Translated by: ShinigamiTori

Chapter 29 ─ Birthday Party 1

Of course, I want to help Julius.

But in this case, there’s nothing I can do. Because in order to become S-rank, I have to take advantage of someone’s emotions.

“Sorry for the abruptness, I must have caused you trouble.”

As I struggled to respond, my brother smiled and gently ruffled my head. It made me feel even more apologetic.

…. At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad, thinking that perhaps everything my brother had been kind to me for up until now was all for this reason.

But originally, Julius always used to say, “It’s for my own sake.” I knew this, but I seemed to adore my brother more than I thought I did.

“I really enjoyed myself today.”

“Yeah.”

“Let’s go on a date again sometime.”

I nodded faintly while my heart ached.

◇◇◇

“Hey, Yoshida, what do you want now?”

“Do you think what your brother wants and what I want are the same?”

“No, not at all.”

A few days later, after school, I caught Yoshida as he was leaving and we had tea in the cafeteria. Julius’ birthday is two weeks away, and I want to consult with Yoshida about a present for my brother.

I have no idea what Julius wants. I don’t even know the current trends in this world, let alone ordinary gifts. Sadly, even in my previous life, I had never given a gift to a man.

“Maybe you should ask Arnold-senpai?”

“’Hmm…”

I’m sure that if I asked Arnold-san, who is a very kind person, to come with me for consultation or shopping, he would definitely say yes. Unfortunately, however, I’m left with a strange feeling of uneasiness.

Still, I’ve decided to at least ask him for advice later.

“Ah, that’s right. Also, I’d like to know what a noble’s birthday party is like. Is there dancing or anything like that?”

“Oh right, you had memory loss, didn’t you? I forgot about that.”

Yoshida then gave me a detailed description of the birthday parties of the nobility in this country.

Normally, the main character’s family members are supposed to greet the guests, but Rene, who has amnesia and is naturally shy, is definitely not expected to do anything.

Yoshida told me that as long as I stay quietly on the sidelines, there shouldn’t be any problems. Plus, knowing that some of my brother’s acquaintances like Arnold-san will also be there, I feel a bit reassured. Either way, I plan to keep a low profile.

By the way, it’s apparently customary for the guest of honor to dance at the end. I imagine that my brother, dancing with a beautiful woman (hypothetically) as his partner, will create a beautiful scene, like something out of a fairy tale.

“Thank you for telling me all of this. Now, I just have to find something that will make Julius happy.”

“You must really get along with your brother.”

“…. I hope so.”

If my brother knew that I would never be able to reach S-rank, would he become distant? I’m a little scared to think so.

Recently, I’ve started to feel guilty about receiving kindness from him, so I’ve been avoiding my brother just a little bit.

Amidst all of this, I remembered something that had been on my mind and decided to speak up.

“Hey, can I ask you something weird?”

“What is it?”

“You’re not starting to like me or anything, are you…?”

“Don’t worry. I’m just starting to dislike you.”

“I’m sorry.”

I had been anxious about what to do if Yoshida were one of the capture targets. Since I came to this world, he’s been the man I’ve talked to the most, with the exception of my brother.

I feel like I’m getting closer to him as a friend, but if the system increases his likability of me and turns it into a romantic relationship, it would pose a challenge for both of us.

“If you ever start to develop romantic feelings for me, please let me know right away. I really want to remain friends with Yoshida forever, so I’m really sorry….”

“Why do I feel like I’m getting dumped?”

When I desperately pleaded with Yoshida to let me know if he felt even the slightest change in his feelings, he reluctantly nodded. I really like him.

◇◇◇

In the blink of an eye, the day of Julius’ birthday party arrived. The mansion was bustling with activity from early in the morning, it was quite noisy

The custom-made dress Julius bought me the other day was truly beautiful and stunning. Moreover, it suited Rene very well.

“You look absolutely stunning, Miss…!”

“Thank you.”

Rosa had done my hair and makeup so well that I looked like a princess in the mirror. I wonder if it’s okay for me to put so much effort into it even though I’m not even the main character.

Incidentally, today’s party will be held in our house’s spacious and luxurious hall. I thought I had finished preparing on time, but there was no sign of my family in the main building.

It seems that the guest of honor, Julius, and my family have already entered the venue. I’ve been deceived once again, this time by Jenny’s cunning maid. This makes it the third time in two weeks.

However, it turned out to be quite convenient for me. I can blend in later without standing out. Stepping stealthily into the dazzling venue, I’m taken aback by the countless people inside. It feels like a world straight out of a storybook.

Anyway, I’ve decided to convey my congratulations to Julius with just a few words and then stay on the sidelines, maybe while getting some cake. Following Arnold-san’s advice, I plan to give the present I went shopping for with Therese after the party.

I walked along the wall, looking for my brother.

“Hey, ugly!”

I heard those words from behind my back. But Rene is definitely not ugly. So, I ignored it and kept on walking, thinking it was none of my business when suddenly my right hand was grabbed tightly.

“Don’t ignore me, Idiot Rene!”

When I turned around, there was the figure of an unfamiliar handsome young boy.

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