45: [New Navigable Map Unlocked]
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[New Navigable Map Unlocked]
…With those words, the protagonist’s range of action expanded in [Moonlight Liberium].
The introductory events for the [Capture Targets] were over, the basic noble education was considered complete, and from this point, the game truly began.
…Or rather, from the villainous sister’s perspective, this was a milestone, a point where a burden was lifted.
From here on, it was the [Protagonist] who would be acting.
Not the [Villainous Sister].
While I still had events remaining, the important romance events would unfold without me.
In terms of romance, I was purely a nuisance.
Not just because I was the villain, but even as her older sister, I doubted I’d be involved in any romance.
Whether or not to grant my sister freedom of action… was my decision.
Some foolishly doting noble parents kept their daughters sheltered from society.
Personally, I found it ridiculous, but it was their prerogative.
I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about social gatherings myself.
The Vanderwaals family’s connections with other families were based on requests, favors, or leverage.
There was no affection. It was often detrimental.
If the ‘head’ of the “Coldhearted Vanderwaals” took a liking to someone—many wishes could be granted. Would be granted.
Just like I was currently favoring Leticia.
While it was true that I had the excuse of following fate’s script…
Even without it, I would likely use my authority to bring her happiness.
I wasn’t sure if I could restrain myself within reasonable limits.
What if Leticia desired such things?
What if she grew accustomed to luxury, forgot her time in the “back alley,” and became a foolish noble?
If that happened…
――I was responsible for my sister’s future.
I would make her a true noble.
I would make her loved by all.
With that resolve, I decided to let my sister go.
Even now, I wanted to hug her, be kind to her, spoil her.
I wondered if, by doing so, she and I could become true sisters.
Before such warm feelings could grow any stronger…
I wanted to lock them away, cage them, throw away the key… keep them hidden, for my eyes only.
I wondered if, by doing so, she would look at me—only me.
Before such dark feelings could grow any stronger…
I addressed my sister, fully recovered from her cold and back to her usual self, at the breakfast table.
“Leticia, I deem you to have acquired the demeanor befitting a noble—at least, the basics.”
I should let her go.
Before the darkness in my heart consumed her innocence.
“From today onward, you are granted freedom of action.”
No matter how lonely it made me.
An older sister shouldn’t restrict her younger sister’s future.
“Freedom of action…?”
Leticia tilted her head.
In the game, you could simply move to a location by pointing at it on the map.
Just like a simple board game that didn’t consider terrain or unit strength.
But in reality, you needed a means of transportation.
“You are permitted to use the carriage, to be accompanied by servants… and you will be allocated funds.”
In the game, it was date money.
To buy clothes from “Tailor,” buy books to study, go to the theater… In [Moonlight Liberium], a [Romance Simulation Game], everything was tied to romance.
Buying clothes was to impress the Capture Targets.
Studying was to show off your knowledge to the Capture Targets.
Going to the theater was simply a date with a Capture Target.
…As the head of the family, I could have denied my sister this freedom.
I could have forbidden her from going out, restricted her funds—cherished her like a songbird in a cage. I surely could have.
But Leticia wasn’t suited for a cage.
My sister belonged in the open sky.
I was a bird of prey, more suited for cloudy skies or the dark of night.
Even sisters were different.
I didn’t want to blame it on our different mothers, so it was probably my own personal issue.
My mother was a delicate woman, suited for the brief moments of sunshine during the cold winter months.
“Leticia, your actions from now on will be evaluated. Behave in a manner that does not disgrace the Vanderwaals family. —Duty and loyalty.”
“Yes, Elder Sister. Duty and loyalty.”
From today onward, she would think and act for herself.
Away from her overbearing sister’s watchful eye, she would deepen her relationships with the [Capture Targets]—and nurture her romantic feelings.
That was the correct scenario in [Moonlight Liberium].
“I’ll… do my best.”
Leticia clenched her fists, seemingly making a resolution.
She was a young woman of marriageable age. She must have things she wanted.
And above all, she probably wanted to escape the suffocating presence of her mean older sister—
“So I can be with Elder Sister.”
…I had a vision of a birdcage being opened, but the little bird refusing to leave.
A vision of it even perching on my shoulder or hand.
My heart was weak.
I was ashamed of my own weakness.
To cling to such a fantasy.
She must have taken my words, “If you don’t want to return to the ‘back alley,’ you’ll have to work hard,” seriously.
…Who would abandon her?
Who would cast her aside?
My one and only sister.
“…I have business outside the mansion. Ask Ciel for further details.”
“Okay.”
I stood up and left the dining table.
“Elder Sister.”
Leticia called out to me.
I turned around silently, and my sister smiled.
“Have a good day. I’ll be waiting for your return.”
…Why did she waste such a beautiful smile on me?
Without responding, I turned away and left the dining hall.
I stopped in the hallway, after confirming I was alone, and covered my mouth with my hand, as if to suppress the welling emotions.
I closed my eyes tightly, trying to kill my heart.
But the remnants of those unsuppressed emotions left scars on my heart.
I opened my eyes and looked at the door behind me.
Why did my sister…
Why did she smile at someone like me?
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