Category: The Villainous Older Sister Who Loves Her Younger Sister Aims for the Guillotine

18. A Dance Hall for Two

“Tailor” seemed dissatisfied when I ordered practice clothes for my sister’s dance lessons.

She had never shown dissatisfaction with a clothing order before.

Curious, I asked her why, and she replied, “Even for practice, I believe one should wear a proper dress…”

That was unreasonable.

My sister wasn’t a very good dancer.

…Well, she was decent for a beginner.

However, she had a history of tripping and falling, of all places, in front of His Majesty.

While that dress wasn’t designed for dancing… if she were to suddenly dance in the same dress she would wear for the real event, I could foresee my novice sister making a mistake.

――Even so, she would eventually improve.

Of course, not immediately.

A single lesson, a single day’s practice wouldn’t be enough. If that were the case, ‘noble demeanor’ would be nothing more than a superficial veneer.

Even so, few young ladies practiced as diligently as Leticia.

I danced with Leticia in the dance hall, its floor covered with a carpet that was soft, yet firm enough not to be too yielding.

Not many noble families had a dance hall suitable for hosting a proper ball.

However, our family did.

We were a prominent noble family, after all.

…Though we were also infamous as the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals,” so we weren’t particularly enthusiastic about social gatherings.

While we accepted invitations, we rarely hosted large gatherings ourselves.

I had, of course, invited many distinguished guests for my inauguration as head of the family… but conversely, it hadn’t been used for about four years since then.

I wouldn’t call it a storage room, but since it wasn’t used regularly, it sometimes became a temporary repository for unwanted items.

The dance hall, treated so poorly considering its intended purpose, seemed to have come alive since Leticia’s arrival.

While there were still some extraneous items, they had been pushed to the sides, creating a large open space.

A full-length mirror for checking posture and long benches for resting had been placed around the room, giving it the appearance of a proper practice area.

As expected of Ciel.

Previously, dance lessons were held off-site, but now we could have a tutor come to the mansion, as in the old days.

Leticia would have private lessons with the dance instructor and then practice with me.

After several sessions, I could see her improvement.

Even though it was just for practice, her white dress, with its frills and flounces, was lovely, making her look like a fairy.

――However, that was my subjective opinion.

Objectively, her steps were still clumsy.

And she just stepped on my foot.

“Ouch! …S-sorry, Big Sister!”

“Mind your language.”

I corrected her briefly, with minimal words.

I didn’t mention the misstep.

It was a common occurrence.

“…I apologize for my clumsiness.”

Leticia apologized again, her voice subdued and lacking energy.

I considered saying something befitting a villainous sister, like, “Honestly. You can’t even dance properly. You’re just a commoner at heart, aren’t you?”

“Practice exists to help one become accustomed to unfamiliar things. …There’s no need to be ashamed of what you can’t do now.”

But I stopped myself.

I knew what it was like to put in unrewarded effort.

And I knew the kind of words that could crush efforts that should have been rewarded.

Officially, I was the villainous sister.

A petty villain, spouting sarcastic and spiteful remarks.

But here… I was just an older sister giving her younger sister dance lessons.

That was enough.

…That was… good.

“Big Sister…”

“Language.”

I corrected her sharply.

The slightly informal tone she used when she let her guard down was probably closer to her true self.

While I was happy she felt comfortable enough to show it to me… it also meant I wasn’t ‘needed.’

What she needed was the demeanor to play the role of the [Protagonist] and follow the scenario. Nothing more.

“Y-yes. Elder Sister…”

“Good.”

It was difficult not to show too much affection.

But for some reason, she smiled.

“…Thank you, Elder Sister.”

“Just try not to step on my feet, okay?”

A few seconds after I said that, my sister stepped squarely on my foot.

“I-I’m so sorry, Elder Sister!”

“You mixed up your titles.”

She probably didn’t know.

That I loved her enough to be happy even when she stepped on my feet during dance lessons.

She didn’t need to know.

Leticia was a quick learner.

Even though she occasionally stepped on my feet or stumbled, and I had to catch her… she began to look the part while dancing.

Twirling, twirling.

I continued dancing with Leticia, losing track of time—

――Eventually, Leticia reached her limit.

“Ugh… I feel dizzy…”

Leticia swayed unsteadily.

Her face was pale, and she covered her mouth with her hand.

“You need more training.”

I took her hand and led her to a long bench against the wall.

“How are you not dizzy, Elder Sister…?”

“Practice.”

To be honest, I was also feeling a bit dizzy.

I had gotten carried away, enjoying dancing close with Leticia.

I wanted to curl up and lie still right now.

But I couldn’t show such weakness.

One of the philosophies of sisterhood I had learned since gaining a younger sister was that an older sister had to be stronger than her younger sister.

So that she could be relied upon when her sister was in trouble.

So that she could offer a helping hand when her sister needed it.

And so that she wouldn’t show her sister her uncool side.

I helped Leticia sit on the bench.

…Then she leaned against me as if seeking support.

It would be easy to push her away.

…It should be easy.

But instead, I sat next to her and let her lean on me.

Another philosophy of sisterhood I had learned was that an older sister’s heart wasn’t strong enough to reject her younger sister’s affection.

I was trying my best, but only because I had the backing of the official scenario.

I couldn’t treat my sister roughly when she was looking pale and unwell.

…Especially since it was clearly my fault for making her spin too much.

“Ugh…”

I gently rubbed her back, and her pained expression eased.

“Ah… that feels good…”

Perhaps the intense disorientation and floating sensation, the feeling that the world, not herself, was spinning, was subsiding as time passed.

She should be fine if I left her alone.

But if it made her feel even a little better… I continued to gently rub her back.

Leticia slumped further against me, resting her head on my thigh.

Seeing her curled up like a cat on my lap, I couldn’t help but smile.

I considered saying something sarcastic to regain my composure, but the venom had drained from me.

But without my venom, there was nothing left.

When Leticia’s expression no longer showed any signs of discomfort, I stopped rubbing her back.

“…Elder Sister?”

Leticia opened her eyes and looked up at me.

Of course, her expression was already composed. No vulnerability.

“Your color has returned. That’s enough practice for today. We’ll continue tomorrow.”

I considered being stricter, but I didn’t want to discourage her too much.

These were unfamiliar days for her.

Well, that aside, I would make sure she could dance perfectly.

――For the upcoming [Final Ball].

But that was still far off.

Leticia clutched the fabric of my dress near my thigh.

“…One more time.”

“That’s enough.”

At my words, despair washed over my sister’s lovely face.

But then, as if overriding that despair, a look of determination appeared in her eyes.

“Please… just one more…!”

“No, really, that’s enough…”

“Please, just bend the rules a little, just one more time…!!”

My sister was persistent.

Her earnestness made further refusal seem pointless, and I sighed deeply.

“Just a little longer, then.”

“Yes!”

At least her response was good.

As if claiming a hard-won prize, she rested her head back on my thigh, nuzzling her cheek against it.

As if she had found the perfect spot, she stopped moving and smiled contentedly.

It was an expression completely unbefitting of a noble lady.

…What was so enjoyable about it?

I didn’t understand.

But as an older sister, it was quite pleasant to be treated that way by my younger sister.

17. Noble Education

The skills required of a noble are diverse.

Ultimately, it boils down to the ability to enrich and maintain one’s territory.

A nation is a collection of territories. The Kingdom of Eustasia comprises the ‘Royal Domain’ held by the Eustasia family and the territories held by the various noble families.

However, our predecessors sought to add value to the status of ‘noble.’

They sought to create a clear distinction.

They drew a sharp line between nobles and commoners, declaring, ‘I am different from you.’

‘Noble’ customs and manners, ‘behavior befitting a noble.’

Personally, I wasn’t sure if they were necessary. Wouldn’t most Eustasian citizens think, “If we had the time to fuss over such things, we could be attending to more practical matters”?

However, the Kingdom of Eustasia wasn’t the only nation on this continent.

Although there were some differences, every country had a similar history and had developed similar systems.

