Volume 1, Chapter 7: Making Friends

Authors Note:

It might be a little late, but the theme of this work is [Love]. Im not kidding.

Several months have passed since that disgusting unidentified-insect case, and Ill become 4 years old in ~2-3 months.

During the time of the incident, I was kind of depressed, because I had made so many people worried But now Im fine. My body and heart have become considerably grown up.

For now, the use of Summoning Magic is sealed. Ill study solely Magic Formations.

Also because of the incident, Father became very busy and didnt visit for about 2 months. When Father suddenly returned, just as I was about to sate my cat-like desires, he abruptly invited me to a tea party.

A tea party? Why? Up until now Ive only conversed with about 10 people Am I a shut-in?

Therere many children around the same age as Yurushia wholl be going to the tea party.

In other words, because the fact that Ive only ever met adults is worrying, this would be the perfect opportunity to introduce some friend candidates But how exactly do I play with children?

If only for the sake of keeping Father from losing face, I decided to attend.

For that reason, Im now being jolted around in a carriage.

Of course, my seat is on the knee of my Father. Father, please do your best. Ill probably continue sitting on your knee until Im about 15 years old, after all.

Oh, aside from that half-serious joke, the tea party will be taking place in the Imperial Capital 3 days from now. Itll take 2 days for us to arrive by carriage. Why is the schedule so clogged up? What would have happened if I didnt get on the carriage immediately?

Mother isnt coming either Even though I wanted to see the Capital together as a family

For the time being Vio and Fer have arrived instead.

As for the luggage, it was kept to a minimum. I wondered whether what I was wearing would be acceptable, but it seems that everything is prepared at the designation. Dont only the wealthy do that sort of stuff?

Father, just what exactly is your work? Nobodys ever brought up the subject, so to a 3-year-old, wouldnt it be natural to be suspicious? I wonder if hell reveal it when I become 4?

Anyways, even if I had said that itd take 2 days to arrive at the Imperial Capital, because were not moving along a forest, we arent camping out. That would be natural. Sleeping outdoors wouldnt suit Father, after all.

Taking a road through the fields, we arrive at a town just before evening breaks. Didnt we leave the house at noon? Was it really possible to arrived in the middle of the night simply due to perseverance?

And Ill only be coming back about a week from now Ive never been separated from Mother for more than half a day, so Im a little anxious.

But Im enjoying myself a little, too. Today I get to sleep together with Father, after all. Ufufu~

Because weve been passing through solely residential areas, I arrived uneventfully without being stalled by Bandits or the like.

Although, I dont think there would have been a problem if we did meet any. Therere more than 10 Guards acting as our escort, as well as a Butler Ojii-chan[1], whos been added as a new pampering personnel.

To everyone who earnestly protected a child like me, I gave my sincerest thanks. Ojii-chan started crying when I did so, though. Why? Is he perhaps emotionally unstable? Ill pat him on the shoulder later.

Now then, its time for the tea party.

Apparently this is the common setup, with chairs and tables being set up within the huge garden in front of a mansion, an Orchestra playing in the background, a ridiculous amount of sweets, and the tea being prepared by Maids Therere only about 6 children attending.

Erm Are these perhaps nobles? Is this what its like to live as a Noble-sama? Really, Father, whats your job? Could it be that the Child of Fathers company President is present?

But as expected, none of the children would be from the company. They would be the sons and daughters of frequent customers instead. Otherwise, Father wouldnt have needed to take me out on such a tight schedule.

But this Isnt this dangerous? My actions could affect the success of my Father.

F-Father?

Its alright, you can run along. Social position is irrelevant to this tea party.

Even if you say that If your child isnt sophisticated and acts freely, the President could treat it as a serious issue.

And so, Ill brilliantly take the part of a maiden whos been brought up with tender care.

Umm

What should I do, exactly? Nobodys approaching me.

Looking at the other children, therere 2 Boys and 4 Girls. They arent the same age, but they all seem to be older than me.

Because the boys were speaking to one another, I approach the girls. As soon as they notice me, however, they freeze with their mouths hanging open.

Ah Im being feared again

Not only to Spirits and Sig-kun, even those around my age are afraid Even I would be startled if I saw an elaborate doll during the middle of the night.

Is it even possible to exchange greetings with things already flowing so terribly?

But it could be seen as rude if I come here and simply remain silent

As to not be scary, at the last moment I gave a smile as fiercelessly as possible, pick up the hem of my bright green dress, and bow quietly. I then moved towards a slightly remote table.

Fuu

So as to not let myself be heard, I breathe out a small breath.

I was extremely tense, so when I finally took a short breath the sound of the surroundings finally returned.

