NOVEL WEB Ch37 - Brother and Sister
37: Brother and Sister
(Michela’s Perspective)
I part ways with Fenrir-sama and head toward the castle on a sleigh.
A bit of an awkward atmosphere arises. I’m aware that I pushed a lot of burdens onto my brother.
“Brother, I apologize for pushing decisions onto you without your consent.”
I lowered my head slightly to the brother sitting next to me.
I would have preferred to bow deeply, but since we were on the sleigh, I might have lost my balance. Despite my caution, the sleigh rocked, and I ended up falling against my brother’s chest.
“Ah!”
“…Michela, are you alright? You’ve got bags under your eyes. Just lean on me like that.”
My brother supported my shoulders with a sigh. His tone was as if he was dealing with a child.
“I made sure to put on makeup before we left. How did you even notice?”
“There isn’t a brother alive who doesn’t notice changes in his sister.”
…I felt relieved. I have a good brother, don’t I? I continued to rest my head against him.
“I was prepared for you to dislike me, brother.”
“Me? Please, don’t even joke about that. Is there anything more important than family?”
“Oh? So you wouldn’t give up your inheritance… ouch!”
He lightly pinched my cheek.
“That’s your punishment for teasing me,” he said. What a sweet punishment it was.
“It’s rare for you to neglect your health like this, Michela. …Is it because of the monster incident? I’m a fool for not realizing sooner…”
“Forget your foolishness, brother. The monster issue, combined with the persistent messengers from other countries, kept me from getting proper sleep.”
“What happened?”
My brother asked with a serious tone.
Since the envoys were from the troublesome Green Nation, he must be concerned.
“The political talks went smoothly. But afterward, they asked questions about why I hadn’t transformed into a beast, your absence, and the current state of Fenrir-sama. We spent quite a while probing each other, testing how much we could reveal.”
My brother put his head in his hands.
“That’s… complicated. So, how much did you tell them?”
“I told them that another has been chosen to succeed Fenrir-sama, that I’m now free, and that you were in a meeting with Fenrir-sama.”
“You didn’t mention the otherworlders, did you?”
“El-sama has not yet fully adjusted to this world. Her gestures, her manner of speaking, and her sweet, gentle nature still make her seem like an otherworlder. There are too many vulnerabilities that other nations could exploit. It’s best to keep it hidden for now. Besides, I don’t want to burden El-sama with unnecessary worries while she’s still finding her place.”
“I agree.”
My brother’s voice grew more intense… he must be thinking about El-sama, but I pressed on.
“The Green Nation is also dealing with issues related to their guardian sacred beast, so it’s natural they would be curious about Fenrir-sama’s situation. The kingdom of Felsnow attracted attention when the prince was replaced last time as well. They questioned me quite persistently, right up to the edge of propriety.”
“You’d think they would understand it’s a delicate matter and not press for details like that.”
“The crown prince even tried to flirt with me in earnest.”
“Unforgivable.”
My brother’s voice dropped as he trembled with anger.
He always hoped I’d find love rather than being used as a political pawn in marriage negotiations. That’s why he was upset. I find comfort in that.
“When he tried to kiss the back of my hand, I suddenly mentioned that I’d touched a Byakuya Snowdrop earlier… and he stopped.”
“…That’s… one of the most poisonous winter flowers… that’s a brutal way to say no… well done.”
“I was never going to touch it with the back of my hand, of course, but it seems he got the message.”
We smiled at each other.
From behind us, I heard a whisper, “They do have similar smiles, don’t they?”
Do we? My brother’s smile is much more beautiful than mine.
“The princess from the Green Nation seemed disappointed she couldn’t meet you, though.”
“I’m not good with that kind of thing…”
My brother slumped his shoulders.
“The princess is spoiled and used to getting her way, so she’s exactly the type you struggle with. You seem cursed with troublesome women.”
“But meeting Princess El makes up for all of that. I guess all my bad luck was leading up to this.”
My eyes sparkled.
Hm? You say they glinted sharply? Well, I’ll have to talk to the knight captain about that later.
“That concludes my report, brother. So, how close have you and El-sama become?”
“You’re way too direct!”
Brother started coughing. You should have handled that more confidently, you know?
Unless, perhaps, El-sama prefers men who blush easily. I’ll need to investigate that.
“The princess and I… slept in the same space.”
“Details, please.”
“I was invited to sleep in Fenrir-sama’s cave. I slept in a bed made in another world, and the princess slept on Fenrir-sama as if he were her bed. Glea-sama slept in unicorn form.”
“Honestly! That’s so misleading! You all just slept together, that’s all.”
“You… expected more than that!?”
“Brother, your face is turning red. Someday, I hope you can make the girl of your dreams blush like that.”
“Michela, you need to learn some modesty…”
Of course, I know how to show modesty in public.
“That’s not what I meant!”
“I’m rooting for your first love, brother.”
“Are you really?”
“If you were to fall in love with the Winter Princess, it would deepen the bond between Fenrir-sama and the kingdom of Felsnow. You’d marry into the family, I’d become queen, the citizens would rejoice, winter would bring greater blessings, and everything would be perfect.”
“That’s an idealistic dream…”
“I think working toward an ideal is one of life’s greatest joys.”
My brother widened his eyes in surprise.
“You’re right…” he muttered softly, his words almost lost in the wind.
“Is it alright if I share my troubles with you?”
“As your sister, I’m all ears.”
“Thank you. I’m… not sure what my ideal is yet…”
His eyes wavered. I gently held his hand.
“I think you’re struggling because you’re searching for the ‘best’ answer. But there is no perfect answer. Just find the path where you won’t have any regrets. And talk to different people. Whether it’s the path of becoming a king, a winter investigator, or a son-in-law, you probably have a few ideas in mind. Discuss them, and when you feel resistance or relief, that’ll help you see your true feelings.
Many people want to listen to your concerns, brother. They admire you. No one will feel burdened; we all want to help.”
“Michela…”
“If you choose the path of becoming king, then I’ll face you in a serious duel.”
I said with a playful laugh.
He gulped, then smiled softly.
“Thank you.”
“…Ah, you’ve made me blush a little.”
“Was that intentional?”
“That was just natural, wasn’t it?”
I lightly slapped his knee. He laughed with a sense of relief. I’m glad I could help.
Soon, the Kingdom of Felsnow came into view.
The ice path ended, and we reached the entrance to the forest.
The reindeer pulled us forward, parting the fresh snow.
The knights had been training lightly, but it seemed the reindeer weren’t fully accustomed to the snow yet—their movements were still a bit unsteady.
“Let me handle it.”
My brother took all the reins.
It looked like he was using a strength-enhancing spell. With a firm pull, he controlled them skillfully.
The reindeer’s movement became more stable.
“As expected. Brother, you can do anything.”
“I’m just a jack-of-all-trades.”
That’s an amazing talent, isn’t it?
I respect you so much for that.
I left the reins in his hands and listened to him tell stories about life in the snowy mountains, the winter plants and animals, and the fairy springs—so many fascinating tales.
His eyes sparkled with excitement.
It seems like that path might suit him best, after all… but let’s discuss it in the meeting at the castle.
We passed through the castle gates.