Chapter 6: Brother and Sister
In the morning, some people were leaving Rio's residence.
Christina, Flora, Roana, Hiroaki, Rei, and Kouta were among them.
At the entrance of the house—
"How unfortunate. I can't believe it's already time to say goodbye to Suzune-chan…"
Flora held Latifa close, sadly lamenting their parting. Latifa responded by hugging Flora back.
"You shouldn't be so selfish, Flora."
Christina gently wrapped her arms around her sister's back.
"Let's have another sleepover, maybe even tonight! Right, Onii-chan?"
Latifa said cheerfully, turning to Rio, who was watching them from the side.
"Suzune, everyone has their own plans, you know."
Rio replied with a wry smile while responding to Latifa—
"But you're always welcome to come over whenever it suits you."
He warmly invited Christina and the others.
"I don't mind tonight…"
Flora was fidgeting. It seemed she had had such a great time at last night's sleepover with the other girls her age.
"Flora…"
Christina looked at her sister as if to say she should hold back a little.
"If there's a gap in time, you might hesitate again, so if you come over soon, I'd be happy. I want to keep calling you Flora-oneechan."
Latifa said with a shy smile.
"Latifa-chan… You can call me Onee-chan as much as you want."
Flora was overcome with emotion and hugged Latifa tighter.
"Well, the food at Haruto's place is the best. If you can come, then let's go."
Hiroaki, who had been watching from the side, said casually.
"Right. We should definitely visit!"
Rei quickly followed Hiroaki's lead—
"You should hold back."
Roana sighed, exasperated.
"Of course, Roana-oneechan will come too, right?"
Latifa turned to Roana and asked, while Flora looked at her as well.
"W-well… If it's not a bother, I'd love to…"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Roana was flustered but nodded shyly under the intensity of Latifa and Flora's gaze.
"Yay! Let's chat a lot again tonight!"
"Yes!"
Latifa, alongside Flora, joyfully cheered. They exchanged promises to come over again and then Christina and the others left the residence.
◇ ◇ ◇
Right after seeing off Christina and the others, Rio was called by Latifa and Liselotte. Miharu and Aki were also present as they moved to the reception room. Then—
"Are you going to Rikka Company?"
Rio was informed of their plan to go out.
"Yeah. They want to hear our opinions for developing a new product," Latifa explained with a smile.
"I see…"
Rio glanced at Miharu and Aki.
"…"
Aki, who had agreed lightly the night before, looked uncomfortable, perhaps not expecting to go along with Rio.
"And I want you to come too, Onii-chan."
"Sure, but… is it just the five of us going?"
"Yeah!"
"Is that alright?"
Rio looked at Liselotte to confirm.
"Of course. In fact, we are asking you to come along. We've also received permission from Charlotte-sama so, if possible, we'd like to go after this."
"I understand…"
Rio glanced at Aki's face once more.
(Could this be…?)
Sitting in front of him was a strangely cheerful Latifa, and Rio's expression suggested he had realized something. So, he said—
"Alright, I'll go. But before that, I'd like to talk a little."
Rio nodded, his expression one of determination.
"Talk?"
Latifa tilted her head curiously.
"Yeah, I wanted to have a proper conversation with Aki-chan."
Rio's gaze was clearly directed at Aki.
"With me…?"
Aki seemed startled, trembling slightly and tightening her expression.
"Yeah. It's about the memories I have of Amakawa Haruto. I didn't get to discuss that much during the gathering last time."
Rio's voice was calm and composed, even if he looked a bit awkward.
"…Then it seems I should leave."
Liselotte, thinking of herself as an outsider, tried to stand up before the conversation became too complicated. However—
"No, I want everyone here to listen. You four are the ones who know Amakawa Haruto directly… Can I ask you for this?"
Rio stopped Liselotte and made his request while glancing at Miharu and Latifa.
"…Okay."
Liselotte nodded seriously. Miharu and Latifa also silently agreed with a nod.
"Aki-chan, is that okay with you too?"
Rio confirmed with Aki last.
"I don't mind, but…"
Aki averted her eyes from Rio and nodded, tightly gripping Miharu's hand next to her. And then—
"As you know, I have the memories of Amakawa Haruto. However, as I said during the gathering, I believe I am a different person from Amakawa Haruto."
Rio began to speak.
"…"
Aki, seemingly displeased with Rio's words, pursed her lips slightly.
"Can you tell me how you feel, Aki-chan?"
"What do you mean, how do I feel? You just said you're not Amakawa Haruto. What does it matter what I think about someone like that?"
