Ch.15You Too (4)

Kirsy showed a repentant attitude in front of Caden, but inside she was actually seething with anger.

Once away from Caden, the anger she’d been hiding erupted even more.

Because of that woman from the Ice Family, she’d made a fool of herself in front of Caden.

In his presence, she wouldn’t even dare to burp or yawn freely.

Instead, she’d shown a violent and cold side of herself.

This had earned her both a scolding and his dislike.

What was most unfair was that she hadn’t done anything wrong.

She hadn’t lied.

The Ice woman really had been plotting something strange.

Yet she denied it, making it seem like Kirsy had lied to Caden.

…But it was all fine. She could forgive everything. Things had worked out well afterward.

Even though Caden and the Ice woman had to be together during class time, which couldn’t be helped, there would be no more instances of them spending time together outside of class.

From now on, Caden had promised to come find her. The time wasted with the Ice Family woman would disappear.

It was an achievement gained through quick thinking.

She hadn’t lied. Men really did approach her often. It wasn’t bothersome or difficult enough to complain to Caden about, but it was uncomfortable enough.

She had become aware of certain things soon after arriving at the Academy.

She seemed prettier than others.

By quite a lot.

Pretty enough to help make friends.

She’d heard that her silver hair, which fell to her shoulders, was like silk.

That her face was as cute as a puppy’s.

That her personality shone like sunshine.

At first, she thought these were just polite compliments given her family’s status, but Kirsy soon realized that gazes kept following her.

She was beginning to feel that men approached her with other intentions.

Fortunately, because of this, Caden would worry about her and come looking for her.

As class time was ending, Kirsy began fidgeting in her seat.

Soon he would come looking for her.

He would come find her, not the other way around.

This fact made her even happier.

“…That concludes today’s lesson.”

“Thank you!”

When the professor spoke, Kirsy gave a loud thank you and rushed out of the classroom.

Her friends looked at her in surprise, but she didn’t care.

Logically, there was no need to act so urgently. He would need time to reach her.

But she wanted to do this.

She wanted to wait for him as soon as possible.

****

After waiting at the empty fountain for a while, stamping her feet impatiently,

various nobles began coming outside for dinner.

Some faces she’d never seen before, others somewhat familiar.

All of them walking with bright smiles, engaged in lively conversation.

The sunset was gradually falling, and birds were chirping.

The water from the fountain lightly sprayed, cooling Kirsy’s face.

Kirsy stared at the scene before her in a daze.

This was the daily Academy life she had dreamed of.

Beautiful scenery and atmosphere.

Spreading smiles and happiness.

And soon, Caden coming to find her.

As they say, the eyes reflect the heart—in this happy moment, there was nothing that didn’t look beautiful to her.

She couldn’t understand why waiting for him was so enjoyable.

Smiles kept escaping her.

Kirsy periodically looked in the direction Caden would come from.

She checked so frequently that she knew nothing would have changed, yet her eyes kept turning that way.

To others, it might have looked like she was shaking her head back and forth.

As she was turning her head and scanning the plaza, Kirsy spotted a group dressed in black.

And among them, of course, was she.

“Sister!!”

Kirsy raised her hand high and waved.

Asena’s sharp eyes turned toward her, and after making a brief gesture to her group, she began walking over.

“…Kirsy. What are you doing here? Weren’t you going to see your brother?”

“Hehe, today he’s coming to see me. Jealous?”

At Kirsy’s words, Asena’s eyes narrowed subtly.

“…Your brother is coming here?”

Asena’s head turned this way and that, scanning the plaza.

Kirsy tilted her head at this strange behavior.

“…Why, sister?”

“…Can’t you go find your brother instead?”

Asena asked as if worried about something. But that was just her speaking without knowing the situation. Kirsy had no intention of giving in.

“…No. There’s a reason. I’ll explain tonight.”

“…Still. Just go find him yourself, Kirsy.”

“We already made a promise… What if we miss each other like the other day?”

“…Sigh…”

Asena looked displeased. Kirsy found this very puzzling.

“…Sister. Why are you acting like this?”

“…That…”

Asena seemed to be contemplating something, then after a long pause, she let out a sigh and spoke.

“…Haa… Never mind. Kirsy, if any problems arise, I won’t let it slide.”

“…What problems?”

“…There are things like that. Stay close to your brother. Don’t think about leaving his side. Once I get used to the Student Council… I’ll have time to eat with you too. Just wait until then.”

Having said her piece, Asena turned sharply.

