Chapter 17

This is a continuation of the school story. It will continue a bit more.

"Miss, I would like to help with your new idea.

I have always thought the same. Recently, even though there are more cute and beautiful dresses, they don't seem to stand out much."

"That's true. Personally, I want to improve the nightwear and loungewear.

Silk negligees are comfortable, but I think we should use more seasonal materials, make them more functional, and above all, having only white is boring."

"What kind of things do you have in mind?"

"In warm weather, I want something more breathable. In winter, thicker, fluffier materials would be nice.

Of course, we should add more colors, simple patterns, and one-point designs to make them more appealing."

Not exactly fur, but microfiber material? Terry cloth? Soft, fluffy materials are good. Matching slippers and nightcaps could also be included.

Can such fabrics even be developed?

There is velvet, but it is an expensive material. Quietly.

But here, we will use the Latigche family's wealth to develop them!

...I intend to invest all my efforts so that I can go to the convent without any regrets.

I haven't done anything to ruin or belittle the heroine yet. There's no reason for me to be condemned, and I don't even know her. Even the princes' faces are blurry.

By the way, I asked the men to step out for a moment and am discussing a new business with Gibril.

Julius seemed to want to stay until the end, but Father sternly took him away. Under the pretext of male socializing, they are talking about something in the greenhouse visible from the salon.

Father, you're not interrogating them, are you? Even if I try to secretly peek, the distance and angle are so perfect that I can't see their expressions.

"I will also discreetly gather information from trustworthy sources on what would be good."

"Thank you, Gibril."

I was so excited about the joint venture with Gibril, whom I treat like a little sister, that I completely forgot why I came to this school.

Gibril is so cute that thoughts of the heroine and the princes completely slipped my mind.

Gibril is really cute. When I hugged her, she was a bit surprised but quickly hugged me back. The three men, who had just experienced the iron fist punishment, felt various threats from Gibril. I didn't notice the expressions they had on their faces, as I was too focused on being cute with Gibril.

With Gibril, who has no flags or bluffs, I can be cute without worry.

That full smile was actually a triumphant smirk directed at the three behind her.

The first to lose patience was Kistaria.

Last time, she was forbidden to see Latia Mother after being scolded severely. Despite returning home, she couldn't have a proper conversation.

"...Sister, shouldn't we talk to us as well?"

The long-unused "sister" call made me immediately turn to Kistaria.

In response, Julius looked at me with the eyes of someone seeing something pitiful.

Kistaria, using the humiliating "sister" call to compete with Gibril, and Albertina, who wagged her tail and was delighted despite being subjected to something close to a night raid, were both pitiful.

"Well, do you want to talk to me? Yes, I also wanted to see Kistaria."

I clasped my fingers in front of my chin and smiled at the rare request from my adorable step-brother.

My step-brother, who has grown up, hardly ever acts cute with me.

I completely ignored Kistaria's slightly strained expression and was overjoyed. Julius looked as if he had a headache, and Michaelis couldn't help but smile wryly. Only Gibril gave Kistaria a cold look.

Father casually sat next to me and secured his place.

"Albert is a good child who thinks of the family."

"Is that so?"

"Cute Albert... you don't have to hold back. Just take what you want.

There's no need to live modestly, toil, or live a pure life.

Albert, what do you want? Tell me your wish."

Father, do you have to ask that question regularly?

Everyone, who had been in a relaxed mood, suddenly became tense and silent at that question. Oh, Father...

Is it so wrong that I said I want to go to the convent so much...

Father is a supporter of indulging Albert. I don't want to be a villain.

I am happy enough with Father and the others—so I don't want the carefully crafted happiness to be destroyed. If it must be destroyed, I want to end it myself without hurting anyone.

"Father, please come back for my birthday this year!"

"I did come back, didn't I?"

"It's for you, Father! This year, I will prepare a cake with controlled sweetness that even Father will find delicious!"

"Oh, for me?"

He seems to have completely forgotten...!

I know Father is busy! But if I don't say it, he really will forget! He takes at least a week off for my birthday!

