Chapter 85

Waking up gradually from a deep sleep.

The soft bedding that gently envelops my body.

The gentle morning light filtering through the curtains.

The chirping of birds.

From another room, presumably the dining room, the aroma of coffee wafts over.

The rhythmic sound of a knife chopping ingredients.

In the pleasant drowsiness, these things tell me it’s morning.

I wanted to sleep a bit longer, but I panicked and jumped up when I remembered where I was.

On the large bed, I was the only one.

Vincent and Rin, who were supposed to be sleeping with me, had already started their day.

I jumped off the bed and tried to leave the bedroom, but as usual, I couldn’t reach the doorknob.

However.

I found a suitable empty box in the corner of the room, used it as a step to turn the doorknob.

After confirming the gap, I put away the box and rushed out of the bedroom, heading to the living-dining room based on yesterday’s memory.

Fortunately, the living room door was open, and I could enter without any problems.

In the living room, Vincent, now in casual clothes, was spreading what looked like a newspaper while holding a cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Yurii."

"Good morning, sir."

"Oh, Yurii, good morning. You’re up already? You could have slept a bit longer."

"Good morning. I’m up."

Vincent immediately noticed me and greeted me with a smile.

Rin, in an apron, followed suit, and the scene felt like a normal family, making me feel a bit ticklish.

"Breakfast will be ready soon, so please wait a little longer."

"Then, shall we get ready for the morning in the meantime?"

"You, Yurii’s clothes are in that wardrobe..."

"Got it."

Putting down the newspaper he was reading, Vincent approached me.

"Have you used the toilet yet?"

"Not yet."

"Then, let’s start with the toilet. After that, we’ll get ready at the sink."

"Okay."

Vincent led me to the toilet.

And the child-sized toilet seat installed there... I was oddly moved, thinking, "This is a house with children...!"

But, more than that... Ah!

While creating another black history, I finished washing my hands, face, and brushing my teeth.

Vincent’s smile was so good that I couldn’t say anything.

His kindness was really damaging.

After all that, the clothes I changed into.

For some reason, another apron dress.

However, unlike the nurse’s uniform, the frills were minimal. It felt more like something that was okay to get dirty.

The color was light blue, and if I had to compare, it was a simple design like "Alice in Wonderland." It wasn’t hard to move in.

With white socks and soft black shoes.

"...My daughter is the best."

Vincent, who helped me change, seemed very pleased.

I put the pajamas I had been wearing into the laundry basket and was led back to the living room by Vincent.

"Yurii, you’re so cute!"

Rin, who was serving food at the dining table, noticed me and came over.

Hugged tightly by the beautiful woman, my facial muscles relaxed.

"Mom, I’ll prepare lots of different dresses for you!"

"...Mom?"

"Yes. If you like, you can call me Mom?"

"......Rin, Mom."

It was extremely, incredibly embarrassing.

I had never called my own mother "Mom" before.

But.

I thought this body needed such a presence.

Someone who would call me by such a name and cherish me.

"Mom, um... I’ll help."

"Oh, dear, dear."

"...Dad is being ignored? Yurii."

Here, Vincent playfully called out, but honestly, it was difficult to call Vincent "Dad" right away, unlike Rin. Given our positions and the environment.

The Vincent here is the Vincent I know well, but.

I had seen the Vincent who works and his eyes yesterday.

I’m sure Vincent is still watching me somewhere.

Vincent couldn’t possibly miss what I was thinking.

So, I pretended not to notice the slight sadness in Vincent’s eyes.

Just like Vincent, I couldn’t completely shed my "public self."

"Chief, maybe next time."

"Next time, huh."

When I put it off with words, Vincent’s smile faltered.

If I could stay in the Northern Demon Castle from now on.

If I could just be a child.

When one of these is certain, I’ll call you "Dad" without hesitation.

Until then, I’m sorry.

"Mom, what are you doing?"

"Well, how about you tear this up for me?"

Turning to Rin, who had been watching our interaction silently, I offered to help again.

She nodded with a smile and returned to preparing breakfast, and I followed her.

Sitting on the sofa again, Vincent opened the newspaper and reached for the now warm coffee, taking a sip.

Such a normal yet very fresh morning began.