As always, she was like the wind. Kirsy didn’t bother to stop her either.

After all, the meeting she was looking forward to wasn’t with Asena, but with Caden.

Sometimes Kirsy found it quite strange. They were family, yet why were her feelings toward her sister and brother so different?

Even though they were twins, she seemed closer to Caden. Her feelings for him seemed more affectionate too.

When it came to Asena, she didn’t feel the same heartbeat she felt for Caden.

While she was pondering these unimportant thoughts, a second group of visitors arrived.

It was the noble young ladies Kirsy had become friends with.

“Kirsy!”

“Mary! Everyone!”

Kirsy waved her hand, welcoming “Mary Bones” who was at the front.

Soon the ladies surrounded Kirsy.

“Kirsy, we wondered where you rushed off to after class, but it was just the fountain?”

Mary Bones laughed as if in disbelief. Though there was a big difference in their families’ status, Kirsy had been so sociable that she’d gotten them to speak casually with her.

“Hehe.”

Kirsy smiled broadly. The nobles surrounding her all seemed to melt at her laughter.

Kirsy proudly explained why she was there.

“Actually, today my brother is supposed to come. We agreed to meet here, so that’s why I’m waiting.”

Kirsy felt a slight sense of pride.

For a very brief moment.

“You mean Caden Praester?”

When someone mentioned her brother’s name, her heart jumped in surprise.

Unlike her expectation that they would simply acknowledge it and move on, they were showing interest in Caden.

It felt like hitting an unexpected snag. Her surprise was natural.

That unpleasant feeling began to creep up again.

It was the same feeling she had with the Ice woman.

“…Oh? Do you… know my brother?”

Kirsy asked cautiously.

“Because he’s a member of the Praester Family.”

Mary answered. The young ladies immediately began chatting among themselves.

Interest in Caden continued to grow before she could stop it.

‘You mean the one who went to the Knight Department?’

‘I heard he’s very kind and capable!’

‘Wow… just seeing how he comes to find Kirsy shows it. He seems so caring.’

‘My brother is really disgusting… I envy siblings who get along so well.’

‘I… I heard his body is impressive too…’

When even the shy noble lady who rarely spoke joined the conversation, Kirsy felt her expression hardening.

Something wasn’t right. She tried to change the subject.

“Th-that’s enough about that, where were you all headed?”

“We were thinking of having dinner and then taking a walk.”

“Oh? Aha… that… sounds fun.”

“Want to join us, Kirsy?”

“Umm. No thanks.”

Kirsy looked around awkwardly before suggesting:

“I… I think I’ve taken up too much of your time. You should go ahead. I need to stay a bit longer… hehe.”

She wanted to send them away before Caden arrived. It was an instinctive feeling. She felt anxious.

“Kirsy!!”

At that moment, the voice she loved most, but least wanted to hear right now, rang in her ears.

It was a call from far away.

“…Ah…”

Kirsy bit her lip as she turned to look at Caden calling her. He was approaching, waving his hand.

Why did he have to look so handsome today of all days? Not the refined handsomeness of a young lord, but a manly attractiveness.

It was enough to make Kirsy’s heart race, even though she didn’t understand such things well.

His hair was wet with sweat, showing how hard he’d been training.

He was approaching wearing only his white undershirt, having removed his Academy uniform due to the heat.

The clothes clung to him, revealing his muscles.

Was he this handsome only to her eyes?

Kirsy checked the reactions around her.

And once again, she felt displeased.

They were all unable to take their eyes off him.

Taking a sharp breath, she slightly lowered her head, blinking repeatedly and glancing at him.

The chatty young ladies from earlier had disappeared, all pretending to be demure now.

“Kirsy!”

He called her name once more.

Kirsy hurried to him and embraced him.

She wrapped her arms around his body, hugging him tightly in front of everyone.

As if she wouldn’t let anyone take him away.

“I’m covered in sweat and dust, Kirsy. Don’t cling to me.”

Caden’s hands gently pushed at her shoulders.

But Kirsy hugged him even tighter.

Indeed, as he said, his scent was strong.

To her, it was an addictively deep smell.

A manly scent, just like his appearance.

She keenly felt the difference between their genders.

Caden gave up trying to push her away and began whispering in her ear.

Kirsy felt her ears turning bright red.

“…So… where are those boys?”

“…Huh?”

Kirsy whispered back from within his embrace.

“No, I need to establish dominance over those boys so they won’t cling to you carelessly.”

He said these cute words in a serious voice.

