Chapter 7

After that, we did a lot of fun things.

One day, since Ai loves sweets, we all ate a mountain of cake. --His Majesty Yuri had to leave early due to heartburn.

Another day, we went horseback riding. Ai seemed to love animals, and her eyes sparkled at the sight of not only large dogs but also horses.

His Majesty Yuri is skilled at horseback riding, so he held Ai, but it seemed to be his first time riding with a small child, and he was flustered. His face was so funny that I couldn't help but laugh.

Then, we drew a caricature of His Majesty Yuri together. His Majesty didn't know how to praise it, saying, "…You're better at drawing than I was at five," and I ended up hitting him again.

"Hehe, today was fun, wasn't it? Come on, Ai. Let's go to bed now."

At night, after changing into my pajamas, I sat on the large bed and beckoned Ai. Ai actually has a room for the Holy Maiden, but I've always slept with her.

The Holy Maiden's room is very spacious, but it seems to scare her.

When I called, Ai ran over immediately. We climbed into bed together, and Ai snuggled up to me.

I hugged her tightly, and she smiled happily.

"…Hey, Ai, are you forcing yourself?"

While stroking her head, I asked in a whisper.

Ai has been a good girl ever since she came. She never acts selfishly and listens to everything I say. --But that's only a "good girl" from an adult's perspective.

"Ai, if you don't like something, it's okay to say so. It's okay to be angry. You don't have to force a smile. …No matter how selfish you are, I won't dislike you."

My sisters were incredibly selfish, but that was because they knew their family wouldn't leave them even if they were.

…Well, if Ai became as selfish as my sisters, it would be a problem, but maybe it's just right for her to let out a little of what she's been holding back.

In response to my words, Ai shook her head vigorously. Then she hugged me tightly.

…Right. It's not something you can say right away. But, Ai, I'll wait patiently for the day you can trust me.

I patted Ai's back gently.

I used to put my sisters to sleep like this. As I patted her back, remembering, Ai's eyes softened and she soon began to breathe steadily in her peaceful sleep.

In the soft, damp air, her small chest rose and fell. Her cheek, squished against the pillow, and her long eyelashes. Hehe. Why are sleeping children's faces so incredibly cute…?

I smiled again and gently kissed her small, round head.

◇

"At first, I was about to lose it with the irresponsible priests, but it might have been for the best."

After a few months, as I watched Ai, who had fully recovered and was smiling a lot, I said.

Perhaps because the painful bruises on her arms and legs had disappeared, Ai recently started to prefer knee-length skirts. His Majesty Yuri was worried, saying, "Wearing such a short skirt…!" but I think she looks very cute.

"That's right. No matter the reason, I couldn't let a child stay with parents who hit her. …If I saw her parents, I would have cut them down immediately."

His Majesty's eyes gleamed fiercely. Having been a brilliant knight, he is now known as the "War God King." His gaze is incredibly sharp.

…But I agree with His Majesty's words.

"I would throw them to a horde of monsters. I would crush them to pieces."

After speaking with such vehemence, I suddenly realized that Ai was listening with a troubled expression.

"I'm sorry! I said bad things about your parents…"

"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said that in front of Ai."

Seeing me and His Majesty flustered, Ai smiled and shook her head.

Then her small body flew into my chest. The warmth made me want to cry a little.

I spoke to Ai gently.

"…Ai, remember this. Even if they are your real parents, people who hit you are bad. You were born to be loved. No, not just you. All children are born to be loved. So don't think it's your fault. You are a wonderful child."

I stroked Ai's head, which was clinging to me tightly.

--It doesn't matter that she is the Holy Maiden. I just want to make Ai happy. That's all I want.

◇

While this was happening, small changes began to occur in the Makius Kingdom. The monsters that had been observed everywhere started to disappear gradually.

His Majesty Yuri, with sparkling eyes, was the one who told us.

"Ai, this must be thanks to you! Your power as the Holy Maiden is protecting the country."

When asked, Ai tilted her head in confusion, still seemingly unaware.

"Well, then it means His Majesty's love has reached Ai. They say the Holy Maiden's power grows the more she is loved."

"That's good," I said, stroking her head. Despite not fully understanding, Ai smiled happily. Seeing this, His Majesty whispered,

"…No, I think it's your love that has reached her."

"Mine?"

This time, it was my turn to tilt my head.

"The Holy Maiden's power grows the more she is loved, but that's not limited to romantic love. I think your love for Ai is what supports her the most."

"Really?"

With wide eyes, I looked at Ai, who also had wide eyes.

If my love for Ai is what gives her power… what a wonderful thing.

Then, I mustered the courage to say something I had been thinking about for a long time.

"Hey, Ai… Would you like to really become our child? Mine and His Majesty's child?"

At these words, both Ai and His Majesty widened their eyes.

"I've been thinking about it for a long time. His Majesty and I are a temporary couple, but… that's why I think we can protect you. And…."

I paused for a moment.

"…If you ever want to marry His Majesty in the future, I'll step aside if the Duke's family accepts you…"

"No, that's not happening! I will never marry her! She's a child!"

Next to the flustered His Majesty, Ai was also shaking her head. Their synchronized movements made them look like a family. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Right, if I had suggested marrying Ai, I would have looked down on His Majesty."

"What do you think I am…?"

Seeing His Majesty press his forehead, Ai and I laughed.

--At that moment, Ai's body suddenly trembled.

This was the reaction Ai had when she detected a monster. I immediately crouched down to check on her.

Suddenly, the corridor echoed with the sound of footsteps, and knights rushed into the room in a panic.

"Your Majesty! It's an emergency! A mysterious summoning symbol suddenly appeared in the summoning chamber! It has a sinister aura, and it might be a high-level monster!"

"What? I'll go immediately! Gather the knights!"

His Majesty, sword in hand, rushed out.

A monster in the palace…! Even though the power of the former Empress Sakura has weakened, with Ai here…!

I suppressed my panic and gripped her hand tightly. …This is no time to panic. I need to get Ai to a safe place…!

But Ai, as if sensing something, straightened her back and ran after His Majesty.

"Ai! Wait! That way is dangerous!"

I chased after her.