Erin's Episode

Flocks of sheep grazing leisurely across the vast meadow... what a sight.

Sheep everywhere, black, white, brown, all kinds filling the plain.

An event where you give sheep to the weary to help them relax? So typical of Elaia.

I wish the others had come too. I don't get why they'd turn down such a beautiful view just because they were feeling lazy.

Huh...? Ethan?

Oh, Erin? What brings you here?

I came out for a walk with Bonnie! He's usually cooped up in the palace because I'm always busy with state affairs.

Bonnie...?

Held in the arms like that, the sheep almost looks like a puppy.

So this little one is Bonnie, huh. Aww... So cute, it's even wearing a ribbon.

Cute, right?

Yeah, it also looks really soft and cuddly. Can I hold it?

Hehe, Bonnie bites strangers.

It... bites? It looks so gentle...

Well... my handmaiden's hands are always bandaged because Bonnie keeps biting. It's that bad!

Why do you sound like you're bragging about something so terrifying?

Hehe!

Well, in a way, it's reassuring. It feels like you're doing things appropriate for your age now. You always seemed so stiff at the palace.

Huh? Did I really?

Considering your royal status, it couldn't be helped. I didn't mean it in a bad way.

Hmm...

Is Elaia doing well these days?

Yes. Father is healthy, and thanks to repelling the Empire's attacks, the people are happy.

That's good to hear.

Maybe I'll visit sometime.

Really? You're welcome anytime! Hehe.

I'll make lots of delicious food for my hard-working big brother, Ethan!

If anything happens, make sure to let me know.

Of course!

Ah! Speaking of which, we recently received some fine tea from the East!

Oh? That sounds nice. The palace isn't far from here, so I might as well escort you back.

Sounds great!

First, let's make sure the festival ends smoothly. I'll keep watch, so you and Bonnie can relax, Erin.

Hehe, thank you, Ethan!

Kyaoo!

Ah... right, it bites...

Snooze, snooze...

Is Bonnie asleep?

Yes! Thanks to you keeping everyone safe, he seems at ease now.

A sheep's life sure looks easy. Watching Bonnie snuggle in Erin's arms was adorable, but it also made me feel envious.

Princess... We're so grateful... Here are some cooked potatoes.

Uh... You don't have to be that thankful. Elaia exists because of people like you...!

But still, the potatoes look good, so maybe just one... And the bowl is so pretty, maybe I'll take just one...

Oh, thank you.

Wahh! I don't have enough hands to hold all the gifts!

I'll carry them for you.

Everyone! Down there! We've prepared warm, savory stew. It's perfect for warming up!

She really looks busy. Maybe this is what a true princess's life is like.

Phew... I thought this would be an easy festival to handle, but I'm completely drained...

You always work so hard. That's probably why you get tired so quickly.

Still, you look like a beloved princess to everyone.

Hehe... You think so?

Take a little break if you're tired. Bonnie's asleep too.

Yes! He must've had so much fun. He was running around and grazing everywhere, but now he's fast asleep.

It doesn't do that at the palace?

The palace garden is spacious, but with so many people and tall buildings, he must feel uneasy. He always stuck close to me there.

Ah... it's true that pets can be affected by their environment.

If only we could live like this every day, I think Bonnie would be much happier...

Then come out more often. Are you really that busy with work?

Uh... not exactly, but my father is always burdened with kingdom matters and other affairs, so I feel bad being the only one who's relaxing...

That sounds just like you. Still, I worry about you. You always seem to overwork yourself...

Eh? Me?

You're involved in diplomacy with the Alliance and managing internal affairs, even at your age.

And you're always watching over those around you.

It's what I must do, so I'm fine. After all... I'm the Princess of Elaia...!

I've seen how heavy that title can be, just look at Elizabeth.

Even just keeping up appearances takes a lot of emotional energy.

Wow... You really are amazing, Ethan. It's not easy to be that considerate of others.

Because I always have you on my mind.

E-Eh?! M-Me...?!

Yep.

...Ah! W-What I meant was... like a little sister! A precious, cherished little sister!

Ehehe. Your face turned red.

I-I think I might be catching a cold.

Ahem, I've just been around royals too much.

I've dealt with royals wherever I went, even among my adventuring companions. So, I know how it is.

Hehe, you're very thoughtful.

...There are so many incredible people in every kingdom. I still have a long way to go. After all, I'm the one being comforted by you, hehe...

Don't beat yourself up. Everyone's struggling. It's just... you feel like a little sister to me, so I worry more.

Ahem! Ahem! Now that the festival's over, I should help with cleanup...

I'll help too!

No, Erin. Didn't you say you barely have time to relax? You and Bonnie should enjoy this peaceful moment a little longer.

