Chapter 15 — Calling Again

 

Mother carried me quickly through the mansion. I caught glimpses of interesting things, but she moved so fast I couldn’t keep up. Finally, she stopped before a large door and flung it open.

Inside was a grand room—so big it could fit several of my old home’s rooms. A huge table stood in the center, surrounded by chairs enough for ten people. From the ceiling hung glittering lights. I thought it must be a place where Father and important knights held meetings.

“Yuuki, from today this is the dining room. At mealtimes, everyone gathers here.”

“Meals…?”

So it wasn’t a meeting room—it was for eating! I was amazed. Back in my old home, even a small dining space felt full with just two people.

Mother explained that maids would guide me, but she wanted me to know this was where meals were held. Then she swept me onward, opening another door with a loud bang. Father sighed.

“Olivia, can’t you open doors more quietly?”

“This is me being quiet,” she replied cheerfully.

I laughed. I liked her energy.

The next room was smaller but still grand. Sofas lined the space. Mother sat me down beside her, and the others joined. A tall man and a woman remained standing.

“Yuuki, why do you call him Toushan-sama? Tell us.”

I explained, “Toushan means father. Everyone called him Captain-sama, because he’s the most important. Important people are ‘sama.’ So I said Toushan-sama.”

Mother nodded. “I see. That’s why. It’s adorable, but remember—we’re family. Family doesn’t need ‘sama.’ Try calling him Papa.”

Father leaned forward. “Yes, Yuuki, say Papa.”

“Papa?”

The room fell silent.

“…No, stop. If you call me Papa with those eyes, I’ll never let you go.”

“Eh?! Let go? Does that mean goodbye?” I panicked.

He laughed. “No, no. It means I’d neglect my work.”

Mother sighed. “Which you already do.”

Father cleared his throat. “Anyway, just call me Toushan. Drop the ‘sama.’”

“Toushan!”

“Good. That’s perfect.”

Mother smiled. “And I’m Kaashan—Mother.”

“Kaashan!”

Anthony and Joshua chimed in. “We’re your brothers.”

“Oniishan!”

Joshua grinned. “I’d prefer ‘Aniki.’”

Mother scolded him. “No way. Yuuki will call you Oniishan.”

So our names were decided. I was thrilled—Father, Mother, brothers. A whole family!

Then the tall man spoke. “Master, introduce us too.”

Father nodded. “This is Asher, my butler. He manages the household and assists me. Just call him Asher.”

“Asher-shan!”

Asher shook his head. “Just Asher. No honorifics. But I’ll call you Yuuki-sama—it’s tradition.”

I tilted my head, confused. Why was I ‘sama’? Father reassured me, “Don’t worry. It’s just how things are.”

Next was the maid. “This is Amelia. She’ll help you—meals, clothes, cleaning. Call her Amelia.”

“Amelia!”

She beamed. “Yuuki-sama, I’m so happy to serve you! Such a blessing!” She skipped out of the room, declaring, “Cuteness is justice!”

I wasn’t sure if I should get close to her… but Father said I only needed to remember these names for now.

He told me I must rest after dinner. Mashiro’s introduction would wait until tomorrow, since it needed careful explanation.

At dinner, Amelia guided us back to the dining hall. My meal was different—soft soup and tender meat, easy to eat. Delicious! Dessert was cake. But the best part wasn’t the food—it was eating together, laughing and talking like a real family.

Afterward, Amelia returned. “Yuuki-sama, it’s time to prepare for bed. Let me show you your room.”

“My room?”

Mother smiled. “Yes, Yuuki. Your very own room. Come, let’s go.”