Chapter 4

The next early morning, as I was sleeping in the guest room, my brother burst in.

"Brother, even if we are siblings, it's improper to barge into a woman's bedroom so early in the morning."

I, still in my nightgown, rubbed my sleepy eyes and got up from the bed. My brother, Arnold, smiled and said, "It's fine, Sophia. You're cute even when you just wake up."

I was about to point out that that wasn't the issue, but I stopped when I noticed the relief on his face.

"…That's not the issue, but since you have a good face, I'll let it slide."

"Is that so? You like my face, do you? It's a privilege of a sister to admire it as much as she wants."

My brother laughed with a playful grin.

I dismissed it with a "Sure, sure" and asked, "What are you doing here so early in the morning?" I put my feet down from the bed and let Claudia drape a cardigan over me.

When the curtains were opened, the soft morning light filtered through the window, gently enveloping me, and the faint chirping of birds outside could be heard. I could feel that it was still early in the morning.

"That's what I should be asking you. I heard you almost drowned and rushed over."

"That… I'm sorry for causing you worry. I just slipped. But Sir Cyril saved me, so it wasn't serious."

I emphasized that it was thanks to Sir Cyril.

Yet—

"I see, so it was that prince's fault."

My brother muttered, a slightly dark aura emanating from him.

"That's not it. The cause was me, and Sir Cyril saved me."

"What are you saying? If you're going to stand by my side, you should show the resolve to protect me from any danger. Not being able to prevent you from falling into the lake is unacceptable."

"You're being too strict. With such conditions, I wouldn't have any friends."

I put my hand on my hip and showed my anger, and my brother blinked. Then, he suddenly changed his attitude and said, "Friends? I see, then I'll let it slide."

"…What do you mean?"

"Nothing, I'm just moved that my sister is more innocent than I thought."

"…Hmm."

I don't quite understand, but I smiled wryly, realizing how overprotective my brother is. In fact, I think this is why the original Sophia got carried away.

While Sophia is at fault, I feel my brother also has a part to play.

"Brother, I want to say something now."

"…Hmm?"

"I'm very grateful to you, Brother. You always worry about me, solve problems for me, and protect me from getting hurt. I really like you for that."

"Out of the blue? Do you want to buy something from a store?"

"No, and please don't casually talk about buying a store."

I sighed, feeling that he's too indulgent.

"I'm very grateful to you, Brother. But recently, you've been too indulgent with me. If you keep indulging me, what will happen if I get carried away?"

My brother chuckled at my words.

"Even after warning me, do you really think you'll get carried away?"

"Yes, I will."

"Ha, Sophia, you're so cute."

He laughed and patted my head. This brother is too kind. Moreover, knowing the original story, I can't take it lightly. The original Sophia got carried away and became a villain, and my brother regretted being too indulgent.

"Listen, Brother. Indeed, I'm grateful for your kindness. But others might not be the same. Please consider that."

"What? Are you saying you want to monopolize your brother?"

"No!"

I pouted, but he patted my head again. It seems no matter what I say, it's useless. I know the end of the overconfident Sophia, so I'll be careful myself.

"Fine. Let's end this conversation. And I'm sorry for worrying you."

I bowed, and he gently pulled me into a hug.

"Don't worry about it. Worrying your brother is a privilege of a sister. Just be careful not to put yourself in danger."

"…Yes, I will."

When I answered meekly, my brother smiled and said, "Good."

"Anyway, breakfast hasn't been served yet, right? Would you like to join me?"

"Of course, I'd be happy to."

"Then, I'll wait for you in the dining room. Take your time to get ready."

I smiled in response, and my brother turned to leave. But before he left the room, he turned back.

"By the way, there's a magic demonstration on the lake today, right? Are you feeling well?"

"…Eh?"

I couldn't help but groan.

"…Sophia?"

"N-no, of course I'm fine!"

I tried to cover up my panic, but inside, I was really anxious.

I have Sophia's memories, but I feel like I'm a different person in her body. So, I thought that performing magic, which requires precise work, might be difficult.

…What if I can't use it? If a duke's daughter participates in a magic demonstration and can't use magic, it would be a huge embarrassment. I need to confirm how to use magic by this afternoon!