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 4 Chapter 1.7
“Zex, sir…”
“It seems things have become a little troublesome.”
Shion and I exchanged glances and chuckled.
Then, I directed a question to Marina.
“When I was conversing with Noma—the spirit, were you conscious?”
“Y-Yes! It was a bit hazy, but I remember there was a cool-looking boy with white hair and a little girl. So, that little girl was a spirit after all!”
She seemed quite happy, perhaps because she acknowledged that she had been the one who saved me. She also made several mentions about the spirit, Noma.
It appeared that she could indeed see Noma. Normally, humans without the ability of “Magic Sight” wouldn’t be able to visually perceive spirits. But somehow, the rules seemed to be twisted in this case.
I spent some time listening to Marina’s account.
Surprisingly, not only did she regain consciousness for a brief moment in the mountains, but she also recovered from her coma in just three days. Afterward, she had been hoping to reunite with me and made various efforts.
The story had deviated significantly from the original game. Not just the events leading up to this point, but the crucial issue was that her romantic feelings, which should have been directed toward the protagonist hero, had turned toward me instead. It was far from a typical route for a capture-target heroine.
If it were permissible, I would have wanted to bury my head in my hands right then and there. For some reason, half of the heroine I was supposed to avoid getting involved with had ended up being drawn to me instead. Why was that?
For now, let’s investigate the mystery surrounding Marina’s consciousness. Since I currently lacked sufficient knowledge, I decided to call upon someone who seemed to have relevant information. In this case, it was Noma, the central figure of this situation.
I opened the “Phase Concealment Cover Texture” and pulled out Noma, who was resting inside. I had already called out to her using “Telepathy,” so there was no need to worry about preparations.
“Ah, it’s the spirit!”
“Oh, it’s the girl from back then.”
We both recognized each other’s presence and showed smiles.
Without dwelling too much on the emotional reunion, I asked Noma.
“What do you think is the cause?”
“Are you referring to what we discussed through ‘Telepathy’? Hmm… I see. Most likely, it’s the influence of the Lord.”
After observing Marina for about ten seconds, Noma arrived at that conclusion.
“You are the reason”
I widened my eyes.
“Me?”
“Ah, yes. The magical density of the girl, Marina, has risen to the level of the Lord’s former self. It’s probably because she was influenced when the two of you met.”
“Is that even possible?”
If simply meeting someone caused a synchronization of magical density, then the members of Foranada would have high-density magic by now. Of course, that wasn’t the case.
“At that time, the girl’s magic was depleted. Remember, she was absorbing the Lord’s surplus magic. I think that’s the cause.”
“Come to think of it…”
Indeed, it was a mysterious phenomenon. Huh? Absorbing my magic… Ah, I see!
“Did she wake up earlier because she absorbed my surplus magic?”
“That seems to be the case.”
In retrospect, it was a simple explanation. The magic that was barely a fragment to me became a large amount of magic for Marina, whose limit was low. Especially if it was high-density magic.
“Why can she see Noma?”
“She originally had the talent of a Spirit Mage. It’s just a guess, but perhaps the Lord’s magic acted as a catalyst to awaken her talent.”
In other words, all the changes surrounding Marina were caused by me. Damn it, I had underestimated the influence of my own magic.
I scratched my head while pondering.
Well, there wasn’t much to think about. It was impossible to return her to the original storyline after deviating this much from the original game. If that was the case, I had no choice but to accept things as they were.
I turned to Marina, who had been observing us with a smile.
“I will present you with two choices.”
“H-Haha, yes!”
She responded nervously, surprised by the sudden question.
First, I raised a finger.
“One. With the help of Noma here, you can gain the power to become an independent Spirit Mage. Even Noma, who has a different aptitude, acknowledges your talent. If you train, you can become a user on a level where no one in the country can match you. That way, you won’t have to fear the Trias family’s assassins.”
It came to the conclusion that since she was a low-profile commoner, it would be better to dispose of her. A Spirit Mage, particularly a powerful one, would attract attention in the Holy Kingdom. The Trias family would hesitate to act against her with their status.
“That I become a Spirit Mage…”
Marina showed a keen interest. Her natural talent for magic was below average, even with the increased magical density. In fact, the increased density might have made it more difficult for her to manipulate magic, potentially making her even clumsier with spells.
Perhaps that’s why she was receptive to this proposal.
However, I was certain that she would lean towards the second option. Given her current state, I had no doubt about it.
Although I was reluctant, I couldn’t accept an unfairness that didn’t acknowledge my own shortcomings, which led to this situation.
“The second option is… to let it be known that you are under my protection.”
“Huh?”
“…”
Marina looked bewildered, while Shion wore a reluctant expression. I probably had a similar look.
