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 4.2
In the first academic year, the practical magic class for the first semester isn’t too serious. This is because the curriculum is organized on a class-by-class basis to help students get accustomed to the academy.
In practical magic, the knowledge taught varies depending on the attribute, as well as the role and combat style each student is assigned to. In a class where these distinctions aren’t made, there’s less to teach.
As a result, the first practical magic class is conducted in a very relaxed atmosphere. Students simply cast magic at the prepared targets. Moreover, there’s no quota for the number of spells they have to cast, so most students end up goofing around and chatting.
The only ones taking the class seriously are:
“Uooooo!!!”
“Kyaaa, Hero-sama!!!”
The earnest and stereotypical Yudai, or the prince and bookworm who are competing to spend time with the Saint after school.
Yes, the Saint has already developed a deep bond with the bookworm, Jigurard./name might be changed/. I was surprised when I received the report. In the game, it usually takes about a month of constantly visiting the library to become close, but they’ve made significant progress in just one week of school.
Apparently, they were just chatting, but I wonder what magic he used to win her over.
Come to think of it, the second prince, Gray, also became friends with her on the first day… It feels a bit strange, but there are no suspicious points in the reports. I guess games and reality are different, huh?
Well, for now, let’s put it aside. I think it’s worth observing, but it’s not the most important thing to prioritize.
At this moment, the most important matter is still related to Nina. Recently, there have been various disturbances around her. I hope these are not signs leading to her tragic fate, but I can’t be too optimistic. I need to stay vigilant.
“Lost in thought?”
Suddenly, Nina called out to me. She stood beside me as we observed the training grounds together.
“Yeah, just thinking. How about you? Are you okay now?”
“Yeah, I finished introducing Yurika to Caron and the others. Now, I’m chatting and getting along with everyone.”
I had been worried that the timid Yurika might collapse from the attention, but from Nina’s appearance, it seems my worries were unfounded. Glancing over at Caron and the others, I could see Yurika flustered but engaging in a pleasant conversation.
“I want to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“Is it my fault that the kidnapper targeted Lina?”
Her usually unwavering eyes were now wavering as she looked at me.
The culprit behind the continuous kidnappings of beastmen students seemed to have a particular obsession with Nina. Therefore, it was speculated that Lina, who resembled Nina, was targeted as a substitute.
Although our safety was still a priority, Nina’s feelings for her sister had not faded away. She couldn’t forgive the fact that Lina’s life was endangered because of her.
Certainly, that could be one way to interpret the situation, but I had a different theory.
“I think that man doesn’t desire you; he wants to eliminate you. That’s why Lina being targeted is just an extension of the series of kidnappings.”
“Any basis for your theory?”
“In the past, the mastermind manipulated Count Putepe to go after you. The curse placed on him was ‘Attack Nina.’ If he wanted to possess you, then ‘kidnap her’ would be more appropriate.”
“So, my peaceful existence is inconvenient for the kidnapper?”
“That’s how I see it.”
Though I had combed through her past, I couldn’t find any traces of someone resenting Nina’s survival. She was confined, and her contact with the outside world was minimal.
However, the fact that someone was now trying to take her life couldn’t be mistaken for a misunderstanding.
Perhaps the reason she died in the original game was due to that man’s involvement. Thinking that way, it’s possible that he might have had a hand in things during the civil war too.
Though his schemes succeeded in the original game, I would definitely prevent it in this reality.
Nina accepted my opinion and let out a sigh of relief. Then, she looked at me with unwavering determination.
“Starting today, I’ll patrol the town after school.”
“You mean, to search for the culprit?”
“Yes.”
With that, the hunt for the kidnapper begins.
“Yeah, if they are targeting me, there’s a high chance we can lure them out.”
“That’s true, but…”
If we prioritize efficiency, it would be the best solution. However, it also means using Nina as bait, and as someone who cares about her deeply, I’m not too keen on that approach.
“Please.”
Seemingly aware of my reluctance, Nina pleaded with me.
G-gosh, using those pleading eyes and looking so poignant, that’s just unfair. It has such tremendous persuasive power.
By the way, who taught her this tactic? I can think of a few candidates… I’ll have to lecture them later.
“Sigh, alright, I get it.”
I nodded with a sigh.
“You can patrol, but I’m going with you.”
Over the past few years, I’ve developed several anti-curse magical tools. But considering the enemy’s equipment and decision-making from last night, leaving her alone still leaves me feeling uneasy. The best course of action is to have me, the maximum combat power, by her side.
Upon hearing my suggestion, Nina’s expression showed some hesitation.
“That’s…”
I understand her hesitation. If I go with her, the probability of the enemy showing up will drastically decrease. They also know that I am powerful.
Nevertheless…
“This is non-negotiable.”
