Chapter 11
Chapter 11
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Special Care
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rosaria was overjoyed when she learned that my pain was due to growing pains.
But for me, it wasn't entirely good news.
"Lady Aileen, from now on, you will only have snacks three times a day."
"Peep?"
"During a growth spurt, it's important to eat healthy food often instead of snacks. It's especially crucial for a young child on the verge of humanization."
"Peep, peeeep..."
...Because my snacks had been reduced.
At the devastating news, I hugged the container of star candy close.
Rosaria had given me one of these star candies after every meal.
Since I couldn't eat anything too big yet, the star candy was my absolute favorite.
It was the only snack that I, a baby bird, could enjoy so deliciously without any trouble!
"Shall we put our snack container up there for a while?"
"Peeep!"
"I'll prepare some other snacks for you."
Rosaria showed no signs of backing down. After her repeated attempts at persuasion, my resolve weakened and I glanced away.
But it's my star candy!
When I clutched the container tightly and refused to let go, Rosaria placed a hand on her chest as if her heart was breaking.
"It breaks my heart too. You must be upset that you can't eat them, especially after arranging the colors so nicely, right?"
"Peep."
"Because Lady Aileen cherishes them?"
"Peep."
I worked so hard to save and collect them.
Inside the container, white, yellow, and pink star candies shimmered evenly.
Seeing that I was reluctant and couldn't easily give up the snack container, Rosaria came and sat beside me.
"It's not like you'll never see them again. We're just saying goodbye for a little while, you see?"
"Pee-peep...?"
"Yes, just for a little while. When it's time for snacks, we'll open it together and take one out. We'll put it right over there."
Rosaria pointed to a crystal shelf installed on the wall.
It was a spot where I could check on my star candy whenever I wanted.
Hmm. If that's the case...
"Peep peep."
When I obediently handed over the container I was hugging, Rosaria beamed with a happy smile.
"Lady Aileen, you're so admirable!"
"Peep!"
"I'll ask the chef to prepare some delicious snacks for you."
"Peep!"
I felt better after being praised.
Right, just like Rosaria said, lumps of sugar probably aren't good for my body.
The chef will give me delicious snacks instead!
I hopped from the bed to the table. It was about time for Rosaria to read me a storybook.
It was naptime.
"Peep peep peep peep."
"Yes, Lady Aileen. Shall I read you a book?"
"Peep!"
When I called for Rosaria, she, who had been watering the potted plant by the window, put down the spray bottle and came over.
The newly built bookshelf had been filled with storybooks a few days ago.
Rosaria had seemed busy running around lately because of my growing pains, and she had brought them as a surprise gift.
"Come here, Lady Aileen!"
"Peep!"
I hopped onto the lap of Rosaria, who was sitting on the sofa, and leaned against her.
I really liked the storybooks.
Rosaria would change her voice, reading the stories in a vivid and entertaining way.
When she opened the first page of the storybook, a charming illustration appeared.
"Once upon a time, in a forest, there lived a family of baby birds."
"Peep."
"Then one day, a baby bird wanted to explore the forest all by himself."
"Peep."
"The brave little bird decided to go on an adventure!"
I nodded along to Rosaria's words, but inwardly, I worried for the baby bird.
This was my second day of storybook experience.
Based on my experience so far, I knew exactly what was coming.
"But then! The baby bird got lost."
"Peep!"
"It turned out to be the territory of a scary pride of lions."
"Peep peep!"
This had to be the most dramatic children's story ever.
I didn't know who the author was, but it was a thrilling tale that had me on the edge of my seat.
I burrowed into Rosaria's embrace.
"Don't worry, Lady Aileen. As long as you don't go outside the family's territory, you'll be safe."
"Peep..."
"Are you scared?"
"Peep."
I fidgeted and closed my eyes. The baby bird must have returned to its family's arms.
Once I was ready for my nap, Rosaria closed the book and began to pat my body rhythmically.
After hearing the news that I would soon be able to humanize, Rosaria wanted to teach me many things.
She especially emphasized the importance of territory several times.
But things like that scared me.
...Because if everyone valued territory too much, they would all fight.
I didn't want to go through that again.
Nevertheless, I decided to diligently learn what Rosaria taught me.
To me, who only knew fragmented pieces of the world, Rosaria was the only one who could teach me about all sorts of things.
Besides, I had to live my life as a baby bird now.
If I wasn't careful, I might end up meeting a lion, just like the baby bird in the book.
My feathers stood on end in my sleepiness. It was an instinctual fear.
As I yawned widely and closed my eyes, Rosaria shielded me from the sunlight with her hand.
"Sweet dreams, Lady Aileen. Even if you meet a lion, I'll beat them to a..."
Mmm. What was Rosaria saying?
I tried to hold onto my fading consciousness and perked up my ears.
"The moment they step on our territory, before Lady Aileen even notices, I'll wipe them all..."
I fell asleep just like that.
***
Hestia walked down the hallway, looking more excited than ever.
In the basket she carried were a small bathtub and a fluffy towel.
Baon, who was on his way to the office, spotted Hestia and struck up a conversation.
"You seem to be in a good mood, Hestia."
"Ah, Lord Baon?"
"What is that?"
"It's a gift for Lady Aileen."
"A toy?"
Baon asked, puzzled, after seeing the contents.
If it were toys, Rosaria would have already provided plenty.
But what came out of Hestia's mouth was unexpected.
"Of course not. This is a special bathtub for massages."
"Massages?"
"Her Ladyship has been experiencing growing pains lately. This is a secret, but I think she'll succeed in humanizing soon."
Although they were the only two in the quiet hallway, Hestia lowered her voice as if worried someone might overhear.
Hearing the incredible news, Baon's eyes widened.
"She should be waking up from her nap around now, so I'm on my way to give her a massage. Well then, if you'll excuse me."
Hestia hurried away as if every second counted.
Left standing there blankly, Baon quickly headed for the office.
To inform someone who, while pretending not to, showed immense interest in the baby bird's well-being.
***
"My lady, how are you feeling?"
"Peeeep—."
"The bath is helping you relax, isn't it?"
My body melted under the gentle massage, her hands stroking my wings and kneading them softly.
Hestia, who had first come to examine me, had been visiting regularly. This was because the growing pains, which I thought would end quickly, had been getting worse.
If I didn't get a massage every day, my joints would start to ache quickly.
"Alright, now for your feet."
"Peep."
"You offer them right away now, don't you? Such a good girl."
Hestia smiled sweetly and pointed to my feet.
To be honest, I was still suspicious. It felt like she hadn't quite given up on getting my footprint.
I stayed still for a long while before wriggling and getting up.
"What's wrong? Should we stop now?"
"Peep."
When I took off the headband made from a towel, Hestia regretfully withdrew her hands.
As I stepped out of the tub, Rosaria was waiting with a towel at the ready.
As I shook off the water and stretched, a voice both familiar and strange reached my ears.
"Hoh. It seems the massage is already over."
"Lord Baon?"
"Peep peep?"
"It's been a while, Lady Aileen."
"Peep peep."
"Yes, the Gaju is here as well."
The master of the house?
I looked behind Baon. And there he was, the master of the house.
I feel like I've been seeing him a lot lately. Is it just my imagination?
When I waved at him, the corners of the master's mouth lifted subtly.
"I hear you're going through growing pains."
"Peep!"
"Come here."
The master of the house held out his hand. It was the same large hand I'd seen before.
I hesitated for a moment, then took a step forward.