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There was silence for a while and a strange tension.
I might have said it a little too strongly? But as a Villainess this was about as good as it gets, right?
“You’re as relentless as ever, aren’t you?”
“…I guess that’s what fascinates me.”
I overheard Big Brother Henry and Big Brother Alan talking in hushed tones.
It wasn’t as close as it used to be, but it was clear that they were getting along better.
…The change was so drastic, but it was as expected of Liz-san’s charm magic.
“You’re a little slow to notice,” Gilles muttered to me.
I ignored their words and waited for Big Brother Albert to speak. He stared at me and spoke.
“Is that my atonement?”
“Yes.”
“…That’s awfully kind of you.”
Big Brother Albert smiled softly.
He was a beautiful man, I muttered to myself. I recognized him as my brother, but he was certainly good-looking.
“…What, me, kind?”
After a short pause, I responded to Big Brother Albert’s words.” Big Brother Albert nodded, and I couldn’t help but ask, “What about that was kind?”.
What was so kind about that line?
If it was me, I would be angry that my sister would say such condescending lines to me. I wouldn’t be able to smile like Big Brother Albert.
“It’s hard to spot kindness. It’s in the cruelty, it’s in the harshness. …But if you look at it from a bird’s eye view, Ali’s kindness is very straight and warm.”
I could not say anything back.
Before I met Liz-san, there were many passages that made me think that Big Brother Albert was a wise man. Now I realize it all over again.
Maybe he only noticed it because he was a big brother who loved his sister. But I was embarrassed to speak out about it.
“I’m not particularly nice.”
I averted my eyes a little from Big Brother Albert.
What’s with this uncomfortable feeling… I’d be more proud to have everyone look at me with disdain like they always do.
“Isn’t our sister cute?”
“Ali-chan has always been cute, right?”
Big Brother Henry’s words made Curtis-sama look at me with a grin.
Oh! I really hate it! You should have told that line to Liz-san.
I did not respond to their words, nor did I make eye contact with them. Then the King called out to me.
His low, heavy tone made me tremble a little, and I turned to look at him.
I thought he was angry, but I couldn’t see any anger in his expression. Rather, it was as if he was looking at his own child who had returned home after a long absence.
I bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.” I slowly raised my head.
He did not reproach me for hugging the body of Uncle Will, but started to speak in a cheerful tone.
“I’m glad you made it back in one piece.”
“You are not scolding me?”
“Why do I have to scold you?”
The King was surprised by my question.
I didn’t expect him to return the question back to me. I was at a loss for words. He looked at me for a moment and then said.
“Do you want me to scold you?”
“No, not like that… I just thought my actions were disrespectful.”
“I’m sure brother is pleased that you were the last one to express affection to him.”
“…I hope so.”
I replied a little unsure, and the King chuckled.
It seemed somewhat contrived, but I dared to pretend not to notice anything.
The brother he adored had passed away. Just being able to smile was amazing. I guess the King was not allowed to cry even at family funerals.
…It really was a difficult world.
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