Editing Amaryllis in the Ice Country:Chapter 4 (section)

===Part 2===

There are no starry skies in the underground world.

However, the crystals that fill the ceiling will flicker from time to time, and they appear to resemble twinkling stars.

I watch Gappy return home, and sit on the swing as I look up at the starry sky. What he said appear in my mind again.

—As thanks, for playing, with, a broken, toy.

A long time ago, Gappy’s a toy. HGP.10β, an outdoor toy robot suitable for play with children aged above three years old. Play hide-and-seek with children, play ball, play horsey—over the thirty years since he was created, he had been playing around at the roof of a department stores. He would run around while carrying children, or act as a ghost and give chase after them.

But, just as broken toys will be abandoned, the aged Gappy had a day where he would be decommissioned. On a certain day thirty years after he was created, he was removed from the roof of the convenience store as he malfunctioned. After that, he was installed at the door of a second-hand shop, and then bought off in a strange net auction. It’s a mere coincidence that he came to village; when ‘the end’ came a hundred years ago, he was abandoned near the village, in an illegal dump.

Even after coming to this village, Gappy remains in poor condition. A little rigorous action, and it’ll be giving off smoke “Ga-ppy’, short-circuiting. Thus, whenever he plays with the children in the village, he’s often left aside. By the time he realizes it, he’s alone.

However, even he manages to gain respite.

“That face of yours is really frustrating.”

And talking to him, or trying to pick a fight, is a girl with soft chestnut-colored hair—Daisy Stalk. “Well, looks like I got no chance but to play with you. Be honored!” With such an arrogant attitude, the girl and Gappy become friends.

“Ah…”

At this moment, I realize.

There’s a shadow near the entrance of the park. It seemed to look around the inside for something, and then retreat into the darkness.

“Daisy…?”

I call out, and the figure shivers in shock.

“Don’t be scared. It’s me.”

I call out, slightly louder this time, “Ama…ryllis?” and the girl whispers back.

“Come here.”

I wave at her from the swing. She’s somewhat hesitant, but she finally enters the park.

“So it’s you.”

“So…as in what?”

Daisy looks at me through her fluffy hair.

“Gappy just came by, so I was wondering if you would come by.”

“Gappy, came here…?”

The girl asks with her head lowered.

“Just now…do I call him?”

I put my finger on my temple. It’s a gesture to connect a wireless network.

“No, it’s fine.”

Daisy shakes her head lightly, and sits on the swing next to mine.

After that, there’s silence.

Krrr, krrr, there’s the sound of the swing’s chains echoing emptily in the part at night. It seems to be a reflection of the girl, and I too feel a little forlorn.

“…Hey.”

As though muttering to herself, Daisy breaks the silence.

“Why did he come here?”

I answer, and Daisy immediately lifts her head, only to drop it again.

“…I see.”

“Not going to make amends?”

I ask, and Daisy remains silent. However, the swing gets a little higher.

Daisy and Gappy never spoke ever since the Prayer Festival. They met a few times at the park, but every time, Daisy would hurry back. The clumsy Gappy wanted to give chase after the girl, but never once was he able to catch up.

“—Actually.” The girl mutters. “Gappy’s not wrong.”

“…”

I listen silently.

“It’s my fault for not checking the jumping platform during the festival.”

“…I see.”

“But when we failed, I really was angry, so I…”

At this point, Daisy curled her lips together. The darkness of the night is reflected in her large eyes, and the color as deep as the sea appear to be brimming out.

“…Time to go back.”

After some silence, Daisy silently gets to her feet.

“Hm, it’s late.”

I do not intend to stop her. I know that even if I don’t do anything, both of them will make amends.

—This time, it has been dragged out, but they’ll definitely make amends. They’re friends, irreplaceable bosom friends.

And after watching the girl limp away, I leave the park. I intend to head home, as it’s too late.

—Next Prayer Festival, Daisy and Gappy will perform together again, right?

While having such thoughts, I walk home in the night. Right when I’m about to reach home.



<strong>“—Amaryllis.”</strong>



I receive a wireless transmission.