~Chapter 43~
“I’m going to enjoy a nice date with my sister now. Are you jealous?”
Milena lifted her chin and said playfully.
At that moment—
Rudrick’s expression darkened slightly.
Huh?
Milena’s eyes widened a little.
But that small change quickly disappeared,
and a smooth smile covered his handsome face like a mask.
“I just think Lady Cecilia must be having a hard time.”
…That’s strange. Did I imagine it?
Because that easygoing tone was exactly like the Rudrick she knew.
Tilting her head, Milena narrowed her eyes and asked,
“What do you mean by that?”
“I’m just stating the obvious.”
“What?”
The two started arguing again.
Cecilia, watching them, let out a quiet breath.
My sister.
At first, that title felt unfamiliar.
…but now, for some reason, it made her heart flutter.
Milena personally came out to the townhouse entrance to see Rudrick off.
“See you next time, Teacher.”
“Yes. Don’t forget your homework. I’ll come check it.”
“Ugh.”
Milena made a tired face at his teasing warning.
Rudrick chuckled and got into the carriage.
Through the window, he saw Milena hugging Cecilia’s arm tightly.
“Stop clinging to me like that. You should behave properly outside.”
“This isn’t outside, it’s home.”
Milena replied shamelessly.
Cecilia acted annoyed, but she didn’t push her away.
They looked like close sisters no matter how you saw it.
“I’m going on a date with my sister now. Are you jealous?”
Jealous…?
Rudrick quietly thought about that question.
Being close with siblings—
it was something he had never even imagined.
But watching Milena treat Cecilia so naturally…
…Yeah, maybe I am a little jealous.
A faint bitter smile appeared on his lips.
A warm family—
that was something never allowed to him,
something he could never have.
At first, I thought she was like me.
The only other person in the world, besides him, who could use magic.
That alone was enough to make him curious.
But after meeting her—
except for using magic,
Milena was completely different from him.
She got along well even with a sister not related by blood.
And her smile was as bright as sunlight.
She’s really… interesting.
A strange light appeared in his blue eyes.
It was the first time he had ever been this curious about someone.
Getting permission to go out happened very quickly.
Even the Duchess said—
“It’s so nice to see you sisters getting along. Go have fun.”
So, when the carriage was prepared,
Cecilia expected to spend the day like a proper noble lady.
Having tea and dessert at a tea house.
Shopping in the streets.
Or watching a play or an exhibition.
If I meet other ladies, I must behave properly.
Determined, Cecilia glanced at Milena sitting across from her.
She planned to keep an eye on her.
But Milena completely exceeded her expectations.
Cl-Clarksville Park?
That’s right.
Milena didn’t choose tea, shopping, or any refined activity.
She chose the park!
Is she just going for a walk? Well… that’s not too improper.
Cecilia tried to think positively.
Even though being around many people made her uncomfortable—
she could endure this much.
But then—
“Wow, ice cream!”
The moment Milena saw a street vendor at the entrance,
she ran toward it.
She was so fast that Cecilia couldn’t stop her.
Soon, Milena returned,
holding two ice cream cones.
“Here, this is yours, Sister.”
“……”
Cecilia stared blankly at the ice cream.
Then slowly raised her head.
“Y-you want to eat this… on the street?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Milena had already taken a big bite of her chocolate ice cream.
There was chocolate on her lips.
Shocked, Cecilia quickly took out a handkerchief.
She started wiping Milena’s mouth while scolding her.
“How can you walk around eating like that?!”
“It’s not like I’ll die—ow, that hurts!”
“Look at the mess on your face!”
Only after checking carefully did Cecilia let her go.
My lips are going to fall off at this rate!
Milena quickly handed the ice cream back.
“Aren’t you going to eat it?”
“……”
“It’s really good.”
“……”
“The man said vanilla is the best, so I got that for you.”
“……”
“If you don’t like it, I can buy another one—”
…At this rate, she would never stop asking.
Cecilia finally sighed and took a bite.
The cold, sweet ice cream melted softly on her tongue.
It’s good.
Her tense mood softened a little.
Milena noticed and smiled.
“See? It’s tasty, right?”
“……”
But admitting it felt like losing.
Cecilia turned her head with a huff.
Meanwhile, her body was honest—
she kept licking the ice cream before it melted.
She’s really not honest.
Holding back her laughter, Milena grabbed Cecilia’s hand and led her to a nearby bench.
Just as they were about to sit—
“Wait.”
Cecilia suddenly stopped.
She handed her ice cream to Milena,
then took out two white lace handkerchiefs
and placed them neatly on the bench.
After finishing, she lifted her chin proudly.
“Now you can sit.”
“……”
Milena stared at the handkerchiefs.
Then asked in disbelief,
“How many handkerchiefs do you even carry?”
“At least five.”
Cecilia answered proudly.
Milena muttered,
“Wow… you’re really a noble lady…”
Cecilia glared at her.
“What do you mean by that?”
Oops.
Milena laughed awkwardly.
“Haha, I meant I admire how well-prepared you are.”
“That doesn’t sound right.”
“What do you mean? You know I always respect you, right?”
Milena replied shamelessly.
Cecilia looked speechless—
but didn’t argue further.
