A Surprise Visit
Uncle stood up and turned slightly as he spoke.
“We’re going to visit the old man—your grandfather’s house.”
I immediately lifted my head at the surprise announcement, like an unexpected gift.
I asked, pressing my face against Uncle’s broad back.
“Really? We’re really going to visit Grandpa today?”
“Yeah.”
To visit Grandpa meant delicious food galore!
“Okay, Uncle! Oh, can I bring Grandpa a present too? The thing we had for breakfast was so good, I want to take it to him.”
“Take whatever you want.”
“Really? You really mean it?”
“Yeah.”
What’s gotten into Uncle?
I quickly answered before he could change his mind.
“Okay! Thanks, Uncle!”
Just the thought of giving Grandpa a gift and coming back with a full belly made me nod enthusiastically and head straight to my room.
Time to give it my all and get ready to go out!
“Yes! Let’s go!” I bolted off like lightning toward my room.
“Zenda! Uncle said we’re going to visit Grandpa!”
I shouted the moment I entered.
Zenda’s face darkened slightly.
“Zenda? What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”
“It’s nothing. I’ll help you get ready. Should I tie your hair in two braids and add some flowers?”
“Yes! Thanks, Zenda! Put two flowers, please.”
Zenda gently took my hand, and with a soft smile as if nothing happened, walked with me.
I smiled too. I loved seeing Zenda smile.
“Are you that happy?”
“Yeah, I like seeing Grandpa. Zenda, I’ll bring back lots of tasty things for you.”
Zenda’s face looked even more somber than before, but I figured it was because she was worried about me going with Uncle.
＊ ＊ ＊
“My precious baby!”
“Grandpa!”
The moment I got off the carriage, I ran straight into Grandpa’s arms—who was just as huge as Uncle.
Iliode de Valliart.
The head of House Valliart and my one and only Grandpa.
When I first met him, I was scared.
He had the same red hair and golden eyes as Mom, but he was so tall and big—like a mountain—that he seemed like a terrifying grown-up.
Uncle probably got his height from Grandpa.
Even though I was scared of him, Grandpa was always kind to me.
He’d tell me I was the best, always gave me delicious things.
He was so cool. One time, I cried because everyone—Mom, Uncle, and Grandpa—had red hair, but I was the only one with black hair.
The next day, Grandpa showed up with his hair dyed black just like mine.
It’s faded a bit now, but his reddish-black hair still looked similar to mine.
“My pup, what’ve you been doing not gaining any weight? That damn brat isn’t feeding you?”
Grandpa’s eyes glanced slyly at Uncle behind me.
I shook my head furiously.
“No! Uncle eats with me every day. Even this morning, we ate together!”
“Really? Good girl. Let’s go inside, then.”
“Yes, Grandpa! Oh! And I brought you a gift too. Uncle has it. It’s something really yummy!”
Grandpa laughed heartily.
“What could you possibly bring with those tiny hands? My baby coming to visit is already the best gift.”
“Hehe, but giving gifts is always a good thing!”
We’d always visited Grandpa’s house once a month with Mom.
I even stayed here for over two months before moving to Uncle’s. It felt like another home.
I checked behind to make sure Uncle was still following and then walked inside with Grandpa.
“Thank you, my darling. Have you been sleeping well?”
“Yes! I sleep great every night. What about you, Grandpa? Have you been sleeping well too?”
“This old man’s been so busy missing his pup, I couldn’t sleep a wink.”
“Gasp! That’s no good. Then let’s take a nap together later, okay?”
“Hoho, sounds perfect.”
“If you love her that much, why’d you send her away in the first place? Should’ve kept her by your side.”
“…What did you say?”
The warmth in Grandpa’s voice vanished in a flash.
“Am I wrong? You two really know how to throw blame around.”
Uncle said casually while picking his ear.
“I sent her to fix that rotten personality of yours, you disrespectful brat! Ugh, my precious baby, eat lots today. I bought you so many gifts.”
“Yes, Grandpa!”
After that thunderous scolding, Grandpa acted like nothing happened, taking my hand and leading me through the hall to a room lined with soft carpets where I could play.
It was the same room I always played in when visiting.
“Wow…”
On both sides stood towering five-tier cake stands like fountains, and beside them were piles of presents and treats.
“Do you like it?”
The moment I entered, I was greeted by a parade of sweets so fancy and fragrant, my eyes widened.
“I love it, I love it! Grandpa, can I eat all of this?”
“Of course. It’s all for you.”
“Yay, Grandpa! You have to eat with me too. Uncle, you too!”
Grandpa ruffled my hair.
His hand was so warm, it made me feel even happier. I smiled wide.
“Grandpa has to talk to your uncle for a bit. Just eat, and I’ll be right back.”
“Okay, Grandpa!”
＊ ＊ ＊
“I’m so full…”
I stuffed myself with sweets until I forgot all about Uncle and Grandpa.
The dessert mountain still looked nearly the same as before, but my stomach was so full it felt like it would burst.
“I miss Mom.”
Curled up on the carpet, I thought to myself.
Mom only let me eat half a slice of cake a day. She’d always scold me about brushing my teeth right after. Still, I missed her.
I’ll stare at Uncle’s face a lot later today.
I reached again for a half-eaten strawberry cupcake.
“Aika.”
As if answering my wish, Grandpa returned alone—not with Uncle.
“Grandpa! Come eat this with me! Wait, where’s Uncle?”
But Uncle was nowhere in sight.
“Aika.”
“Yes?”
Grandpa sat down beside me like I was, gently stroking my hair.
He said softly, “Let’s not go back to your uncle’s place. Stay here with Grandpa, just like before.”
“With you, Grandpa?”
“Yes. We’ll play fun games together, just like we used to.”
“Um…”
I blinked.
That sounded nice, but… what did that mean?
My brain froze for a moment, then spun into overdrive.
My eyes widened.
This wasn’t good! That meant Uncle had left me here!
Why?
“N-No, that can’t be!”
In my shock, I dropped my cupcake onto the carpet.
“Aika! Sweetheart!”
“Just a second, Grandpa!”
I leapt up and ran out of the room, even as Grandpa called after me.
Legs, run faster!
I had to catch Uncle before he left.
He had long legs and always moved fast.
If I was even a little late, he’d really leave me behind.
Maybe… maybe he wouldn’t come back at all.
Just like Grandpa said, Uncle was already outside, heading for the carriage.
“U-Uncle!”
I rushed down the stairs.
“Ah!”
But I was too hasty. My foot caught on the last step, and I fell hard with a loud thud.
“Ow…”
It hurt—a lot.
I tried to stand back up quickly, but my knee throbbed.
My chin hurt. Everything hurt.
My knee was scraped, bleeding.
“……”
I had to brush myself off and run to Uncle… but I couldn’t move. It hurt too much.
All I wanted was to help him.
I just wanted to be with him.
Why did it have to hurt so much?
Maybe it was because of the bleeding.
Slowly, my vision began to blur.
