Chapter 23: Sudden Reaction

My eyes widened, blinking, as I looked up at my younger brother who had suddenly grabbed my arm.

This expression, incidentally, wasn’t put on; it came from genuine feeling.

Right now, I was extremely flustered.

That look, that is…arrogant?

I had received such gazes a few times before, so it wasn’t particularly surprising.

However, what did surprise me was that he immediately recognized an injury that even the physician hadn’t noticed, and,

“….If you were resting properly, there’s no way you would get hurt like this.”

Grab—

It was because of my younger brother’s action, snatching my hand from under the blanket with extreme naturalness.

He didn’t just grab my hand; it was a hand I had placed near my chest.

And since I had the curves of a woman’s body, not a man’s, it would be quite difficult to just grab my wrist and pull it out.

…Therefore, applying modern standards, it was a gesture that fell within the realm of molestation.

Aside from feeling a bit heated, I didn’t feel much else, but it was definitely enough to be flustered.

In the past, when he was a child, he would often run up and hug me, but after growing up, perhaps knowing to be more reserved, he hadn’t really clung to me like that.

But somehow, ever since the last succession ceremony, he had been subtly closing the distance, and now it had come to this.

As I debated whether to get angry about this or try to reason with him, I realized there was a more pressing issue.

“Uh, dear brother? It hurts a bit, so could you please let go…?”

What are you doing grabbing an injured spot like that, my dear brother?

The medicine hadn’t completely worn off, so the pain was dull, but it wasn’t like I felt nothing.

Along with the familiar ache rising from my entire body, a throbbing sensation was specifically intensifying in my wrist.

I should have been a bit more careful; the injury was caused by letting too much emotion get involved in relieving stress.

And the steadily strengthening grip of my younger brother was the process.

Release—

“……Please answer. How did you get hurt?”

Hearing my words, my brother looked at his hand, which was gradually tightening its grip, then relaxed his strength and released my arm.

I knew he hadn’t intended to grab me hard, but given the nature of this delicate body, the skin was bound to turn red.

Without seeming aware of the rudeness he had just committed, even as he let go, that sharp gaze remained fixed on me.

I was the one who was injured, and I was the one who suffered the rudeness, so I couldn’t understand what reason he had to be angry.

Or maybe, it’s puberty?

They say people often get angry and irritable during puberty, so perhaps that was it.

No, even considering that, shouldn’t he at least put his anger aside for a moment?

“Well, it’s… I was trying to get up, and I accidentally slipped… off the bed.”

Deciding to address his rudeness later, I fabricated a suitable excuse and adjusted my expression.

Since I couldn’t control my cheeks turning red, I averted my gaze and covered my mouth.

However, despite my feigned embarrassment, my brother paid no mind and merely continued to pierce me with his intense gaze.

‘….Was the injury itself the problem, or was trying to hide the injury the problem?’

‘What was so displeasing that—’

“Did you not think to call a servant?”

‘Like that, he looked down at his older sister with such an arrogant gaze.’

“It was just to get up, so I didn’t call anyone…? And, I gave Mary a separate leave of absence. It felt a little… sorry to bother the other busy servants with something so minor.”

Hearing my normal answer, my brother stared at me for a moment, then lowered his head and sighed.

His appearance was like he was expressing disappointment with his entire body, so I tilted my head.

That gaze, still sharply directed at me, held a mix of emotions besides the inexplicable anger.

Emotions like worry, and fear, whose origins I couldn’t even guess at.

However, they were much fainter than they had been after the succession ceremony and the knight examination.

Now, only an utterly incomprehensible anger remained strong, directed at me, or perhaps something else.

“…Sister, you are always the same.”

In that low, chilling voice, mimicking the snow outside the window, I felt something like a shiver.

What was certain was that a part of that anger was directed at me.

“Even though I emphasized it so much. Even though I pleaded with you.”

But I was merely confused by this nonsensical anger he kept pouring out.

‘My simple-minded younger brother, this younger brother whose nature was formed by the strange reward structure called goodwill, what reason did he have to be angry with me?’

“Even though I summoned the courage to ask you, please, couldn’t you be just a little less kind?”

‘I just got a little hurt, there shouldn’t be any big problem other than a slight sprain?’

‘If it were family worry, I would understand, but how could that emotion possibly lead to anger?’

‘As for my personality of kindness, did I lose anything?’

‘By appearing considerate to others, did I ever cause harm?’

