Rikimaru (9)
"Your Majesty."
My Sister-in-law bowed her head, placing her right hand on top of her left fist. I hurried to follow suit.
Naruhito! You can't just walk into places like this so casually. And he's greeting her like it's no big deal!
When I glanced at him while keeping my head lowered, I saw him looking around nervously before awkwardly trying to mimic our pose by raising his hand. His left arm, which only reached his elbow, was lifted painfully. As I worried about him, Her Royal Highness gently lowered Naruhito’s arm and approached us.
"Yes, welcome. I've received your greetings. You can lift your heads now. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the goldfish."
Cautiously, I raised my head to find Her Majesty smiling softly while holding Naruhito in her arms.
"Little Naruhito, you’ve come with your friends today. You’re all very welcome."
Naruhito beamed and nodded eagerly, looking overjoyed at being treated as a friend.
"I am Otoha from Senmon'in family."
"I am Rikimaru from Senmon'in family."
"Yes, I am Shizuku. I’m always grateful for Hitachimaru's help. Rikimaru, you look a lot like your brother."
"Yes, I hear that often."
During this brief exchange of greetings, Naruhito had already started glancing toward the back of the room. When Her Majesty gently let him go, he took my sister-in-law's hand and led her forward.
Since my sister-in-law had never seen goldfish before, her face lit up in awe, and she became glued to the large tank. I, too, had never seen such big goldfish before. The ones I saw at the goldfish scooping stands at night festivals were much smaller.
Seeing my sister-in-law’s reaction, Naruhito looked delighted. He confidently brought over a stepping stool and began sprinkling food into the tank from above. The goldfish started eating. Their faces looked funny, their mouths constantly going "ham ham."
"They're eating. Naru, they’re eating!"
Sister-in-law exclaimed. The tension in Her Majesty's room had completely dissipated, and I, too, was starting to feel more relaxed.
Naruhito stepped down from the stool and stood beside sister-in-law, smiling as he watched the goldfish eat. He looked so happy that I couldn’t help but smile too, especially when he suddenly let out a little laugh.
"Hey, Naru. Is that… could it be?"
Sister-in-law started to laugh softly while asking. The two of them held hands, giggling together.
They were so adorable that I couldn't help but notice Her Majesty’s quiet comment: "I’d love to take a picture of them." When I glanced over, I saw her watching the two with a warm, joyful expression. I had heard she was ill, but she seemed to be recovering well. I was relieved.
The goldfish swam gracefully, with *that* hanging from its rear. Haha, why is it so comfortable swimming like that?
I moved closer to the two and peeked into the tank with them.
Naruhito, still laughing, looked over at me.
"It’s definitely hanging there."
He nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
What do you think about this chapter?
