Chapter 40

The Fil I know has always loved to take things easy, and would reluctantly move only when scolded by my younger self.

Without knowing any better, I treated Fil like an older brother... Now, looking back, I feel that I was very rude.

"I warned you before you reached that age. I told you not to do anything strange with your sister, and I also said that if Lucie were to fall in love, I would ban you from the house. Fortunately, you never changed. You were engaged, so everything was supposed to end peacefully. But Lucie's engagement was broken, and you ended up having to rely on his power. Because of that, he lost his restraint. ...I was too lenient, and I'm the one most at fault."

Sighing deeply, my brother Albes straightened his posture and looked at me directly.

"But now that things have come to this, we can't go back to the way things were. ...He is the prince. With the young royal children, he is currently the first in line for the throne. Keep that in mind and listen to me."

I put the glass on the table. After seeing this, my brother continued slowly.

"Lucie. Do you... like Fil?"

I tried to answer immediately, but no words came out. I don't even know what I was trying to answer. I have always liked Fil, but what my brother is asking is not the affection I used to feel for him.

"You know, he will probably marry a noblewoman of high rank. ...I don't want to make you his mistress. You might be able to have children and receive a decent amount of wealth, but it would be an unstable position. However, if you choose that path, I am considering giving you the title of viscount. You can claim to be uninvolved if anything happens, and if you have a child, they will at least be treated as a member of the viscount family."

Albes' face was stern, but there was no hesitation in his words. Perhaps he had considered various scenarios. I tried to say something more, but Albes closed his mouth, shook his head, and stood up. When I looked up, he gave me a gentle smile.

"I hope you can forget about him. He understands his origins, so he will probably back off."

"…Will I have to cut ties with you too, brother?"

"It can't be helped. There is a difference in our social status."

With that, my brother headed for the door. But before opening it, he turned and beckoned me. When I approached, he spoke in a hushed, serious tone.

"Once I leave, make sure to lock the door. ...Even if Fil comes, don't open the door under any circumstances. I trust his rationality, but he might not be normal. So..."

"I understand. I won't open the door at night."

"Good."

My brother nodded in satisfaction, ruffled my hair, and left. I locked the door as instructed. After locking it, I laughed to myself, thinking that if no one came, it would just be ridiculous.

My mood wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Perhaps it was because my brother Albes put into words the things I had been vaguely worrying about.

My brother showed me the options. After hearing them, I had already made my decision.

Born into the Laguren Viscount family, I am a proud and independent girl, just like my brother. I save money to hire servants and do housework and cooking myself, and I also do field work and get sunburned.

But because of my overly strong pride and independence, I can't bear the thought of sharing the prince... Fil, with another woman.

If I were to compromise that.

...I would surely break my heart someday. Seeing me like that, Fil would also surely suffer.

If I can meet Fil tomorrow, I will say goodbye to him as his friend's sister, just like in the past. I might regret it so much that I can't sleep, but this is the best choice. Perhaps when I am old, I can talk about it as a fond memory.

The drink my brother brought was already cold, but I drank it all, even though it had become a bit difficult to drink. I also ate the light meal.

It's okay.

I don't have a character that gets lost in love.

I will cry after I say goodbye.

"…I'm okay."

I whispered as if in prayer and lay down on the large, luxurious bed.