“Just to the outskirts of the village. I don’t know, I don’t know. It’s not dangerous at all, so if you’re not going, forget it.”

“Don’t go out wearing thin clothes and catch a cold. Don’t come back hurt from somewhere… But why are you going in that direction?”

“Ah, Heron Skitas suggested we go with him.”

“Lord Skitas said he’ll go with us.”
“Why? Heron should also know how to have fun. It’s good to be mature and ask for things when needed, but children need to play. That’s how they grow into emotionally rich and creative adults.”

I went to the vicinity of the meeting room where Heron was.

I waited for her meeting to finish a little away.

After a while, the elderly elders walked out slowly. Then, behind them, Heron’s tired face peeked out. After that, Heron’s servant, holding a pile of scattered documents, followed.

“Princess Cecilia Eriso?”

As soon as she saw me, Heron quickly changed her expression to a businesslike one. It was admirable as a lord, but no matter how you think about it, it didn’t suit her at that age.

Certainly, I need to relieve her stress today!

“No, it’s not allowed. I don’t want to, aside from the fact that it’s not allowed.”

“Why? The official schedule for today is over.”

“A lord should be ready to act anytime because you never know what might happen in the territory. But you’re going out to play.”

“Oh, what problem could arise? And there are elders here.”

“No, I…”

Just as Heron tried to reject again firmly, an elder beside her stepped forward.

“Go ahead.”

“Elder.”

“Princess Cecilia Eriso is right. People sometimes need a complete break. No matter how capable you are, you can’t run your whole life without taking a break. Lord Heron, you’ve been working for a long time.”

“But…”

“If anything happens, we will make wise decisions among ourselves. If you can’t trust these old folks, there’s nothing we can do.”

The white-haired old men chuckled. The numerous wrinkles formed by their laughter proved his character. Perhaps for Heron, who has no parents or remaining family, they are both family and mentors.

“How can I not trust the elders? If you put it that way, I’ll go out for half a day. Please take care of Skitas during that time.”

Rodrigo smiled warmly as I walked with Heron. On the other hand, Heron, perhaps uneasy about leaving the mansion, looked back continuously with an anxious expression throughout the way to go sledding.

I should make her forget about the mansion and work completely fun! I secretly laughed like a villain plotting the destruction of the world.

I arrived at a snow-covered hill that was safe for enjoyment. I wrapped scarves around Rodrigo’s and Heron’s necks. We shouldn’t catch a cold just for playing. Their precious bodies.

“Now, shall we play!”

However, despite my vigorous shout, neither Rodrigo nor Heron easily got on first and hesitated. Good. Then I’ll show them how.

I sat confidently on the sled.

But looking down below from up there, it felt a bit scary.

Actually, this is my first time on a sled… I saw it on TV.

I remembered the image well and shouted confidently.

“Now, sit like this and follow me.”
The two kids hesitantly sat down next to me.

“Is this safe?”

“Yes, it is. Now, put your legs like this. We’re starting. Once I get down, you can come down a bit later. Ready… Go!”

Our bodies slid down smoothly.

It felt dizzying, as if our hearts were left behind while only our bodies slid down. The cold winter wind messed up our faces and hair as it passed.

“Ahh!”

I tried to scream, but a rush of cold air filled my mouth. It was hard to open my eyes.

Th-this is much faster than I expected!

In my confusion, the sled quickly wobbled.

“Oh!”

Swoosh, thud, crunch!

In an instant, I rolled several times, buried in the snow.

“Puhuk!”

As I exhaled, a mouthful of snow came out. My body was covered in white snow.

…It’s fun!