For now I decided to return to the mansion, but on my way out of the castle I found a back I recognized.
And next to him .. one more person.
As I was trying to call out to him, getting closer, the two of them noticed me.
Aren-sama walked closer to me with a smile, but as for the other one ..
They were drawing closing with incredible momentum!
“Ririina-oneesama—-!”
Saying so they hugged me.
She was a bit different from what I had imagined ..
If they got hugged with such vigor as just now a normal person would be sent flying, you know.
“Finally. I can finally meet Ririina-oneesama! Me, I am moved!”
Anjiu-sama was clinging to me with teary eyes.
Aah, it kinda feels like I made a cute girl cry, that’s really troublesome.
Are? Why is everyone gently smiling at us like they’re seeing something heartwarming from a distance, while observing us?
The only one who noticed that I was troubled by what to do was Aren-sama.
“Hey! Anjiu, let go of Ririina-sama! She is really troubled.”
Anjiu-sama, hearing that, looked up at me.
“Ririina-oneesama is troubled? .. Ah, erm, excuse me. I just, always, always wanted to meet you. And so, ehm, for suddenly running wild .. I am sorry!” [1]
Not with her face full of tears of happiness, but with a forlorn, uneasy expression she apologized to me.
I talked to her with as gentle a voice as possible so as to not to frighten her.
“It is not like I am angry. It was just so sudden that I didn’t know what to do. Ano, you are Anjiu, aren’t you? The real one.”
Hearing my words she vigorously nodded her head.
Are? I feel like I saw someone else do that very same thing recently .. well, whatever.
“Sorry from me too, Ririina-sama. Anjiu absolutely wanted to meet you, and wouldn’t listen at all.”
“That’s because it’s unfair for only Aren to! Despite knowing that I wanted to meet Ririina-oneesama.”
Protested Anjiu-sama puffing up her cheeks.
Still, I have been noticing something subtle since just now, why the Onee-sama?
“Did you two come here and wait in order to meet with me?”
“Ah, yes! We are more or less part of the Duke’s house but with what happened this time, and since we were commoners until only recently we were hesitant to visit you at your mansion. Which is why we waited here.”
“Is that how it was. You specially waited for me. Thank you ver much. I am happy too that I got to meet you, Anjiu-sama.”
As I said so with a gentle smile, Aren-sama and Anjiu-sama both turned completely red.
‘Uwah~~ Ririina-sama’s smile’s destructive power is nothing to scoff at.’
The two took a deep breath, confirming with each other, and turned back to me.
“Ano, it may be bad manners to ask, so we are sorry for that, but .. is Ririina-sam planning to return to her territory after this?”
Aren-sama asked this as if it was difficult to do so.
It might be nice to spend the time peacefully while helping out Mother at the territory.
“Let’s see, it may not be right away, but I do want to return there, indeed.”
Hearing my answer the two looked at each other and nodded.
Then Aren-sama stated thus.
“Ririina-sama! We have a request to make. Would you please bring us along with you?”
Bring you along .. eh?
Aren-sama and Anjiu-sama to our territory?
“Ano, why would you ask such a thing? I inquired of the Duke before but he said he would let you freely live however you wished.”
“Ririina-oneesama, we have always wanted to meet you once more. And upon meeting you once me we got taken in by your character. Please, would you consider employing us? As you know Aren-sama has become good at fighting. I have been stacking up training as well in order to become like Ririina-oneesama. We won’t be a burden to you! We will do our very best to become useful to you, so please!”
The two of them lowered their heads.
Is it really alright to employ people like that?
Still ..
As I was worrying about this Brother, who’s figure hadn’t been visible since before, appeared suddenly.
“Isn’t it fine? They probably asked taking lots of things into consideration themselves.”
“Big Brother .. appearing so suddenly, what are you .. . What’s more, is your Mother fine with this? She should be in the capital, still?”
“Mother is .. it seems she is going to follow that idiot father. Even we only learned of it just yesterday so .. It turned out that Alek who we thought was our half-brother is actually our full brother. Mother gave birth to him. Well, talking about that here is also a bit, so we will tell you the details another time. Just, it appears Mother and Father both think dearly of each other.”
Said Aren-sama while being somewhat embarassed.
That Duke, despite having been confined to house (region?) arrest in his territory, seems like he’ll have fun.
Now then, I should be answering here as soon as possible, shouldn’t I?
Aah, mou, understood! I’m going to take care of you!
” .. I understand. Just in case I will get confirmation from Father, but if you two have the resolution for it I will take you back to the territory with me.”
Upon hearing my words Anjiu-sama was about to run wild again, but Aren-sama held her back.
They made a good combo.