Kirsy forgot about the young ladies behind her and asked with a familiar smile:

“Brother, did you dress up like this just for that?”

“Hmm? Do I look good today?”

“Yes. Really handsome.”

“Heh… Actually, I did prepare a little. To show off my muscles more.”

Kirsy giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.

Whispering like this just the two of them felt like sharing secrets under the blanket when they were young.

This was possible because his embrace was as wide as a winter blanket.

Realizing this, Kirsy unconsciously swallowed, feeling his sturdiness.

…But she wasn’t the only one feeling this way.

‘Wow… he’s really handsome..’

‘…He seems so dependable.’

‘I envy Kirsy..’

Once again.

Voices disrupting this peace.

Kirsy woke from her sweet dream.

She looked around.

Caden seemed to have heard those voices too, as his head was turning in that direction.

‘Eek! He’s looking this way!’

The murmuring grew louder.

Caden raised his hand as if to greet them, but… Kirsy caught it midway and pulled it down.

“…Huh?”

Ignoring Caden’s surprised reaction, she grabbed his wrist and led him away.

“I’m… I’m hungry! Brother, let’s go quickly!”

There was a moment of resistance, but soon Caden followed her lead.

On the way to the dining hall, Kirsy began to recognize something she hadn’t noticed before, and had to look around, rolling her eyes.

“Were you that hungry?”

Caden asked, but Kirsy was too busy surveying her surroundings to answer.

Suddenly, her sister Asena’s advice came to mind. The advice not to leave his side for even a moment.

‘Is this why she told me not to leave my brother’s side?’

She thought.

‘…Huh? Then does sister feel bad in situations like this too?’

Kirsy stopped walking and turned to look at Caden.

His hair, slicked back with sweat, stirred her heart.

If Asena had anticipated this situation, then following her advice would be right.

She should go find him herself.

The promise they made yesterday needed to be broken.

Though she disliked the Ice Family woman, she hated seeing so many women looking at Caden even more.

Unconsciously, Kirsy began weighing her options.

“Br-brother.”

“Yes?”

“I’ve been thinking, meeting at the fountain means there are too many people around. Right?”

“Hmm… You do have a lot of friends.”

“Yes. Now that I’ve tried it, I understand. I think it’s better if I just come find you like before. It’s too complicated.”

Caden rubbed his chin.

“…You want to do that?”

“Yes.”

Kirsy affirmed with a confident tone.

She thought this would calm the problem that had erupted.

Until she entered the classroom the next day.

.

.

.

.

The next day, as Kirsy entered the classroom, she felt a sticky attention permeating the air.

It was directed at her, but didn’t seem to want her.

This atmosphere was spreading from the noble young ladies.

Kirsy felt an inexplicable anxiety.

It was intuition.

She could sense that this interest was for Caden Praester, her brother who had shown himself yesterday.

Her sister Asena wasn’t in the classroom yet.

Kirsy pretended not to notice the interest, deliberately giving off an unapproachable atmosphere.

Normally, she would have entered with a bright greeting and been busy chatting, but today she quietly entered the classroom and sat down silently in her seat.

Perhaps because of this atmosphere, even the women who seemed fully prepared to approach her were hesitating again.

Only Mary Bones cautiously approached, breaching the barrier Kirsy had created.

“…Kirsy, is something wrong?”

“Ah……”

“…Are you sick…?”

“…No. I’m just feeling a bit down.”

At Kirsy’s words, Mary looked back at the young ladies standing behind her.

One of them showed obvious disappointment.

Kirsy didn’t like that.

She could guess why they were so disappointed.

They wanted to ask about Caden through her, and they were disappointed that the opportunity had disappeared.

Kirsy wasn’t used to this level of stress.

When living at the Praester mansion, thanks to Caden, she had always enjoyed fun daily life.

She hadn’t felt this kind of dirty feeling for years.

Occasionally she had been upset when Caden didn’t hug her, or when he forgot to give her a goodnight kiss on the forehead, but it had been a long time since she felt this bad.

Kirsy felt the urge to say harsh words.

But… she had seen what happened a few days ago in that situation.

Even though Caden wasn’t present, if she caused a scene here, it would naturally reach his ears.

Then she wouldn’t be able to keep her promise to him about not showing her bad side… and earning his dislike would follow.

Besides, Kirsy knew that nothing had actually happened to warrant getting angry.

She just felt inexplicably awful.

She had no choice but to swallow this feeling alone.

“Mary… I’m going to put my head down until class starts.”

“Oh, yes..! Rest, Kirsy.”

