Chapter 41

Although it's a bit late, this is a short story to commemorate the release of the book and the decision to adapt it into a manga!

Please enjoy! ＼(^o^)／

"Actually, I've been meaning to ask you. How much do you remember about your past life?"

At Gilbert's words, Cecilia, who was holding a bishop piece, blinked her eyes.

The two were playing chess in the boys' dormitory lounge.

It was already late at night, and no one else was in the lounge.

While keeping an eye on Cecilia's surprised expression, Gilbert continued.

"Didn't you used to be called 'Hino'?"

"Yeah, but why are you asking all of a sudden?"

"Just curious, that's all. ...If you don't want to answer, you don't have to."

He said this with concern.

Gilbert had not actively asked Cecilia about her past life, fearing it might lead to a sensitive topic.

However, this caution had backfired, causing him to always be on the defensive in the Dante route, ultimately leading to the kidnapping incident.

If he had known Dante's true identity from the beginning.

If he had listened more carefully to what was going to happen.

If he had known how dangerous this world was.

The regret from that time still lingered in Gilbert's heart, even though things had ended well.

(I need to be more careful from now on...)

According to Cecilia, the game was far from over. It seemed they hadn't even reached a third of it.

In other words, if they followed the typical storylines, they were still in the early stages, and the situation was supposed to get worse as they approached the climax.

Given that, he couldn't afford to talk about "sensitive topics" anymore. He needed to get the information as soon as possible.

However—

(Since it's about her past life, she must remember dying too...)

He didn't want to dig into her wounds.

That was also his true feeling.

Whether Cecilia knew about Gilbert's feelings or not, she was looking at the chessboard with a troubled expression.

"It's not that I don't want to answer. It's just that some of my memories are missing—here!!"

Cecilia slammed the bishop onto the board.

It was a powerful move.

Without thinking, Gilbert used a nearby pawn to capture the bishop.

"Ah!"

"Sister, you need to look at the situation and make better judgments."

Gilbert's queen, rook, and bishop had already been captured, but he still seemed to have the upper hand in the game.

Gilbert asked Cecilia, who was deep in thought again.

"Then, what about your family?"

He started with the most immediate and easiest to recall.

If she gave him a troubled look, he planned to ask about something more roundabout next.

However, it seemed his concern was unfounded, as Cecilia's cheeks lifted in a smile at his question.

"Of course, I remember! They weren't as refined as my current parents, but they were very playful and kind!"

"…I can imagine that."

"Really?"

When Gilbert chuckled, Cecilia tilted her head.

Her expression was adorable.

"Would you develop such a personality under cruel parents?"

"Maybe?"

"I think you'd end up more gloomy, sinister, and devious."

Like me.

He swallowed those words.

The game progressed rapidly.

Cecilia leaned forward, seemingly happy to talk about her family.

"I had siblings in my past life too!"

"Siblings?"

"Yes! Actually, we had a large family. Besides me, I had an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother!"

"Four siblings. That's impressive."

"Isn't it? My younger brother looked just like you, Gil! We used to play together a lot."

Cecilia narrowed her eyes, looking nostalgic.

Her expression was cute, but being lumped together with her real brother, even if it was in a past life, was not something he could easily accept.

Gilbert moved a pawn closer to the king.

Then, he leaned closer to Cecilia.

"I don't think of you as a real sister."

"Huh? Gil…?"

"Didn't I tell you before? That I like you."

When he took her hand from the table, Cecilia's face turned red instantly.

Gilbert slowly narrowed his eyes.

"Hey, after all this, don't you think it's time you noticed?"

"Gil. I, I actually—"

(But, things don't go as smoothly in reality as they do in my imagination…)

Gilbert stared at the pawn he had placed near the king.

Cecilia was playing a clearly bad move with a smile.

She had no idea about his inner turmoil.

In his imagination, things always went well, but reality was different.

(I'm still just her little brother in reality…)

He quietly sighed.

At that moment—

"But, maybe you're a bit different from a little brother."

Those words brushed past his ears.

Gilbert looked up.

"It's hard to put into words, but…"

Cecilia furrowed her brow and stroked her chin.

Gilbert's breathing became shallow with the rising hope.

"Gil is so manly, reliable, and dependable!"

"…Sister."

"I've had feelings for you for a long time… but Gil, you're more like…"

"More like…?"

"An older brother!"

At that moment, something seemed to slip away.

Cecilia continued with a smile, unaware of Gilbert's change in expression.

"See, wouldn't it be easier to call you 'Gil-bro'?"

"…Not easier…"

Gilbert used a pawn to capture Cecilia's king.

"Ah!"

"Whatever, I don't know anything about it!"

"Why? Because you're bad at chess?"

"I don't know! Figure it out yourself!"

Gilbert roughly cleared the chess pieces and left the lounge, leaving Cecilia behind, and quickly returned to his room.

Thank you all for your support!

The book is on sale from August 1st (*^_^*)

I've written additional short stories for both the e-book and the physical book.

It seems the initial response is important, so please everyone, I appreciate your support!