Volume 01 Side Story 02 - Side Story 02 Her Worries (2/2)

“That’s why I don’t like nobles who watch their steps and lord over people.”

“I do as well,” I looked into Paolo’s eyes and said seriously.

“I also don’t like people who bully the weak. In『Star Travellers』, a traveller who was bullied by a crow he’d met in the wildness, said this, 『I’m very sad that you’re bullying me. That’s why I won’t bully the other crows that I’ll meet』… Roma people are proud of their lives even if they’re looked down upon by nobles and other people. I think that’s very admirable.”

Paolo’s eyes began to water as if he was wincing at my words.

“Even if you say such flattering words now, it’s true that you’re a noble and a Bernstein.”

That’s true.

Someone had probably ordered the boys using the Bernstein name, but I have no proof. And it’s also true that my house is infamous with Roma people.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but say for my family’s honour, “Mr Paolo.”

“Mr Paolo…?” I looked sincerely at the boy who repeated this absentmindedly as if he was speaking a foreign language.

“My family never steals books. If we have to get a book we really want to read…”

“If you have to..?”

“We’ll read it even if we have to beg or drug that person!”

We can rewrite those books if we read and remember them.

Paolo looked at me dumbfounded because I had said that a bit too forcefully. “Isn’t drugging someone worse?” I could hear the two nearby guards desperately hold back their voices.

A thoughtful voice sounded from opposite me, “I… know about 『Star Travellers』.”

It was Rene who had blue eyes which resembled His Highness’s. Dark brown hair is a characteristic of Roma people, but I’ve seen people with light skin and eye colours among them.

“Mum read it to me. She said『Star Travellers』is a guide for our Roma people.”

I smiled back at him.

“My mother also read it to me when I was younger. It’s her favourite book.”

Rene smiled at me, timidly, and I also smiled as my heart warmed.

Only his eyes were similar to His Highness’s, but children always fear me because I am the『Ghost of the Library』, so children who smile at me are precious.

“You’re like… a strange noble. Sister,” Paolo muttered while being puzzled by my actions as I wiped Rene’s mouth with a handkerchief. “Are you really the mole’s relative?”

I thought of father and brother’s appearances and tilted my head. Both of them don’t look like moles at all. But, I had a silly thought that they might look like underground moles when they seclude themselves in their study to read.

Rene, who was stuffed, slowly started nodding off, and I rubbed his head like mother used to do to me a long time ago. Then, I felt the weight of a child lean on me as if he was at ease. I was loved unconditionally, and he leaned against my chest.

“… Say, tiny sister,” Paolo whispered as if he didn’t want the guards to hear him. He looked at the sleepy Rene as if he was worried about him and glanced at His Highness and the others who were still talking.

“I know that you’re different from the other nobles. That’s why I’m asking this. What is your relationship with that brother?”

I blinked and looked at Paolo. What does he mean?

Paolo continued as if he was annoyed, “So, I’m asking you if you two are lovers.”

When I heard that word, I felt heat going up to my ears. I was speechless.

I’ve had the fiancée title since four years ago, and I’ve come to realise that this title wasn’t for show since that incident the other day. So, I don’t have to be embarrassed at being called his fiancée, although my heart is throbbing. However, I have no resistance against the word ‘lover’, but that was also one of the thoughts I had the other day.

I realised that His Highness is a special person… an irreplaceable person of the opposite sex to me.

When he returned my feelings and treated me with affection, I was filled with indescribable happiness.

Therefore, I wanted to remember my encounter with him.

The reason why I am here by his side now is that he cherishes our encounter from long ago, and he cares about me. Without that moment, it might be impossible for me to be like this.

Therefore, I also felt that I was obliged to remember, but most importantly, I want to regain my memories with His Highness.

But, I still can’t remember at all. I’ve never felt more pitiful than now since my memory is biased towards books.

His Highness took me to this place that I’ve longed to visit because of his memories from when we were little.

When I thought about that, I felt an unspeakable uneasiness at the corner of my heart.

The other day, His Highness smiled sweetly at me and shortened our distance. He had probably done that because he treated me as a lover before he treats me as a fiancée.

But, am I worthy of receiving this?

I can’t remember my encounter with His Highness, and I’m not sure if I can behave appropriately as his lover.

“Rather than lovers…”

Those words didn’t fit me. At the very least, I might be more confident as his lover if I could recall our encounter.

My feelings and eyes dropped, and I heard Paolo say in amazement, “What the… You’re not sure? Men won’t be satisfied with you if you act like that.”

I was shocked.

His Highness hasn’t shown this, but is he unhappy with me since I’m always flustered? What I’m anxious about what His Highness thinks.

――― Isn’t His Highness disappointed since I can’t remember our meeting at all?

“Is it really like that after all…?” I asked a boy who was at a tender age. “Hah?” Paolo didn’t hide his amazement.

“The heck, don’t go crazy. I can’t ask you if you act like that.”

Hmm? I tilted my head. Paolo asked me even though he was confused, “I heard what you guys were talking about, and I somehow know that that brother isn’t Rene’s dad. But, you know, Rene has always wanted a dad. So please. Just today is fine. So lend that brother to me so he can be Rene’s dad.”

“Eh…” A cold voice was suddenly heard from behind me, who had frozen.

“――― Why don’t you get approval from the person himself?”

It was Prince Christopher. I wonder if they’ve finished their talk.

Only a little time had passed, but Sir Glenn seemed tired. His Highness pulled Rene away from me with a sound, and Alan looked at him and laughed.

“Elli. Alan asked around, but he can’t seem to find the connection between the Bernsteins and the Roma people. I have no choice but to go meet the people from Thistle Star.”

“Do you know people from Thistle Star?”

“No, but it’s easier to ask the Roma people if they’re there. There’s also something I want to confirm… I don’t really want to meet that person, but it can’t be helped,” His Highness muttered reluctantly, and I felt awful. I can’t believe that he’s putting so much effort into something that is happening in my family.

“That… the noble who ordered that child to steal?”

“Ah,” His Highness answered easily. His smile was sparkling and captivated those around him, but I felt a shiver run through me for some reason.

“It’s alright. I’m aware of who they are. They interrupted my (our) long-awaited holiday. I have to thank them well.”

… I can’t sympathise with those who use human weakness as a shield, and make children commit crimes. However, His Highness’s beautiful smile made me want to advise them, “Please run away,” for some reason.