Occasionally, I wonder ......

"How the average person thinks; What do ordinary people care about? And if it is an ordinary person, what kind of daily life will it have? ”

Although it may be considered that these things are enough to show that we are not ordinary people today, at this moment.

"Do you understand? Once you embark on this path, there is absolutely no turning back, right? ”

"Ahh That's why it was decided. ”

However, even if I don't have time to think about these things on a daily basis, I still hopelessly look forward to that kind of life

- Don't think about anything; Don't worry about anything, just think about how to spend the day and the present.

It's really a hassle that can't be had.

However, such a vision is as unrealistic as a bubble on the surface of the sea.

And whenever I yearn for that kind of world and an ideal world and life, I will always realize the cruel reality that is almost the opposite.

And the so-called ideals have already been bruised all over the body at the moment they perceive it.

- "I might just want to be a normal little girl who can have lots and lots of friends and a lot of free time. ”

However, this is ...... A vision that will never be realized......

Somebody once said that to me......

Really, what a unforgiving guy -

"Unreasonable? No, that's why I said that because I'm a teacher. ”

"However, there is nothing wrong with thinking like that......"

You see, his contradictions are simply ** written on his face.

- What a cunning statement.

At my 10th birthday party, I blurted out the wish that seemed to make people laugh off their big teeth.

With a serious attitude and tone.

Suddenly, this startled his brother Lemuel and Ensign Lela, who was still his partner at that time......

Both of them seemed surprised and surprised by the wish itself.

"That's it?"

"Don't you want to be a little more 'girly'?"

Faced with this seemingly natural question, Vane took a sip of cream cake, and then protested without hesitation-

"Brother, do you mean that I don't look like a girl from head to toe?"

As soon as the words fell, Lemuel suddenly sensed an extraordinary sense of oppression!

That's right, it's undoubtedly emanating from my sister......

- Oops, accidentally stepped on thunder!

"Brother? What does that mean? ”

“......！”

Absolutely angry, true......

"Uh, I don't mean anything else, do I?"

In the end, Lemuel, who was almost at a loss of words, had to desperately squeeze his eyebrows and ask for help from Lela, who had been sitting on the sidelines to watch the show all along—and the result was ......

"This is your own poke basket, I won't wipe your ass."

She simply said so! In other words, this represents...... Rest of the story!

Later, he is destined to be slashed by his sister. Wallets, of course......

However, she doesn't seem to have that in mind. Instead—

However, there is no one who can speak his heart without any scruples. You're trying to say that, right? ”

At this point, Lila couldn't help but laugh; While he spoke—

After replenishing the rest for her, Vane nodded as if he was busy with garlic.

"I don't want people to turn away from me, I don't want that kind of kindness."

After hearing his sister's words, Lemuel couldn't help but wipe his eyes vigorously......

"You're really Vane, aren't you? Isn't it an impostor? ”

"What does that mean!? Brother...... People aren't imposters! ”

As soon as the words fell, she pointed at the bridge of Lemuel's nose while holding the spoon, causing an awkward scene.

It's just a little lonely.

After all, I don't even have friends around who can talk to my heart. It's impossible not to be lonely, right?

Although I can talk to Sister Lettilia about this, she is with her brother most of the time and doesn't care about me at all......

- In fact, Lemuel was only surprised that his sister was thinking so deeply at this age.

Honestly, the guy doesn't think like a kid of his age at all......

This caught him off guard.

In other words, you want friends who are treated equally in every sense of the word, right? But doesn't that seem too cheap? ”

"But for me, that's what I want right now!"

Then, after fully knowing her wishes, Lila silently approached her with a smile.

“？？？”

It's just that maybe her expression was too serious, which made Wayne a little scared for a while.

"It's the first time you've done something like this, but you don't have to be so obvious, right?"

Her expression seemed a little depressed at this moment......

After all, I don't know the way and method of getting along with children-

That is, what method should be used to make the other party let down their guard...... It was only now that she realized how clumsy she was in this area.

“......”

- I can understand why this is, but ......

Obviously, she didn't seem to know what kind of expression to use to face this little guy who might soon become a family member.

- "Is it true that the impression is too rigid in normal times?" But that can't be helped, because it's in the army! ”

So she tried to make herself look less distant—

Anyway, it might be better to squat down, right?

Having made up her mind, she plans to try to do it. Even if it's just a poor "imitation......

"Come here, my sister won't do anything to you, right?"

Unexpectedly, it really worked!

The guy obediently did so. Then, I saw Leela whispering something in her ear.

In an instant, Vane's whole person seemed to become sparkling!

That's an expression that I've never seen as an older brother......

I always feel a little jealous......

