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 5.3
The situation on the scene was deadlocked. As I had anticipated, the knights I had assigned as escorts were guarding Caron in a protective formation. Caron, Sion, and the knights were all unharmed, staring down Gray, who had launched an attack.
On the other hand, Gray seemed visibly frustrated that things didn’t go as he had expected.
However, there was a slight deviation from my expectations.
You see, the corridor leading to the venue where we were currently located had suffered minimal damage despite the massive explosion. Fire had scattered around Gray, and there were cracks running along the corners of the walls, but Caron and his side remained completely unscathed.
The reason for this was clear. Caron and his side were protected by a golden translucent curtain—a barrier of light magic. It could be inferred that this barrier had perfectly nullified the force of the previous explosion.
The one responsible for creating the barrier was evident. Caron wore an expression filled with determination, as if saying, “I won’t let anyone be hurt ever again!”
It seemed that the incident with Curtis had been a bitter experience for Caron. His resolve to never repeat the same mistakes was clearly visible.
At first glance, it seemed like Caron was being protected at the rear, but in reality, she was the one protecting everyone.
Truly… truly, Caron has grown splendidly.
My heart is filled with overwhelming emotions.
From the past failures, Caron didn’t become fearful of her comrades getting hurt. Instead, she sought the power to protect them in any situation. The result of that is the scene unfolding before us. With a resolute expression and magical abilities to match, she was a magnificent figure that lived up to the name of the “Sunlight Saint.”
However, there was someone who dampened this climax, a pivotal moment in the movie. Naturally, it was Gray, who had taken hostile actions.
“What’s with that rebellious look! I am of royal blood. Don’t you dare give me such a gaze. Who do you think you are?” he shouted, clearly agitated.
His choice of words was rather crude, but before Caron’s side could retort, Gray continued his barrage of words.
“Even though I unleashed my maximum firepower, you’re keeping a cool face. Don’t get carried away! Damn it, that’s why I hate blondes. All that nonsense about being different from that woman… The result of accepting such nonsense that a single blow will make you obey is this. Your contemptuous eyes haven’t changed at all. Damn it, damn it! You’re my fiancée, you should just obediently follow me!”
Gray’s ranting was no longer directed at Caron and her group. It was his jealousy towards that woman… or so he called her, that resided within him.
The initial concerns I had during their first meeting had become a reality. Gray was completely oblivious to Caron. From the beginning to the end, he resented and became angry at the image he had created within himself.
In response to his behavior, Caron displayed an expression that could be described as pity.
“I am not certain whose shadow you are projecting onto me, but I will say this much. I will not yield to you. Your anger will never be directed towards me or anything precious to me.”
“What!? How insolent! Those eyes, those eyes drive me mad! Stop it, don’t look at me with such compassion. I am not inferior enough to be seen in that way!!!”
Gray flinched under the intense gaze Caron directed at him, but quickly regained his composure. Caron’s eyes seemed to agitate his nerves, causing his eyes to become bloodshot as he shouted in anger. Then, it seemed like he was going to launch another attack as he began to channel magic into his right hand.
It would be unwise to continue observing without taking action.
My patience was wearing thin, and I made the decision to step forward onto the front lines.
However, before I could do so, someone jumped into the midst of the turmoil.
“Are you alright, Prince Gray!?”
It was Count Becca, Gray’s attendant. Several knights followed closely behind him.
This was turning into a troublesome situation.
Observing this, I furrowed my brow.
As expected, Becca made an outrageous statement.
“Lady Caroline, what do you mean by attacking His Highness!?”
“What!?”
Caron let out a cry of astonishment, and those around her, including Shion, held their breath.
I, too, was taken aback. I sensed the presence of trouble, but I didn’t expect it to come to this. My fist trembled with anger.
“I did not launch an attack against Prince Gray! Quite the opposite. It was you who attacked, and I defended,” Caron exclaimed.
“That is not what it appears to be. Judging from the situation here, His Highness’s side is heavily damaged. It seems quite clear that you were the one who launched the attack,” Becca countered.
“That’s why I’m telling you. I defended against the attack, using this barrier that is still active!” Caron desperately tried to explain.
“Indeed, whether that magic is truly a barrier or not is questionable. It could be nothing more than a deceptive attack magic,” Becca replied.
Despite Caron’s desperate defense, Becca paid her no attention. Not only that, even the knights who had come along with him began to condemn her. The Gray faction seemed determined to shift the blame for this incident onto Caron. Therefore, any explanation was meaningless.
Furthermore, what was particularly vexing about Becca was that his statement couldn’t be definitively refuted. At first glance, the scene could be mistaken for Gray being the one under attack. Additionally, without knowledge of light magic, one could not confidently assert that Caron’s magic was indeed a barrier.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not. What matters is how Becca perceives it and how it will be reported to the palace.
It’s infuriating. These people, who mistakenly believe that we have quietly accepted the engagement, are audaciously blaming Caron, and it’s incredibly frustrating.
A burning sensation wells up in the depths of my stomach. The back of my mind tightens, and I can’t help but narrow my eyes.
“Phew…”
I exhale as if releasing the built-up heat within me.
And then, as I take a step forward towards them…
“Wait.”
Suddenly, my shoulder is grabbed.
I’m surprised and quickly turn around. Minerva is standing there.
Seeing my expression, she shrugs her shoulders with a look of exasperation.
“Aren’t you letting your guard down too much?”
I couldn’t argue. It was true that I had been too focused on Caron and the others, neglecting my vigilance.
It’s ridiculous that I didn’t even notice someone grabbing my shoulder. If this had been an enemy, I would have been dead.