27.
[Tutorial experience successful, good experience for guardians, outstanding! Very happy.]
“Huh? Do you mean you liked it too?”
The little snowman’s expression brightened as though he felt ecstatic that she had acknowledged him.
If she were to describe it, it seemed his joy was about to fill the atmosphere with sparkles and sunshine.
So cute!
“Ugh, so cute! My heart! Ice, do you know, from now on, you have to show that expression only to me? Okay? I’m very greedy.”
[This guardian belongs only to the new master… But… I typed it in for record.]
Laiya brushed her fingers lightly against Ice as it rested on her cheek and playfully ruffled the back of Ice’s head before heading into the library.
When she descended to the first floor, Kalidupen greeted her.
“Are you going back now, princess?”
“Um…?”
Kalidupen, still in the same position as when she’d previously had entered, respectfully straightened up and bowed his head.
His politeness caught her off guard, causing her to involuntarily pause.
“It seems like there are really no people here.”
“Yes, this library is a place that’s difficult to reach. It’s probably the dustiest room in this massive castle.”
His words seemed to imply that the library had been abandoned by the people of the mansion.
“When the matriarch was in charge, it wasn’t this neglected, but… I think it’s gradually fading into obscurity. This place and this old man.”
Laiya BlackWinter had a feeling that this old man had been responsible for some sort of secret work. With the manner in which he spoke of her grandfather, he seemed almost like a friend, rather than a subject.
However, since he served my grandfather, had he been cast aside when my grandfather fell from power?
It was just a hunch, but it felt that way.
Despite his kind demeanor, he might have had a grim task to perform, unafraid to be tainted by blood.
Did my grandfather sense that he couldn’t face the truth and was becoming a relic of the past?
Perhaps when the main character arrives later in the story, he will be able to leave this place and our family behind and simply walk away and change his faith.
“That’s strange. I don’t understand how it would be abandoned. I like books.”
“You share that sentiment with this old man.”
The elderly man, who somehow became a knight and a peculiar magic swordsman with an obsession for magic, smiled warmly.
“Now that I think about it, the day of the Imperial Family’s regular visit is coming soon. Perhaps the time is approaching when all of the princess’s relatives, as well as collateral relatives, will gather together.”
Ah, yes, there was a day like that. I wonder how he knows?
The BlackWinter family is one of the most prestigious in the empire.
So the Imperial Family paid us a yearly visit, ostensibly to commend our accomplishments.
It used to be the worst day of the year for me, until I remembered my reincarnation.
“That’s because those so-called relatives of yours wouldn’t leave me alone.”
Instead of showing annoyance, he calmly nodded.
“Yes, ah, that’s right. Then I’ll come again after they leave.”
“Sure, please do, Princess.”
As she was about to leave, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to voice her thoughts.
Laiya had wondered why Kalidupen was in the library, but she figured he must simply love books.
Even though he favored magic over them, he still had a fondness for reading.
“Kalidupen.”
Thinking it might earn her some points with this old man who would play a significant role in the future, she continued after a moment’s hesitation.
“A book doesn’t collect dust the moment one person opens it. The same goes for this place.”
He looked a bit distressed when she mentioned the abandoned library for some reason.
The little girl left the library with a cheerful smile and parted ways with the old man, who remained behind.
Rainante was found leaning against the wall, seemingly waiting for her to exit the library.
“You came out earlier today than yesterday, Princess.”
“Shouldn’t you just say what you mean outright? Hmph! You thought I got lost yesterday.”
She glanced at him to see if he would tease her again, but against her expectations, he had a deadpan expression on his face.
Did he actually mean it? Then again, he does seem like a knight who didn’t understand humor.
“…Haa… I thought you were teasing me again.”
“Oh, were you already on to me?”
“Huh?! I suppose I’m getting used to it, sir.”
“Pft…”
Did he chuckle?
It was a faint sound, almost too soft for her ears to pick up. Laiya felt doubtful.
By the time she raised her head, his expression was back to being composed.
“Let’s go find my third brother.”
“Yes.”
She expected him to lead her straight to Roy, when she felt surprised when Rainante kneeled down with his back to her, folding one knee as if waiting for something.
“What are you doing?”
Reinante responded calmly.
“The princess is… Don’t you want to…?”
His words trailed off, leaving her puzzled.
“What?”
Was he really planning to treat me like this? Turning his back on me all of a sudden…? What does he mean?
Her expression must have looked absurd.
“Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?”
“I would like to suggest a more convenient way to travel.”
Laiya raised an eyebrow, growing increasingly irritated.
“Do you hear what people say about you being shameless?”
She wanted to turn down his offer, but before she could decline, Ice suddenly appeared above Rainante’s head.
Ice?
[Master. Warning, accumulated fatigue due to training. Suggestion, to accept a reasonable offer!]
Laiya hesitated as she weighed her options.
“Uhm, but…”
[Advice! Advice! The Guardian is concerned! Concerned!]
She gave up looking for a different solution.
“Alright…”
My legs Are sore anyway, and plus, Reinante had insisted.
So, I’ll allow Lord Reinante to carry me. It’s only polite… Yes.