Marriages between nations occurred, and even the Eustasia royal family had foreign blood, so perhaps the cultural similarities were only natural.

While the Vanderwaals weren’t a family that engaged in public diplomacy, we sometimes entertained foreign dignitaries—partly to investigate their ‘true intentions.’

A nation’s prestige wasn’t solely maintained by the fertility of its farmland and the strength of its knights.

Leticia, too, was to receive a noble education.

Fortunately, her demeanor wasn’t as hopeless as most people might imagine when they heard “back alley.”

The residents of the “back alley,” including Leticia, were citizens of Eustasia.

More importantly, they were residents of the royal capital.

Even if the term “slums” was appropriate… that area was still part of the capital.

They were citizens of this country, living in the same world, just a different part of it.

Leticia herself was a quick learner.

In [Moonlight Liberium], the protagonist’s acquired knowledge was tested in the form of [Mini-Games].

They seemed to be multiple-choice questions.

…I briefly wondered if ‘romance simulation games’ were actually educational tools.

What exactly were they testing?

I didn’t know, but as far as I could tell, the questions were quite basic. If I were to take the test now, I would probably get a perfect score.

While replicating that was difficult, I asked the tutors I assigned to Leticia in various subjects—table manners, tea manners, history, etc.—to occasionally give her short multiple-choice quizzes to assess her understanding.

Rather than simply replicating the scenario, I thought multiple-choice tests were a good way to gauge comprehension.

My education consisted mostly of oral examinations… my tutors would ask me questions, and I would answer.

It would be cruel to expect my less experienced sister to remember everything without any written record.

In my case, I managed by studying textbooks and having Ciel tutor me constantly, even when my other tutors weren’t present.

Although she wasn’t a noble herself, Ciel had learned proper etiquette while overseeing my education and attending lessons with me, standing discreetly behind me. Her manners were impeccable.

She could probably become a noble right away.

Leticia was gradually acquiring the demeanor of a noble.

Everyday life—meals, tea time—became opportunities for learning.

That was how nobles were raised, from a young age.

――Mealtimes became more tense than before, as I couldn’t relax with my sister watching me.

However, it was also enjoyable, as Leticia was adorable, observing my every move with serious eyes, imitating me, and trying to learn.

I was also happy to have an excuse to observe her progress.

Though it was mentally taxing to point out her shortcomings in a sarcastic manner.

During one such breakfast, which had become a training ground, while waiting for our after-dinner coffee, my sister hesitantly spoke.

“…Elder Sister. Could you teach me how to dance?”

“Me? ――I believe I arranged for a tutor.”

“The tutor said I lacked experience and should practice at home as well.”

…Dancing, huh?

Spending time with my sister, gently guiding her through the steps…

…It would be a lie to say I didn’t find the idea appealing.

But would that be ‘behavior befitting a villainous sister’?

…No.

I had vowed to be strict.

What my sister needed wasn’t time with me—if she earnestly pleaded for my life, it would distort fate.

If I intended to follow the scenario of [Moonlight Liberium], I had to be ‘mean’ enough for her to barely plead for my life, yet ‘mean’ enough for her partner and others to deem me worthy of the guillotine.

It might be easier to be completely hated—…or maybe not, but it was certainly difficult to find the right balance.

I was still a noble, and the head of the family, at that.

I could teach my sister social dances.

However, at balls, I was always a wallflower.

I occasionally practiced with Ciel to keep from getting rusty.

No one was interested in inviting the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals” to dance.

Sometimes the prince, taking pity on me, would invite me, but I couldn’t refuse due to my position, which was annoying.

Dancing lessons with my sister might be fun.

But there was no such scene in the game.

There was no [Official Event] where the protagonist asked her villainous sister for dance lessons.

Then, I should proceed rationally.

I turned to Ciel, who was standing behind me.

“Ci—”

“And the tutor said, ‘Your sister is also my student, so ask her to teach you.’”

…Tutor?

My former tutor had unknowingly blocked my escape route.

Since I had arranged for the tutor through my connections, it was natural that some of them were still active instructors… including those who had taught me. It was my own fault.

I couldn’t help but look at Ciel for help.

She bowed slightly.

“Yes, Lady Adelheid.”

Her excellent posture might be due to her dance lessons.

Her movements were graceful and captivating.

“I will arrange for a practice space and practice attire. Please leave the scheduling to me.”

No.

That wasn’t it.

She was perfect as a maid, but that wasn’t what I wanted.

Ciel looked up and gazed at me intently.

“…Is there something unsatisfactory? Please point out any oversights.”

“No, Ciel. You haven’t made any oversights.”

If anything, she was too perfect as a maid.

She handled everything so flawlessly that I had no choice but to accept.

“…Proceed. —Leticia, I will grant you dance lessons. Be grateful.”

I said it as condescendingly and sarcastically as possible.

“Yes! Thank you, Elder Sister!”

But it had no effect.

My sister was as cheerful as ever.

As I sipped my after-dinner coffee, I couldn’t help but stare blankly into the distance.

16. “Duty and Loyalty”

Why, of all things, would this idiot prince say, “Your sister was once considered as my fiancée” in front of a young lady he had just created a good atmosphere with?

Was he completely lacking in tact?

Or was he trying to make it clear to my cute little sister that he wasn’t interested in her? Huh?

I felt more aggressive towards Prince Konrad than ever before, to the point of bewilderment.

“E-Elder Sister had a fiancé? W-what…?”

Leticia also seemed flustered by the unexpected revelation.

“…Calm down, Leticia. ‘Considered.’ And it didn’t go anywhere.”

“…Oh.”

“It seems my father didn’t consider me the primary candidate for the next head of the family. He had the idea of marrying me off to the royal family, and if a new child were born, making them the head… I heard about it later.”

In the end, my mother passed away without bearing a second child, and I became the head of the family after my father’s death, remaining the first in line of succession.

――My mother was frail, so perhaps the reason she didn’t have another child was out of consideration for her health.

Even so, as her daughter, it was complicated to have another woman bear my father’s child.

…Still.

Even if my future held the guillotine.

I was glad to have Leticia as my sister.

But I hadn’t forgiven the infidelity.

If there was an afterlife, I would get a proper explanation from my father and scold him for his unfaithfulness, regardless of the circumstances.

“…I am now the head of the Vanderwaals family. There’s absolutely no chance of me marrying into the royal family.”

“That’s the only good thing about you becoming the head.”

We both nodded in agreement.

For me to become his fiancée, there was the ‘problem’ of me being the only child of the Vanderwaals family at the time, and now the head.

That’s why I needed him to become king.

I could even say I was rooting for him.

If his right of succession were to change due to some mediocre evaluation like “unfit to be king, but capable as a noble,” and the position passed to the still-young First Princess or Second Prince, the prospect of an engagement with me would become a reality.

Surely he wasn’t that much of an idiot.

“…Have you two known each other for a long time?”

“”Sort of.””

We spoke in unison, and then both snorted at the same time.

“…You seem to get along well…”

“We don’t.”

“We don’t.”

We weren’t compatible.

Both of us were stubborn and competitive.

From an adult’s perspective, we might have seemed close… but even children had preferences and compatibilities.

I didn’t want them to think that all childhood quarrels were cute and harmless.

Perhaps his misfortune was that I was a year older, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t close that one-year gap.

Especially in childhood, girls developed faster.

And I became the head of the family first.

The gap between us was now unbridgeable, no matter what.

He and I were parallel lines.

…Come to think of it, I remembered being relieved to see his face at my father’s funeral.

I thought I had no family left.

Besides Ciel, I thought there was no one left to support me.

But even though we had a strained relationship, exchanging barbs whenever we met, and would probably never be ‘close,’ still…

I felt certain that someday, he would be the King of Eustasia, and I would be the head of the Vanderwaals.

It wasn’t that he would support me. It was just my own stubbornness.

But it was… comforting to have someone like that.

Even under torture, I would never admit it.

He hated the Vanderwaals, and while I couldn’t say I had no qualms about our family’s shady business… I was still proud of it.