When messengers from the capital or officials and knights come, he has Sebastian handle them and makes them wait.

Father basically doesn't celebrate his own birthday.

I hear that some nobles go all out on their birthdays. Father, who has the means, seems to have no interest at all. It's his own birthday, after all...

"This year, I will make the cake. It might not be as good as a pastry chef's, but..."

Even with improved kitchen equipment, it was difficult for a pampered daughter to take over the kitchen.

When I said it was a secret from Father, no one would nod!

Reluctantly, I got permission to make a cheese cake that doesn't require much fire or knife use.

The pastry chef was to bake the tart crust, which I was not allowed to approach the stove or oven for, but I got permission to mix the dough.

Sebastian said that if I got even a small burn or cut, the head chef and the entire kitchen staff might lose their heads—there's really not much I can do for Father as a shut-in.

It might not be sufficient for Father's refined palate, but I will put all my love into it!

As I made excuses in my mind, I fidgeted with my fingers, and Father looked at me with a puzzled expression.

He opened his aqua-blue eyes wide, blinked a few times, and suddenly looked up at the sky, pressing his fingertips to the corners of his eyes. After a moment, he spoke in a slightly trembling voice.

"Sorry, Albert. Father has some business to attend to."

"Huh?"

"First, I need to crush the eastern barbarians, then deal with the riffraff along the border... The first prince's faction self-destructing is fine, but I need to take down the princess's and second prince's factions to maintain balance.

Negotiations with Goyulan will go faster if I handle them. If Dalen messes up and passes the problem to me, it will take longer... I need to tighten the grip on the noble council and the senate to prevent unnecessary interference."

Father!?

What are you thinking!?

Father started muttering something quickly.

Is it just me, or does the content seem very dangerous?

I look around in panic, but everyone shakes their heads.

Why do they all look like they're saying, "It's the end"!?

Is the cake I'm making for Father that dangerous!?

The test cake, while not as smooth as a professional's, didn't taste bad!

As a shut-in, I have a lot of time, so I made many test cakes.

I even made tiramisu when I got bored, but it's not ready for Father yet!

But, what about coffee jelly?

"Business... What about the father-son date in the capital?"

I was looking forward to going out with Father.

The sadness seeped into my voice, and Father looked very apologetic.

Even though it was my careless words that caused this. I knew Father would do anything for me. I was the one who made the request first.

"...I'm sorry, Albert. I will definitely make time for your birthday."

"Really? ...A birthday party without the main person would be so sad."

"Of course. Father will definitely be there."

"Please don't overwork yourself. Father's health is essential for my happiness."

Father, you really dote on me too much.

It was my fault for asking, but... Is it okay to change Father's work schedule, which involves national defense and politics, just like that?

Please don't overwork yourself, Father.

Father gave me a melting smile and hugged me, then entrusted me to Anna and Raven and went back to work with Sebastian.

"I hope he doesn't go overboard and destroy a country."

"Why would he need to do that?"

"Didn't you say that, Lady Albert?"

"I just want to celebrate Father's birthday."

Just a day—no, even half a day or an hour would be enough.

Unlike me, a shut-in, Father is very busy. The birthday is a few months away, but I didn't expect it to be such a big deal.

Julius, adjusting his glasses, sighed.

Michaelis, standing next to him, also shook his head.

"It could have been a reason for the duke."

"Ugh... I admit I said it too easily. I'll be more careful."

I want to say it's ridiculous, but Father might actually do it.

Michaelis is a count but has a territory along the border. He can command and even go to the battlefield.

Father's work might have repercussions. I feel guilty.

Father went to work with a smile. He didn't seem in a bad mood, but will he take it out on others? I'm worried.

"Will Father cause trouble for others by being too enthusiastic?

Michaelis, if Father asks you to do something unreasonable, please tell me without hesitation. I will do what I can to help."

I can only stop him with words, but I'm the only one Father can't attack.

I won't let Michaelis, an important childhood friend and a very reasonable and sensible person, be reduced to a rag by Father!