There was an unmistakable edge to Aki's words.
"…I can't think of myself as Amakawa Haruto. I can't lie about that feeling. But I also think it's wrong to run away from the memories of Amakawa Haruto. I want to face the traces and life that Amakawa Haruto lived."
"That's easy to say…"
"You can't say you don't feel anything, can you?"
Miharu called out to Aki, who was frowning and looking down.
"Miharu-oneechan…"
"I know that Aki-chan has had complicated feelings toward Haru-kun. I can tell because I've been watching you all along. Why not convey those feelings?"
Miharu spoke as if to counsel her.
"…But Haruto-san doesn't think of me as a sister, right? He's not Amakawa Haruto. What will happen if I confront someone like that with my feelings? Please tell me that first."
Aki raised her voice, expressing her dissatisfaction.
"…I guess it's for my own satisfaction. I want to do this for myself. I don't want to run away from you, Aki-chan. I don't want to pretend it doesn't exist. If possible, I want to get along with you. I want us to move forward together."
"You want to get along…?"
"…Is that impossible?"
"…"
Aki didn't answer either yes or no, falling silent as if trying to escape.
"Haruto-san said he wants to get along with Aki-chan."
Miharu, perhaps thinking she should be the one to bridge the gap between them as an older sister, was unusually proactive.
"…What about you, Miharu-oneechan? Is that okay? You liked him, right? You still like Amakawa Haruto, don't you? Yet the person who holds those memories says he's a different person. Is that acceptable? Have you fallen for someone other than Amakawa Haruto?"
While it might have seemed like Aki was changing the subject, it was clear she held resentment about that too. However—
"…It's fine."
Miharu spoke clearly in a voice that carried will.
"…"
Aki stared in astonishment. Rio also widened his eyes in surprise.
"During the gathering, I couldn't believe that Haru-kun and Haruto-san were different people. I told Haruto-san that I wanted to be with both of you."
"Then why…?"
"…Now I think I understand. I can relate to how Haruto-san feels, thinking he's a different person from Haru-kun. Even when they say I have a past life as someone named Lina, I can't help but think of it as a different person."
Miharu spoke with a bitter expression, acknowledging that she couldn't ask of others what she couldn't do herself.
(Miharu-san…)
Rio was taken aback. It was because it was Miharu who told him he didn't have to become Amakawa Haruto. He felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
"Aki-chan, how do you feel? What do you think about Haruto-san having Haru-kun's memories? I want to know too. So, please make sure to tell Haruto-san properly."
Miharu looked at Rio while encouraging Aki to express her feelings. Then—
"…I hate Amakawa Haruto."
Aki began to speak her mind, avoiding eye contact.
"Why is that?"
Miharu gently inquired.
"I've watched my mother suffer up close since the divorce… I don't know what caused the divorce, and I know it's unfair of me, but when it mattered most, when I wanted him by my side, he wasn't there…"
Aki looked down like a sulking child. Yet, she still voiced her feelings. Not directed at Amakawa Haruto, but expressing her emotions to Rio, who carried those memories.
"You felt lonely, didn't you?"
Miharu verbalized Aki's feelings.
"Not exactly… Because even now, when I remember it, I get angry. I still dislike Amakawa Haruto."
Aki said, pouting without looking at Rio. However—
"But that doesn't mean I dislike the current Haruto-san. On the contrary, I'm grateful and feel sorry for him. I caused a lot of trouble during the gathering…"
She admitted.
"Just as Haruto-san said, I seem to perceive that he isn't Amakawa Haruto. But…"
"But what?"
Miharu slowly urged Aki to continue.
"…When he himself said that they are different people, it kind of irritated me."
Even though she understood, it seemed she couldn't compartmentalize her feelings. Aki expressed her genuine thoughts, which were complicated. Just then, before Rio could say something serious—
"Why?"
Latifa, who had been quietly listening, asked Aki first.
"Huh?"
"Why did it irritate you? What do you want Onii-chan to do?"
"…I don't know."
Aki replied, revealing a hint of self-deprecation.
"Do you want Onii-chan to be Amakawa Haruto?"
"No, I said I think he's a different person and that I dislike him."
"Then, do you want him to think of you as his sister, even if he's not Amakawa Haruto-san, even if he's someone else?"
"Wha—? Why would it come to that?"
Aki flushed at Latifa's question.
"Because if you take it literally, that's how it sounds."
"N-No, that's not it."
