Chapter 22

"……It doesn’t really matter, but… Ed… are you free?"

Egiedilus Prince had followed her on her post-meal walk, which was becoming a daily routine.

Lina had finished her studies about the country.

When she had free time, she often used the "Appraisal" magic to examine various things, so she went outside a lot.

Thanks to Prince Schuel's recommendation, she sometimes visited the "Library" in the palace, but since it had many specialized books, she didn’t go there often.

Well, the picture books were interesting, though.

Besides, the lack of people made her recall unpleasant memories.

The silence was… strangely terrifying.

"…Not really… I’m not free…"

She spoke in a slightly sulky voice.

…Ah… These little gestures are so much like my brother…

That’s why… I can’t hate him.

"Then why are you following me?"

She said it playfully.

…Actually, she knew the reason.

He was looking out for her, making sure she wasn’t alone.

She knew he was a kind and good person at heart.

But let her say it… because she felt like crying…

Your gestures, your laugh, remind me of my brother.

"…………"

"…………"

Hey, are you being silent?

Lina peeked at Prince Egiedilus, who was about the same height as her.

"…Are you eating properly?"

He wasn’t as thin as Prince Schuel, but he was still a bit underweight.

"…You… sound like Mother…!"

He gave a loud retort.

…Pfft.

"…Haha!"

She couldn’t help but laugh at his retort.

Indeed, it did sound like a mother.

"…Haha… ha…"

"…You, really…"

Prince Egiedilus looked exasperated at Lina, who was still laughing.

But he fell silent when he saw the light in her eyes.

She looked like she was crying even though she was laughing.

Lina was happy that she could laugh out loud for the first time in a while…

…Is it okay for me to laugh…?

She whispered to the sky.

The midday sky felt like it connected to the other world.

Is it okay for me to try a little harder…?

She looked up at the sky, which didn’t give her an answer, trying to hold back her tears.