1

After getting a surprise test from Haruki. Erwin and I realized that our knowledge of not only this world but also our own country was still really lacking. Maybe it was because the noble education was more focused on how great Amteric was. We never realized that our economy was in chaos.

What happened to this place was not an exception, but the rule.

It's no wonder that sales of Erwin's creations are not as good as we had hoped. Our targets, the general craftsmen, are living a difficult life. In addition, many of them are also only focused on serving orders from the military where everything has to fit their specs. The only things they can make with our tools are niche items with little demand.

Since that day, we decided to attend Haruki's class which started at the second bell until the third bell. Or you will be more familiar if I say nine to twelve.

Haruki may not be Amterican, but his overall knowledge is truly extensive. Our hope is that with his help we can plan our business better. More efficient, more targeted, and more profitable.

At first, we were hesitant in making the decision to focus on studying because our territory was in crisis mode. But when we expressed our hesitation to my mom, she immediately said to leave everything to her.

And then. Half a month later. Someone who was said to be my father's personal servant came carrying a box full of gold coins in front of us.

Mom wrote to my dad and told him about our situation. She tried to request that her allowance be increased a little. But unfortunately, even my father can't arbitrarily change the budget in the palace. That's why, instead. He set aside his personal wealth and sent it here.

With that money. Our future is secured. Well, at least for the next three months.

My father's servant said that the gift we got was an exception. So we couldn't rely on my father to bail us out whenever we ran out of money. He of course could afford it, but if he spoil my mom too much. His other wives would start complaining. And because his other marriage is political in nature. The problem can become a bigger deal than it actually is.

Of course, we also have no intention to keep depending on my father to support this territory. That's why, right now Erwin and I are busy studying all the materials Haruki gave us.

"Today, we will learn basic geography"

As someone who only went to an "ornament" class, I was not at all familiar with the geography of this world. And even though Erwin had studied geography he still felt that a neutral outside view is needed in his study. That's why today we went back to studying basic geography.

"Firstly, the country is named after the continent we are on"

But unlike Australia where one continent consists of only one country. In Amteric, there are many other countries besides the Amteric Kingdom.

Until fifty years ago, the Amteric was a landlocked country. But after defeating our local rival Ilargia and merging the two. The country became the largest country on the continent with an area of nearly fifty percent of the continent's total landmass.

Ilargia itself is now just a province in the northwestern part of the continent and is the country's only access to the open sea. Far away from its original location half a century ago. Amteric just keeps pushing them out until they are in their current spot.

"Amteric is basically the de facto superpower in this area, but there are other countries out there in this part of the world whose military or economic strength does not lag behind or even exceed Amteric's."

After that, Haruki took out a large blind map and showed it to us. The map itself only contained basic information about the general locations of the countries in this area. There was no topographical information such as rivers, mountains, roads, and the like. Only military maps had such detailed information.

west hemi map [https://krita-artists.org/uploads/default/original/3X/5/8/58fa01dcd921b034f3fbd62175295123472fa0f8.jpeg]

"The first one is Yamato."

Haruki's home country. An island nation traversed by the equator in the southeast of the Amteric continent. The population was estimated to be around seventeen million, only a quarter of Amteric.

But when it comes to economic matters, Yamato is not far behind. Its position in a tropical climate area means it has soil so fertile you literally can plant a stick and it would grow. Yamato is such a successful agricultural country that it often overproduces food. Making it one of the biggest food exporters in the world.

And because of its position sandwiched between 2 continents to the north and the great continent to the south. Their ports were the favorite resting spot for merchants who wanted to do business in other parts of the world.

"The second is the United Kingdom of Albion"

It is a union of four kingdoms that occupy the islands to the west of Amteric. As a country, they are not blessed with land as fertile as Yamato. But their industrial capabilities are so high that it doesn't really affect their economic situation. In fact, their success in non-agricultural industries has nearly double Yamato's population. It has the population of thirty-two million.