He and I would probably never get along.

But we understood each other. Perhaps too well.

He and I were parallel lines.

We would never intersect. Never.

But as long as the distance between us didn’t widen too much, we would continue to move in the same direction. Because we were parallel lines.

My line would probably end in about a year, but I would simply be relieved of my burden a bit earlier.

With Leticia around, things would surely work out.

I would fulfill my duty.

Because I had sworn loyalty.

――’Duty and loyalty.’ The noble’s motto resonated within me.

My oath was more important than my life. That was all.

And if it also meant my sister’s happiness, I had no complaints.

“Well then, Your Highness. We’ll take our leave.”

“Yes. Safe travels.”

I chuckled.

“That’s the first sincere greeting I’ve heard from you in a while.”

“Same here.”

Had we ever exchanged such greetings before?

Whenever we met, we traded barbs and sarcasm. Almost like a greeting.

“…And I have to say, I’m slightly impressed. I didn’t think you’d defend my sister.”

“…I simply couldn’t tolerate the Vanderwaals name being tarnished.”

The prince smiled, a rare sight for me.

“Let’s leave it at that.”

What did he mean, “leave it at that”?

I wanted to wipe that smug, condescending look off his face, but I decided to let it slide, thinking Leticia must be tired.

He should remember that it was my cute little sister who saved him.

――On the carriage ride back, Leticia smoothly settled in next to me again.

I couldn’t object now, after failing to do so on the way there.

Leticia smiled at me.

“Thank you for today, Elder Sister.”

“…It was nothing to thank me for.”

“For me, it is something to be thankful for.”

She wrapped her arm around mine.

Ah… warm.

Leticia’s body temperature seemed to be higher than mine, and her warmth was comforting.

…Come to think of it, it had been a while since I felt someone’s warmth.

Besides my mother, only Ciel, perhaps.

And even with Ciel, it was only when I was a child.

Even now, as a maid, she washed and dried my hair, helped me dress, and there were times when our bodies touched.

But she had never… embraced me like this.

…I felt like I had truly won her over.

Even the maid across from us was looking at us with a warm smile.

No.

This wouldn’t do.

My sister was the protagonist.

I was the villainous sister.

We each had our respective roles to play.

I renewed my resolve.

I would be strict from tomorrow onwards.

――I would drill into her what it meant to be a noble.

However, I decided to commend my sister first.

Praise when praise is due—that was good pedagogy.

Due to my position, I couldn’t be too kind, but simply acknowledging the facts should be acceptable.

“…Well, you did reasonably well today. Now that you’ve been officially recognized as a noble, I’ll be strict with you from tomorrow onwards. ――Duty and loyalty.”

“Yes! ――Duty and loyalty!”

I had never heard such a cheerful “duty and loyalty.”

My sister managed to turn a solemn, weighty motto into this.

Even though I had just said I would be strict from tomorrow onwards.

Until today, I had only taught her the bare minimum of proper behavior for the ceremony, but from tomorrow, I would begin her noble education in earnest.

…From tomorrow.

Chapter 15: [Encounter with the Prince], Take 2

“…Adelheid von Vanderwaals. Your ‘methods’ truly lack any semblance of grace.”

“My sincerest apologies, Konrad von Eustasia. Perhaps if I had received more graceful words from the First Prince, things would have been different.”

Trading barbs, Prince Konrad awkwardly averted his gaze.

Unfortunately for him, I had more experience in these matters.

He was being groomed as the next king and had received appropriate education. Well… I suppose I could acknowledge his competence, but I was already the head of a family.

The weight of our responsibilities was different.

…However, I wondered if it would have been better to scold Leticia and rely on the prince’s intervention…

What was my sister’s impression of the prince… and the prince’s impression of my sister…?

Since he had followed us all the way to the waiting room to retrieve our wraps, he must have something he wanted to discuss. He started with a barbed remark, almost as a greeting, so I responded in kind, but perhaps I should refrain from my usual behavior when my sister is present.

Then, Leticia spoke.

“…I’m sorry, Elder Sister. For making such a… unsightly scene.”

“Indeed.”

I nodded.

My sister was visibly dejected, but it was true.

I hadn’t expected her to trip.

“However, you are a daughter of the Vanderwaals. The only one with the right to laugh at you in that setting is His Majesty… unless they are prepared to make an enemy of our family.”

I smiled faintly.

I also had His Majesty’s trust.

This ‘prince’ seemed to dislike that as well.

Well, perhaps in another… twenty years, he would understand his father’s greatness… and his burdens.

That’s what it meant to be a ruler.

A nation existed to protect things that couldn’t be protected with mere ideals.

“Elder Sister…”

Leticia looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Her pure, adoring gaze was so dazzling that I averted my eyes.

…As a noble, was averting one’s gaze a sign of defeat?

“…So? Your Highness, what business do you have with someone as untrustworthy as myself?”

“Can you not speak without being sarcastic?”

“Look in the mirror, Your Highness.”

The prince cleared his throat.

I was probably the only woman who knew that this charming prince was actually a stubborn, scheming individual.

He seemed to be showing his true colors in front of Leticia, influenced by me.

“It wasn’t you I had business with. It was Lady Leticia.”

“My sister?”

This man… was interested in a woman?

Well, it was a basic principle for a prince not to favor any particular woman.

If he were to be captivated by someone, it would complicate the line of succession.

If a child were to be born… while it was easy enough to say, “We do not recognize this child as royalty,” the royal bloodline was too valuable.

There was no guarantee that another country or noble wouldn’t use the child for their own purposes.

And this prince… was interested.

Perhaps there was a chance.

Since the scenario had deviated from the encounter onwards, I had thought it was hopeless and, due to personal preference, had almost removed him from my sister’s list of potential suitors.

The other two [Capture Targets] weren’t necessarily better than him.

Besides, it was Leticia’s choice to make.

She would choose… one of the three.

“…I came to apologize.”

“Apologize?”

My sister tilted her head, looking puzzled.

Her expression was so cute that I slightly raised my opinion of the prince, thinking he might be useful after all.

“…I spoke ill of your sister. I apologize.”

He bowed his head.

It was significant for a prince to bow his head, but this was a private setting.

My sister smiled faintly.

“…Ah. You already apologized for that.”

“Thank you.”

The prince raised his head—his expression serious.

“However, I believe a family known as the ‘Coldhearted Vanderwaals’ shouldn’t exist.”

“Oh…”

My sister looked indifferent towards the prince’s solemn declaration.

“It’s a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

How noble of him.

If those were words for public consumption, I might give him a passing grade.

“Your Highness, do you… trust the people?”

“Yes.”

He nodded without hesitation.

“Truly?”

“Of course. I am royalty of this country.”

Leticia laughed.

It was the first time I had seen my sister… smile without smiling.

“…Even us, the residents of the ‘back alley’?”

“Yes.”

He nodded firmly again.

“…Then I still can’t trust Your Highness.”

Prince Konrad looked taken aback.

My sister continued in a cold voice.

“It’s the ironclad rule for us ‘back alley’ residents: ‘Don’t trust strangers.’ …Because I don’t understand how someone can trust someone they don’t even know…”

His gaze shifted to me.

Don’t look at me, you idiot prince.

Even I… didn’t know much about how my sister lived in the “back alley.”

I knew her last job: a maid in a bakery.

She seemed to have done other day labor jobs, but the details were unknown.

No record of any major crimes.

I didn’t even know what her mother did, or when she died…

This was already more than I knew before.

Throughout [Moonlight Liberium], my sister’s past was never revealed.

It wasn’t necessary, I suppose.

It was enough that she ‘struggled in the slums.’ That was all that mattered.

The unseen playwright probably never imagined that a real girl would bear that fate.

“…Lady Leticia. If you don’t mind, could you tell me more about yourself?”

“Huh?”

“I want to learn about the people… through your eyes and your words.”

Was he being serious or not?

He was stubborn, but he had a sense of responsibility towards the country.

He would be a good king… if he had someone to support him.