A Maid immediately comes and serves me tea and sweets. But, rather than being served, its more like its being piled in front of me into a mountain.

Th-Thank you

N-No, its fine!

Has my nervousness spread? Im sorry. I wonder if its possible to return these sweets Eh? Its not? Perhaps if I hand it off to Fer shed be able to finish it off?

The tea seems to be high-quality, and there isnt a difference in temperatures at all. That must have been difficult.

When I look over at the children for an instant, I see that everyones eyes are fixed on me Ku, what a heavy atmosphere All of the conversations have stopped, too.

U-Um

A pretty voice is heard. Oh? As I though such a thing, I turned towards the voice and found a lovely little girl staring back at me.

Yes?

Thinking that shes spoken to me, I reply slowly as to not seem intimidating.

Uwaa This child is really tense. She seems like the type of adorable child that would be afraid of talking to people.

Um, it its alright, would you like to pick flowers with me over there?

Pick flowers? Its not some code for going to the toilet, but rather an earnest request to pick flowers. Shes quite a gentle child, huh I was unable to remain indifferent to her invitation, and responded.

Yes Lets go.

Alright.

The child, which was relieved by my reply, laughed. Cute With soft, fluffy blond hair like Mothers, she has blue eyes like a doll but in a different sense than my own.

When I tumbled slightly from getting off the chair, she panicked and quickly supported me.

Thank you.

Y-yes.

Shaking her head with a *bunbun*, the girl starts walking while holding my hand. She seems like an older sister whos taking care of a small child. Cute.

Actually, I wonder whether she noticed that I was feeble? But even if thats the case, you dont have to hug my arm I beg of you.

Im She My name is Shelly. M-may I ask for your name as well?

? Im Yurushia.

Why honorific language? I wonder if shes the daughter of an extremely good home or something? Even though its just a conversation between children, elders shouldnt use honorific language to those younger than themselves, so please stop.

Incidentally, in a Nobles way of thinking, shouldnt I present my family name? Even if I think deeply, I cant remember my full name, though. Well, I suppose it wouldnt really be needed in a tea party without status restrictions, huh?

The flower garden was quite close to the table.

Its rare for a flower garden to be covered with weeds like the Alpine flowers. But as for me, I prefer these. Therere also Roses, but theyre being firmly guarded by the Maids.

Yurushia-sama, lets make a corolla.

Y-Yurushia is fine, you know? Shelly-sama,

I understand, Yurushia-sama, then please just call me Shelly as well.

This child didnt understand at all

Anything I say will be futile in this situation. Excluding Mother and Father, only strange people interact with me, so in a way Ive become accustomed to such behaviors.

But in this case, instead of being a seriously strange person, its strange because shes serious.

Alright, Shelly then. Is this flower fine?

It is so, Yurushia-sama. Pluck the flowers like this

Un. I understand already. I give up. Even though this was supposed to be my first time with a friend, the stress accumulated from the surrounding nobles must be high. Because of that, I cant complain about the cute child in front of me.

Is that really alright?

I make a Chaplet while being taught how by Shelly. Every time I did it clumsily, Shelly took my hand and made modifications.

Shelly is very friendly.

Grasping my hand, she shows a soft, warm smile.

And then a small *zaku* resounds. Looking up at the sound of grass being stepped on, we find the two boys walking towards us.

Are they your friends, Shelly?

N-no That is

Certainly that wouldnt be the case. Even if Shelly looked a little bit older than me, the boys seemed to be about 6 or 7 years old.

Shelly is tense? Are they distinguished children? Or perhaps theyre simply scary? Or maybe theyre idiots. Either way, theyre terrible for making the cute Shelly frightened.

Thinking so, I intimidate them By glaring. The boy who was walking in front momentarily stopped But continued walking as if nothing happened.

Hoho, youve done well to withstand my eyes. You have my praise. I place the first tattered corolla that I made atop my head while thinking so.

Are you Yurushia?

The red-blonde boy asks so in a pompous manner. This brat

That is so, but

Ive heard of you From Uncle, that is.

Uncle? Whos that?

Uncle

Oi, look this way properly!

Ah

All of a sudden, my arm was caught and the face of the boy was close when I looked up.

Beau~tiful boy But hes no good. A guy who cant treat a girl kindly is no good. Its no use if its just some brat. It has to be a calm, good-looking uncle.

When I glare at the boy, he shrinks up for an instant, but then glares back immediately. But since Im being glared at by a child, Im not afraid. Ah, thats right.

I plop the crown of flowers onto the boys head.

You can have it.

Wouldnt that tattered crown be most suitable on head of the king of the mountain?

