It’s been many years since Phil bought me. Just as Phil said, many children in similar situations were either purchased or taken in, and the orphanage quickly Philled up with people.
“Rize, after you finish eating, go to Phil-sama’s mansion.” “…Why?” “I don’t know? But he didn’t seem angry.” “…I see.”
Rokushia, who was bought around the same time as me, stopped me. Being summoned by Phil… I wonder what it could be about. Did I do something wrong?
“Eh! Rize, that’s unfair!” “I wanna go too!” “Me too!”
Other orphans gathered after hearing the news. Generally, the kids at the orphanage aren’t invited to Phil’s mansion. There’s a reward where top students get to experience a day as nobility, but that’s about it. …Even I don’t get to go often, so I’m a little happy.
“Hey, hurry back and study! This isn’t a reward, you know.” “But, but! We want to see Phil-sama!” “Yeah!”
Rokushia was calming the other kids down. She’s like the leader of this orphanage, always keeping everyone together.
It seems tough for her, but on the other hand, she’s the one who gets to see Phil the most, so I feel a bit jealous. If I could, I’d want to talk to Phil every day too.
The unease I felt on the day Phil bought me has completely disappeared over these years. Now, all I want is to be as useful as possible to Phil and stay by his side. I think most of the kids here feel the same way.
“…Well, I’ll go see Phil then.” “I’ve told you before, stop calling Phil-sama by his name!”
Rokushia glared at me.
“…I’ll stop if Phil tells me to.” “You’re doing it again…!” “…See you.”
I quickly ran outside before she could start lecturing me. She seemed to be chasing after me, but even though Rokushia is smart, she’s terrible at sports, so her voice faded away soon enough.
“Hey, Rize, how have you been?” “…Yeah, I’ve been… fine.”
As soon as I arrived at the mansion, I was brought to speak with Phil. My heart was pounding with a different kind of tension than years ago, feeling like it might burst.
“Is that so? I’m glad.” “…Thank you.”
I couldn’t speak properly due to the tension. Though I’m not good at talking anyway, I wanted to say more…
“By the way, happy birthday!” “…Eh? Ah, thank you!”
I turned 15 just a little while ago. We had a small party at the orphanage, and it was fun. …I secretly hoped Phil might come.
“I actually wanted to visit, but I’ve been so busy.” “…It’s okay.”
I tried to sound cheerful to let him know I wasn’t upset. …At least, I tried, but I doubt it came across.
“Rize is 15 now. I was thinking it might be time for you to graduate from the orphanage. What do you think?” “…Eh?”
My vision went blank. No, no, no, no, no!! Leaving Phil… I absolutely don’t want that…!!! What am I supposed to do from now on…!
“…Um, does that mean… I have to leave here?”
Tears wouldn’t stop flowing. The thought of being abandoned by Phil made me feel like I wanted to die.
“Ah, no, it’s not like that! It’s not something negative…” “…Then what is it?” “So, um… would you become my bodyguard?” “…Bodyguard?”
Bodyguard…? So that means…
“Yes, I think I can trust you, Rize. What do you think?”
A bodyguard… That means… I can stay with him forever, right? That’s… amazing…
“…I’ll do it.” “You won’t be able to stay at the orphanage anymore, but is that okay?” “…But I’ll always be with Phil, right?” “Eh? Ah, of course. We’ll be together wherever I go.” “…Then, I’ll do it.” “S-so, great!”
The white haze in my vision cleared. I can stay with him forever. As his bodyguard. As his bodyguard, I can be with him during baths, when he sleeps… Forever, forever, always together. I’ll protect Phil, for Phil, and stay with him forever and ever.
He bought me and saved me from despair. For Phil’s sake, I’ll do anything. Anything at all…!
“…From now on, we’ll always be together.” “A-ah, I’m counting on you!”
Phil’s face seemed a little strained for some reason. But I’m sure it’s just my imagination.
Because Phil chose me. Not the others, but me first, because I’m special… That’s why we love each other. Even if neither of us is good at expressing it.
But actions can show it, right? Phil probably wants that too. …Because I’m Phil’s bodyguard, and we’ll always be together.
“Oh, by the way, there’s a room prepared for you in the mansion, so you can put your things there.” “…I don’t need it.” “No, you definitely need it.”
Phil looked troubled. But I’m confused too. My sleeping place is with Phil, so what’s this “my room” nonsense? I don’t need it.
“…My stuff can just go in the warehouse.” “The warehouse… Even so, you still need a room to sleep in, right?” “I’ll sleep… with you.” “…With who?” “…With Phil.”
Phil buried his face in his hands. I wonder what’s wrong. Is he that happy? Maybe he’s hiding a big grin.
