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 5.1

Time flies quickly. After the incident with the “Curse of the Land,” no major issues arose, and we welcomed the arrival of March.

And today, on the eve of the Caron Nine Rite, the fateful opponent finally arrived at Foran?da.

It goes without saying, but let me state it explicitly. The second prince of the Holy Kingdom, Gray Bakh?no Y? An Katashitto, has finally set foot in the earldom. Accompanied by a hundred subordinates, he entered the city in a gaudy and distasteful carriage that suits his unfortunate taste.

Outwardly, we greet them with smiles as befitting esteemed guests. Well, the only one genuinely smiling from the depths of his heart is my father, considering how much suffering we have endured in the royal palace.

Ah, this time I had no choice but to summon the father again. Unfortunately, the infamous plan… hasn’t come together in time.

As the target of the Holy Maiden’s conquest, the second prince, Gray, is handsome. He has short, neatly trimmed red hair and vibrant green eyes with a hint of depth in his features. From his demeanor, one can sense his assertiveness as a young man.

When he saw me and Caron, he openly furrowed his brows. It may seem rude, but I anticipated this reaction in advance, so I can tolerate it. In fact, it’s even milder than I expected. Is he restraining himself because we are near the crowded entrance?

By the way, apart from Gray, the second prince himself, the group includes knights, servants, and the escorting Earl named Becca.

Although it’s an announcement of engagement, the Holy King himself didn’t bother to make a personal appearance for someone who is not currently the Crown Prince. The other members of the royal family are the same. It’s not about personal feelings but rather a matter of crisis management.

We leave the care of the second prince’s entourage to capable subordinates, and we lead Gray and Count Becca to the reception room. It’s time for Gray and Caron to face each other.

Originally, we were supposed to proceed after allowing Gray and the others some rest, but the eager Gray wished to get it over with quickly, so the schedule was moved up.

“What an old-fashioned room,” were Gray’s first words upon entering. I was aware that he was in a sour mood since his arrival, but isn’t this too blatant? Just to clarify, I guided him to the highest-ranked reception room.

At this point, I resign myself to the fact that I can’t avoid the developments as they unfold in the game.

I have a sense of resignation. Although I have created various situations that deviated from the game before, this time I instinctively feel that it’s impossible.

This guy, Gray, hasn’t looked at Caron at all. It’s due to the prejudice against her blonde hair and his rebelliousness against the arranged engagement imposed by the surroundings. Due to such factors, he hasn’t truly faced the reality of her.

I understand his feelings. During one’s youth, there is a tendency to rebel against rules and regulations. Especially if you are constantly restricted as a member of the royal family, it’s even more pronounced.

However, I cannot sympathize. While Gray is burdened with the obligations of being a member of the royal family, he also enjoys the most affluent lifestyle in the country. Even if he is a child who cannot make choices, I believe he should fulfill his minimum responsibilities. At the very least, he should be able to treat his fiancée with basic courtesy and affability.

Ideally, it should be pointed out by those around him… but it seems that it had no effect. Count Becca, who is accompanying him, has been constantly wiping sweat off his forehead. He had a stubborn personality even in the game, so it’s understandable.

In short, Gray is far from being fit to be a king, and he absolutely refuses to acknowledge Caron. Seeing the real thing, I am convinced of these things.

Since earlier, it’s been only my father and Count Becca desperately trying to appease Gray. The three of us siblings have been mere bystanders.

…I wish the preparations would be ready soon. How long do we have to endure this ordeal?

Ignoring the chaotic situation with the two Earls, I let out a quiet sigh.

Several days had passed since the second prince, Gray, arrived in Foranada. Finally, it was the day of Caron’s Nine Order Ceremony.

Since that day, the security around Caron had been heightened to the highest level. Even Shion, who usually attends to me, was focused on her.

Additionally, I had Orca accompany Caron as much as possible. If Gray himself made contact, it would be difficult to handle with just the subordinates. Fortunately, such a situation never occurred.