Especially if that someone was a consort with a commoner’s perspective… someone familiar with the struggles of the lowest classes.

He would be a good king.

“…Elder Sister.”

She looked at me, seeking guidance.

…Well, it wasn’t a bad proposition.

He was one of the three potential love interests… [Capture Targets].

“Do as you wish. Speaking with people from various walks of life, broadening your horizons, deepening your knowledge, and building connections are also important skills for a noble.”

“Broadening my horizons, deepening my knowledge, and building connections…”

Leticia repeated my words and nodded.

“Understood. Your Highness, if we meet again at the castle, please allow me to tell you more.”

“Certainly, with pleasure, Lady Leticia.”

It ended on a better note than I expected.

…Was this also the power of fate?

Well, my Leticia was charming.

And even someone as ‘problematic’ as myself—

“…Actually, Lady Adelheid and I were once considered for betrothal.”

“Eh!?”

“…………”

Why… would you say that?

Chapter 14: The Wall Lizard’s Wrath

Seeing Leticia quickly sit up after her fall, I was relieved.

However, she didn’t move from that spot. ――No, looking closer, her slender body was trembling slightly.

The celebratory mood that had filled the audience chamber was gone, replaced by cold stares directed at the country bumpkin who had tripped at the end of an important ceremony.

It was a ceremony attended only by those with a penchant for spectacle in the first place.

They had only applauded earlier to appease Konrad, the first in line to the throne.

“Oh my, what a disgrace.”

“How unrefined.”

“And this is supposed to be a noble…”

“What was the former head thinking?”

“Such a pathetic display…”

All I could hear now was scornful laughter and contempt.

My blood boiled at their derision directed at my family.

What did these people expect from a sixteen-year-old girl, even if she was a noble?

They were less refined than the guards.

――…This [Event] wasn’t in the game.

This was an ‘accident.’

I walked across the red carpet and stopped a step away from my sister.

“…Get up, Leticia.”

“…Y-Yes.”

Leticia stood up, still trembling slightly.

I took her hand, and the trembling… transmitted to me…

I unconsciously tightened my grip.

“Ow… I-I’m sorry…”

“Be quiet.”

I said curtly.

I loosened my grip slightly and pulled her hand.

I stepped forward, switching places with her.

I stood before His Majesty.

I had intended to hold back.

I had considered acting like an adult.

I had thought I would just let it slide.

…But.

Leticia was trembling.

I couldn’t tolerate her trembling hands.

I wanted to hug her, but that wasn’t me.

I wasn’t that kind of ‘good older sister.’

“――I thank all those in attendance. I am pleased to share this joyous occasion with you, the day my sister is ‘officially’ recognized as a noble by His Majesty.”

I smiled brightly.

Even from a distance, I could see Prince Konrad’s face twitch.

“However, it seems there’s a bit too much noise.”

“…Elder Sister?”

I was probably the only one who heard my sister’s soft murmur.

But everyone heard my voice.

“…’Noise’ that would offend the ears of the first in line to the Vanderwaals title, one of the three ducal families…”

I could see everyone within sight, except His Majesty and the Prime Minister, flinch.

――I was the second highest-ranking person present.

After His Majesty.

The Prime Minister was merely His Majesty’s subordinate, a court official without a title.

Konrad was the First Prince, first in line to the throne, but that was all. His right of succession, his royal bloodline, held no inherent authority.

I was Adelheid von Vanderwaals, the head of the Vanderwaals family.

I held authority over all matters concerning the Vanderwaals.

Leticia, on the other hand, was my half-sister. She was subjected to my sarcasm, treated lightly, and given an attic room.

Even so, she was the first in line to inherit the ducal title.

Insulting her was insulting me—insulting the Vanderwaals family.

I had no interest in flaunting my noble power.

However, my opponents were also nobles.

To a noble, honor was like a knight’s armor.

And to those who would carelessly and thoughtlessly tarnish it…

…there was no need for restraint.

A few of the more perceptive nobles, realizing the situation, lowered their gazes.

Averting one’s eyes was a sign of defeat, both in the “back alley” and in the royal court.

“To a mere girl who isn’t even a noble…”

One of them muttered.

It was loud enough to be heard, but the content suggested he didn’t want to be identified.

He dared to underestimate the Vanderwaals’ sharp hearing.

I fixed my gaze on the portly nobleman, and he clearly flinched.

“…My sister has already been recognized as the heir, and today is merely a formal ceremony of recognition, is it not? Besides, the ceremony is already over. It’s strange to hear such remarks from someone attending the ceremony, who seems to be unaware of the facts.”

A few more lowered their gazes.

“No, that’s not what I…”

“Then what is it, ‘Baron’?”

I pressed on with a smile.

He was a baron, the lowest rank of nobility: Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron…

A noble’s power was determined by their title.

Of course, it also depended on the size of their territory, their wealth, and their connections.

But in all of those aspects, no one present could rival the Vanderwaals.

He turned pale and lowered his head, but it was too late.

The right to control this situation belonged to me, the higher-ranking noble, not him.

The speechless baron was pulled back, and a woman in a yellow dress stepped forward.

If I remembered correctly, she was his wife.

“…My husband has been rude. …Please forgive his transgression with your generous heart…”

I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

…This was a good place to stop.

I had a slight urge to utterly ruin him, but that would probably be… ‘too much.’

His wife seemed relatively sensible, and if I rejected her plea for forgiveness, I would have to see things through to the end.

I didn’t intend to lose… but I had nothing to gain except a bad reputation.

And the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals” already had a sufficient bad reputation.

“Everyone. Please raise your heads.”

As instructed, everyone slowly raised their heads and focused their attention on me.

“My sister has her shortcomings. However, as the head of the family, I will take responsibility for her education—”

I paused.

“Is that understood?”

I looked around at the assembled nobles, my unspoken message clear: “Speak out of turn, and I will crush you.” I put all of Ciel’s teachings into my gaze. I decided to trust in the power of my glare once more.

Everyone I looked at immediately lowered their gaze.

In other words, everyone except His Majesty, the Prime Minister, and the Prince.

…It was still effective.

I did have an intimidating glare.

Why did Leticia smile when I glared at her…?

“Now then, Your Majesty. We will take our leave.”

I curtsied to the King on the throne.

His Majesty nodded graciously and waved his hand, granting us permission to leave.

I lightly nudged Leticia’s shoulder, and we began to walk side by side.

“Ah, um…”

“For now, hold your head high and look forward.”

I spoke to my sister without turning to face her.

“That is what it means to be a noble.”

13. [The Ceremony of Recognition]

The audience chamber.

A long, narrow room with a heavy stone floor and thick pillars.

Stained-glass windows, majestic in several places, including above the throne, provided light, but due to the nature of the castle, there weren’t many windows, and the overcast sky made the room dim.

The [Ceremony of Recognition] began.

A ceremony to formally acknowledge my sister as a noble.

I was accustomed to such ceremonies, having been raised as a ducal daughter and now being the head of the family, but it was my sister’s first time, and I felt as nervous as if it were my own.

We walked together on the red carpet laid out to the throne, located at the far end of the room on a raised dais.

Ten steps before the throne, I stopped. After watching my sister curtsy, holding the hem of her dress, I followed suit.

Leticia seemed a bit awkward, but only a ‘Villainous Sister’ would criticize her for that… probably.

If there were such a person… I’d like to grind them into mincemeat, but they would surely turn pale when my sister eventually rose to prominence, so I’d overlook it for now.

Leticia looked up at the King of Eustasia, seated on the elevated throne, and bowed her head.

“…Your Majesty, my name is Leticia.”

“…Indeed.”

About a dozen nobles were present, but they were scattered sparsely, creating a somewhat desolate atmosphere.

The Prime Minister stood beside the throne, and the prince stood on the other side. I wished he had been late.

This ceremony was a rare occurrence.

The King approved the application submitted by the head of a noble family—in the Kingdom’s law, noble status was granted by His Majesty. There was nothing wrong with that.

However, nobility was a privileged class, and a suitable reason was required.

