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At Maria’s Mansion

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Today, I’m going to Maria’s house. It’s to meet my younger sister, Noris. This is the first time I’ve seen Noris since that long night. The reason being, I was keeping an eye on the movements of the soldiers looking for Rita-san. Even though she’s no longer at the academy, you never know where there might be eyes watching. So, I’ve been watching things for a while. I’ve kept the number of people accompanying me to a minimum, just me, Heinz, and Sonia.

When I arrive at Maria’s house, bringing with me some sweets from Mr. Holand’s shop, which has been busy since the rumors of “the princess from the neighboring country buying the flavors” spread right after the new year, Noris pops her head out from the back.

“Oh, Onii-chan. You’re alright, right?! I was worried!” (Noris)

As I’m about to say something, she throws it back at me, and I smile wryly. Noris doesn’t seem to be worried at all, looking surprisingly healthy. I had already heard from Maria that, thanks to Saxon’s quick action, Noris didn’t face any danger, so I wasn’t too worried. But seeing it for myself, it’s a different kind of reassurance.

“Welcome! Don’t stand around talking in the entrance, come inside.” (Maria)

After Maria called out, we moved to the living room.

We sat down and exchanged news. Though, both Noris and I already knew the situation from Maria, so it was more like aligning our information. I didn’t feel anxious about Maria’s household life, but for the time being, I could finally breathe easy. Though Noris was in good health, she was still really worried about Rita-san. So far, we hadn’t received any information about Rita-san being caught. All we could do was pray for her safety.

Maria, having consulted with us, had already told Noris about what we had been up to. So, Noris didn’t ask much about those things. There was only one important thing Maria hadn’t told Noris. It wasn’t because Maria purposely kept it from her. She just didn’t know. It was about our parents. Whether or not to tell Noris about this was something I’d been debating until I came here. In fact, I was still a little unsure.

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Sonia gently pulled at the hem of my coat.

Maybe I had a serious expression without realizing it?

I had already told Sonia about our parents. Just Sonia. And we consulted about whether to tell Noris. The conclusion was to “tell her”. However, Sonia didn’t necessarily encourage me to tell her. I felt it was something I should say.

I had already told Maria beforehand, “I need to have a private family discussion”, so she should have arranged for us to use an unused room. After I signaled to Sonia, I stood up.

“Noris, there’s something important I need to talk to you about.” (Lux)

 

—

 

After moving to a room with just Noris and me,

“What’s wrong, suddenly being so formal? Ah, could it be about you and Sonia-san?” (Noris)

She teased me.

Well, that’s not it, though I do intend to tell her about that too.

“Actually, it’s about our dad and mom. You see, I met an old acquaintance of theirs, General Isaiah, at the northern fortress, and heard some things about them. Noris, do you want to know the truth about Tou-san and Kaa-san? Honestly, it’s also fine if you don’t want to know.” (Lux)

After saying it, I realized it was a bit of a tricky way to phrase it, and I felt a little guilty. Still, Noris didn’t hesitate.

“I’ll listen. Tell me?” (Noris)

I hesitated slightly, but then, I told her about how Grandpa, who was famous as a Sniper on the front lines, might have learned of our parents’ death due to a betrayal by the Deran Household. That could have been why Grandpa came to the southern village.

After hearing it all, Noris doesn’t seem overly shaken.

“…I thought so.” (Noris)

“Did you hear anything from Grandpa about it?” (Lux)

“No, I didn’t. But Grandpa had hunting dogs, a northern coat, and even guns I’ve never seen in a book. He couldn’t afford those things just hunting on his own. I’ve read books on it. So, I thought that maybe Grandpa was a soldier in the north. Given that, it made sense that Tou-san and Kaa-san might be involved in the war, especially with how Grandpa didn’t want to talk about it.” (Noris)

Noris was very sharp. She spent a lot of time in bed in the southern village due to illness, so when she wasn’t dizzy, she’d read a lot of books. She started by reading the few stories we had at home, then borrowed books from the neighbors, and eventually read all the books in the village, including those Grandpa brought from the nearby town.

Now that I think about it, those books weren’t cheap either. I hadn’t realized it until Noris pointed it out, and I feel a bit embarrassed. Regardless of how I feel, Noris, having read so many books, was teaching little children in the village how to read, and she would even write letters for adults. My love for books is heavily influenced by her.

Before we left the southern village, Noris’s room was filled with books, and I think she donated them to the village’s community center after we left. She was probably entertaining everyone with those books now. By the way, when I asked her if I should bring a few books with me, she replied that she had memorized them all and didn’t need them. Maybe she’s a genius?

I recalled the image of Noris, sitting on her bed in the southern village, turning the pages of a book.

“But, Onii-chan…” (Noris)

I was brought back to reality by her voice.

“I wouldn’t think, but… you’re not planning on seeking revenge on this person, Bowman Deran Baxwal, are you?” (Noris)

I freeze for a moment.

I wouldn’t say I haven’t thought about it at all. I have the weapon of a sniper, and there’s a possibility that the person who killed our parents is out there. It’s hard not to think about it, though it’s nothing serious enough to act on. Just a small thorn that remains in my heart.

Seeing me hesitate to answer, Noris sighs softly.

“If you’re going to do it, make sure it’s not obvious and don’t kill them, okay?” (Noris)

She said it with a playful smile, like we were talking about some mischievous plan.

 

—

 

*Today’s Diary*

I’m relieved that Noris is doing well.

Maria’s butler, Sebas-san, seems to be quite a book lover, and he told me that there are so many books in the mansion that he never gets bored. Noris and Sebas-san, being fellow book lovers, seem to get along quite well.

Maria says that the two of them heading to the bookstore together looks like a grandfather and granddaughter.

Still, if Noris had suspected so much about Grandpa, Tou-san, and Kaa-san’s situation, she could have told me. When I expressed my feelings to her, she replied, “I didn’t think it was certain, and I thought you might be shocked.”

I can’t tell who’s the older sibling here.

Though, “If you’re going to do it, make sure it’s not obvious and don’t kill them,” huh? I thought she’d stop me by saying “Don’t do dangerous things,” but that wasn’t the case.

Who knows if that opportunity will even come. The person is a distant noble. We probably won’t even cross paths.

But if, if by chance, we ever do meet… for that moment, I’ll keep Noris’ words in my heart.

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