'Sister, I'll go water the flowers!
'Hey, you guys are 'coming'!
'I'll say that next time!
'Hey!Wait for me!

The children are running around energetically today.
All the children here are really good, and they are growing up pure and straight.
It is always me who is encouraged by them.

'...... I shouldn't. I can't look at them like this, I'll make them feel uneasy.

I say to myself in the empty common room.

............ Will Yashiro's memory ever really return?

'Sister!Onigiri no tsukemono!
'Sister, I haven't eaten breakfast...'

Two of Loretta's brothers brought me rice balls.
These kids are really thoughtful and they got along well with the kids who were in the church before.
They are really kind, cheerful, and well-behaved children.

'Thank you very much. But I don't think I can eat at ...... right now. If you want, you can share it with us.
'It's a gift from the sisters!
I feel like I'm getting something!

The two of them split one rice ball in half and chewed it together. It was so cute that I was soothed by it.
Although they may be a little too simple, I sincerely hope that they will grow up straight like this.

''Well, I'll be in the chapel, so please call me if you need anything.
''Yes!
''Please go play with the others.''
''I'm all yours!
''I'm good at that kind of thing!

I couldn't help but feel my cheeks relax as I watched their backs as they cheerfully ran off.
......, but they soon stiffen up again.
It's true. When will I ever get over my worrying nature?
Ginette is often amazed at me. 'You worry too much, Sister.
I don't think Ginette can speak for others, either.

When I entered the chapel, I went to the confessional.
And ............ 'just one more time,' I promised myself. ......

'............ Huh.'

I let out a sigh.
No matter how much I sigh, the heavy feeling in my chest will not go away. I know that, so I try not to sigh. ......

'God of Spirit......'

I kneel before the Goddess of Spirit and fold my hands in prayer.

But what should I pray?

I pray that his memory will return. ......
Or is it ...... that he will not be overwhelmed and in pain?

Regina said that if he loses his memory, he will have to start all over again.
It's not as if he's going to disappear, so maybe that's okay.
He is a good-natured man, a little twisted and mean, but he is a man who walks around in clothes of kindness. I'm sure he'll show that kind face again soon.

Regina also said that it takes a lot of strength to recover memories .......
He said he fainted when he tried to force his memory back. ......

I don't want to put that kind of burden on him.
All I can do is ............

'Please ...... let his mind be at peace'.

The only thing I can do is to say a sincere prayer.

'Hahahaha!

Suddenly, there was a buzz out front.
Children seemed to be making noise in the garden.

The breakfast that Ginette always comes to make is always early in the morning because she has to prepare her store.
The children go to bed early and wake up early to accommodate this.
So they are always full of energy even at this time of the day.

However, I always remind them to avoid running around with loud voices until the sun comes out.
I know that some people want to sleep well in the morning.

The children always obey these instructions and spend their time until sunrise watering the fields and repairing daily necessities in the common room.

It's been a long time since these children have been this excited,............, since that day when he first visited here, hasn't it?

'......No way.'

I left the confessional, feeling my heart beat unconsciously faster.
I went around to the entrance and went out to the garden. ......

'I told you, one at a time!
'Hahahaha!That's scary!
'Ooooh, scary!Yay, yay, yay, yay!

Mr. Yashiro was spinning around with the children on his arms.
...... just like that day.

'Haha...... haha............ you guys, you're growing in number, you're growing and getting heavier...... But your softness is still immature. ............ You're a mess!
''Yes!I'm not sure what to say.


'I don't know what you're so happy about!

Yashiro sets the children down and breathes on their shoulders.
His words may be rough, but they contain an immeasurable amount of kindness. ......

'Hah~......I'm tired of this. It's a good idea to take it easy on yourself, since you're already an old man.
'''' old man! ''''
'It's okay to say it to yourself, but it's annoying when people say it to you!
'''' Yikes!I'm angry. ''''
''''Turn me around! ''''
I'm angry. '''' ''''
'I told you, no more than one per person!Don't get in line!'

...... giggle.

'Hmmm... ............ hmmm...'

It's strange.
As soon as I saw his ......Yashiro-san face, the anxious feeling that had weighed me down earlier disappeared in an instant.

I don't care if it stays like this.
If Yashiro-san can show me a peaceful expression like this,...... even if he forgets about me,............

'Can I have a moment?

Pulling away from the crowd of children, Yashiro came in front of me.
He turned his usual quiet gaze to me.

