Hitomishiri Onna Chapter 12

Events at Breakfast

Today I was unexpectedly able to have breakfast with the whole family. Knowing how unusual it was, I was overjoyed and got slightly carried away. It’s been a long time since I could have something other than the Pan porridge after all. I could feel the tension rising as I watched the last drop of Mill Milk being poured into my cup.

[Well, then. Let’s eat.]

At my father’s command we began to eat. At both my sides were Jörg and Solis, while father sat at the head of the table. Mother sat in front of me with Michella by her side. To be honest, I didn’t like having Michella at the table, but I didn’t worry too much about it. After all, food becomes more delicious if shared and enjoyed with more people.

At the center of the table there was naan-like bread, and it was certainly difficult for me, who had the body of a six-year old, to reach it. The distance lessened as I lifted myself from the chair and stretched my arm out as far as possible.

*Clang!*

The hand which I had extended had caused the cup of Mill Milk to spill onto Michella’s plate.

Stunned momentarily, I could feel the blood drain from my body. Shimatta, I’ve done it this time. To provoke her even further, to that Michella, what should I do? There’s no way she won’t be angry…!

[I’m so sorry!]

Jumping off the chair, I hurriedly fetch a dish cloth. My brothers seem to be calling my name but I have no time for that right now.

Not only had the Mill Milk splashed onto Michella’s food, it had splattered all over her clothes as well. I hurriedly reach for Michella’s clothing with the cloth. Anyhow, everything should be alright if I manage to wipe all of it away somehow.

[Bocchan,]

My body froze in response to Michella’s voice. Her voice was rather kind and gentle. Is she not angry?

[Bocchan, I am okay.]

…Huh?

[Al, since Michella said so, try to calm down, okay?]

I was startled by Mother’s voice coming from beside me. Ah, come to think of it, I had forgotten my family was in the room. I remained fearful as I slowly peeked at Michella’s expression. It’s not a given that Michella will definitely forgive me for this incident. Her eyes were cold as if seeing something filthy. Michella tightly clasped my hand that had been holding the dish cloth.

[Bocchan, to wholeheartedly be worried and clean this humble one’s clothes, I am sincerely grateful.]

Michella wraps her hands around mine tightly.

[Your feelings are enough. For Bocchan to have been brought up to become such a splendid and honorable young man, I am forever thankful.]

[Michella is like a second mother.]

[No one is as considerate to our family as Michella.]

Mother and father’s words pass by my ears. As expected, nobody noticed. Michella’s hands which was still grasped onto mine tightened even more, near crushing them… nobody noticed.

[Ah, Bocchan. In gratitude, I shall read you a book in your room after cleaning up. How about your favorite book about heroes?]

[Ara! Al loves stories about heroes! Mom did not know. Fu fu, isn’t that great Al?]

My mind felt dizzy at Michella’s words as our hands separated at last. I know that Michella does not intend to read me that book. I know this because her eyes seem to say so. At that time, I finally understood. I have angered Michella very, very much.