It felt surprisingly comfortable, just like when she was unexpectedly hugged the day before.
“It’s really inconvenient, but it’ll become a problem if I get used to this.”
Rainante appeared confused at her conclusion.
“Why? You’re a precious person, so I think you should enjoy it to the fullest.”
Laiya was trying to convey that it wouldn’t be a valuable experience if she was carried too often. She didn’t want something so precious to her to become too common.
“I won’t know how to cherish something truly precious.”
Reinante seemed like he was about to say something to disagree, but before he could, the little girl excitedly tapped him on the shoulder.
“Oh, I see Roy over there!”
The knight’s pace made the journey quite quick.
This is great!
“Thank you, Ice!”
[This Guardian is competent!]
She quickly thanked Ice for the suggestion, and watched as the adorable little spirit floated triumphantly, extending its arms in joy.
Wow, so cute… I want to squeeze you!
“Roy!”
As soon as Rainante set her down, Laiya rushed over.
Roy, who was catching his breath, lowered his sword.
At the same time, Ruben, who had been sparring with Roy, also lowered his weapon.
“I greet the Princess!”
“Yes, hello, Ruben.”
Laiya took a moment to wave at him before she turned her attention to her beloved black puppy.
He looked incredibly handsome, covered in sweat as if he had worked out intensely for hours on end.
He is even more attractive than the descriptions in the book.
Laiya couldn’t help but think about how handsome he would become as he grew up.
“Did you work hard today too, big brother?”
He didn’t respond as she expected.
Instead, the black pup slowly averted his gaze.
It almost seems like he is avoiding eye contact.
But then, before she could investigate the cause, he looked back at her with a refreshed expression.
Why did he suddenly turn into a black cat after not seeing him for a while?
[T/N: Meaning why he’s become like a cat in personality. Cats: ”I’ll come when I want to come, meow.”]
“Big brother?”
Still, there was no reply.
“Aren’t you going to answer me? Won’t you talk to me?”
Ice flew out and playfully hit Roy on the cheek, as if to scold him for not responding to his master.
The little girl almost burst into laughter, who knew the little snowman could be so playful.
But it would be weird to randomly laugh out loud.
“Ice, don’t do that. He’s my brother.”
Laiya couldn’t help but wonder why Roy was behaving that way.
When she glanced at Ruben, he looked away, appearing somewhat embarrassed.
“Um… I’m here, you know?”
“Huh?”
“Why… Um… Yesterday… Why didn’t you… I’m here?”
As soon as their eyes met, Roy’s gaze dropped, and he looked sullen.
“I’m not strong, so you’re already gone looking for someone else?”
“Someone else?”
“Second…guy.”
He pouted.
Laiya thought it was strange how their family members in this household didn’t address each other properly.
Stephan had called Roy the third guy as well.
It didn’t seem like a typical family.
“No, it’s not like that. But brother, how did you know I met Stephan?”
“…By chance.”
“Did you see me on the day I met Stephan?”
“…”
Laiya sighed, causing Roy to nod in return.
It was a bit puzzling because the only time she had met Stephan was the day she received her pass.
She wondered why this conversation had come up only now.
“That’s the only time I met him, brother. I haven’t seen him since, and as you are my brother, would you like someone to call you ‘hey’? Our second brother calls me that.”
“Oh… No.”
“Right. I don’t like it either.”
“Hmm.”
Though he answered calmly, Roy’s face lit up like a blooming flower.
It seemed as if an invisible tail was wagging in excitement.
“…And the reason I couldn’t come yesterday was that I was busy studying.”
“Studying?”
“Yes, my brother is currently studying swordsmanship diligently. I thought I should try something too. Though it doesn’t mean I can’t use a sword.”
That’s true.
If my life doesn’t depend on using a sword, then why force it? I’ve found a comfortable niche in this world anyway.
“So I guess I won’t be able to come here often for a while. I think I need to study hard too. I’ve decided to help you, though.”
“No, that’s not necessary!”
“What? That won’t work, brother, a relationship that relies on only one person ends up being difficult for both parties.”
She tightly held Roy’s hands, though it was a bit challenging to do so with his larger hands.
“I’ll come as often as possible. Big brother, let’s do our best together.”
Here, you and I are starting a new life. It’s not a predetermined fate anymore. From now on, brother, you and I will pave our own path!
“The only person on my side is my brother, you know?”
Roy glanced at her and slowly nodded, causing his cheeks to flush a peachy hue.
“…You’re the only one who offered to be on my side.”
“Really? Well, since you’re the only one who said I’d be on your side, it’s settled.”
The smiling girl let go of his hand. About to step back, she was startled when Roy took her tiny hand gently.
“I’ll become stronger. Faster.”
Perhaps because of his youth, his crystal-clear, jewel-like eyes were fixed on her with a glimmer.
It was a sincere gaze, like that of a newly hatched chick.
“So next time, I’ll come find you.”
Laiya rolled her eyes, smiled and nodded.
“Hehe, gladly. It would be nice for both of us to become stronger faster.”
I look forward to it.
Thank you so much for translating!