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"...my lord...Lord Ain..."
"...mm...ahh..."
"Good morning, Lord Ain."
"Morning...Maria..."
"It looks to be another fine day today."
"Oh? That's nice—cough hack!"
I had heard that losing mobility accelerates aging, but experiencing it firsthand feels more humiliating—or maybe frustrating? Hard to say exactly how I feel about it.
I broke my hip carelessly and haven't been able to walk properly since then. Maybe it could have been healed with magic, but after discussing it with Maria, we decided against it. I'd thought I couldn't die no matter what until our youngest son reached adulthood, but he safely came of age half a year ago. He hasn't gotten married yet, but he did tell me about the girl he likes—and that she completely ignores him. All I can say is to take his time and go at his own pace. Whether he succeeds or fails, as long as he's happy, that's all that matters.
"Good...! Now, push! Okay, Gramps, how's this?"
"Thank you."
My eldest daughter Lucia oversees the church now. Normally, Sisters can't become heads of churches, but there's always room for connections. The higher-ups tacitly approved her position on the condition that she give one lecture at the royal capital—though afterward, they tried to keep her confined there. But she managed to return home by threatening them with the promise of dividing her bones after death.
Lucia is over sixty years old now, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have assured me they will carry on her work, so I'm not worried about succession. Today, as usual, she provides strict yet gentle guidance to the novice priests and nuns.
With my grandson pushing me along in my wheelchair, Maria and I go out for a walk together. We spend the entire day just enjoying each other's company, taking our time with what remains of my life.
"Already...spring is coming to an end."
"It looks like another hot summer this year."
"Ha-ha...Indeed."
Children sprint past us as we stroll along. Just watching them excitedly chatter about what game to play today seems to lift my spirits.
"We have to make sure to eat well now so we don't get worn down by the summer heat."
"Yes, indeed."
"You mustn't skip meals."
"Ha-ha!"
"It's not optional, you know."
"All right, I understand."
The walk takes two hours, though it would've been only ten minutes when I was younger. Along the way, drowsiness threatens to overtake me, but I listen intently to Maria's gentle voice. Even if I can barely respond, she keeps talking to me the whole time.
At lunchtime, I enjoy some soft bread porridge. I can hardly manage half of it anymore. Still, I'm delighted that the young children feed me. Apparently, getting me to eat has become one of their favorite games. The adults cleverly take advantage of this, knowing they can save effort by letting the kids do whatever they want. Honestly, who could they possibly have inherited such cunning from?
After meals, it was naptime. When I woke up, the children who had slept with me were nowhere to be found. It's hard to say whether they'd actually been asleep or just drowsy during that time.
In the evening, we bathed. The kids took care of me there as well. Sometimes, though, their enthusiasm would wane because my body was smaller than their parents', and they'd get upset. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I could do about that.
At night, everyone gathered for dinner.
Most of the children have become independent and left the church, but over thirty still lived here, so mealtime always remained lively. That made me very happy.
"Lord Ain."
"Maria."
Our lips met.
It had been quite some time since we engaged in full sexual relations, but we continued kissing regularly—morning and night, plus whenever we managed to slip away from prying eyes during our walks.
Maria's hand.
My hand.
Our wrinkled palms overlap.
Lying on the bed, we reflect in each other's eyes. Though I regret it somewhat, my eyelids grow heavy despite not feeling tired at all. These moments always frighten me.
"Good night, Lord Ain."
"Oh...y-s..."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
Her voice alone can save this fearful heart of mine.
Days pass like this, over and over again.
"I was so happy."
Somehow, another summer has arrived. Due to the dangerous intensity of midday sunlight, our daily walk routine shifted from afternoon to morning.
We quietly watched as residents returned to their homes. With my left hand, I stroked Maria's hand resting atop mine. Her wrinkled fingers, testament to the long journey we shared together.
"I...I was happy too."
My eyelids felt heavy.
Like lead.
Just a little longer...
A bit more time...
"Maria?"
"Yes?"
I want to keep watching her.
With my own eyes.
"Thank you."
"...No, thank you."
Fifty-three.
That's how many children Maria gave birth to for me.
We were blessed with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.
I truly am...
"Thank you."
"It was all m—!"
My Maria.
Lovely, beautiful, naughty Maria.
Ohhh...
"Maria."
"Yes?"
"...Maria."
"Yes?"
"Ma...ria."
"Yes."
She fought back tears but still managed a smile.
"Lord Ain?"
Her smile was more beautiful than anything else in this world.
"Lord Ain?"
I...
"...Ughh..."
From the bottom of my heart...
"Rest well, my l...ove...!"
We were so happy together.
—The End