Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 55

"...This is what Princess Hina said."

　Late at night, in a dimly lit hall in one corner of Kizuki's mansion, they were gathered. They sat on cushions in rows on either side of the room, separated by an Andon (a traditional paper lantern) placed in the center of the room, and listened to my words. And when I finished, they sniffed a little. That sound was a grumpy, unpleasant sound.

　"Well, Princess Hina said something like that, huh..."

　"It's pathetic that she doesn't understand her position at all."

　"Is it the blood of her lowly mother? It's a pity for a woman of her talent."

　"Indeed, she's arrogant even though it was our intention to give her a comfortable life since we took her into our house."

　I bow my head and report her current status... Kizuki Hina, and the clan elders whisper in mocking tones to each other.

　In some ways, it was laughable. Sure, they provided food, clothing, and shelter. But that's all. It is natural that she would have distrusted anyone who had treated her as a lowly peasant girl and treated her with coldness, and yet, as soon as she awakened to her unusual abilities, everyone would treat her as if she were a tiger...or, rather, they would feel fear because she is only a child. To ignore this and ridicule Hina's youthful foolishness is an unfair attitude.

　...Of course, I won't say it out loud even if I think it.

　"But still, it's a blunder on your part. What's the use of being able to light a candle? To be so ignorant of such a gift... is a fool's blunder."

　"You're right. What a fool."

　And then the blame would eventually fall on me. One of the guys gets very frustrated and criticizes me for not keeping a closer eye on her. It was to be expected, and in a way, it wasn't a wild coincidence.

　Yes, I have been misreporting her power to them. I knew her true power, but I didn't report it. But that doesn't mean I've been lying. It is true that until she was awakened by the attack, she had only the power to light a small fire at her fingertips. I only knew it because of the knowledge of my previous life. And the only reason I kept it hidden was ultimately for my own self-preservation.

　Yes, in order to prevent a situation in which a bad intervention might derail the story. ...But it was too late for that.

　"I don't think so. She has not been trained in the spiritual arts as far as I'm concerned. Besides, she had no idea of the merits or demerits of the art. And that was the first time she really awakened. It can't be helped."

　It was such a defense that stopped the sarcastic accusations. The obese man exhaled and drank a cup of cold barley tea with sugar. Looking at the empty tea cup, he calls the maid and orders her to make a fresh pot of tea.

　"In any case, you will continue to serve by Hina-hime's side as before. And keep a closer eye on her from now on."

　"I'll overlook this mistake, but not twice. That's why you, the poor farmer's boy, are kept in this house. Don't forget that, okay?"

　"...As you will. From now on, I will watch and monitor Princess Hina-sama's words and deeds more closely."