“I think we’re in the way… Let’s go over to that corner,” Kira suggested.
The two of them moved their things, and with that, the group had split into two pairs.
“…So what do you have questions about?”
“Um, uh, well, this problem…”
Brigitte was in a panic. But Yuri explained everything patiently…with only a few barbed comments thrown in.
Less than an hour later, she was finished with the assignment. Her shoulders were a little tense, so she stepped onto the guest room balcony. Yuri was already there, leaning over the railing. He glanced over his shoulder, and his expression softened.
“Done?”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
Inside, Kira was still struggling over her work as the ever-helpful Nival shouted “Wrong!” “Wrong again!” and pressed a hand to his forehead.
I should probably help her later, even if she says I don’t have to.
Brigitte walked over to Yuri.
“Here you go,” she said.
He glanced sidelong at the steaming cup.
“It’s milk tea. With maple sugar, of course.”
“Thanks,” he said, and took it.
I’m surprised Yuri has such a sweet tooth.
She had discovered this over the past two days. Earlier, she’d been terrified when he called her “a good person” for giving him her pudding, but now she realized the reason was simple. Now, when she studied his mouth closely, she could detect a faint smile. She resisted the urge to grin at how cute he was. He liked sweet drinks, and he helped himself to the cake and cookies.
Strange that he doesn’t gain weight!
She was very jealous and wanted to ask his secret. In her case, Carson was constantly bringing her cakes and tarts. Resisting the temptation was truly a struggle.
She sipped her cup of tea, which had less milk than his. The weather was slightly chilly, so a warm drink was perfect. She raised her head.
This must be what people mean when they talk about starry nights.
She could see so many more stars here than she could in the city, and they looked much closer, too. Now and then, a breeze blew across the second-floor balcony, ruffling her long hair. Summer insects were humming softly.
“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.
Yuri shifted slightly, and she glanced at him. For some reason, he was staring at her. She blinked.
…Why’s he looking at me?
When their eyes met, she shyly blurted out, “Why did you decide to come with me to Nival’s vacation home?”
He didn’t answer right away. Finally, never taking his eyes off her, he said, “Because I was worried about you.”
Her heart was thudding so loudly, she thought he would hear it.
“I-I’m not so weak that you have to w-worry about me,” she said, flustered. Even she knew she didn’t sound very believable.
He’s always rescuing me…
When she was sad, or overwhelmed, or…anytime, really, he was always by her side. Even if he did always have to get a word in.
“I know. I’m just a worrier.”
She shook her head silently so that he wouldn’t guess her feelings.
Because you were there for me…
Meeting him had widened her world. He had given her so much support. He meant so much to her. If she tried to put it into words, she was sure her feelings would overflow and he would see everything—so she said nothing for a while.
“…Summer will be over soon,” she finally commented.
“Mm-hmm.”
Still leaning on the railing, he sipped his tea. Then he looked at her.
“Brigitte?”
“Yes?”
“Are you hiding something?”
Her heart skipped a beat at the abrupt question. She had been trying to act natural, but he must have seen through her.
Prince Joseph…
She wanted to tell him what had happened. But instead—she shook her head. Yuri always came to her rescue. She didn’t want to become dependent on his kindness and thoughtfulness.
Also, I wonder if the reason he’s always helping me is…
Now that she had overcome her fear of fire, she was able to clearly remember the sensation of someone holding her right hand the day her left hand was burned.
Was Yuri staying with her out of guilt? If that was the case, the guilt would be too much; she wouldn’t be able to face him. So she pushed back her true feelings and smiled.
“No, nothing. If anything…I’m a little worried about my contracted spirit.”
That was true. She still didn’t know what kind of spirit Peep was. The answer wouldn’t change her own feelings, but it could change how other people felt. She couldn’t help being anxious.
But Yuri simply announced, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “I’ll protect you.”
“…!”
She gasped and looked up at him. She knew he could probably see the passion in her face under the starlight—but she didn’t want to tear her eyes away. That’s how beautiful he was—beautiful and gallant and dashing.
