Events at Breakfast

Today I was unexpectedly able to have breakfast with the whole family. Knowing how unusual it was, I was overjoyed and got slightly carried away. It’s been a long time since I could have something other than the Pan porridge after all. I could feel the tension rising as I watched the last drop of Mill Milk being poured into my cup.

[Well, then. Let’s eat.]

At my father’s command we began to eat. At both my sides were Jörg and Solis, while father sat at the head of the table. Mother sat in front of me with Mich.e.l.la by her side. To be honest, I didn’t like having Mich.e.l.la at the table, but I didn’t worry too much about it. After all, food becomes more delicious if shared and enjoyed with more people.

At the center of the table there was naan-like bread, and it was certainly difficult for me, who had the body of a six-year old, to reach it. The distance lessened as I lifted myself from the chair and stretched my arm out as far as possible.

*Clang!*

The hand which I had extended had caused the cup of Mill Milk to spill onto Mich.e.l.la’s plate.

Stunned momentarily, I could feel the blood drain from my body. s.h.i.+matta, I’ve done it this time. To provoke her even further, to that Mich.e.l.la, what should I do? There’s no way she won’t be angry…!

[I’m so sorry!]

Jumping off the chair, I hurriedly fetch a dish cloth. My brothers seem to be calling my name but I have no time for that right now.

Not only had the Mill Milk splashed onto Mich.e.l.la’s food, it had splattered all over her clothes as well. I hurriedly reach for Mich.e.l.la’s clothing with the cloth. Anyhow, everything should be alright if I manage to wipe all of it away somehow.

[Bocchan,]

My body froze in response to Mich.e.l.la’s voice. Her voice was rather kind and gentle. Is she not angry?

[Bocchan, I am okay.]

…Huh?

[Al, since Mich.e.l.la said so, try to calm down, okay?]

I was startled by Mother’s voice coming from beside me. Ah, come to think of it, I had forgotten my family was in the room. I remained fearful as I slowly peeked at Mich.e.l.la’s expression. It’s not a given that Mich.e.l.la will definitely forgive me for this incident. Her eyes were cold as if seeing something filthy. Mich.e.l.la tightly clasped my hand that had been holding the dish cloth.

[Bocchan, to wholeheartedly be worried and clean this humble one’s clothes, I am sincerely grateful.]

Mich.e.l.la wraps her hands around mine tightly.

[Your feelings are enough. For Bocchan to have been brought up to become such a splendid and honorable young man, I am forever thankful.]

[Mich.e.l.la is like a second mother.]

[No one is as considerate to our family as Mich.e.l.la.]

Mother and father’s words pa.s.s by my ears. As expected, n.o.body noticed. Mich.e.l.la’s hands which was still grasped onto mine tightened even more, near crus.h.i.+ng them… n.o.body noticed.

[Ah, Bocchan. In grat.i.tude, I shall read you a book in your room after cleaning up. How about your favorite book about heroes?]

[Ara! Al loves stories about heroes! Mom did not know. Fu fu, isn’t that great Al?]

My mind felt dizzy at Mich.e.l.la’s words as our hands separated at last. I know that Mich.e.l.la does not intend to read me that book. I know this because her eyes seem to say so. At that time, I finally understood. I have angered Mich.e.l.la very, very much.