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 4.2

“Hey, are you listening?”

“Huh?”

Minerva’s voice reaches my ears, bringing me back to reality.

I am currently sitting at the dining table with her. As expected, I accepted her invitation for dinner, so we are having a meal together.

However, as evident from our short exchange just now, I haven’t been able to focus at all. It’s because my thoughts have been consumed by the various aspects of the “Witch’s Curse” that was mentioned earlier.

I managed to extract some information from Count Putepp and the others we captured, but when it comes to the cursed artifact book, all we could gather was that it was left behind by a “traveling merchant.” Furthermore, the mental contamination was severe, making it extremely difficult to engage in normal conversation. In the end, we obtained very little valuable information. It’s frustrating to be stuck in a situation where we can’t even grasp the enemy’s presence.

Furthermore, the fact that Count Putepe was the one targeting Nina added to my sense of frustration.

Although he wasn’t the one directly responsible for her death in the game, it felt incredibly contrived that someone close to him stood in our way. It almost seemed as if the world was trying to establish the narrative of “Putepe killing Nina.”

I had been skeptical of the existence of the “compulsion force” in this world, which forces things to progress according to the game’s scenario. Similar narratives in works of fiction had made me wary of such unknown forces.

However, recently, I had started to believe that such compulsion force might not exist anymore. After all, the personalities of Charon and Orca, as well as Foranada’s circumstances, deviated from the game’s script, and so far, Nina was safe. I had become naturally complacent because there was no sign of compulsion being imposed.

The recent events surrounding Nina undoubtedly unsettled me.

Because of that, I made the blunder of missing Minerva’s words. I need to get it together and switch my focus properly.

“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment.”

I put on a smile and casually responded to Minerva.

In response, she squinted her eyes slightly.

“You have quite the nerve to be thinking about something else while having a meal with me.”

“I truly apologize. I’ll be more attentive from now on.”

“…Well then, fine.”

Huh, she backed off more easily than I expected. Considering her strong tsundere tendencies, I thought she would say various worrying things.

Feeling a bit perplexed by her unexpected response.

However, I didn’t dwell too deeply on it.

“Well, it can’t be helped. I’ll give you another chance to listen, so pay attention this time,” Minerva said.

“Yes, of course,” I replied.

Immediately, Minerva resumed her small talk, and I decided to focus on that. It would be extremely rude to miss it for a second time.

The rest of the dinner proceeded smoothly. Minerva proudly provided topics of conversation, and I responded with appropriate nods and acknowledgments. It followed the familiar pattern, and we settled into a comfortable rhythm.

It had been about an hour since we finished dinner. I found myself lost in thought on my bed in my room, contemplating the threats looming over Nina.

It was confirmed that we would hide her in the castle. However, if there was a compulsion force at play, dictating the progression of the game, I needed to carefully consider how to deal with it.

I felt Shion’s gaze on me, but I couldn’t afford to pay attention to it right now. I’m sorry, but I wanted her to be patient until the situation settled down.

The room was enveloped in silence when suddenly it was shattered by a steady knock.

Shion and I both tilted our heads in unison.

It wasn’t a question of who it could be at this hour. With our constant monitoring in place, we were aware of anyone approaching our rooms.

The question we had was, “What does Minerva want at this hour?”

Yes, the visitor was Minerva. In fact, she was the only one who would voluntarily come to my colorless room like this.

It’s quite a situation for a noble lady to visit a man’s room at night. Even if the person in question is her fiancé, it’s not a commendable act. It’s hard to believe that she, being the daughter of a duke, lacks the understanding of such common sense. I wonder what her motives were for this action.

While feeling puzzled, I give instructions to Shion to attend to her. Since she knocked on the door, we can’t simply ignore her.

Shion opens the door and begins a conversation with Minerva outside. I thought it would be over quickly, but the conversation seems to be taking longer than expected. I wonder what they’re discussing.

Although I could enhance my hearing to eavesdrop, it would lack proper discretion, so I choose not to do so. It’s important to consider the appropriate time and place.

Before long, Shion approaches me without anyone accompanying her. Judging from the fact that Minerva simply spoke with her and left, I wonder what the purpose of her visit was.

As I inwardly tilt my head in confusion, Shion, who has come close to me, says with a smile, “Minerva-sama extended an invitation to a tea party.”

“What? Right now?”

I couldn’t help but exclaim in utter surprise at her unexpected statement.

The time was already past 20:00, and the sun had completely set. It was definitely not an appropriate time for a tea party.

Ignoring my wide-eyed reaction, Shion urged me to get up and prepare.

“Come on, Minerva-sama is waiting for us. Please get ready quickly.”

“Huh? Wait a minute. Are we really going to have a tea party?”

“Yes, we are. That’s what she said.”

“But, at this hour?”

“Yes, at this hour.”

I could only feel perplexed by her unwavering attitude.

In the end, I was coerced by Shion and reluctantly got ready. I followed Shion’s lead as we made our way to the venue of the tea party.

While standing at the door, I couldn’t help but think that they had conspired during their conversation. However, I refrained from voicing any uncouth remarks. Shion, of course, trusted Minerva, too. Despite her harsh words, she was a thoughtful lady. I could assert that neither of them would engage in any actions that would be detrimental to me. Therefore, I obediently followed along.

