Konbini Ossan Volume 12 Chapter 7 — A Mother’s Plea
When it became time for dinner, the four of us gathered around the table and ate together.
Despite our visit being so sudden, Sierra-san had apparently gone all out with the cooking, and an array of dishes far too luxurious for a small village meal lined the table.
More than anything, she seemed delighted by how well Shirley was eating, immediately asking whether she wanted seconds whenever a plate became empty.
Though troubled by Sierra-san’s enthusiasm, Shirley still happily accepted the offers for more food.
After finishing dinner amid such a warm atmosphere, Shirley excused herself to wash up with hot water, while Savan-dono, perhaps needing time to think, went outside, leaving only Sierra-san and me behind.
Just as I thought this would be a good chance to speak with her, Sierra-san opened her mouth first.
“Yūichi-san. Please take good care of my daughter.”
As she spoke, Sierra-san lowered her head deeply.
“We were unable to make that child happy. If she had remained in the village, nothing would have changed for her. And yet now, she smiles so much. I’m sure that is thanks to you, Yūichi-san.”
Sierra-san spoke in a voice as though clinging desperately to something.
“Please… make that child, make our Shirley, happy.”
She bowed so deeply it seemed she could not bend any further.
“Please, raise your head.”
I answered Sierra-san’s plea.
“Of course I will make Shirley-san happy. I will absolutely protect her from every hardship. So there is no need for you to beg me.”
“Thank you… very much.”
Only after I said that did Sierra-san finally raise her head.
“However, there is one thing I would like to say.”
I continued, voicing the concern that had been on my mind.
“Shirley’s happiness, and what form it takes, is not limited to only one thing. Nor is it something that can exist with only me by her side.”
This time, I lowered my own head.
“So please, once more, would you think about what Shirley truly needs in order to be happy, Sierra-san?”
At my words, Sierra-san frowned.
“I’m no good. That child is special. Her skill, «Spirit Vision», is surely a power meant to allow people to understand one another… perhaps even on a far greater scale. She was never a failure. And yet I could never make her feel confident in herself.”
Then, as though confessing a sin, Sierra-san continued.
“I couldn’t raise her into a child who smiled often. I’m a terrible mother.”
“Is that really true?”
I questioned Sierra-san’s words.
“Is «Spirit Vision» truly what Shirley-san needs in order to be happy? I don’t believe so.”
Sierra-san listened to my words with a stunned expression.
“At the dinner table today, Shirley was smiling. That wasn’t because she has «Spirit Vision», nor because I protect her. Please think once more about why she was smiling, and because of that, what she truly needs in order to be happy.”
At those words, Sierra-san lowered her gaze and answered.
“Yes… I think I’ll try to think about it.”
Her voice was faint, almost fading away, and yet for Shirley’s sake, Sierra-san still gathered the strength to make that decision.
Any further interference from me now would likely only get in the way.
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E/N:
I guess the entire family bore a miscommunication curse or something, damn! I mean, without familial love, a person's growth can only become stunted, if not worse…
Stay tuned! (5/6 chapter)
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