Given the choice between benefit and reducing risk, I would choose the latter without hesitation. Nothing can replace the safety of my precious family.
Besides, my presence wouldn’t be entirely meaningless. While we patrol, the enemy won’t be able to operate freely. It’s hard to imagine that the culprit, who has been kidnapping for over a decade and had become bolder recently, can withstand being restricted for a long period. I am almost certain they will get impatient.
“…Alright, let’s patrol together.”
Nina, understanding that my decision was final, finally nodded in agreement.
And so, this is how the routine of me and Nina adds the task of patrolling the capital.
It had been about two weeks since Nina and I began patrolling the capital. While our actions were becoming routine, we hadn’t seen any results so far. We had encountered and driven away pickpockets and people harassing women, but the crucial kidnapper hadn’t shown up at all.
This also meant that there were no new victims, but that wouldn’t be any consolation for Nina.
She was clearly anxious, a state of mind not often seen in her usual composed self. It showed just how invested she was in this matter.
After school, as usual, we headed for the town instead of returning to the estate from the academy. At the front gate, we exchanged a few words with Caron and the others who always accompanied us.
“Well then, we’ll head to the town.”
“Take care, both of you.”
“Be careful not to embarrass yourselves outside!”
“Be safe, Zex-sama.”
With these words from the five of them, Nina and I set off together.
I kept telling them that they didn’t need to see us off, but they insisted on doing it every time. I appreciate their concern, but I wish they wouldn’t push themselves when it’s too much.
As we crossed the gate and started heading towards the main street, an obstacle appeared in our path on this particular day.
“Lady Nina, I want to accompany you too!”
In a loud voice, Eric made such a request. From the way he was dressed, wearing a one-handed sword and metal armor on his chest and limbs, it was evident he had prepared for possible combat.
Sighing softly, Nina responded.
“Haah…”
Without needing to read her emotions, I could tell her feelings were probably along the lines of “Not again.”
Eric’s previous declaration of “I’ll make you fall for me” seemed to have been genuine. Since then, he had been coming to Nina every day, inviting her to meals and outings, but he was met with rejection every single time. I admired his persistence despite being turned down so bluntly each time.
I should probably offer some support for this tenacious Eric.
He never forcefully approaches her, and perhaps knowing that Nina treasures Foranada, Eric hasn’t shown any hostility towards us since that day.
Well, I can read his inner thoughts, so I know he still holds some anger towards us, but it seems he has the capacity to respect Nina’s feelings for her “beloved.”
Overall, Eric is a genuinely good young man. He may be impulsive and a bit lacking in intelligence, but he’s mostly a kind-hearted person. He has a high level of social skills, so despite Gray being avoided by others, Eric manages to have many friends.
From what I heard from Marina in passing, he treats commoners kindly, making him quite popular among them too. Therefore, there are many outsiders who support his romantic endeavors.
Me? I’m not rooting for him. After all, he doesn’t respond to Nina’s feelings. No matter how good his personality is, I won’t support someone who isn’t interested in the other person.
I want Nina to live freely and without restraint. She was forced to live like a caged bird in her family, then thrown into slavery, and now she’s bound by the “fate of death.” I didn’t want to restrain her with more limitations.
That’s why I respect Nina’s will above all else. If she dislikes something, there’s no way I would affirm it.
I stepped forward and replied to Eric.
“I have no intention of allowing you to accompany us. You’ll just be a burden.”
“I wasn’t asking you. I’m asking Lady Nina.”
“Now, listen…”
Is it that he can’t see that the person in question doesn’t want him around? He’s completely oblivious, huh…
By the way, the reason he uses polite language is because I’m considered his superior. When we first met, he spoke casually, but apparently, he got beat up by his father when he found out about that. Since then, he has been careful with his speech.
But that’s beside the point.
I wonder what I should do about this. Eric is fixated on Nina, not even acknowledging my presence anymore. No matter what I say, he won’t listen.
Then, I heard a soft sigh from behind me. After that, Nina spoke.
“No, don’t come along.”
She stated her opinion concisely and clearly. Her voice carried a strong sense of rejection, and even if it weren’t me, it would have been easy to sense.
Of course, even Eric, with his tendency to be thoughtless, could understand her intentions. He had a troubled expression and stepped back slightly.
“L-Lady Nina!”
Still unable to give up, Eric tried to say something more.
But it was futile struggling.
“Zex, let’s go.”
Completely ignoring him, Nina called out to me.
She took a posture ready to run. It seemed she intended to leave Eric behind. With the help of my enhanced physical abilities, there was no way he could catch up if we started running.
While it might be somewhat forceful, I had no objections. I’ve already made my position clear, so the rest is Eric’s problem.
“W-Wait!”
Ignoring Eric’s plea, Nina and I started running.
There was no way he could catch up, and finally, the situation settled down.