New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Ayla (2)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Upon seeing the woman descending from the tower, Mika raised one eyebrow in surprise.

She appeared to be about the same age as Mika. For a woman, she was rather tall, and even slightly taller than Mika, who was on the smaller side for a man. Her lustrous, beautiful black hair contrasted strikingly with her pale white skin, and combined with her distinctly contoured and mature features, she was exceedingly beautiful. Moreover, her clothing was exceptionally unique for this era and region of the world.

The typical attire for women consisted of simple long robes, apron dresses, or cloaks, all forming an elegant silhouette that extended straight down to the feet. For adornments, waist sashes and hair ribbons were commonly used, and the wealthy embellished collars, sleeves, and hems with embroidery. Altogether, it was an appearance reminiscent of the early medieval period in Mika’s previous world. In contrast, this woman’s attire was adorned with numerous ribbons and frills throughout, creating a silhouette that flared slightly from the waist down. Her hair, too, was decorated with a large ribbon.

In this world, using ribbons for purposes other than tying hair was quite an innovative idea. As for frills, Mika had seen them employed as small decorative accents by the affluent, on sleeves or hems perhaps, but never in such abundance or so boldly arranged across an entire garment.

Furthermore, both her clothing and accessories were entirely black. While black was not considered an inauspicious color in the Dariander region, bright or pastel-colored fabrics were generally favored, making such a uniformly black outfit an uncommon sight. Overall, her appearance was an anomaly amid Dariander’s clothing culture, yet Mika felt a strange sense of nostalgia. And soon, he realized why.

Gothic Lolita, he thought. The woman’s fashion closely resembled that genre of clothing from his previous life. Back then, Mika had occasionally seen people dressed like this walking through the city streets. Mika himself had never held any aversion to such attire. On the contrary, he had found it glamorous and adorable. Thus, he found the woman before him very charming indeed. Not only was her outfit itself lovely, but the glossy black hair, fair skin, and striking features harmonized perfectly with it.

Another thing that caught Mika’s attention was the plush toy held in the woman’s arms. It was perhaps 30 to 40 cm tall, likely modeled after a round mice, but rounder and more endearing than the real creature. On closer inspection, it was carefully crafted and well-maintained; its fur was neat and clean, suggesting it had been lovingly cared for. It even wore its own set of clothes, clearly tailored specifically for it.

In the Dariander region, cloth and cotton dolls or plush toys did exist, but they were regarded solely as playthings for small children. For an adult to cherish and carry one was far from common. Mika, at least, had never seen such a person. However, in the modern Japan of his previous life, many adults treated dolls and plush toys with affection. There existed a culture known as oshi-katsu, devotional fan activities, where people carried such items and took photographs of them in public spaces.

The woman lovingly holding her round mice plush brought those memories vividly to Mika’s mind. Having once been deeply immersed in pop and subculture himself, Mika felt a curious sense of kinship.

“Um… thank you very much for picking up my ribbon. I am Ayla Hewitt, second daughter of the Hewitt Household.” (Ayla)

The woman, Ayla, introduced herself with a small bow.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Mika Valentine, head of the Valentine Household.” (Mika)

Mika immediately composed a gentle smile and returned the bow.

The Hewitt Household, Mika recalled the name from something Ernest had mentioned on the way to Eltpoli. They were among the close kin of the Yutilainen Household, holding several villages and a small city, ruling nearly two thousand subjects, an influential household in this region.

“The Valentine Household… I have heard the name from my father. You are the lord who now governs the land formerly known as the Dondando territory, are you not?” (Ayla)

“My, I am honored that you know of our humble name. Compared to the illustrious Hewitt Household, we are but a minor household newly settled in these lands. Still, I am deeply grateful for the acquaintance.” (Mika)

Mika thought it fortunate that he had the opportunity to exchange greetings not only with the Yutilainen Household but also with a daughter of one of their powerful relatives.

“The pleasure is mine… Um, I must apologize for surprising you with such a strange appearance.” (Ayla)

“No, not at all, it is by no means strange. I find your attire most exquisite. The use of ornamentation is skillful, achieving both elegance and splendor. Your makeup and the ribbon in your hair complement it beautifully, it is truly enchanting.” (Mika)

Ayla blinked in mild astonishment and fell silent.