Kirsy rested her arms on the desk and put her head down.

She didn’t want to talk to anyone right now.

She could tell what they were curious about, and she didn’t want to say anything about him.

Though she pretended to be sleeping, their whispering voices kept reaching her.

‘Wasn’t he so kind?’

‘How can he be like that even to his little sister..?’

Kirsy squeezed her eyes shut even tighter.

Whatever they said, she wouldn’t react.

If she just endured a little longer, this moment would pass, and the reaction to Caden would die down.

‘I never knew knights could be so handsome.. There are only old men in our family, so I didn’t know.’

‘His body was impressive..’

But once started, the nobles’ conversation showed no signs of stopping.

Clench.

Kirsy balled her fists.

It was praise for Caden… it should sound good, but she hated hearing it.

‘I wish someone would adore me like that too…’

‘…I envy Kirsy..’

“…..”

Kirsy shifted her body.

It was too uncomfortable.

She hoped class would start soon.

‘…I want to date Caden.’

Someone whispered from the crowd.

-Thud!

Kirsy’s knee hit the desk.

Everyone looked toward the sound.

Kirsy, who had suddenly sat up, was staring at the women with fierce eyes.

The friendly Kirsy had disappeared, and a great snake-like Praester was there instead.

Everyone couldn’t help but be frightened.

It was like a predator that had been playing with its prey was revealing its true nature.

Everyone froze in the tense air.

Even Mary swallowed hard.

But soon, Kirsy smiled brightly.

Some oblivious nobles sighed in relief, but the more perceptive ones remained tense.

“What are you talking about, everyone?”

Kirsy, who had said she wasn’t feeling well, jumped into the group of women with her characteristic vivacity.

She couldn’t stand it anymore.

They all started to look like thieves to her.

She knew they had no ill intentions. In fact, it was the opposite.

The problem was their excessive goodwill.

Why did they keep showing interest?

Why did they keep coveting?

The desire to date him was the most absurd thing Kirsy had ever heard.

Because.

……Because….

…….

‘…Right. My brother has no interest in such things, so how dare you think about dating him.’

Kirsy began creating reasons.

Otherwise, she couldn’t contain this anger.

For a moment, she imagined the woman before her becoming Caden’s lover.

Caden, who always hugged her, embracing this woman instead.

His kind words changing course, directed at someone else.

“….Wow..”

She involuntarily exclaimed at how much she hated the thought. It was surprisingly terrible.

Suddenly, feeling the gazes fixed on her, she corrected her expression again.

Among the stiff young ladies, Mary was the first to speak.

“Ah, we were just saying how your brother Caden is so-“

‘It should be Lord Caden. Who are you to call him brother?’

Kirsy was irritated even by Mary’s words, which she had previously liked.

Though she didn’t show it.

“-handsome… we were talking about that.”

Kirsy endured this unpleasant conversation with a fixed smile on her face.

Her mind was racing.

How should she handle this problem?

What Kirsy wanted was clear.

She wished they would stop being interested in Caden.

Stop coming close.

Stop coveting him.

She thought of methods.

Should she warn them?

Tell them to stop showing interest?

No, that wasn’t it.

It lacked justification and would only seem strange.

Though the Praester Family was powerful, giving warnings—an abuse of power—in front of everyone would only invite backlash.

Then should she ask gently?

Say that Caden needs to focus and should be left alone?

This wasn’t right either.

A gentle approach didn’t seem like it would completely quell this commotion.

There was only one method left.

A way to neither ruin her relationships with them nor extinguish their interest in Caden.

Fortunately, they still knew nothing about Caden.

They were like flies gathering around a sliver of light among his numerous charms.

At this level, simply covering that light with her palm would be enough to deal with them.

“I… I didn’t say anything bad! Really. I just thought he was handsome.”

Mary spoke as if making an excuse.

“Really?”

Kirsy opened her mouth.

With such a clear goal, acting was easy.

“Hehe. You think my brother is handsome?”

Kirsy asked the noble young ladies standing behind Mary.

“Yes….”

One noble woman nodded, blushing.

Kirsy stared at her for a while, then,

“…..Pfft-“

She laughed loudly as if she’d heard a funny joke.

Everyone looked at her in surprise.

It wasn’t difficult to laugh.

The thought of the woman before her wanting to replace her was too amusing.

The idea of wanting to gain Caden’s favor was absurd.

After laughing for a while, Kirsy lowered her voice and whispered,

“Haha.. that’s funny. But that’s only because you don’t know my brother’s true nature.”