Chapter 33

"Even though you have a fiancé, you're letting a man serve you? What on earth are you thinking?"

"Eh... eh, ah, eh...?"

Before Rabi could comment, feeling at a loss, the time rewinds a bit, to a moment just before she stood there with a slightly indifferent look, staring at Fehr.

***

The training sessions with Sai were incredibly productive. Even though she didn't particularly feel lonely eating alone, sitting side by side and sharing a meal brought a sense of comfort to her heart. But that was all. She couldn't afford to lose herself in feelings for the target of Nellara's affection, nor did she have any such inclination. Rabi kept telling herself this and, as usual, they bowed to each other and left the courtyard, saying, "Thank you for today."

As soon as they did, the distance between Sai and Rabi returned to that of mere acquaintances. If one looked closely, one might notice that Sai was walking behind her, guarding her surroundings. Despite his usual cheerful demeanor, there was none of that now. He was clearly concerned about the people around them. However, Rabi found this considerate, and it made her feel more at ease. When he pointed out that her waist was dirty, she recalled her actions in the courtyard, where she had sat on the ground without a care, likely picking up a few leaves.

She patted her bottom with both hands, but since she couldn't reach, Sai shook his head slightly. "It's here." He pointed with his long fingers, and Rabi twisted her neck to see. She struggled to confirm the spot, but it didn't take long. Unfortunately, the timing and location were bad. She realized Fehr was waiting in the carriage, looking at her with a stern gaze. And then came the line in question.

Rabi should have been more careful. Fehr's words stung a little, but only a little. However, involving Sai made her feel guilty.

(Actually, Fehr, he's here under the prince's orders, you know?)

She wanted to make an excuse, but she couldn't reveal that she was being monitored because of suspicions, especially to her brother who didn't know the full story. All she could do was sigh.

"...Fehr, he's not that kind of person. Goodbye, Lord Sai."

She secretly patted the dirty spot again and saw Sai off. She noticed a slight change in his eyes, a look of concern. She should be grateful. He might not be a solid ally, but he cared about her. Still, mindful of her position, she watched him disappear and ignored Fehr's gaze as she quickly got into the carriage.

If Fehr was going to bring up her fiancé, what about Baldo himself? As soon as Nellara gained her noble status and entered the academy, she started openly flirting with him.

Fehr probably didn't know this. The middle school and the academy were in different buildings, so rumors didn't spread much. When Nellara was a maid in the Heathfenn household, they had been more discreet, going on secret dates. Rabi knew this because Nellara often boasted about it.

—The one with the light, fluffy bottom is your love interest, Fehr?

Telling Fehr this would only make their relationship worse, and she didn't want to belittle others like Nellara did. It was best for Rabi to keep quiet.

She knew he disliked her. Their relationship had always been strained, and he was a victim too. No one would want to be involved with a sister who was clearly unstable. Despite this, Rabi thought Fehr was patient. They met in the carriage almost every day.

Even though they were going to the same place, it was impressive how he could endure such a small space. Of course, it was a noble carriage, much more comfortable than those used by commoners.

While occasionally hearing the horses' neighs, Rabi and Fehr looked out the window, avoiding each other's gaze. Until recently, Rabi had been very sickly and rarely went to the academy. So, she hadn't felt as uncomfortable, and even though he disliked her, he was still her brother. She had been lonely and often wanted someone by her side.

(But this is Rabi's situation. Fehr should be able to be as demanding as he wants.)

After all, they were the Heathfenn family. There was no way they would skimp on carriage expenses, and if he insisted on not interacting with his sister, they could easily provide a driver. Or perhaps he didn't feel the need to change things because they had always been this way.

"...About earlier..."

It took Rabi a moment to realize Fehr had spoken. His voice was almost drowned out by the sound of the wheels, and she thought she might have misheard. "Huh?" Confused, she quickly turned to Fehr. He still had a serious look on his face and avoided her gaze, staring out the window.

"About that man earlier. What were you thinking?"

His young, cute face was furrowed with deep wrinkles.

"What do you mean..."

He was bringing up a conversation that was supposed to be over. Was he still upset because she had forced the conversation to end and gotten into the carriage? Maybe he was still angry. But for Rabi, Sai's honor was more important than Fehr's anger. She couldn't affirm any romantic involvement with Sai. She lowered her voice firmly. "There's nothing. He's the prince's guard. There's nothing going on." She almost sighed.

"You may think so, but there are other people's perceptions to consider."

She swallowed the words, "Say that to Nellara," thinking she was being quite patient. "Besides," Fehr added, clearly irritated, "that man had a very lecherous look in his eyes."

Rabi almost made a strange sound. "Huh, fuh..." It was hard not to laugh. Was it just that teenage boys saw everything that way when a man and woman were together? Or was it funny to think of Sai with a lecherous look?

She wanted to laugh but couldn't risk making things worse, so she bit her lip and looked out the window like Fehr. The conversation ended there. It was a rare exchange with her brother, and she thought it wouldn't happen again for a while. That night, after a satisfying late-night snack, she was walking cautiously through the mansion, feeling light-hearted, when she almost bumped into Fehr due to mutual inattention.

"Whoa!"

"Ah!?"

They both fell on their bottoms, their vision blurring. Looking around, Rabi noticed the room Fehr had come from. According to her memory, it was an unused room, usually locked. Noticing her gaze, Fehr quickly stood up and pressed himself against the door. "......" "......" Clearly, he was hiding something. "......Is there something?" "No, well, ah..."

She decided to be the adult and not press the issue. She stood up quietly and said, "Fehr, why don't you go to bed soon?" before quickly leaving.

That room must be Fehr's secret place, she thought, based on her knowledge of games. But even without that knowledge, as his sister, she had a good idea of his hobbies. Personally, she thought he should do as he pleased, and her only thought was that it must be quite a late night for him.