Back then, she was seventeen, and I was eleven. My sister, merely a physical presence, had been abandoned in the holy land for ‘recuperation.’ The first time I met my sister, of whom I had only heard, I did not recognize Danae as my sister.
I wasn’t the only one. Even Brother Viego initially mistook her for a stranger.
That woman had pretended to be Danae Windsor for six months. Those six months were the best time of my life. Until then, I didn’t realize how desolate my life was, living indifferently between my adventure-obsessed father and aloof siblings.
But Danae was different. She was the first to hug me tightly, kiss my cheek, stroke my hair, and whisper love into my ear.
“You’re so cute, Noah. I’m lucky to have an angel-like brother like you.”
“I might not be able to live without you, Noah.”
It was all new affection for me. It was enchanting and sparkling as if beautiful music flowed with every moment spent with her. But, I was being so thoroughly deceived.
“Abandoning a sister with Doll’s Disease in the sanctuary, treating her as non-existent… Now that she’s moving and talking, you’re upset?”
I suddenly grasped his chest, feeling an unbearable heat surge within myself. I was angry.
“Noah? What’s wrong?”
To have been deceived by her, and now she speaks as if she has the right? So disgusting. She’s better off dead.
That’s when it happened.
“Cadet Noah. There’s a family visitation request for you.”
I jerked my head up. That woman had the audacity to come after all!
But…
“Noah!”
It was a woman with pink hair who came running.
“Noah, you were amazing. I was so impressed!”
Sister Allice handed me a bouquet of flowers.
“You were incredible! Noah is so co―”
“What about her?” I sharply interrupted Sister Allice. “Where is she?”
“Ah… Sister Dana?” Allice laughed awkwardly, rolling her eyes. “She didn’t come.”
I doubted my ears. That woman didn’t come? Impossible.
“I’ll definitely attend this year’s public exam. I’ll bring you a bouquet.”
She had definitely said that.
“Noah, what flowers do you like? If I remember correctly, you liked daisies.”
Yes. So she should have come, holding a big bouquet of daisies, like a foolish idiot. I was certain of it. That woman always kept her word.
Was it because she had deceived me thoroughly for the first six months? After that, she never lied about even the smallest thing and always kept her spoken words. Such a woman, trying so hard to look good, wouldn’t go back on her word now.
“It can’t be.”
“Really. Sister Dana didn’t come. She is… today…” Allice grinned, rolling her eyes upwards. “She seemed to be meeting a man?”
“A man?”
“Yes. Lately, sister has― No, never mind.”
“Yes?”
“It’s nothing, sorry. Forget it.” Allice shook her head.
I grabbed her shoulder. “Keep talking. What about the man?”
“T-That…” Allice seemed at a loss but then sighed in resignation. “Recently, sister’s behavior has become strange. I’m worried.”
“What about her behavior?”
“Since I got involved with the crown prince, she’s been shocked. Recently, she was with her secretary and…”
One word after another. As Allice’s words continued, my face hardened.
* * *
Dana’s POV
“Brother Viego!”
Viego Windsor, who was about to get into the carriage, paused. He turned around in disbelief. There was me, smiling brightly.
“Brother, are you busy?”
Viego didn’t answer. There was no need to.
“Your Grace. You must attend the next meeting.”
The servants around him looked anxious. But I cheerfully ignored them.
“Since we met by chance, let’s talk for a while.”
He can’t refuse. I was confident about it. Everyone is watching. He wouldn’t refuse his sister’s request.
Windsor cares about their public image.
“Fine.”
As expected, he consented.
I pointed to a building. “How about that coffee house over there…”
“No.” Viego motioned towards the carriage. “Inside.”
“…Yes?”
“Get on.” With that, Viego extended his hand, offering to escort me.
Talk in such a confined space? It’s a bit uncomfortable… Yet, I steeled myself.
Right. If I want to become deputy head, I need to get closer to Viego.
I took his white-gloved hand cautiously.
* * *
“You must be very busy these days.”
In the carriage, I spoke to Viego, who was still examining documents.
“It seems hard to see your face these days.”
Without looking at me, Viego responded. “Were we supposed to see each other frequently?”
“Not that, but…”
“State your business, Danae Windsor. I don’t have time to listen to your beating around the bush.”
For a businessman, indeed, time is money.
No one would guess he’s a military man.
I glanced at him. His platinum hair was neatly slicked back, and he had a crisply tailored suit and polished black shoes; his perfection was intimidating.
Or maybe it does show a bit. He was unusually well-built for a businessman.
I cautiously began. “I wanted to thank you. I was safe last time because of you.”
“I don’t recall doing anything warranting personal thanks from you.”
Flap, Viego turned a page.
“I merely punished an intruder in my home.”
His sharp response made me lose some confidence.
I’m sick of it, really.
He wouldn’t easily accept even a thank you. Could I even gain recognition from such a man? To become Windsor’s Deputy – nearly a life partner to the Head – Can I really become that?
Ah, I’m not sure.
I was doubtful, but what choice did I have? I needed to be the deputy head to obtain the relic. To open the portal to my original world and end this frustrating possession.
“You seem really busy.”
He didn’t respond, clearly uninterested in small talk.
I persevered, looking at his handsome face, bathed in sunlight. “Brother, if there’s anything I can help with, please tell me. You said before, to prove my usefulness.”
Viego looked up suddenly. Our eyes met.
That startled me.
As if struck, I held my breath. His gaze, usually avoiding others, was disconcerting when directly met.
“Well then, that’s a good thing,” Viego spoke slowly, handing me a document. “Read this. And prove your usefulness.”
“…”
I silently read the report. It was a report from Viego’s employee…
What is this?
My brows furrowed.
Windsor Bank’s cheque was rejected?
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