Perhaps my phrasing was too affected, Mika thought, beginning to feel a twinge of embarrassment. Then, Ayla spoke again.

“R-really? You do not think I look strange?” (Ayla)

“Yes, of course not. It is certainly distinctive in today’s Dariander region, but that uniqueness makes it all the more wonderful.” (Mika)

No doubt, she was often subjected to curious stares for her clothing. That was likely why she had apologized for her appearance when there was nothing to apologize for. With genuine sincerity, Mika praised her. To Mika, who carried memories of another world, Ayla was truly adorable, undeniably beautiful without need for flattery.

“Th-thank you so much… I have always loved black, as well as ribbons and frills. When I was a child, my mother told me that black suited me, and she dressed me in ribbons and frills. Ever since, I have loved them dearly. So now, I make my own clothes, adorned with the things I love.” (Ayla)

Mika widened his eyes.

“You made this yourself? That is truly remarkable, to create such a splendid garment… Ah, forgive me, I had yet to return this.” (Mika)

Feeling a bit bashful for having stared so intently at her attire, Mika smiled shyly and returned the ribbon he had been holding. Ayla accepted it with gratitude and handed it to a woman nearby who appeared to be her maid.

As Mika watched the maid tie the ribbon around Ayla’s right hand, his gaze drifted to the plush toy held in that same arm.

“By any chance, did you make this little one’s clothes as well, Ayla-san?” (Mika)

Ayla looked startled, then nodded.

“Y-yes, I did.” (Ayla)

“I thought so. Ahaha, they suit the little one perfectly, so very cute.” (Mika)

When Ayla lifted the plush toy to show Mika its clothing, the toy’s head tilted as if in response. Mika met its button eyes and could not help but smile warmly.

“Th-thank you! Isn’t it adorable? Since I always take it with me, I make various outfits for it.” (Ayla)

Unlike before, when she had spoken timidly, Ayla now spoke brightly and cheerfully.

“I see. It must be delightful to always be accompanied by such an adorable companion. May I ask its name?” (Mika)

“…Amber. My mother gave it to me when I was a child, it is very precious to me.” (Ayla)

As she spoke, Ayla gazed at the plush toy named Amber with deep affection.

Mika recalled that Ayla’s mother, the wife of the current head of the Hewitt Household, had been the younger sister of the previous head of the Yutilainen Household and had already passed away.

“Amber… what a lovely name. So, it is a memento of your mother.” (Mika)

“Yes. My love for black, ribbons, frills, and for Amber, all stem from my mother’s words. I know people see me as a strange girl, but even so, being surrounded by the things I love feels true to myself, and it makes me happy. That is why I dress like this and carry Amber with me.” (Ayla)

“That is truly wonderful, and if I may say, very admirable.” (Mika)

“Eh?” (Ayla)

Ayla looked at Mika with a puzzled expression, as though the words were wholly unexpected.

“A-admirable, you say?” (Ayla)

“Yes. Pursuing what one loves often comes with hardship and demands courage. I am sure it has not been easy, yet to stay true to what makes you happy, to live that way, is admirable indeed.” (Mika)

Speaking with genuine conviction, Mika’s expression was earnest. Mika knew the suffocating feeling of chasing happiness that others could not comprehend.

In modern Japan, his dream of becoming a lord of his own land, like the monarchs and noble figures of history and fantasy, had been met with disbelief and ridicule. At first, people laughed, assuming it was a joke. When they realized he was serious, they began to regard him as strange. To be seen that way, to be avoided, had been painful. In time, he had stopped speaking of his dream altogether.

And in this world, far less tolerant of deviation from the ordinary, where even the notion of diversity did not exist, the courage required to express one’s happiness openly through appearance and possessions, unconcealable forms of individuality, must have been immense.

“…I am so happy. This is the first time anyone has ever said such a thing to me.” (Ayla)

Ayla pressed Amber against her face and smiled radiantly. She looked more adorable than ever.

“I am glad to have made you happy. Well then, I shall take my leave. It has been a pleasure speaking with you.” (Mika)

“I-I as well… truly, it was a very pleasant time. Thank you.” (Ayla)

“The pleasure was mine. I hope we shall meet again.” (Mika)

With a courteous smile and a bow, Mika departed.

 

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