Published: August 10, 2026
The room for ordinary attendants isn't that big. We gatekeepers, who take night shifts in rotation, do each get a room to ourselves, but in exchange it's narrow and plain. Mio-sama stepped into the room, which had nothing in it besides a bed, a closet, and a small table, and seemed to hesitate for a moment over where to sit. She looked around, and in the end simply stood with her back against the wall. Less a flower, more like an ornament. Either way, she still didn't seem very comfortable here.
After confirming that I sat down on my own bed, Mio-sama let out a tiny sigh.
...Huh? Mio-sama, could she be tired...?
I thought that, but before I could ask, Mio-sama began speaking. As always, in a quiet, emotionless voice.
"Why were you not at the castle gate? I recall that you were on duty at this hour today."
"Yes, well. I'm technically on leave for recovering from my injury the other day."
"...I see. I apologize for visiting you while you were resting. Does it hurt?"
It was unusually kind of her to say that. I deliberately shook my head with emphasis.
"Not at all. More importantly, Mio-sama, did you need something from me...?"
"I will explain the situation. First, as for this outfit, please do not worry about it. I simply failed to change."
"Was there some kind of costume party somewhere?"
"Please do not worry about it."
"Yes, ma'am."
I nodded honestly. It was the first time I understood that "please do not worry about it" meant "don't ask." Since I held my tongue, Mio-sama continued her concise explanation.
"The fact that I knocked at the door with my forehead has no particular significance. I merely wished to rest my hands, even if only for a moment."
"...Your hands?"
At my question, Mio-sama raised both of them. I gasped and widened my eyes. From her elbows to her wrists, Mio-sama's arms were wrapped tightly in bandages. It looked like there was some sort of reinforcing splint inside them as well, giving them a bizarre shape.
So shocked, I reflexively reached out to grab her arm. I caught myself immediately and yanked my hand back, flailing uselessly in the air. Mio-sama, the injured one, was as calm as ever, while I alone was panicking.
"W-what happened to you? Are you injured!? Why!?"
"Please do not worry. It is only a hairline fracture."
"That's a serious injury!"
"It is not broken. It was swollen all night, but the swelling has already subsided. It should be fully healed in another two or three days."
"Normal people call that a serious injury!"
"I have a splint on until then, so it is inconvenient because I cannot bend it."
"Please rest! That is a serious injury! M-Mio-sama, for you to get hurt like that, what on earth happened!?"
Even as I said it, I was thinking, Who did this to you?
There was no way Mio-sama would simply trip and end up with an injury like this. Someone attacked her. And not just anyone—a person with a weapon, using enough force to damage bone.
Cold sweat ran down my back.
"D-don't tell me this has something to do with those people the other day..."
"I will explain that as well in detail. However, first—"
After saying that, Mio-sama looked around and fell silent for several seconds.
...Huh? What's with this reaction?
Mio-sama was always sparing with her words. With attendants like us, she normally only conveyed the necessary work-related information. But this silence today didn't feel like she was quiet or unsociable... it felt more like she was hesitating.
...What is it? What is it that Mio-sama finds hard to say to me?
At last, she opened her mouth. As always, direct and in her emotionless voice.
"I came because I have a request for you."
"Eh... y-yes?"
"I would like you to help me, Thomas."
I was struck speechless by her words.
Mio-sama... what did you just say?
Help you? You want me to help Mio-sama—what does that even mean?
While I stood there dumbfounded, Mio-sama gave a faint smile.
It was a somewhat self-mocking smile, one I had rarely seen from her.
"Please do not take it so seriously. I am not asking you to do anything special."
"...Then what is it? I mean, I know this is saying a lot, but I'm not exactly useful for much."