Ethan... Thank you...!

Big brother Ethan!

You didn't come at a busy time, did you?

No! The state meeting just ended. Father said he wanted to see you, and you arrived at the perfect moment!

Ha... King Edward still makes me a little nervous.

Shall we wait in the garden? I'll bring some delicious tea right away.

Don't be so formal, Erin. If you keep that up, you'll wear yourself out. You already look pretty exhausted.

Hehe... You really see right through me, huh?

I guess I've gotten into the habit of it. But when I'm with you, I'll try to relax more...!

Here, have some of this cake with tea. It tastes amazing together!

Oh, that looks good. Mmm... The cookies look tasty too. Should I try those...

Ah! No, wait! You have to eat the cake first!

Huh? I do? That's a shame... You hardly find sweets like this in this world, so I was tempted... hmm...

Eh...?

Well... if you really want to... then I suppose it's okay...

This place is lovely. Do you and Bonnie come here often?

Yes! It's the best spot for walks in the palace.

I wish everyone in our kingdom could also enjoy a place as peaceful as this...

Well... they say the harder things get, the more we should smile.

If that's how you feel about everyone, then sometimes you should... you know, give yourself and others a moment to forget their worries and laugh.

A time to forget worries and laugh...?

Yeah, just like that festival last time. After all, soldiers need motivation to swing their swords.

Uhh...

Do you think it'll be okay...?

Encourage Her

It'll be fine. You're an admirable princess, and I'm sure everyone will be happy.

Pat Her Head

No need to overthink it. People smile when they're full and comfortable. Just like I am right now.

Hmm...

...! I just got a great idea!

What is it?

I'm going to create a place in Elaia, where people can relax with their sheep! And we can sell bread and desserts there too! Hehe!

Hmm... There were plenty of pastures and sheep, but no place for everyone to gather. That's a good idea.

And maybe we could show off Bonnie's tricks there too!

Ah... I don't know about that one.

Uh... i-is that so...?

Haha, anyway, let's set the plan in motion. Try to set it up properly. I'll help too.

Erin, how's the festival going?

Big brother Ethan!

Great! Everyone's enjoying themselves. Even the sheep are baa-ing happily!

We've set up pasture zones and dessert stands. There's even a spot where people can try on thick cloaks made from wool!

Making plush dolls with the wool might be fun too.

That's a great idea!

I'm glad it's going well, but how's the palace budget holding up?

Uh... It's a bit tough because of the war... but...

Yeah! Elaia has plenty of grain and fruit, enough to share with everyone, so we're good!

And lots of sheep too.

Hehe, exactly!

But... what's up with all these sheep?

Hehe, Bonnie's always popular. They just gather around him like this.

Even that little one knows it's owned by royalty... Pretty cheeky for a small sheep, but impressive.

Hehe...

It's very peaceful here. Guess I'll take a little look around?

This is great. There's cheese inside too. Festivals are all about good food, after all.

Hehe... You know your stuff.

Where I'm from, that's basic. Especially street food, there's all kinds.

What kinds?

For one, you can grill dough filled with octopus legs. That's tasty too.

Or round bread stuffed with sweet red bean paste and nuts... thin ones with honey pressed inside...

W-Wow... The possibilities for bread are endless. Still, I'll try making some like that. Thank you, Ethan!

Kyaooo!!!

Erin sure is adorable.

Ehh?! A-Adorable?! Eeeeeep!!

E-Erin?

...

Erin's acting weird...!

I've seen you exhausted from overworking, but this is the first time seeing you short-circuited like this. Maybe I went too far...

Y-You said something so embarrassing...!

A joke?! I totally thought you meant it!

O-Okay.

Not that I hated it or anything... But... I didn't necessarily like, Ugh! J-Just eat your dessert!

Hehhh...

Just know that I cherish you. You are a wonderful comrade and a dear little sister.

Ethan... Saying it like that, you leave me speechless. Making me all flustered like this, how cruel!

Sigh... When I'm with you, I always end up getting too excited. I should be more composed...

...Pfft!

What is it?! Why are you laughing?!

It's just funny hearing someone so tiny talk about being composed. Princess Erin is way too stiff. I like you better this way.

Just look at Bonnie playing over there. At your age, it's okay to let loose and have fun.

Then... I'd like you to visit more often. I-I mean... having an excuse makes it easier for me to relax a little...!

I'll do that. I'm always up for it.

Huh? Bonnie doesn't seem too happy...?

Ah! I must've startled him. He must think you said something mean. Run, Ethan!

What?! Waaaah! The other sheep are joining in too!

Kyaoo!

That's fine by me. I can use this chance to rest...

Ethan!

Huh?

Rawrrr!!

Kyaooo!!!

