19. Breakfast Before the Trip
My sister’s ‘noble education’ was supposed to be a long-term project.
In reality, we only had about a year.
While her education could continue at a more leisurely pace after that, the goal was the ball about a year from now… the [Final Ball].
She had acquired a certain level of decorum.
Even when she spoke casually, her mannerisms weren’t unpleasant, even if they weren’t exactly aristocratic.
Rather, they were endearing. I wanted to hear more. And I wanted to hug her.
However, as the head of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals,” more was expected of me.
A polite tone for social occasions, a thick skin for trading barbs, a cold gaze and voice for threats and coercion… all were essential.
These weren’t skills required of a noble lady or a proper young woman.
While different from mine, Leticia also needed certain skills to progress through the events of the game.
“…Horseback riding?”
It had become customary to discuss business matters during meals, while waiting for dessert or coffee.
Today, at breakfast, I informed Leticia that her riding lessons would begin.
“Yes. I’ve arranged for a horse. I’ll give you a textbook. —Ciel, assist my sister.”
“Yes, Lady Adelheid. —Lady Leticia, I will provide you with some basic guidance beforehand. You can rely on my support on the day as well.”
We had stables and horses at the mansion, but they were draft horses.
Our riding horses were kept at a ranch in the countryside. It wasn’t Vanderwaals territory, but it was a reputable ranch with a skilled trainer who also cared for many other nobles’ horses.
“The lessons will be held over the weekend, with an overnight stay. Is that acceptable?”
The ranch also had suitable accommodations for nobles.
“…Yes. Um, will Elder Sister be…?”
“I’m busy. I can’t afford to spend time on my sister’s education.”
My sister looked downcast.
“…Of course.”
My heart ached at the sight… but that had nothing to do with what I was about to say.
Absolutely nothing.
“…That’s what I’d like to say, but…”
“Huh?”
I sighed dramatically.
“We also have our horses in their care. As the head of the family, I have to make an appearance from time to time.”
“So… that means…”
“There will be four of us. The coachman, a maid—Ciel… you… and me.”
This wasn’t my preferred arrangement.
Absolutely not.
It just… ‘happened’ to be that way.
The second [Capture Target] was supposed to appear while I was giving Leticia riding lessons in the countryside.
Why involve the pesky villainous sister in every encounter?
The unseen playwright should consider the feelings of the audience, who wanted to enjoy a simple love story, and the protagonist, who was being subjected to unnecessary torment.
There were no detailed descriptions of what happened before or after the riding lesson.
The overnight stay was also a matter of circumstance.
When I initially planned a day trip, thinking it was enough for the event to occur, Ciel, unusually, voiced her objection.
Of course, I had the final say as the head of the family.
I allowed Ciel to make on-site decisions only when I wasn’t present, but otherwise, my authority always prevailed.
However, after she carefully explained why an overnight stay would be better—considering the distance, the lesson time, and the need for proper rest—I couldn’t refuse.
I pressed my point with my sister, who was frozen in stunned silence.
“Is that acceptable?”
My sister jumped up from her chair.
“Yes! —Yes!! I never imagined I’d be able to go on a trip with Elder Sister so soon!”
…I wanted to dismiss her enthusiasm.
…But I understood.
I understood completely.
Just as I was happy to learn I had a sister.
Perhaps my sister was also happy to learn she had an older sister.
Perhaps she had always longed for an older sister.
…Even though I couldn’t be the kind older sister she admired.
I could only disappoint her.
Disappointing one’s younger sister was a painful, humiliating experience for an older sister.
…In a year, I probably wouldn’t see such a bright smile again.
“――Do not leave your seat during a meal. It’s unladylike.”
“Ah… I’m sorry, Elder Sister.”
Leticia adjusted her skirt and sat back down.
“The accommodations at the ranch are not overly strict about etiquette. However, Leticia, you must remember that you are a daughter of the Vanderwaals, and you carry the honor of a ducal family.”
“…Yes.”
I was the ‘villainous sister.’
I had to be disliked.
She and I were destined enemies.
So, I continued, choosing words that would hurt her.
“If your behavior is unacceptable, I will abandon you. ――You wouldn’t want to return to the ‘back alley,’ would you?”
“…I apologize. I will continue to do my best…”
My sister bowed her head respectfully.
Her actions and speech reflected the results of her noble education.
…I felt like I was forcing her into a mold, suppressing her charm.
My sister had grown up in the “back alley”… in the slums, and yet she had retained her innocence.
She hadn’t asked for this position.
She had never expressed a desire to become a noble.
She simply followed her mother’s dying wish and came to see me… and I followed fate.
That was the extent of our relationship.
I was fine being a stepping stone for my sister.
I wanted her to gain the strength to carry on after I was gone.
I wanted her to have the strength not only to be supported by her partner but also to support him in return, to build a mutually supportive relationship.
That was all I could wish for as an older sister.
But my sister, despite her slight lack of energy, smiled at me.
“…But I’m happy to be going on a trip with Elder Sister. …I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
“…I see.”
The arrival of a bowl of cut fruit for dessert provided a convenient end to the conversation.
I was supposed to be disliked.
She and I were destined enemies.
…And yet, why?
Why hadn’t fate made my sister dislike me from the beginning…?
The fresh fruit tasted like sand in my mouth, and I couldn’t even tell what I was eating.
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