Naruhito (69)
When I woke up, a kind-looking woman was gazing at me with a slightly anxious expression. I was lying in an incredibly soft bed. I couldn’t help but rub my cheek against it.
Wow, it feels so nice.
As I rubbed my face against it, the comfort made me feel like I could fall asleep again.
I sensed a soft laugh and felt the woman patting my back… gently, gently.
……… Who is she?
Where am I?
I can sense Grandpa’s presence, but since he hasn’t appeared, this must be a safe place.
"Little Naruhito, would you like to sleep a bit more?"
A gentle voice asked.
How does she know my name?
I stared at the woman’s face. I didn’t know her, but she sort of resembled Prince Akemi.
But Hiiro is way cooler.
"My name is Shizuku. Nice to meet you. You must be surprised waking up in an unfamiliar place, right? Hiiro will be here to pick you up soon, so let's wait together."
She explained slowly.
If Hiiro is coming to pick me up, it means he left me in Shizuku’s care while I was asleep. That must mean she’s someone important to Hiiro.
"My name is Naruhito. Hello."
I sat up and greeted her.
Aoba had taught me that when you meet someone during the day, you say “hello.”
"Yes, hello. You're so polite. Would you like something to drink?"
My throat was dry from just waking up, but is it okay?
"Um... well..."
"Water?"
A woman in the room immediately moved and brought water from the adjacent room. She handed it to me, saying, "Here you go."
The water wasn’t very cold...
"Thank you."
I drank a little and gave it back.
Hmm? Shizuku tilted her head.
"We also have juice."
But I can only drink Hirosue's juice...
As I hesitated, they brought out juice too.
Huh? The color looks just like my usual mixed juice.
As I stared at the cup, a straw was placed at my mouth. I tried sipping a little.
Huh? It's the same as my usual.
Feeling happy, I slurped it up. Yum. It was delicious.
"Oh my. I'm glad."
Shizuku was still holding the cup for me.
I hurried to take it from her, reaching out with my right hand.
"Here you go."
"Thank you..."
I looked up and saw a container of water. Inside, something red and white was moving. It swayed right, then fluttered left, and flipped back over to the right, drifting lazily. Its mouth opened and closed.
Wow, what is that?
"Do you like goldfish?"
Goldfish? So that's what it’s called.
"Do you want to feed it?"
A stepping stool was brought out, and I dropped some small pellets into the hole at the top of the container.
After stepping down, I watched.
Chomp.
Wow, it ate it.
Chomp, chomp.
Wow, it’s eating.
Ohh~ Amazing.
"Little Naruhito, come over here. You'll get tired if you keep standing."
Shizuku brought a rocking chair in front of the goldfish and sat down.
She held out her arms, inviting me.
Is it okay?
As I hesitated, the woman in the room lifted me up and placed me on Shizuku’s lap. Wow, she’s strong.
She hugged me snugly, and it felt so nice.
And right in front of me was the goldfish.
I was fascinated and kept watching. It’s alive, too. It ate food, after all.
"Thank you for taking care of him."
Hiiro’s voice suddenly startled me.
What do you think about this chapter?
