The Saintess in the Birdcage Knew Love, and Then She Fell Into Madness - Chapter 05: Like an Older Sister

Chapter 05: Like an Older Sister

“Um, Aria-san?”

“What is it?”

“Are you having that much fun?”

“Yes, I’m having a lot of fun.”

Sitting across the table, Aria-san seemed to be enjoying herself immensely. All I was doing was talking about myself… Yet, Aria-san kept smiling warmly, listening intently to my story.

“I’ve never really talked to anyone before, and I’ve never had someone in my space like this… It’s just so enjoyable for me.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“That’s why I want to hear more.”

“Ah, then please feel free to ask anything.”

As I said this, Aria-san’s face brightened, exuding the air of a young child.

She was surprisingly cute.

Despite being a very beautiful woman, there was a sense of unrestrained curiosity about her.

“In that case… I’d like to know about your family, Laurent-kun.”

“…”

I had indeed said she could ask anything, but that topic…

However, thinking it best to answer safely, Aria-san quickly apologized, looking flustered.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to bring up something that would upset you. I won’t ask for details!”

“Ah, that…”

Her haste was so childlike, and I couldn’t help but give a wry smile and assure her that it was alright, saying…

“As for my family, it might not be very interesting, but do you still want to hear?”

“Yes, yes… If Laurent-kun is okay with it, then it’s fine with me.”

“It’s okay. Just don’t complain after I finish telling it, asking why I told you such things.”

“I promise I won’t!”

Alright, then I’ll talk about it.

“First, both of my parents were once renowned adventurers.”

“Adventurers, as in people who take on various requests?”

“That’s right.”

Yes, my parents were adventurers. They were both famous for their many achievements, well-known not just in our kingdom but also among adventurers and guilds in other countries. 

Originally commoners, they made significant contributions to the kingdom and, although it was unusual, they were granted noble titles.

“The title bestowed upon my parents was that of Earl… a rather high rank. Initially, there was some envy, but now it’s gone, thanks to their accomplishments and their close relations with the royal family.”

“I see. So, Laurent-kun comes from a very distinguished family.”

“Ahaha… well, just by birth, I suppose.”

Then, I went on to explain how I became who I am today. 

Born into such a family and with such parents, a child is naturally burdened with great expectations. My brother and sister were overflowing with talent in swordsmanship and magic, but I was the underachiever who couldn’t excel at anything.

“Not being good at anything… is probably an exaggeration, but compared to my talented brother and sister, I was pretty useless. My swordsmanship was mediocre, and my magic was even worse… To be honest, I’m just an ordinary person.”

“…”

“Being at home just made me feel out of place, so I left, relying on some acquaintances. I thought it would be difficult because of my status, but it went smoothly, almost surprisingly so…”

Aria-san seemed lost for words at my sudden life story. I know I’m at fault for only being able to talk about this, but I didn’t press her to say anything.

“I’m sorry, Aria-san. The story might not be the brightest or the most uplifting, but I genuinely feel content with who I am now.”

“Really…?”

“Yes.”

I nodded firmly.

“There was a time when I wanted to meet my parents’ expectations and not be outdone by my talented siblings. But no matter how much I struggled, I couldn’t become like them… so I decided to leave home and that’s how I got to where I am now.”

Now, I’m working as a soldier doing menial tasks in the castle. It might be looked down upon by knights and nobles, but for a job that doesn’t risk my life, the pay is surprisingly good! And because I chose my own path, I’ve met many people.

“I’ve thought about having a more glamorous job, of course. But I’m really satisfied with my life now. I’ve made friends, got to know my superiors and others.”

“…Fufu, that’s good to hear.”

“And… it’s thanks to this that I got to meet you, Aria-san.”

…No, I felt a bit of regret and embarrassment after saying that.

But I truly believed it was true. Becoming a soldier and being luckily assigned to this guard duty… If these things hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have met Aria-san.

“Aria-san… Is something wrong?”

While I was internally struggling with my feelings, Aria-san’s behavior seemed even stranger. She kept reaching out her hand towards me and then pulling it back, repeating this action.

“I don’t know… it’s just that, after hearing your story, Laurent-kun, and about your family, I felt like… like I wanted to hug you tightly, and now I want to hug you even more!”

“Whoa…!?”

She leaned forward suddenly, and I was so surprised that I knocked over my chair. 

Just as I thought I would fall backwards onto the floor, a thread-like magic, similar to what had pulled me here yesterday, appeared instantly and caught me.

“Are you okay!?”

“Ah, I’m fine… Is this your magic, Aria-san?”

“Yes. I have the knowledge, but I rarely use magic in practice… This is the first time I’ve used it on you. Yesterday, I wished to catch you, and now, I just wanted to catch you again.”

I see… When it comes to magic, there are attacks like Fire, Ice, Wind, or Earth, all embodying some kind of element. But Aria-san’s magic felt different from any of those… it was a magic filled with kindness.

“…It’s a kind magic.”

“Ah…!”

After that, I sat back down in the chair and started speaking again, as if recalling something.

“Do you have all the basic furniture here, but what about meals? How do you manage that?”

“I don’t eat.”

“…Eh?”

“I can eat and have the organs for it, but I don’t need to, so I’ve never eaten.”

“…”

That’s… quite a waste, isn’t it?

Not feeling hungry and not needing to eat might seem convenient, but enjoying meals is one of life’s pleasures.

(No… maybe it’s different because she’s not like normal people?)

I thought this but then shook my head.

Sure, Aria-san is different from normal people, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be treated the same way.

“So, you don’t eat because you don’t need to, but does that mean you have nothing at all?”

“That’s right. Everything about food is just in my knowledge.”

Alright, then maybe I’ll bring some food tomorrow. I’m not sure if I can bring it inside, but it seems worth trying.

“Uh, sorry Aria-san. I should be getting back now.”

“Oh… leaving already?”

“Yes. I do have guard duties, after all!”

Just before leaving the room, I found myself muttering.

“It feels like… I’ve got an older sister now.”

“Eh?”

“N-nothing! Never mind!”

I have a bad habit of speaking my thoughts… I apologized for saying something weird and quickly left the room.

After that, I finished my duties as a soldier thoroughly. 

Recently… well, it’s only been two days, but talking with Aria-san has been really enjoyable. 

It’s nice to have enjoyable moments, and I hope this continues. 

However, I know that trouble tends to arise just when you let your guard down. It never seems to come when you’re actually prepared for it.