—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“It’s not wrong, but…”
Being called “public property” wasn’t exactly flattering.
“They’re all wondering when their turn is.”
“That’s… concerning.”
I hadn’t intended to create expectations. I wanted to spend time with them, but…
“I’m claiming you today. Let’s go.”
“Sure.”
I hadn’t made any plans, so I let Sen take the lead.
“But I don’t have anything planned.”
I thought we’d just chat, but Sen had other ideas.
“We’re going to the city. Change your clothes.”
“The city?”
“Yes, the city.”
It was unexpected, especially coming from her. She was already heading out the door.
“Meet me at the main gate in thirty minutes.”
“Does it take thirty minutes to change?”
She glared at me.
“It’s our first outing as siblings. Don’t you dare show up looking sloppy.”
She closed the door.
I scratched my head. My wardrobe was mostly training clothes.
“Even if I had a choice…”
I had no fashion sense.
As I stood before the wardrobe, maids entered, carrying racks of clothes.
Bertia, at the front, curtsied.
“Greetings, Daniel. Princess Elise anticipated you might need these.”
“Huh…”
Bertia smiled.
“Do you need help choosing?”
“No, I’m fine.”
She frowned slightly and gestured to the maids, who brought the clothes closer.
“Perhaps you could tell us what you’re looking for, considering you’re meeting Sen?”
“…”
This felt like a test.
I reached for an outfit.
SLAP!
Bertia swatted my hand away.
“Apologies, I couldn’t help myself.”
Wrong choice.
I tried another.
SLAP!
“Apologies.”
“Why bring so many clothes if you’re just going to reject them all?”
Why put me through this ordeal?
Bertia sighed.
“Different outfits for different occasions. You won’t just be wearing this today. There are other young ladies waiting, besides Sen.”
“There aren’t.”
“So, Sen is the last one?”
“…”
How could I answer that? I wanted to spend time with the others, but saying it out loud felt wrong.
“Princess Elise is already preparing.”
“What is she preparing?”
“I can’t say.”
“That’s even more frightening!”
“Ahem, Daniel.”
Bertia placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, smiling kindly.
“The princess is capable, but she’s far from the throne and has a good relationship with her siblings. There won’t be any political struggles if you join the royal family.”
“Are you serious?”
This was getting scary.
Bertia picked out a few outfits.
“Let’s go with something simple. It’s cold, so a coat would be good.”
“You’re just changing the subject.”
“Hmm, you look good. It’s your physique. Now, take off what you’re wearing.”
“…”
Only someone with thick skin could be Elise’s personal maid.
“I’ll change in the bathroom.”
Thirty minutes later, Bertia and the maids looked at me approvingly.
“You look handsome.”
“Really?”
I was just wearing a simple outfit with a beige coat.
“You should go. She’ll be happy to see you.”
“…Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Master.”
“Master?”
“Nothing, Daniel.”
Her playful tone annoyed me, but I let it slide.
Eve and Hayun were waiting outside, looking displeased.
“Daniel! You’re finally here!”
“We need to talk.”
“What is it?”
They stepped closer, confronting me.
“If it was a date, you should have said so! I wanted to see you all dressed up!”
“At least Eve got to spend time with you at the library. I just sparred with you!”
“It wasn’t a date! Don’t misunderstand!”
I racked my brain for an excuse.
“It was… morale-boosting conversation. You can’t be depressed while fighting the apocalypse.”
“Then do it again!”
“Me too!”
“Your morale is already at maximum capacity. I believe in you.”
I gave them a thumbs up, and Eve lunged at me.
“Give me your finger! I’m going to break it!”
“Shouldn’t this be fair?” Hayun added.
I finally shook them off and reached the meeting place. Sen was waiting, arms crossed, tapping her foot.
“You’re late.”
“Sorry, there were… complications.”
I hadn’t expected Eve and Hayun to cling to me like that. If I hadn’t been wearing Bertia’s sturdy clothes…
“Well, you look good, so I’ll forgive you.”
She seemed pleased with my attire.
“How do I look? Tana helped me.”
She was wearing a checkered beret and coat, with a white sweater underneath. She looked nothing like an assassin.
“You look beautiful.”
“I… I wasn’t expecting such an honest answer.”
I chuckled.
“I’m trying to be more honest.”
“Really? That’s good.”
She took my arm. I was surprised, but we were siblings now, so I didn’t resist.
She leaned against me, making it a bit difficult to walk.
“So, where are we going?”
“I want to buy some tableware. Plates, cups… and maybe some blankets.”
“What’s wrong with the ones at the palace?”
She smiled and rested her head on my shoulder.
“I’ll need my own things when we live together after graduation.”
“Ah.”
Right. She was a McLean now, so she’d be living with us. That had been the point all along, but…
A wave of bitterness washed over me, and I turned away.
“Do we have to buy them now? We have plenty of time.”
“They have a better selection here. And I want to buy them now. It’ll make me happy just looking at them!”
“…Alright, let’s buy them.”
My steps felt heavy as I followed her.
“How about this?”
“Hmm.”
“Or this?”
“Hmm.”
“Are you even paying attention?”
She glared at me, arms crossed. The shopkeeper smiled awkwardly.
“Well, I’ve never really cared about design. I just buy whatever.”
As long as a plate held food and a cup held water, I didn’t care about the design.
But Sen was the same.
Having grown up in the Chokugen Faction, she hadn’t experienced proper meals. She was just choosing based on instinct.
“But you must have some preferences.”
“Why ask me? You’re the one who’ll be using them.”
“…”
She had a point. I puffed out my chest, and she punched me lightly.
“We’ll be using them together.”
“Ah.”
“So choose something.”
Her voice was barely a whisper. I froze for a moment, then nodded and looked around.
“You two are close.”
“Hee hee, we are.”
Sen beamed at the shopkeeper’s compliment. I felt a warmth in my chest.
She looked nothing like the emotionless assassin she once was.
I wanted to choose the best for her and started browsing more carefully.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
[Your Text Here]