“Even though I urged you so much, couldn’t you think just a little more selfishly?”

‘….Not particularly.’

Physical pain doesn’t cause me strong discomfort.

I was more inclined to shudder at the viscous emotions that had existed since birth, rather than such feigned physical reactions.

Considering that the emotion of discomfort applies as a loss in human relationships, I suffered no loss.

While I might have caused others loss through jealousy, envy, etc., wasn’t that their own doing?

So, while it’s natural for my brother to worry about me, there’s no reason for him to be angry about a loss he suffered.

“You are still, exactly the same, Sister.”

‘…….Isn’t that, usually, the correct way?’

I was about to choose the seemingly appropriate answer of an apology, but then I realized this fellow hated seeing me apologize, so I closed my mouth.

In this situation where I could do neither, annoyance was starting to well up.

After all, the thought that I merely imitate humans was creeping back into my train of thought.

“……..”

Silence fell.

With Oksana, my brother, and myself silent, all I could feel was the cold air brushing against my body.

I wondered if I shouldn’t be the one getting angry, but I felt the inferiority complex I had just suppressed trying to creep back up, so I had to remain still.

The appearance I showed in front of Mary was quite unsightly, unlike usual Eleonora.

Click—

“….I can’t wish for more now. Even if I spoke more strongly than this, Sister, wouldn’t you still prioritize others over yourself?”

As I kept my mouth shut and merely avoided my brother’s gaze, he lowered his head and pulled the cord by my bedside three times.

It was a signal to quickly summon any servant nearby.

“Therefore, it is only right that I take action, isn’t it?”

‘….Huh?’

‘Oh?’

‘What kind of action are you going to take—’

Clank—

“You, you called?”

Since I had deactivated the artifact, the servant was able to enter without being blasted away.

My brother turned his head to face the servant and issued a command in a voice that was still chilling.

“It seems Sister’s room must be moved. As someone who will now ascend to the position of Grand Duke, she should use the room Father used.”

“Ah. Yes, I understand. Then—”

“And, move my room to the room next to that one.”

“The Grand Duchess to that one, and the Grand Duke to the room next to that one, you mean… Yes?”

“….What?”

“Bro, brother?”

“……Grand Duke?”

Oksana also seemed flustered, tilting her head and widening her eyes.

I, too, for a moment, couldn’t help but doubt my ears, wondering what that fellow was saying.

“You understood correctly. Move my room to the room next to that one. As for the items in there, move the valuables to the storage for now. I will sort the rest myself.”

‘No, no.’

Of course, since I will temporarily ascend to the position of Grand Duke now, it’s true that moving my room there makes sense, but—

“Uh, brother? If it’s the room next door, that place is—”

“I know well. It is the room my mother used.”

‘Right, it’s the room the Grand Duke’s spouse used.’

‘Moreover, between the two rooms……. there would even be a connecting bedroom for conjugal use?’

“No, you shouldn’t be saying that so nonchalantly. After all—”

‘Socially, he must know this is a decision that could cause significant misunderstanding, yet he’s saying it—’

“If I don’t do this, Sister, wouldn’t you just get hurt again like you are now?”

‘….What kind of, utterly ridiculous reason is that, my brother?’

“It was something you could have just called a servant for, but you were considerate about that one thing, and you got hurt again like that, didn’t you? I like a kind sister, but I dislike seeing you like that.”

I blinked my eyes, expressing genuine fluster for the second time today.

‘Just, for that kind of reason?’

‘Why on earth?’

“Even if I speak strongly, you will just act the same way anyway, so I would rather simply attend to you myself. Moving to the room next door is just for that purpose.”

‘So, what I mean is, why is that the result, my brother?’

‘Do you not care about social perception or your honor at all?’

‘For a brother and sister to use the rooms a married couple used, what kind of misunderstandings or repercussions does he think that will bring—’

‘…..Oh dear, my head.’

‘I thought the training went well, why the sudden fuss?’

I felt my maintained expression starting to crack from the dizzying logic.

Barely managing to suppress it, I somehow maintained a smiling face and squeezed out words to persuade my brother.

“Bro, brother. Hmm, I understand your intention, but that’s the room the Grand Duke’s spouse uses. If you truly wish to do so, I don’t want to stop you, but surely, social appearances—”

“I understand your concerns. However, I have sufficient ostensible reasons to use that place.”

‘..?’