However, there were many instances where he sent his subordinates to issue unilateral orders. They demanded that she come alone to his room, but naturally, there was no way that could be accepted. It was unthinkable for an unmarried woman to be alone with a man who was not a family member. Gray had not yet become an official fiancé, and even if he did, it would be scandalous.

I have no idea what Gray is thinking. Even if I wanted to probe, he mostly stays holed up in his room, making any contact impossible.

With a faint sense of unease, I continued with the final preparations for the Nine Order Ceremony.

Due to Caron’s fame resonating throughout society, there were more guests compared to when I or Orca had our ceremonies. Perhaps there were even people who had heard about the engagement with the second prince. It would be a considerably large-scale event, so there was work to be done until the last minute.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t afford to have much free time today. It was about time to delegate the tasks to my subordinates.

“Can I leave the rest to you?”

“Of course, leave it to me.”

Handing over the documents to the person beside me, I left the area. My destination was the castle’s entrance. I was going to welcome a certain individual.

Timing it perfectly, just as we finished preparing, the person we were waiting for appeared.

“It’s been a while, Minerva-san.”

“Thank you for the welcome, you’ve worked hard.”

I greeted her with a smile, and Minerva responded with her usual arrogant attitude.

That’s right. My main task today is escorting Minerva. She will be attending as the representative of the Loraumbell family. As her fiancé, I have to accompany her to official parties.

By the way, the Duke himself is currently stationed in the capital due to work.

Although it’s somewhat embarrassing that I can’t join Kar?n’s protection, there’s nothing I can do about it. Trusting my subordinates, I focus on Minerva.

“That’s a lovely dress. It suits you very well.”

She dressed up for Olka’s ceremony as well, but today’s outfit seems to have even more effort put into it.

A Belline dress with a black theme. It’s a slightly mismatched attire for Minerva’s impression, which tends to be more mature, but it’s not that she doesn’t look good in it. Despite a slight sense of incongruity, it accentuates her dignified and imposing atmosphere.

Receiving my honest comment, Minerva proudly brushes up her twin-tailed hair.

“Hmph, of course. It’s not just magic that makes me perfect. I pay attention to my appearance too.”

Judging from her magical power, it seems she genuinely believes her beauty is flawless.

Her confident statement, typical of her, puts me in a warm mood. It’s quite amusing, like a child trying to act grown-up.

“Do you have something you want to say?”

“No, nothing in particular.”

Oops, I’ve struck a nerve. She’s quite sharp.

Gathering myself, I extend my hand.

“We still have some time before the ceremony, so allow me to guide you to the resting room.”

“Thank you.”

The princess of the Ducal family places her hand on mine in a familiar manner. I lightly grip her hand and prepare to escort her.

However…

“Um…,” Minerva murmurs just as we start walking.

“What’s the matter?”

“Well…”

I stop and ask her what’s going on. She seems slightly embarrassed, a rare reaction for the always confident Minerva. It becomes even more difficult to discern her intentions. There’s a hint of bashfulness in her emotions.

Several seconds of silence pass, and Minerva suddenly raises her head forcefully. She has a look reminiscent of a warrior who has made up their mind for death.

“Um, your suit suits you too. You look cool!”

Surprisingly, what comes out of her mouth is praise directed at me. She hadn’t expressed such straightforward words before, even if she had concerns. It was an unexpected line from her. I was completely caught off guard.

For a brief moment, I’m stunned and bewildered, but I quickly regain my composure and respond, realizing that it would be impolite to remain silent.

“Ah, thank you very much. I’m very happy to receive compliments from you, Minerva-san.”

That was an honest reaction. Considering that she usually only makes twisted remarks, it was delightful to see her honestly expressing her thoughts as if she had trusted me.

However, perhaps feeling embarrassed, Minerva turns her gaze away.

“Hmph. That’s right. It’s rare for me to praise someone, so don’t get used to it!”

It seems that our sincere moment has come to an end, and she returns to her usual self.

Her behavior strikes me as somewhat amusing, and I can’t help but burst into laughter.

Although I receive a stern glare from Minerva, it seems like it will take some time for me to stop laughing.