In this case, I claimed she was my half-sister, and that was accepted.

If this wasn’t a setting to force the scenario of [Moonlight Liberium] to progress, I suspected it was a system from the early days of the kingdom, used to elevate favorites to nobility…

Noble families typically rose to prominence through military service or wealth. Some families gained recognition through art or industry.

And the family that shed the most blood, amassed the most wealth… and left the most corpses in the fields… was Eustasia.

The most noble and most barbaric bloodline, uniting the feudal lords and building the great nation of Eustasia through profit and fear.

That being said, the Kingdom of Eustasia was also a peaceful nation that hadn’t engaged in a full-scale war for a hundred years.

The days when it reigned supreme as the continent’s strongest military power were long gone.

However, it remained the strongest nation on the continent, both in name and reality.

Its national power was immense, and its knights were highly skilled. The exploits of the Eustasia Kingdom Knights, dispatched to mediate small-scale conflicts, were legendary.

And this country had the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals.”

A rumor, likely embellished by some poet, circulated both domestically and internationally, depicting us as wall lizards with countless eyes and ears, eliminating any and all threats to Eustasia, with cold, unfeeling gazes and warm, beating hearts.

While similar organizations existed elsewhere, I hadn’t heard of any other country granting such authority to one of its highest-ranking noble families—one of only three ducal families.

…Officially, our family only held territories around the royal capital, in the north, and a few scattered exclaves.

However, the Eustasia family always relied on the Vanderwaals, and our family always answered their call.

In an age of endless war, peace was a distant dream.

However, the future envisioned by our ancestors was now a reality in this country.

…The founding king of Eustasia seemed to have aimed for continental conquest, but if he had succeeded, the Vanderwaals would have died from overwork. I couldn’t thank the second king enough for halting territorial expansion and not inheriting the founding king’s policy.

While reigning as one of the four great powers of the continent, Eustasia supported the separation and independence of numerous small nations, and maintained friendly relations with them.

It was more convenient for us if they remained divided.

Currently, the political climate of the various countries was stable.

Deep-rooted territorial disputes had mostly ended, and while there were trade issues, the complex web of alliances—if maintained—would prevent immediate escalation to all-out war.

Even if it was troublesome, dialogue was preferred over war.

No one wanted to turn back the clock and plunge the continent back into an era of conflict—

That was the setting of [Moonlight Liberium].

I was glad it wasn’t set during the era of the founding.

I wondered if the war-torn past was necessary for a romance story… but perhaps in the world where the unseen playwright who wrote the scenario was born, people also continued to fight.

And… perhaps it had become peaceful enough for them to enjoy love stories.

Although it wouldn’t be a conflict on the scale of the founding war, this country would be thrown into chaos within a year.

And the Vanderwaals’ work hadn’t changed one bit since the founding.

Peace for Eustasia.

Even if it meant using my own sister.

Even if it meant my head being separated from my body on the guillotine.

――The Vanderwaals’ mission remained unchanged.

I would even believe in this dubious fate. The information it provided was fairly accurate.

Though I was wary, as it was suspicious in many ways.

His Majesty addressed my sister from the elevated dais.

“――Leticia. Do you swear to accept the title of ‘von,’ pledge allegiance to Eustasia, and fulfill your duties?”

His resounding voice caused the attendees to straighten their postures.

I remained unchanged, focused on my sister’s momentous occasion.

On paper, my sister was already a noble.

So, this was just a ceremony.

An event to publicly declare the country’s recognition of my sister as a noble.

…Outside, the heavy clouds seemed to have parted, revealing a patch of blue sky. The largest stained-glass window above the throne began to shine, bathing Leticia in a cascade of vibrant, multicolored light.

“――Yes, I swear. Your Majesty.”

My sister declared in a firm voice and bowed her head.

The practice had paid off.

As expected of the future head of the Vanderwaals family.

…This blood had bound me from the moment I was born.

There was something I thought immediately after learning I had a sister.

Was it truly necessary for us to fight each other…?

And when I finally finished processing the massive amount of information that had been forced into my mind… when I finished reading the entire scenario of [Moonlight Liberium] like a long novel…

…I felt relieved.

I was just a minor villain.

And my sister was a pure, innocent girl.

I would be beheaded on the guillotine—that was ‘all.’

I didn’t have to kill my sister.

And I didn’t have to die at her hands.

…It was a strange fate.

But my path in life had been determined long ago.

I didn’t have the selfishness… the strength… to abandon everything I had learned… to discard the pride I had cultivated, the duties I had to fulfill, the promise I made to Ciel, and live as a free individual.

I was born a noble.

I should die a noble.

Perhaps the ‘me in the game,’ while fulfilling the Vanderwaals’ duties, had become slightly… mentally unstable.

…Or perhaps, like me now, she had chosen to thoroughly embrace the role of the villain.

The story was told from the protagonist’s perspective, so the ‘Villainous Sister’s’ feelings were never revealed.

I didn’t even understand my own heart.

“Leticia von Vanderwaals. In the name of the King of the Kingdom of Eustasia, I recognize you as a noble. —Duty and loyalty.”

“—Duty and loyalty.”

My sister repeated His Majesty’s words.

It was the customary phrase.

…Ah, what a wonderful event.

The text alone couldn’t convey its magnificence.

The joy of witnessing my sister’s triumph from the best seat in the house.

If I had to say, I wished I could have taken His Majesty’s place, just for a moment.

That was the true best seat.

…Was that disrespectful?

My sister stood and curtsied, holding the hem of her violet dress.

Although hastily learned, combined with her loveliness, it looked… presentable.

It was a shame I could only see her back from my position.

…Prince Konrad, standing next to His Majesty, began to applaud.

The sound of a single person clapping, clap, clap…, was swallowed by the vast space of the audience chamber.

However, though hesitant at first, everyone followed the First Prince’s lead, and the sound of applause filled the room.

I, too.

I, too, applauded.

Kneeling behind Leticia, I watched her back.

My sister had done well.

After confirming that His Majesty had settled back onto his throne, I stood up.

My sister turned and smiled when she saw me.

Then, she ran towards me—

And tripped spectacularly.

The audience chamber fell silent.

My sister had done well.

It would have been better if she hadn’t fallen.

12. [Encounter with the Prince]

When I finished using the restroom before my sister and spotted a figure down the hallway, I felt a wave of relief.

I never thought there would be a day I’d be relieved to see him.

He stopped a short distance from me and addressed me in his cool—and prickly—voice.

“…It’s almost time for your audience with His Majesty, Adelheid von Vanderwaals.”

“Naturally, I’m aware of that. A lady has to maintain her appearance, Your Highness Konrad von Eustasia.”

Light, tousled blond hair, inherited from his father, and deep green eyes.

Twenty-one years old, a year younger than me. Being of age, marriage proposals were a popular topic of gossip, but royal marriages had even greater political significance than those of nobles. Noble ladies of marriageable age apparently dreamt of marrying him and entering the royal family—but I had absolutely no interest, in any sense of the word.

He used to be smaller than me, but he had grown taller at some point.

His white formal attire, objectively speaking, suited his slender, handsome figure, enhancing his masculine charm.

Subjectively speaking, I didn’t care what he wore.

The sword at his hip wasn’t just for show; if he were on a white horse, he would be the very image of a prince. Come to think of it, there was a scene in [Moonlight Liberium] where he rode a white horse.

Standing next to my sister, both with blond hair, albeit different shades, they looked somewhat like siblings… and, though it vexed me, I couldn’t deny they looked good together.

“You? —A lady? The standards for ladyhood have certainly fallen.”

“My, how harsh for a ‘prince’ rumored to be so kind to women.”

I covered my mouth with my hand and chuckled, aiming to get on his nerves, and Prince Konrad scowled.

…Oops.

I reacted as I usually did.

What if Leticia heard that?

“Hurry up. I’ll take my leave.”

He turned to walk away.

――Wait.

Wait a little longer.

“…Hold on.”

“What is it now?”

I stopped him, but I had no plan.

Leticia, hurry up!