I think he just said he likes me…
Just as her feelings were running away with her, Peep poked its head out of her pocket.
“Peep……”
Was she imagining things, or was it blushing? Its little body felt warm, too.
Yuri frowned, but the chick’s eyes just glittered more brightly.
“Peep…!”
“…Ah, I see. Of course, I’ll protect you, too.”
“Peep!!”
Apparently pleased, Peep burst out of Brigitte’s pocket and flew at Yuri. As the little animal sweetly pecked his arm, his expression grew more and more awkward. Any romantic mood was totally gone.
“I suppose Peep must like you because you thought of the name.”
“Should I be flattered or not?” He sighed. His undine and fenrir were quite attached to him, too.
I’ve heard certain people are easy for spirits to get attached to…
Yuri must be one of them. If so, she was a little jealous—very, if she was being honest. It was one of the characteristics a spiritologist needed. She didn’t realize that she herself was quite popular with spirits.
“That reminds me, I haven’t seen your undine or Blue much lately,” she said.
“Undine has been playing in that creek lately. Blue is shy and doesn’t come out much.”
Shy?
She had been wondering why they hadn’t appeared, even when surrounded by delicious food. They must be nervous around Kira and Nival. It seemed even Blue could be endearing at times.
Yuri shook his head guiltily.
“I promised not to tell anyone.”
Brigitte couldn’t help giggling as she imagined Blue causing a commotion in Yuri’s mind. Yuri was pressing his temples as if he had a headache—and the gesture reminded her of something important.
“That reminds me, Sir Yuri. Peep still hasn’t spoken to me in my head!”
She longed to experience that form of communication with a spirit.
Yuri blinked at her. “Don’t you think it’s because Peep’s constantly manifesting? Plus, I don’t think this fellow speaks human.”
“In that case, I’d be happy just to hear a peep in my head!”
Yuri was silent, apparently not understanding. Perhaps he didn’t share her romantic vision. Giving up on him, she joined her hands in prayer and turned to Peep.
“Please, Peep, won’t you try? Can you say something to me silently?”
“Peep?” the chick spirit said, perched on the balustrade, tilting its head curiously.
“I’d like you to tell me what you’re thinking!”
“Peep!” it responded, nodding as if to say, Oh, I understand! before turning around and shaking its tail feathers.
…Meaning Peep did not understand. And Brigitte had no idea what that innocent little dance meant.
“Ugh! I wonder why it’s not working!”
As she drooped sadly, Yuri burst out laughing.
“Maybe because you’re always thinking about me!”
She froze. When she turned awkwardly toward him, she saw he was pressing his mouth in realization and regret.
Desperate to clear the air, Brigitte plastered a smile on her face and assumed her usual pushy tone. “That was unkind, Sir Yuri!”
Her voice was a bit unstable, but she thought she’d done a decent job of saving her pride. But he didn’t laugh. His cheeks were unmistakably flushed.
“…I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be unkind.”
“!”
She felt suddenly feverish. Her heart was pounding. She wanted to look away out of embarrassment, but for some reason, she couldn’t take her eyes off his.
Just then, Kira bounced onto the balcony.
“Excuse me, Miss Brigitte, but Sir Nival is such a strict teacher! You have to rescue me…!”
Her timing was perfect—if she’d arrived a few seconds later, Brigitte might well have leaped over the balustrade from humiliation.
“Of course!” She nodded, running to Kira.
“You look flushed, Miss Brigitte.”
“I’m f-fine. The milk tea was rather hot!” she replied as she walked inside with Kira. She could feel Yuri watching her leave, but she didn’t have the nerve to look back.
“Peep! Peep!”
Ignoring them both, Peep kept shaking its tail feathers.
A few days later, the summer holiday had just ended.
Sienna was glaring warily ahead, while Brigitte was standing in a daze behind her, blinking in disbelief at the figure before her. But this was no mirage, and it did not vanish.
“Hello there, Brigitte. I see you’ve been in the sun!”
A carriage was stopped in front of the cottage, and the passenger stepping out of it was Brigitte’s former fiancé—the Third Prince Joseph Field.