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 54
Translated by: ShinigamiTori
Chapter 54 ? The One Thing I Want to Protect
Two days after visiting Yoshida’s mansion, I came to the bustling city of the capital with Reinhardt. He asked me when I was free, and when I answered, he immediately decided on today.
It was the first time I had seen him in casual clothes, but he looked incredibly stylish and, as always, extremely handsome, catching the attention of everyone he passed by.
I felt hesitant to even call out to Reinhardt, who was standing at the meeting place.
“I see you got an invitation, too, Rene-chan.”
“Yeah. So, Reinhardt also got it? I’m really looking forward to it, but I’m a bit nervous because I barely remember going to parties and such.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”
The invitation to the garden party from Prince Theodore was apparently extended to him as well. It must have also been sent to Yoshida, Therese, and Willy then. It’s heartening to know that the prince considers us friends.
The garden party would be held around the end of the summer vacation, and I immediately sent a reply saying that, of course, I would attend. I was a little sad thinking that I wouldn’t be able to see the prince until then, but I was looking forward to seeing everyone.
However, given that it’s an event at the royal palace, if my manners are lacking, it could adversely affect the prince who invited me. It’s important to double-check and make sure my etiquette is perfect.
“Wow, what a nice place…!”
“Right now, it’s the hardest restaurant to get a reservation at in the capital.”
“Ehhh?”
Meanwhile, Reinhardt pulled me by the hand to a pure white cafe decorated with beautiful colorful flowers. We enter the store, which is filled with a sweet aroma, and as soon as he says his name, a staff member guides us to a seat in the back.
My heart flutters as I look at all the delicious names on the menu. He remembers that I had told him before that I love sweets and somehow managed to make a reservation for us.
His sentiment made me so happy, and when I thanked him many times, he smiled and said, “I’ll do anything for you, Rene-chan.”
“Everything looks delicious, it’s hard to decide…”
“Hmm, then why don’t we order two things that Rene wants to eat and we can share half of each?”
“Let’s do that!”
?
The two of us took our time and ordered two types of pancakes and tea, and then Reinhardt suddenly grabbed my hand, which was casually placed on the table.
“I’m really happy to be on a date with Rene-chan today.”
“D-Date….?!”
“Yeah. That’s what I thought, but was I wrong?”
Faced with his puppy-like, dewy eyes, there was no way I could say ‘No.’ Then, I replied, “This is probably a date,” feeling just as sweet on Reinhardt.
In the meantime, the fluffy pancakes arrived and looked incredibly delicious. Along with the fragrant tea, we eat half of the pancakes while chatting happily.
As I was immersed in a feeling of happiness from the sheer deliciousness, Reinhardt’s hand unexpectedly reached out toward me.
“Oh, you’ve got cream on you.”
He then gently scooped up the cream that was apparently in my mouth with his finger and licked it off.
“Wh-wh-what….!?”
I thought such a cliché development only existed in shoujo manga or Otome games[1]. No, well, I was in the world of an Otome game.
The fact that such a cheesy thing is not only not at all out of place, but is even picturesque, makes me think that handsome men are cheating.
But still, I feel like there are too many men around me who have no sense of personal space. Seeing me embarrassed, Reinhardt smiled like a blooming flower.
“Rene-chan is the cutest in the world.”
Reinhardt is smiling so happily and seems to really mean what he said. Even I, who must still have a red face, couldn’t help but smile along with him.
???
After leaving the cafe, Reinhardt once again took me by the hand, and we strolled through the streets of the royal capital. All of the stores he showed me around were exactly to my taste. It was as if he could read my mind.
However, I was still very happy to know that he had done so much research and preparation to suit my tastes.
“Next time, I’ll find that Reinhardt might like, so let’s go visit together again.”
“Sure. I’m looking forward to it.”
The fun time passed quickly, and before we knew it, the sky was already turning orange. Despite feeling a bit lonely about going back, we both boarded the carriage to return together.
It seems he will be escorting me directly to my house. “Can I sit next to you?” I nodded and he sat down next to me.
“Today was really fun. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I had a great time too.”
I really, really enjoyed it. And, of course, I knew it was thanks to Reinhardt’s thoughtful consideration.
“Next time—Kyaa!”
Then, as I was making plans to go out again during the summer vacation, the carriage suddenly shook violently. Before I knew it, I was clinging to Reinhardt.
He supported me like he was hugging me.
“…. Reinhardt?”
Even after the shaking stopped, he continued to hug me, holding me even tighter. I was restless because my ear was right next to his chest, and I could hear the sound of his heart beating fast.
It felt wrong to ask him to let go of me after he had supported me, so we remained silent as time passed by.
After a while, he was the first to open his mouth.
“I was really frustrated the other day.”
“Yes….?”
I quickly realized that the “the other day” he was talking about was during the trip. He hugged me as if clinging to me.
“I want to be able to protect Rene-chan. I’ll do my best. Will you continue to stay with me forever from now on?”
His voice was intensely earnest and sincere. Eventually, his body slowly moved away from mine, and my eyes locked with his gray ones.
I had noticed that the depth of Reinhardt’s feelings toward me was greater than normal. Considering how I met him and how we became friends, it might be natural.
Of course, I also like Reinhardt and want to continue being close to him. However, I feel like I shouldn’t casually say “Yes” to his current question.
“I love you, Rene-chan.”
Before I could reply, he smiled with a troubled, almost tearful look on his face.
Translator Notes:
1. An Otome game is a type of video game that is targeted toward young women. These games are usually story-driven and focus on developing romantic relationships. Sh?jo manga is kind of the same as an Otome game, but in the form of a manga. ?
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