Chapter 42 : We’re fake lovers, but in our hearts, we are real lovers

Was it because of the way I greeted her?

Even though she was just a little girl, was it rude to pat her head like that?

After the greeting, Sylvia’s younger sister didn’t approach me much, as if the thought lingered in my mind.

She sat in the middle with Sylvia, occasionally peeking her head out, glancing at me, but as soon as our eyes met, she would quickly look away, startled.

Or maybe it was just because I look scary?

I don’t think I have an ugly face, but the way she’s avoiding me is a little shocking.

“I guess I might be a bit awkward.”

“Hehe, I don’t think so. It’s probably because Lady Lyard is shy and likes you.”

As I muttered these words with a bitter smile, Sylvia shook her head with a gentle smile.

She liked me?

At the unexpected words, I tilted my head, and at that moment, I locked eyes with Rine again.

This time, she didn’t shy away, but stared at me as if in a staring contest, with her eyes wide open.

“Though my younger sister is shy, she’s not usually like this. It’s definitely because she likes you, Lady Lyard. Right, Rine?”

“……”

Nodding.

When Sylvia asked, Rine hesitated for a moment before nodding her head.

It didn’t seem like a fake gesture, as just moments ago, she had been avoiding eye contact, but now she was looking directly at me with wide eyes, showing a clear affirmation.

It was as if she was saying, “Please believe me.” I couldn’t help but smile.

It seemed I hadn’t been disliked, thankfully.

“I’m glad to hear that. By the way, how should I address you? Calling you ‘younger sister’ all the time feels a bit too stiff…”

“Just call me by my name. Rine would prefer that too.”

“By your name…”

Nodding. Nodding.

Rine nodded again in response to Sylvia’s words.

So it seems like it’s best to call her by her name as she requested.

“Well then, may I call you Rine?”

“Yes… that’s fine.”

“…tsk.”

By the way, I thought I heard a clicking sound from somewhere, but maybe I’m just imagining it.

“Rine… No, what should I call you?”

It seems that, being only eight years old, she still had the habit of referring to herself by name.

She seemed to be trying to change that, hastily correcting herself and asking, which was quite cute.

Since I didn’t have any siblings, only a bothersome older brother, this feeling was quite mysterious.

Is this why everyone wants a younger sister?

“Feel free to call me whatever you like. If you want, you can use my name.”

“Then, can I call you Kyle oppa?”

“Of course, I’d be honored.”

“Hehe, Kyle oppa.”

The pure eyes and harmless tone of the little girl, who said “oppa” with such innocence, made her look like she had a bright future ahead of her.

It was so adorable that even I, who thought I was good at controlling my expressions, couldn’t help but smile.

It felt a little different from the affection I felt for Sylvia.

Perhaps it’s similar to how women who love pets feel when they see puppies or kittens.

Anyway, it was quite overwhelming.

“Your smile is reaching your ears, Lord Lyard.”

Meanwhile, Sylvia, who had been quietly watching our conversation, suddenly shot me a glare.

She might say it wasn’t true, but from her tone and choice of words, it was clear she was pouting.

“What’s wrong now?”

“Hmph, nothing.”

“……”

I protested in frustration, but she shook her head and puffed her cheeks.

People often compare women’s hearts to reeds, but this wasn’t even like reeds; it was something else entirely.

How is it that her mood changes so quickly, not even by minutes, but by seconds?

If she had a complaint or something she wanted, she should just say it honestly.

“Kyle oppa, Kyle oppa.”

“Yes, Rine?”

Unlike her sulking older sister, Rine seemed very happy for some reason, and before I knew it, she had come closer, grabbing the cuff of my sleeve with her small hand and eagerly calling me.

So I replied in a neutral tone, and Rine, now with a much livelier expression than before, drew a big X with her hand and added,

“Just call me Rine!”

“Just Rine… Is that okay?”

“Rine likes that! Please speak comfortably too!”

“Uh, well… okay, Rine.”

“Wow!”

It seemed that the honorifics and the way I was speaking didn’t sit well with her.

Thanks to that, after a brief hesitation, I corrected my speech and title.

Rine raised both arms, cheering.

It seems like she likes me, as Sylvia said, but I don’t know what part of me she’s liking.

“But, Kyle oppa, are you dating my sister?”