"The third is Hispain and Sian in the east and northeast of Amteric"

They were already part of another continent, Aswa. A large continent that has yet to be mapped in its entirety. But because of its relatively close proximity to Amteric. Their existence also had a great influence on the power map of this area.

Together, they have the largest navy in the world. Wherever you go, you will meet people from both countries. Be it traders, pirates, students, or missionaries. Their people are literally everywhere.

"We are not sure about the population of the two countries but Sian alone is pretty big"

Popular opinion estimated that Sian probably had a population of approximately forty million, while the smaller Hispain might only have a population between nine to ten million people.

"Before I continue, did you know that Amteric is currently in a war for control of the entire continent?"

"Yeah. . "

I know, not because of my education at school. It's because I often talk to the people at Erwin's place who are all military personnel.

I've been thinking about it for a long time, but. . .

"Amteric really is an evil empire huh. ."

Not only are the leaders greedy and arrogant. The lives of the lower-class people are also almost worthless here. On top of that, we have a very aggressive and ambitious expansion policy.

"Maybe, but I can't put the blame on Amteric entirely"

As Haruki had explained earlier. Amteric's population is so high you can't even compare it to the countries around us. And feeding all those people is not easy. Especially when you consider that Amteric is not a country with fertile land.

And although the scale of our metallurgy industry is large, for some reason industrialization in the country is still below Albion. Plus, we don't have direct access to the sea. You can use the port from another country, but you'll always get extorted by everyone along the way.

If you want to sail and do business with countries outside the continent, you need to go all the way to Ilargia in the northern part of the continent whose port is also only open for two seasons each year.

But then. Going to Ilargia is simply too expensive, too time-consuming, and too draining.

All these factors led our leaders to take shortcuts. That is to expand, conquer, and then exploit the other country.

"But can't we just trade with everyone normally?"

As a large country with an equally large population and economy. Amteric is a market that, from any perspective, is very lucrative. Although we lack food self-sufficiency, we have so many other things that can be used as trading commodities.

We have a very successful mining industry. We are the largest exporter of gold, iron, silver, and copper in this part of the world. Literally, we have too much money to know what else to do with it.

We are quite blessed. It's only a matter of time before Amteric becomes a superpower that no one can match.

"I think so too Amelie"

In fact, that's exactly what Amteric has been doing for a long time. We sell raw materials and, or goods that we make domestically, in turn, we can import food from other countries with literal greener pastures.

Heck, because our economic power is big. It's not uncommon that we can even ask for discounts.

"But all that changed when your grandfather ascended to the throne"

He had the view that Amteric people were somehow superior. He had the view that we should not bow our heads to outsiders. And also the view that other countries are hellholes of barbarians with underdeveloped civilizations.

And worse, that view is shared by the majority of those in power in this country.

That one spark was enough to set our relationship with our neighbors on fire. No longer were they equal business partners. But only servants who had to do our bidding. No longer were they fellow human beings, but they are lowly creatures who should be grateful we had allowed them to live.

Under the banner of my grandfather. The majority of Amteric rulers banded together and began colonizing our former friends to extract their resources and exploit their people.

"This is also the origin of farmers being regarded as lowly occupations"

Which of course made many noble circles not want to create farmland in their territories. Which ultimately made Amteric even more dependent on the exploitation of their colonies.

"What a fool!"

Erwin said.

"I agree, but that's the way it is"

Haruki replied.

I'm sure that many people think that what my grandfather did was stupid. But to be honest, the people who thought otherwise were far more numerous. Making people with common sense like us unable to do anything after being hit by the waves that my grandfather created.

"Ok, now on to the next topic"

Amteric's ambition to control the entire continent is indeed dangerous to the survival of our neighbors. But besides them, there are others who feel no less threatened by Amteric.

The major powers outside the continent.

"Albion, Yamato, Hispain, and Sian! None of them want Amteric to be a hegemony"

If they just let Amteric take over the entire continent. It's not impossible that they'll be the next target. And if Amteric could unite the entire continent under its flag, then none of them would simply be unable to resist.

