Chapter 4

"Ahn~"

With a full smile, I offered the spoon to Ai. On the spoon was a wobbly, wobbly pudding.

With a "munch" sound, the spoon was sucked into Ai's mouth.

Suddenly, Ai's eyes sparkled.

A happy sigh escaped her, and watching her, I let out a sigh as well.

I wonder why. When I was feeding my younger sisters, I never thought they were cute.

Is it because Ai is exceptionally cute, or have I become softer with age? ...Well, I'm only twenty, after all.

I scooped up the pudding again.

Just the wobbly movement made Ai's eyes sparkle, and her face clearly said she wanted to eat it as soon as possible. But she didn't say anything and waited patiently, which was very endearing.

When I offered the spoon, her mouth opened as if she had been waiting for it. The pudding slid in smoothly, and Ai squinted her eyes in happiness.

Oh, how cute she is...! It's so rewarding to see her so happy!

I was moved to tears.

I just want to keep this moment forever...

Just as I was thinking that, the door suddenly opened.

It was His Majesty, Yuri.

"Edeline, how is the Holy Maiden doing?"

At his voice, Ai shuddered.

Oh no! Her face has turned pale! Of course, it's scary when a big man speaks in such a stern voice!

"Your Majesty, Ai is scared. Can we talk later!?"

"O-Okay. I'll come back later."

The perplexed His Majesty hurriedly left. ...Did I do something wrong? But Ai comes first, right?

"It's okay now, Ai. What do you want to eat next? Or are you full?"

When I asked as if nothing had happened, Ai looked at the white bread hesitantly. Hmm, let's go with this one?

I deliberately handed her the whole piece of bread.

Actually, it's proper etiquette to tear it, but I want her to enjoy the pleasure of eating more.

Holding the fluffy white bread, Ai's eyes sparkled again.

...Little kids, for some reason, find joy just in holding things like this. My youngest sister used to carry an apple until it turned brown.

After thoroughly enjoying the fluffiness, Ai took a small bite.

Just then, the door opened with a creak.

"I'm sorry, but I must tell you this—"

At the sight of His Majesty again, Ai almost choked.

Ahhhh!!! Oh no!!!

I hurriedly patted her back and gave her water to drink.

Thankfully, everything was fine, and I heaved a deep sigh of relief. Then I stood up and confronted His Majesty.

"Y-Your Majesty!? At least knock next time!"

Trying not to scare Ai, I kept my voice low but put all my pressure into my eyes. I probably had a vein popping on my temple.

"I-I'm really sorry..."

"...Well, it's a relief that everything's fine, but what did you want to talk about?"

Although Ai must be eager to eat, she waited obediently in the background. I glanced at her and asked.

His Majesty's face became serious.

"...Edeline, as you know, this summoning was unexpected. She's five years old, can't speak, and we don't know if she's really the Holy Maiden."

I listened silently.

"We are still investigating the cause of the incorrect summoning, but I want you to observe her closely during this time. Is she really the Holy Maiden, or just an unfortunate child who got caught up in this?"

I sighed softly.

That's the situation... Unfortunately or fortunately, Ai has been summoned as the Holy Maiden.

I don't want to burden such a small child with the heavy responsibility of being the Holy Maiden, but considering His Majesty, the High Priest, and most importantly, the people, I can't just say, "I don't know."

"...Understood. I'll report immediately if I find anything."

"Thank you. ...And one more thing, if you don't mind?"

His Majesty asked hesitantly. I wanted to get back to Ai, but I didn't want to be rude, so I nodded.

"What is it?"

"The clothes we prepared for the Holy Maiden are all for adults. We need to have new clothes made for her."

At those words, my eyes sparkled.

—Make clothes for Ai?

That means I can dress her in all sorts of outfits...!?

I answered with a fervent voice.

"Absolutely, I'd love to!!!"