No matter what time of day it is, his eyes are always a mixture of the quietness of the dawn sky and the sadness of the dusk sky. ......
...... It seems that way to me.
I'd like to get a glimpse into the depths of his heart. ...... I can't say that I don't have such a petty ...... desire.

But Yashiro's heart is Yashiro's own.

I can only stay by his side and watch over him gently.
So, the answer to your question is always the same.

'Yes. That's fine.'

I'll do whatever I can.
I want to do it.

I move away from the children to a place where we can talk alone, and the silence between us is strangely soothing now.

She's a strange one, isn't she?
Just being there makes me feel safe.

'To tell you the truth, ......'.

As they walked, Yashiro began to speak.
I guess he thought it would be smoother than talking to me face to face.
I look at him casually and fluidly.

'I've been thinking about hiding somewhere for a while - specifically, until this seed blooms.

For a moment, the world went dark.
It was only for a moment, but it felt like I had been hit in the back of the head with a blunt object.

Mr. Yashiro must have sensed my slight agitation for just a moment. Suddenly, his tone of voice changed to a gentle one.

'I thought I would be able to do well. To forget everything and then pretend that I hadn't forgotten and start all over again. Because I'm a liar.

Perhaps Mr. Yashiro could pull off something like that.
It's ...... without even letting me or Jeannette notice, but it's ............

'Isn't it hard?

To continue to deceive people for a long time is, perhaps, ...... a burden that exceeds the capacity of the human mind.

I don't want to ............ burden Mr. Yashiro with that kind of work.

'I want you to do what you think is best for you. But there is only one thing ......'.

That may be a selfish wish.
Even though I knew that, I couldn't help but say it.

'If you forget about me, please ...... honestly tell me so. I want to make our memories together again from there.

I don't want to continue to torment you without you knowing it.
I'm not going to let Yashiro take over the pain and loneliness that I was supposed to bear. ......

I'm sure everyone is feeling the same way.

Suddenly, Yashiro said something like that.
I felt like it was an unexpectedly leaked ...... true feeling. ......

'I think you're right.

I replied.
This is just my guess, but I'm sure you all feel the same way.

'Because ...... everyone loves you, Yashiro-san. ...... Including me, of course.'

You can't let him suffer alone again.
That's what I thought on the day of the gluttony contest.

''Yeah. I think so too. ...... I think everyone is thinking the same thing. ............ So.'
'......ah'.

The look in Yashiro's eyes at that time was very lonely. ............

'......I think it would have been fine even if the memories of me were gone. You can do it all over again. ...... You can do it all over again.

I ...... regretted it intensely.
That's not true. ......

'No, you don't!

I let my emotions get the better of me and I shouted out in a way that would have earned me a failing grade as a parent guiding children.


This frustration is an irritation to myself.

How careless I have been.

It was not the right thing for anyone around me to do, to think of 'starting over' and even to say something like that. ......

'...... I'm sorry. I'm sorry I raised my voice. ............ I'm sorry.'

My second apology is for being ashamed of my carelessness.

'Crap ............'.
'......?'

As I was struggling with how to apologize for my rudeness and insensitivity, Yashiro suddenly began to shake his shoulders and laugh.
I couldn't understand what was going on and could only open my mouth in a daze.

'...... bad ............ joke'.
'It's ............ a joke?

What exactly is a joke?

'I don't think so, man. Even though my memory is confused, the only thing I can't remember is the name. It doesn't mean I've forgotten the time we've spent together. So ......'
'--Hmmm!

My ears were suddenly pinched and a voice leaked out that I couldn't understand.
What is this? What is this? ............ I thought I had lived long enough to have gained a lot of composure, but ...... ......When I'm with Yashiro, he makes me discover things about myself that I didn't even know I had.

'Oh, that ...... thing about puffing women's ears without permission is ............ that ......'.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'd like to know what you think. But if someone were to see me like this,............

It's funny. In my memory, if you fluffed his ears, he would have been happy with a 'mwah'. ......'
'Isn't that the memory of another person, Mag ......?

Regina said that Yashiro is having trouble remembering our names right now and will experience pain if we try to force him to remember.
Even if it's someone else, let's refrain from mentioning their names.

'Hmmm ...... I wonder if that's true...'
'Hmm ......, you're joking again. You know what you're doing, don't you, Yashiro-san?
'Did they find out?
'I know. ......I also know that you're doing it so that people will find out.

