Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear (Chapter 476-???)

476 - Bear-san, Explains To Fina and Shinobu.

With the help of Kagali-san, and Sakura, I explained to Fina, then further explained what Shinobu doesn't know.

That we were here to defeat a gigantic monster called Orochi in this country. At that time, a wyvern suddenly appeared, and Shinobu got injured in the battle. Then I told them how we defeated the giant snake with the help of Mumroot-san and Ruimin.

"Then the battle was over while I was sleeping, wasn't it? Moreover, I let Sakura-sama and Ruimin do something dangerous. I'm ashamed of myself for sleeping through the ordeal." (Shinobu)

Shinobu looked a little depressed.

"That's not the case. I know how hard Shinobu is working. Thank you, Shinobu, for everything." (Sakura)

"... Sakura-sama" (Shinobu)

Fina, who was watching their exchange, asked in a whisper.

"Yuna-oneesan. Are Shinobu-san and Sakura-chan...?" (Fina)

"Etto. I'm not sure if you know the word shrine priestess. But, let's see, right, I think Sakura's mother is a former royalty, and Shinobu is serving her?" (Yuna)

I don't know where Shinobu stands, but that's what it looks like to me.

"Royalty..." (Fina)

Fina looked at Sakura in surprise. Sakura noticed the look and came toward us.

"Thank you, Fina-sama, for taking such good care of Shinobu. Thanks to you; we were able to fight the serpent with peace of mind." (Sakura)

Sakura held Fina's hand and thanked her.

In contrast, Fina was flustered when Sakura suddenly called her name with honorifics.

"Fi, Fina is fine. I'm not that great of a person, so please call me Fina." (Fina)

Fina waved her hand in a hurry and asked her to change how Sakura called her name.

"Then I'll call you Fina. Please call me Sakura too." (Sakura)

"Etto, Sakura-sama?" (Fina)

I explained earlier that her mother was a former royalty, so Fina called Sakura's name with honorifics.

"A friend of Yuna-sama. If possible, please call me Sakura." (Sakura)

"Etto, that's..." (Fina)

Fina looked at me as if asking for help. She looked troubled as if she couldn't call someone related to the royal family without honorifics, albeit a former one.

"It seems that Fina can't call Sakura, a former royalty, by her first name, so I'm wondering if she can call you something else?" (Yuna)

"My uncle is the king, but I am not a royalty. I am an ordinary person just like Fina." (Sakura)

I don't know the details, but you will become a civilian depending on who you marry. As a matter of fact, Sakura lives as a shrine maiden.

But to Fina, she's no different than royalty.

"If you don't feel comfortable addressing her without honorifics, then "Sakura-chan" is fine, right? That's what Ruimin calls her, anyway." (Yuna)

That's what Ruimin calls Sakura whenever she calls her.

It's not a formal honorific address. But it may be easier for them to call each other with "chan" than to simply call one by their first names. Besides, they're still children. I don't think anyone should overthink it.