Chapter 25 - A Fragment of My Desire
I wanted the person who would become my older brother’s good spouse to understand the meaning of this crest.
It contained the pride of the knightly family. I took the crest seal in one hand and a small silver ingot, imbued with my mana, in the other. I pressed it down as a test, and the crest seal’s imprint transferred clearly onto the silver.
Hmm... This should have only been usable by Brother, but it seemed like the effect only worked when it was a document. The silver ingot, which clearly carried the crest’s imprint, was in my palm. The refined mana I had kneaded coursed through the ingot. With this, it might have been usable as a magic battery.
Quickly, I made my hand signs, and the magic circle for the incantation appeared. I cast the incantation.
What I wrote was an incantation for [defense]. If "harm"—whether magical or physical—was about to be inflicted on the wearer, a reactive response would activate, erecting various magical defensive barriers between the attack and the wearer. Based on the amount of mana I infused, this should last five to six instances of activation.
After shaping it, I retrieved the peridot gemstone from Brother's cufflink, turned the silver ingot into a cameo, and set the gemstone within it.
I lacked any sense of aesthetics. However, I was familiar with the kind of elegant jewelry that adorned the chests of my classmates at the Magic Academy—pieces befitting their status. I modeled it after those. A piece of jewelry meant to secure the center of a cravat. How would it fare? I could only hope the two of them would like it.
Hmm. I would present this as a proof of acknowledgment to my Sister-in-law. I wanted to show where my respect lay, as the one standing next to my older brother. More importantly, it symbolized that she was someone the family had accepted to stand beside him.
The remnants of the cufflink were gathered into two small, round golden jewels. I infused them with mana and added a spell for reflection. Later, someone could turn them into earrings or hair ornaments, making them protective accessories for her. Well, I decided to leave the finer craftsmanship to Brother.
I wrote a note explaining the details on the fine paper I found on the desk and placed the two gemstones there. I didn’t sign it, but as long as they noticed, that would be enough.
---
While I was occupied with such tasks, some time passed, and Brother emerged from the bedroom accompanied by his attendant. He had dressed himself to match my attire, wearing the formal clothing of the heir to the knightly family. Although this wasn’t an occasion that required such an effort, if he was to attend a gathering to deliberate the future of the knightly family, then his choice of attire might indeed be appropriate.
I thought it might also be related to showing his resolve. Whether or not my brother thought so was another matter, but if it appeared that way, our upcoming family meeting would have a sense of formality. It wouldn’t just be a return greeting or family chit-chat. Instead, it would become a family meeting to decide the future of the knightly family.
The family of my knightly family had little awareness of their noble status. It was because I, having studied in the royal capital's Magic Academy, had come to understand the rules of the noble society that supported this country.
If that’s the case, then this should be fine.
"I’m sorry for making you wait... Really... Is it really okay to go with her?"
"You are, after all, his other half, right? That should be fine. You... no, my sister-in-law. You, who were chosen by my older brother, will now be seen in that light. You’re no longer just a maid. Therefore, don’t wear the white apron and white brim of the maid’s uniform. Since my older brother didn’t have time to prepare a dress for you, the maid’s uniform, which is similar to formal wear, can still be used in urgent situations at public events. ...However, the apron and white brim are no longer needed, and as the one standing next to my older brother, it would be inappropriate. Instead, please wear this. ...You know what this is, don’t you?"
I handed it to my older brother and showed it to my Sister-in-law—it was Brother's spare cravat. Anyone marrying into the knightly family would not be questioned about their status. There was no obligation to report or get approval from the kingdom's noble council. However, if the heir were to take a wife, she would eventually acquire noble status. The item needed for that was a cravat that displayed noble status. If it was the husband’s spare cravat, the wife had the rightful claim to use it.
Moreover, the fact that Brother handed her the cravat was a clear indication of his intention to recognize her as his wife—his declaration. I remembered seeing couples at the Magic Academy, wearing cravats of the same color and design, looking so content together. I hoped that they, too, would wear the same expressions of happiness.
"U-um... I... I don't know if I can..."
"No, it's fine. How embarrassing to be pointed out by my younger brother. It’s only now that I realize it... Don’t let Mother scold you. No, as a man, I must take responsibility for the things I’ve decided in my heart. ...Please accept this, thinking of it as my heart."
"Young master... truly... is this really...?"
"You are the one. There’s no one else. You, who became a light in the darkness for me, I sincerely wish for you to always stay by my side. I understand the difficult position you’re in, and that it will bring you a heavy burden. However... there is no option for me to give up."
"............ Yes. If it’s your wish... I will humbly accept it."
"Thank you......"
I felt a warm, pleasant emotion watching the two of them. Ah, indeed, Brother is suited to someone like her. So, as I spoke words of blessing, I handed over what I had prepared.
"Sister-in-law, I am truly happy to see that Brother’s feelings have reached you. Congratulations. May the future of both you and my older brother shine brightly! ... As a token of my blessing, please accept this."
I said, presenting the silver ornament I had made earlier to my Sister-in-law. If she had been working as a personal attendant, she should know exactly what it was without me needing to explain. Seeing her confused face, I turned my gaze toward my older brother. He, too, looked somewhat bewildered.
"I made this using my unique magic, which I awakened at the Magic Academy. The jewel was taken from my older brother’s cufflink, so, Brother, this is an after-the-fact report, but I hope you understand. Sister-in-law, with this, you can now be considered part of our knightly family."
"You... no, I’ll save the reprimands for later. When did that quiet little brother become so talkative...?"
With a wry smile, Brother helped Sister-in-law put on the cravat and decorate it with the ornament. Naturally, the apron and white brim were removed by my older brother’s hands. The deep blue maid’s uniform highlighted her beauty, and a different expression, unlike her usual one, seemed to appear on her lovely face... or so it seemed.
Brother gazed tenderly at Sister-in-law, whose cheeks were slightly flushed. The two of them shared the kind of gentle expressions unique to those who had bonded their hearts.
--- Oh, how wonderful!
I offered my gratitude to the so-called God for the trials bestowed upon me. A part of my wish had been fulfilled here. To protect this blissful scene, I resolved to dedicate myself wholeheartedly, even to the point of breaking my body. Oh, I swore it to God.
I thanked the God who had given the "purpose of life" to me who had lived without meaning, and made my vow.
"I will protect this modest happiness, with my own hands, no matter what."
--- Amen.
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