Published: July 26, 2025
I am Tulli, 8 years old.
My younger sister Myne was just decided to attend the temple as a shrine maiden apprentice, and I finally felt relieved. She wouldn’t die from self-eating anymore, nor would she be thrown into the orphanage as a gray shrine maiden. I used to be scared about when Myne would disappear, but that worry was gone now, and I was really happy.
The day after Father and Mother were called to the temple, Myne went to Benno’s shop to discuss strategies for the high priest. She also said she’d arrange the day to meet Corinna-sama and left.
Before, only Myne was invited while I stayed at home, but this time she promised to ask if I could come along.
Ah, I’m so excited! Our Myne is such a good sister who cares about me! She even brags about going to Corinna-sama’s house to our workshop friends. Hehe.
Corinna-sama has had her own workshop since she became an adult and makes costumes even ordered by nobles—she’s amazing. For an apprentice seamstress like me, she’s a far more distant figure than that blue sky, someone I admire and hope to become like someday.
The story that she received a passionate proposal from a wonderful master is passed around among the seamstress friends like a minstrel’s tale. The rumor goes that he abandoned his merchant status and all he had built to propose, showing how dearly Corinna-sama is loved and treasured—she is the ideal for any girl.
I wonder what kind of person Corinna-sama really is? Myne says she’s kind and beautiful.
“I’m home, Tulli. Corinna-san said, ‘Please, all of you come,’ and invited us for tomorrow afternoon,”
Myne came rushing in, out of breath, probably hurrying home, and said with a beaming smile. Then she collapsed on the spot.
“Myne!?”
“Ugh… I wanted to tell you quickly, so maybe I tried too hard? Sorry,”
“It would be worse if you couldn’t go tomorrow. Come sit and rest a bit.”
Myne lazily leaned her weight on the table and sat down. Her glossy navy hair fell softly.
Myne tries various challenges and slowly builds up strength, but she never really gets stronger or bigger. She always looks about four years old, which worries me endlessly.
Even when standing next to Lutz, who is the same age, they look like just siblings, and recently she was quite down because a child two years younger had to take care of her when they went to the forest.
Myne isn’t weak because of self-eating; apparently, even after it’s cured, she remains fragile. Lutz said the other day that she’s different from Frieda, who has the same illness.
“...Hmm, feeling a little better?”
Pressing her temples, Myne stood up and sluggishly started moving.
She carefully packed her favorite bag with her neatly folded formal kimono, hair ornament, and slim crochet hook wrapped in cloth to keep them clean. Noticing it was preparing for tomorrow, I asked:
“Myne, what about me? What should I prepare?”
“Hmm, not really anything special... but since it’s a special occasion, shall we get you prettied up with Rinshan?”
“Yes!”
We washed each other’s hair with the Rinshan I made. We hadn’t done this so often before, but lately, I’ve thought it’s important to stay neat.
At the workshop, only those who are neat get to show guests around or chat with customers.
“You know, Myne, today I was assigned to be a guide for the first time,”
“Really? That’s great, Tulli.”
“It’s thanks to you, Myne.”
Once I had complained to Myne that only pretty people got the job of face-to-face with customers, and she advised me from a merchant’s perspective, “First impressions matter in customer business. That’s obvious for merchants. If you want to sell your face to customers, you should also watch your cleanliness and appearance."
She also told me to wear work clothes that look good to customers and an apron with sleeves to keep things clean. I could take it off before guiding visitors to stay neat.
Since taking her advice, I have been given jobs that involve facing customers.