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n

nThe streets of the peaceful and wealthy empire were filled with joyful people.

nThey happily walked along the beautiful streets, holding the hands of their family or friends.

n‘Don’t complain… Don’t.’

nIf she truly thought about it, Rieta’s life was not so bad.

nIt was just that her father was a lousy person.

nOther than that, she had met so many wonderful people.

nWhile trying to shake off the bad thoughts, the carriage had already reached the Duke’s mansion.

nIt stopped at the front door.

nThe Duke who got off first reached out his arms to Rieta after.

n“…..?”

n

n

n“We’re home. Won’t you get off?”

n“Yes..?”

nWhen Rieta asked back, he slowly replied in the Kingdom language again.

nWe’ve arrived at home.

nHe put a lot of stress on the word ‘home’.

nRieta felt awkward for some reason, and grabbed her dress.

n“I… can walk by myself.”

n“I know.”

nHe replied, but still reached out his arms towards her.

n“But the Princess shouldn’t walk alone.”

n“That’s…”

n“From a guardian’s perspective, I believe it would be better. Come here.”

nFor some reason, it was hard to go against him. Or maybe it was what she secretly wanted.

nWhen Rieta’s little hand touched his arm, he quickly lifted her up again.

nJust as he did in the palace.

n“….Thank you. You’re really sweet.”

nRieta mumbled, burying her head on his shoulder.

nHis face twisted slightly again.

nIt must have been because he was not so happy to be thanked like this.

n“I’m just fulfilling my duties as your guardian.”

nHe replied bluntly, and quickly walked towards the room used by Rieta.

nIt was a little dark inside the room.

nThat was because they had returned a little earlier than scheduled, so the maid in charge had not opened the curtains in advance.

nThe Duke usually thought that children needed sunlight, but at that moment he thought it was better to leave it like that.

nHe settled Rieta down by her bedside.

nAfter thinking for a while, she squeezed her knees together and looked at the young guardian.

nRieta grinned at him. It was a clearly forced smile.

nHe tried to say something, but in the end decided to keep silent.

nPerhaps, he thought, she would have more stories like this from her former life in the Kingdom of Liz.

nThey looked at each other in silence for a little longer in the soft darkness brought by the drawn curtains.

nHe looked at Rieta with a straight face.

nThe child just kept smiling at him. He shook his head with a slight smile.

nIt would have seemed a joyful smile to anyone who didn’t know better.

nAfter a long period of staring, Rieta began to fiddle with her lips in embarrassment.

nAfter all, Rieta is..

nJust a nine year old child.

nShe smiled again.

n“A little…”

nThe Duke’s voice cracks.

n“Would you like to sleep?”

nWhen Rieta nodded, the Duke lifted the blanket to help her lie down.

nIt would have been better to change clothes before sleeping, but he thought this time sleep took priority.

nHe covered Rieta with a blanket, and stayed with her for a while.

n“Now that I think about it.”

nThe Duke realized something important.

n“I think I need to buy a doll.”

n“….Yes?”

nWhen Rieta asked, he said the word ‘doll’ again in the language of the kingdom.

n“You’ll need it for sleeping. Do you have any favorite animal?”

nShe didn’t know why she needed a doll to sleep, but there was an animal she liked.

n“……I like squirrels.”

n“So the Princess likes squirrels…”

nThe Duke muttered to himself, like he was going to keep it in mind.

nRieta nodded softly.

n“Then, have a good sleep.”

n“….Yes.”

n“When you wake up, we’ll go out and find your favorite squirrel doll.”

n“……”

nHe carefully untied the ribbon on Rieta’s hair.

nHe was thinking it might be uncomfortable to wear to sleep.

n“Duke…”

nRieta thought carefully about her words, as she saw him untie the ribbon.

n“You’re so kind to me.”

n“I’m not being particularly kind.”

n“But…”

n

n

n“I’m your guardian.”

nThe Duke interrupted her words while emphasizing his position.

n“It’s still an unfamiliar position but now, little by little, I realise that it is my responsibility.”

n“Isn’t it….annoying?”

nIn response to her careful question, he pet Rieta’s hair, making it a little messy.

n“It doesn’t bother me.”

n“….Really?”

n“Really.”

nDespite the unwavering response, Rieta’s mind still seemed worried.

nMaybe she just needed time.

n