PAGE 1

“Maki…”

 

The king became flustered at Maki’s mounting sadness. He had little choice.

 

“Arthur. Is this the extent of the human territories?”

“No, this is the shore of a huge continent. There is much more to see along the coast and inland as well.”

 

Hmm.

 

“Well then, might there be a country where women can wear veils when leaving the house? Or maybe we could disguise ourselves…”

“Veils… I believe the women of the desert countries do that. Though, that would still draw attention, I think.”

“But it won’t cause a crowd to show up, would it?”

“I do not think so. I see. That could work. Although your hair and eyes are also unusual.”

“We can wear wigs.”

“And your eyes?”

“We will just look at the ground.”

“But your height.”

“We will say that we are children.”

“…You want to visit the street stalls that badly?”

“YES.” “YES.”

“…It cannot be today, but I will arrange for it to be done.”

“AWESOME!” “AWESOME!”

 

They would be allowed to leave! Arthur grumbled to himself as the two rejoiced next to him.

 

“You can wear wigs and pretend to be noble children. That way no one would think it strange that you have guards. Edwy did it often. No, maybe we should just publically announce that you are the Saintesses and have Edwy show you around. We could assign much more guards if you are with the prince. Yes, I will discuss it with Edwy and Sera. No, first we must decide when we will make the announcement.”

 

He seemed to decide, and then:

 

“Miragaia, this generation’s Saintesses say that they will meet with you. So you must go through the proper steps. And do not rush anything. Let them be, should they refuse! Also, one more thing. Since you are here, there is some business to discuss. Please come to my office with me. Well then, Maki and Chihaaru, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? You should go back now.”

 

He said and walked away quickly. Miragaia looked longing at Maki, but he was at least satisfied enough now to go and follow Arthur obediently. The other bird people seemed to have calmed down, now that they saw their chief’s wish was fulfilled after so many long years. And they talked amongst themselves with some emotion. As for Sauro…

 

“Do you like high places too, Chihaaru?”

 

He invited her, but she…

 

“I’m not prepared to go so high yet.”

 

…refused him. Still, she did have him carry her directly back to the balcony. Maki was completely used to it now, and Chiharu felt that she was getting close. It was a good thing that they hadn’t eaten yet. Sauro and Saikania would eat somewhere else, and so Maki and Chiharu were left behind with Sera.

 

“That was just splendid. You dealt with those birds without causing a fight.”

“I guess it was like an unrequited affection he had for many years. Perhaps.”

“The people of this world feel more strongly about the Saintesses than either of you realize. It may feel like a burden at first, but I am sure you will get used to it. Now, you should eat your breakfast.”

 

Yesterday they had eaten the food of this world. There was soft bread that was the size or your palms, and jam, hams, and soups. And today there was rice.

 

“I thought this yesterday as well, but what do you use for the soup?”

 

Chiharu asked Sera.

 

“Kelp and dried fish. We also add dried mushrooms.”

“I knew it. But I guess they didn’t learn about bonito flakes.”

 

Sera seemed oddly excited.

 

“According to the records, a Saintess long ago said that she wanted to eat bonito flakes. However, we did not know how to replicate it. Fortunately, we had seaweed and small fish to make these other two things. The mushrooms were added to complete the flavor.”

 

Interesting.

 

“Do you two know anything regarding the making of it?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t. It has something to do with mold I think, I have no idea how it is done.”

“Neither do I.”

“Mold, you say?”

“Yes. But, mold is usually bad for you, so it’s difficult to do.”

“Hmm, I see. But perhaps the elves and beastfolk can study it, as they have longer lives. It is definitely something to consider.”

 

And then they were served tea after breakfast.

 

“Huh, Sera, this…”

“It’s green tea…”

“Is it? So this is what it is! The color is a little on the yellow side, but as it was just the right season for harvesting the leaves, we tested some of the methods that Maki suggested to make this.”

“While it is called green tea, it’s mostly just the color of the leaves. The actual tea is generally quite yellow. And this tastes exactly like it.”

“I see, so it was quite simple to make after all. If only your predecessor could have drunk this…”

 

Sera seemed very moved. But really, we should be the ones that are moved, seeing as they made this in just two days. Both of them felt a sense of warmth over Sera’s affection for the late Saintess.

Next Chapter