By then. Their total population would be around 150 million, and if they sent just 10% of their population to attack a country at a time. Whichever country it is, it won't be able to stand a chance.

"Human wave tactics are easy and simple, so with that many soldiers even the most basic tactics will be very effective!"

That's why before it's too late. All the major powers in this area would start moving to stop Amteric's ambitions.

"I heard that they will soon form a coalition against Amteric!"

The coalition that would be pioneered by Albion, Yamato, and Hispain would invite all the countries that still stood on the main continent to join forces and fight back against Amteric. Then, although Sian had no plans to officially join the coalition, they promised to help in other ways.

In other words.

"Basically, the entire world will come to attack Amteric"

And when your enemy is the whole world. No matter how big you are, how strong you are, and how hard you try. YOU WILL LOSE.

". . . ."

". . . ."

Amelie and Erwin understood that very well.

For a moment, the three of them were silent. The scale of their conversation had suddenly become very large. And given that what they were talking about was a war in which their country was the main target. They began to think about. . . what if the enemy troops came tomorrow and attacked this place?

Given that Haruki's information is also not up to date, the possibility is by no means zero.

"Amelie, Erwin!"

Feeling that the atmosphere was becoming unpleasant, Haruki decided to speak up again.

"If the war reaches this place! Go to Yamato! My father and I will ensure your safety."

War always conjures up images of brutal conflicts where the participants only think about killing each other. But outside the battlefield, usually, as long as you surrender to the incoming troops. They won't go around randomly killing people.

But there are always exceptions. Sometimes people don't even need reasons to kill someone else. And sometimes too, someone wants to do something worse than sending other people to their grave.

Just imagining what might happen to Erwin, Amelie and her mother made Haruki want to vomit. That's why, he offered them to escape to his place if the situation became dangerous.

" . . ."

" . . ."

Erwin and I looked at each other and smiled. After that. . .

"Thank you, brother Haruki."

My gratitude coupled with my instincts as a child came together and made me reflexively hug him while Erwin just nodded in place.

"I'll count on you!"

". . . Yes. . ."

Haruki didn't reject my embrace, but I felt that he felt quite embarrassed. Because of that, it wasn't long before I let go of his body. After that, Erwin opened the conversation again. But with another topic.

"I understand that you are worried about us."

Then looked outside where my slaves were working.

"But right now, we have more pressing matters to think about."

"Ahaha. . . you're right."

Haruki then rummaged through his bag and took out a small envelope.

"But I think I have the solution"

The envelope contained some letters from his father, and it contained information that could help us.

2

"Our conditions are simple, you don't ask many questions, you don't reveal information about us, and you also don't dig up too much"

Haruki's conversation partner raised his hand and said. . .

"Alright, but don't forget your promise!"

Haruki asked us to leave the negotiation to him. And to see how confident he was while talking to our potential business partners. Our decision was not wrong at all.

I guess, in terms of socialization. He's much better than anyone else in this place.

"Don't worry! What I'm giving you is not a promise! It's a contract! Amelie"

Haruki nodded his head towards me, giving me a sign that I could already hand over the pile of documents I had brought to the other party.

"Everything is written here, please check it"

Haruki added.

After that, our negotiation partner. Erlan, read the document carefully. Then, once he confirmed that the contents were in line with the results of our conversation. He nodded a few times before signing it, which was then followed by Erwin who also signed his part of the document.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"As a witness, I declare the contract between Erwin Frank and the representative of the Punto branch of the Amteric People's Economic Alliance, Mr. Erlan Vidar, valid!"

My mother, who witnessed our business agreement then gave the contract document the royal seal. We choose her as a witness as an insurance in case we got cheated. Having friends. . . or in this case, having a husband in a high place is very useful to deter people from harming us both physically, mentally, or economically.

"Thank you, Mr. Erlan!"

Normally, the closing of such an agreement ends with a handshake. But, as per royal norms. You can't treat a member of the royal family as someone on the same level as you. Especially if you're just a commoner.

Therefore, this middle-aged man named Erlan only touched the tip of my mother's hand and brought his head closer to her palm.

