Youngest 051

Episode 51

“People make a lot of mistakes, you know?”

“Huh….”

“And we spend our lives forgiving and being forgiven. Children like you deserve to be forgiven all the more.”

The caretaker tapped her cocoa cup.

“First spicy, then sweet. Isn’t that the truth of life?”

“…”

Is it really that simple?

It was something I had never experienced in my past life.

One misstep meant the end. I probably misstepped twice, and so I had to lose my family twice.

The devastation and shame I felt each time I returned to the orphanage after being disowned still remained as a black lump inside me.

“And honestly, I don’t think you could have done anything all that bad. It’d be too much of a waste to let fear keep you away from such a good friend.”

“Ugh… Let me give you a certificate.”

“A what?”

“A counseling license…”

“Haha! You are adorable.”

She laughed heartily and ruffled my hair.

This time, we sat side by side, sipping cocoa.

A meal and dessert too. It felt like I’d been treated to a full course, but maybe thanks to that, my heart felt lighter.

After draining my cup, I rose to my feet.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“Oh?”

“Later, once everything’s over. I’ll tell my friend the truth and apologize.”

That might turn into a very long story. I’d have to start all the way from my previous life.

Will Mister believe me? I still can’t be sure.

“And I’ll ask… if I can stay by his side.”

I abandon my plan to leave.

‘When I’ve reached my goal, I’ll tell everything I’ve kept hidden.’

But I’ll still ask him to stay as my family…

The fear of being abandoned was still with me. But it was a little less than before.

And even if, in the end, I’m hated, at least it doesn’t mean the affection I received until now was fake.

‘It’s alright.’

I truly was all right now.

And only then did I feel ready to call for Mister again.

“I… I’d better go back now!”

I hopped down from my chair. Dusk was falling outside the window.

“All right. Take care! I won’t see you out!”

The caretaker waved from her place at the table. Looking at her beaming face, I waved back.

Just before I fully closed the door, I hesitated, then added,

“Um, I’ll make sure to tell everyone you’re not a witch!”

At that, the caretaker gave a soft chuckle.

See? She’s so kind and pretty—calling her a witch is just wrong!

I hurried back up the hill.

‘…Huh? Wait a second.’

My stride, light until now, suddenly faltered. I tilted my head.

‘Did I… miss something in that conversation?’

What was it? Or was it just my imagination.

“Ruby! Where have you been!”

“Ah, I’m coming!”

At Void’s voice calling from afar, I broke into a run again.

Well, it probably wasn’t anything important.

All I could think of was how much I wanted to go and call for Mister right away.

The door closed with a click, and through the window, an anxious child could be seen scurrying away into the evening. The woman propped her chin on her hand and watched for a long while.

A smile naturally played at her lips.

“A girl really does feel different.”

Whose daughter could she be?

Sir Yujen’s? Sir Hector’s? Or perhaps the daughter of one of the new knights they brought in?

“Looks like she came to the estate with her father.”

Did she get lost, perhaps?

According to Yuris, children of that age are forever being discovered in the most outlandish places. Always busier than the adults, forever exploring everything.

Thinking of that round, tear-stained face stirred a mixture of pity and amusement again. What secret, she wondered, had left one so small so heartbroken?

“Oh, I should have at least asked her name!”

Realizing too late, the regret only deepened.

How much time had passed?

By the time the memorial garden was shrouded in darkness and the fire in the hearth had died down.

The old hut’s door swung open without a sound.

“Come in.”

Only then did the woman rise. Within moments, the interior filled with shadows wearing black masks.

“It’s been a while, Hazel.”

Hazel, at the head of the shadows, gave a short, respectful bow.

“You’re back early, my lady. I thought it would take you longer.”

“Well, Liam took a shortcut, so I just came first.”

“And Master Liam?”

“He went off to buy a magical beast compendium, or something like that. Honestly, I don’t know what it is about boys that age—their interests are all the same, aren’t they?”

Rosetta Zevert let out a long, weary sigh, genuine exasperation tinging her voice. The affection beneath it made Hazel’s eyes smile.

“By the way, Eina. They’re calling you a witch, you know?”

“Is that so?”

One of the shadows cocked her head.

This hut was Rosetta Zevert’s secret base, shared with her mercenary maids. Few knew of its existence.

She’d spread all sorts of sinister rumors to keep people away, and it seemed to have worked quite well.

“You dyed your hair again.”

“Yes. Does it suit me?”

Hazel nodded, smiling. The pink hair was perfectly concealed—Rosetta’s new look was already familiar.

“By the way… was there someone here?”

At the question, Rosetta nodded.

“Oh, a little girl. Wandered into the garden by mistake, it seems.”

A little girl? There was a flicker of sharpness in the maid’s eyes.

“…Come to think of it, I did see a few knights with children today. Some sort of fool’s gathering, or something. I’ll inform them to be cautious.”

“No need, no need. Nothing wrong with children being around.”

Rosetta dismissed it lightly and stretched languidly.

“So, Hazel. You’ve taken quite a shine to Rubian, haven’t you? You’re all but a different person when you talk about her.”

Hazel dropped her gaze a little, awkwardly scratching her forehead.

“…Yes. Very much.”

Watching her, Rosetta smiled softly.

It had been over ten years since she’d rescued these women—once assassins for an illegal guild—and taken them in as her own maids and handmaids. Rosetta herself had fled that guild as a lowborn noble’s illegitimate child, detouring through many hardships before being adopted into a count’s family.

None of that would have been possible without Leviathan’s help.

‘Yes, I’m glad I didn’t kill him when we first met.’

Rosetta mused as she sharpened a long arrowhead, thinking of her beloved husband.

Then, suddenly, came the familiar restless patter of feet.

“Why in the world did Levi bring Rubian home? What kind of child is she? Oh, I’m so curious. I’m so, so curious I even dreamed about her!”

It was Rosetta herself who was most curious about Rubian.

The maids smiled knowingly and enjoyed her excitement. Each in turn spoke of Rubian’s cuteness and charm. Of course, Hazel contributed the most.

“I can’t wait to meet her and hug her tight.”

Even as she looked wistful, Rosetta simply gathered up her things.

“Well, it’s time we get going. Ipsen was it?”

“My lady, are you truly not stopping by the estate?”

Hazel added,

“His Excellency must miss you terribly.”

“No. He’s overprotective. I don’t like it.”

Her answer left no room for argument. Rosetta grinned, lazily spinning a finger on the tabletop.

“Honestly, I want to go to the Spring Festival, but you know he’ll order me to rest the second he sees me. Can you believe he still thinks I’m fragile? I’m not made of glass.”

“…”

“And the reason I came here first… was to spend some time with our dear girl after so long.”

Her blue eyes turned toward the distant garden.

The maids, knowing what memory that gaze lingered on, fell silent, grave-faced. Rosetta resolutely pulled on her coat.

“Come on. If I don’t clear out the magical beasts from the road to Ipsen, how can our kids enjoy the Spring Festival in peace?”

Rummaging among the clothes in the wooden wardrobe, Rosetta drew out a longbow hidden within.

The moonlight glinted on its string, bringing to mind the child’s silvery hair.

Would they meet again?

Rosetta smiled softly at the thought.

“Time to go and do a little real cleaning, as a proper housewife~”

She hoped they’d meet again.

And next time, she’d make an even sweeter cocoa.