Bluebird Lady and The White Lion Family

In response to Sophina’s curiosity, her mother smiled benevolently and praised her.

 “Good. I look forward to seeing what you can do for us.” 

Khan’s eyes glistened, perhaps because of all the good she had done.

 

Sophina raised her hand and asked the most important question of all.

 “So when is Ricardo leaving, Mother?” 

Hmm

, Khan thought for a moment, then counted the days on her fingers.

 “He’ll be getting ready as soon as he can, so he should be gone in about three days.” 

That soon?

 

Sophina’s eyebrows furrowed together.

 

‘Just when I think we’re getting closer, we’re getting further away.’

 

She sighed. Recognizing her expression, Ricardo swore faithfully.

 “I’ll be right back, milady.” “Yes. Come back soon, Ricardo.” 

Sophina nodded weakly. She thought to herself,

‘I wish I could do something for him before he leaves…’ 

 

Maybe I should make him a handkerchief.

 

That’s the customary thing to do. I could at least try sewing for a dear friend.

 

With that in mind, as soon as she left the room, Sophina ordered Jane to get the materials she needed to sew.

 

Without Ricardo’s knowledge, of course.

 

She made up some excuse and worked feverishly on her embroidery in her office.

 “Ouch, it stings.” 

This was not an easy task.

 

After all, menial labor was difficult. Her fingertips were covered with small puncture wounds from the sharp needles.

 

A small patch of blood stains the pristine, clean, freshly pressed dress.

 “Oh, it’s new!” 

Irritated, Sophina threw down the handkerchief in a huff.

 

She pursed her lips and thought for a moment.

 

‘It’s going to take a long time, since it’s set in a war.’

 

At least until all the characters are grown up.

 

What if Ricardo gets hurt in the meantime?

 

And I’m also worried about Ririela and the young master.

 

Honestly, I don’t remember the novel giving us much more than a brief description of how the male lead won the battle and captured the female lead.

 

I have no idea what Ricardo might have suffered in the process, or what happened to the others.

 

None of that, I don’t know.

 “Especially since Young Master was given so much of a part.’ “Aww, he seems strong.” 

Sophina fumbled with her affirmation circuitry.

 

There was no way the lions, who were all combatants, could be defeated.

 

So the young master would be safe, and the various races seemed to have joined forces, but they were outnumbered.

 

‘And… the appearance of the heroine will be the same as in the novel.’ 

 

Soon, my thoughts turned to the original Heroine.

 

She had been taken prisoner after losing a war.

 

Since she was the heir of the deer, she was bound to be brought here as long as the deer race participated in the war.

 

Sophina raised her knees and rested her chin on them, thinking.

 

‘Well, what can I do, anyway.’ 

 

Helping manage the estate, making more Roneache flower remedies, and managing public opinion so that it doesn’t falter from within.

 

These were the first things that came to mind.

 

‘These are important things, but I can’t help more directly.’

 

I felt like an idiot, like my head had been stuck in the sand.

 “I’ll just have to make this pretty.” 

Sophina stared at her neglected handkerchief and began to wrestle again.

 

Maybe working would give her a good idea.

 

Just as she reached a trance-like state, almost becoming a sewing machine, there was a knock at the door.

 “What are you doing, sister?” 

It was Rihentheon.

 

Sophina quickly hid the handkerchief behind her back and gave a curt response.

 “Oh, just a little hobby… Anything you want to tell me?” “Mother said we should spend this evening in the garden, just for a change of pace.” 

The answer was unexpected, and Sophina grunted in acceptance.

 

The rest of my vacation would be spent well. Perhaps I could get some sewing done and finish the handkerchief.

 

Rihentheon politely escorted the still-beaten Sophina away.

 “I will escort you.” “Young master, wait!” 

She stopped Rihentheon for a moment and grabbed something from her desk.

 

What she pulled out was a small glass vial.

 

She had it as a sample.

 “It’s a small portion of the Roneache flower remedy, so it’ll be easy to carry!” “Thank you. But why this…” 

Rihentheon accepted it grudgingly and scratched at the nape of his neck with a furtive glance.

 

Sophina frowned at the simple-minded stranger.

 

Still, I feel uneasy,

‘I’m afraid he’ll come back injured.’

 

He’s been practicing at the waterfall for a while now, and he’s taken a beating.

 

She tugged at the corners of her mouth.

 “We trained together, it’s just camaraderie.” “I like it because you look like the perfect person to turn inside out. Comrade.” 

Rihentheon’s eyes narrowed at Sophina’s declaration of camaraderie, and he purred in satisfaction.

 

Sophina laughed in disbelief.

 

It’s like all he could think about was trying to screw over his brother.

 

‘Maybe it’s because they’re family, but it’s a sign that he’s thinking about Ricardo.’

 

Just like we’ve been doing all this time outside the mansion.

 

Ricardo’s words reminded me of the reason the family had never stayed in the estate.

 

To catch a black panther. I had heard that there are several types of panthers, including white leopards and red leopards.

 

The black panther was rumored to have the worst relationship with lions.

 

In addition, they are solitary animals, so they often appear in places that are not their territory.

 

‘Perhaps that’s why they’re so eager to join this war.’

 

It’s a war with a lot of different races, so the Panthers are bound to be interested.