"Thank you too, your highness! And you too, Mr. Haruki and Mr. Erwin!"

He nodded toward the two boys before his gaze finally fell on me.

"You too, princess."

He smiled and started packing up.

And with that, our meeting came to an end.

So, how did we end up negotiating with the second-largest trade union in the country?

It all started a few weeks ago when Haruki came to us with a smile and said.

"I have good news"

A month after we discussed our problem with Haruki. The boy got a reply from the letter he sent to his father.

"In the next town, it says there is a branch office of the Amteric Peoples Economic Alliance"

The Amteric Peoples Economic Alliance is one of the two major trade unions in the country. Unlike the Ameteric Trade Association whose membership is limited to nobles. The Alliance does not restrict anyone from entering.

And as an organization built by ordinary and for ordinary people. Most of its members are of course commoners.

"So, why is that good news?"

Erwin asked.

"Let me explain."

Haruki take a deep breath and started talking.

The Economic Alliance is an organization that was founded with the main purpose of being able to compete with the economic power of the trade association backed by powerful nobles.

They feared that the Association would use its power to monopolize, manipulate, corrupt, and discriminate against anyone who went against them. And after seeing for myself how the children of those nobles acted, I could tell that their fears were not unfounded.

And as challengers that are both smaller and weaker, they couldn't play in the same arena as the Association. That's why, in conducting business, they used methods that were far different from their opponents.

They reduce bureaucracy, eliminate middlemen, lower costs, and they honor contracts.

"We can bind them with a contract and you can trust them to look after it."

"Ahhh. I see."

I understood Haruki's explanation, but it seemed Erwin still hadn't grasped the implicit meaning of our conversation. That's why he could only utter . . .

"Ha?... . ."

While looking at us. I looked at Haruki, then he nodded and spoke again.

"Let me explain more."

If you just want to sell more goods, you can choose the Association as your trading partner. As a larger organization, they also have distribution roots that go further and wider. But unfortunately, what we want is not just ease of distribution and marketing. It's also the ability to keep our secrets.

That's why the Alliance was a better choice.

"Based on the research I've done and additional information from my father"

Trade associations are notorious for their convoluted and corrupt bureaucracy. On top of that, their contracts are always full of traps and loopholes that they can use to exploit and cheat you, steal your ideas, and even take away or destroy your business.

In other words, you can't keep their word and the contract can't protect you from their greed.

"On the other hand, for the Alliance, contracts are their first currency"

They considered that a contract was even more important than money.

"Not because they are saints of course"

But because every contract they could secure, was a weapon they could use against the Association. Every business they could make successful was one business out of the Association's hands.

"Simply put, if we can get a contract with the Alliance you will be able to freely use all your knowledge"

"So it's like that huh... I see."

Erwin nodded and then put on a thinking face.

"But, I do feel that we should still be wary"

All the things Haruki mentioned about the Alliance sounded too good to be true they were suspicious. As the saying goes, if something sounds too good it is usually just that. Something that's too good to be true.

"I understand what you're worried about, that's why Amelie"

"Hm? What brother Haruki?"

"I need you and your mom's help, will you help me?"

"With pleasure!"

"Thank you! And you Erwin! Can I ask you to trust me?"

In the end, it was Erwin who would be doing the actual production. So if Erwin couldn't trust the boy's words all his efforts would be in vain.

"Of course!"

The two of them shook hands, then we immediately divided the tasks.

Haruki and I would investigate firsthand how the Alliance operates, especially the branch office we were after. How they handle new products, how they treat their partners, and also what kind of modus operandi they use to lure potential business partners. We need all that to create a contract that has no loopholes.

In addition to seeking information directly, we would also use outside connections to conduct investigations. My mom can ask Dad to check them out and Haruki once again, can ask his dad to provide more detailed information.

And Erwin. Of course, he would do what only he could do. Once again, making products that we would sell. We also making him the leader of this operation. I'm just 6 years old, Haruki is a foreigner, and my mother is already busy. So there's really no other choice except for Erwin to take the mantle.

