Chapter 8

"Welcome back, Miss Cecilia, Master Gilbert."

"Back!"

"Back!"

As summer vacation began, Cecilia and Gilbert returned to the Silvie family mansion. As expected, Cecilia was dressed as a woman. Everyone, including their parents and the servants, seemed delighted by their long-awaited return.

The two of them started unpacking in their respective rooms. Although they were only staying for about two weeks, and the mansion had most of the necessary clothing and items, they didn't bring much back. However, Cecilia had brought back nearly twice as much as Gilbert because she had also packed male disguises, just in case.

(Still, I feel more at ease in this form.)

Cecilia smiled, pinching the hem of her skirt. She didn't dislike her male form, Cecil, but she felt more relaxed in this form. She had gotten used to the wig and the bindings, but they were still uncomfortable.

After silently continuing to unpack, just as she was about to finish, there was a knock on the door. When Cecilia replied with a cheerful "Yes," the door opened, and Gilbert peeked in.

"Did you finish unpacking, sis?"

"Ah, yeah! Just a bit more!"

"Becky has prepared tea. And scones, too."

"Wow, really? I'll come right away!"

Becky was Cecilia's maid. Her scones were exquisite, and when they lived in the mansion, Cecilia would always beg for them at least once a week. Hearing that her favorite treat was ready, Cecilia's smile brightened. Seeing her smile, Gilbert's cheeks also seemed to lift slightly in happiness.

"If that's the case, I'll wait for you in the usual place."

"Okay!"

With a cheerful response, he left the room, looking satisfied.

The "usual place" was the music room in the mansion. Originally, it was a room where their father played the violin, and when they were young, both Cecilia and Gilbert had taken piano lessons from a tutor there. The room had a lock and excellent soundproofing, so they now used it for their secret conversations. These secret conversations, of course, were about Cecilia's past life.

(But, when we go into that room together, everyone gets a bit restless.)

Especially Cecilia's other maid, Lena, always seemed worried when Cecilia came out of the music room with Gilbert. She would always ask, "Nothing happened, right? Are you okay?" with a worried look. Gilbert would usually calm her down with a dark smile, which was the usual routine.

(Do they think I'm being bullied by Gilbert?)

Cecilia considered them to be close siblings, but perhaps there was some strange bias in their fate. Just like in the game where they were not on good terms, it was possible that others didn't see them as close siblings.

(If that's the case, I need to show everyone that Gilbert and I are close!)

She wanted to change their fated path. She needed to start small and gradually defy fate.

After finishing unpacking, Cecilia headed to the music room. When she opened the door, Gilbert was there, a book in his hand, probably having been reading while waiting for her.

"You're late."

"Sorry, I got a bit held up."

Cecilia sat down next to Gilbert with a shy smile, her eyes sparkling at the scones prepared for them.

"Wow, Becky's scones! I've been wanting to eat them for so long!"

"That's good."

"Huh?"

"I asked Becky to prepare them in a letter before we left the academy. I thought you might be happy."

"Really? Thank you, Gilbert!"

She hugged him and patted his head. He was indeed a caring brother. It was truly unfair to think that he and she were not on good terms. Cecilia picked up a scone. The scones were her favorite, with chocolate chips. This must have been Gilbert's doing.

(Delicious!!)

She bit into the scone, holding the plate to catch any crumbs. The crispy sound and the sweetness of butter and chocolate filled her mouth.

"Mmm!"

The long-awaited taste made her almost swoon. The only downside was the calories, but it was truly addictive.

"You're lucky."

"Thank you!"

He wiped the corner of her mouth with his thumb. "You're not a child anymore," he said with a sigh, but she didn't feel annoyed at all. However—

"I always rely on Gilbert. Even at the academy, you always cover for me..."

She felt a bit embarrassed. This made it hard to tell who was the older sibling.

Gilbert licked the crumb from his thumb and returned his gaze to the book.

"You don't have to worry about it. You've always been silly, clumsy, and forgetful. It's not like it's something new."

"That's true, but..."

"Besides, it's better to cover for you before things get serious. If I have to clean up the mess, it's better to do it early."

"That might be true, but..."

His words cut deep, and Cecilia clutched her chest. Gilbert seemed to smile slightly and then spoke in a gentler tone.

"Besides, I do it because I like it, so you don't have to worry."

"Gilbert..."

"But, it would be nice if you could be a bit more mature."

He said this with a dark smile, and Cecilia lowered her gaze, muttering, "I'm sorry." She liked Gilbert, but this face was scary, and she really wished he would stop.

After finishing her scone, Cecilia turned to Gilbert.

"Hey, is there anything you want me to do?"

"Anything I want you to do?"

"Yep. As I said before, I feel bad for always relying on you! I want to take care of you during the summer break! I'll take care of you!"

Gilbert's eyes narrowed.

"Take care of me? You?"

"Yep! I can cook or do anything!"

"That might kill me..."

Undeterred by his sarcastic tone, Cecilia patted her chest.

"I'll give you my entire summer break! Use it as you like!"

Gilbert's eyes widened for a moment, then narrowed.

"Is that okay?"

"Of course! I always rely on you, so it's the least I can do."

"...That's what makes you so clueless, you know."

He grabbed her hand, which was on the sofa, and leaned in close. Cecilia instinctively pulled back, and Gilbert placed his hand on the armrest behind her, trapping her.

"Still, if you want to do something for me, there is one thing I'd like to ask. Is that okay?"