“Currently, you and I are the only members of the Weiss family in the Grand Ducal house, so under the pretext of relying on each other, it should be fine. A devoted brother and sister aren’t exactly a relationship that damages appearances, are they?”

‘……Huh?’

“And it was originally used as the heir’s room, not the spouse’s. Since Sister appointed me as the heir at the last succession ceremony, there should be no major problem traditionally either.”

Hah, hah.

‘…….It seems you came thoroughly prepared, my brother?’

‘Was it as if you were just waiting for me to get hurt?’

“…Even so, having you do something a servant should do is—”

“Isn’t it because you don’t have the servants do what should be assigned to them?”

As if knowing everything I was about to say, my brother cut me off before I could finish, and closed the distance between us, which was already close.

At a distance where our breaths were about to mingle, a distance similar to when I raise my hand to eye level, my brother stopped.

He seemed to have placed his hand on the bed with the intention of supporting his leaning body, but that was where my thigh was resting.

Feeling my brother’s hand and its weight through the blanket, I couldn’t help but think this was truly insane.

“Sister, do you remember how many times I have urged you until now? When you act, do you ever recall my words even once?”

‘Be less kind, that?’

‘I even mixed in some advice, wasn’t I keeping my word?’

‘What is he expecting from me, when he omitted the subject from his own words in the first place?’

“……..You never do, do you? That’s why, I’d rather help you myself first.”

‘No, more than that.’

‘This, situation right now, is.’

‘This situation where he carelessly touches his sister’s body, and moreover, tries to intimidate me.’

‘It was clearly exceeding his authority, not just between a sister and brother, but in the relationship between the Grand Duke and the heir.’

‘It was defiance, and resistance.’

‘It was essentially the same as treating me coercively, while reversing the positions of who should give orders.’

‘Hah, I treated you kindly all this time, but are you, too, ignoring my efforts and trying to climb over me like that child Mary?’

‘At least your attitude was polite, so I hadn’t said much until now, but it seems you are the same in the end.’

‘Yes, it’s necessary to establish order once.’

‘The reason I haven’t shown any anger towards you was purely because this wasn’t a typical sibling relationship.’

‘However, right now I am your educator, and I have sufficient justification to be angry.’

‘The Holy Sword is still placed in that corner.’

‘Even without using artifacts, calling him would be enough to establish the superior-inferior relationship.’

‘If he’s like this before even reaching adulthood, I should nip it in the bud once.’

‘Perhaps it would be better to just show him my true self, and raise him into an excellent Grand Duke through anger, disgust, and fear—’

‘………Hmm.’

‘Just a moment, let’s calm down.’

‘What was my goal in the first place? It was to raise that fellow into an excellent Grand Duke.’

‘……Isn’t this level just right for a leader?’

‘If he can be this forceful with his own sister, how much more so with subordinates?’

Thinking that way, remembering what my original goal was, my head cleared up.

There was no reason for me to get angry in the first place.

The moment I realized that, I couldn’t help but forcibly suppress my anger.

‘….Yes, truthfully, my emotions weren’t that important anyway.’

‘When has my heart ever been properly understood?’

‘Hah, well.’

‘Anyway.’

‘My brother.’

‘It seems you weren’t just, simply naive after all?’

“Do you have, anything else to say?”

‘I thought he was timid and would require much teaching, but he had this side to him, it seems.’

‘Yes, this level of defiance or rudeness is forgivable.’

‘Why didn’t you show this side earlier?’

‘If so, couldn’t I have started my day feeling a little better?’

‘The work decreased, the work.’

He even made the judgment considering legitimacy and social reputation, so it’s definitely a passing grade.

I thought he was just a timid fellow, but it seems he just hadn’t had the chance to spread his wings until now.

Good, I’m in a good mood.

“……..Do as you wish.”

This much, I’ll just let slide.

With this, I’ll just need to gradually awaken my brother’s true nature and teach him a bit of academics.

Since the work has decreased more than I expected, it wouldn’t matter if I died a little early.

My brother also seemed satisfied; his sharp momentum had lessened compared to before.

It seems he just wanted to take good care of me.

Let’s not try to understand it deeply, it would become bothersome.

Ah, but I should say this.

“By the way, brother. Could you please, remove that, hand…? It’s a little, heavy.”

“……..Yes?”

At my words, my brother checked the position of his hand.

And, upon realizing what he had been touching, his face instantly flushed red, and he dropped his hand.

“…Ah! I’m, I’m sorry!”