A month later, our hard work finally paid off. Erwin successfully created a new product, and we finished gathering all the information we needed. Then, we finally got the courage to invite them to come to our territory.

And with that, we had a business partner that we could rely on.

3

Amteric's position of having a large mining industry and many colonies means that people can basically get anything as long as they have the money.

If you want a specialty drink from the east of the continent. You can get it. If you want to try fancy food from the south that is said to be very good, you can. Or do you want to see a rare animal that doesn't live in this country? You can ask someone to bring it to you.

Or in our case, when we need iron, copper, permanent magnet, graphite, magnetite, some weirdly named ore called wolframite, oil, and rubber. We just ask the alliance for help and a few weeks later, we'll get them.

"OK, Haruki! match me and slowly put it down"

Two months passed, my father's money was almost gone and our farmland expansion was still not finished. But with the profits coming in from the sales of the products Erwin made. Our economic situation was already much better than before.

If the sales of our products continue to increase, and it will. I can say with confidence that we won't even need financial assistance from my father or the palace anymore. Although of course, I won't refuse if they still send money.

There's no such thing as having too much money.

Initially, we wanted to save all the extra money for emergencies. But Erwin had other plans. With that spare money, he was able to build generators, power tools, electric lights, and welding machines to make his job and our lives easier.

And since the demand for our products is bound to rise. We need all the help we can get. Our contract with the economic alliance makes what we can do more flexible. Even if we did something risky like this, we could trust them with our secrets.

Spy from other territories is another thing thought.

"Good, now tighten the bolts to the bracket."

"Alright. . ."

Currently, Erwin and Haruki are installing a micro-hydro generator in the river at the back of the workshop while being watched by everyone in this place. Normally, such heavy and dangerous work would be left to adults. But since they were literally stronger than grown men, installing it required technical knowledge, and they didn't want to take the risk of it being damaged. They decided to install it themselves.

What about me? Of course, I could only watch from afar with my mom. Something like this was completely out of my league.

"Looks like it's tight enough, Herman! Open the dam's gate."

The river we have is not very big, so we need to build a small dam to keep our generator running smoothly. With the expansion of the farm almost complete, we finally had spare labor.

"Now let's see how it turns out. . "

As soon as Haruki and Erwin retreated, everyone began to get closer and watch the generator whose blades began to spin. It was slow at first, but gradually the speed increased until finally the rotation stabilized and stopped accelerating.

"Looks like there's no problem"

"Then proceed to the next stage"

"I'll leave it to you Haruki"

Haruki and Erwin nodded.

Everyone in this place gathered not without a reason. We're the ones who asked for it. We wanted to provide an education about the infrastructure we had just installed.

"This is the energy source of the machines you'll be using in the workshop as well as the lights installed around the castle! So please don't let any children anywhere near it."

There were other children in this place besides the three of us. And because all the people around the castle are newcomers who came here after my mom. Most of those children were born after me. In other words, all the children were even younger than me with an average age between 3 to 4 years old just like Miina. The child of one of my slaves.

Of course, there were children older than me or even Erwin and Haruki. But they were all from other villages in this territory. We want to make sure no children are playing in this place.

"This thing is not cheap!!!"

We don't want a child to play with it and damage it. The wheel of the generator looks like an interesting object, so it's not at all impossible for a child to want to play with it. Grabbing it, poking it with something, or throwing other things inside to see how it reacts.

Just like Haruki said. The cost of making the generator wasn't cheap. The permanent magnet we need is a rare item that can only be produced in Albion, then even though other materials such as copper, iron, graphite, and rubber can be obtained easily. Their transportation costs are far from affordable.

Also, let's not forget that making all the components takes a lot of time and effort. We don't want our efforts to go to waste.

Although, what concerned us the most was something else.

"Aside from that! This thing is also dangerous!"

What we feared the most was a fatality due to our electrical installations that did not comply with safety standards due to the lack of tools and materials. For example, the transformers around us were only covered by metal and wooden boxes, the copper cables all around us were only inserted into wooden pipes filled with melted rubber, and the switches and sockets were only covered once again only with wood and rubber.