It appears that we were heading to a different location than the usual courtyard I use. We took an alternate route and arrived at the outskirts of the mansion’s backyard, where a gazebo sat at the top of a gentle hill.

Minerva was already there, ahead of us, and the tea party was all set up.

I didn’t sense any presence of other staff, so perhaps she had prepared everything on her own?

While she may have needed assistance in carrying the equipment, there was no doubt that Minerva herself had brewed the tea. Judging by the steam rising from the teapot, it was freshly brewed just before we arrived.

To be honest, it was surprising. I had always assumed that Minerva, being a typical noble lady, wouldn’t be capable of tasks like pouring tea.

Impressed by this new side of my fiancée, I bowed to her.

“Thank you very much for inviting me to this tea party.”

There were more formal greetings I could have used, but judging by Minerva’s demeanor, I felt that a casual approach was appropriate.

It seemed to be the right choice as she confidently placed her hands on her hips.

“Today, I personally brewed the tea myself. Show your appreciation and savor it!”

“That’s wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.”

I took my seat guided by Minerva, with Shion standing behind me.

Then, Minerva prepared cups for three people and began pouring tea from the teapot.

“Will you prepare a portion for Shion as well?”

The servants were not allowed to eat or drink while sitting with nobles. I was surprised by Minerva’s action, which went against that common sense. I wondered if she hadn’t been informed about it, and Shion also had a surprised expression.

On the other hand, Minerva snorted.

“This is the first time I’ve brewed tea myself. So, I want to hear the opinion of an expert. Is that a problem?”

“No, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’m happy about it.”

I felt somewhat pleased that Shion, who was a part of my family, was being acknowledged.

“I see. So, what about you—Shion, will you drink it?”

“Yes, if Minerva-sama says so, I have no objections.”

“Then, take a seat. Next to him.”

“U-Understood.”

Although it shouldn’t have been the first time for Shion to drink tea with me, perhaps because there was Minerva, a third party, she seemed quite perplexed. She cautiously sat on the chair.

“Now, let’s begin the tea gathering. Please, feel free to drink and give it a try.”

Since Minerva mentioned it was her first time brewing tea, she probably wanted to hear our impressions quickly. Skipping any preamble, she promptly offered us the tea.

There was no reason to refuse, so both Shion and I took the cups in our hands.

The aroma wafting from the tea was pleasant. Now then, how would it taste?

After thoroughly enjoying the aroma, I took a sip.

Hmm, this is…

Shion and I exchanged glances. It seemed she had the same impression.

“So, how is it?”

Minerva asked with a mixed expression of anticipation and anxiety.

We answered with smiles.

“It’s really delicious. It doesn’t seem like your first attempt at brewing tea.”

“I agree with Zex-sama. It’s on par with what you would be served at a high-end establishment.”

Well, there might be some minor points to mention, but it’s not the time for that. The fact is, it’s undeniably tasty, and Minerva has shown skill that rivals a professional.

“I’m glad,” Minerva said. She seemed to have been quite nervous. It was unusual for her to express such genuine emotions.

Seeing a different side of her, one that was not her usual confident self, both Sion and I couldn’t help but relax our cheeks.

Noticing our reactions, Minerva’s cheeks turned crimson.

“W-What’s the matter? It was my first time, so it couldn’t be helped,” she said with pursed lips. I truly thought she was adorable.

Sion seemed to feel the same way, as she murmured, “S-So cute.”

In the midst of the pleasant atmosphere, I decided to ask about something that had been on my mind.

“There’s something I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you learn how to brew tea?”

As I mentioned before, as a duke’s daughter, she didn’t need to acquire the skill of serving tea. Those tasks could be left to the servants.

If it had been a long-standing hobby, it would be understandable. However, considering that this was her first time, it was clear that she had recently learned. I found her change in attitude intriguing.

At that moment, Minerva seemed restless, and her gaze began to wander. Somehow, her face appeared even redder than before.

As I began to worry if it was a bad question, she answered in a whisper.

“Because I heard it was your hobby…”

“Yes?”

“I heard that brewing tea is your hobby, so I decided to learn it too. Hehe. Now, it’s proven that I surpass you in everything!”

She seemed embarrassed at first but ended with a hint of arrogance in her tone. It was evident without needing to read her emotions that the latter part of her statement was merely a cover-up for her embarrassment.

It appeared that she had learned a new skill just to share a hobby with me. Her stubbornness as my fiancée was both frustrating and endearing, causing a smile to form on my face.

Noticing our warm reactions, Shion also looked at Minerva with a gentle gaze.

“W-What’s with that expression? D-Don’t misunderstand. I learned how to brew tea for myself, okay!”

Minerva hurriedly retorted with a flustered attitude, showcasing an impressive tsundere move.

The tea party continued to be lively, and laughter filled the air.

Before falling asleep, I suddenly realized something. The restlessness that had burdened me earlier had subsided.

Perhaps Minerva had organized that tea party out of concern for my unusual behavior. Thinking about it that way, the spontaneous event made even more sense.

Rushing wouldn’t change the situation. For the sake of those who cared about me, I decided to act with a calm mind.

Sending feelings of gratitude to the two of them, I peacefully closed my eyes.