 

Then there’s the possibility that the black panther might join the fray on its own accord.

 

‘As a rival race to the lions, it’s likely that they were involved in the previous war somehow.’

 

Sophina spoke softly, her voice becoming more serious,

“However, I think we should take a break, young master.” “What? What do you mean?” 

Rihentheon lifted his bushy eyebrows slightly at the unexpected advice.

 

Sophina’s eyes were intent, as if she’d seen right through him.

 “I heard all about it from Ricardo today, and yes, the Black Panthers are terrible, but…” 

Sophina lowered her gaze and trailed off.

 “Don’t get hurt, don’t do anything dangerous, put your safety first. I’ll see what I can do to help.” 

The warmth of her words, mixed with her concern, moistened the corners of Rihentheon’s eyes.

 

There was a part of him that wondered if this was the time to draw the black panthers out.

 

Rihentheon stared at Sophina with a glint in his eye, and then sighed ruefully.

 “You’re a nice fellow, with a good disposition, but why would you want to meet someone like my brother?” 

Just then, Ricardo, who had followed the unsightly Rihentheon, made a timely entrance.

 “Meeting, what?” “Bro— brother?” 

Ricardo stomped on his brother’s foot with as much force as he could muster.

 “Ack!” 

Rihentheon jumped up like a mouse with its tail on fire.

 

Ricardo’s mouth twitched at the corners, and he tugged at Sophina.

 “Let’s go, milady.” 

Sophina could only offer her condolences at this unfortunate turn of events.

 

Still, they made their way to the garden.

 

The lush garden was filled with the unmistakable smell of savory, hearty food.

 

There was a bonfire in the center of the landscape, as if they were camping, and my mother was grilling skewers with various ingredients.

 

Waiting for their food, Canus sang a song in the background.

 —I love the barbecue! It’s the best! “I like it too.” 

Ririela grinned, her mouth-watering. Then she noticed Sophina’s movements and waved cheerfully.

 “Come and sit down, Sophina!” “Sure. Can I help you with something?” 

Sophina asked sweetly as she sat down next to Ririela.

 “No….” 

A fiery blush rose to Ririela’s cheeks.

 

Khan, who had been watching the two of them with amusement, spoke up.

 “Come on, eat up, dear, and Ririela.” “Yes!” “Yes, Mother.” 

The two replied cheerfully.

 

Meanwhile, Ricardo had slipped in beside Sophina.

 

Rihentheon, under the watchful eye of his brother, plopped his butt down on the chair opposite.

 

At the sight, Khan smiles wryly and reminisces.

 “When I was very young, my family used to sit out here in the garden, eat a big meal, and watch the fireworks.” 

Rihentheon chimed in,

“Those were the good old days, Mother.” “Do you remember, Rihentheon, you were still eating baby food then?” 

There was a wistful silence, though it was useless.

 

Rihentheon responded by glancing at Khan with a wry smile.

 “Ah… is that so?” 

Then Ricardo, in a rare moment of sincerity, sided with Rihentheon.

 “It doesn’t matter, because you’ll remember this now.” 

He turned his gaze to Sophina, as if she was now part of this memory.

 

Sophina’s chestnut-colored eyes narrowed. She inhaled her food, threatening to bury her face in her plate.

 

Toward the end of the meal, her mother slowly rose to her feet and offered something to everyone.

 “Firecrackers.” 

Then she struck a long firecracker on the campfire.

 

With a pop, long, pointed red sparks burst forth like flowers in full bloom everywhere.

 — Fireworks! 

Canus was intoxicated by the atmosphere, and he was delighted.

 

Ririela also drew pictures in the air with her sparklers and spoke to Sophina.

 “Wow, the fireworks are pretty, aren’t they, Sophina?” “Yes, sis, they’re so pretty.” 

Sophina mimicked her and made a heart.

 Crackle— 

The sound of the fireworks burning out echoed sweetly.

 

The girls chatted quietly in the warmth of the night, arguing about whose sparkler burned faster, and jumping up and down.

 

Sophina took another sparkler in her hand and slowly studied the faces of the others.

 

They’re all smiling.

 

And…

 

Sophina realized,

‘I was smiling, myself.’

 

Before she knew it, she had melted into the crowd.

 

She took in this beautiful scenery with her eyes, and it was etched in her heart.

 

This moment, this affectionate daily routine, the warmth and sincerity that melted into it, this moment when the warmth and depth of sincerity could be felt.

 

It was like a spark from a firework.

 

A great flame that never dies down, but instead emits its brilliant light.

 “It’s nice to have family time like this. Isn’t it, Sophina?” 

Ririela’s warm voice broke into Sophina’s thoughts.

 

Sophina thought about the words,

‘Family time together.’

 

But it would be a rare sight to see now.

 

Somehow, she felt very, wistful. If only we could all spend time together like this again someday.

She pursed her lips.

 “We…” 

The small voice drew everyone’s attention.

 “We should eat and talk and laugh and play together like this more often.” 

Sophina smiled broadly and locked eyes with her family.

 “You’re family.” 

Family. 

 

The most miraculous and ordinary word in the world.

 

For the first time, Sophina had a family.

 

‘I’m going to protect these people. I don’t want any of them to get hurt.’

 

As she made up her mind, she suddenly had an idea.