Aki stubbornly denied it. And then—
"And…"
She started to say something but fell silent.
"And what?"
"…I probably'm not suited to be a sister. It happened with both of them. Everyone who became my Onii-chan drifted away from me…"
Is it because I'm troublesome and not straightforward? Aki thought sadly, self-deprecatingly.
"That's not true!"
Miharu immediately countered.
"Even without blood ties, Aki-chan is my precious and adorable sister that I'm proud of!"
"…Thank you, Miharu-oneechan."
Aki smiled happily.
"What about Onii-chan? What do you think about Aki-chan? How do you want to get along with Aki-chan?"
Latifa turned to Rio and asked.
"How do I want to…? I…"
Rio didn't respond immediately but took a moment to think. During that pause, no one interrupted, waiting for his words. After a short while—
"…I think she's a very important person. My wish is to spend happy days laughing together with everyone, and I want Aki-chan to be there too. So, whether in good times or tough times, I want us to hold hands and live together."
Rio revealed his true feelings.
"Onii-chan…"
Latifa smiled brightly and then asked—
"How about it, Aki-chan?"
With an expectant gaze, she turned to Aki.
"W-What do you mean, how…?"
"Aki-chan also wishes to be happy together, and that's what Onii-chan is saying."
"I-I know that without you telling me," Aki replied, her voice rising in embarrassment.
"Do you not want to be with Onii-chan?"
"…It's not that I don't want to. I was happy that you accepted me into your group. But I also feel apologetic and anxious about whether someone like me should be accepted…"
"It's okay. It's definitely okay. Even if you feel conflicted or want to complain, Onii-chan is saying we'll carry those worries together and overcome them. Right?"
Latifa looked up at Rio, who was sitting beside her.
"Yeah. So, it's fine if you dislike Amakawa Haruto. You can express those feelings to me without holding back."
"Why…?"
"It might be convenient for me to say they are different people. But I thought it was unfair to ignore someone suffering because of Amakawa Haruto while being right next to them. The memories and feelings of Amakawa Haruto are certainly within me. Therefore, as someone who inherits those memories and feelings, I want to face Aki-chan properly."
Rio looked directly at Aki as he spoke. There was no hesitation in his eyes. On the other hand—
"…Isn't it a bother? For me to direct these unreasonable feelings at you?"
Aki averted her gaze, looking hesitant. Whether she was holding back her feelings towards Rio, feeling guilty, or scared, it was unclear.
In any case—
"I don't think it's a bother at all," Rio said gently to Aki.
"…Why?"
Aki blinked in surprise, seemingly dazed.
"Didn't I say? The memories and feelings of Amakawa Haruto are certainly within me. That's why I can't think of Aki-chan as a stranger, and I don't want to. I might get rejected for saying I see you as a sister, but I care about you that much. Maybe that's why?"
Rio said, slightly shy and blushing. Then—
"Ugh…"
Aki's body trembled slightly.
"Right. So, if Aki-chan feels conflicted or wants to complain, I want you to say it without reservation. I want to share your worries. That's what I think, but…"
As Rio struggled to express his thoughts, he suddenly looked puzzled. This was because—
"…Ugh…"
Aki's eyes filled with tears, and she started to cry.
"A-Aki-chan? What's wrong? Are you okay!?" Latifa asked in a panic.
"…Y-Yeah. I don't know why, but tears are coming out… I-I'm sorry."
Aki wiped her tears while looking down, her face flushed.
"Aki-chan, it's okay to cry," Miharu said, pulling Aki close affectionately.
"…Did I say something strange?"
Rio scratched his cheek awkwardly, wondering if he had made her cry.
"I don't think that's the case," Liselotte gently denied from beside Rio, smiling softly.
"Yeah, I'm proud as her sister. He's an admirable Onii-chan," Latifa agreed happily.
A few minutes later—
"…Um, I'm sorry for suddenly crying like that…"
Aki said, her eyes red as she apologized shyly.
"No, you don't need to apologize at all… If I made you cry by saying something unpleasant, then I'm sorry too," Rio replied, bowing his head in return.
"I-It's not that I cried because I was upset…"
Aki said, turning her face away shyly. Just then—
"Onii-chan, Aki-chan is surely…"
"Wah, don't say strange things, Latifa-chan!" Aki shouted in a panic to stop Latifa from saying more.
"Fufu."
Miharu and Liselotte laughed at the amusing scene.
"…But, you know, I do have a question that I want Aki-chan to answer properly."
Latifa said, pouting slightly at Aki.
"…What is it?"
