“Big brother!”
A warm embrace, her face rubbing against my stomach.
From what Fina had told me, I expected her to be able to speak.
It seemed we shared knowledge.
Her mental age was, well, younger than I’d anticipated, but mostly as expected.
Only her level of energy was unexpected.
I’m glad she’s happy, but I’m at my limit…
“Huh, big brother!?”
Fatigued and relieved that things had gone well, I collapsed onto the floor, unable to move.
It doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to stand on my own for a while…
“Oh dear. …Um, what should we call this girl?”
“Don’t ask me.”
Lumia and Spike exchanged glances. This girl, and her name…
She must have a name given to her by her parents, but they passed away when she was barely a year old.
She probably doesn’t remember. Grandfather also said there were no belongings that indicated her name.
“Ah, Chibi-Katia.”
“Huh? Me? Lu-chan.”
“Lu-cha…?!”
Lumia was speechless. It was probably the first time she’d been called by such a nickname.
“Ahem. We must let Katia rest, so step away—”
“No!”
“But, to move rooms, you’re quite conspicuous—”
“I don’t want to!”
Faced with such a straightforward, childlike refusal, Lumia looked lost. This room only has stiff chairs and a table.
“…Spike, Lily, do something.”
“Hmm, the room we’ll move her to is the one we originally planned for her to stay in… but not everyone in the castle knows about spirits. It’s a bit risky to move her as she is.”
She’s transparent, after all. Anyone who sees her will be suspicious.
“…Great Spirit of Fire…”
Princess Lily called upon the Great Spirit, seeking a solution. The Great Spirit, floating leisurely, let its voice rain down.
“That one is already a spirit, yet not a spirit. But she is within reason.”
“…?”
The princess tilted her head. But, being within reason means… Ah, I can’t. I’m too tired to think any further. Lumia probably understands, though.
“Our task is complete. We shall return.”
The Great Spirit of Fire vanished into the void. It seems to have returned to the princess.
“…Thank you very much.”
They may not be able to hear me anymore, but I’m grateful to the many spirits who lent their power for her sake. But, I’m too tired to even speak.
“In other words, she herself will have some idea of what she can and cannot do. Chibi.”
Lumia, who apparently understood, called out to her.
“What is it?”
“Can you disappear like that Great Spirit?”
“Eh? Um… If I go inside… big… big sister, maybe I’ll become invisible.”
“Like the princess’s Great Spirit, you are attached to Katia. Well, considering your origins, it’s only natural. Also, everyone here knows the situation. You can call him brother if you like.”
She was shouting it so loudly, anyway… Even if there were people who didn’t know, it’s too late to cover it up now.
“Mmm, I see. So, I just need to become invisible, right?”
“Yes, we need to let Katia rest. It wouldn’t be good to leave her on the floor like this, would it?”
“O-Okay. I’ll try.”
Her form turned into a palm-sized flame, floating gently. It suddenly accelerated and entered my chest area. Is this okay? I hope she doesn’t revert to her soul state again…
(Big brother looks tired, so I’ll be quiet!)
Whoa! That startled me!
“What’s wrong, Katia?”
Seeing me suddenly shudder, Lumia looked puzzled.
“…N-Nothing. I heard a voice in my head.”
“Hmm? …Ah, I see. It must be Chibi’s voice, right?”
“Yes.”
“The same phenomenon as the princess. Although, with only one, it should be quiet, right?”
Unlike the Great Spirit, which is a collection of thoughts, she’s just one person. It shouldn’t be too noisy in my head. I’m relieved that entering my body didn’t turn her back into a soul.
“…Yeah, I’m jealous…”
The princess looked at me with envy. Even though she’s expressionless. But to hear multiple spirit voices, like noise rather than direct calls, and still remain calm… Princess Lily is a little strange. What kind of mental structure does she have? …Anyway, does this mean I can call out to her as well? Let’s try.
(Hey.)
(What is it?)
It seems I can.
(Sorry, just calling.)
“Well, Katia, I’ll lend you a hand. Stand up for now.”
Spike tried to help me stand, supporting me. But I was greatly flustered.
“No, I couldn’t possibly trouble you, Spike-sama. If you could just tell me the location of the room, I can move there myself…”
“Don’t be foolish, you can’t possibly stand alone in your condition. Lily, Lumia, open the door.”
A Guard Candidate, being supported by the previous King… It’s quite pathetic, and I feel like it’s bad both in terms of status and appearances. As we exited the door, Kyoka, who was standing guard, looked surprised, as expected.
“Wh-What are you doing, Spike-sama!”
“Kyoka. I’m merely lending my shoulder to my best friend’s grandchild, that’s all.”
“What if someone sees you like this! …Sigh. Spike-sama, where are you taking her?”
“To a guest room. A single one, over there. It was recently renovated.”
“At least let me clear the way! Please wait a moment!”
Saying this, she gave me a hateful look for a few seconds, then hurriedly ran off. …I’m truly sorry. Kyoka seems used to dealing with Spike. Even if I offered to have her lend me her shoulder instead, he probably wouldn’t listen.
(…)
During the walk, I could feel her desperate desire to talk, holding herself back with all her might… She’s so cute. It reminds me of my cousin when she was little. She was also honest and—
(Am I cute?)
Wait, she can read my thoughts too?! How embarrassing! It seems everything is leaking out, even without consciously calling out to her.
(?)
…I guess I’ll just move in silence, without thinking anything. Thanks to Kyoka clearing the way, we reached the destination room without encountering anyone.
“Well then, we’ll be leaving for now. You must have a lot to talk about.”
“Indeed. Katia, we are planning a small dinner party for this evening. You don’t have to push yourself, but we’d be happy if you could join us.”
“…See you, later…”
The three of them left, leaving me alone with her. The assigned guest room was not overly extravagant, but it was well-built, reflecting the country’s emphasis on quality. It was a single room with a sofa, a small table, and a bed. I sat up on the bed, leaning against the wall. I want to talk to her before I sleep.
(Can you come out now?)
(Okay!)
I heard a lively reply, and a ball of fire emerged from my chest. Soon, the same small girl as before appeared.
“There are a lot of things I want to talk about…”
“Yes, yes! Me too!”
“Before that.”
“?”
There’s a problem we need to solve before we talk.
“Let’s do something about your clothes…”
Ever since she became a spirit, she hasn’t been wearing anything.