"Hey, don't you instigate that guy to do something bad?"

As soon as his words fell, he was unceremoniously flicked off the bridge of his nose-

"How is that possible......"

After receiving an affirmative answer, Lemuel breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way, what did you say to her? That guy's attitude changed too quickly, right? ”

"Secret."

And in this regard, Leela is naturally silent.

That's right, she didn't reveal a word.

"Eh, even if it's me, don't I have anything to say? Honestly, this will make people care more, huh? ”

But even when he said that, Leela remained tight-lipped.

"Give up, I'm not going to tell you."

"Yes, yes, I see......"

After that, Vane often took advantage of the lax and negligent guards of the courtyard to tiptoe to the corner of the southern wall—

Here, this place seems to be known only to her.

"Great! Just like I thought, I can really pass ......! ”

Then she couldn't hold back the excitement and excitement in her heart-

As long as you think that this inconspicuous gap connects to the world you have never seen before, how can you calm down!

"Sneak out and have a look, shall you?"

"Almost, uh-huh......! Wow!? ”

In an instant, the road and vision in front of her suddenly became clearer, and the whole person suddenly bounced out of the narrow and small gap, and then rolled on the ground several times......

It's like a rice ball.

"It's out, I'm really out!"

However, in the end, it is clear that she has achieved her goal.

It's the first time I've been out into the world, so it's no surprise that I'm too excited, right?

Well, there's no way around it—there's nothing to be done......

It was an alley that was noticeably less crowded, but it was full of the smell of wine, and a loud roar could be faintly heard in the distance......

and the constant display of fireworks that color the night sky......

- All of them are scenery that I have never seen before!

Vane was clearly excited about all of this—

"Next time, do you want to come with Sister Lila and my brother?"

Not far away, the lights are colorful, the traffic is busy, and the crowd of people coming and going is endless......

"Wow, ahh Yay——! ”

She couldn't bear the mood and blended into the crowd one after another!

However, before she could take in all this, there was a panicked commotion behind her......

“？ What ......"

"Stinky **, take a few dollars from you because our eldest brother can afford you......"

"But when did we promise to sell the medicine to your mother at a discount?! Kick my nose in the face less! ”

"Please...... Please, ahem, ahem! Give me the medicine back! ”

"Hahahaha, hey, look at this guy - how pathetic! Hahahaha! ”

“......”

The one who spoke was a big man with a scar on his face, and compared to the excessively burly figure of the fish pond, the girl who was in a standoff with him really looked weak.

What's more, she had already been punched and kicked by him and his accomplices before this, and she was already covered in bruises at this moment.

"At the very least, then please give me back your wallet......"

Unexpectedly, before she could finish speaking, the guy kicked her in the face, which immediately made her distort her expression and let out an unbearable **!

"Why, why...... I made an appointment—"

However, in the face of this atrocity that is happening in front of him, passers-by have chosen to ignore it as a matter of course. No one wants to help the little girl—

In a word, they don't want to cause themselves unnecessary trouble.

What's more, I don't know each other.

That being the case—

"Why should I help?"

There is no doubt that most people have similar ideas, so no one wants to get into trouble.

However, there was one person who was already furious the moment he witnessed all this! I saw her walk forward quickly without hesitation-

"You guys, give me enough to stop! How many big men bully a girl who has no way to fight back? ”

"It's unbelievable...... That's scum, aren't you? ”

"Huh? What do you mean...... Chicks? ”

Then, regardless of his companion's questions, he kicked the big man's ass mercilessly!

- It's nothing, it's just not pleasing to the eye.

“？！”

"Run! Follow me......! ”

Immediately after that, Vane couldn't help but pull up the girl who was looking stunned, and quickly disappeared into the dense crowd!

- Well done!

"What are you still doing in a daze, hurry up and chase me! If you can't catch it alive, come and see you! ”

"Yes!"

In the blink of an eye, the big man who was still flying and domineering just now had already crooked his mouth angrily, only to see his hysterical orders to his subordinates!

He probably wouldn't have imagined that a good thing would be ruined by a milky-looking imp, right?

"Yes! ...... now! ”

However, when they began to frantically search the crowd and interrogate them everywhere......

Vane, and the girl who didn't know her, had fled far away.

"Whew, I thought I would be safe if I got here!"

As soon as the words fell, I saw her put on a victory pose.

"Why save me? It doesn't do you any good, does it? ”

"If you have to ask for a reason, then I might just help you because I can't stand it, how about it? Is that enough? ”

The girl was stunned, and to be honest she found it unbelievable......

"But in that case, you'll get into unnecessary trouble!"

Unexpectedly, as soon as her voice fell, "trouble" automatically came to the door!

- Discovered!