My inner cry couldn’t have been heard, but the sound of running water indicated Leticia’s imminent arrival, and I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

“Elder Sister, I apologize for the wait.”

Good, it was going mostly according to the [Official Event].

The next official line was—[“Leticia. Were you here all this time? Honestly, don’t make me wait.”]

…No. I’d discard that line.

I was the one who brought her here; the line “Were you here all this time?” wouldn’t be convincing.

What kind of fate is this if I can’t even control a girl’s need to use the restroom? Ridiculous.

…But if it weren’t for fate—how would I have known I had a sister three years ago?

Although the details were different, the prince had appeared.

Now, if I scolded my sister and he took her side, the event would at least maintain its basic structure.

“[Leticia.] You’re late. The audience is about to begin. [Honestly, don’t make me wait.]”

“[…I’m sorry, Elder Sister.]”

I recycled the usable parts of the official line.

And my sister responded with the [Official Line].

“[…Lady Adelheid. Is this the sister you recently found?]”

“[Yes.]”

He addressed me by my full name, laced with sarcasm, or with the equally sarcastic title of “Lady.”

It sounded much more barbed than when he used “Lady” with other noblewomen.

Also, although it was how he had always addressed me, continuing to use it even after I became the head of the family, no longer a young lady, implied he didn’t acknowledge me as such.

“[It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Konrad von Eustasia, First Prince of this country. May I have your name?]”

――Good, just like the script.

A bit explanatory, but that’s what self-introductions are for, and it also served as an explanation for the audience. I’d let it slide.

As his introduction indicated, he was royalty, permitted to use “Eustasia” after “von.”

First in line to the throne. The First Prince of Eustasia.

And a [Capture Target] in [Moonlight Liberium].

One of the three potential love interests for the protagonist.

We were on track with the official flow of events.

Could I finally relax?

“[It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. Leticia] von Vanderwaals.”

…Huh?

That was slightly different.

Her line should have been simply [“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. Leticia.”]—

“[So, what were you doing here?]”

“…It’s my sister’s fault for taking so long in the restroom when she has an audience soon.”

I couldn’t use the official line due to the change in the conversation flow.

Well, as long as the meaning was conveyed.

I think I added to the unreasonable nature of the situation, since I was the one who brought her here. In the ‘original,’ my scolding had some justification.

Furthermore, saying this after criticizing her appearance… I was quite shameless.

“[—Are you scolding your sister for such a trivial matter? You truly have a nasty personality, Adelheid von Vanderwaals.]”

I agreed.

I thought we didn’t get along, but we finally found common ground.

His forced ‘princely act,’ which usually annoyed me, was now reassuring.

I looked down at him, thinking, “Go ahead and take my sister’s side.”

However, there was an unexpected obstacle.

“――Your Highness, please don’t say such things.”

“…Lady Leticia?”

Konrad’s eyes widened.

“I can’t overlook you calling my Elder Sister nasty.”

Well, I think I have a nasty personality.

“…Lady Leticia. Do you know the Vanderwaals’ nickname? —’The Coldhearted Vanderwaals.’ They are cold-blooded geckos, an abomination in this country.”

If he married her, she would become Leticia von Eustasia… well, it wouldn’t be a bad fit, I suppose.

Though I think Vanderwaals suits her better.

I watched their exchange, thinking such random thoughts.

“Geckos are cute, aren’t they?”

“…Uh, no. That’s not what I meant.”

Konrad was thrown off balance.

We unexpectedly discovered Leticia’s surprising preference.

…Well, she grew up in the “back alley.” It would be tough to dislike geckos there.

Konrad gave a faint smile.

“――Once you know her true nature, you’ll wish you never had a sister.”

We were in agreement again.

I was a stepping stone for my sister’s glory.

What I had done…

…I didn’t want her to know.

“…To us ‘back alley’ residents, royalty and nobles are all the same.”

However, she didn’t back down, probably glaring at him.

But her glare lacked power, making her look even cuter.

The prince, who had experienced my glare several times, seemed to have the same impression, and he smiled.

“But the Vanderwaals are different. That family… was the only one who extended a hand to us…”

…That was because of my sister.

Our family supported the residents of the “back alley,” hoping that at least some help would reach her.

“The food they distributed, the blankets… without them, there were people who would have starved or frozen to death…”

We were still continuing the support, to some extent.

But it wasn’t an act of selfless charity.

I… wasn’t a saint.

However, Konrad, unaware of the circumstances, looked at me, caught off guard.

Don’t look at me.

Leticia pressed her point.

“…Besides, I don’t like people who speak ill of others’ families.”

Konrad’s expression became blank.

Then, he clenched his right hand.

My heart pounded.

I didn’t know if he or those around him were aware, but that was his habit when suppressing his emotions.

――He was wearing formal attire, so he had a sword at his hip.

Of course, it wasn’t blunted.

…He wouldn’t be so rash as to draw it here.

But there were no absolutes in this world.

Come to think of it, he was a rash, impulsive idiot who once picked a fight with a duchess a year older than him and challenged her to a duel with wooden swords, under the guise of practice.

It was a long time ago.

I won decisively.

We weren’t like that anymore.

We were in a formal setting, where even carrying a real sword was permitted. Losing our composure was unacceptable.

I discreetly clenched my right hand, testing my movements.

I subtly extended two fingers.

――If he made a move to draw his sword, I’d go for his eyes. If I couldn’t incapacitate him in time, I’d block the blade with my own body.

I would take him down with me, if necessary.

I would eliminate any possibility, however small, of my sister being harmed.

I didn’t care about [Moonlight Liberium] or the first in line to the throne.

I couldn’t entrust my sister, let alone the country, to someone who would even touch their sword in this situation, even as a threat.

…However, Konrad didn’t touch his sword. He bowed his head.

“…I apologize. You are right. It was not my place to say such things to you, her sister.”

How long had it been since I last saw this man lower his head?

Despite his gentle demeanor, he was incredibly stubborn.

“――Elder Sister, let’s go. We mustn’t be late.”

“Eh? …Ah, yes. You’re right.”

My sister took my hand and hurried towards the audience chamber, leaving the prince behind.

I discreetly retracted my two extended fingers, making sure my sister didn’t notice.

The audience chamber was right next to the waiting room.

I handed my wrap to a maid, and while the guards stationed at the entrance announced our arrival to His Majesty, my sister took a few deep breaths to compose herself.

I also took a small breath.

At least, my sister and the prince had met.

Although it was quite different from the [Official Event].

The original ending was supposed to be [“Lady Leticia. If anything happens, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will be your strength, I swear on the name of Eustasia. —Now, to the audience chamber.”]

There was no trace of that.

And why was I the one being defended by my sister…?

I couldn’t help but stare blankly into the distance.

Would this encounter… lead to love…?

Probably not…

---

Eustasia Kingdom, First Prince
Konrad von Eustasia

CV: Censored

Sample Voice 1 Sample Voice 2 Sample Voice 3

The First Prince of the Eustasia Kingdom. One of the capture targets in [Moonlight Liberium].

Though he appears gentle, he is surprisingly stubborn and has a strong sense of justice. 21 years old (at the time of his appearance).

He has a childhood friend-like relationship with Adelheid, who is one year older than him.

Expected to be the next king, he received a good education and is well-cultured.

His slender hands are a charming point.

However, he is quite cooperative, so he is a normal capture target.

<<< Home >>>

11. Waiting Room Anxieties

――I was getting anxious.

“Leticia, would you like some tea?”

“No… I have an audience soon…”

Leticia and I were alone in the waiting room near the audience chamber.

The maids were waiting in the next room. They seemed visibly relieved when I dismissed them so they wouldn’t interfere with the event.

Even though they might be called at any moment, it was probably more relaxing than being in the presence of the head of the family and her daughter.

I discreetly checked the time on the grand grandfather clock.

This was bad.

The time for the audience was fast approaching.

And yet, the [Official Event] wasn’t happening.

The audience was just an excuse concocted by the unseen playwright to get Leticia into a dress.

The proof was that it was glossed over in the game.

