If its at this time of the year, then their peaches would be delicious.

This was around when those small, red peaches would fully ripen.

As they drew closer to the tart store, with light steps, Yelena approached the door.

It was at that moment.

!

Just as Thomas had opened the door, a small child who wasnt looking where they were going ran through the door and crashed face-first into Yelenas skirt.

Thud.

If it was just the childs face, then it would have been easily fixed, but the tart in the childs hand also splashed quite thoroughly across Yelenas skirt.

Oh my goodness, Anna!

A young woman who had been following the child let out a scream.

The instant that name entered her ears, Yelena involuntarily glanced at the woman before freezing.

Anna?

Yelena stared at the young woman, her eyes wide and unblinking.

It was Anna. The woman who she had met in the future, the one who had run the pub called the <Sun-Rising Forest> along with her husband and who had offered Yelena help. This had led to Annas eventual death at the hands of a demon, but now she had reappeared right in front of Yelenas eyes.

Anna, how on earth are you here

Having been close enough to hear Yelena mutter these words to herself, the young woman responded immediately, do you happen to know my daughter?

Daughter?

At these words, Yelena had a sudden realization.

Ah.

It was currently 20 years before the future that she had seen. So of course Annas age must be younger by the same length of time.

That means

Yelena lowered her gaze. She eyed the young girl who was fidgetting restlessly after having ruined Yelenas skirt.

This child is-

No, she couldnt be sure of it just yet.

If you really thought about it, the name Anna was quite common, and Annas appearance was also on the average end of the spectrum. This meant that it was quite possible for Yelena to meet a large number of people with the same name and appearance as Anna.

However, even as she had this thought, Yelena bent her knees and lowered herself to the childs eye-level.

So your name is Anna?

Yes.

How old are you?

I just turned seven.

How small, Yelena observed subconsciously.

The girl was short and very thin. From all appearances, she didnt look like she was seven at all.

Instead, she looks like shes around five years old.

Though now that she thought about it, the child was able to speak much more clearer than she had expected. That was the only indication that made it seem like she really was her age.

Um

The young woman, who might be the girls mother or a family member, nervously looked at Yelena.

Yelena immediately rose back up.

Your child is so pretty. And I think shell become even more beautiful as she grows up.

Ahhh Th-thank you. Um, about the cost of that dress

Its fine, Yelena said in a soft tone as she lightly waved aside this matter.

Lily.

Lily was the name of the maid attending her today.

The maid stepped forward.

Yes, my lady.

Go and buy the same sort of tart as the one that the child was holding and give it to her.

Yes.

The maid moved quickly. Only a few moments later, the child was holding onto a new and intact tart in one hand.

Now then, remember to be careful while walking around holding on to this. Be sure not to spill it again.

thank you.

Th-thank you. Really, thank you so much.

Be on your way.

While repeatedly bowing her head to Yelena, the young woman quickly walked away from the spot, dragging the child along with her.

Yelena stared in the direction that they had disappeared into for quite a while before turning to leave without even entering the tart shop.

Lets just head back now.

***

As soon as Yelena returned to the castle, she changed her dress and went looking for Ben.

Ben, theres a child who I would like to sponsor.

The whole way back, the young childs small figure kept flashing in front of her eyes.

The child who might just be her Anna.

If she is Anna, then I definitely have to help her, and even if she isnt

She decided that it would simply be a good deed to help support a child born in difficult circumstances. After all, there was no reason not to.

Sponsor a child? Which child exactly?

Her name is Anna and shes turned seven this year. Do you need a physical description as well?

But instead of asking any further questions about the child, Ben gave a completely unexpected reaction.

Ah, youre talking about Anna?

do you know that child?

If it is the Anna Im thinking of, then that child is already being sponsored by the Dukes castle.

What?

Since it started back in spring, then its already been for about 3 months now.

Yelena blinked in surprise before saying, is that right?

How did you come to meet with Anna?

At the start store

In the midst of replying, Yelenas mind recalled a detail about the girls appearance that she had previously missed. Her clothes.

The clothes that the child had been wearing at the store were neat and in good order. Although they didnt make her look wealthy, she also didnt appear to be in such dire straits that she couldnt even afford regular meals.

phew.

She felt both disappointed and relieved.

After a sigh, Yelena immediately asked, But then, what reason does the castle have for sponsoring Anna? If its only been three months, that means it didnt start too long ago

Ah, about that.

In the explanation that followed, Ben revealed the unexpected circumstances behind this sponsorship.

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