I Unintentionally Cured the Grand Duke’s Insomnia - Chapter 134

67. — This Sibling Relationship is Doomed (2)

When I glanced at Cain to gauge his reaction, his expression darkened as soon as he noticed Abel.

Seeing him like that, I made a resolution.

‘Not only would I clear my parents’ name through this, but I’d also try to improve the relationship between Cain and Abel…!’

With that small determination, I stepped out of the carriage, escorted by Cain. I firmly grasped his slightly tense hand as we walked toward the two figures. Perhaps because it was early morning and no one was around, I could hear their voices from afar.

“I can go alone, Michael.”

“But isn’t he going too?”

“Huh?”

“That sc*mb*g who threatens people’s lives.”

“Michael, if you say it like that…!”

Given that I could hear it clearly, I had no doubt that Cain overheard Abel’s remarks as well.

A sense of unease washed over me as I glanced up to see his reaction. Sure enough, he had caught every word of Abel’s comments unfolding before his eyes. At the sight of his expression grew dark, I swallowed nervously as the corner of his mouth twisted upward.

“I don’t think someone who talks behind people’s backs when they aren’t around is a decent person either.”

For some reason, I couldn’t help but think that this sibling relationship might be completely doomed.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

Someone once said that the fastest way to reach your destination was to travel with someone you love… In that case, traveling with people you don’t get along with must be the slowest way possible.

I touched my forehead, reflecting on how the past two hours had felt even more precarious than walking on thin ice.

The once close bond between Cain and Abel seemed to have completely vanished, and now they acted like sworn enemies.

As I realized we still had about four more hours before reaching Retinem, I glanced down at Noya, who was sleeping peacefully on my lap. Looking at him, so blissfully unaware of the tension, I couldn’t help but think that maybe it would be better if I turned into a dog again, like last time.

A sigh escaped my lips without my realizing it.

“Ha…”

At that moment, I was startled by the sigh coming from right beside me and turned my head. It seemed the other person was just as surprised as I saw their eyes widen.

“Irene?”

“Young Lady Adelia?”

Once again, as we both spoke at the same time, laughter burst out without anyone needing to say who spoke first. Then, realizing belatedly that I had used an informal title due to internal familiarity, I awkwardly laughed as I opened my mouth again.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Yes?”

“I should’ve addressed you properly, but I was too informal, wasn’t I?”

As I stroked the sleeping Noya and cautiously apologized, Irene’s cheeks flushed a soft peach color, and she quickly shook her head.

“Oh, no! Actually, I was happy.”

“….?”

“It’s been so long since someone called me by my name instead of Saintess.”

Seeing her smile genuinely, I felt much more at ease and playfully added,

“Then, can I keep calling you Irene from now on?”

“Of course. Please do!”

“Then you should call me casually as well. Oh, since everyone calls me Lia, you can…!”

“N-No, wait a moment, Young Lady Adelia!”

If you asked me who my favorite character from the novel was, without a doubt, it would be Irene. She was the character I had created to reflect the person I wanted to become. Not wanting to miss the chance to be friends with her, I eagerly awaited her response, though she looked flustered as she spoke.

“While I’m fine with you calling me informally, I don’t think I can do the same for you. After all, we come from different backgrounds…”

“Do you need the same background to be friends?”

“…F-Friends?”

“To be honest, I’ve always wanted to be friends with you, Irene.”

“With me?”

Irene looked puzzled at my words. Seeing her like that, I smiled playfully.

“You’re amazing.”

“Amazing? What do you mean…”

“I mean, having the strongest holy power in the world is amazing, and your unwavering dedication is amazing too! It’s not easy to live upright from start to finish.”

“….”

“I’ve always thought Irene is so impressive that I really wanted to be friends with you.”

Irene’s eyes widened as if she hadn’t expected my words. After blinking a few times in shock, she spoke in a much softer voice.

“I didn’t know you saw me in such a positive light.”

“….?”

“Well… to be honest, I always thought my personality was a problem.”

“….”

“Like how my inflexibility makes things more difficult for the people around me.”

Irene smiled awkwardly, recalling past events. I stared at her for a moment before picking up a pebble from the ground and tossing it into the lake, breaking the silence.

“Well, isn’t it okay for at least one person to be like that?”

“Yes?”

“Honestly, living without compromise is harder in this world than being flexible. That’s why I find you so amazing, Irene.”

With a splash, the pebble sank beneath the surface of the lake.

Irene bit her lip when she saw me smiling playfully.

It seemed I was destined to stick around for a long time, considering all the hardships I’d put the main characters through.

The wind swept through the green field, making a gentle swooshing sound as if to mask the sound of Irene’s quiet sniffles. Seeing her, seemingly comforted by my simple words, made my heart feel unexpectedly heavy.

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