"Don't stand stupid! Over here—"

The girl trembled with fright for a moment, and she suddenly found that her legs seemed to leave her body in an instant......

In short, forget to run away.

"Really, troublesome guy!"

Witnessing this, Vane was in a hurry and stuffed her into the horribly corroded water pipe beside her!

"Huh? And so on——! ”

"I know what you're trying to say at this moment, but there's no way around it. That's it, bear with me! ”

The girl had no choice but to agree. It is better to say that in such a tough attitude, she has no room for refutation.

"Are you looking for me?"

Immediately afterwards, Vane took the initiative to appear in front of those people as if he had thrown himself into a net!

"That guy, are you stupid?! Why? ”

In fact, the answer is actually quite simple, just bait...... Moreover, she has the confidence that she will never be caught.

It's just that this sudden unfolding was too unexpected, and it instantly made the girl stunned-

She could neither comprehend nor accept this unfolding.

Besides, they don't know each other at all...... Not even a one-sided relationship, but she couldn't understand why Vane had done this.

In an instant, the original waves on the street were not alarmed, and suddenly fell apart! It's like a pot of porridge in an instant!

"Stop!"

"If you tell me to stop, I'll have to listen? You're stupid to me......"

"Hehe, if you can catch me, please eat the delicacies of the mountains and seas!"

As soon as the words fell, Vane deftly walked through the fence—

In the blink of an eye, it disappeared into the dense residential area that looked like a maze and made people dizzy.

"Damn! Pretty fast......"

All of a sudden, those who had been chasing her before were so angry that they gritted their teeth and stomped their feet!

"Can't you just go back like this?"

"Or else? Even if the boss is angry, he won't really want our brother's head! ”

"What's more, as long as that guy's mother is still in our hands, it's impossible for her not to come back."

"So in the end, we just have to wait for the rabbit!"

Then, Vane, who was hiding not far away, heard cheers one after another-

“......”

It's really not a big deal to watch the excitement......

——

"Speaking of which, that guy just ......"

At this time, she also remembered what the person they had claimed to be the boss had said before-

"Who said they were going to sell the medicine to your mother?!" Thinking of this, she couldn't help frowning slightly.

"Could it be that the guy's mother is seriously ill?"

However, Vane also realized that even if he racked his brains alone, nothing would come of it.

"Forget it, just ask her ......"

- It would be great if I could help.

"Ah, it's back!"

As she thought, the girl never left there a single step.

"They seem to be gone and can come out. It's safe—"

Yet the guy was still shivering, as if he was afraid of something other than them.

The so-called psychological shadow -

"If I'm right, you're worried about your mother, right?"

In an instant, the girl was very surprised.

"How do you know that I shouldn't have told anyone about this?"

"Are you also their accomplice?!"

"How is that possible......"

Vane didn't even think about it, so he said it.

"Didn't your conversation with that guy just mention the medicine and your mother? So I'm guessing it's going to be the case. ”

"That's it. Don't be so suspicious, okay......"

In fact, her guess was completely correct.

It's just that...... Details are not yet known.

"Is she seriously ill? But wait, before you can tell me why you were beaten like this by that guy? ”

- I wasn't going to tell anyone about these things, but the girl in front of me is the first person to look at herself from the same "human" perspective so far.

So maybe even if I talk to her, there's nothing bad about it, right?

"No, maybe I might want to tell her ...... too"

"I grew up in the slums, and I grew up with my mother, and my father left us both to remarry another woman at an early age—"

Hearing this, Vane couldn't help but want to interject, but she held back.

- After all, it's not your turn to talk about this kind of thing......

"Then, because we needed food and money to buy food, my mother was always looking for a job every day and night."

"But you know, no one wants to hire people who come out of the slums. And so we were met with a series of rejections. He was even beaten severely. ”

"The mother, who was disheartened by this, gradually lost faith and began to give up on herself......"

"She was obsessed with alcohol and cigars, and often took her anger out on me because she couldn't afford them."

"The injuries you see now, almost all of them were beaten by her......"

At this point in the topic, Vane couldn't bear it anymore-

"What is this? It's too much, isn't it?! ”

But the girl didn't care about it......

"No, Mom, she's not wrong, she blames me for being so useless. And I lost the medicine just now! ”

"No, no, no! It's not like that at all, okay? Besides, that guy didn't plan to give it to you at all, did he? ”

In this regard, the girl curled up and denied it again-

"No, he was going to give it to me, really! But I backed down in the nick of time......"

This immediately confused her......

"What's the situation, I can't understand what you're saying more and more?"

Then the girl explained—

"He offered me medicine in exchange for me to dedicate myself to him—"

"Huh?!"

