The aftermath of the confrontation. Baby steps, everyone. Enjoy the chapter!
TL: clover
ED: clover
And then, a little bit of time passed by.
Since his argument with me, Yugo-niisama began to avoid me subtly.
When we eat at the dining hall he acts normally, but when we meet at the reception room or the library, he would have an awkward expression and escape in haste.
In addition to that, although he also feels slightly reluctant, and I don't know whether it is alright to say something in return, Victor-niisama began to talk to me.
At first, it was just one or two words.
He asked about the state of the orphanage, he held an interest in what was I doing specifically, and asked about Chloe.
Since I thought that it was part of his investigation, even though it was a little bit troublesome, I answered seriously, but apparently that wasn't his intention.
As I talked about Chloe and the orphanage, little by little, my eldest brother's attitude eased up.
Even today, my eldest brother caught me who was trying to leave and talked to me casually.
"Lily, are you going to the orphanage today?"
"Yes. Chloe is waiting."
When I answered, my eldest brother nodded, "I see," and looked at the book I had in my hand.
"What's that?"
"I thought about reading it to the children. Because the orphanage only has a few books. So I brought a picture book from my bookshelf."
This book was bought by my father for me a long time ago. It is an important book so I can't donate it, but I can take it and read it there.
"Those children will surely be happy……if you need more books, take some books from my room. There are a couple of things that I read as a child. I will prepare them tonight."
"Thank you very much. I appreciate it."
It is true that I was in trouble because there was no new book to read to the children, so I'm very pleased by my eldest brother's offer. Bowing my head in gratitude, my eldest brother smiled though it was just a little quirk of his lips.
"Well then, I will go to the capital."
"Have a safe trip, Onii-sama."
I will see my eldest brother off when he heads toward the castle from now on. In the last few days, he began to show a little bit of a smile just like now.
Little by little, surely, my eldest brother approves of me.
I feel very happy when I became aware of that.
Speaking of which, as Al said, my eldest brother says severe things, but I found out that he is a very kind person. A strict but fair person.
My eldest brother, who knew exactly what I do at the orphanage and what I keep doing, has decided to ease up his previous attitude. Thus, I'm certain that the fact my eldest brother began to talk to me normally must be the fruit of my efforts.
—I'm glad that I could improve my relationship with Victor-niisama.
My relationship with Yugo-niisama became awkward, but it shouldn't be all bad, as I could talk to Victor-niisama whom I thought was the most difficult.
I remember how Yugo-niisama was startled after accidentally seeing me talking with Victor-niisama. Yugo-niisama fled in a hurry, but Victor-niisama was staring at him with cold eyes.
—I don't want my eldest brother to see me with such eyes ever again.
And, I sincerely want to do something for Yugo-niisama who is still being seen with those eyes.
Yugo-niisama is not a bad person.
That person, who had always doted on me since a long time ago, has many good points. I knew that.
However, my older brother is similar to me.
We could only live in such a way. Nobody taught us that it was a wrong thing to do.
I am fine because I have Al, but Yugo-niisama has no one.
Therefore, I thought that it would be good if I could become Yugo-niisama's strength.
However, even if I try to talk to him, Yugo-niisama will quickly escape, so I couldn't create an opportunity to talk together comfortably.
—I'd like to be friends with both my older brothers.
This is not because I don't want to become a 『villainess』.
It's because I think I like both Victor-niisama and Yugo-niisama.
Therefore, I would like to become close with both my older brothers.
And, if it is possible, I would be even more glad if my older brothers are on good terms with each other.
—I wish everyone could get along.
The previous me would have been wishing for just my own happiness. However, now I'm not only wishing for that, but also for my favorite people to be happy.
My feelings change.
The previous me will be no more. But, even if I change, I am undoubtedly still the same me.
"That isn't a bad thing."
When I pay attention and look around my surrounding, I realized that everyone is kind.
And, I have come to think that I want to respond to their kindness with kindness.
It's very easy if I only need to come to that realization, and that's why it's so difficult.
"Milady, it's almost time."
"Yes, I'm going now."
Luke called out to me.
While giving him my reply, I'm leaving for the orphanage today as well in a good mood.