My twin sister was taken in as a miko, and I was thrown away, but maybe I am the miko.

“Guy, ass.”

“Gaius, um…”

　After Gaius scolded me that day, I started to think again that Gaius and the people of this village are dear to me and important to me. I was really happy that Gaius said it was important. I was so happy that I started talking to Gaius more willingly than before.

　I’m still not good at speaking, but I think I’m better at it than when I was in the village where I was born and raised. Lately, I’ve even found it fun to talk.

　The beastman brother I seem to have healed already thanked me for that. At the same time, my brother also told me, “But if you do something reckless, it won’t work.” Brother, you’re so kind. Even the other beastmen were worried about me after I collapsed. After seeing that situation, I decided to try not to do something so reckless that I would collapse.

　The griffons were also worried. The baby griffons were always hovering around me, wondering if I might do something unreasonable. Reimer also told me, “Guru Guru Guru Ruuu (I’m worried, so don’t be reckless).” I was happy to hear the same thing from Seafo.

　That’s why you’re so worried.

　I felt like my warm heart became warmer.

　I started to want to be more helpful to everyone, and I wanted to be able to use magic properly. However, I heard that beastmen were originally a race with fewer people who could use magic than other races. There are some people who can use magic that strengthens their body, but it seems that they can’t use general magic. In addition, it seems that there are only a limited number of sacred magics that can be used to heal injuries like the one I used to heal my beastman brother.

　That’s why I haven’t been able to practice magic. I thought it would be nice if someone who was good at magic could come to the village. However, as for my knowledge, my grandmother knows about magic, so I have been taught by her.

　By the way, the other day, the crops grown in the village were harvested. I also helped. I was a child and weak, so I couldn’t be that strong, but I tried my best. At that time, everyone was happy that the harvest was larger than last year. I was also happy.

　Last year, there was a lot of damage to crops caused by insect monsters. That kind of thing actually exists. Perhaps the environment in the village where I was born and raised was good, or at least as far as I remember there was no such damage. I think he was rather blessed. Or rather, because he was blessed and had a lot of leeway in his life, he probably had the leeway to pay tribute to his sister.

　Athos was happy that the number of people injured by monsters had decreased thanks to griffons and Seafo hunting monsters, and I was glad that good things were continuing to happen.

“Lelunda-chan and Gaius-kun are good friends.”

“Does Lelunda like Gaius?”

　The two people smiling in front of me are two children from this village. Shinomi is a gentle talker, and Kayu is an energetic girl.

　These are two girls who are friends with me.

　I don’t get along that well with the four boys. Actually, when I met him after I got my hair cut, he treated me in a way that I didn’t understand, and I think it’s a good thing that he doesn’t bother me anymore.

“N-no, I love you.”

　As I said to him, I love Gaius.

　She’s kind, warm, and makes me happy to be with her.

　When I said I love her, Kayu started making a fuss.

“I see. Since when do you like me?”

“…Kayu-chan, I don’t think what Relunda-chan is saying is probably what Kayu-chan is expecting.”

　Before I could respond to Kayu’s words, Shinomi told Kayu something that she didn’t quite understand. What are you talking about? Then Shinomi asks me a question.

“Does Lelunda-chan like me and Kayu?”

“N-no, I love you.”

“Thank you. I love you too, Lelunda-chan. The way you love Gaius is the same as the way you love us, right?”

“Hmm? Yeah.”

　I didn’t understand what he was asking, but I nodded.

　I love Gaius.

　I also love Shinomi and Kayu.

　All three are kind. He smiles at me.

“First time. Girl, friend.”

　Shinomi and Kayu are a little older than me, but they are my first girl friends.

　My first friend was Gaius, but it was two of my first female friends.

　I didn’t have any friends at all, but I’m really happy that I’ve made three friends.

“Both of you… are kind. I really like you.”

“Wow, Lelunda is so cute!!”

　Kayu hugged me as hard as I could. Kayu is taller than me, and she’s a little older than me, so I was able to press my face into her chest. I’m happy to be hugged tightly. But it’s a little painful.

“Kayu-chan! Lelunda-chan looks like she’s in pain.”

　Because Shinomi said so, I was freed.

“Lelunda, I’m sorry!”

“Okay, okay. I’m so happy. But it’s a little painful.”

“Would you like me to hug you less forcefully?”

“yeah”

　When I nodded, he squeezed me. My strength is weaker than before, it’s tight. I didn’t grow up in the village where I was able to be hugged, but it wasn’t until I came to the beastman village that I realized how happy and warm I felt when I was hugged tightly.

“Lelunda, are you there? What are you doing!”

“Gaius, are you jealous? Is Gaius also jealous of Lelunda?”

“B-idiot! What are you talking about? Kayu!!”

　While I was talking with Kayu and Shinomi, Gaius came over. While listening to Gaius and Kayu’s story, I moved her face to face Gaius, still being squeezed by Kayu. And open your mouth.

“Gaius, do you want to squeeze?”

“Is Lelunda okay with being squeezed by Gaius?”

“Hmm. Gaius, I love you, that’s why.”

　I’ve never been hugged so tightly by Gaius, but I don’t mind it at all because I think I’ll feel as warm as being hugged by Kayu. I think she’s happy to be squeezed by the person she loves.

“…Lelunda, my aunt is calling so I’m going.”

“Gaius, what happened to your face?”

“…Okay, let’s go.”

　Gaius turned away. It seems like it won’t get tight after all. I wish you would. I thought that if you did that, my heart would feel warm.

　I said to Kayu and Shinomi, “See you later,” and Gaius led me by the hand as I headed towards my grandmother’s place.

　Gaius won’t push me hard, but he will hold my hand. Just having Gaius take my hand makes me feel happy. That’s why I think that if you hug me tightly, I’ll feel happier and warmer than if you just pull my hand, so I’m wondering if you could squeeze me just once. But, Gaius, you won’t push me too hard. He does give me a pat on the head though.

　With these thoughts in mind, I walked through the village and headed to my grandmother.

　Auntie’s errand was to study magic.

　—A story of a girl and magic 1

　(Perhaps the miko girl begins to learn even just the knowledge of magic from her grandmother.)