Chapter 80

Since opening his heart to Lord Nazel, Paul had relayed a variety of information to him.

Among those details was information regarding a move for House Eventail to team up with Robin; it seemed Paul was on the verge of being made an accomplice in their schemes.

“Is it some sort of grudge against the Second Prince or us? Those people are prideful in all the worst ways. They don’t have much actual influence, though.”

“We also have to consider what to do with Paul. It seems he left home after entrusting a letter to a carrier pigeon.”

“I’m sorry my brother is causing so much trouble. For now, I’ll send him back to our parents’ house.”

“I suggested he contact House Eventail, but Paul himself is refusing.”

“But if we leave things as they are, Lord Nazel or I might end up being treated like kidnappers. At the very least, we should send word.”

If he didn’t want to go home, Paul would have to explain the reason for his runaway and his own demands in his own words.

Now that both sides were fellow lords, we needed to handle things through proper channels.

“I don’t want to be in contact with those parents of mine… but it can’t be helped. I am the Lady of Sutrena, after all.”

If I didn’t make Paul write a letter, a dispute between nobles would break out. Relations were already strained enough as it was.

“The problem is whether Paul will actually listen to reason.”

If I went to talk to him, he might just get cranky again.

“If it comes down to it, I’ll have to use force…”

As I was worrying, Kelly spoke up.

“Lady Agnes, please leave this to me first. I have raised many younger brothers in my time. He needs someone to look after his laundry and changing anyway, so I shall speak with him while I’m at it.”

“Kelly, but…”

“There is no need for concern. I shall handle it while making use of my magic.”

With that incredibly reliable statement, Kelly took her leave.

It was only because my brother and I were on bad terms… I felt so guilty.

After that, Paul did indeed send a letter addressed to our parents.

I wasn’t allowed to read it, but according to Lord Nazel, who checked it, the letter contained his reasons for leaving home, the details of how he reached the frontier, his feelings, and his desire to stay in Sutrena.

The outcome remained uncertain, but at least we had followed proper etiquette.

A few days passed since Paul’s arrival, and changes began to appear in his behavior.

First of all, he stopped wearing the tights. It started because he had nothing else to wear while the tights were being laundered.

My brother chose the pants Kelly had provided over wearing unwashed tights.

With his outfit changed, Paul looked like a young noble boy appropriate for his age.

Furthermore, he grew attached to Kelly, who had prepared such tasteful clothing for him.

This sight… it was like looking at a past version of myself.

While waiting for a reply from our parents, Paul began to fully enjoy life in the frontier.

He took walks in the garden, tentatively pet Dunk, and even befriended Torre—whom he had previously been terrified of—and joined him for muscle training.

His attitude toward me remained the same as before, but he stopped talking about the “policies of House Eventail” and the like.

Perhaps he was thinking things through in his own way, struggling to take a step forward.