...

Oh? Ethan's not saying anything...?

Kyu! Kuooo kyuuu!

Eh?! He's stunned from shock? I-I only meant to scare him a little...

Ethan! Wake up!

...No, I'm perfectly fine.

Ah! But you weren't saying anything...

Oh...! You must have missed it! In that case, let me try again! Rawrrr!

I saw it perfectly clear... You don't have to do it again. Besides, now that we're already standing face-to-face, your plan to scare me is a failure.

Kyaooo!!!

You stop too. You don't even have sharp teeth.

Kyuuut!

What is it saying?

Um... It says it could easily chew and swallow someone like you, Ethan.

Kyu.

Like dry hay.

Oh, really? Maybe I should convince Morgana and see if she wants to have mutton for the first time in a while.

Hgyaaaa... Kauuu!!

Bonnie, don't be scared. Ethan is just joking.

Are you sure that thing isn't just a human in sheep's clothing?

It's not a sheep right now. It's an ancient monster.

An ancient monster... You too?

Of course! Ahem! I'm Dino Erin, protector of Elaia!

Dino... what...?

Hgyaaa! I'm Dino Erin.

Who gave you such a ridiculous name...? You look more like a lizard than a dragon...

That's not true! This is the form of a monster called a dinosaur.

I hear they're super powerful! Rawrrr!

A dinosaur? You know what a dinosaur is?

They're monsters that existed a long time ago. They said they're distant relatives of dragons.

They're more like actual creatures than monsters, but... who told you that?

Karishara! She shared her knowledge with the tailors to make this outfit.

It's comfy and cute, I love it! Heheh...!

It is pretty cute. It suits you well, Erin.

Really? Hehe...

Like that, even orcs or goblins would be terrified. It definitely shows off the princess's dignity.

Uh... isn't that a bit far from being cute...?

What are you talking about? Things that are truly strong are always cute.

You could say... cuteness is justice.

Hmm, were dinosaurs cute monsters too?

Dinosaurs?

Yes. You seem to know a lot about them...

I wouldn't say I know a lot... I've never seen one in person either. I've only read about them in documents...

There were many different kinds. I'm sure there were some cute ones among them.

They must have been incredible monsters.

Well, before humans walked this earth, it was a world of dinosaurs. So yeah, they were pretty incredible.

Wow...

Why did all those dinosaurs disappear?

...They went extinct because they were too cute.

W-What?!

Because they were so cute, they had no natural predators, so they just faded away.

So you'd better be careful. If you keep wearing that outfit because you like it so much, you might vanish into thin air too...!

Hbyabababa...

Kyuuuung...

Haha, I was actually just joki...

Nooooo!

Kyu!!!

Rawrrr! I'm going to bite you!

Kuoooh!

W-Whoa?!

Hmph! It's mean of you to trick me like that.

Did you go and look it up already?

I was worried that Karishara might have tricked me.

If by some chance it was a cursed outfit or had some weird meaning... there'd be an uproar in the palace.

Ah...

Sob... Saying such scary things... You're so mean.

Sorry. It's just been so long since I saw dinosaur pajamas, and you looked so cute, I couldn't help but tease you.

I'm a meat-eating dinosaur right now! I might really bite you...!

Ukyuuu!!

Please spare me from that...

Hehe, I was joking too.

You're a quick learner. As expected of a princess.

I want to work hard to learn everything. If I just hide because I'm scared, I won't be able to change anything.

Oh... That's very mature of you.

I'm going to be brave just like my friend here, Erinsaurus, the king of the dinosaurs!

Huh...? What? Erinsaurus?

Apparently that's the name of a dinosaur!

...Did Karishara give you that name, too?

Yes! Karishara really knows a lot about dragons and dinosaurs. Hehe...

So tomorrow, we're going to patrol around the royal capital. Come with me, Ethan.

In that outfit...?

It's all part of my training to become queen!

...Alright. I'm your escort, so I'll follow you.

It's about time to sleep. Goodnight, Dino girl.

Yesss!

...

...?

What is it?

I was just wondering... when you were going to leave.

T-These are pajamas. It's fine if I just sleep here.

What?!

Absolutely not. If anyone sees this, I'll be in big trouble. I can't let a precious princess sleep just anywhere.

It's your room anyway, Ethan, so it's fine. Besides, what if the dino power gets too strong and I get eaten up...? We can't have that.

You could just take off the outfit.

But I really like it. It's comfy, and I love dinosaurs!

...I guess I have no choice. You can use the bed, then.

Thank you, Ethan! Hehe!

In return, I'll lend you my Bonniesaurus!

Bonnie! Keep Ethan warm.

Gyarrrr... Kuooo...!

...I don't need it.