落とし穴１１１堀：公園デビュー (Part2)
"Yes. Autumn is right, Sumire. Let's make lots of friends here, not just Surakichi-san."
"Okay!"
Sumire is such an obedient girl. She really takes after her mother, Rurua.
"But, Yuyu, if anyone bullies you, you give them a sharp punch with your fists, you hear?!"
"Got it, Mom."
The toddler says this while shadowboxing. As expected of Deryu's child. Terrifying.
"No, no, let's keep things peaceful. But Schans, you mustn't let others touch your ears or tail so easily, okay?"
"Okay."
Hmm. Ratz, the way you phrased that, she’s going to let anyone she becomes friends with touch them. Schans is used to being fluffed by her older and younger sisters, so she thinks it’s normal.
"Eria, why don't you use this opportunity to play outside a bit more?"
"Ehh, I want to read my book..."
Eria is just like her mother, Eris—a literary type. At this age, she’s always buried in a book and only plays with me for a little while. I know she doesn't dislike me, but seeing her like that at her age makes me worry.
"Now, Shael, if anything happens, call for help immediately. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mother."
Shael has already been instilled with a maid's spirit at such a young age. I personally find it a bit pitiful, but she thinks it’s only natural, so there’s not much to say. Kirue always says, "It is the duty of a maid," so it’s hard to argue. Well, she isn't forbidden from playing with Sakura and the others, so the Boss doesn't say anything either.
"Sakura, as the eldest, you must guide and protect everyone. That is your role as a big sister. You understand, right?"
"Yeah! Big sister will protect everyone!!"
"No, Seraria, that’s Autumn’s job."
"Autumn is the one who stops Sakura when she goes too far. She’s an even greater big sister. I’m counting on you."
"Mm. Leave it to me."
...I suppose children really do take after their parents. Autumn is already acting like the leader, just like the Boss. Poor girl. We’ll have to keep an eye on them so things don't get too out of hand.
"Alright, Sakura, everyone. Go explore this park."
"Eh? What about you, Mom?"
"We’ll be following right behind you."
"Got it. Let's go, everyone!"
"Yeah!"
Pushed by Seraria’s words, Sakura and the others head into the park. The start of a small, grand adventure.
"...Honestly, with all the ladies gathered here, is there really a need for us to secure the perimeter?"
"You shouldn't say that."
I mean, Quar, you’re the last knight protecting the royal family—the Imperial Guard. Well, I doubt a knight would need to draw their blade in a peaceful Weed park. Besides, the police are already on emergency standby via Tori. It’s impossible for any suspicious person to get near this park. But just in case, we’re stationed here.
"Whoa, amazing!"
"It's bigger than the backyard!"
"I wonder what's over there!"
"Wait for us, big sisters!"
"...I want to read."
"Let's do our best, big sister!"
The children, oblivious to our inner turmoil, run around the park as they please...
"Oof."
"Ugh."
"Gah."
"Eek."
"Aww."
"Nyo."
Everyone trips and starts to cry at least once. But encouraged by their mothers, they stand up on their own, even while sniffling. They’re growing up properly. When they tripped at home, they would cry until someone picked them up.
By the way, during that time, Quar was...
"Calm down!! Quar!!"
"What are you saying!? Princess Sakura tripped and is crying!? We have to pick her up!! Are you even a mother!?"
"It's education, education!! What good are you doing by being so soft?"
"I am not being soft!! Princess Sakura is calling for me!! Let me go!!"
"Ah, calm down!!"
It was quite the scene. Quar often comes over to play with the children, but since she only plays and never says anything strict, that seems to be the issue. However, after this, it’s unlikely Quar will ever be the children’s tutor.
"Hey, you boy!! How dare you be so familiar with Princess Sumire and Princess Yuyu... Guff!?"
"Yes, yes. Quar-san, calm down. Okay?"
"Well then, let's head to the back."
In the end, she was dragged away by Rurua and Deryu. This is hopeless.
Before we move on to the next chapter, let’s take a break.
Sakura and the others are growing up steadily.