“Pfft!”

“…Huh.”

I also realized today that kids these days are quite mature.

If she had given me a hint first, it wouldn’t have been so sudden, but the question was asked so out of nowhere that it felt like a splash of water exploded from Sylvia, who was sitting next to me.

Well, maybe being a little kid, she can ask questions like that innocently.

Anyway, I was a little surprised, but I already knew what answer I was supposed to give.

“Yeah, I’m dating your sister. But how did you know?”

“My sister kept staring at Kyle oppa, so I asked!”

“Rine…! What are you saying!”

Though it was a simple, childlike thought…

Unfortunately, Rine, your sister wasn’t staring at me because we’re dating.

She was just keeping an eye on me because she seemed annoyed about something.

I couldn’t bring myself to tell this innocent child the harsh truth, so I just nodded and said, “I guess so.”

“But somehow, it doesn’t really feel like you’re dating.”

“Really? Why do you think that?”

“Umm… I heard from my tutor that couples call each other by their names and hold hands.”

By “tutor,” does she mean her private teacher?

If Rine had asked and received an answer, I wouldn’t mind, but if the tutor just stuffed unnecessary knowledge into her head, I’d have a word with them.

Still, it’s annoying that she’s not entirely wrong.

“Your sister and I do those things when we’re alone. We’re just restraining ourselves because you’re here, Rine.”

Trying to stay as composed as possible, I vaguely explained, using the nonsense Sylvia had spouted at the recent social party to tease me.

I thought this would be enough to convince her.

“Wow, I’m curious! I want to see you two holding hands and calling each other by name!”

A child’s innocence and curiosity far exceeded my expectations.

I never thought I’d be cornered like this.

“R-Rine…! That’s inappropriate. Holding hands in front of others isn’t exactly good behavior.”

“But sister, father and mother held hands in front of me all the time! They even kissed.”

“Ah.”

Sylvia tried to stop Rine’s rampage, but unfortunately, she had just checkmated herself.

If she refuted that, she’d basically be insulting their parents, and there was no way she could do that.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Sylvia glanced back and forth between me and Rine, looking troubled.

Watching this unfold, I let out a short sigh.

There was no escape. At this point, I just had to grit my teeth and go through with it.

“Sylvia, instead of standing there, why don’t you sit down?”

“W-What…!?”

“Wow!”

I extended my hand toward Sylvia, who had been standing, and for the first time in my life, I called her by her name.

Her face, along with her neck, turned bright red, and she froze, staring alternately at my hand and my face.

Meanwhile, Rine clapped her hands in excitement, making the scene even more comical.

“Since Rine wants to see it, once shouldn’t hurt. Right, Sylvia?”

“B-But….”

She hesitated, glancing at my hand, but when she noticed her younger sister watching her with hopeful eyes, her gaze changed.

With a determined expression, she took my outstretched hand.

“Y-You’re right, Kyle. It’s not a big deal, after all.”

Then, she gently sat beside me and called me by my name.

But Sylvia, there’s no need to lean against me.

Are you testing my patience?

“How about now, Rine? Can you believe us?”

“Yes, I believe you! Hehe, from today on, Kyle and my sister are an officially approved couple!”

“‘Approved’…?”

Where did she even learn that word?

Anyway, it seemed like we had successfully tricked her, which was a relief.

Rine nodded in satisfaction, still curiously examining our clasped hands.

“Young lady, your tutor has arrived. It’s time to return to your studies.”

“Ah! I’ll be right there! Sorry, Mel!”

The maid, whom we had encountered earlier, stood at a distance and politely called out to her.

So today was the day her tutor visited.

Rine made a small “Oops” expression before running off toward the maid.

“Make sure to say goodbye properly.”

“Oh, right! I almost forgot!”

After getting lightly scolded by the maid, Rine hurriedly turned back and waved enthusiastically at us.

“Kyle! Sister! I’ll be going now! See you later!”

“Study hard, Rine.”

“See you later.”

We waved back at her, and after she left, I thought about getting up to leave as well.

But then—

Squeeze.

“…Sylvia?”

I turned in surprise at the sensation of her gripping my hand more firmly than before.

Her cheeks were flushed as she looked up at me and spoke.

“Right now, it’s Sylvia, Kyle.”