70

Michelie is the first person to welcome me home.

As I get off the carriage and enter the house, she jumps toward me with a cute smile, which heals me instantly.

The fact that the adorable Michelie is the one I love most still hasnt changed. I pat her head in happiness.

She interrogates me.

Big sister.

Michelie calls my name slowly, and with a soft tone, yet I feel a strange pressure.

I gulp.

I wasnt aware of it, but it seems that Im nervous.

On her fingertips is a strand of black hair that was on my shoulder. I noticed it as well when she was welcoming me back.

I dont see the point though.

Whats this?

I dont know what she means. Theres something indescribable behind her smile, but I dont know what it is, or why Im feeling pressured. Shes not just angry. Its something else, well, how should I put it?

But staying silent is the worst and most foolish option.

Im a genius, and thus I will not resort to the pa.s.sive and foolish tactic of silence. I have to be resolute and honest.

What do you mean Isnt it my hair?

Dont try to trick me!

I wasnt trying to trick her, but she shouts fiercely for some reason.

Huh? Well

Theres no way its yours! Do you really think I cant tell?! Hmph!

Ah, um, sorry. I dont know whats going on, but Im sorry.

Michelie begins to rage. Im not scared. In fact, seeing an angel get angry like that is adorable. But I still dont know why shes angry.

Im sorry, Michelie. I know youre really angry. I think I know why its because I couldnt tell it wasnt my hair.

No, Im serious.

Its the same color and texture. Sure, its a little short, but thats not enough to say that it isnt mine.

But is this really not my hair?

Its totally different! I can tell! Its not the same black color!

I- I see.

It looks the same to me, but theres no way Michelie is lying. Shes positive that its not my hair, so she has to be right. There has to be some way she can tell, but I dont know how.

Lets say it isnt my hair.

I still dont know why shes angry.

Hair tends to stick no matter how careful you are. Theres no way Michelie can get so narrow-minded and angry over such a trivial thing or is there?

Well then, big sister. Whats going on? Whose hair is this?

Huh? Maybe its Leons.

Leon.

Hes the only black-haired person Ive met today. Michelie stiffens when I mention his name.

It doesnt seem like she remembers him. She tilts her head slightly.

Leon?

She tries to recall by repeating his name. Looks like she doesnt remember after all.

Its probably strange coming from me because I called him trash on our first meeting, but I pity him a little for being completely forgotten by Surfania as well as Michelie.

Remember that guy? The commoner who climbed the wall here and fell off a while back. You treated him, right? And we were at the Founders Festival together, remember?

Ah Yeah. I remember. That guy with the black hair and black eyes!

She got it right.

I pat her soft golden hair, praising her for taking the effort to remember him.

You remembered. Good job, Michelie.

Ehehe. I did a good job?

Yup. You did great. And youre so cute, my adorable Michelie!

Ehehe. And youre the cooles- hey, wait!

I couldnt pull it off.

I look slightly away from Michelie. I thought I could make the matter slide through our usual banter, but it didnt work this time. Oh well, it was just a small chance. Yup, never mind.

Big sister. Dont look away.

Okay.

Maybe she detected my guilty feelings, but its fine now. Im mentally prepared to talk it out with her.

I look her in the eyes.

You havent seen Leon all this time, right? Why are you meeting that kind of guy? Werent you going to see Miss Surfania today?

She puffs her cheeks as if telling me she isnt in a good mood.

I want to poke her soft and adorable cheek with my finger, but this will probably put her in a worse mood instead.

But I did. Shes a shut-in as usual.

Really?

Yeah. I brought her to see Leon.

You went with Miss Surfania?

Yeah. You got along with her pretty well for a first time. Theyre surprisingly compatible with each other.

Michelie crosses her arms in thought.

I see thats fine, then. As long as hes not another one like Charles

Yeah. Leons studying at the church, under Mariwas guidance. For free, too.

I stop myself from complaining about the unfairness of having to pay for my education. Its not like I want to disturb Mariwas privacy anyway.

Ah, Miss Mariwa was there too.

Well? If you want to meet him, I could bring you along next time, you know?

I was thinking about making this a routine for Surfania when were both free, too.

I brought this up because I remember seeing Michelie look a lot happier after our first meeting with Leon, but she shakes her head without giving it too much thought.

Nope, its fine. I dont remember him much anyway. Since it looks like theyre getting along pretty well, why dont you bring Miss Surfania next time?

Yeah, youre right.

Good luck, Leon.

Im relieved that shes not taking it to heart, but also cheer him on for his unrewarded efforts.