I'm sure Yashiro-san can fool us all.
He has the brains, the guts, and the kindness to do so.
That's how much power ...... he has to fool us, for us.

That's why he's making such a transparent joke on purpose.
It's a joke that Yashiro likes to play.

Mostly ......

'Actually, I've always wanted to try plucking one of these. Those pointy ears.

...... I figured it would be something like that.

'No, you can't. To have such a desire to touch a woman's skin, and then to do it without permission.
'I'm sorry, Spirit God.
'...... Is that supposed to be a penance?'
'Hmm?Isn't that enough?

What a ...... person you are.

If you say it with such an innocent face, how can I be angry with ...... you?

'Now, please take your hands off me. You'll ...... lose your ears.'

I can tell such a joke that could be considered a lie to Mr. Yashiro.
He is a valuable person.

...... In truth, I'm just embarrassed to have my ears touched when they're hot with embarrassment.

'Yashiro-san. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it.
'Do you want to have the wedding cake all to yourself?
'That's tempting, but it's something else.
'Do you want me to hold it under my arm and twirl it around?
'I believe that's an extra charge for adults ......?Hmmm. I might be able to pay for it now. I've got some extra income.

I was paid by the lord for this and that before and after the wedding.
I offered that I didn't need the money because all the activities associated with the wedding were done out of service, but Mr. Yashiro told me that I needed to draw a line because without it, the wedding itself would fall apart in the future, and that if I felt that way, I should save it instead of spending it and use it as a reward for my children.
So I accepted the payment, though it was presumptuous of me.

Finally, Mr. Yashiro said one more thing.
'Even so, this is your money, and you should spend it as you see fit.

I'm tickled by the idea of 'my money'.
When I'm told I can spend it freely, I wonder what I should spend it on.

That's right. It might be a good idea to let me use it in this kind of situation.

'Yashiro-san. Can I ask you a favor?'
''Hmm?''
'I'd like to go around in circles.'
'Hey, hey, ...... that was supposed to be a joke. ......'
'Yes, I know. But just now, I really wanted to go around.'
'Oh, ...... that was a bushwhacker ......'.



Mr. Yashiro covered his eyes with his hands and looked up at the sky.
Like this.
When he shows this kind of attitude, he says, 'I can't help it,' and grants our wish.
...... What should I do? I'm starting to get a little nervous.
What if I scream as loud as the kids?
Isn't it a bit of a shame?

I can't help it.

...... You see, I knew it.

'Then it will be 20Rb a time.
'Oh?That's a surprisingly low price.
'First time only. I'll take 500Rb next time.'
'Well, that's a good deal. Then I'll definitely ask for it. Mmm-hmm.

The more I talk, the lighter my heart becomes. ...... You really are a strange person, aren't you, Yashiro?

The more you talk, the lighter your heart becomes.
'Yes, that's fine.

As long as you don't hug me face to face, I'm sure you won't be embarrassed.

'In that case, you will be forced by force majeure to resist, and you will be grabbing both breasts. ......'
'Yashiro-san. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the penitentiary has just been opened.

He smiled, and Yashiro's mouth stopped moving.
I don't mean to look so scary, but Yashiro always shuts up when I do this.
Is he that scared?
But it's Yashiro's fault.

'Well, then, let's hold her legs and swing her around. In that case, the centrifugal force will cause your skirt to rise up and expose your pants. ......'
'Yashiro-san.'

Mr. Yashiro's expression became even more tense.
I wonder why he is so disciplined in doing something that he knows the outcome of.
If we don't talk about s*x, will it shorten our lifespan?

'So ...... this is it, okay?

You'll be able to get a lot more out of it.
...... Ah, after all, if you're going to be swinging an adult around, you'll need to hold them firmly in place, I suppose.
We hugged facing each other, I put my arms around Yashiro's neck ...... and Yashiro put his arms around my waist ............. I think.

I'm sure that Yashiro was hiding his embarrassment because he was embarrassed in this position.

Then you're safe.
I wasn't the only one who was embarrassed.

'Excuse me.
'......'.

Feeling a little nervous, I gently leaned my body against Yashiro's chest and put my arms around his neck.


............ It's quite embarrassing.

'Then I'll turn you.
'Yes, ............'.

I heard Yashiro's voice in my ear,......, and I couldn't see his face anymore.
I clung to his neck and stiffened.