"Does Aki-chan want Onii-chan to think of her as his sister? And does she want him to be her Onii-chan?"
"W-Wait, are we going to have that conversation again?"
Aki's face turned red.
"Of course. Because if Aki-chan becomes Onii-chan's little sister, that means you and Aki-chan will be like sisters. I'd be really happy about that!"
Latifa spoke with a bright smile.
"Eh? Me and Latifa-chan...?"
"Yeah, that would be the case, right? We three aren't related by blood, though."
"…I see."
Aki blinked, as if she had never considered that possibility before.
"So, I want to hear Aki-chan's feelings. What do you think of Onii-chan?"
"W-Well, I…"
Aki stammered, struggling to find the words.
"What about Onii-chan? As someone who holds the memories of Amakawa Haruto-san, what do you want Aki-chan to think of you? I want to hear Onii-chan's feelings too."
"Well, that depends on Aki-chan's feelings…"
Confronted directly by Latifa, Rio hesitated.
"If Onii-chan says he wants you to be his little sister, I think Aki-chan would be able to be honest, don't you?"
"Ugh, Latifa-chan! I can be honest!"
Aki shouted, flustered.
"So, when you were little, how did you call Amakawa Haruto-san?"
"W-Well, I called him Onii-chan…"
"Then, can you say Onii-chan to the current Onii-chan like before?"
"To Haruto-san? N-No way, there's no way I can say that!"
Aki shook her head vigorously in panic.
"Then how about ‘onii-san'?"
"W-What? What are we even talking about!?"
"About what Aki-chan calls Onii-chan."
"W-What do you mean… I'm not saying I want Haruto-san to be my brother!"
Aki shouted, her face turning bright red.
◇ ◇ ◇
After that, Rio and the others got into a carriage and headed outside the castle. Their destination was a store belonging to Rikka Company in the royal capital.
Since Liselotte, the president, had personally brought the guests, the store employees welcomed them with VIP treatment. However, they weren't there to shop today. They were first guided to the office to assist with the development of new products.
On a spacious table, a variety of women's clothing that Rikka Company was developing was lined up—
"Hmmm. I think it would be cuter if the frills were more voluminous here."
"I think a tiered tulle skirt is cute too."
"I found this design cuter."
Latifa, Miharu, and Aki were sharing their opinions. Rio sat on a chair placed a little away from Liselotte, watching the three from a distance.
"Thank you for today, Liselotte-san," Rio said suddenly, turning to Liselotte sitting beside him.
"…For what?"
Liselotte tilted her head in confusion, as if unsure why she was being thanked.
"Today's matter, was likely requested by Latifa to you right? So that I could talk with Aki-chan."
"…You saw right through me. But there's no need to thank me. I really did want to hear your opinions for the development of new products."
Liselotte's eyes widened slightly before she smiled shyly.
"Thanks to you, I was able to have a nice conversation with Aki-chan."
"Not at all. You didn't have to do anything, since Haruto-san was already working to encourage Aki-chan to talk. I haven't done anything."
"No, it was because you set everything up to that extent that I could gather my courage. Otherwise, I think it would have taken longer."
"It was very cool of you to act like Onii-chan," Liselotte said, smiling at Rio.
"Ahaha. I thought I might buy something as thanks… but since it's Liselotte-san's shop, I can get everything I want, right?"
"If that's the case, please buy something for Latifa-chan instead of me. I was worried about Haruto-san and Aki-chan."
Liselotte looked at Latifa with eyes full of affection. Hearing that, Rio felt he had to express his gratitude to Liselotte even more…
"…Understood."
Rio smiled and nodded gently.
◇ ◇ ◇
Meanwhile, at the Galarc Kingdom castle, Steward rushed into Duke Gregory's office in a panic.
"Come in." "Excuse me."
Steward entered the room, breathless and with a tense expression.
"Well, calm down. That outfit suits you quite well."
Duke Gregory paused his writing and replied nonchalantly.
"Ah, thank you..."
Looking down at his own uniform, Steward expressed his gratitude, seemingly pleased. Although the badge was from the Restoration, Steward was currently wearing the knight's attire of Galarc Kingdom, borrowed through the Duke's connections. At a distance, one might mistake him for a knight of Galarc Kingdom.
"So, it seems there has been some movement regarding that matter..."
"Yes, it seems he has left the mansion."
"Oh. Then, is he currently in the castle?"
"No, it appears he boarded a carriage and headed outside the castle..."
"Oh..."
