That day, Elinalize-sama had visited us.
She came to our house once every few days and proceeded to make small talk about how a wife should be.
Getting married, settling in a residence, even giving birth to a child, her husband going to a distant place, she would be lonely. Since I am a wife as well, I can properly understand such a feeling.
However, her behavior is as usual, and something like loneliness cannot be sensed.
She might have a bit of composure.
Perhaps because of that, she frequently comes along and we receive consultation about the ways of a wife.
At what age and how should a child be given education, from matters like that to trivial talk.
"I wonder how soon until Aisha learns to behave more like an adult."
"Let's see. It's not like she can't do something like that......until a time comes when she personally thinks it's necessary, she most likely won't do that."
"Personally, meaning?"
"If she will be able to love a man or the like....."
"Would it be bad if it's Rudeus-sama?"
"You should know it as well. The reason Aisha behaves like this is because she is Rudeus’s little sister."
"A little."
"Then it's necessary to find a different person for her. A partner who doesn't turn his face when Aisha doesn't behave herself like an adult."
"Hmmm~....."
That day, the one taking the advice was none other than myself.
Elinalize-sama looks much younger in appearance than me, but as I thought, it must be because of an old-woman's wisdom, I have to give a firm response.
"That is absolutely right....not relying on someone younger; people who carry excess admiration for adult woman are good."
"Excess admiration?"
"Yes, if it's Aisha, since the thing that is called reality can be taught while satisfying the longing of such boys.
I am well aware of the fact that Aisha can never be together with Rudeus-sama.
Rudeus-sama as well does not wish for it, nor does Aisha.
Having said that, I don't think she will ever bring a companion for a formal marriage interview.
"Well, I would like it if it doesn't become like that." [2]
"Yes.....huh?"
Incidentally, when I hung my head and answered, Leo's figure was slowly revealed in the dining room.
Lara-sama and Lucy-sama were riding on his back.
Probably playing Horse-horse.
"Wau!"
Leo barked towards me.
What might it be? Given that he is very smart, he doesn't usually bark without any reason.
Don't tell me, did something happen to Sylphy-sama's body.....!
"Wau, wau!"
While wagging his tail, he is watching me and the entrance alternatively.
No, that's not it. This happy-go-lucky attitude... If something had happened to Sylphy-sama, he would have cried out.
Towards the entrance......is it a guest?
No, Leo doesn't wag his tail during a visit by guests.
Ah, it could be that Roxy-sama had returned?
On the occasions Eris-sama returns, Leo shakes his tail, but remains quiet without barking.
While thinking about such things, I raised my back and heard a 'gachari' sound from the entranceway. [3]
As I thought, it must be Roxy-sama.
Since Eris-sama opens the door with such force as if to break it.
In order to receive her, I rushed towards the entranceway.
"Ah, Lilia-san, I've just returned."
"Welcome home, Rudeus.....sama?"
The one standing at the door was Rudeus-sama.
Eris-sama and Zenith-sama; Aisha is also there.
But they've returned much earlier than the arranged schedule.
Even though the planned schedule was to stay in Millis for half a year, it's only been approximately one month.
On top of that, Rudeus-sama's facial expression is unusually stern.
I immediately understood at once.
Ah, that something might have happened.
Most probably, Claire-sama would be the cause.
Claire-sama is not too flexible.
To add up, Norn and Aisha as well were somewhat treated bitterly.
Being a pious adherent to Millis, by no means do I think of her as a bad person, but I can't flatter her as a good person either. Her affinity with Rudeus-sama might be the worst.
Most likely, they might have gotten into conflict because of their difference in opinion regarding the family.
"Might something have happened?"
On hearing that, Rudeus-sama's already stern expression warped more.
I thought if it was Rudeus-sama, he might be skillfully able to do it.......either way, a hopeless matter is hopeless.
"....Yeah, well."
Rudeus-sama was prevaricating the words with a halfhearted attitude.
"Is it Claire-sama?"
On hearing that, Rudeus-sama made a blank expression.
"No, I had a fight with Ms. Claire, but we were able to reconcile; I don't think she is a bad person."
With those words, I simultaneously tilted my neck and felt a bit relieved.
Even though I thought that I would become an obstacle if I had gone along, I had been worrying so much for this entire one month; it looks like that was just needless worry.
But then, just what might have happened?
"Then, just what?"
Rudeus-sama made a difficult face and then turned his eyes away.
Aisha is standing with an unpleasant face on his side.
It looks like some kind of different problem has risen up.
Looking at Aisha's complexion, is she the problem?
"Did Aisha make a mistake?"
Just before this, I was consulting about her with Elinalize-sama, but even though this girl is already 15 years old, she still hasn't become quite an adult.
Even though she has the ability, no matter how much time passes, her mind is still that of a child.
Before "A prodigy, with this I'll be able to repay my favor to Rudeus-sama" I would puff my chest out and call her my child, she would remain a (・)prodigy forever..... [4]
"No, she perfectly made sure of the matters at hand."
"Then, just what?"
I thought in an instant that any more than this would be intrusive, but I still tried to hear it.
"W-well.....it would be good to gather everyone else since it would become a long story if I speak."
"Certainly, I deeply apologize."
"No....ah, but it's not only just bad news, for one thing I also have good news."
While saying that, Rudeus-sama made a forced smile and proceeded towards his room with a quick pace.
Eris-sama went ahead afterwards with an anxious look.
Aisha and Zenith-sama were the only people left.
Aisha was angry, but it looked like Zenith-sama was in a good mood.
"Aisha, were you able to perform firmly?"
".....blundered a little."
That's different.
She isn't mad, but feeling a little down.
That's unexpected.
Aisha is a girl who wouldn't make any thoughtless mistakes since before.
Even if she blunders, she is a child who would get over it after a while. [5]
That is, if she is informing me with such honesty......though she's a child, even if I think she is a child, she might have become a little bit more of an adult.
"Is it a serious mistake?"
"No, Onii-chan immediately settled the case."
"........"