CH 4

As usual, one day, I was immersed in my research in library when I noticed the door " creak" opened a little bit.

However, no one was entering.

Through the gap in the slightly opened door, there was a pair of purple eyes, just like mine, gazing at me.

Is she trying to hide from me?　

But our eyes met perfectly.

Should I pretend not to notice?　I feel like I'm being watched closely.

'What are you doing, ...... brother?'"

"'I'm doing some research. ...... want to join me?　Meldy."

Meldy Bardia, a pretty four-year-old girl with red hair and purple eyes, just like

oir mother.

"Brother , you won't get mad ...... if I stay with you?

Yes, I won't get mad. Come here, let me read you a picture book."

" For real ?"

Meldy opened the door fully and came running toward me.

Her eyes were sparkling.

"I'm not lying. I'll read it to you. but you have to close the door."

"Yes, "

Meldie happily closes the door and moved closer to me.

When I recall Rid's memories, the sad exchange with Meldy comes flooding back to my mind.

When Meldy was born, Rid himself was excited and loved her very much.

However, when his mother, , became ill, he felt an uncontrollable anxiety.

Perhaps he was trying to protect his heart in his own way as a child.

But the anger was directed at Meldy as well.

Rid would yell at Meldy just for getting close to him.

When Meldy asked him about their mother, Rid got violent with Meldy, putting his hands on her.

Garn, Danae, and the other servants stopped him, and fortunately she was not particularly injured.

The incident settled down as a "minor quarrel "between children.

However, the distance between the two of them must have grown.

Since then, the people in the house have taken care of them at meal times and other times so that they do not see each other as much as possible, even though they are brother and sister.

"Meldie, I'm sorry."

"Huh ?　Oh, brother, you can't sleep in the garden ".

“Hmmm?　 You knew that, too? Don't imitate me.”

"I won't repeat it ."

"Yes, you're a smart girl, aren't you?"

"Yes, I'm smart."

Meldy was told that she was clever, and she shook her body ticklishly and laughed a little.

" You can call me Mel."

"Is it . okay with you?"

"Mother always calls me Mel. So it's okay for you too, you are special ."

"I understand .Thank you "

I replied with a smile, and Mel shook her body ticklishly and laughed again, with , "Ehehe."

After that, I read a picture book to Mel for a some time .

It was as if I was atoning for my past sins.

I don't know how much time passed, but Mel fell asleep while I was reading her a picture book.

I called the maid, and after a few moments, there was a knock at the door.

When I answered, Danae came into the library saying in a small voice, "Excuse me."

Mel was lying on the sofa, breathing softly in her sleep.

Danae looked a little surprised at the sight of that , but then her face turned into a gentle smile.

Mel's sleeping face is so cute.

I think anyone would smile.

" Lady Meldy, can you get up and walk?" but there is no answer.

She seems to be sleeping more soundly than I expected.

Danae takes Mel in her arms.

When I opened the door of the library, she smiled, thanked me, and left the room.

She went straight to Mel's room.

She passed me and Garn came in, looking at me with a suspicious expression on his face.

"...... were you with Lady Meldy ......?"

"I was reading a picture book to her until she fell asleep,"

Was my answer unexpected?

After looking into my eyes for a moment, Garun smiled as if he was relieved.

"Please take good care of lady . Meldy from now on."

“Of course. She is my sister."

I guess he knows how I used to treat Mel.

Garn looked a little surprised at my response.

".. You seems to have changed a little since you collapsed in the garden."

"What⁉ Is that so?　I don't think I had changed much."

“I am sorry for my intrusion. I am sorry to be so straight "

"No, it's fine. Thank you for your concern."

Garn smiled and said , "Now, if you'll excuse me," and left.

"Huh. ...... I was surprised. Is that what he thinks of me compared to how I've been? till now"

I had been going around hitting everyone and anyone with a anger in my heart when my mother got magical power depletion.

The memory of that time floated into my head .

That is why I vowed once again that I would save my mother, and I resumed my researching in my library again.