Sister, Don't Marry That Guy

36.

 

If Rainante had been at her side since the beginning, then perhaps his future would certainly not have been smooth.

“There’s no need to cling to the rotten rope. Just give your best in this moment because I fully understand your position.”

Laiya observed Ruben shouting something, likely a compliment, with a moved expression, and Roy accepting it even though he was visibly embarrassed.

“No, the gentlemen are already doing their best for me and my brother, so it’s enough for now.”

“Every time the princess reveals a non-childlike side like this, I feel presumptuously wishing she would appear even more childlike.”

“Huh?”

“…But you’re right. It is presumptuous of me.”

Even though she couldn’t answer his subtle words, Rainante spoke once more, as if to emphasize his point.

“I think that the exceptional case in which presumptuous actions and protests are allowed in the relationship between a lord’s knights and their lord is when there is a sincere desire to follow and serve the lord. With this, the lord becomes dangerous to their foes with their knights on standby.”

“… ”

“Please allow me to come forward next time.” 

Laiya blinked her bambi eyes.

In the distance, she could still hear Ruben’s tearful praise was still going on. 

Neither Reinante nor Laiya knew what his praises consisted of, nor did they care to find out for now. 

“… Why?”

Are you trying to catch a rotten rope? Don’t you know that I don’t have the power to give you two glory? I can’t protect you two from my family. 

She tried to speak out her concerns and doubts, but the words never came out. 

It wasn’t from lack of trying, as before she could voice out her thoughts, someone suddenly ran towards her at full speed.

“Rainante!”

It was a messenger sent by the knight commander. 

Perhaps due to the sudden appearance of the crown prince, Rainante and Ruben were urgently summoned. 

The little girl couldn’t hide the strange feeling that overcame her as she wordlessly watched the solid back running away from her.

It’s strange, Ice.

The  tiny snowman that was connected to Laiya’s consciousness rushed forward and floated at eye level.

I feel like I’ve always been alone since I was born, but lately there’s been more and more people around me, giving me comfort and support. 

[Denial. Guardians are not humans.]

Yeah, should I say it’s just the people and one guardian?

The little girl let out a small laugh and briefly headed towards the direction where Rainante and Ruben had disappeared.

Bursts of small happiness now and then were such a good thing. 

If only I could continue to be happy like I have been recently, even if I had to repeat this harsh life once more… I think I would be excited to look forward to the future. 

Laiya slowly turned around and looked at Roy, who was left alone. 

She smiled brightly as she lovingly gazed at her puppy-like third brother, whom she could now consider completely on her side. 

Truly on my side.

“Brother, I have something to tell you.”

A once-a-year visit by the imperial family and a gathering of relatives and retainers…We’ve finally reached it, ‘Competition Day’. 

I had promised myself when I decided on my counterattack. On competition day this year, I decided that we will not back down, we’re going to be a little busy.

“I’m going to my grandfather’s room during competition day, brother.”

 

* * *

 

At the same time, Crown Prince Helios received a perfunctory welcome from the main vassals along with the head of BlackWinter. 

Naturally, it was a mere formality, and everyone felt uncomfortable. 

Once again, the imperial family capriciously altered the schedule, showcasing their annual tyranny, this recurring display emphasized the arbitrary rule of the imperial family, an ongoing tradition.

Helios felt infuriated. 

As expected, it was an event attended by all major figures. 

This was because, not only was there no third person who had defeated him, but there was no little girl laughing. 

Only key figures, especially among the vassals, could participate here. 

The same was true for BlackWinter’s direct descendants. 

The little girl’s absence signified her true insignificance in the family.

“Ah, it’s acceptable if we compete here once more, but then Your Highness will also have to recount the tale of how you were decisively defeated by my third brother, whose name is not even known.”

Defeated by trivial matters. 

This affirmed the truth in the little girl’s words, escalating his humiliation. 

Helios’ noble pride prevented him from disclosing the truth to anyone, as Laiya had anticipated. 

No, he couldn’t admit it, even if it meant his demise. 

It was a source of shame and humiliation for the arrogant prince.

“Are you Kyle BlackWinter?” 

At the dinner table, Kyle, seated on the right, raised his head at the questioning tone of the crown prince who was at the head of the table. 

Although the prince had already greeted him, there must be a reason for him to inquire again, and Kyle silently acknowledged it. 

“That’s correct.”

“…I heard that the current head of the family has three sons. You are the first, and you are the second.”

“Yes, this is my brother, the second Stephen BlackWinter.” 

Helios didn’t spare a glance at his second son, Stefan. 

His sole interest was on something else entirely. 

He directed his attention back to Kyle. 

“Your sword is renowned even if it isn’t visible right now, so what about the third one?”

Kyle felt skeptical. 

He was aware that his name had gained recognition in the imperial family. 

