“As the young lady has been working and saving money, I could only be assumed that she’s going through something, right? I thought if she wanted to escape from her depressing and dreary life, I might be able to help. I even thought of secretly guiding her to the Duchy of Glaive. But it seems that’s no longer necessary. Besides, I’ve decided I want to make Sasha happy, even if it means bowing down to that damn geezer.”

The head chef knelt at Sasha’s feet without hesitation. While Sasha was surprised, he took her hand and gently kissed it.

“Sasha, will you marry me? Things might get a bit rough, but I’ll do my best.”

“Y-yes… Yes! I’d be happy to!”

Aah, pure emotions swirled within my heart.

The celebratory atmosphere grew as we all applauded.

“Indeed. Father has gotten quite feeble, so it’s the perfect time for you to come back. We can just say that you’ve been studying here for the past few years.”

In response to the Grand Duke’s words, Alfred nodded.

“If we’re going to pretend that he’s studying abroad, I think it’d be better if Bart attended our ball. It’d be a good warm-up before he returns to the Duchy of Glaive.”

“That’s a great idea. It might be a bit difficult for Bart and Sasha, but they have to be able to do at least that much.”

“Uhm, well, I’ll do my best…!”

Sasha blushed and became more energetic at the words of the Grand Duke.

Her round eyes sparkled, and her lips, which were always dry, were now shiny and dazzling. She had grown so much. Love is amazing. I was so proud of her.

“Uhm, Kyle? What’s with that difficult look on your face? Both of your sisters have found love, so shouldn’t you be happier?”

When the Grand Duke asked suddenly, Kyle frowned and slapped his forehead.

“Why are you feigning ignorance? You must be aware that some aristocrats are trying to get rid of my sister. After hearing that she is in poor health, they’re trying to usurp her position as the crown princess. Rumor has it that even the King has heard about it. They’re planning to destroy our unsightly family.”

“Eh?”

My heart pounded. It was my comeuppance.

“Well, one of the reasons I’ve been coming to visit so often was to build up a narrative to counter that.”

“Build up a narrative…?”

With my head resting on Alfred’s thick thighs, I tilted my head. Alfred’s warm voice came from overhead.

“That I’m dead with worry about you since you collapsed, and that I’m so in love with you that I visit the Gessel house every day. I’m trying to show that I’m crazy about you. Of course, my main purpose was to apologize.”

“Eh?”

“It was to show that I’m doting on you.”

No one would believe that, I thought. For as long as I could remember, we were rumored to be on bad terms. A shift in narrative like that was too sudden.

“I believe it.”

As if reading my mind, Kyle said this, tucking the left side of his depressingly long hair behind his ear.

Okay, I’ll help him cut his hair later to make up for the trouble.

“First of all, Lord Alfred. You aren’t perfect, so please reflect on your actions, especially your love life. You have troubled my stepsister and stepparents immensely. Young ladies started flocking to you when your financial situation improved.”

Alfred frowned slightly, not saying anything in return. Nevertheless, he still leaned in slightly and listened intently to Kyle’s words.

“You don’t need to return the money the Gessel family has given you. We’ll even give you a lavish dowry. In return, please protect my sister from the situations she’ll face in the future with all your might.”

Alfred blinked slowly, then nodded firmly.

“I’ll definitely protect her.”

“…Well, even now, when I think about it, my sister is a terrible person.”

Kyle suddenly stared off into the distance, mocking me with both his words and attitude.

“She bullied me to submission. I was left traumatized, completely hating women. We aren’t related by blood, so I intend to make her pay for it and look after me for the rest of my life. So, if Lord Alfred can’t keep his promise, I’ll come and take her right away.”

“Eh, I knew it. I was going to be kept as a household pet for the rest of my life? K-Kyle…”

I asked, feeling really remorseful. Kyle gave me a smirk and muttered, “That’s just how deep my wounds are.”

“Ugh, I can’t say anything back. I’ve been really mean and nasty… I’m sorry for tormenting you…”

With Alfred’s support, I stood up, then bowed deeply to Kyle.

“That’s the first time you’ve said that.”

Saying that, Kyle rubbed his nape, which was covered by his grown hair.

Come to think of it… I never apologized to Kyle or Sasha because I thought I had no right do so.

“If you do something wrong, the first thing you should say is, ‘I’m sorry.’ If you apologize properly, we’re ready to accept it. At least, that’s what I feel. So, you should tell Sasha properly.”

“Kyle…”

Kyle looked at me with a complicated gaze, which carried a hint of resignation and affection. I felt like I was going to cry. My heart warmed.

“…Sasha, I’m sorry. I can’t turn back time, so I can’t undo what I’ve done. I’m really sorry.”

“Uhm…”

Sasha muttered softly and stared at me benevolently.

“I know a lot has happened, but I don’t really hate you, Older Sister.”

I opened my eyes wide. I continued to stare at Sasha without blinking.

“I respected you for not giving up no matter how hard things were, and for continuing to improve yourself.”

“Sasha…”

“Uhm, or should I say, for your constant effort? I can’t do the same. That’s why I’ve always thought you were amazing. I wanted to be like Older Sister, but I know it’s impossible…”

Ah, we’re both envious of each other…

If we had only been able to think about the other’s complexes, we’d surely have been able to become close siblings from the start.

“Nevertheless, I’m glad you apologized.”

Sasha nodded and smiled gently.

“Well, actually, because of Older Sister’s hard work, I could be lackluster in some aspects in the past. But when I think about what’s to come, I’ve got to try really hard. I’d be even happier if you’d support me or give me some advice.”

Sasha’s smile got bigger. Kyle laughed too. I felt a gentle smile spreading across my face.

“So, for both you and Sasha, the final battle is the ball. You smart-looking yet down-to-earth prince, you’re the cause of my sister’s worries, so please take responsibility and make her happy.”

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