--and.

'Hmph!
'Yes ............!

Suddenly, my body lifted into the air.
No, it wasn't sudden, because you told me to turn it, but my understanding couldn't catch up with the feeling of floating and running that I had never experienced before.

'Kya!A little ............ palm ............ yaaaaaah!

My legs lifted up, and I was enveloped in a floating sensation that made me think that my body was level with the ground.

I'm scared.
Why do children want me to do such scary things over and over again?

'Ouch!Aaaaah!Aaaaaaahhhh!

I can't keep my voice down.
Loud voices naturally escape from my mouth.

It's really scary.
And yet,......, I can feel Yashiro's warmth right there,............, which makes me feel strangely calm. ............ Ah, I think I understand a little bit why the children are so fascinated.

They just want to be pampered by you, don't they?
Just like me right now.

'Oh, dear!Oshimai!'

I'm no longer floating, my feet are on the ground.
But ......

'Oh, ......!
'Hey, are you okay?

My knees were weak and I was leaning on Yashiro.
My legs are shaking uncontrollably.

'I'm sorry, ............, can I stay like this for a bit?
'...... How can I refuse in this situation? ............'

It was a voice with an air of 'I can't help it'.

'......Hah............ was scary.'


'It's pretty tough for adults, isn't it?
'But it was ...... fun.'
'............ Next time, it'll be 500Rb.'
'Then I'll do my best to save up.'

We joked with each other, hiding our embarrassment. ............ Suddenly, an inexplicable feeling of loneliness came over me.
I really wanted to say the 'ridiculous selfishness' that I had almost said earlier, but didn't.

...... It was probably a selfish thought that drove Yashiro into a corner and made him suffer. ............

'Yashiro-san: ............'

It is a feeling that I, as a Sister, may not be allowed to have. ............

'Please don't forget me ......'

And yet, such childish selfishness ............ has been spoken out of my mouth.

'............n'.

My head was cradled in a hug and pressed against Yashiro's chest.
I could smell his scent in my nose and hear his heartbeat in my ears.

'...... ago. You once did this to me when I was very anxious before a big eating contest, right?You were so calm.

His voice was so warm that it seemed to be coming from Yashiro's heart, shaking my eardrums and penetrating my heart.

'That's why I decided that someday, when Bertina gets anxious, I'll do this for her.
'............What?

I couldn't help but think that I really wanted to be wrapped in that warmth a little longer,......, but I pulled my body away and looked into Yashiro's face.

'Yes, now............'.

Yashiro said, "Bertina," ......

'I'll listen to your selfishness. I'll never forget Bertina.'
'Yashiro, ............'

I'm so happy ......
That one word made me so happy ......

Something hot was rising in the back of my eyes. ......

But you mustn't cry.
There are still a lot of people who are anxious, so we should not think only about ourselves and be happy. ............

I'm not sure what to say.

I turned to him with all the strength I could muster.

'Haha. That's fine. It's not like we've never met before. It's just me and Bertina, right?

Yeah.
He's not fair. ......

You can't be mad at ...... him if he shows you such an innocent face.

You can't be mad at him.

...... is the only one who can call me that.
I didn't say the part that said.

'Oh ......'

Suddenly, a seed fell from inside Yashiro's clothes.
This is the seed of a parasitic demon plant: ......

'Whoosh!That's the first step!

Yashiro clenched his fists in a spirited voice.
The first step...... meant that Yashiro hadn't given up from the start.
He must have planned to remember everyone's name from the beginning.

That's right.
Because it's you, Yashiro.

Mr. Yashiro would never do anything ...... that would make us even a little sad.
It was obvious, but ............ I'm not ready yet.

'Yashiro-san'.

From now on, Yashiro will be fighting a battle with himself.
With a strong heart, not defeated by the demon plant.

I think you should give him some words of encouragement, but you shouldn't. Once you've been spoiled, you tend to be spoiled. ...... I decided to tell him how I really feel.

I'm glad that you came here first.

It's the first place you can turn to when you're in trouble.
I want to continue being such a place.

That's what I've always wanted to be.

'If you need anything, you can always count on me.
'Oh. I know.

I see. So you do understand.

'Well, I'll be back in a bit.
'Okay. Good luck.'

Yashiro-san raised his arms and ran.
I watched him go until his back was out of sight.


Mr. Yashiro.
Please don't forget me.

I'll always, always, always be watching over you.