Chapter 24

Another two years have passed.

I am fifteen years old, and Giselle is thirteen.

It's only two more years until I reach the age I was in my previous life.

Those two from the Black Magic Research Club are probably in their thirties by now, right?

Or perhaps time flows differently in that world.

I wonder if I-chan and Mr. Yamada are doing well.

Especially I-chan, I hope she hasn't been dragging the shock of my death for too long.

No, I shouldn't think about it.

There's no point in thinking about things that can't be changed.

When I look at the moon, I can't help but think about my previous life.

To be precise, since this is not Earth, there shouldn't be a moon in the sky.

But I call the large star that shows me a similar night view every night the moon.

The villagers and books call it "Din" and seem to be coming up with various myths and hypotheses about it.

"What are you doing, staring so blankly at the sky?"

Sibyl stopped carving the othum and looked at me.

Since that day two years ago when we encountered the Greater Bear deep in the forest, Sibyl has been visiting me frequently.

I was delighted to take on the task of teaching her how to carve othums, but she doesn't seem to be putting much effort into it.

She often stops working halfway and, despite asking for guidance, often shows a displeased expression when I comment on her work.

Maybe I'm being too nitpicky...

"Brother, you've always liked looking at Din."

Giselle smiled and said this.

It's hard to believe that this is the same person who, after Sibyl leaves, seriously suggests things like "I prefer it when we're alone" or "Let's put up a barrier again from now on."

"I like watching you look at Din! Of course, I like you normally too, but when you look at Din, it's like you're looking at something far away, with a slightly sad expression... It just, you know, really gets to me."

As Giselle spoke, she became excited, her face turning slightly red and her speech quickening.

O-oh.

You really pay attention.

Sometimes, when I see Giselle, I feel a bit uneasy.

It's nice to be liked, but I sometimes feel that Giselle's brother complex is due to her narrow perspective.

One reason I started taking Giselle to festivals and other ceremonies where I used to slack off is to broaden her horizons.

Of course, I also don't want to ruin my father's reputation too much.

"R-really, that's amazing! I want to hear more about Abel, I really do. Preferably from Giselle!"

"H-ha..."

Giselle's expression stiffened slightly, and she leaned back.

Sibyl leaned forward as much as Giselle leaned back.

...What is this, a triangle formation?

Maybe Sibyl approached me to become my othum carving apprentice with the intention of getting closer to Giselle.

If that's the case, and Giselle doesn't like it, I might need to tell Sibyl off once.

Still, Giselle has very little contact with people outside the family.

I try to get her to participate in festivals and actively interact with others, but because she is so passive, it often ends up being just a one-time conversation.

If Sibyl visits frequently, it could be a good experience for Giselle.

If I keep pushing her away just because she doesn't seem to like it, that might not be good either.

...I think this is something my father and mother should be thinking about more.

They don't seem to consider it much of an issue.

Is it a difference in values between pure Maren and former Japanese people?

Maybe it's because of the fixed ideas I developed in my previous life, but I still find it hard to fully adapt to Maren culture and customs.

In Maren, you are recognized as an adult at sixteen.

Your role in the village increases, and you have to prepare for various ceremonies.

I can't just continue my magic training as usual, so I should probably ask my father about the differences in values and try to bridge them.

"Giselle, you can cook, right? I really want to try your cooking. You know, I love eating. Just look at my figure. Ha ha!"

Sibyl said this with a high-pitched voice.

The self-deprecating joke was a bit painful.

Giselle gave a forced smile.

"...Sibyl, why don't you get back to work soon?"

I'm taking time out of my magic training to watch Sibyl carve othums, even if it's just a break.

I don't know what her motivation is, but I don't find it amusing to let her slack off and flirt with my sister.

I'm quite sensitive about magic and my sister.

I was a bit irritated.

"S-sorry, brother-in-law."

Sibyl's face turned pale as if she had just realized her mistake.

"W-who said I'm your brother-in-law!!"

"It's not like that! I just slipped, I didn't mean it that way..."

It's not much of a defense.

I stood up, went behind Sibyl, and punched both sides of her head.

"S-sorry, sorry! It hurts, it hurts! ...Wait, it doesn't hurt that much?"

...My weak constitution is still the same as ever.