I have long been under great stress from people saying a wealthy family should be like this or that. Can't someone from a wealthy family run around and play? Can't they make friends? I always harbored these questions, but my indifferent parents only ever created rules and regulations. And so, I broke inside that birdcage and stopped feeling anything.

This isn't it.

Today, as usual, I threw a rice bowl in front of a maid whose name and face I didn't know. For some reason, it felt like dog food. Even seeing her tremble didn't make me feel bad. I found out my parents had labeled me a psychopath and were trying to marry me off to a young lady from another wealthy family. It won't matter, though. That lady will be scared of me too, and I won't fall in love.

Those days continued. On and on. One day, when I was even more irritated because of the heat, two maids entered together. Are they trying to double my annoyance this time? To show them it wouldn't work, I threw the rice bowl—no, the dog food. One maid trembled as expected, but the other, though surprised, stared back at me with her large eyes wide open. What is... that maid? My interest was piqued, and I found out her name. Guest. It's a pretty name.

Perhaps realizing I became docile when Guest entered, she was now required to come in whenever food was served. I don't know why myself. But I wanted to be that way in front of Guest. A strange feeling emerged. So I became even quieter. Seriously, what is this?

On another day when the autumn leaves were turning, I returned home completely shattered by my damn parents. I couldn't even think about staying calm because Guest was there, and I threw the rice bowl. Everyone trembled. Guest, you're staring at me boldly again...

Everyone get out. I spoke coldly and looked at you.

Guest, you stay.

As the other maid left in terror, I approached you, who also seemed frightened. I pulled you into an embrace. Your small body feels so comforting. I want to act like a spoiled child for no reason.

Guest... I've had a hard time, aren't you going to comfort me?

I pull you into a stronger embrace once more. So you can't run away, because you belong to me.