Amira Came Home
When Anette, now renamed Amira, came to live with us, she brought absolutely nothing with her.
She explained that she would leave behind all the jewels, rings, and tiaras she possessed as a princess.
Among them were even photographs taken with Princess Rodenlight, which she chose to leave behind as well.
When I suggested she reconsider, she explained it was to avoid any unnecessary suspicions.
How incredibly wise of her!
Clothing wasn’t an issue, as my shop has plenty, and I could even make some on the spot.
Since she would be presented as my relative, it wouldn’t seem odd for me to provide her with an abundance of clothing.
Although Marquis Vardmoi advised against excessive generosity, there’s no way I could resist dressing up such an adorable little sister figure in cute outfits!
With all preparations complete, we were ready to depart.
However, once Amira left this room, she would no longer be a princess.
The maids in the room exuded an air of melancholy, sensing the finality of the moment.
I wondered if there was anything I could do to comfort them.
“Everyone, thank you for everything,” Amira said, addressing the maids and knights remaining behind.
It was only natural for her to speak, as she had been their leader.
“Thanks to all of you, I’ve been able to live safely until now. From here on, I’ll live as a townswoman in another place. Please take care of yourselves as well.”
“Yes, Princess Anette, please take care too.”
“Of course. Farewell.”
“It has been an honor to serve you, Princess Anette.”
Princess Anette was truly beloved.
Without looking back, Anette, now Amira, walked down the corridor with us, opening the door to step outside.
And with that, “Princess Anette” ceased to exist, replaced by “Amira.”
“… Well then, Lily, Amira. Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
“Please take care of me, Marquis Vardmoi.”
“Indeed.”
Marquis Vardmoi seemed somewhat conflicted about Amira addressing him so formally.
He must not have been accustomed to being treated as a superior by the princess he had served.
Then again, how often would such a situation arise?
Amira rode atop one of the Kiblinki Saltas spiders, flanked by two more as her escorts.
She didn’t seem to mind the Kiblinki Saltas, occasionally stroking their soft fur to feel its texture.
Given their ability to read minds, it was clear the spiders had accepted her, making their relationship harmonious.
We traversed the same long corridor as before, occasionally passing saluting soldiers, and eventually returned to the entrance of the Vardmoi estate.
I never would have guessed that such a labyrinthine section was hidden within the manor.
“Well then, Lily, Amira. From this point forward, I am the highest-ranking individual here. However, I shall never forget to show respect. Lily, do you require any assistance for now?”
“No, we’re fine. In the past few days, I’ve prepared a proper room for Amira, and we have reliable escorts in place.”
“I understand. I’ll provide support from the shadows as needed. Take care on your way back.”
Oh, right.
By taking Amira away, there’s always a risk of being attacked, even during the short trip back to my home.
… But surely the Kiblinki Saltas wouldn’t let anything slip past them.
In fact, we returned home without any incidents.
There were no infiltrators waiting for us at the house either.
The shop was closed today, and the Kiblinki Saltas who weren’t assisting the city guards were keeping watch from within the house.
Who would even think of attacking such a well-guarded home?
For today, we’ll hold a welcoming party for Amira to celebrate.
After all the hardships she’s endured, I’m determined to make sure she finds happiness here!
What do you think about this chapter?
