After finishing our shopping in the market district and passing through the quiet residential streets, we finally arrived at our destination—the manor of the Northern Margrave.
I wondered if it was all right to show up unannounced, but before I could worry too much, one of the gate guards stepped forward and addressed Sue directly.
“Oh my, if it isn’t Sue-ojousama! It has been some time. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
“Yes, it has been a while. I’m delighted to see you again too.”
“Our lord mentioned that Sue-ojousama might be visiting soon, so we’ve all been waiting expectantly for your arrival.”
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you.”
One of the guards hurried off toward the manor, while the other stayed behind, speaking warmly with Sue.
It seemed that during her previous visit here, she had built quite a rapport with the household.
“Oops, forgive me, I’ve gone on talking.” The guard said with a sheepish smile. “When Sue-ojousama came here before, she treated some of us. We’ve not forgotten it.”
Sue gave a modest laugh.
“Back then I could barely handle magic properly—it was only beginner-level healing.”
“I see… but that sounds just like you, Sue.”
I remarked.
“Oooh!”
Shiro, Fran, and Horn chorused in admiration.
Catching my glance, Sue and the guard explained the reason for their easy camaraderie. It was exactly the kind of story I would expect of Sue. Shiro and the others—even Ao—clapped their hands for her, beaming with pride.
At that moment, the manor grew suddenly restless. From within its grounds, someone came running straight toward us.
Zudodododo!
“O~nee~samaa~!”
“Fina!”
The one sprinting toward us at full speed was none other than Fina-san, the daughter of the Northern Margrave. Just from this entrance alone, she radiated the energy of a mischievous, high-spirited girl. Sue beamed as she caught Fina-san in her arms, embracing her tightly. The two of them really were close.
For a while they clung to each other, but at last Fina-san pulled away from Sue and turned her attention to the rest of us. She had fluffy, reddish-golden hair cut to a soft semi-long style, and with a graceful curtsy, she greeted us.
“You must be Shun-san. Thank you for taking care of Sue-oneesama. I am Fina, daughter of the Northern Margrave.”
“Thank you so much for your kind words. My name is Shun, and I’ve been traveling together with Sue.”
“I’m Shiro. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Fran!”
“I’m Horn.”
As expected of a Margrave’s daughter, Fina-san’s greeting was polite and refined. Watching her, I couldn’t help but think Shiro could stand to learn a little about manners as well.
“Shiro is the same age as Fina-sama. Fran and Horn are both five this year.”
I explained.
“I see. But they are simply adorable. Oh, and please—just call me Fina.”
“Uhm… then I’ll call you Fina-san.”
Calling a Margrave’s daughter by name alone right off the bat would be far too improper.
“I’ll call you Fina-chan.”
Shiro declared.
“I will just call you Fina.”
Fran announced.
“And I’ll call you Fina-oneechan!”
Horn spoke brightly.
And so, each of them decided on their way of addressing her. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised that Fran would simply call her by name without honorifics. Fina-san herself didn’t seem to mind at all. That, at least, was a relief.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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