Fallen Brides Story: Wilmarina, "One Who Seeks the Fallen Sword"

It was every bit as good as the ones his parents made. No, I doubt even many adults could have made such a pretty garland. It was that beautiful.

—Compared to that, I...

Even making allowances for the garland in my hands being incomplete, it could never compare with his. The marks of my forceful bending were visible all over it, and the flowers stuck out at odd angles. There were more than a few places in which the flowers had gone limp, as if the moisture had leaked from their stems. That a portion of it was well done only made the whole appear all the more misshapen by comparison.

—...Why was there such a difference...?

His parents had taught us both at the same time, during pauses in their work, but he had improved steadily, while I had not improved at all. People said that he was good with his hands, but that didn't change my lack of progress. I had begun to suspect that I was clumsy.

—...But... to be unable to make even a single garland properly...

"Here."

"...Huh?"

He softly placed the garland in his own hands on my head, which I had lowered in shame. When I raised my head in surprise at that, my eyes met those in his sincere, smiling face. What in the world was that somehow triumphant smile for? While I pondered that, his lips began to move.

"Yup. I was right; you look like a princess when you wear something like this, Mary. It's really cute."

"Ah..."