Published: September 6, 2025
“Come on, Kamil. Hurry!”
“Hurry? It’s your fault we’re late because you wouldn’t get up!”
Carrying my stuff, I shouted after Dad as he ran ahead down the stairs. On clear winter days, it was time to gather Paru fruit. But this morning, Dad just wouldn’t wake up, so Mom and I had to desperately get him up.
“Enough already. Kamil, get on the sled.”
“Dad, but—”
“Hurry up! If we don’t hurry, the Paru will be gone!”
Grudgingly, I got on the sled as Dad pulled it and started running. I clung to the sled, puffing out my cheeks so I wouldn't fall off.
...I can run on my own, you know.
I understand that we left a bit late and that I can’t keep up with Dad all the way to the forest at his pace. But I want to get off before we meet anyone we know. Riding on a sled, being pulled along with my luggage—that would definitely make everyone laugh if they found out.
...I look like a helpless baby, even though it was Dad who overslept.
“Hey, Gunther. Busy, but out gathering Paru fruit? That must be tough.”
When we reached the South Gate, Dad started talking to the gatekeeper. I looked up at them, thinking we really needed to hurry. I was told not to interfere because Dad’s talks at the gate were work-related.
“...There were a lot of unfamiliar faces among the orphans going to gather Paru. I let them through since Lutz and Gil were with them, but did you hear anything unusual?”
“I think it’s related to a secret mission from the lord. If you meet them in the forest, check it out.”
Even though it’s winter, Dad’s busy. Usually, winter means heavy snow making it hard for people to come and go, so the main work is snow shoveling and dealing with drunks. But this winter, the lord issued an important task, and the soldiers at the North Gate have way more work than usual.
...If it’s the orphanage, maybe Dirk and Konrad are in the forest too? I’m looking forward to seeing them.
Last autumn, when I first went to the forest with Lutz, I met Dirk and Konrad. They’re orphans, about my age. The orphanage has all the picture books and toys from the Rosemine Workshop, and both understood whatever I talked about. Lutz told us not to mention the toys from the Rosemine Workshop to other kids, so I was really happy to be able to talk about the toys I always played with.
I had an older sister named Myne who died, and apparently the temple and nobles are involved. The compassionate head priest, saddened by that, gave me toys made at the workshop. But since dealing with nobles can have unpredictable consequences, we’re not allowed to talk about Myne, the nobles at the temple, or the toys they gave us.
I don’t remember when I first heard about Myne. I only clearly remember that Mom, my sister, and Lutz were happily talking about “Myne, Myne,” but when I asked “Who’s Myne?” they all suddenly clammed up and stopped talking about her. The atmosphere made it clear we really couldn’t talk about it. I promised Dad I wouldn’t talk about it either.
When I first went to the forest with Lutz, I was told it’s fine to talk with the orphanage kids about toys but not about Myne. I don’t know Myne, so I have nothing to say anyway.
When I promised to meet Dirk and Konrad in the forest next time, I brought karuta cards and played them together. I won and lost evenly with Dirk, but I beat Konrad. By spring, Konrad got stronger and I lost—so I’ve been practicing with Mom and sometimes competing with Tulli when she comes home.
“Konrad, Dirk!”
When we arrived at the forest, as I’d heard at the gate, the orphanage kids were there gathering fruit too. Besides Dirk and Konrad, there were many unfamiliar kids. Gil and Lutz were with them, teaching a lot of kids how to gather Paru. It seemed many were picking Paru for the first time.
“Hey, Lutz! Gil! Want to gather together today? Isn’t this for Lady Rosemine?”
Dad asked, and Lutz shook his head. “Lady Rosemine won’t be returning this year…” She usually comes back around the middle to end of winter but apparently not this year.