Relationship with Hisaba

“If it is only that, Miss Leni may do as she pleases. After all, those tools are not used much in our daily lives.”

“That is wonderful. I was worried it might interfere with your work, but it seems there is no problem. Thank you, Miss Hisaba.”

“It is my honor to be of help. And…”

Hm?

Hisaba was faltering, her words trailing off. I instinctively looked over and found her turning her head to the side, a faint blush visible on her cheek.

“Is it not about time… to stop calling me ‘Miss Hisaba’?”

Ah.

True. Since a relationship of trust had been established, maintaining such respectful titles could, in a way, be seen as a refusal to acknowledge that bond.

“I thought treating each other with such mutual respect was quite nice?”

“It isn’t nice at all, Miss Leni.”

She shot back a rejection instantly. Although only one side of Hisaba’s face was visible due to her injury, the intensity in that single eye was no less than that of any ordinary person.

“But look, are you not also calling me ‘Miss Leni’?”

“Th-that is different! Miss Leni is an honored guest, how could I not show respect—”

“Sister Hisaba! How are we supposed to do this?” “Do these dry branches go in the square, meow?”

As Hisaba and I were talking, several children running from not far away interrupted our chat. They were each clutching materials to be used for the festival. Judging by the dry wood, they were likely planning to light quite a bonfire.

“There is a designated storage area in the square. Uncle Momo is managing things there. Did you notice him earlier?”

“Ah! Uncle Momo!” “Yes, we saw him!”

“Then just take those things to him.”

“Okay!” “We’re going now, Sister Hisaba!”

Children are always so energetic, even when the weather is this cold.

Watching those children—whose ears were pricked up in excitement—run off with a hop and a skip, the smiles blooming on their faces felt somewhat piercing.

“I envy them a little.”

“Miss Leni?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing. I just meant…”

My childhood was not a pleasant one.

Perhaps mentioning hardship in front of children who suffered like this would inevitably spark controversy, but… the moments in my memory that brought me joy were pitifully few. My entire memory was filled with the constant sensation of losing things.

I’m getting distracted; now is not the time to think about such things.

“I meant that you are truly kind, Miss Hisaba.”

I supplemented my words before the pause could feel intentional, trying my best to sound natural.

“Because… this is all I am able to do.”

Hisaba did not show pride or shyness at my compliment. As she watched the children disappear into the distance, a trace of sorrow drifted through her gaze.

“I see.”

Her eyes seemed to travel through time, as if she were looking at something other than the present scene. I caught a faint glimpse of that image, but as a mere bystander, I had no right to interfere.

“I think this festival will surely be very lively, Hisaba.”

However, I was unwilling to remain silent.

“I will work hard to make this festival unforgettable for you as well, Miss Leni—Miss Leni!?”

Realizing something a beat late, Hisaba turned to stare at me with wide eyes.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. I believe the storage shed is this way? I have matters to attend to.”

“W-wait! Miss Leni! Just now, you!”

Taking a step ahead to put some distance between us, I turned my body slightly.

“Good luck with the festival preparations, Hisaba.”

“……”

Hisaba was stunned for a moment. After that brief blank space, she finally processed what I had said.

“Yes. Please look forward to it, Leni.”

With a slight blush appearing on her face, Hisaba gave a radiant smile.