Chapter 74

Unable to go without feeling hopeful → I can't help but look forward to growth.

I edited it.

Then, after a few days, I finally returned to the duchy.

Compared to my previous life, where nothing happened, my current life is quite hard, and I feel like I need to consult someone about it.

I have this vague fear that I'll burn out after turning 20.

The carriage jolted as it took me to the duchy, and I arrived at the ducal castle.

I could see my mother waving at me from in front of the gate.

~~? ? ?~~

Looking out from the castle balcony, I saw several high-end carriages arrive, accompanied by knights wearing armor emblazoned with the Orion family crest.

Rein had returned.

I had already heard the reports from the swift messengers who came from the capital.

He had accomplished something that no one could have imagined for a 6-year-old.

A genius, irreplaceable and unmatched by any of Lord Rondo's other sons.

A hero with a talent that makes me look forward to his growth.

I'm envious. Why... why is he...

~~? ? ?~~

A few days after returning home, a letter arrived for Rein.

Letters for Rein are not uncommon these days.

Most of them are from people asking if their daughters can become his fiancée.

I casually read through them, categorized them, and stored them.

Among them, there was a letter that should have been placed in the highest box, my chest.

(Prim came!!!)

I held the letter high above my head and shouted in my heart.

It was a letter from Prim.

It was a letter urging me to visit the duchy.

Needless to say, I hadn't forgotten.

Of course, I remembered. But I was hesitant to invite her because of the eyes of others.

After all, we are in a time of war. Is it okay for me to just play around? Should I not participate in the war?

But recently, none of the castle servants talk about the war.

I'll ask later.

Putting that aside, I was struggling with these seemingly meaningless thoughts.

So I consulted Lisa.

"Lisa, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Yes, what is it?"

She responded immediately.

"I received a letter from Prim asking if it's okay to visit. What do you think?"

"Do you mean what do I think? I think it's very positive."

"No, I mean, what should I do? What should I do?"

The words were a bit difficult.

"Do you mean, is it okay to play at this time?"

"Yes."

As expected, Lisa understands.

"Isn't it fine? I don't really understand what you're hesitating about..."

Of course, that's what I thought.

"Can I invite her to our home, then?"

"You should ask Lady, not me."

Of course.

"Then, I'll go ask her right away! Lady go!!"

And I suddenly sprinted down the hallway.

"Huh? Wait..."

I left her voice behind and ran down the corridor.

What was the point of running?

None.

I quickly arrived at my mother's room.

I showed off my speed, which exceeded 50 kilometers per hour, to the passing maids.

"Mother, may I come in?"

I knocked on the door and asked.

"Rein? Yes, come in."

She replied.

"Excuse me.

Mother, I received a letter from Prim. Is it okay to invite her to our home?"

"Yes, it's fine."

She answered immediately. The response was quick.

"Is it really okay?"

"Yes, of course. Let me know when you decide on a date."

"Understood."

And I left the room.

I didn't expect such an easy approval.

I returned to my room, feeling elated.

As I was walking back, Lisa, or rather, the devil, was slowly walking towards me.

The air around her was filled with anger, and the maids who passed by her let out a scream and ran away in fear.

Suddenly, I had three options in my head.

Run and die

Fight and die

Apologize and die

"There are no other options besides death..."

No, this isn't the time to be silly.

I turned around...

And there were two kids.

And two more.

They were walking slowly.

I was surrounded from both sides!!

Damn! What should I do?

I got an idea!!

I ran towards the two kids, Sukuna and Aina.

"Today, I will properly lecture you, Lord Rein!!" Sukuna shouted, and Aina stood silently ready.

I slowed down in front of Sukuna and intentionally let them catch me.

"Great attitude. But this time, I will have a serious talk with you, so be prepared," Sukuna said angrily.

Good. So far, so good.

Then, I leaned close to Sukuna's ear and said,

"He told me this. He said he loves me. But I know he doesn't love me as a woman. He just sees me as a replacement for his deceased sister.

It's sad, but also happy..."

What am I suddenly saying?

It's the content of the book she repeatedly goes to the library to read in secret.

From what I know, she has read it at least 10 times.

"Why do you know that..."

She was clearly shocked.

She kept checking if anyone was around.

But I have the divine eye.

I saw her sneaking around at night and discovered her love for romance novels.

I learned from my past mistakes and will take proper care of her.

"I'll lend you a touching romance novel later."

I'll just tell her, not actually lend it.

I added that as a precaution.

"And Aina!"

I turned to Aina.

"N-no, I haven't done anything..."

She was clearly shaken by Sukuna's reaction.

"You sneak out of your room at night to steal and eat sugar from the kitchen, don't you?"

Yes, Aina loves sweets.

But she's too embarrassed to eat cookies or other sweets in front of everyone.

"How do you know that!"

"Hahaha, I know everything."

The divine eye is the best.

I was feeling smug when...

Thud.

My head was suddenly grabbed.

"Huh!"

I was getting too cocky.

I turned around and saw Lisa with an angry mark on her forehead.

"Why?"

Too fast! My calculations were off!

"I received a spell from Kō."

"Wh-what?"

Kō and Mei appeared from behind Lisa.

"Kō, you betrayed me!!!"

"I didn't mean to..."

"You didn't betray me!!!"

"Lord Rein, I told you not to run in the hallway, didn't I?

Today, I will properly lecture you, so come with me."

She grabbed me by the stomach and carried me away.

"Help me, Mei!!!"

You're my only ally.

"Lord Rein!!!"

"Mei!"

Snap!!

Mei saluted.

She stood straight, saluted with her left hand, and had a face like she was watching a dying friend.

"You traitor, Mei!!! You bastard!!! Don't give up!!!

And you should salute with your right hand!!!

Aaaaaah!!!"

"Be quiet."

"Yes..."

And then I had to endure a long lecture from Lisa.