Chapter 2.4

“Are you really going to be okay on your own, Eloe?”

Sion, who couldn’t bring himself to step into the magic circle, paced nervously. Meanwhile, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, who had been thoroughly convinced by me, had coolly returned to Moniasha via the magic circle.

Since they had left their ducal duties behind and rushed to me, they must have had work to take care of. It also seemed that today’s events made them realize they couldn’t keep their child in the nest forever.

It was both adorable and endearing to see the normally steadfast and reserved Sion fretting so much. It also made me happy to feel how much I was loved.

I patted Sion’s slumped shoulders.

“I said not to worry. If it gets too hard, I’ll fly back on the magic circle right away. I’ll also keep my promise to visit the castle once a week. You trust me, don’t you, Brother?”

“I trust you, but it’s Jeras…”

“I told you there’s nothing going on between me and the Prince!”

I yelled at him, getting angry without even realizing it. Sion’s eyes widened, and he nodded. I grabbed the hand of Sion, who was walking into the magic circle as slowly as a turtle.

“Please take care of Mom and Dad for me. Even though I was always in bed, they might get lonely if a person who was always there suddenly isn’t.”

“…If you’re worried, you should just stay with us.”

“Are we going to talk about this again?”

“I’m just saying because I’m sad to see you go,” Sion added defensively, patting my head.

Hehe, this feels nice. I won’t get to feel this for a while, so I have to enjoy it to the fullest.

“My little sister has grown up so much. But Eloe,” Sion’s gentle voice spoke in a low tone. “You must be lonely, too, right? Maybe even more lonely than they are. When you feel that way, you can come back anytime, or you can call us. Don’t hesitate, and don’t hold it in. You’re not alone.”

The gentle sincerity in his voice was overflowing. His sincerity was so clear and warm that for a brief moment, my eyes welled up with tears.

No one had ever said those words to me before. They had always told me I shouldn’t be lonely, or that it was natural to be lonely. They had all looked at me as if to say, “Everyone is alone, so stop whining.” And I, too, had lived my life with that mindset.

Perhaps I couldn’t have endured the cold reality of my life if I didn’t think that way.

“…Okay, Brother. I will.”

I smiled at Sion. He patted my head once more and stepped into the magic circle. With a flash of bright light, Sion’s form disappeared. I was alone in the room, but I didn’t feel lonely at all.

Because now, I wasn’t alone anymore.