Chapter 4 Neil Granbell's Thoughts
My name is Neil Granbell.
I'm the eldest son of the Count Granbell family, and I'm an only child, which is pretty rare for nobles.
Nobles usually have issues with heirs, so it's normal to have at least three kids. My dad and mom often talked about hoping to have another child soon.
If a sibling were born, I'd have a little brother or sister. Since there'd be quite an age gap, I'd probably have a lot of chances to take care of them, and as the big brother, I gotta protect them!
So, while I was thinking about my future siblings that weren't even born yet, one day, that girl suddenly showed up.
"From today, this kid is gonna be your little sister. You better get along with her."
She was a silver-haired girl, 2 years younger than me.
I remember when she first came to the mansion, she was skinny and dirty, like a dried-up twig, and I just couldn't accept that she was my sister.
Mom felt the same way.
"Why did you bring home a kid like that?!"
"Well... I heard from someone that her mom died. I couldn't just leave her alone."
"Even so, why didn't you consult me about it at all?! I never heard you had an illegitimate child!!"
"Sorry about that..."
"Ugh... whatever!!"
Since that day, my parents started fighting all the time.
They used to be so close.
So, I thought it was because she came that they started arguing.
If only she wasn't here...
With that feeling, I bullied her multiple times.
I'd shove her on purpose, hide her stuff, and force her to eat food she hated.
No matter how much she cleaned herself up, she always seemed quiet and creepy, like a doll, so I didn't feel too guilty.
When I heard she had a fever and was bedridden, I even thought it'd be better if she just didn't wake up.
But...
When she got better and showed up in front of me again, she was like a completely different person.
"Elder Brother, good morning!"
She used to walk with her head down, but now she was looking straight ahead and smiling brightly.
She had always been like a ghost, trying to gauge my and mom's moods, but now she was cheerfully greeting me.
...I think it's amazing that even though Mom either ignores me or yells at me for being noisy, she still doesn't give up.
I couldn't do it.
"Elder Brother, what kind of magic are you gonna show me today?"
"Ah, let's see... how about this?"
This girl...
Yumie has recently started following me around, begging to see my magic.
Even though she used to annoy me so much, she now smiles like she's forgotten all that and watches my magic with sparkling eyes, cheering me on with "Wow, that's amazing!"
Just now, when I recreated a little rain with my water magic and made a rainbow with the sunlight, she was so over-the-top excited, it was hilarious.
...
I can't remember the last time someone praised my magic or was happy about it like this, I think to myself.
Back when I first started learning magic, Dad and Mom used to praise me like this all the time.
Every time I could do something I couldn't do before, every little bit of progress, they would smile at me.
But ever since they started fighting, that's all disappeared...
I had completely lost interest in magic myself.
I never thought I'd start studying magic seriously again because of Yumie, the very reason it all happened.
"I think I can do this magic too! Just watch me!"
Yumie starts trying to control her magic with determination.
She's definitely not overflowing with talent.
Her magic is weak, and her control is still pretty clumsy.
But seeing Yumie, who's doing her best despite her awkwardness, makes me want to cheer her on.
"...Alright, I did it!! Ah, I did it, Elder Brother! Look!!"
Her rainbow magic is rough and tiny compared to mine.
But seeing her proudly hold it up like it's a huge achievement, I can't help but laugh.
──I think it's just like when I first started learning magic.
"Ah, why are you laughing?!"
"Sorry, I just thought, lately Yumie kinda reminds me of a dog."
No matter what happens, they won't give up, and they'll stick close to their owner, playfully pestering them to have some fun.
I was reminded of a pet dog owned by a noble acquaintance, and I couldn't help but feel that way.
"Is it a dog? Hmm..."
Hearing that, Yumie showed a bit of thoughtfulness.
As I wondered what was up, she suddenly came closer to me... wrapping her arms around me and gently resting her head against me.
"If I were a dog... I'd want you to pet me as a reward for trying hard."
With a cute, pleading look, she gazed up at me, and I couldn't help but feel a little flutter in my chest.
I hadn't really noticed before, but she was this cute all along...
"Ah... sure, that's fine."
To cover up my inner turmoil, I patted Yumie's head.
The silky, smooth feel of her hair brushed against my palm.
A lovely scent wafted through the air, and Yumie's expression blossomed with pleasure.
"......"
I didn't quite understand what that feeling that had sprouted inside me was.
I just thought that I wanted to keep staring at this angelic smile... that's how I felt.
"Elder Brother, isn't it about time for class?"
Startled by Yumie's voice, I realized I had been endlessly petting her head for who knows how long.
W-What... how much time have I spent like this with Yumie...!?
"Y-Yeah, we should probably get going."
Fortunately, Yumie didn't seem to mind at all.
I hurriedly pulled away, using my class as an excuse, but inside, I was left with a lingering desire to pet her more.
Shaking that off, I waved goodbye to Yumie.
"Well then! See you tomorrow!"
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
A secret time spent just between me and Yumie, kept from my mom.
What I learned through this was that Yumie was brighter and more of a cuddler than I had thought.
Even though we had been living in the same mansion for a year, I didn't know that about her.
"I've been bullying her for so long... Yumie..."
Remembering Yumie's face as she expressed her desire to get along with our family and her dislike of being alone, my chest tightened painfully.
I don't want to make Yumie sad anymore.
I want her to keep that cute smile on her face, just like when I was petting her head earlier.
For that reason.
"I'll do my best too."
Just like how Yumie gathered her courage and opened up to me.
I should talk to my mom as well.
I want to tell her to stop bullying Yumie.
I want her to have a proper talk with my dad and make up.
With that determination in my heart, I rushed into the mansion.
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