Children Reward the Showers of Love Chapter 5

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Chapter 5

Oz: …Arthur played it with the twins, and then begged me to try it.

When I attempted it, he was overjoyed. After that I remember doing it countless times whenever he asked. 

Though we have flown high into the sky and let ourselves fall down many times now…

It is a dangerous kind of play, now that I think about it.

Akira: (So he didn’t realize it was dangerous before…)

Shylock: …Then how about you inform him now?

If you tell him calmly, he will surely listen to your words. He is no longer a child after all.

Oz: …

Akira: …?

(What is it, I wonder. The past few days it feels like Shylock’s words to Oz have been hiding another layer to them…)

I restlessly pet Sakitty, trying to ignore the uneasiness in the air. 

Despite being randomly petted a lot, Sakitty didn’t make a bothered face at all, and subjected itself to my hands. (Cutie)

Then, Arthur came back from the sky with Sif in his arms. 

Shylock: Welcome back, Prince Arthur. I hope you may let me take care of this child now.

Arthur: Of course. Here, Sif. Shylock’s calling for you.

He let Sif down, and they waddled over to Shylock.

Shylock: My mischievous and cute little master. You played so much, your hair is a mess.

If you insist on running around, at least let me comb your hair first.

He sat Sif down on his lap, and with a spell whipped out a beautifully decorated comb.

His slender fingers took a bundle of Sif’s hair and began gently combing.

Arthur: Isn’t that nice, Sif. Shylock is going to tidy you up.

Arthur sat down next to them, and Sif looked joyful.

I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as I watched the happy smiles on their faces.

Akira: Thanks in no small part to you, Arthur and Sif have become really close.

I feel happy just watching them have fun.

Oz: …Yeah.

Arthur: Ahaha. Sif, if you keep grabbing at the comb like that Shylock won’t be able to untangle your hair. 

Shylock: I love it when you’re playful, but could you please stay still for me?

Shylock pleaded, bringing his face close. Sif immediately stopped their antics. 

Dangling just their feet, they let Shylock continue with a smile.

Shylock: Hmhm, what a good child you are.

If only you could leave this place, I would take you to my bar and make you a drink you would like.

By the way, are you fond of cats? It would make me happy to see you get along with the strays that come here.

While we were listening to that pleasant voice, Sif’s hair was perfectly tied up.

Shylock let Sif off his lap, and as a finishing touch kindly patted their head.

Shylock: Like this, you can play as wildly as you like with no worries. 

Arthur: Nice hairstyle, Sif! Thanks, Shylock.

Arthur picked up Sif in his arms, and did upsies with them. Their energetic laughter echoed throughout the church ruins.

Arthur: Master Sage, come play with us!

Akira: Oh, sure! Let’s go, Sakitty.

On Arthur’s invitation Sakitty and I ran to them.

Being so unconditionally attached to us, Sif was super lovable.

Their happy face was so nice to see, we played the games we learned from Oz over and over again. 

Arthur: I know it only takes several days for you to grow up, but I wonder how much longer we get to look after you. 

I’m excited to see you turn into an adult. I’m sure you’ll turn out to be a splendid fairy surrounded by everyone’s love. 

Oz: …

Shylock: …

Owen: Ohh…

So that’s what’s up.

It’s now been days since we started caring for Sif.

Mitile and I safely completed a mission, and had just arrived back at the manor. 

Akira: So you read Sif a picture book yesterday. 

Mitile: Yup, with Prince Arthur. When I was little, my brother often read me books.

Sif was super adorable sitting on our laps and listening so intently! 

Akira: Aww. Now I really wish I could’ve made time to go with you guys then.

But at least I got to go on a starry night stroll with them thanks to Mithra bringing me later.

Mitile: Wow, that also sounds nice!

Though the amount of time each of us could spend with Sif varied on our schedules, at least everyday someone in our group was able to visit them. 

Sif was so fond of us now that the moment they’d spot us they would come running towards us with a toothy smile on their face. 

Mitile: How’s today? Should we go see Sif after this?

Akira: After I finish some other tasks, I was planning on asking Oz or Mithra depending on their availability to take me. Will you come too?

Mitile: Yes! Ah, speak of the Demon Lord! 

Oz: Sage.

Akira: Oz. With that outfit on, I’m guessing you’re going to see Sif with Arthur? 

Oz: Arthur has gone on ahead. I came to pick you up.

Akira: Me?

(I didn’t ask Oz to pick me up after my mission though, because I had no idea when it would end…)

(I am asking practically everyday though, so maybe he thought of me and stayed behind?)

While I thought that, I could see people going down the stairs. 

Shylock: Why, hello everyone. 

Akira: Hello. Are you two off to see Sif as well?

It just so happens that Oz came to pick me up.

Murr: Nope! We’re wearing these because we were roleplaying in Shylock’s room!

We’re not going to see the siofra! 

Mitile & Akira: Roleplaying?

Mitile: In that outfit…?

Akira: Just what were you…

Shylock: Hmhm, I leave that to your imagination.

However, since we are wearing this we might as well tag along. Is that alright with you?

Oz: I don’t mind. What about you two?

Akira: Could you wait a moment?

We just finished a mission, so before I forget I’d like to write my report down in the Sage’s journal.

Mitile: Me too. I want to report to my brother and the others first. 

Murr: I’ll go after saying my greetings to the moon!

Oz: Then I shall take Shylock first. I’ll come back for the rest of you.

Akira: Huh? But won’t that be too much of a hassle…

Oz: This is me you’re talking to. And I mustn’t leave Arthur alone any longer.

Vox Nox.

Akira & Mitile: Ah…

Murr: They’re gone! Even though Arthur should be fine!

Akira: Y-Yeah. There shouldn’t be anything dangerous, so…

(What was that all about?)

Sif: Kyakya! 

Arthur: Ahaha. You must really like hugs if you’re that pleased.

I get it. I can’t tell you how many times being wrapped in warmth has made me happy.

But I’ve also realized something hugging you. 

That even the hugger gains happiness from holding a tiny warmth in their arms…

I wonder if Lord Oz also felt this way hugging me.

Owen: Hey there, Prince.

Arthur: Owen. You came too.

Owen: Where’s Oz? Not with you?

Arthur: He went to get the others. Do you want to hug Sif too?

Owen: No way. I didn’t come here to babysit.

I came here to chat with you. To tell the Prince the truth he doesn’t know.

Arthur: The truth?

Owen: That’s right. About that little fairy you’ve been coddling.

The more love you pour into that fairy the more love you get back. 

And when they become an adult they’ll ask you, who they adore so much, what your wish is.

Then they will grant it, and die. 

Arthur: Uh…

Owen: That’ll be this fairy’s whole life. So ephemeral, pitiable, and boring. 

Oz knew about this, and kept it from you.

How cruel. Even though he knew it’d hurt you sooner or later.

Just laughable, the sight of you naively and innocently playing around with that fairy.

Arthur: …I’m sure he didn’t tell me for my sake. So as to not hurt me.

Because he is a kind man.

Owen: As if. He’s a coldhearted Demon Lord wearing the skin of a righteous man in order to fool you. 

Would a righteous man really stay silent on something so important?

Arthur: …

Owen: He keeps you in the dark because you’re still a child he has to protect. 

That’s how Oz has kept so many secrets from you.

…Ah, I see. In truth, Oz doesn’t trust you, that’s why.

You’re like a pet to him. You only exist at his side to be doted on.

Arthur: T-That’s not…

Oz: Vox Nox.

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