The beautiful illustration—the [Event Still]—was of the encounter with the prince.

However, for that to happen, she had to go to the restroom before the audience, be late, rush back in a panic, and bump into the prince.

Why incorporate such an uncertain, spontaneous event into the scenario?

Furthermore, it was all part of a set piece: me scolding my sister for being late, and the prince stepping in to defend her.

I could handle my part.

The prince, well, he must have been drilled on how to treat a lady. He would probably defend my sister.

That part shouldn’t be a problem.

However, if they didn’t meet in the first place, there was nothing I could do.

I briefly considered abandoning the event altogether, but he was a [Capture Target]—one of Leticia’s potential love interests.

I had to rigorously assess whether he was a man I could entrust my sister’s life to.

But it was only natural that my sister wouldn’t need to use the restroom.

She had gone as soon as we arrived in the waiting room.

I checked on her, but since we had plenty of time, she wasn’t in a hurry, didn’t bump into the prince, and returned as usual.

Of course, being mindful of time was important.

But just this once, I wished my sister wasn’t so sensible.

In the capital of Eustasia, where the clock tower bells chimed regularly, even the residents of the “back alley” were probably conscious of time.

I couldn’t think of a plausible reason to stop my sister from going to the restroom.

I subtly offered her drinks several times, suggesting she might need to go again, but she refused.

No matter how much I prayed to fate, my sister showed no signs of leaving her seat.

…Time was running out.

I didn’t know the exact time of the [Event].

But—I couldn’t wait any longer.

“Leticia, I’m going to the restroom.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll wait—”

“You’re coming with me.”

I decided to force the event to proceed.

However, my sister tilted her head, looking puzzled, and stated the obvious.

“Me? Not a maid…?”

I didn’t even need a maid in the first place.

I frequented the Royal Castle. And it was just a trip to the restroom. Even for a noble, an escort wasn’t necessary.

Unless there was a risk of assassination.

“――Do you have a problem with that?”

I gave up on trying to explain rationally and glared at her.

I was truly grateful that I had left Ciel behind.

She would have been discreetly waiting nearby, not in the next room.

She would have accompanied me, just in case.

She would have subtly taken it upon herself to fetch Leticia.

――With someone as capable as her around, I was confident the event wouldn’t happen.

“…No.”

My sister lowered her gaze, avoiding my stare.

I was confident in my ability to intimidate with a glare.

I was the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals,” after all.

However, she softened her expression, looked up—and smiled.

“I’m happy you chose me to accompany you, Elder Sister.”

I lost my confidence in my glare.

Even though I was the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals”…

Help me, Ciel.

My sister’s mental fortitude was too strong.

For a moment, I found myself seeking help from Ciel, who wasn’t even there.

Ciel rarely changed her composed expression, but when she did smile, like when she was concerned about me when I was exhausted from work, it made my heart skip a beat.

I felt like Ciel used to smile more.

――Back when she was my governess and tutor, not my assistant head of the family.

She had taught me, after prefacing that it was separate from the manners a lady should learn, that “the power of a glare is important.” When she glared at me with her cold eyes, a shiver ran down my spine.

From that day forward, I swore to myself that I would never make an enemy of Ciel.

I wanted to be praised by her, to prove that her teachings were correct, to meet her expectations—to see her smile.

Because of Ciel, I was able to improve myself.

But that was all in the past now.

Ciel wasn’t here. She shouldn’t be.

She would help me—she would help me.

Her top priority was surely me… if I wasn’t being conceited.

But now, I had to manage on my own.

I was the current head of the Vanderwaals family.

And the ‘Villainous Sister’ of [Moonlight Liberium], destined to torment my sister.

“Let’s go, Leticia.”

“Yes, Elder Sister.”

My sister rose and followed me.

…I couldn’t choose my birth.

Becoming the head of the family was my predetermined fate.

But this role was different.

It was the first ‘role’ I chose for myself.

――I would see it through.

Because I was the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals.”

Even though I had lost a bit of my confidence just now.

10. The Guards’ Gossip

――It was too early for snow to accumulate, but the overcast sky threatened flurries.

The sturdy stone castle, towering against the cloudy sky, came into view.

While wondering if the shoulder-baring dress was a good idea, we rode up to the castle in the carriage.

Even within the castle walls, we stopped next to the stables.

However, a thoughtful gesture was evident: a somewhat worn, but clean cloth had been laid down on the bare ground between the carriage step and the castle’s stone floor to prevent mud stains.

The guards on duty looked tense upon seeing the stylized gecko, the Vanderwaals crest, on the carriage.

We had an appointment for an audience.

They naturally ‘knew’ who was coming.

“――Welcome to the Royal Castle of Eustasia… Lady Adelheid von Vanderwaals.”

The Captain of the Guard, in light armor—a breastplate and helmet, appropriate for peacetime—addressed me.

He wore a red feather plume on his helmet and a longsword at his hip.

The other guards held long halberds and wore short swords at their waists.

It was somewhat amusing to see them so intimidated by our family name, despite the fact that they could easily kill me if they intended to harm me.

If Ciel were here, there would be no such anxiety.

I couldn’t handle multiple armed guards, even in light armor.

I had some training, so I thought I might stand a chance, but such reckless bravery wasn’t the Vanderwaals way.

In any case, I hadn’t heard of any assassination plots recently.

I nodded silently to the guards—

“Thank you for welcoming us!”

Leticia greeted them with a smile.

The tense atmosphere softened… and then froze over, even more intensely.

I could feel all eyes on me.

I, too, was frozen in place by the unexpected turn of events.

“…Leticia.”

“Yes?”

My sister turned at the sound of her name.

“Um… did I… do something wrong…?”

I watched her for a moment, flustered as she sensed the tension around her.

Then, I glanced around.

The guards held their breath, watching the situation unfold.

…Did she do something wrong?

I questioned myself.

Guards were like stagehands.

They welcomed expected visitors, assessed whether unexpected visitors were worthy of entering the castle gates, and eliminated troublemakers.

Due to their role, they were customarily not addressed.

However, there was no rule against… addressing them.

“…Thank you for the welcome. Your service is appreciated.”

“Yes, ma’am…”

The guards straightened at my words.

Although it wasn’t planned, I decided to seize the opportunity to boost my sister’s standing.

“Her name is Leticia. Leticia von Vanderwaals. Today, she will be formally recognized by His Majesty as the first in line of succession to the Vanderwaals title.”

The vacant position of heir to the Vanderwaals title.

If I were to die suddenly, the family line would end, or His Majesty would appoint some other noble to take my place.

Once today’s recognition was complete, that would no longer be the case.

My sister could inherit the family after my death.

I could entrust the Vanderwaals family—the country of Eustasia—to her after I was gone.

Our family had a notorious reputation, but it was a well-known one.

Our assets, even just the legitimate ones, would ensure she wouldn’t struggle, and including the illegitimate ones, they were comparable to a small nation.

“She may come to the Royal Castle alone in the future. Remember her face. She is a ducal daughter.”

After all, all three [Capture Targets] resided in the Royal Castle.

She would have many opportunities to visit them alone.

Such a formal entrance wouldn’t be necessary for unofficial visits.

However, whether she could simply walk in depended on her family name.

Any guard who didn’t know the Vanderwaals crest had either skipped training or been asleep.

The guards within sight refrained from gossiping, but further away, whispers seemed to have started.

――Let them gossip. They were the first people besides the Vanderwaals to learn of my sister.

Whispers would spread. Many people would learn of her existence.

Along with the news that the first in line to the Vanderwaals title had been decided.

――The juicy gossip of her being a half-sister would be added to the mix.

Most likely, my sister wouldn’t be viewed favorably at first.

I didn’t know the details, but the apparent facts pointed to a scandal involving the previous head of the family.

A young girl from the “back alley” suddenly becoming a ducal daughter.

It was more than a leap forward. There would be looks of envy… and jealousy.

That’s why I was needed.

The ‘mean half-sister, a haughty young lady who doesn’t understand the kindness of others.’