Vane's eyes widened in disbelief after hearing this......

- Unacceptable. It's as simple as that for that reason......

"You promised?"

Of course, the girl shook her head listlessly—

"No, I refused...... And then what happened after that is as you can see. Until then, I had been working at his mansion. ”

- Why? Why swallow your anger?

Vane didn't understand......

"Now I even wonder if I did something wrong, if that person would be merciful and ......give me the medicine as long as I promised him?"

And in the face of her entanglement, Vane denied it without thinking-

"No, I don't think you've done anything wrong."

Unexpectedly, the moment the words fell, they were refuted-

"But that would mean that I gave up my mother's life with my own hands! Isn't that the right choice? ”

"Can you take me to your mother? Perhaps, I can find a way to solve it......"

Unexpectedly, her simple words made the girl's whole person seem to have changed in the blink of an eye!

Gripping her hands tightly, he asked, "Really?" Can you guarantee it?! ”

"Yes, wait until I see your mother."

"Tell me your name before I do that, or I won't be able to call you 'you' all the time."

And at this moment, the girl in front of Vane was so excited that she almost cried with joy-

"That, I...... My name is Riveria because I don't have a last name......"

"So you just call me Riveria! By the way, do you actually understand medical skills? It's really great! ”

“......”

always felt that looking at her ecstatic appearance, Vane was embarrassed to deny it directly.

But now you can only do your best, right? At the same time, I understand her difficulties......

That's really not something that someone else can just talk about.

But if it's not an incurable disease, then at least I can go back and ask my brother to see if I can fix it.

It's just that if she does, you'll have to trouble her to wait another day.

"Anyway, take me there first, right? As for whether it can be solved, I'm not sure now. ”

Then, a girl named Riveria came to her house with Vane in the blink of an eye.

- However, the house was in disrepair and crumbling, and there was hardly a single intact place in the dilapidation.

"Is this your home?"

There was a moment when she couldn't believe that this kind of place was for people to live, but there was no doubt that Riveria lived in this kind of place......

“......”

"Yes, because there is no money, so it can only be like this. In fact, don't look at this house is dilapidated, but it can still shelter from the wind and rain? ”

Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, the roof tilted almost 90 degrees as a matter of course after a loud bang!

Can you protect yourself from the wind and rain? Seriously?

"You're talking about shelter from the wind and rain...... Is that it? It's uninhabitable, and the house is in danger of collapsing at any moment......"

"Don't you understand this?"

"Of course I know all this, but what can I do!"

"Now we are like rats crossing the street, everyone will be upset as long as they see it, and as long as they feel upset, they will use us as a punching bag......"

"Tell me about it...... It seems that there is no second way to go other than to fend for ourselves, so what else can we hope for?! ”

She became hysterical—

"Me and you, the two of us are not the same world at all, do you understand?!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean that......"

It's just telling the truth......

Even if he did express his apologies, the other party ...... Riveria couldn't just take it for granted.

So she immediately changed her words -

A statement that is acceptable to the other side......

"You just said you have nowhere to go? In that case, if you want to, would you like to come to my house and work part-time? Of course, food and accommodation are free. ”

For a moment, Riveria didn't seem to understand what she had just heard......

"What did you just say?"

"I mean...... will give you a place to live; Give you and your mother food. ”

"But you have to work in my house, can you accept that? No, maybe you should ask...... Would you like to? ”

- "That is to say......"

Her eyes widened when she heard this!

"That means you two won't have to live a life of displacement and wandering anymore. That's it in a nutshell. ”

My brother must be equally happy......

It's just, until then—

"I'm afraid I'll be reprimanded......"

- Vane couldn't help but mutter.

"Anyway, I'll find a way to solve it, you don't have to worry about ......"

"Why do you think about it now?"

At this moment, Vane asked herself over and over again as if she had just woken up from a dream, but even if she asked herself again and again, she could not get enough answers to convince herself.

"At that time, why did you do that?" She didn't even know why she had thought of it all of a sudden.

"Could it be because of the teacher's words?"

However......

- "This is only a kind of self-satisfaction at best! ”

was scolded mercilessly.

However, he did not have the courage to contradict him. So I can only deceive myself into thinking that this is really the case.

But even if the act itself is self-gratifying......

However, it was also at this moment that Wayne wanted to do his best.

"I'm not wrong!"

Immediately afterward, Vane took several deep breaths to adjust his mood.

"Speaking of which, there's another place to go today...... I wonder if those guys are still in good spirits? ”

The moment I thought so...... She suddenly realized that she had already arrived at her destination before she knew it.

"So, what's next—"

As she spoke, her eyes turned to the auditorium building in front of her, which looked like a giant white tower.