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"Ah, now that I think about it. There's one more thing that's changed from five years ago."
"Also, El will be here soon."
"Eh!?"
"Is Elfriede-sama coming too!"
Actually, I got a cute little sister.
At the timing when Nestor and Zenon raised their voices in surprise, there was a knock on the room.
"Oniisama! This is Elfriede! May I come in?"
A cute voice like rolling bells. It can be said that the slightly lisping part unique to infants also plays a role in enhancing the cuteness.
I knew that I could sense my expression relaxing at the now-familiar voice of the new family member who had increased five years ago.
"El, you can come in."
"Excuse me!" My little sister comes in with a cheerful greeting.
Yes, it's my little sister.
My father, who had transformed my tsundere mother, with his inherent talk and charm, into a maiden in love, overcame the cultural difference of tsundere and became so lovey-dovey that it was embarrassing to watch, and as a result, my little sister was born.
Viva little sister. Little sisters are so cute. Until now, I only had older brothers, so I dote on the existence of a younger sister, especially a girl.
Black hair and gray eyes inherited from my mother.
Her features are more like my father's.
"Long time no see, Elfriede-sama."
"Long time no see, Elfriede-sama."
Nestor and Zenon immediately stood up from the sofa and bowed to El.
"Long time no see, Elfriede-sama. You have become even more lovely."
Maria and Master Cyrillos also stood up, and Maria called out to El.
"Maria! You're more beautiful than before too!"
"Fufu! Thank you."
My cheeks couldn't help but loosen at the heartwarming conversation unfolding before me.
When I glanced at Master Cyrillos, he had a similar thought, and Master Cyrillos' cheeks were also relaxed.
"Elfriede-sama is working hard in her studies every day. Even I, who meet her almost every day, am amazed."
"Yes! El is working hard to become a Ripa-na Shuku-jo every day!"
She's also cute when she shows off even though she doesn't understand the meaning of some words.
"Lord Raymond. The tea is ready."
Irina came back with the tea at just the right time.
Of course, she had prepared El's portion as well, as I had told her in advance that El would be coming.
"Hmm. Then let's sit down and talk."
The children were enjoying their conversation happily.
Irina is keeping an eye on the three of them, so I have a little conversation with Maria and Master Cyrillos.
"Speaking of which, this year is Lord Raymond's social debut."
In the midst of enjoying a casual conversation for a while, Master Cyrillos suddenly brought up the topic.
"Yeah. That's why Jean-niisama is so enthusiastic."
"Giancarlo-sama?"
"Yeah. He said he's going to leave my figure in a painting."
I'm going to wear a dress supervised by Andrea-niisama, and I've already been made a dress-up doll by Andrea-niisama for a long time.
"Moreover, Father is matching it to my birthday... I'm troubled because he's putting in extra effort."
I don't want to stand out. The level of effort from those around me is amazing.
If it's the social debut of the seventh prince, which also coincides with his birthday, I'm sure nobles from home and abroad will clamor to participate.
"It's very troublesome."
"When I attended the Baltzar family's tea party the other day, Leandra-sama was quite fidgety."
Now that I think about it, Leandra-jo had asked me for an engagement.
When I remembered Leandra-jo, I also remembered General Baltzar, who was behind her, and my face twisted slightly.
"Hmm. General Baltzar is there, so..."
Actually, since that day I called out to Leandra-jo, who was lost, I have been invited to tea parties several times.
However, it would be inconvenient for both me and her to be recognized as being in such a relationship with Leandra-jo by participating in the tea party organized by her, or rather, the Baltzar family.
"I know very well that Lord Raymond is thinking about those around you, but as someone who has spoken with Leandra-sama, I want to support her..."
Maria said that with a slightly complicated but happy look.
Apparently, Maria is in favor of the story of the engagement between me and Leandra-jo.
That's probably because she wants my happiness, aside from the story about protection that we talked about before.
But,
"I don't want to tie down her life."
If I get engaged to her, those around her won't let her escape.
It's not about liking or disliking her.
I don't want to make her, such a small child, be bound by me from now on by making her accompany me in my circumstances even though I know it's hard.
"Well, if she still likes me when she grows up, I'll properly consider it without postponing the answer."
I don't want to neglect those serious thoughts.
But, I still don't have the余裕 and the confidence to protect someone by receiving those feelings.
Master Cyrillos tightly gripped my hand, which was unconsciously flicking the edge of the teacup placed on the table.
"No matter what happens, I will protect you. That's what this body, these arms, and these weapons are for. I will become your shield and your sword, and I will protect everything you and those you want to protect."
Master Cyrillos is so handsome.
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