As I got fired up, Michaelis gently took a strand of my hair and kissed it.

"That's more than enough."

I want to praise myself for not screaming.

From the gap in the red hair that fell on my bowed face, I could clearly see his expression. He slightly lowered his eyes, and a shadow fell on his cheeks. His vivid garnet eyes were firmly on me.

His handsome appearance and refined manners. His low, whisper-like voice. The slight kiss on the hair he held.

It was just a few seconds.

It's too much of a stimulus for a shut-in with no dating experience!

When Michaelis raised his face, his heated gaze pierced through me, making my brain feel dizzy.

Michaelis is only a year older than me, but he has this adult charm...

He doesn't usually, but he sometimes unexpectedly shows it!

I went into a mild panic. It felt like I saw something incredible. I've heard that knights have rituals and manners like kissing the hand or pressing the forehead of their protectee or a superior, but...

Why on the hair? Even without touching the skin, there was a subtle eroticism...

More than that, the original villainess, Albertina, is a stunning beauty. She is supposed to be pure and seductive, but is she completely defeated? I work hard on my beauty every day...

Why... Is it because I'm a dud inside?

What... I can't even cover that. I don't have any hidden charm...!?

With such a sexy body!

As I spaced out, Kistaria shook my shoulder. I realized she was looking at me with a pale face.

"Ah!"

"Albert, are you okay?"

"I'm back! Kistaria, will you call me 'sister' again?"

"Really!?"

It's important! ...Don't you get it?

Then I realized. Didn't Kistaria confess to me before?

It was overshadowed by the Latia Mother incident—but I couldn't distance myself from my dear step-brother, who I worry about, even if he's a death flag candidate. The type of affection is different, but there's no resentment—right? It's not a bluff flag! Can I trust you, Kistaria!?

As I got lost in my thoughts, I was hugged again and went on a mental trip to the universe.

...Has he grown taller again!?

No doubt, he definitely has. Before, his eyes were at my shoulder, but now his shoulder is at my forehead.

Oh, I hate how I fit perfectly! I hadn't noticed because it had been a while since we hugged, but the height difference has widened again! Grr!

Ah, if we get too close, my disguise glasses might fall off!

"Kistaria..."

"What is it, Albert?"

"You've grown taller again...?"

"Is that your reaction to being hugged?"

Why do I have to get that look of exasperation!? I'm quite concerned about it!

As I started to protest, Kistaria finally let go with a wry smile and fixed my slightly messy hair with his fingers. I stayed still. However, when he finished, the aura he exuded was like that of an enlightened bodhisattva.

I see this a lot lately.

"I think it's really good that Albert didn't come to the school."

"I agree, even now."

"Albert is too trusting."

"True, but it's also like her. I can't help but worry."

Kistaria, Julius, and Michaelis nodded deeply and looked at me. Even Gibril nodded? Why, Gibril?! Even the noble lady!

Did I cause such a dangerous problem?

I haven't caused any trouble since coming to the school and only met you guys.

Did I do something so bad? As I looked at them with a lowered brow, they sighed even more.

"Looking at men with that beautiful face will lead to misunderstandings in no time.

Even if they have no interest in you, it's entirely possible.

Some foolish people might try to force something on you.

Please understand that your every aspect is enough to captivate and transform people."

Julius spoke to me as if lecturing a child.

It wasn't out of anger or scolding, but genuine concern.

Indeed, the original Albert used her beauty and charm to manipulate and discard people. If they weren't charmed, she used her power to subdue them.

She treated everyone like dust and was eventually rejected.

But, to be approached and manipulated without even trying?

That's scary.

But, it's possible. Because I'm a dud. I might be easily deceived.

The people I know are all well-mannered, thanks to Father's upbringing. But not everyone in the world is. There might be a lot of Dora-like people out there...

I want to stay home... I'm scared...

As I became dejected and started to cry, Kistaria, who was completely the opposite of me, was smiling happily the whole time.

"It's safer to stay at home, Albert."

Is that where it ends?

Thank you for reading!