I Want to Fall in Love After Getting Reincarnated as the Heroine on the Verge of a Bad Ending, but My OP Older Brother Won’t Leave Me Alone!? - Chapter 31
Translated by: ShinigamiTori
Chapter 31 ? Birthday Party 3
“Congratulations, Julius-sama.”
“Thank you.”
“Lady Rene has become very beautiful as well.”
“T-Thank you.”
I’ve been next to my brother ever since, and now I was strongly tempted to run away. Occasionally, I was approached by people I didn’t recognize, and responding appropriately was proving to be quite difficult.
I felt an unusual tension, especially when young ladies who clearly admired my brother came to greet us. They all took my hand and looked as if they wanted me to address them as “Sister.” It was scary.
However, what scared me the most was the constant glare from Jenny, who had been watching us from afar all this time.
“Happy birthday, Julius-sama. Come to think of it, isn’t it about time for you to start thinking about marriage?”
“Hahaha, that’s right.”
“Have you already chosen a fiancée?”
“Father has already decided who I’m going to marry.”
As my brother engaged in such a conversation, I was secretly surprised. In this world, being born into nobility might mean that you can’t marry someone you love. It’s probably what they call a political marriage.
And then, one question arises: What will happen to me if I don’t achieve a happy ending with the chosen capture target?
I nonchalantly mentioned wanting to experience love, but now I’m getting the feeling I’ll be married off to the person my father has decided on. Unlike Jenny, who is lavished with attention, it wouldn’t be odd for someone like me, who isn’t very cherished, to end up as the wife of some wealthy, eccentric old man.
Even though I knew there were many problems still to be addressed, I swiftly put on a smile again when another guest came over to greet my brother.
“Certainly, with the capable Julius-sama around, the Wainwright family’s future looks promising.”
One thing I noticed after being with him all day is that Julius is highly regarded. Everyone is singing his praises, and it’s evident that people are trying to get closer to him.
When I secretly whispered, “You’re amazing,” to my brother, he let out a soft sigh and replied, “Honestly, I’m not a big fan of these kinds of gatherings.”
Knowing that my brother often voluntarily attended various gatherings, it was somewhat surprising to hear this.
“These social connections are valuable. They can be a source of support.”
“I see.”
“I intend to eventually assume control of this family.”
“…. What?”
“Don’t tell anyone.”
He placed his index finger on his lips and smiled as he said that. Sometimes I can’t tell if my brother is joking or being serious.
“Happy birthday, Julius. Ah, Rene-chan is here too.”
“Arnold-san!”
With everything going on, the sight of a familiar face finally arriving brought a sense of relief. I found myself smiling involuntarily, and my brother complained, “You look the happiest you’ve been today.”
“Seeing you two standing side by side like this, you really do look good together.”
“Right?”
After that, the three of us enjoyed some quality time together. But then…
“The dance should be starting soon. Shall we head over?”
“What?”
As the party was reaching its end, Julius suddenly said something like that and took my hand.
“My partner is Rene.”
“Wait, it’s impossible, really, please wait a minute and calm down.”
“I am calm.”
I’ve never danced before, of course. Besides, it’s impossible for me to dance in front of so many people like this.
“Don’t worry, I got you.”
It seemed that I had no choice, and I was taken to the center of the hall. Gradually, as the music commenced, I began to dance without any idea of what I was doing.
As expected, Rene had some experience dancing, as her body seemed to somehow remember it. Moreover, even an amateur like me can tell that Julius is adept at leading.
“Keep your eyes on me.”
As I got a bit nervous about the steps and inadvertently cast my eyes downward, he spoke to me like that. I hurriedly lifted my head, and our eyes locked, with Julius sporting an incredibly gentle expression.
His smile was so breathtakingly beautiful that it made my heart flutter, almost bringing tears to my eyes. I can’t tear my gaze away from those sparkling ice-blue eyes.
“Thank you for today. I had a great time thanks to Rene.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
I’m glad I was able to repay my brother, even if it was just a little. With such thoughts in mind, I surrendered my body to his lead.
By the time I reached my room after the party, my energy was completely depleted. With Rosa’s assistance, I swiftly got ready for bed. It looks like I’ll sleep soundly again tonight.
I wished I could just fall asleep like this, but I had to give the birthday present today. Dragging my heavy body, I made my way to Julius’s room with a small box in hand.
Soon, as I arrived at the door to his room, I saw a tearful Jenny running out of the room.
???
“Why do you always prioritize Sister?”
“Is it not allowed?”
“Do you really hate me that much….!?”
“I didn’t say that.”
Jenny unexpectedly came to his room and spoke her grievances. Of course, Julius had anticipated that she would come to complain like this.
Her eyes are filled with tears in an instant. He felt a twinge of disgust at the fact that she didn’t really like him and that she was a greedy woman just like her mother.
Julius suppressed the urge to curse and pasted a smile instead.
“You might cherish Sister, but I’ll be the one to become your wife.”
“I guess we just don’t know yet.”
“…. Do you really believe that Sister can surpass me and become S-ranked?”
“Rene, she’s doing her best.”
His father, who has an extreme complex about not being a wizard[1] himself, is obsessed with producing exceptional wizards from this family and thickening the blood of wizards. It’s easier for wizards to be born from wizards, after all.
That’s why it was decided from childhood that he would be married to either Rene or Jenny, whichever one is the superior of the two because both Rene’s mother and Jenny’s mother were wizards.
In particular, even though Rene’s mother was a commoner, she was quite a talented wizard, while Rene herself was considered a dropout by anyone’s standards. Because of the high expectations set for her, the criticism directed at her was even harsher.
Nevertheless, she changed after losing her memory. He believes that the current her has the potential to become a wizard surpassing even her mother.
From what he can see, Jenny doesn’t have much room for growth anymore. She doesn’t have that much magic power originally. She seems to be trying hard in terms of skills and written exams, but he thinks that she doesn’t have what it takes to be an S-rank student.
“I will never lose to Sister.”
“Yes. Good luck.”
When Julius said those insincere words, Jenny burst into tears and ran out of the room.
He let out a sigh and fell in an unpleasant mood even though it was his birthday, but then Rene’s face appeared through the crack in the door saying, “Uhm.”
“… Is everything okay? Jenny was crying.”
“No, it’s nothing. Come in.”
As soon as he saw her face, he realized that his gloomy mood from earlier had completely disappeared. Apparently, he likes her more than he thought.
Looking at her, so straightforward and earnest, it felt like the dark emotions within him were fading away.
“I brought you a birthday present.”
“Thank you. I’m really happy.”
Still, there was no change in his plan to use her for revenge. He reminded himself not to get too attached under any circumstances.
Translator Notes:
1. It was previously translated as ‘magician’ but I changed it to ‘wizard’ because it seems to fit more. ?
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