Translated by: ShinigamiTori

Chapter 28 ─ My Brother and I

“Ah, this is so cute!”

“Do you want me to buy it?”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Your big brother is very rich. I’ll buy you anything you want.”

The weekend arrived in the blink of an eye. I was currently walking through the streets of the royal capital, all dolled up courtesy of Rosa, who seemed to have been instructed by Julius behind the scenes.

The dress and shoes prepared for today are incredibly cute, and above all, they suit me well. By the time we set out, I was secretly feeling pretty excited. My hair accessory, adorned with tiny gemstones, is so cute that I can’t help but admire it for a long time.

On the other hand, my brother had also dressed impeccably, and he shone so brightly that I inadvertently squinted my eyes in his presence. He’s so handsome that some people stop and look back at him when they pass by.

He and I started out window shopping, but every time I complimented something as cute or lovely, he insisted on buying it. He’s an incredibly doting older brother.

Apparently, my brother has been investing without our father’s knowledge and has saved up quite a bit of money. He told me, “Don’t tell anyone because if they find out, I’ll get in trouble.” Is it really okay for him to share such a secret with me?

“What do you want for lunch? Let’s eat something you like, Rene.”

“I’m not sure what options there are.”

“Then I’ll give you some suggestions, and you can choose from them.”

“Okay, thank you.”

Moreover, today my brother is even sweeter to me than usual.

He treats me like a princess. And he’s so skilled at dealing with women that it’s almost frustrating.

“Lately, Julius has been so kind to me, it scares me.”

“I’m a cunning man, so I might ask for something in return.”

He said with a laugh and, very naturally, he had entwined his left hand with my right hand. Even when I try to tell him that this is strange because they’re siblings, he refuses to listen, saying, “No one knows that we’re siblings.”

I like my brother’s warm hand. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never walked with someone’s hand in this way before that I feel that way even more. When I think back on it, I realize that I’ve led a rather lonely life.

“But if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. I’ll do my best to help in any way I can.”

That’s why, I want to cherish the people around me now.

That’s what I thought when I said those words, but for some reason, my brother looked terribly surprised and stared at me.

“… You shouldn’t say you’ll do anything for me like that.”

“Eh?”

“No, it’s nothing. If I’m ever in trouble, I’ll just ask for help from you, Rene.”

Smiling, my brother once again took my hand and we continued to walk through the bustling streets filled with many people.

“By the way, the person who kidnapped you during the exam was expelled from school.”

“Eh, really?”

“Yes. I meant to tell you, but I forgot. Sorry.”

It appears that he said something along the lines of, “I don’t want my little sister to be harmed any further,” and took on the conversation with the teachers on my behalf. I was so wrapped up in the sports festival that I completely forgot. I should be more vigilant.

“In the first place, a notice of withdrawal was already issued. Even before the exam.”

“What do you mean….?”

“I don’t know. And when they tried to question him, they couldn’t get any information out of him because of the binding magic.”

“Binding magic?”

When I tilted my head in confusion as it was the first time I heard such a word, Julius explained that it was a magic spell cast with mutual consent, which could limit a person’s actions.

“Anyway, I guess that means they were pretty well prepared.”

“Isn’t that really scary….?”

“Yeah. So, you should be careful about your surroundings for a while.”

In other words, someone had planned and prepared to get me expelled from school even before the exams.

With no knowledge of who that person might be, there’s a high likelihood they could take further actions. I have to be really careful in the future.

“By the way, don’t worry, I already tortured the guy who did it.”

“T-Thank you….?”

I was too scared to ask what my brother, who had a bright and cheerful smile on his face, did to that male student.

──After that, the two of us went to see a romantic play that was said to be the most popular at the moment. Not only was the story excellent, but there were also magical effects that made it feel like we were in a dream world.

Seeing me get so excited like a child, Julius had a surprised yet gentle smile on his face.

◇◇◇

“I had a lot of fun today. Thank you so much.”

“I’m glad. I had fun, too.”

After watching the play, we continued to look around the nearby stores, and before we knew it, the sky had turned a rosy hue. Right now, we’re sitting side by side in the carriage as usual, heading back to the Wainwright mansion.

Today has been truly enjoyable. ‘I’m glad I worked hard at the sports festival,’ I thought as I stared out the window.

“I’d like to do something to thank you too next time. What would you like?”

“….. I hope you’ll successfully become an S-rank.”

A dumbfounded voice slipped from my mouth at those sudden words. I shifted my gaze again from the passing scenery to my brother’s face.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, I’m serious.”

With a serious expression on his face, Julius looked at me.

“I want you, Rene, to achieve an S-rank before graduation.”

When I first came to this world, I casually thought about aiming for the highest rank. But to achieve that, a significant amount of magical power is undoubtedly necessary and the favorability with the capture targets will be essential.

Of course, I intended to do my best in other areas and aim as high as I could. Still, I can see now that it’s impossible, even in terms of the game system, to achieve an S-rank without a strategy.

“I-It’s impossible for me.”

“It’s okay if it’s the current Rene. I’ll help as much as I can too.”

“Why do you want me to become S-rank in the first place?”

When I asked him that, my brother furrowed his eyebrows and smiled as if he was troubled.

“I can’t tell you that yet.”

“…..”

“But my life depends on it.”

Normally, I would have laughed it off, thinking that it was an exaggeration to say that his life was at stake. However, the expression on his face as he sat next to me was undeniably serious, and it didn’t look like he was lying.

Seeing Rene, who had been a failure until now, growing rapidly, did my brother think that I could aim for S-rank?

I don’t understand how my becoming S-rank would save my brother’s life. However, he has also been helping me all this time.

If his life really depended on it, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for me to give up my own exams.

“Hey, can you help me…?”

Eventually, as I was met with that pleading gaze, I didn’t know what to do or how to respond.

All I could do was stare back into his eyes, feeling the warmth of his palm as he held it.

Hi, I’m Tori, the translator of this novel! If you like the novel and would like to support me, feel free to click the button below to go to my ko-fi! (ﾉ∀`♥) Please also consider sending some love by leaving a rating/review for this series on Novel Updates! Thank you ❤️