Honestly, the latter option was the most rational one. Even if she achieved success as a Spirit Mage, it wouldn’t eliminate the threat to her life. There would still be a higher chance of attracting animosity. On the other hand, being under the protection of an overwhelmingly powerful individual—namely, Foranada—would provide far greater safety. Especially the Trias family, they would definitely back off. After all, they import many goods from Foranada.
However, the problem wasn’t nonexistent. The biggest obstacle for her would be the suspicion surrounding our relationship.
Externally, Marina appeared as a girl with no magical talent. Keeping someone with no talent around would raise eyebrows. And if that someone happened to be a beautiful girl, people would naturally suspect a romantic relationship. Rumors in noble circles tend to have lingering effects. If she were a commoner, it would create even more repercussions for her future.
Since I assumed she had feelings for Yudai, I didn’t expect her to accept this proposal. Therefore, I had been acting under the assumption of training her. Even sneaking in during the middle of the night was a consideration for that.
However, when I saw her infatuation with me in full display, it seemed to crumble.
As expected,
“I’ll choose the latter!”
In reality, Marina enthusiastically chose the option of being under my protection.
Yeah, I knew it. With such intense romantic feelings, there was no way she wouldn’t choose that option.
Let me make it clear, even though you seem prepared for it.
“Do you understand the implications? If you enter under my protection, our relationship will be doubted. Without a doubt, people will assume there is something between us. And you will no longer be able to enjoy a normal romance.”
Marina’s expression didn’t darken at all.
“I-I don’t mind! I’ve admired you for so long!”
“Even though we don’t really know each other? Certainly, I helped you, but I don’t know your personality.”
“No, I understand. Because the ‘sparkling people’ around Prince-sama seem so happy.”
“Sparkling people?”
Suddenly, a strange term emerged. What’s that about?
Noma, who was perched on my shoulder, chimed in.
“It’s probably referring to pseudo-spirits. Although they’re not quite spirits, there are traces of magic with faint emotions in the atmosphere. Those who are compatible with spirits or have a connection with them can perceive it.”
“So when the pseudo-spirits see me, they think I’m having a good time?”
“Pseudo-spirits are honest beings. They’re likely influenced by the gentle magic of the Lord.”
“I see.”
In other words, based on the reaction of the pseudo-spirits, she determined that I wasn’t a bad person. Coupled with the admiration she had developed, it resulted in strong romantic feelings.
It’s somewhat understandable, yet not quite.
Each time she confesses, I feel the same way. But by looking into Marina’s sincere eyes, I can tell that her words come from the depths of her heart.
Human emotions are complex and mysterious, something I’ve realized time and time again.
However, I have to put another nail in the coffin, even though it pains me to do so.
“Let me make this clear now. Even if you’re under my protection, we won’t become romantically involved in the current situation.”
“Huh?”
As expected, Marina’s expression froze, but I couldn’t be considerate in this situation.
“For various reasons, I don’t have time to focus on romance until I graduate from school. So, I can’t accept you in that way. Besides, I already have a fiancée.”
“Eh? Even though you have a fiancée, you can’t focus on romance?”
“The engagement is due to political reasons. I do have genuine affection for her, but the motive behind the engagement wasn’t romantic love.”
While I do make time for Minerva, I don’t have confidence in acting like a lover. In that sense, I feel sorry for Marina.
My response didn’t seem to sit well with Marina. She pouted and clearly showed her dissatisfaction.
After contemplating for about ten seconds, Marina suddenly seemed to have thought of something and exclaimed, “Understood!”
“W-When Lord-sama says that you can’t accept me, I’ll… I’ll make you like me so much that you will accept me!”
“Huh?”
Both Shion and I let out a surprised voice at her unexpected statement.
Ignoring our reactions, Marina continued.
“I-If I enter under your protection, I can be close to Prince-sama, right? Then, please be prepared. I-I will definitely make you turn around and look at me!”
She huffed, her breath heavy. It seemed like she had come to a conclusion without waiting for our answer.
There was a sense of déjà vu in her forcefulness in love. It reminded me of someone.
“Shion.”
“Don’t lump everyone together, please.”
When I called out to the source of the déjà vu, she seemed to be aware of it too, as she covered her face with her hands, blushing intensely.
Based on past experiences, it would be wise not to interfere at a time like this. Let’s give up.
I sighed.
“Alright. I’ll have you enter under my protection.”
“Yes!”
Marina nodded happily.
Sighing once again, I clapped my hands together as if to change the atmosphere.
“Okay, the plan is set. Let’s start preparing for the move.”
“Eh, now!?”
“Of course. We don’t know when the second assassin will strike, so let’s quickly move our belongings to Foranada’s estate. Sion, I leave the delicate matters to you.”
“Understood.”
As soon as I said that, Sion and I efficiently started packing Marina’s belongings. With my ability to use the “Phase Concealment Cover Texture,” packing would be done in no time.
Now, what should I say when we get back home?
I could already foresee the commotion that would ensue upon our return. Imagining that, I let out a small sigh.