complicated procedures yet, but she seemed to share my happiness and smiled along with me. We clapped our hands together.

"Oh, if I'm the mom, then..."

I suddenly realized and looked at Yuri-sama. His Majesty cleared his throat.

"O-of course, I'm the... dad..."

His awkward words made me giggle.

"Nice to meet you, too."

As I said this, Yuri-sama's face turned bright red. ...Oh my, your attitude has changed quite a bit from the beginning, hasn't it?

As I chuckled, Ai squeezed my hand tightly. She seemed a bit fidgety. Then, words flowed into my mind. Ai had activated her skill.

"Can I call you... mom?"

Oh my gosh!!!

I screamed inwardly. ...Please pretend you didn't hear that little "Nng" that escaped my lips.

Anyway! The power of "Mom"! My heart almost stopped!

"Of course!!!"

Faster than light, I crouched down to Ai's eye level.

"You can call me whatever you like! Mom, Mother, or even by my name!"

Speaking with a heavy breath, Ai blushed and smiled. Then, in a small voice, she whispered.

"Mom"

Heaven! Sent! Descended!

I collapsed on the spot.

"Edeline!?"

"Mom!?"

"S-sorry...! I almost fainted from how cute you are...!"

Then, I quickly pressed a handkerchief to my nose. ...If it turns out I have a nosebleed, it would worry Ai.

"I'm so happy, Ai. Can I pick you up?"

As I reached out, Ai happily flew into my arms. The nosebleed seeped through the handkerchief, but Ai didn't notice because I was holding her.

"Edeline...! You...!"

Yuri-sama was looking at me with a serious expression, but I desperately put a finger to my lips. He understood and hurriedly offered me a new handkerchief.

"Thank you. I'll wash it and return it later."

"You really are..."

While looking at Yuri-sama's exasperated face, I suddenly remembered something.

I wiped my nose clean and quickly put away the dirty handkerchief.

"By the way, Ai, you can call Yuri-sama 'Dad' too, you know?"

At these words, Ai's body trembled.

When she looked up, she pouted and furrowed her brow deeply.

...Hmm? This isn't the reaction I expected. This looks like a face of reluctance...

Why!? Why!? We've been getting along so well recently, what went wrong...!? He said, "Dad is fine," didn't he!?

As I was internally very shaken, Ai squeezed my hand tightly. Words floated up.

"That's okay"

"Oh, r-really!? But that's great! You're becoming more honest!"

As I tried to hide my shock and patted her head, Ai rubbed her head against me like a cat, her face as usual, smiling.

So, it doesn't seem to be a slip of the tongue...

"Edeline... What did Ai say...?"

Yuri-sama asked, looking anxious.

Oh no, this is bad. His eyes are full of expectation.

"Um... well..."

What should I say here!? Should I lie and say, "She seems shy"? But it would be cruel to raise his hopes. I'll be honest...

"That... might be a bit early...?"

Immediately, Yuri-sama's mood plummeted.

Mysterious text announcement: <King Yuri: "Pitiful" attribute added>