Chapter 47
“Wow… Reina, what is all this?”
“Today is Estelle’s birthday! So I put in a little effort! Happy birthday, Estelle!”
Estelle, who had just woken up and come out of her room, was completely surprised.
Unlike her usual breakfasts, which were simple and easy-to-digest foods, a lavish spread had been prepared.
And the dishes were all things she had never seen before.
“You prepared all this? By yourself?”
As Estelle walked to the table, her voice trembled without her realizing it.
The table was completely filled, leaving barely any empty space, with the cake at the center.
Even though the food was unfamiliar, she could tell at a glance that they were labor-intensive dishes.
And surely, Reina must have gotten up early in the morning to prepare everything.
Estelle looked at Reina with trembling eyes.
“These are dishes you’ve never seen, right? They’re from where I lived before meeting the Moris couple. The ingredients are a bit different here, so I was worried, but I tried to make them as close as possible. I hope they suit your taste, Estelle!”
How could they not? They were made by Reina.
Made solely for her, thinking only of her.
How could they possibly not taste good?
“Here, sit down. Ah, should we light the birthday candles first?”
Estelle sat in the chair Reina pulled out for her.
Right in the center of the table.
From there, all the food could be seen clearly, and with just a small reach, even the dishes at the far ends could be touched.
It made the spread even more impressive.
Each dish was full of Reina’s heartfelt effort.
“Reina…”
“Where’s the match… wait. Why, why are you crying!”
“I’m touched…”
Big tears fell from Estelle’s eyes.
Seeing this, Reina, who had been looking for matches, rushed to her.
She grabbed a handful of tissues and gently wiped Estelle’s tear-streaked face.
“Don’t cry, Estelle. Why are you crying over this?”
“It’s irresistible… I can’t help it. It’s all your fault, Reina.”
She had made her this emotional. How could she not cry?
“W-We have to eat soon! If you cry like that, your eyes will swell!”
“I don’t care!”
In the end, Estelle just broke down and cried.
In front of her birthday feast. From the very morning.
Trust: 110 (+11)
Sensitivity: 45 (+15)
“Do your eyes hurt?”
“No, I’m fine.”
She had cried so much since morning. Even now, well past lunchtime, Estelle’s eyes were still swollen.
And they were red too, probably irritated from rubbing them.
I furrowed my brows, lowered myself to Estelle’s level, and gently rubbed around her eyes with a concerned expression.
“What is this? On such a pretty face…”
“Not pretty anymore?”
“No, you are. Extremely pretty.”
Estelle giggled.
Seeing her like that, a small smile escaped me as well.
“So, Estelle. Is there anything you want as a birthday gift?”
“I got plenty this morning. Do I need another?”
“That was just the meal. Gifts are separate.”
“That’s enough already…”
Estelle trailed off, avoiding my gaze.
She fidgeted with her toes, making small noises.
“Then… I want a book.”
Estelle whispered softly, almost inaudible.
But of course, I, always attentive to her, heard it clearly.
A book. Then our destination was the bookstore.
“Let’s go!”
I held Estelle’s hand, heading for the bookstore.
As expected.
True to her nature, loving to learn, Estelle flourished in the bookstore.
She darted around as if she had never hesitated or pondered anything.
“I’ve seen this, and this… where’s that book?”
If I hadn’t brought her, I’d have felt left out.
‘Adorable.’
I watched Estelle with a pleased expression.
Soon, Estelle approached me, holding the books she had chosen.
“All done, Reina.”
Despite her bustling about, she had picked only two books.
“Only two?”
“Yes!”
She smiled and showed me the books:
You Can Do It Too! Swordsmanship from Zero – Theory Edition
Do You Know Farming? Tips for Beginner Farmers!
…The titles seemed unusual for Estelle, but she had chosen them with enthusiasm.
“Why just two? You could have chosen more.”
“I thought about getting one more…”
I hoped she wasn’t worried about my finances. I didn’t want a child to have unnecessary concerns about adult matters.
She continued, “I thought about getting The Law of the Universe and Human Life, but the academy library has a newer edition, so I’ll borrow it there.”
I nodded. If Estelle said so, it must be fine.
I took her books to the counter to pay. The shopkeeper muttered, “I never thought someone would buy this,” but I ignored it.
Estelle needed these books!
“I wish I could buy more. If you see any other books you want later, let me know, okay?”
“Yes!”
Estelle hugged her books tightly, cheeks flushed, smiling brightly.
…Estelle really was adorable.
Later, we walked through the plaza.
We had no fixed destination.
The purpose of the day was simply to let Estelle go wherever she wanted.
I just followed her.
‘Cute Estelle. Her steps are so light, like a rabbit.’
Perhaps because she finally had the books she wanted, her steps were almost bouncing.
She hopped here and there, like a happy little rabbit.
I watched her from behind, smiling, and spoke.
“Estelle.”
“Yes?”
“Is there anything else you want to do? Anywhere you want to go?”
Even if we followed her wherever she wanted, I was curious.
Knowing her destination might let me prepare something special for her there.
But Estelle’s reaction was strange.
She pressed her lips together, avoided answering, rolling her eyes slightly.
“Why? You can speak freely.”
“Well… actually, there’s nowhere I particularly want to go.”
Estelle scratched her cheek with her index finger.
“I haven’t thought of any place… I’m happy just walking here like this.”
Her voice softened. Her tiny cheeks flushed like apples.
“Because I’m with you, Reina.”
“…!”
Unbelievable. How could such a cute creature exist in this world? How could she be right in front of me?
I hurried over to her.
And then—
“Re-Reina? It’s suffocating!”
I hugged Estelle.
I couldn’t help it; the inner “fangirl” monster in me was screaming.
‘Ah! How dare she say such heart-grabbing things so casually! So adorable!’
If I spoke aloud, Estelle might feel burdened.
So I held her tighter, letting her warmth calm my inner monster and hold onto my rationality.
Then suddenly, a familiar voice called out nearby:
“Miss Reina and Miss Estelle?”
unlock soon…~