Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 116

　In an era without electricity or gas, staying warm was literally a matter of life and death. Clothing, not just blankets, was expensive due to being handcrafted, and even firewood and charcoal were not free.

　Regularly letting in cold air for ventilation was necessary, but if they ran out of fuel during the winter, it would be a serious problem. In the cold villages, families gathered together around the hearth or a brazier, huddling in straw futons to keep warm.

　And that's why I think this room is like heaven.

　'Hey, hey? What's wrong? Why are you spacing out?'

　"...Oh, it's nothing."

　I replied with a smile that seemed glued to my face as I looked at the black-haired young girl who was staring at me curiously. I tried to deceive her, to pretend that everything was okay. We both huddled under the thick blankets, chatting away.

　Yes, winters in the Northern region are cold. That's why the young girl in front of me, my master, has locked herself in. Even though it's already past the morning and approaching noon, she refuses to leave. Taking advantage of her lack of discipline, she invited a commoner of the same age as her to play the role of a hot water bottle and indulge in this siege warfare.

　'He-heh... so warm!!'

　"Princess, it's quite improper to cling to me like this, isn't it...?"

　'I don't care about what's proper!'

　This land is blessed with the protection of spiritual veins, and the room is well-insulated. The luxurious futons only add to the warmth. However, the young girl clings to me even more, seeking further warmth.

　I already knew that her actions were not merely seeking warmth. I knew, but... I acted as if I didn't notice. I pretended not to see it. It was all part of my scheme, a selfish desire.

　'...Hey, ◼️◼️?'

　After clinging to me like a baby for a while, the young girl suddenly looked up at my face as if she had sensed something. She gazed at me with upturned eyes, seeming worried.

　"...What is it, Princess?"

　'Hey, ◼️◼️. Does ◼️◼️ care about me?'

　"...What do you want to say?"

　I replied with a pasted-on smile, feigning ignorance. The young girl in front of me still clung to me as she slightly lowered her gaze.

　Then, with an air of genuine concern, she murmured sadly.

　'You see... earlier, I heard them say... that ◼️◼️ doesn't really care about me. That you're just with me because you can feel good. That's why... they think you're just putting up with me, that you probably hate me.'

　"..."

　She mutters sadly and anxiously, and I just silently respond to her. Did she hear this... behind her back? No, if it's direct, is someone telling her? In any case, jealousy and backbiting are terrible. They whisper even to this child.

　'You know what! I think I'm giving ◼️◼️ a lot of trouble! I think I'm selfish! I think I'm making you feel bad, don't I? So I think I deserve to be cut off!'

　Feeling genuinely anxious and sad, she confessed her own wrongdoing and sins.

　'But you know! I'm sure there are lots of good things about ◼️◼️ too! I... if I try hard, I can do anything for you, right? I'll do my best to help you in any way I can!'

　She emphasized and pleaded, fawning over me.

　'That's why... that's why... you won't abandon me, right?'