You

Yes?

To the boy who seems to want to say something, I incline my head as if to say [I Dont Understand].

Retaining his pride as a boy, he doesnt start a fight with a little girl, releases my hand, and turns away.

Hey, lets go.

Y-Yes.

The other boy looks to him and I, and answers with a strange look. Just like an Yakuza boss and his henchman.

With the corolla still on his head, the boy takes a few steps away, then stops abruptly.

Im Rick. Itll be my Birthday the day after tomorrow. Youll be coming, Yurushia.

Eh? Wha

After declaring so one-sidedly, Rick leaves in a hurry.

Ehh

Y-Yurushia-sama?

What was that child talking about? Ill be returning home the morning of the day after tomorrow. Tomorrows the day that I can happily see the Imperial Capital with my Father, alongside choosing souvenirs. I intend to go home cheerfully after that.

Yurushia-sama~

So, a Birthday? The day after the tomorrow? Impossible. Theres now way Id be able to delay my reunion with my Mother for even a day longer than scheduled. In the first place, who was that child, to act with such authority?

Yurushia-sama!

Eh? Oh, Im sorry

No, it is alright. But Are you alright?

Thank you Shelly is quite gentle

T-Thank you very much

This child is really healing. Im glad to have met her.

Shelly That child, who was he?

Eh? Well That is

Do you know, or? Shes entered the state of fumbling for the right word, so he must be the child of a family with a scary occupation

But why would such a child know my name? And whos that Uncle he mentioned? I dont understand. Ill have to pray that Father isnt involved with such people.

Either way, that brat is unforgivable.

Daughter of Earl Oraleine: Shellynn la Oraleine

It was the 16th day of Natsunaka when she, who had become five years old just one month prior, was called to her Fathers study and told something strange.

The first tea party that Shelly will attend has been decided. It will take place in four days, in the garden of Kyle Palace. Other children will be attending, so approach them.

When a noble lady turns 5, they can pay a congratulatory visit to a noble tea party; Shellys first tea party was already decided to be held by the sister of the Earl, Viscountess Bray.

Shelly understood that as a young girl, she couldnt refuse the invitation But it was quite sudden given the fact it was to take place in only four days.

Perhaps only one or two people That would be the number of participants given priority, most likely. Anyone else would only be arranged in case of a numerical crisis.

Her Mother would have to hurriedly order a new dress, but Shelly was anxious to voice that fact to her Father.

Sorry, Shelly. It isnt a tea party to be fearful of. Only children will be attending, and social positions along with family names dont matter. You should enjoy yourself.

There will be no relationship to status In other words, someone whos attending wishes to hide their position.

And, since only children will be attending, Shelly who had just become 5 would likely be the youngest. She knew nothing of who was participating, and had no idea what to talk about either.

The Earl, which had already arrived to the above conclusions, matches his eyes with his daughter and speaks with a wry smile.

To tell you the truth, this was requested by a friend of mine. His daughter will also be asked to participate without much notice. The child hasnt gone outside too much due to poor health, and is younger than Shelly.

Not even four years old yet, such a girl will be participating.

For the sake of comfort and protection, Shelly was asked to participate.

On the day of the tea party, Shelly met an angel.

An angel with sparkling golden hair and beauty that makes one think that they arent human.

She had an appearance that would cause one to avert their eyes and lose their breath, and elegantly bowed to others before reaching a table which no one was sitting at. When she let out a small breath, everyone around was finally capable of breathing in once again. As they remembered their work, the Maids began to move about in a hurry.

The other young ladies sighed towards her figure which was akin to an Angel, but Shelly noticed her distressed or perhaps lonely appearance as she stared at the sweets in front of her without raising her hand.

Perhaps, she was the daughter of Fathers friend. Who was it that determined Shelly fit to defend such a child?

When she spoke, she seemed wise enough to make one think that she wasnt young at all, and even she had the cold impression of a doll, she was a good child who properly thanked her waitress.

Her name was Yurushia. Shelly came to like her immediately.

It was as if she was charmed by a Demon

When they were playing together, two boys approached.

He didnt know Shelly, but Shelly knew of him. He was a boy who was known to be selfish and rude.

Even though Shelly could do nothing but be frightened, Yurushia didnt show any distress, and stared at him with her gentle golden eyes. She then easily dismissed him by giving him a small corolla.

Shelly was impressed at the figure of the girl, but at the same time she was jealous of the two boys who had locked eyes with her.

Determined, she resolved herself to ask her father to attend the boys Birthday party.

She would repel any insects that would try to approach Yurushia.

Authors Note:

And so, the story will be put into motion.