――To gather sympathy for her, portraying her as a pitiful victim.

And eventually, the whole country would know her.

All the negative feelings would eventually be reversed.

“I am Leticia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

My sister bowed her head.

Such humility wasn’t common among those born into nobility, but it would likely be viewed favorably by the guards, most of whom came from commoner backgrounds.

Come to think of it, having the guards on her side might ensure my sister’s safety if the scenario went awry.

As expected of my sister, Leticia.

The gossip was in full bloom further away.

The Captain of the Guard seemed to be desperately resisting the urge to turn around.

He probably wanted to yell at his gossiping subordinates, but he was likely conflicted about what would happen to them if he did so in front of me.

I felt a bit sorry for him.

I had also been trained by Ciel to hear distant voices, so even though they were trying to be discreet… I could hear them quite… no, very clearly.

“First in line of succession?” “So she’s the sister?” “They do look alike.” “Wait, could she be his daughter?” “No way!” and so on. Perfect.

If sixteen-year-old Leticia were my daughter, I would have had to give birth to her at the age of six.

As expected, there would be curious glances and inquiries for a while—

—or so I thought, when my sister continued her ‘self-introduction’ with a smile.

“My Elder Sister came to the ‘back alley’ to get me. She acknowledged me as her sister at first sight, even though we have different mothers.”

The tone of the gossip changed.

“That Vanderwaals!?” “The ‘back alley’…” “Half-sister…?” “A family feud…?” “Then why would she acknowledge her?” “That’s true…” Wait, don’t go there. Don’t be convinced!

I didn’t show my panic, but the gossip was heading in a bad direction.

I maintained a neutral expression. Probably.

However, inwardly, I was sweating.

…Accurate… information disclosure…?

She casually revealed a heavy, delicate matter that I had intended to reveal gradually, as if to say there was no need to hide it.

Human nature is to be curious about what is hidden.

Did my sister have such a keen understanding of human psychology?

“Even these clothes… Elder Sister called a tailor for me so I wouldn’t embarrass the Vanderwaals.”

Leticia gestured to the violet dress under her wrap.

“…Lady Adelheid did. I see… As expected of the head of the Vanderwaals family. ――Once again, welcome to the Royal Castle.”

The Captain of the Guard, for some reason looking convinced, nodded and led me into the castle with a slightly more respectful demeanor than before.

“They seem to get along well, don’t they?” “That’s a very fine dress.” “Made with love, huh?” “I wonder how much that dress cost, the quality of the fabric, the craftsmanship is amazing.” “You guys know way too much about women’s clothes” —as expected of the Royal Castle guards, they seemed to have a discerning eye, having seen so many distinguished visitors.

Strangely curious about the gossip praising “Tailor’s” work, I entered the castle with a sense of reluctance.

――The moment I stepped through the door, it became dimly lit.

Her name would be etched in the guards’ memories.

Her favorability rating should have risen.

But, Leticia.

You didn’t have to go that far.

Quietly acknowledging the complete collapse of my initial plan to subtly reveal Leticia’s background, I desperately hoped that at least the [Official Event] would proceed smoothly.

Hurry up and get here, Prince.

9. A Mysterious Chest Pain

The carriage traveled along the cobblestone road leading to the Royal Castle of Eustasia.

I had completely missed the opportunity to detach myself from my clinging sister.

In the four-seater carriage, my intended seating arrangement was for me, the head of the family, to occupy the two-seater by myself, with Leticia and the maid sitting in front.

However, for some reason, Leticia and I ended up sitting next to each other, with the maid comfortably occupying the two-seater alone.

This looked like we were close sisters.

I was supposed to be the ‘half-sister who begrudgingly acknowledged her “back alley” origins out of obligation to atone for my father’s infidelity,’ ‘repeatedly tormenting her due to her background.’

That was the setting.

However, it was too early to panic.

The next scenario involved the First Prince of our country meeting Leticia.

We didn’t get along, but I could acknowledge his abilities.

Though his naive praise of a shady family like ours before truly understanding its ‘necessity,’ and his tendency to condemn such things after, made me question his character.

The other two [Capture Targets] weren’t bad either, but if Leticia took a liking to the prince…

…Well, I could entrust my sister to him.

A sharp pain stabbed at my chest.

It was late autumn, a time of changing seasons when one was susceptible to colds.

I lightly rubbed my chest, wondering if there was something wrong with my lungs.

“Are you alright?”

My sister peered up at my downcast face.

“――It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

“I see. But please be careful not to catch a cold.”

I wanted to say the same to her.

Although it was a bit further down the line in the sequence of events, she was ‘destined’ to catch a cold.

…And her room was a freezing attic.

Even though the bedding was of the finest quality, meant for guests, and I had subtly renovated it to allow heat from the floor below to rise.

Still, it wasn’t a room meant for human habitation.

Much less for my precious little sister.

I truly didn’t want her to sleep in such a room.

“…You should be the one to take care.”

I scoffed at myself.

Take care of what?

That was my role. ――It was supposed to be my role.

To provide a warm room with a fireplace, fine bedding, nutritious meals, and the best medical care if she caught a cold.

If I had any proper familial affection, I would have done so.

But I was both an older sister who wished for her sister’s happiness and the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals.”

I ‘needed’ her.

I needed someone like her, a ‘story protagonist.’

…A ‘convenient miracle.’

Feeling guilty, but justifying it by telling myself that she would be happy in the end, I decided to use my own sister.

What right did I have to say anything?

What meaning did my words hold?

My sister nodded at my words—and, for some reason, smiled.

“Yes! I grew up in the ‘back alley,’ so I’m quite healthy!”

Her radiance was dazzling.

She didn’t hide her origins. She didn’t feel ashamed.

She was so happy with such a simple expression of concern.

I looked away, gazing out the window.

“Walk along the carpet, stop in front of the King, and greet him…”

I overheard Leticia softly rehearsing the procedures for the [Ceremony of Recognition] and looked at her.

Her expression was serious.

Come to think of it, for me, today’s main event was meeting the First Prince, one of the capture targets, but for my sister, it wasn’t.

Her first time at the Royal Castle. Her first time before His Majesty. Her first… noble ceremony.

It would be strange if she wasn’t anxious.

My sister looked up, and our eyes met.

“Elder Sister. Is there anything I should be particularly careful about?”

“Let me see…”

I thought for a moment.

I had already informed her of the ceremonial procedures, which had been decided in consultation with the Royal Castle.

I had Ciel make her practice her greetings.

If there was anything to be worried about… it was her lack of ‘stage presence.’

“Elder Sister is kind, but I’ve never met any other nobles, so I’m a little nervous…”

…I felt like a strange assessment was mixed in there.

One that, as the ‘Villainous Sister,’ I absolutely couldn’t tolerate.

However, I decided not to address it now and offered simple advice.

“Just be confident.”

“Yes.”

Leticia nodded solemnly.

“…And after that?”

“Be confident.”

I repeated myself.

“Is that… all?”

“That’s all.”

I nodded.

“…Well, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to get complacent…”

“Yes.”

“This ceremony… hasn’t been performed since before any of the current nobles were alive, so no one knows what the correct procedure is.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. …Don’t worry.”

I gave my bewildered, adorable sister a small smile.

Not as an older sister, but as the head of the family.

With a hint of ‘Villainous Sister’ mixed in.

“You are my… a blood relative of the Vanderwaals family.”

My heart was weak, unable to say “my sister.”

Well, as a ‘Villain,’ that was probably the correct approach.

This time, I smiled like a true ‘Villainous Sister’—like the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals,” baring my teeth.

“If anyone dares to insult the honor of our family, I will make them pay.”

“…Yes, Elder Sister.”

No, why does she look happy about that?

It was a smile that had broken the spirits of countless negotiators, a truly villainous smile if the world were divided into good and evil. I wanted her to be afraid.

Unable to bear my sister’s inexplicably joyful smile, I looked out the window again.

Feeling the warmth of my sister leaning against my arm.

…I suddenly realized that the pain in my chest had vanished.