3rd Person POV
“Young lady.”
The squire Ivan softly called out to Ekaterina, who continued to sob uncontrollably in her brother’s arms.
“Please don’t cry, my Lady. I will protect His Excellency, and I promise that nothing will happen to him. Even if my body is torn into eight pieces, I will return him safely to you. So there’s nothing to worry about.”
“…”
Sniffling, Ekaterina finally looked up and looked at Ivan.
Oh, Ivan was just like Mina, he was also the big brother’s bodyguard.
“…Ivan, are you strong?”
“I’ve never met anyone stronger than me, my Lady.”
Ivan replied without hesitation.
Wow, Ivan, which protagonist were you?
“…Ivan, please come back without getting hurt too…”
“I understand. If you say so, I’ll come back without getting hurt.”
Again, Ivan said in a teasingly cheerful voice.
1st Person POV – Ekaterina
I didn’t know that Ivan was the type of person who could lie through the teeth without hesitation.
If big brother was in danger, Ivan would definitely protect him, even if he was torn to pieces. He was really strong beyond the realm of humanity.
“…Thank you, Ivan.”
“You’re welcome, my Lady.”
3rd Person POV
When Ekaterina finally stopped crying, Ivan gave her his usual amiable smile.
Alexei also smiled, relieved, and wiped away his sister’s tears with his fingertips.
“I’m sorry for not being more considerate.”
“No, big brother…I’m so embarrassed that I could be so distraught on your birthday. Please forgive me.”
Alexei’s eyes widened as she looked up at him, embarrassed.
“Forgiveness? You thought of me and my welfare, and I would rather have you forgive me for my insensitive words. I swear I will never, ever leave you alone. Thank you for shedding tears for me, a tactless person who didn’t even know the meaning of celebrating my birthday. The glass pen was a wonderful gift, but there is nothing more beautiful and precious than your tears. My dear Ekaterina.”
1st person POV – Ekaterina
…Ugh, that’s so sweet. I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain in the @*s to my brother.
I’m a bit of a brocon myself, but I didn’t want to embarrass my big brother.
Okay! I should do my best again.
By the time big brother started working on the rainbow stone magic circle, I would have already laid the structure and organization to the glass pen business. I should be able to use my experience (in both this world and previous) to help big brother!
“As long as big brother is here, I have nothing to be afraid of. I’m looking forward to the day when we can work together on grandfather’s legacy. So please take good care of yourself.” (Ekaterina)
“Oh. If that’s what you want, then so be it.” (Alexei)
It was ironic that what the big brother was trying to do might be the herald to the beginning of the end of the traditional aristocratic society.
In fact, with our family as the Duke leading the way, we may be able to move towards a new societal system with a soft landing, rather than via a bloody revolution like the French Revolution.
It might sound presumptuous, but I would like to do everything in my power to make that happen (in keeping my family safe).
With my big brother by my side, I could have as much power as I want. I would do anything!
******
About half a month had passed since Alexei’s birthday.
The three dukes of Yurinova, Yurisein, and Yurimagna gathered in front of the emperor for the first time in several months.
Seizing the opportunity, Emperor Constantine graciously granted Alexei’s request to present him with a gift before the Tri-Council, and he adjusted his minute-by-minute schedule to make time for it.
“Your Majesty.”
Alexei, who had been waiting for him, stood up as Constantine appeared in the luxurious conference room of the Imperial Castle, where the Three Council Meetings were held. He bowed graciously.
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