Chapter 18: I’ll keep my distance
“Welcome back, Aliseteen. Did you enjoy your walk with his Highness?”
“Yes, very much. The rose garden here is truly beautiful.”
I run over to Otoo-sama and he gently strokes my head. Although his question’s answer is slightly off, Otoo-sama gives me a strange look, but I pretend not to notice and smile.
I am enveloped in a pleasant scent, and it seems like I even smell like roses.
As I sniff my own scent, I catch Julian-sama’s gaze.
Well, this is rare. He hardly ever looks my way.
Resentment from the past wells up inside me, and I confirm that no one is looking before I turn my head away with a huff.
Don’t think that I’ll like you again the second time, Julian-sama. I can’t be disrespectful due to our positions, but I’m no longer interested in you.
But still, your face is so beautiful. I could gaze at it forever.
When I looked back at him again, our eyes met once more. Julian-sama turned his face away from me, just as I did earlier.
What a terrible personality he has.
Trembling with anger, I leaned against Otoo-sama.
“Otoo-sama, I’m tired.”
“Ah, I see. Then let’s say goodbye.”
When I pretended to rub my sleepy eyes, Otoo-sama kindly picked me up in his arms.
Goodbye Julian-sama. I hope we’ll meet again sometime in the far future.
As expected, I am still only five years old. Once I dislike someone, I cannot stand them. From then on, I did not look at him again and left the royal residence in Otoo-sama’s arms.
ーーSeveral days later, Julian-sama seems to be coming here for some reason today. Since morning, I have been sticking close to Lili and not leaving her side.
“Oh my, Oh my, Aliseteen-ojosama.”
Despite looking troubled, Lili does not reject me. As someone who is completely captivated by her, I inhale the sweet scent that emanates from her with my tiny lungs.
“His Highness will be here soon, so let’s get ready.”
“Do I really have to? I don’t want to see him.”
“Well, it can’t be helped.”
I grab the hem of her apron dress and pouts as she bends down to the same eye level as me, smiling gently.
“Everyone has things they’re not good at. But encountering someone is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Everything has meaning.”
“…I’m sure there’s no meaning in spending time with Julian-sama.”
No matter how close we become, in the end, I will be abandoned. What meaning could there be in a road that leads to such a despairing future?
Lili patiently comforts me, despite my stubborn reluctance. She empathizes with my feelings and gently advises me.
Strangely, her words penetrate my heart without any resistance.
“Any experience will surely become an important key that will save Ojo-sama someday. If you ever feel lost, let’s think together with Lili?”
“…Yes, I understand.”
As a devout follower of Lili, I nod vigorously at her words. And I vow once again in my heart that I will never do anything foolish like firing her in this new life, no matter what happens.
“I’ll prepare to welcome Julian-sama!”
“Leave it to this Lili …”
I stand up, put my hands on my hips and spread my chest. Lili giggles and gently strokes my head.
Now, come at me from anywhere, Julian-sama. This Aliseteen won’t run or hide!
