Chapter 11: Childhood Memories

“Yay! You can’t catch me!”

“That’s not fair, Leo-kun!” 

They have a good time.

His Highness Rayne and I are watching them together.

It’s a very nice scene.

Its mere presence calms me.

“—How did you do it?”

“Yes?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to get along so well with those two. I was expecting them to push you around.”

I imagine being confronted by two children.

It isn’t very cool.

But it is a normal future that could have occurred, and it makes me unhappy.

“Hahaha… I think it’s because they were such good kids.”

“You’re a little naive, but not too dishonest. Didn’t they come here primarily to put you to the test?”

“That’s right.” 

Indeed, the twins.

His Highness appeared to understand what they were thinking.

That’s why he was in such a rush; he had to be worried about me.

This man is truly…

“I’ve spoiled them since they were little. That’s why they’re still so fond of me.”

“I’m afraid so. I asked them about it, and they said they adore you.”

“Right.”

His Highness is both happy and embarrassed.

I was a little surprised that he could make such a face. 

When I first met him, I thought he was an energetic and bold individual, but the more I spent with him, the more my opinion changed.

“They were both surprised when I told them I was going to get married—Well, of course they were. I’ve always declined marriage proposals, and they’d be surprised if I bought a foreign woman with me.”

And I think I’m the most surprised.

It’s still hard for me to believe.

I still can’t believe I’ve been chosen as His Highness’ wife and that we’re sitting here talking.

“What did you do in the end?”

“I demonstrated the grantmaking technique to them.”

“Was it just now?”

“Yes—It’s the only thing I’m proud of.”

They didn’t know much about the grantmaking technique. 

Perhaps that was the source of their keen interest.

Even if you can’t use magic, you can use your special powers.

It is simpler than using magic tools, and the effects can be changed at your leisure.

It’s a power that you can see and experience right here.

“It’s an intriguing way of utilizing grantmaking techniques.”

“This is my first time using it for something like this, but…”

It wasn’t too bad.

The grantmaking method, which I had only used at work before, has led to a result that both kids were happy with.

It is not an easy job.

It’s all about showing them things that will surprise them.

It’s been surprisingly fun to think about how I can surprise them.

“It reminds me of something from a long time ago.”

“How long ago? The court days?”

“No, it happened a long time ago. When I was a young girl.”

I first used the grantmaking technique when I was five years old.

I was unaware of my power until that point, and I used it by accident.

I was surprised at the time.

I wanted to celebrate my parents’ wedding anniversary, so I thought about what I could do in my childish way, and then I discovered that I was a grantmaker.

I recall their surprise when I surprised them with it.

And they were overjoyed.

“Come to think of it, I didn’t hear much. Why did you work at the court? That you were in debt.”

“Yes, it was…”

“I’m not going to make you tell me. We all have things in our past we’d rather forget.”

“…no, it’s no longer a thing.”

I have nothing to hide and I’m not afraid to tell him. 

We are now a couple.

It’s a political marriage, but we’ve become an undeniable family.

Then I want him to be aware of who I am.

in every way for my new family.

I have told His Highness what has happened up to the present day.

How I grew up in a noble family and then lost everything.

I was about to sell myself when the Ratratos and Salerio-sama saved me.

When I was alone again, I happened to meet His Highness on my way home from court, thinking about how to pay my debts.

And now I’m here.

“You’ve had an interesting life.”

“…”

“You are a true gem. I’m surprised you’ve remained unbroken.”

“Your Highness…” 

His Highness’ profile appeared to be smiling.

Very tenderly, very softly.

I’m not sure what that expression means.

“It was just a coincidence that I ran into you there.”

His Highness speaks.

“That was not my intention. To be honest, I could have chosen anyone. I was simply fed up with being asked to get engaged and married. You, too, chose to get out of that environment.”

“…Yes.”

“It’s just, you know, I’m glad you were the person I met there.”

“Your Highness…” 

That surprised me.

Our relationship is unique. 

We didn’t fall in love, we don’t have memories, and we took each other’s hands out of mutual interest.

It will last as long as we both require each other.

I thought the same at the time.

I’d give anything to get out of that hellhole.

But now… No, I’m like him.

“I feel the same way.” 

Whether by accident or miracle

I must have been fortunate to have met and spoken with him.

I think so too.

“We’re a couple now, regardless of how it happened. It might be difficult to spend time together as a couple, but here we are. Let us get along.”

“Yes.”

“Take care of them too. They’re far too mischievous—Keep an eye on them so they don’t get hurt when I’m not looking.”

“Yes, of course. I’m also their big sister now.” 

I am sure this is a happy place for me. 

I just had a little bit of a fuzzy feeling.

I’m still not sure why.

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