Chapter 12 – A Day Painted Orange
MC POV
The morning sun spilled over Cocoyasi Village, painting the horizon in warm orange. The kind of morning that felt too perfect to be real—birds chattering, ocean breeze rolling through the palm trees, and for once, no sense of looming danger.
I cracked an eye open, realizing I wasn't the only one in the futon. Aqua had somehow wriggled herself right beside me in her sleep, clinging to my arm like I was her personal pillow.
{Ego}: Correction: host remains too gullible. Allowing a "so-called goddess" to use you as a plush toy during unconscious hours = pathetic.
[System]: Note: Master looks very peaceful while asleep. Also, slight drool detected. Also, underwear color confirmed: blue with tiny clouds.
Me: "…Why the hell do you even notice that detail?"
[System]: Because details matter, Master. Unlike the lazy pseudo-ego over there.
I sighed, pulling myself free before Aqua woke up and caused her usual morning chaos.
Then it hit me.
Today was Nami's 10th birthday.
Aqua POV
I yawned, stretching dramatically, before realizing Sunny wasn't beside me anymore. For a brief moment, I panicked—until I spotted him pacing, deep in thought.
"What's with the serious face so early? Don't tell me you're planning more training, Sunny. Today's special, remember?"
Sunny raised an eyebrow. "You mean?"
I smirked. "Obviously! It's Nami's birthday! We have to give her a goddess-level celebration."
{Ego}: Correction: "goddess-level celebration" = poorly wrapped garbage with glitter.
[System]: Proposal: Host should consider a practical and sentimental gift. Options include: treasure chest, property deed, or small island.
Sunny groaned. "You're both useless."
"Useless!?" I puffed my cheeks. "I'll show you useless when I give her the most divine gift ever! Nami will worship me!"
Sunny muttered, "That's what I'm worried about…"
MC POV
The day moved fast. Belle-mère, always energetic, decorated their small home with handmade ornaments. Nojiko ran around setting up tables, and villagers dropped by to contribute fruit, fish, and drinks.
It wasn't grand, but it had heart.
When Nami finally came running in, wearing a simple dress Belle-mère had sewn, her smile was blinding. For once, she wasn't just the "orphan girl dreaming of maps." She was a child surrounded by love.
And that alone was worth protecting.
The Gift Rivalry
Of course, Aqua had to ruin the calm atmosphere.
When it was time for presents, she strutted forward like she was announcing the Second Coming of the Goddess of Water. She carried… seashells. Handpicked, polished, arranged in a box with her signature drawn in blue marker.
"Behold! A rare, priceless gift straight from the divine! Seashells blessed by Aqua-sama herself!"
Everyone blinked.
Belle-mère coughed into her fist. Nojiko failed to stifle her laughter. Nami tilted her head. "…They're just seashells."
"Not just seashells! Goddess-certified seashells!"
"Wow… thanks, Aqua…" Nami smiled nervously.
Aqua preened. "See, Sunny? Perfect goddess gift—"
"Yeah, no."
I stepped forward, pulling a small pouch from my pocket. Inside was 1 million berries, neatly tied in stacks, along with a carefully cut piece of my Vivre Card.
"I don't do speeches," I said, scratching my head. "But… this is for you. Money, so you can chase your dream of drawing maps without worrying. And this—" I handed her the tiny paper slip. "—is a piece of me. Wherever I am, you'll know. And this way, I'll always be able to find you too."
Nami's eyes widened. Her small hands trembled as she took it. "S-Sunny… this is… too much…"
Her cheeks burned red as she bit her lip, then hurriedly pulled out a slip of her own paper, cutting it clumsily. "Then… take this too! My Vivre Card!"
She shoved it into my hand, embarrassed.
The villagers "ooooh'd," Nojiko smirked knowingly, and Aqua—
Aqua's eyes turned into blue flames. "EXCUSE ME!? WHAT IS THIS SCENE!? Why does the orange-haired brat get to exchange soul-bonding paper slips with MY Sunny!?"
Belle-mère facepalmed. "Ah, young love…"
The Hug
Later that evening, after cake and laughter, Nami cornered me outside under the stars. She fiddled with her dress hem, glancing everywhere but me.
"Sunny… thanks. For everything. I—I've never had anyone give me something like this before."
Before I could answer, she threw her arms around me in a quick, desperate hug.
For a second, my mind blanked.
Her hair smelled faintly of oranges. Her small frame shook, but her grip was firm.
"You're… really special," she whispered.
…And that's when Aqua kicked the door open.
"AAAAAAAAA—WHAT IS THIS!? HANDS OFF, ORANGE THIEF!"
She dragged me back like a mother yanking her child away from danger, glaring daggers at Nami.
"Competition? On my watch? Not happening!"
Nami glared back, puffing her cheeks. "Jealous much, old lady?"
"O-OLD LADY!?" Aqua screeched. "I'M A TIMELESS GODDESS!"
The two started bickering, their voices carrying across the village, while Belle-mère and Nojiko nearly fell over laughing.
And me?
I just sighed, holding both slips of Vivre Card in my hand, feeling oddly at peace despite the chaos.
That night, when everyone went to sleep, I caught sight of Nami sitting by the window, clutching her Vivre Card close to her chest. Her smile was soft, genuine, brighter than anything I'd ever seen.
Maybe, just maybe… this was what family was supposed to feel like.
And for the first time in a long time, I slept without a single worry.