"If you touch it carelessly you can get. . "

"Haruki! Come here for a moment. . "

Haruki didn't know why Erwin suddenly asked him to come closer. But the boy obliged and went to the other boy.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!"

Before Haruki could finish his words, Erwin had already poked him with an iron pipe charged with electricity to his waist.

"What are you doing?"

"Well . . . rather than just an explanation, I think they need an example more!"

"Use your bod. . . aaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!"

Erwin shocked Haruki again.

"Ahahahaha. . "

And this time, he did it while laughing. Everyone's puzzled looks had absolutely no effect on the young man. Showing that it seemed like I wasn't the only one whose mental age was affected by the youth of our current bodies. Erwin was the same too, even though he should have been the same mental age as my previous father. He is playing around like a regular kid.

"If you won't stop I'll use this"

Haruki lifted the handle of a large machine behind him.

"Wops. . . pardon me! Please continue!"

Erwin's mouth may have said sorry, but his smile showed that he doesn't feel guilty at all. Haruki who saw that could only snort angrily before looking back at the audience.

"That was an example of what happens when you accidentally touch a naked cable in the workshop!"

The voltage going to the machines in the workshop and the surrounding lights has been lowered to 5 or 12 volts. So even if the electricity in the wires will shock or cause you pain, you will not be in danger as long as you can remove your body instantly.

"If you think my reaction is excessive! You can try it yourself!"

Many of the onlookers were scared, but some were curious. And those people voluntarily tested how it felt to be shocked by Erwin. And their reactions were all not much different from Haruki's.

As soon as they returned, their friends immediately asked how it felt to be zapped. It saved us the trouble of having to explain it at length. They all understood that being subjected to electric shocks felt like being struck by a very small lightning bolt.

"Now on to the next topic! What you felt earlier was the power that had been lowered considerably! But if what you touched were the wires in this area. . ."

Haruki lifted the handle of the welding machine they had prepared as a demonstration material. After that, Erwin followed by lifting another iron pipe toward Haruki. Then they touched the two objects and.

Sparkkkkkk... . . ..

"That's what's going to happen"

Electrical sparks and flames, smoke, blinding light, and noise were instantly generated. Making all those close enough to them reflexively place their hands in front of their faces.

"Do you understand?"

Everyone either said yes or nodded. You didn't need to touch it to realize that the handle of the welding machine was extremely hot. If iron alone melts when touched, you can easily imagine what would happen if it came into contact with your body.

Of course, what would happen to a person when they interacted with high-voltage electricity was not what they imagined. But Erwin and Haruki didn't feel the need to correct their impressions. Because they were not doing the demonstration to educate them about electricity. Rather, they just wanted to show how dangerous electricity can be if you're not careful.

In other words, they were just giving a warning.

The word of a noble may be a law in Amteric. But it's common knowledge that people have a habit of breaking the law as long as they think the law is pointless. By showing that you could die if you didn't abide by them. The two of them discouraged anyone from fooling around in that place.

"If you find any issues, don't act on your own! Get me or Erwin! Understood?"

"Understood!"

"We understand"

"Yes sir"

"I understand!"

"Good, except for the blacksmith! You may all leave!"

With that, everyone started to leave this place and return to their respective jobs. I, who had just been a spectator from afar, finally got a chance to come closer.

"Congratulations Erwin! Brother Haruki"

"Yes. . . . Thank you."

Haruki nods proudly. The pioneer of this project may be Erwin, but without Haruki's help, all the infrastructure around us wouldn't have been completed as quickly as it is now. Because the gap between Erwin's knowledge and his men's was too great, they often couldn't understand each other. That's where Haruki became the bridge between Erwin's brain and the world around him.

His contribution was by no means small, that's why he could feel proud.

Seeing him wearing that expression made me want to stroke his head and say "Good boy, good boy". But I was sure that he wouldn't feel comfortable being treated like that by me.

As for Erwin?

