第７１５堀：おてがみをとどけましょう (Part2)
"Ah. You mean Aslin and the others?"
"Are they children of your acquaintances?"
"Ahaha, heavens no. They are among the original nine who built Weed from the ground up. Well, Shera-chan wasn't one of them, though."
"Eh? The original nine... you mean the ones who rose from slavery to support Her Majesty the Queen?"
"That’s right. We are three of those nine."
"That is correct."
"Well, I suppose it’s hard to believe that such small children are the representatives."
"If I may, Priestess Lilishe, I don't appreciate being spoken of as if I’m an outsider. I am always with these three, supporting Weed just as they do."
Shera-chan puffed out her cheeks at Lilishe-onee-chan in protest. She’s so cute.
"Forgive me. I didn't mean it that way. You see, this Shera-chan is a princess of Gartz, and she married into Yuki-san’s family."
"A-a princess of Gartz!? W-wait a moment. Does that mean what these children said about being on official business wasn't a lie..."
"Yes, it’s the truth. They came here for work. They’re quite different from the children who are always skipping school."
As Lilishe-onee-chan said this with a carefree air, the sister dropped to her knees and bowed her head.
"I-I am terribly sorry!! I mistook them for the usual children!!"
"Don't worry about it. She hasn't even been in Weed for a month yet, so she’s still getting used to things."
"It’s fine. I could tell you were just worried about us."
"That is true. That sister is a good person. But more importantly..."
"Setting the work matter aside, I will be sure to hear the full story about those children who keep skipping school later, you know?"
"Indeed. I never imagined there were students cutting class, but I cannot overlook the fact that they are being shielded. Education is for the children's own future."
Labyris-chan and Shera-chan were discussing the students who were skipping school, but Lilishe-onee-chan just looked troubled...
"Hmm. I understand what you’re saying, but just because something is 'correct' or 'for their future,' it isn't necessarily good to force it upon them. The children don't fully grasp those concepts yet. If something isn't fun, it becomes a source of pain. And naturally, no one wants to endure pain."
"But such indulgence will not pass in the wider world!! To call the school education of Weed—which is so meticulously organized—a 'pain'... which student is it? Tell me their name! I shall deal with them myself! To have such a blessed environment and yet..."
"Shera-chan, wait. You’re right, of course. But I think it’s actually a good sign. It means the children have finally gained the breathing room to want to play. They’ve had such a hard time until now. Well, if it goes too far, that’s one thing, but I don't think it’s the time to be harsh yet."
"However, to skip class while the other children are studying diligently is..."
Shera-chan seemed quite fired up, but we were here for a different task, and we needed to get it done. I decided to interject.
"Hey, hey, Shera-chan."
"Aslin? What is it? I’m in the middle of talking to Priestess Lilishe..."
"Um, I know it’s an important conversation, but we need to deliver the letter Brother asked us to."
"Ah, that’s right."
As I pulled out the letter, Shera-chan seemed to remember and calmed down. Naturally, the letter caught Lilishe-onee-chan’s eye as well.
"A letter? For me?"
"Yes. Brother received it when he went to the Land of the Beast Gods, but he said he was so busy with work that he was sorry for the delay in giving it to you."
"Yuki-san is always so busy, so it can't be helped. Thank you for the letter. But, who is it from?"
"Um, it’s from Litea-san."
"!?"
The moment I said the sender’s name, her face froze. Well, that’s to be expected. It was a letter from Lilishe-onee-chan’s own child.
Just as the timing hit, Fifia-onee-chan and Nonoa-onee-chan, who had been waiting nearby, appeared.
"Lilishe. Regarding the future educational plans for Hairen... wait, has something happened?"
"...It’s rare to see you without your usual smiling face."
"Ah, um. I just delivered a letter from Litea-san, and..."
"Litea, you say..."
"I see. Lilishe, this isn't the place for this. Let’s go to your room for a moment."
"Ah, yes. You’re right. I’m sorry, everyone. Something has come up, so we’ll talk later!"
With that, Lilishe-onee-chan was whisked away by Fifia-onee-chan and the others, presumably heading toward her home.
"U-um. The Priestess is leaving, what should I do?"
The abandoned sister asked us, looking quite distressed.
"Um, what should we do?"
"You should just run the church as usual."
"That’s right. You’ve been here for a month, you should be used to it by now."
"Indeed. And there are other staff members, so there’s nothing to worry about."
Just as we turned to leave...
"Today, it’s just me and Priestess Lilishe!!" she cried out, grabbing us. "P-please, help me!!"
And so, we ended up helping out with various tasks at the church.
Thus, Aslin and the others are left to deal with Lilishe. Yuki is currently showing Miyabi around. And the school issue has come to light. It’s a delicate matter, isn't it?
Setting that aside, what will become of Lilishe? And what of Faide?