Chapter 13

"Looks like we're in a bit of a bind, Seika-sama."

In my room at night.

Under the moonlight streaming through the window, Yuki, a slender fox peeking out from my hair, said this to me as I was cutting out a human shape.

"Just a moment."

"Was it really... going to be disposed of?"

"――Seika, can I talk to you for a moment?"

With a knock, my eldest brother's voice.

Yuki quickly hid in my hair, and I hastily stuffed the paper and scissors under the bed.

"Yeah, what is it? Luft-brother."

"I'm coming in... you're still awake, huh?"

Luft said this, hung the light on the ceiling, and sat down next to me on the bed.

A moment of silence passed.

What is it for?

"Um, Luft-brother...?"

"Seika. Happy belated birthday."

"Huh?"

"Here, it's a present."

He handed me a small wooden box.

"Go ahead and open it."

I untied the fine leather cord and lifted the lid.

Inside was a white, transparent pen and an ink pot.

"Is this... glass?"

"Yeah, it's a glass pen. It's made by a craftsman who has mastered high-level earth magic. It's popular in the capital, and I bought it when I went with Father."

"How do you use it?"

"Like a quill pen. You just dip it in the ink pot and write. But unlike a quill, it lasts a long time."

"Wow..."

"Seika is so studious that you wear out quill pens quickly, right? I thought this would be perfect for you... and the timing was good. You'll have more writing to do when you go to the academy. And write home sometimes, okay?"

"U... Yeah, thank you, Luft-brother."

No more words came to mind, and I fell silent.

After a while, Luft spoke again.

"Sorry, Seika."

"Huh...?"

"I've always been distant."

"..."

"I didn't know how to approach you, you know."

"Because I'm a concubine's child?"

"More like, because of everyone around us. Father and Mother, and the maids, they've always been like that, so I didn't know what to do. You know, I lack initiative, right?"

"I don't think so."

"I just act that way to be the eldest son of a lord. I'm actually a coward. I used to be afraid of you, Seika, when we were kids."

"Huh... Really? Why?"

"Hmm... I can't remember why. It's just a vague memory from childhood."

Luft laughed.

"But I'm happy to see how you've grown. I'm proud of you as a brother."

"Um..."

I fell silent.

I've never thought of the people in this house as family.

My only family is my sister from my previous life, who died when I was young.

So, in a way, being treated like a sore spot because I'm a concubine's child was convenient.

That's why it was a bit surprising.

To think someone had been troubled by our relationship.

"Go easy on him, Seika."

"Huh...?"

"I'm talking about tomorrow. You're supposed to not have any magic power, yet you even defeated a monster. There's no way you'd lose to Grail. So, just go easy. That way, he'll learn his lesson."

"...Okay, I understand."

"Even when you go to the academy, do your best."

"Okay. You should also try to be a good lord, Luft-brother."

"A good lord? I'm not sure I can do it."

"Then, should I or Grail-brother take over?"

"Hmm, that's also worrying. I guess I'll have to try my best—good night, Seika."

When Luft left the room, Yuki peeked out from my hair again.

"A gift, Seika-sama? Hmph, he seems to be somewhat considerate. But it probably doesn't have much value."

"Hey, don't say that. Besides—this is actually quite good."

I dipped it in the nearest ink pot and tried writing a spell on the human shape. The writing felt really good.

It makes sense that it's popular in the capital. It must have been expensive.

"If you like it, that's fine, but be careful. It might have a hidden poison needle."

"I'm fine."

"Which meaning?"

"Both meanings."

Since this isn't my previous life, there's no need to worry.

Even if it had a hidden poison needle, I'd be fine, in that sense.

"Anyway, the real problem is over there."

"Over there?"

"Yuki, hide again for a moment."

"Eh, Seika-sama?"

I pushed Yuki back into my hair and bowed deeply.

The next moment.

A wind blade flew in through the window, passing over my head and striking the door dramatically.

Wood chips rained down on the floor.

"Oh well. I can't fix this..."

Shifting my gaze from the poor door to outside the window, I saw a figure.

Under the light of the two moons, Grail stood with a furious expression, pointing his staff at me.

I have to go, don't I, given this situation.

It seems the duel will be moved up by about half a day.