"Hey Amelie, I have a question."

He was busy looking at me with a confused face.

"Ask what?"

"Why do you call Haruki by brother but only address me by name?"

"Ha?"

What kind of stupid question is that?

Instead of brother, it's more suitable if I call you grandpa. Besides, you said that I'm your daughter's replacement. Are you sure you want to be called "brother" by your daughter?. Just like you wouldn't be comfortable being called brother by me, I don't feel good calling you that either.

"You already know the reason!"

There's no way you don't know. And it's not my ego as a woman talking. I know that he knows. We've talked about it before.

"I felt being discriminated"

"Blehh. . ."

"I ask for a hug as compensation!

He's messing with me.

"Sigh. . . . sometimes I want to hit you"

"Ahahaha. . . . Don't! You'll just hurt yourself!

Wait a minute, why does it feel like I'm having Deja Vu?

Never mind.

"Hmm. . . ."

I opened my arms wide and lifted my chin, signaling Erwin that he could already cuddle me.

"Thank you, Amelie."

Not long after, Erwin welcomed my hug and embraced my whole body completely. He squeezed my body a bit, but tenderly and delicately as if he was holding a fragile object. He could have hugged me tighter and I would have been fine, but I don't think he ever will.

Because when she hugged me, he was looking at her daughter in me. While knowing that I'm not her daughter. This old man's trauma is quite deep.

"You're welcome."

Not long after, Erwin released his embrace on me. After that, I faced Haruki with both hands still open. Giving him a hint that he could hug me too.

"What?"

"Don't you want to hug me too?"

"Wwww..why should I do it?"

"Is that so . . . "

Everyone I've hugged always seems to be happy. My mom, obviously. Erwin, the same. The servants are no different. Even the old me would be happy to get a hug from my current self. I mean, who wouldn't want to be hugged by a cute little child?

"I'm sorry. . . . "

I thought everyone was a big fan of hugs, but it seems like Haruki is an exception. I couldn't help out too much in this project, so I wanted to at least provide mental support. And since everyone said that they felt healed by my hug, I tried to give Haruki the same thing.

But then again, it seemed like my offer was just a bother to him.

"Sigh, Haruki I know that you're embarrassed! But you don't have to reject her that strongly"

Honestly, his reaction not only made me disappointed. But also a bit sad. As a spoiled little kid that everyone loves. This is the first time I've felt this rejected. And it felt rather painful.

I knew that my thoughts were selfish and bothersome. That's why I chose to keep quiet so that no one would realize that I was such an obnoxious child.

"Don't carelessly expose someone elseaaaaaaa! Erwiiiinnn stop zapping me!"

"Sorry, sorry, reflex. . "

"What kind of reflex is that?"

"Reflex when I see someone making my little sister sad"

"She's is not even your sister!"

"Who cares about the details"

"Just get lost!"

Erwin raised his hands and went towards the gathering of blacksmiths. After this, he would train all his men how to use his invention. Leaving me with Haruki.

"I'm sorry Amelie, as Erwin said I feel embarrassed"

I've been with Erwin so much that I forgot that normally. Boys and girls don't interact or act as closely as we do unless they are siblings. It's only because I see Erwin as a much more mature person and Erwin sees me not as the opposite sex that we can just hug each other so casually.

A normal boy like Haruki would of course have different views. He was in a phase where he would feel embarrassed if he was seen playing with girls. I should have known better.

I understand, I understa. . . .

". . . . . "

Suddenly Haruki hugged me. So suddenly my mind stopped working.

"Thank you, Amelie."

The hug wasn't tight, it was only fleeting, and while doing so he turned his gaze elsewhere. But that short hug was enough to tell me how much he cared about me.

He was fighting his shyness so that I wouldn't feel sad.

My realization of that made me reflexly squeeze my chest. Why? Because it seemed like my heart had just forgotten to beat for a moment. I felt really happy from the bottom of my heart.

"Bye Amelie!"

". . Yes. . "

I don't know what I'm feeling right now. But I know for sure that he is such a good boy.