"Aside from his attendant, four others were seen boarding the carriage. I assume he either went shopping or has some appointments..."
"I see. If that's the case, then this is indeed a good opportunity. If he's outside the castle, we can encounter him openly. Well then, let's go greet him while scouting."
Duke Gregory's eyes glimmered with intrigue as he saw the chance arrive.
◇ ◇ ◇
Two hours later.
"The pasta from Rikka Company was so delicious!"
Rio and the others had finished their lunch at the Rikka Company restaurant. Before returning to the office to help with product development once more—
"I want to do a little shopping," Rio said.
"What are you going to buy?" Latifa tilted her head curiously.
"Well, I'd like the four of you to decide that. I want to express my gratitude."
"Gratitude? For whom?"
"For Latifa and Liselotte-san, who came up with this project. And also, for Aki-chan and Miharu-san."
Rio shrugged lightly, trying to mask his embarrassment.
"Even so..."
"Is it okay for me too?"
Aki and Miharu looked taken aback, as they didn't see any reason to receive thanks.
"I said it was fine..."
Liselotte also tried to decline, but—
"I just feel like expressing my gratitude. Please accept it. If you think there's no reason, then it's a thank you for remembering me."
Rio said shyly.
"...Is it really, okay?"
"Yeah, it's fine. Thank you for being a bridge for us."
Rio gently patted Latifa's head, who was looking up at him shyly.
"Ehhe. Then, I want some clothes. I can wear them anytime. Oh, but if we buy souvenirs just for ourselves, everyone back at the mansion might get envious, right?"
Thinking of those waiting at the mansion, Latifa showed concern—
"Then we can all come back to shop together another time. Tomorrow or the day after would be fine."
Rio said.
"Yeah!"
That's right. It didn't have to be today. Tomorrow or the day after, fun times would continue. Latifa nodded happily.
"Then, let me guide you to the women's clothing section."
Liselotte said with a warm smile, gently leading the way.
Thus, Rio and the others moved to the women's clothing section of Rikka Company. While Liselotte helped Miharu and Aki pick out clothes together—
"Hey, hey, how about this dress?"
"It's cute."
"What about this one?"
"That one is cute too."
"What about this one?"
"That's cute as well."
Rio accompanied Latifa one-on-one as they chose clothes. The other three had thoughtfully given them time alone, allowing the siblings to have some private moments. Latifa was holding up clothes in front of a mirror, asking Rio for his opinion.
"Onii-chan, you've only been saying 'cute' since earlier."
Do you really think it's cute? Latifa looked at Rio with a narrowed gaze.
"I mean it. Everything you wear is cute, Latifa."
Rio blushed slightly, feeling a bit awkward.
"...I see. Then I'll allow it."
Latifa feigned a lofty tone to hide her embarrassment. Then—
"But I want to wear the outfit that Onii-chan thinks is especially nice."
She pleaded with Rio.
"I'm not really good at choosing clothes. Especially for girls' clothing."
Rio chuckled, scratching his cheek.
"Well, it's a thank-you gift for me, right? So, I want Onii-chan to choose it."
"...I see. You're right. Then I'll do my best."
With that, Rio took a piece of clothing and began to seriously consider whether it would suit Latifa. Employees and passersby smiled as they watched the affectionate siblings conversing. However—
"Is that Amakawa?"
Their private moment was abruptly interrupted by the appearance of an outsider. It was Duke Gregory who called out to Rio.
"...Ah, Duke Gregory. It's been a while. And..."
The other party was a duke. Despite feeling a strong sense of caution, Rio greeted him politely on the surface. What was even more troublesome was—
"Steward Huguenot is here as well. It's been a long time."
The presence of this man added to the tension. His tone was assertive and almost overbearing. He stared intently at Rio's face, to the point of rudeness. Even though he was the eldest son of a duke, a disinherited child shouldn't have such an attitude towards a knight of honor.
"...It's been a while."
Rio instinctively stepped forward, hiding Latifa behind him.
"Ah, indeed, it has been a long time..."
Fortunately, Steward seemed oblivious to Latifa—
(...He really does resemble her. When I look closely, I can see the similarities.)
His gaze was fixed solely on Rio. Within his eyes lay hostility, contempt, or at the very least, undeniable negative emotions. Steward had previously targeted Rio in Amande, and Duke Gregory was someone who always seemed to have a grudge against him—
(...What is this? What's their purpose?)
Rio couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease and heightened wariness.
"What a coincidence," Duke Gregory remarked—
"Yes, quite the coincidence."