He instantly returned to his timid appearance, quickly pulled his hand away, and distanced himself.

I wondered if it was intentional, but it seems he just hadn’t been paying attention.

“It’s alright, it’s alright. It wasn’t unpleasant at all. Just don’t do this to other people.”

I let out a laugh, observing my brother closely, who had returned to his usual appearance.

If only I could somehow unleash that anger, that true nature, he seemed like he could become a rather excellent leader.

“And….. it would be best if you went and organized the items the former Grand Duchess used yourself. They are precious things your mother used, aren’t they?”

Then, there’s no need to break the act I’m putting on right now.

There were various ways to unleash his true nature, and his current appearance was enough.

“….Yes, I understand.”

Although he was my brother, answering with his head bowed, it was about time to have him withdraw for today.

Since I used some rest time to educate Mary, it seemed I should get a good night’s sleep tonight.

“Hmm, I just wanted to see your face, but the conversation became longer than I expected. You must be tired, go and rest. For my wrist, I’ll receive treatment from the physician, so don’t worry too much.”

“……..Yes.”

Seeing my brother, still unable to hide his flushed face, move away, I felt a sense of satisfaction.

The Grand Duke’s blood seemed useless, but could that disposition be from the Grand Duchess’s blood?

If so, it would be good to pay my respects out of courtesy sometime.

At least, it would be much better than paying respects to the Grand Duke.

That old man seemed to have died without being much help.

“…Will you show me your hand, Lady Eleonora?”

As my brother hurried out of the room, Oksana approached me.

She was an old woman I would normally find very uncomfortable, but perhaps because many things turned out well today, I couldn’t help but smile.

“……..Yes, Physician.”

The fact that I had put a leash on the physician earlier also played a part.

Well, thanks to that, my stress is completely gone.

I also succeeded in remembering the objective I needed to achieve, which I almost forgot, swept away by emotions.

That I was not living to live, but living so that I would no longer live.

Not wanting to continue this solitary life any longer, I was even applying my nature of sloth to my breathing.

“….Physician, if I am to walk around normally, how long will I need to recuperate from now?”

Of course, my life from now on would have to be a little diligent, though.

“Given your rapid recovery rate, about two weeks should be sufficient.”

Hmm, fourteen days.

Yes, it’s not a lot of leeway.

Neither a short nor a long period.

“Are you, keeping your promise well?”

“……..Of course.”

However, it’s also time too precious to just lie around doing nothing.

Besides Mary, it was time to find one more person I could use.

“Please don’t worry. I, for one, have absolutely not forgotten what I urged the Physician about.”

However, there was no need to specifically find one.

Since I had already marked the disciple of the old woman right before me.

***

“……..Why.”

In the cold, dilapidated prison, Sonia knelt, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“Why, why aren’t you coming, Master.”

Her voice trembled.

Her lips were parched and stuck together, and the words she exhaled, catching her breath between them, were almost a whisper.

Her heart ached as it pounded, and her eyes trembled.

“You said you weren’t going to raise me… just adequately.”

In her blurry vision, she tightened her two hands tied behind her back.

Her fingernails dug into the flesh of her palms, drawing a little blood, but she didn’t even feel the pain.

“You said if anything happened, you would take responsibility……..”

Suppressed sobs welled up from a corner of her heart, and the breath she forcibly swallowed scraped down her throat.

“I, I don’t even remember, I didn’t do anything. I, I didn’t intend to do that.”

Her head felt dizzy.

Something kept circling.

Footstep, footstep.

Memories wandering by her side without footsteps, without shadows, were nothing but cruel.

“You said you would come, you said you would take responsibility, so why—”

“Hey, shut up! What are you muttering about so much?”

Rough words thrown from nearby struck her ears, but Sonia didn’t hear them.

“Tsk, only Lady Oksana suffers. To think she took a bich like that as her disciple, sigh.”

Trembling slightly, Sonia pressed her lips shut.

A small denial burst forth soundlessly within her throat.

It was a much smaller explosion than when she had first been imprisoned.

“It’s fortunate she hasn’t come to visit, at least. If she were to protect someone like that, we would only lose our good person.”

“She’s clear about public and private matters. How fortunate is that?”

“…..Why, aren’t you coming, though?”

The last sound she muttered was transparent and shaky, like a glass just before it breaks.

The tears that welled up under her eyes simply flowed down, unable to even freeze.

…..Even though her true self, in fact, was lonely and freezing to death.