Chapter 28

And then, there was Michaeles' love and reality.

Alber's path to renouncing the ducal family is long... If it were known, everyone would try to stop him.

Probably, if he were accidentally released outside, he would immediately be recovered by Papa, or Julius and Kishutaria would take immediate action. Michaeles would be involved and used by the first three before he could even try to move. Don't worry. But as an adult, I can forgive a little for the sake of someone important.

The tension from the unfamiliar outing relaxed with the fragrant tea.

Smia is quite skilled at making tea. When I told Gibril this, Gibril also smiled happily.

Carreras, with a trembling hand, cautiously brought the tea to his mouth.

I understand that he should not be in a position to sit before me. However, he is not aggressive towards me; rather, he is considerate.

Still, men are scary. Even though I know he has no ill intentions or hostility, he is tall and, being a knight, well-built. It might have worsened due to the incident with Prince Lucas.

Fortunately, Gibril and Anna are here, and the guards assigned by Father are also present, so it should be safe.

"Um, Lady Albertina, may I ask a question?"

"Yes, of course. Feel free to ask, as long as I can answer."

"What is your relationship with Lord Demetrius?"

"We are childhood friends. Gibril and I have known each other since we were young. He has been very kind to me."

One of my few childhood friends and a dear friend.

It seems he has special feelings for me, but honestly, I have no intention of reciprocating.

However, considering the situation at home and how Father is manipulating Michaeles, I feel I am also somewhat responsible. If he is in trouble now, I would like to help him a little.

I have been trying to convey this subtly through letters—maybe it's just lip service? I'm not sure if it's a bluff or a flag... I hope he finds a wonderful young lady soon and doesn't get caught by strange women. I'm worried as a childhood friend.

"Since he has inherited the title and is close to graduating from the academy...

He comes from a prestigious family and is a very hardworking and serious person.

Why can't he find a suitable match?"

"Lord Carreras, please don't say anything about this.

I know the reason. His standards are very high, and there are very few women who meet them.

The only woman who does is of noble birth and has a unique upbringing, making it impossible to approach her directly. She is also quite stubborn and has no intention of marrying. She has a very powerful guardian, so any aggressive approach would be suicidal. All the wolves and vultures aiming for him have been defeated. It's a dead end."

"......Is that so?"

"Yes, that's so."

Gibril nodded solemnly, and Lord Carreras looked as if he wished he hadn't known. The knight, now looking dejected, was dismissed by Gibril with a wave of her hand. Lord Carreras bowed deeply to me before returning to his guard duties.

"Oh! Has Michaeles found someone he likes?"

"......Indeed, the beauty and pheromones of Lady Kishutaria were all repelled... No, he didn't even notice. I don't have the hobby of sending salt to the enemy, but I think a round of applause for the man who bravely challenged her is in order."

"I have never been courted by Kishutaria?"

"That's too much... When we were young, he confessed his love in a cute way and said he wanted me to stay when I expressed interest in entering a convent."

"Convent!? What do you mean!?"

"I asked Father, but I didn't get permission..."

"That's understandable... That duke would never let you go, even to the grave."

"So, if I can't be a nun, I'll try to become a commoner.

As a noble lady, I have no value, but as a commoner, even with some flaws, it's acceptable. There's no social season! Fortunately, I can use magic, so I plan to find a job with that."

"Stop it, sister! Who would dare to defile you!?"

"Like Julius. It's fine; if I pretend to be a late bloomer and hide for a while..."

"It won't work. Your graceful manners are those of an upper-class noble. Even if you try to hide your appearance, your posture and voice are those of a princess."

Hikikomori, etiquette is up to the mark. Should I be happy about this?

Indeed, a person's upbringing often shows in their actions.

Julius, for example, occasionally has a sharp tongue. He speaks softly and blends in, but the fact that he shows this side to me means he trusts me or thinks I'm harmless...

"If so, perhaps you should look for a job that doesn't involve public exposure..."

"Why not just get married normally? As a noble lady, you can choose your partner freely. Whether it's royalty or one of the four ducal families, you can go anywhere."

"...That's just what they want, not me.

I can marry, but I can't participate in social events. A lady who can't create a position for herself—what value does she have? My existence would be the best hostage for Father."

The consequences of always avoiding social events have caught up with me.

Even if I learn etiquette, I have no experience in the actual social world. I would be an easy target.

I would be the most pluckable prey.

"That's..."

Gibril stammers.

Gibril, who knows the luxurious and harsh, yet cruel and grim world of the nobility, understands this well.

"But, is that something you should sacrifice yourself for?

The duke loves you more than anything.

I don't think he would be happy with anything gained at the cost of your suffering."

Gibril pleads. Gibril truly understands.

She might understand better than I do.

"That's why."

Gibril's red eyes waver. I look into them, not averting my gaze, and say:

"Father needs no one else deeply.

I can't bear the thought of Father or the ducal family being overshadowed because of me.

I know this is selfish... I know, but just as Father wants to protect me, I want to protect what is important to me."

I should pay the price for my negligence.

The original Albertina used Father's power to do as she pleased in both the social world and the academy. I was the same. I lived comfortably under Father's care, abandoning my role as a noble.

Gibril's face contorted, and I could see the mask of the noble lady slipping off.

"I love you, sister. I want to be with you forever.

You are so beautiful, elegant, and kind—my constant inspiration."

"Thank you, Gibril. I love you too."

"There are many who love you...

They are waiting for you to take their hand. Don't forget that they are always reaching out to you..."

I know that hand might lead to hell, but I can't take it.

So, I can only smile ambiguously.

I am a coward. A coward.

I don't have the courage to take that hand and go with it, like a heroine.

At first, I was only afraid of my own destruction, but now I fear causing destruction to those around me.

Father, who cherishes me, my beloved step-brother, my worried step-mother, my always helpful Julius, and my ever-present Anna. Even in the narrow world of the ducal family, I have grown to love them more than enough. I love Gibril and Michaeles too and consider them very important. But I can't be a source of strength for