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 6.17

Timeline: Between “Fiancé (6)” and “Guardian Mission (1)”

In the reception room of Foranada Castle, my father and I were seated. Today was the day of the long-awaited meeting with the other party.

However, I was extremely unhappy. I hadn’t made any mistakes in my facial expressions or demeanor, but I couldn’t hide the deep-seated dissatisfaction welling up within me. It was hard to accept the fact that we had gone out of our way to accommodate their convenience, only to find out that our prospective fiancé was colorless.

At the very least, he should have possessed three aptitudes — no, let’s just tolerate one for now. If my father’s extraordinary political acumen is considered a divine gift, then I can tolerate the handicap of his lack of aptitude. But even so, I never expected that his magic would be completely nonexistent. When I first read through the documents, I had to reread them several times, thinking it must be some kind of mistake.

I’ve tried to come to terms with reality until today, but it was still difficult. It’s not easy to change my values so easily. I’ve thought multiple times about persuading my father to change his mind. In the end, I understood the benefits that this engagement would bring to the Lorambeau family, so I didn’t take any action.

I truly despise it. I, who was on the path to becoming an elite, never imagined that I would have to be with someone colorless. They say the future is uncertain, but in a bad way, it turned out to be true. Who could have predicted such a worst-case scenario?

Before long, a knock echoed through the room. Finally, the time had come to meet the fiancé. I focused on the opening door, hoping that at least his appearance would be outstanding.

Entering the room was a plump, balding pig(*before meeting him). And… a white angel.(*after meeting him)

He was the complete opposite of me, a boy carrying whiteness. The white that shimmered in the light of the room was beautiful, and he exuded a serene atmosphere. Moreover, his pale, lilac eyes held a keen intellect and strong determination, piercing straight through me. On the other hand, his overall lack of pigmentation gave the impression that he could melt into the world at any moment.

A strong yet fragile existence. That was the first impression I had of my fiancé.

No, let’s be clear about it. He was my ideal type.

Honestly, I’m surprised by the emotions that have arisen within me. I never expected that I would fall in love at first sight with someone colorless. But that mysterious white is cool, don’t you think? Isn’t it the strongest when combined with that somewhat enlightened gaze?

…Let’s calm down. I’m not being rational right now. I’m being quite swayed by the emotions I’m experiencing for the first time. If it weren’t for my efforts to maintain objectivity in my magical research, I would have exposed even more of my unseemly side.

I secretly took deep breaths and composed my expression, which was on the verge of crumbling. I may appear somewhat displeased, but it’s better than accidentally showing a creepy smile. It’s somewhat better than making him recoil in horror.

Oh, introductions? My voice might tremble if I speak in this state… Alright, let’s gather our spirits.

“I am Minerva Orleani Yu Kari Lorambeal.”

Phew, I managed to introduce myself. It may have become a bit curt… but it shouldn’t be fatal.

After that, we were left alone, but the conversation didn’t progress at all.

The cause lies with me. I’m too nervous and don’t know what to talk about. Perhaps the other.

“Minerva-san, today is the day we meet each other to get to know one another. Could we have a conversation, even if it’s just for a little while?”

It seems that he also realized that maintaining the current situation wouldn’t be favorable.

However, it appears that he misunderstands my feelings, as he carefully chose his words. It made me irritated, though it’s understandable given the circumstances.

“What did you tell my father to make him believe that you ‘effectively control the earldom’? How did you manage to deceive him with such a lie?”

Ah, why am I saying such things?

“I heard from my father about the story that you ‘effectively control the earldom.’ How did you manage to make him believe such a lie?”

Words that I didn’t mean to say escape from my lips. Harsh words continue to flow. This not only risks making him dislike me but also gives the impression that I doubt my father’s abilities.

I was completely swayed by my first experience of romantic feelings. It’s not a favorable situation for a duke’s daughter. I must somehow redeem myself.

Feeling restless inside, I try to justify myself.

“I will accept the engagement with you because it’s my father’s wish. I understand the importance of forming a connection with Caroline. However, let me give you a piece of advice.”

But even then, my words come out as complaints. I managed to make them sound like I’m concerned about him through great effort, but it’s still quite cutting. I feel like burying my head in my hands.

In the end, I couldn’t regain my composure, and the meeting comes to an end. Fortunately, Zex doesn’t seem displeased. Nobles are skilled at controlling their emotions, and while I can’t know his true feelings, his lack of discomfort helped me regain some calm.

I plan to stay at Foranada Castle until the end of May, during the Ninth Ceremony of his younger brother, Orca. I made a vow to myself to work on redeeming my honor during that period.

During my stay at Foranada Castle, Zex will be my guide. I’m pleased that there will be more opportunities for me to redeem myself than I initially thought.

I immediately ask him to show me around the castle.

“Since you, a colorless individual, will be serving as my guide, full of wit and charm, You consider it an honor!”

However, the words that come out are still filled with my usual assertiveness. I couldn’t bring myself to be honest and open with him. My face grows hot, and my mind goes blank. I truly feel like disappearing right now.

Fortunately… or maybe unfortunately, Zex doesn’t seem angry. It’s a relief that he doesn’t react negatively even when I continue to make rude remarks. In fact, he accepts it all with a smile, which makes me admire his magnanimity.

As we exchanged a few words, I noticed something. Zex’ gaze towards me was unwavering and direct. It felt like he truly understood my essence. Some might find it unsettling, but not me. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been surrounded by people who don’t truly see me beyond my title, but his gaze felt refreshing… and it made me incredibly happy. It felt like he understood the real me, and joy welled up within me.

He’s handsome, generous, and he sees me for who I am. What an amazing fiancé he is.

But that’s not the only reason why I’ve fallen for him.

Walking through the castle with Zex, I came to understand something. He is genuinely trusted by his subordinates. Perhaps it’s because I’m with him as his guide, but I could feel the respect he commanded from everyone we passed. Moreover, the atmosphere in the castle was warm. While the people at Loralambel Castle also show respect for the duke’s family, it’s not as warm as it is here in Foranada. I can’t find the right words to describe it, but Foranada is filled with a sense of warmth.

And at the center of it all is Zex. It’s because of him that Foranada is what it is now. As my father said, his leadership skills as a ruler are extraordinary. It’s not just about being strong in political matters. Zex is overflowing with charisma that attracts those around him.

I feel proud to be his fiancée. But at the same time, concerns arise.

In the future, various enemies will appear before Zex. Yet, he, being colorless, lacks means to counter them. His subordinates may handle it, but there will be areas beyond their reach.

In that case, I will protect him. I will eliminate threats that could harm him, despite not possessing combat abilities. I have the power to do so, thanks to my exceptional talent of black hair magic.

With that thought, my heart became clear and uplifted.

People may mock and ridicule us for being an odd pair, but it’s not true. He wields a strong hand in politics, and I will protect him. We will become a well-matched couple.

For that reason, I will put even more effort into honing my magic skills. I will be able to protect him no matter the circumstances.

And thus, my goals have been renewed. The end result of becoming a great magician remains the same, but the focal point has changed. Protecting Zex has become my mission.