The Author's Short Stories of his Imagination

Book 1 - Sadness part 3

The festival was a walking distance from the park. In a few minutes, we arrived. It was crowded as expected, but Alice seems to enjoy it. We went to different stalls and bought food after food. Time passed so quickly, and it was the last event, the fireworks festival.

"That was a lot of fun! Thank you, Kazuki-san"

Alice stretched her arms upward and sat on the grassy ground. This place was the perfect spot for a fireworks event. With all the space, you can clearly see the beautiful sky, which can also be used as a place for stargazing.

"It was nothing. Besides, I did say I'd help you right?"

"Hmmm... I see. You did say that. Say, Kazuki, what's your job?"

"Eh? Ah... Just an office worker."

"I see, I see."

Alice nodded as she said that. I have no idea what she's thinking, asking about my job all of a sudden.

"So, why did you ask me that so suddenly?"

"The truth is.."

*BANG*

Ah... It's the fireworks. It started...

The fireworks rise up in the sky, and scatter, one after another. Alice was completely enjoying herself. Her eyes sparkle with amazement and joy.

It was as if her sadness was gone already. I guess, I underestimated her. She looks like a kid, and she is a kid, but maybe she thinks like an adult. She does give off that kind of aura.

The fireworks ended. I stood up and helped Alice, and walked back to the entrance.

"So, let's start searching."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Your parents of course! First I'll contact the police. Let's go to the-"

She grabbed my hand, making me stop. She looked at me seriously, and released my hand.

"The truth is, we can never find them."

"Huh? Why's that? Did they go overseas?"

She shook her head.

"No, they didn't. They went somewhere farther."

"Y-You don't mean..."

Alice suddenly hugged me. I could feel her crying. I hugged her tightly. This little fragile girl named Alice, lived a short blissful life with her parents. I see, they died.

"*sniff* They died.... Today... This morning, they died... *sniff* They left me.. On my birthday.. *sniff* uwaaaaa"

Alice cried. She was so fragile. I hugged her tightly, and she hugged me tightly. I, who was helping a complete stranger, just heard her story. Her parent's died on her birthday. I feel miserable. Suddenly, she let go, and looked at me in the face.

"Kazuki-san, thank you. I received something beautiful today. So I'll give you something in return."

She pulled out her cellphone and started dialing. A few moments later, she flipped her phone back and looked at me.

"Eh.. So uhm... What is it?"

"Hehehehe... You're just the one I've been looking for! Starting today, you will be my assistant! You see, papa left me his business as inheritance, and I was in need of someone trusty. Don't worry about the details, I took care of it. And as for you house, you will start living in my house as my butler!"

She said all those words so fast, I only stared at her dumbfoundedly. And by the time I could react again the only thing I said was...

"EEEEEEEHHHHHHH?????!!!!!"

Alice ran ahead and turned back, waving.

"Heeey! Come on, we need need to pack your things up!"

"Ah, wait!"

I ran to catch up with her, as she began running again. That day, Alice has regained her smile.

-and so, the story of our Princess and her kindhearted Knight either ends in this book, or can still continue in our imagination.