Chapter 36

Big Brother has finally been accepted into the department of his choice.

So, to celebrate, I’m going to open the safe and get something special!

"Big Brother! I want to give you a present for your university acceptance! What would you like?"

At first, I thought about surprising him with something, but I couldn’t come up with a good idea.

Maybe a watch? But even with my savings, I couldn’t afford a watch suitable for the heir of the Kichijouin family, so I reluctantly gave up on that.

Well, I might be able to afford it if I spent all my money, but...

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t come up with a nice present idea, so I decided to ask him directly.

Come on, Big Brother! I’ve saved up my New Year’s money, so I have quite a bit! Don’t be shy!

It’s for a rainy day, but I’ll use it for your celebration!

"I’ve saved up my New Year’s money, so please tell me what you want!"

"Huh! You’re using your money?!"

Until now, I’ve always gone shopping for Christmas presents and birthday gifts with Mother, so I haven’t spent my own money.

And Big Brother didn’t know that I had been saving my New Year’s money.

He was surprised when he heard the amount. Actually, I have even more than that.

"Hmm, your feelings are enough, but..."

"That won’t do. I really want to celebrate."

I haven’t been able to do anything to support Big Brother, who has been working so hard.

I convinced the hesitant Big Brother, and the item he chose was a ballpoint pen from a famous luxury stationery brand known for its white star.

It cost less than I expected, which was a bit of a letdown.

But I’m sure he already has a few of their fountain pens and ballpoint pens.

"I like their pens because they write so smoothly. I thought I’d use the pen you gave me in university."

Oh! That’s great!

If Big Brother uses the gift I gave him every day, I’ll be really happy.

With that decided, let’s go buy it right away!

Big Brother and I went to the store together, tried out various pens, and bought the one he liked.

Big Brother was very happy. I was also very happy to see him so pleased.

After that, we had lunch at an Italian restaurant!

Big Brother has been busy with exam preparation, and after that, he’s been getting his driver’s license and going out with friends, so I haven’t spent much time with him recently. Today, I’m so excited.

"What would you like, Reika?"

"Hmm, let me see..."

I’m looking at the menu, trying to decide. Oh, ravioli. It’s so delicious.

After we placed our order, Big Brother and I were chatting happily when a woman called out to us.

"Excuse me, are you the Kichijouin siblings?"

"───!!"

"This is Ms. Kaburagi. It’s been a while. This is my sister, Reika."

Big Brother stood up to greet her, so I hurriedly stood up and greeted her as well.

I-It’s Ms. Kaburagi’s mother!!!

Ms. Kaburagi’s mother is a sharp and beautiful woman. I’ve met her once or twice at parties.

At those times, I only exchanged brief greetings.

"Yes, of course I remember. Reika, it’s been a while. You’ve grown taller since the last time we met, haven’t you?"

Ms. Kaburagi’s mother smiled at me, but I could only manage a tense, forced smile.

You don’t have to remember me. I’d rather you forget me forever.

After a few more words with Big Brother, Ms. Kaburagi’s mother looked at me and said,

"Reika, you’re in the same grade as my son, Masaya, and Mizuran, right? Are you close with Masaya?"

Geez!

"No, unfortunately, we’re in different classes, so I don’t have many opportunities to get close to Masaya-sama."

I have no intention of getting close to him.

"Oh, is that so? Then why don’t you come over to our house sometime? Masaya only invites Shusuke from the Enjo family to his house. It would be nice to have a girl around."

Absolutely not!

Besides, there’s Yurie-sama! She’s been coming over since she was little!

Absolutely not! Absolutely not!

Ms. Kaburagi’s mother, oblivious to my inner panic, left with a beautiful smile.

What a disaster...

The pleasant mood from before was gone, and I sat down in a daze while Big Brother looked at me curiously.

"What’s wrong? You seem off."

"…No, I was just surprised to see Ms. Kaburagi suddenly."

Ms. Kaburagi’s mother remembered my name and my existence.

It’s not a big deal, but for a timid person like me, everything related to the Kaburagi family is scary.

That mother has appeared in the manga a few times...

Oh, right!

"Big Brother, when you talk to Father and Mother about meeting Ms. Kaburagi’s wife today, will you not mention that she invited me to her house? It was just a polite invitation! I don’t want Father and Mother to take it seriously!"

"…You don’t want to go to the Kaburagi house?"

Of course, I absolutely don’t want to go!

"Well, I think I can keep it from them. I won’t mention it. Do you dislike Masaya? Has he done something to you?"

"No, it’s not like that! It’s just that Father and Mother expect me to get close to the Kaburagis, and there have been misunderstandings before. I’m just not ready for that yet..."

"I see. It’s too early for you, Reika."

Big Brother, you’re my only hope.

Even though the Italian food that was served was one of my favorites, I couldn’t really taste it due to the shock.

When I got home and flopped onto my bed, I remembered Ms. Kaburagi from "You Are My Dolce."

She was a capable person who supported Mr. Kaburagi’s work.

When Masaya was little, if he misbehaved, she would give him a merciless punishment.

She has a beautiful and striking appearance, just like Masaya. Masaya takes after his mother.

But that’s not important.

As the heir and beloved only son, the emperor was hesitant about his son dating a commoner and scolded the emperor several times.

Despite being pressured by Reika and her parents to hold an engagement party for Masaya and Reika, she was moved by her son’s resolve and the protagonist’s unwavering love and blessed the couple.

While Reika, who had been beaten to a pulp and left unable to recover, watched on...

Oh no… I definitely don’t want to get involved.