I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 3.1

After about a month since completing the escort mission, the summer heat was starting to intensify. I was traveling outside of the territory. The reason for this was to participate in Minerva’s Ninth Rite ceremony, as she is my fiancée.

Of course, the celebration of Minerva was the main reason, but during this ceremony, our engagement was scheduled to be officially announced. This plan had been decided through discussions between both parties.

I had a few companions with me, including Shion and a few attendants, along with thirty knight escorts. This time, the event was a larger scale compared to when we visited the village of heroes since we were attending a higher-ranking noble family’s party. Well, it was still fewer in number compared to those who put on airs.

Ideally, my father, the Count, should have accompanied us, but he had taken sick leave. The Ninth Rite ceremony of a Duchess’s daughter attracts many dignitaries. If the child is exceptionally talented, even more so. We, myself and the others in our group, lacked the reckless courage to take such a perfect opportunity to venture into that den of monsters. In fact, we were specifically asked not to bring anyone from the Lohrember family. It was a sensible decision

Furthermore, Caron and Orca were also left behind. Even though they would become my sisters-in-law, their current relationship with Minerva is not very close. Especially Caron, who is famous as the “Saint of Sunshine,” had the risk of unnecessary rumors spreading if she were to move around carelessly.

When I first informed them of this decision, both of them were greatly upset. It might have been the first time in a while that I witnessed their tantrums. I had thought they were growing up lately, but it reminded me that they still had a childlike side, and it made me feel a bit warm and fuzzy.

In the end, they agreed to it, so I think maybe they just wanted to rely on me. They are truly adorable younger siblings.

“Let’s get back on track.

We traveled to the capital of Lourambe with the members I mentioned earlier, using a carriage as our means of transportation. I haven’t disclosed my abilities to the Duke’s side, of course.

After completing a journey of about a week, we finally entered the capital of Lourambe. Since we didn’t give any prior notice, we were able to enter the city smoothly.

“The real challenge starts from here,” I muttered to myself, gathering my focus.

Then, I called out to Sion, who was sitting beside me in the carriage.

“Sion.”

“I understand,” came her immediate reply. Her expression carried a hint of fatigue.

“Even without being told multiple times, we understand. The current Duke of Lourambe is known as a ‘Magic Fanatic.’ Naturally, there will be many individuals with similar mindsets around him.”

It’s not hard to imagine what would happen if I, a colorless person, entered an environment with many magic supremacists. But well, personally, I don’t really care what others say about me. The problem lies with my subordinates, not me. I worried that they, who admire and follow me, might take unnecessary actions if they hear negative comments about me.

Verbal warnings would still be manageable, but if they were to resort to physical confrontations, it would become a troublesome situation. Since this event is hosted by Lourambe, it would reflect poorly on them if we were to cause a scene.

Feeling restless, I expressed my concerns to Sion.

“I understand your worries, but please have a bit more trust in us, your subordinates. We are professionals in service. No matter how much our master may be disparaged, we will not take any actions that would be detrimental to their interests.”

“I know, but…” I trailed off.

Her words are correct. Normal servants would usually stay quiet unless they are subjected to outrageous insults face-to-face. Engaging in inappropriate behavior would only cause trouble for the master and put their own necks at risk.

However…

“You guys tried to attack Minerva several times when she was staying with us, didn’t you?”

Shion averted her gaze without saying a word. The knights outside the carriage, who were listening attentively using my taught skill [Body Enhancement], immediately become more vigilant.

I let out a small sigh.

Minerva does make condescending remarks towards me, but that’s because she sees me as an inferior being due to my lack of attributes. It doesn’t mean she is negating me as a person. Despite her choice of words being extreme, her underlying emotions are filled with affection. There’s a hint of concern for me, someone without talent.

I have explained the situation to those around me, and they should be aware of it, but their actions don’t align. Someone once said that they “instinctively raise their weapons” or something like that.

I must be cherished and valued to that extent. It’s truly heartwarming. However, I want them to resort to more reasonable means. I want to express my desire for them not to choose the most ruthless methods from the start.

However, I haven’t actually attacked Minerva, nor has she caught on to my intentions. Perhaps, this exchange is their way of trying to ease my tension. …I want to believe that.

Shortly after, the carriage arrived at Larambel Castle. Depending on one’s status, they would have to get off in front of the gate, but this time, as Minerva’s fiance, I was taken by carriage all the way to the entrance of the castle.

Soon, the carriage arrived at Larambel Castle. Depending on one’s status, one might have to disembark at the gate, but as Minerva’s fiancé, I was taken by carriage all the way to the entrance of the castle.

As I stepped out of the carriage, I was greeted by the majestic Larambel Castle, numerous servants, and Minerva herself.

“You finally arrived. It’s a hassle, but I came to greet you. Be grateful!” she said with arrogance.

“Welcome, Lord Zex. Please come inside,” the elderly butler standing next to her politely bowed. The other servants behind him also showed a well-mannered attitude.

At first glance, Minerva appeared displeased while the servants seemed welcoming. There was no crack in their facade, and normally, one would accept their words at face value.

However, I could read their emotions leaking from their magical aura. I realized that their true feelings were the opposite of their attitudes.

Minerva, who appeared unhappy, was actually delighted by our arrival, while the servants, led by the butler, seemed extremely disdainful. Some of them were thinking things like “Die!” They harbored such intense emotions yet managed to keep it off their faces.

Although I was prepared for this, witnessing it firsthand was disheartening. It seemed like I wouldn’t have much peace of mind during my stay at Larambel.

I made eye contact with Shion and conveyed the need for increased vigilance. I had already instructed my subordinates not to act independently, so I don’t think they will be secretly attacked.

After observing the situation for a while, I took a step closer to Minerva. Despite the growing hatred from the servants, I ignored them. It would be a waste of time to pay attention to them.

“Thank you very much, Minerva. It’s lovely… to be welcomed by my fiancée. I’m a fortunate man,” I said, expressing my gratitude with a slightly affected tone.

“Hmph. Of course. After all, I am known as Larambel’s treasure,” she replied.

As I conveyed my somewhat affected gratitude, she blushed and turned her face away. Although her tone sounded slightly displeased, her overflowing emotions still showed joy. It was very easy to understand.

This is what makes her “lovely,” even though I won’t say it aloud because she would likely get furious.

“Well, since you’re a colorless existence, you’ll probably get lost inside the castle. I can’t overlook my fiancé being pitifully flustered, so I’ll be with you throughout your stay,” she said abruptly, and then started walking into the castle.

Even her recent statement was considerate of my feelings. She probably meant to say, “I don’t want you to face any unnecessary trouble by only relying on the Folnada family members, so I, as a member of the Duke’s family, will protect you.”

“Come on, hurry up!” she called out, appearing dissatisfied on the outside but actually happy on the inside. Minerva displayed contradictory reactions simultaneously.

She’s truly an interesting girl, I chuckled to myself, and followed her lead.

While the announcement of our engagement presented a challenging path ahead, it didn’t seem entirely devoid of enjoyment.