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 5.4
I felt the heat that had been racing inside me suddenly cool down. My sluggish thoughts started to turn, and my narrowed field of vision began to expand.
“You came after me, didn’t you?”
“Yes. To scold the fiancé who ran off, leaving his partner behind.”
Minerva snorted softly. The meaning contained in her response was closer to advice than anger.
“What happened, and it turns out that was the cause. How can I put it… my future sister-in-law seems to be thoroughly disliked by His Highness.”
Minerva’s gaze fell on the ongoing argument between Caron and the others. It seemed she understood the situation from observing it. Her quick comprehension was helpful.
“Yes. That’s why I want to intervene—”
“No, you shouldn’t.”
Even though I was in the middle of speaking, Minerva cut me off decisively.
“I’ve told you many times. You should understand your position. Even if an outsider like you meddles, it won’t resolve the situation.”
“Why is that?”
I turned to Minerva and asked her directly.
I really wanted to rush over to Caron right away, but I held myself back.
Now that I had calmed down, I could understand. Even if I didn’t act hastily, Caron and the others wouldn’t be harmed. Gray and the rest couldn’t break through the barrier, and there were subordinates of the escorts waiting beyond it. Moreover, upon closer consideration, this situation held the potential for exploitation. So I decided to go with the flow. As long as Minerva’s eyes were on us, resorting to forceful measures would be difficult.
In response to my question, she replied, “It’s simple.”
“I am, after all, a relative of the royal family. Naturally, I have met His Highness a few times and have a grasp of his personality to some extent. Despite his arrogant demeanor, he’s quite the self-deprecating type. You could say he’s a bundle of insecurities. He doesn’t fully believe in his own abilities. That’s why he dislikes those who are more capable than him and thoroughly looks down on those with lesser abilities.”
“…So even if I intervene, he won’t listen?”
It was hard to imagine that arrogant Gray would pay any attention to the opinions of someone he looked down upon. He would stubbornly ignore it.
My speculation proved correct, as Minerva nodded.
“In that case, what should I do?”
“I will mediate.”
“You, Minerva?”
Surprised by the unexpected offer, I tilted my head.
Even though she belonged to the noble faction opposing the royal court, even though she was going to marry into the Forlanada family, there was no advantage for Minerva herself to get involved in this dispute.
Upon hearing my words, Minerva let out a deep sigh.
“What do you think of me? I haven’t become such an unfeeling person to do nothing when my future sister-in-law is in trouble.”
She said that and looked straight at me. Her eyes were filled with conviction and pride.
I had completely forgotten. Although Minerva’s outward demeanor may be twisted, at heart, she is a kind-hearted girl full of compassion. It was impossible for someone like her to leave the current situation as it is.
“Consider yourself on a great ship.”
Minerva walked towards the center of the turmoil with light steps. I followed her.
Our approach was quickly noticed.
“My brother!”
“Zex-sama!”
“Zex-sama!”
“Zex-sama!”
First, Caron and her subordinates raised their voices. The gazes directed towards us were filled with trust. I felt ashamed of my previous anger.
Next, the members of Gray’s faction showed a reaction. But it was directed towards Minerva, not me.
“Minerva Orelleini Yu Kari Loraumberu.”
Gray called out her name with a bitter expression.
Judging from that reaction, it seemed that he disliked Minerva as well. Ah, didn’t he say he hates those who are superior to him? That was his personal experience, I guess.
Minerva replied coolly.
“Long time no see, Prince Gray. It seems you’ve caused some trouble here,” Minerva said.
“It’s none of your concern,” Gray replied.
“Not true. Caroline is my fiancé’s sister. In other words, my future sister-in-law,” Minerva stated.
“Fiancé? …Ah, the insect behind you,” Gray sneered.
Oh, calling me an insect, how grand.
Seeing his contemptuous attitude surpass my expectations, I couldn’t help but smile wryly.
On the other hand, Caron and the others emitted a tremendous sense of hostility in response to his derogatory remark. Realizing who they were dealing with just now, the guards on Gray’s side trembled.
“They adore you,” Minerva remarked.
“Thanks to you,” I replied.
Although even Minerva was exasperated with me, I had no choice but to accept the undeniable truth. It’s not like I hated it.
Amidst the intense hostility, Count Becca, seemingly oblivious to the atmosphere, spoke up.
“Lady Minerva, His Highness is the victim here. If you support the side of the perpetrator, it will tarnish the name of the Loraumberu family!”
It seemed that he intended to stick to the same argument as before, even with Minerva.
Acknowledging his statement, Minerva snorted.
“The victim, you say? But the flames scattered around us seem to be coming from His Highness’s side, don’t they?”
She was right. If you observed the scattered flames closely, you could see that some of them were aimed at Gray. They were likely the aftermath of his own magic.
And then, Minerva continued.
“Caroline’s deployed magic is a barrier. How can you attack through that?”
“It may not necessarily be a barrier.”
“It’s a barrier.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Have you already forgotten my family name?”
“Guh…”
Becca’s voice choked.
Naturally. Minerva’s father was known as a magic enthusiast and was well-versed in magic. As his daughter, she would also possess knowledge of light magic. Confronted with this fact, there would be no words to retort with.
“Tch. Fine, let’s go back.”
“W-Wait, Your Highness!”
“Hey!”
Perhaps sensing the worsening situation, Gray grew impatient and turned to leave. Following his lead, Becca and the guards hurriedly followed suit.
Minerva and her subordinates attempted to chase after them, but I stopped them with my hand.
“Aren’t you going to pursue them? At this rate, they’ll make it back to the capital, Your Highness.”
“For now, it’s fine. We have our own plans.”
“I see. As long as you’re not showing mercy, I don’t mind.”
“Surprisingly angry, aren’t you?”
“Of course I’m angry! They ridiculed us… Wait, scratch that. It’s not like I’m concerned about you all. And stop grinning!”
At the very end, a drop of refreshment was injected into the tense atmosphere.
Ignoring Minerva’s desperate assertions, I turned my thoughts to the future developments.
Gray and his group’s attitude is deserving of severe punishment, but simply retaliating would be foolish. The activation of the plan we discussed is imminent, and this could be the perfect opportunity to make thorough preparations. Depending on one’s perspective, it might have been a fortunate turn of events.
Contemplating the approaching conclusion, I chuckled to myself.