Rio thought it was a lie. It couldn't be a coincidence. After all, this was the women's clothing section; it was strange for two men to be there. While it wasn't impossible, these two certainly didn't look like they were there to shop.
"You're shopping with your sister, then?"
Duke Gregory's gaze shifted to Latifa, who was standing behind Rio. As a result, Steward's attention also turned towards her. Rio stood in a way to block their view—
"That said, isn't your sister poorly trained? To not even greet a noble of higher status..."
Duke Gregory sniffed derisively. When Rio glanced over his shoulder—
"Ugh..."
Latifa's face went pale, and she trembled in fear. It was no wonder.
(This is bad...)
Just as Rio was about to try and end the conversation quickly—
"Hey, isn't that rude to Duke Gregory? Why not show your face?"
Steward frowned and attempted to move around Rio to peek at Latifa's face.
In that moment, as Steward appeared right before them and his voice reached her—
"No!"
Latifa visibly recoiled in fear.
—Hey, Latifa! Show your face properly.
—What am I to you?
—Onii-sama, right?
The memories (trauma) from her time as a slave, which she had kept locked away in the depths of her heart, began to flood back—
"S-Stop! D-Don't come near me!"
Latifa protected her head with her hands and curled up on the ground.
"W-What?"
Steward was taken aback and confused. Just then—
"Wh-What's going on here?"
Liselotte noticed the disturbance and hurried over.
"I-I didn't do anything! She just—"
Steward pointed at the curled-up Latifa, pleading his innocence.
"S-Stop! I don't want this!"
Latifa remained crouched, trembling slightly.
"…"
Rio's expression turned sour, as if he had bitten into a bitter bug. He realized he had underestimated the depth of the trauma that Latifa had been hiding behind her smile. Meanwhile—
(...What is this? I feel like I've seen this girl somewhere...)
Steward experienced an indescribable sense of déjà vu. Hadn't he encountered a girl who trembled in this way before? At that moment, a clear image of a certain girl flashed through Steward's mind.
—No! D-Don't come near me!
—P-Please don't hit me!
—O-Onii-sama...
—I'm sorry! Please forgive me!
It was back when Steward was still attending the Royal Academy. In the basement of the Huguenot ducal residence in the royal capital, a rare beastkin slave was kept. Although Steward didn't fully understand what his father was making the girl do, he often visited that place of his own accord. Whenever something unpleasant happened at the academy, he would often indulge in the girl as a way to relieve his stress. That girl was Steward's toy.
The girl curled up in front of him did not have any beastkin characteristics. However, for some reason, he felt a certain instinctual certainty. No, it could even be called intuition. Yet, he was also confused. Why was she here? How did she end up as this man's sister? He couldn't make sense of it.
However, the strongest emotion he felt was excitement. A powerful mixture of joy and anger surged within him, overwhelming everything else.
"…Could it be… Latifa?"
Steward gasped in astonishment, his dry mouth moving as he spoke. And thus, he uttered Latifa's name.
◇ ◇ ◇
A few dozen minutes later, in the guest office of Christina at the Galarc Kingdom castle, Duke Huguenot was making a visit.
In the room, besides Christina, there was also Vanessa—
"May I have a moment of your time? There is something I would like to discuss with just the two of us. If you could ask Vanessa to step out..."
Duke Huguenot lowered his head, requesting Vanessa to leave. His expression was earnest, revealing a determination that hadn't been there the day before.
"...Very well. Vanessa, please wait outside. Don't let anyone in until we're done talking."
Christina sensed that he wanted to discuss something important.
"Understood."
Vanessa saluted respectfully and left the room.
Once they were alone—
"So, what is it that you want to talk about?"
"I spent the night worrying. It relates to Lord Amakawa, but first, I wish to confess my sins."
"Your sins, huh? That doesn't sound calm..."
Christina carefully observed Duke Huguenot's complexion.
"To be honest, it's not a peaceful topic. If I mention the outdoor training exercise from nearly five years ago, Christina-sama, you might understand."
"…"
Christina's expression grew serious.
Just then, there was a hurried knock at the door.
"I apologize. I'm coming in."
Vanessa entered the room.
"…What is it?"
Given that she had been instructed not to let anyone in until their conversation was over, her entry indicated that something urgent was occurring.
Indeed—
"King Francois is calling for you both. Apparently, there has been some kind of disturbance, and he needs you to come immediately," Vanessa reported, her face filled with anxiety.
No Comments Yet
Post a new comment
Register or Login