40: Two in the Wings
There are varying opinions on whether one should bathe when they have a cold.
However, the most important thing is the individual’s condition.
Bathing isn’t recommended if they have chills.
I asked my sister, still in bed, as casually as possible,
“Leticia… are you feeling any chills?”
“No…”
…If she didn’t have chills, a bath to warm her body might be beneficial.
However, her own preference also mattered.
Giving up on subtlety, I asked directly,
“…Do you want to take a bath?”
“A bath… I’ve been sweating… so yes, please.”
Bath time it was.
…I briefly considered foisting it off on Ciel.
Our family’s policy was that nobles should be able to take care of themselves…
Even though, as a ducal family, we were in a position to be waited on by servants, it was unacceptable to rely on them for everything.
However, even I sometimes had Ciel help me dress.
Also, since it was difficult to thoroughly dry my long hair, I asked for her assistance with that.
While I felt a bit spoiled, long hair was an important symbol of status for a noble, so I considered hair care part of my duties as the head of the family.
While long, lustrous hair was once considered a prerequisite for beauty, Leticia was adorable even with short hair, so that standard was a relic of the past.
Even so, chatting with Ciel while she took care of my hair was a precious habit from my childhood.
If it was due to illness, like Leticia today, there was nothing wrong with accepting help from a servant.
However, Ciel was responsible for both overt and covert operations and was probably even busier than I was.
If she assigned this task to me, it was probably something I should do.
Especially today, since I had neglected my duties under the guise of caring for—no, monitoring—Leticia, it was difficult to refuse.
Realizing that I wouldn’t be able to take a break like this without Ciel, I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards her.
I informed my sister of the conclusion I had reached.
“…Then, take a bath and warm yourself.”
“Okay…”
My sister nodded weakly, barely moving her chin.
Then, she looked anxious.
“Um… but I’m a little… uneasy. Could someone…”
“…I’ll be there.”
Leticia blinked.
“…Huh?”
“…I’ll be bathing anyway.”
I averted my gaze.
I braced myself for her reaction.
…When I looked back, Leticia was smiling weakly.
“…Even if it’s just by the way, I’m happy.”
Why was my sister so adorable?
I almost confessed, “Big Sister is always thinking of you first and foremost…” Dangerous. That would deviate from the scenario.
At the same time, her subdued demeanor made it clear how much the illness was affecting her.
Compared to her energy during the dance and riding lessons… she seemed… lacking.
I couldn’t tell her that, though.
“Let’s go, Leticia.”
I picked up her wrap.
As Leticia got out of bed, I draped it over her shoulders. Clutching the wrap, she said,
“Thank you.”
Then, looking at me intently, she hesitantly added,
“…Big Sister.”
…I shouldn’t allow such informality.
I should correct her, as usual, saying, “Call me ‘Elder Sister.’”
Leticia in [Moonlight Liberium] only called me ‘Elder Sister.’
There were no scenes in the scenario that portrayed us as close sisters.
This mansion, including myself, the head of the family, was merely a stage prop for granting the [Protagonist] noble status.
I was a petty villain, conveying the darkness that came with nobility through sarcastic, mean-spirited behavior. A nuisance, there to contrast with Prince Konrad, a royal, and Felix, a knight. Or perhaps a supporting role to make Chief Physician Louis, who showed a common touch despite his high status, appear more appealing.
…But some things weren’t told on stage.
It was only natural that the protagonist and villain, destined to clash and confront each other on stage, could be close friends belonging to the same acting troupe offstage.
This current moment, not depicted in the official scenario, was a preparation period, the time between the fall of the curtain and the start of the next scene. This moment, where the two of us were together, was like being backstage… I didn’t know if that interpretation was correct.
――I wouldn’t make any mistakes on stage.
I would reproduce the [Official Scenario] as faithfully as possible.
So.
So please.
Leticia naturally took my outstretched hand, as if in answer to my silent prayer.
The feeling of my sister’s weight, as she leaned on me, was comforting.
And I felt… like a real ‘big sister,’ the kind Leticia called me, the kind she looked up to, even though all I could do was pave the way for her.
…Seeing Leticia so frail and listless filled me with rage towards fate.
Even if she would eventually find happiness.
Alone in the “back alley.”
Struggling.
With an older sister like me.
Facing hardships even after gaining noble status.
At the mercy of fate.
…Even so, if she could find happiness…
That was enough.
That alone… was enough.
I shouldn’t wish for anything more.
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