Now that Stefan had been introduced, wasn’t it a suitable time to inquire about the skills of the second brother, Stefan? 

Or perhaps, is he trying to inquire about Roy BlackWinter? 

However, he hid his inner thoughts, before Kyle responded smoothly. 

“I apologize, but my third brother’s skills are indescribable, to the extent that he couldn’t attend this event.” 

Since this was accurate, Kyle’s voice held no remorse. 

Nonetheless, it shocked Helios immensely. 

I was genuinely defeated by an unknown individual? And in just three rounds?!

Helios clenched his fists tightly. 

The humiliation he experienced for the first time in his life consumed him entirely. 

Helios, who later became the royal mad dog and retained these qualities, intensified his rage as the words uttered emotionlessly by Kyle played out in his thoughts repeatedly. 

He would never forget this humiliation.

“If you feel aggrieved, I hope you address it publicly.” 

Strangely, more than the face of the boy who defeated him, only the face of the girl smiling impishly dominated his thoughts. 

Simultaneously, in the same location, another individual was covertly clenching his fist. 

“…Didn’t you say it wasn’t a significant matter, brother?”

It was Stefan, the second child who spoke up. 

Although it was clearly in reference to the third child, Kyle’s gaze was fixed on him. 

Despite attending the event, he felt like something was amiss. 

A fleeting moment of anger and sorrow crossed the boy’s face, but it was merely momentary. 

The restrained expression looked remarkably familiar.

 

* * *

 

“Hey, brother. Did you catch everything I just explained?”

The lazy little girl laid out her plans and intentions bare for Roy. 

However, his response was unusually composed, bordering on indifference.

“You caught all of it, right?”

“Yes, I heard.”

“Really? But is that all there is to it? Really?”

“What more should there be?”

“No, it’s not quite like that…”

It perplexed Laiya as her announcement wasn’t solely about heading to their Grandfather’s room. 

To reach Grandfather’s room, one must traverse a hallway lined with chief knights and may need to disarm the magic in the room. 

Above all, there must be a scenario that they would act out should it lead to an incident if caught.

I don’t know if it could really escalate to something happening.

The mere thought of being caught sent shivers down her spine.

“Listen carefully, brother.”

Laiya underscored the tight security near her grandfather’s room, after constantly sharing information from Kalidupen and Rainante. 

To dispel the magic, she subtly mentioned she could use a magic scroll to erase her presence or cancel the magic. 

Surprisingly, her third brother accepted it calmly. 

Had Roy not realized the danger of the situation yet?

“But you’re going to do it, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Then you should do it.”

“Uh…”

Was this the demeanor of an upcoming knight?

It felt oddly like the time she had heard people say, “If you have to peel it, then peel it.” 

Roy’s red eyes showed no doubt or hesitation in his younger sister’s actions. 

It seemed he would follow her without questioning, even if she asked him to jump into a fire.

Her brother’s trust in her left her astounded.

“Brother, even if someone gives you candy, you shouldn’t chase after it, okay? Even if they look like me, don’t follow me.”

“Your appearance… Are you talking about mimicry magic? I think the presence is different.”

“Even if they use magic, can you feel that their presence is different? —No, no. I’m just saying don’t chase after anyone.”

It appeared this black puppy wouldn’t pursue anyone after all. 

Taming him was no small feat, Laiya felt a bit satisfied and proud.

Ice, I guess I have a bit of talent for taming things.

[Positive. The owner is outstanding in all talents!]

Oh my, that doesn’t mean they’ll even have it gold lacquered… Hehe, that’s good.

“Yes, I know you understood everything. I wasn’t so surprised that I thought I explained it wrong. Anyway, brother, the execution date is in 4 days.”

“Four days later.”

The little girl nodded, signaling with four fingers spread out.

“Yes, at that time, there will be a general meeting where everyone gathers, as well as a banquet in the evening. All surveillance and escort will probably be focused in that direction. Comparatively, there are fewer items placed in Grandfather’s room.”

This information was gathered through a conversation with the ever steady Rainante. 

At least it is deployed ‘minimally’ throughout their infiltration path. 

“We have to seize this moment. I really need to see our grandfather.”

“Okay. What should I do?”

“Brother, how many people can you eliminate? I’m not a knight trainee, so it might be difficult to guess, so tell me briefly.”

“I do not know how many I can take on… But I’ll give it a try.”

Roy agreed to practice and train for the task. 

Laiya had doubts about whether he could improve in 4 days, but she ignored any doubts and nodded encouragingly.

“I’ll help you more when Ruben comes back. You won’t know where Ruben will be used anyway.”

“…”

“Brother, I’m going to study now. Don’t push yourself too hard today.”

“Ahh…”

When the little girl mentioned leaving to go to the library to study, Roy looked visibly downcast but didn’t object. 

Glancing at his sword, it seemed like he was eager to start practicing to protect his sister in four days.

“See you later, brother.”