That night, Safiya finally returned home.
As she opened the door, a small figure rushed toward her. Aisha was already waiting inside, eyes bright with expectation.
"Mommy… welcome home."
Safiya paused. One look at her daughter's face was enough those hopeful eyes, that restless little smile. She sighed softly, pretending to be serious.
"I know that look," Safiya said. "Something you wished for happened… and your mommy didn't bring it, right?"
Aisha froze, then shook her head quickly. "It's okay, Mommy"
But Safiya smiled. Slowly, she reached into her bag and pulled something out.
An old book.
The cover was worn, the pages yellowed with age but the moment Aisha saw it, her face lit up like magic.
Her hands trembled as she took it. "A book…!"
Safiya chuckled. "Take it."
Aisha hugged the book to her chest, then looked up with sparkling eyes.
"You're the best mommy. I love you."
Safiya knelt down beside her. "I know how much you love reading. Books like these are expensive… far beyond what we can buy."
She hesitated, then added softly, "It was His Highness's old book. He didn't need it anymore, so he gave it to me."
Aisha shook her head and smiled warmly.
"It's okay, Mommy. Even if you didn't bring anything, I'd still be happy. I know how hard you work… and how much you love me."
Those words pierced straight into Safiya's heart.
She pulled Aisha into her arms, holding her tightly as emotion welled up inside her chest.
"I love you too," she whispered. "My precious honey."
Under the faint glow of a magic lamp, mother and daughter stayed like that for a while a quiet, fragile warmth in a world far larger and crueler than their small home.
After dinner, Safiya gently wiped her hands and smiled.
"Aisha," she said softly, "I have some good news for you."
Aisha's eyes immediately lit up.
"Good news? What is it, Mommy?"
Safiya knelt in front of her, her expression turning serious but kind.
"Before I tell you… remember this. You're still a child. If you don't want it, I won't force you. Your happiness is my happiness."
She placed a hand over Aisha's head and smiled warmly.
"And never forget your mommy will always love you. Okay?"
Aisha froze.
…Why does this sound so serious?
Her little brain began racing at terrifying speed.
Good news… serious face… happiness… not forcing…
Her imagination exploded.
No way… don't tell me
In her mind, dramatic music started playing.
She imagined herself in a huge wedding dress twice her size, standing on a tall stage.Strangers were clapping. Bells were ringing.Some unknown noble boy stood beside her, smiling way too confidently.
WAIT—NO—STOP—
Aisha shook her head hard, almost like she was trying to shake the thoughts out.
I'm six! SIX!
I know this world marries early, but not THAT early!
This can't be happening absolutely not nope nope nope nope
She finally snapped back to reality, breathing fast.
Safiya blinked, confused.
"Honey… why are you shaking your head like that?"
Aisha quickly straightened up, forcing an innocent smile.
"N-Nothing, Mommy! Just… stretching my neck!"
Safiya narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…That didn't look like stretching."
Aisha laughed nervously.
"Hehe… it was advanced stretching!"
Safiya sighed, smiling helplessly.
This child… what strange thoughts does she have now?
Safiya took a small breath, then smiled as if she had finally made up her mind.
"Listen, Aisha… do you want to see the castle? And read new books?" she added softly.
Aisha's eyes widened, sparkling like stars.
"Y-Yes, Mommy! I want to!"
Safiya chuckled. "I knew it."
Then her expression slowly turned serious again.
"But normally, you can't go there. Outsiders aren't allowed inside the castle."
Aisha tilted her head. "Then… I can't go?"
Safiya shook her head gently.
"There is one way. If you work there, you can enter anytime."
Aisha blinked.
"…Work?"
Safiya nodded slowly.
"I know you're still a child. You're only six. No parent wants their child to work at this age.Her voice softened. "And as your mother, it hurts me to even ask this of you."
She lowered herself to Aisha's eye level.
"But His Highness… he is our last hope."
Aisha listened quietly, sensing how serious this was.
"He has been depressed for a long time,"
Safiya continued.
"If this continues, it will affect his health and the future of this castle… even this village."
Safiya clenched her hands slightly.
"That's why I'm asking you. Not as a worker first… but as a friend."
Aisha's eyes widened.
"I want you to become His Highness's personal maid," Safiya said.
"Your real job will be simple talk to him, play with him, and show him how the real world feels. Laughter, warmth… normal days."
She paused, then added gently,
"But you must also be respectful. You'll have small duties too, and you must treat everyone kindly. Can you do that?"
Aisha stayed silent for a moment.
Then she smiled small, but sincere.
"Mommy," she said softly, "if you ask me to do something, I'll do it."
"You always try to make me happy…"
She took Safiya's hand tightly.
"So this time… I want to make you happy."
Safiya's eyes trembled, and she pulled Aisha into a warm embrace.
"Thank you… my little miracle."
Safiya smiled softly, brushing Aisha's hair aside.
"Then it's decided," she said. "From tomorrow, you'll start working at the castle."
Aisha blinked, a little nervous. "Tomorrow…?"
Safiya nodded. "Don't worry about your clothes. I've already had your dress prepared."
She let out a quiet laugh.
"I knew you wouldn't say no. You've always been a good girl."
Aisha looked up at her.
"You'll be fine," Safiya continued warmly. "You're kind, polite, and strong in your own way. I know you'll manage everything at the castle."
She placed her hand gently on Aisha's head.
"And no matter what happens… remember this. Your mommy will always be here for you."
"Aisha smiled, her worries fading little by little, replaced by quiet hope."