Alexis Sertfell was a young man with a rough character, which was a rare existence in the Lestria Academy where many well-bred students attend.
His hair, which was closer to gray than silver, was tousled with bedhairs at some parts, and his amber eyes were exceptionally sharp and deep. He was taller than anyone else in the classroom, except for Cade.
Alexis greeted Renwild in passing and immediately approached Rozalia afterwards. At that point, she didn't miss the fleeting gaze he gave at Lutier.
"... It's been a while, sister."
"It's been a long time, Alexis. You've grown taller since we've met, haven't you?"
As I teased him, Alexis's harsh attitude had softened a little, but he immediately tightened his expression and brushed his hair in an annoyed manner.
"I'll go straight to the point. I heard it from the letter but... what are you planning by entering the academy?"
He said it in an accusatory tone and I believed his words were only one of the general impressions of the students of Lestria Academy. Rozalia is aware that Renwild, who has been generous enough to allow her to attend, is in the minority.
"Don't worry, I won't bother you."
"That's not it. I was just asking about your goal."
"Alexis, your manner of speech has gotten worse again."
"Th-this is not because I frequented downtown, alright?!"
Frustrated by the derailment of the conversation, Alexis breathed out a loud sigh to calm his emotion before saying, "... Let's change the place."
It was certain that they wouldn't be able to talk earnestly if there were so many watching. Especially before the woman you had in mind is also watching. Fortunately, they still have time before the class begins.
Rozalia nodded and followed him as he guided her. But before that, she gave a brief smile at Renwild who watches over anxiously.
She was taken into an old library.
Although it is located in the same school building as the classroom, there is no sign of anyone at all, and because of the fact that it is located at the end of the hallway, you can see as soon as someone approaches. The students may be using it frequently as a secret hangout.
Alexis closed the door of the library and when he turned around, his expression had completely changed from his previous annoyed look.
"What are you thinking, sister?! Didn't you promise Grandfather that you wouldn't go outside? It's dangerous for you to be out here!"
Suddenly, he wore a tragic expression in which the ends of his brows fell terribly. His sharp amber eyes became so moist that it seemed he's ready to burst into tears any minute. He looks like a poor puppy.
"You haven't changed at all, Alexis. Even as you grew up, you're still the crybaby I know."
"Of course! It's normal for me to be worried over my sister no matter how many years passed!" His eyes trembled like melted honey as he shouted helplessly.
He was always this sensitive towards his family. This was the true nature of Alexis, who couldn't always hide his feelings which is rather a difficult trait to possessed by an heir of a Marquis household.
"Thank you for your concern, but I don't have a physical class, so there's little to no danger."
"I'm not talking about the 'Rose Princess' thing! I'm just worried about you, sister!"
Apparently, it's not the damage caused by the presence of "Rose Princess" he's worried about. Rozalia blinked and tilted her head slightly.
"Me?"
"Your self-awareness is non-existent! If you stay still, you're so beautiful that you'll be mistaken for a doll! Even though the guys here are from a noble family, there's no guarantee that there's no danger at all!"
"Oh? That's what you're worried about?"
Rozalia was a good guesser, but after years of experience she has given up on understanding Alexis's unique thought. His imagination is too slanted.
"You've always been overprotective. I don't think you should use such a beautiful metaphor for your sister-in-law."
"But it's true that compared to everyone I've ever met, you're the most beautiful. I can't help but reveal what's on my mind."
"It's all right to expose your strange disposition. However, you should keep it between us family."
Rozalia doesn't think her face is superior to the ladies in noble society. Even thinking about it is absurd. However, she was aware that she has a good face, although her personality is rather unpredictable.
It's unavoidable since she had been enduring troublesome matters for so many years that her character changed as she grew up.
Rozalia raised the ends of her lips and squinted a little, teasing him.
"However... you have come across something that shakes your heart more than beauty, haven't you?"
―Beauty is not the only thing that fascinates us.
When she pointed it out, he was shocked into silence.
If it's just them family, Alexis reveals his straightforward and clumsy nature. On the other hand, Rozalia's speech becomes casual, and a cynical side of her shows up.
"You like Lady Lutier, don't you?"
"...... Ye, yeah."
It's worth bullying the tall and aggressive Alexis, who turns bright red everytime he's flustered.
"Lutier, that girl, she was quite an oddity."
"I know. I think that part of her is good. She reminds me of you, sister."
"... I beg your pardon? We're nowhere near similar."
Rozalia knows that there was no point in revealing his crush's bad personality to him. On the contrary, she does not mind hearing Cade's bad reputation at all.
Even though they are not related by blood, the two have lived together for more than ten years and were like brothers and sisters after all.
Rozalia felt camaraderie and wore a smirk on her face.
"You have many rivals, and if you have time to worry about me, you should do your best. If you're careless, someone's going to steal a march on you."
For some reason, he seemed very dissatisfied, even though it was a word of encouragement. His hurt face is one of her weaknesses so she stopped teasing him.
"Are you anxious because your rival is Folse? He is a tough opponent, so if there is anything I can do, please let me know and I'll help."
There was a time that she was saved by Folse's kindness and he felt like a family.
But it was definitely Alexis who was always been by her side, and above all else, they have a bond that cannot be severed by others.
―As I thought, I will cheer for Alexis.
"Does Brother Folse know you're here?"
"I told him in the letter but it seems he was not interested. As you know, he must be obsessed with Lady Lutier. So I plan to discuss breaking off our engagement soon."
Alexis was wide-eyed when she opened up about her future plans.
"HUH? Breaking off...? With Brother Folse? Hold on... I don't understand what you mean."
"Oh, that's right. You've always yearned to be his brother-in-law since you were a child."
"No! It's not because I will have the chance to become his brother-in-law! Sister, please fix your habit of trying to confuse someone when it suits you. You always derailed the conversation!"
I noticed that Folse always acted like a bright and honest brother-in-law only during his visit to the Sertfell household, but I've never heard of Alexis paying attention to how Folse was addressed.
"Annulment, huh... Wait! Come to think of it, I haven't asked you why you came here."
Alexis, who was covering his face, stiffened and slowly looked at Rozalia with a nervous expression.
He was quick-witted so he immediately connected the lines. He must be suffering right now from a very unpleasant premonition.
Contrary to his nervous look, Rozalia assumed a bright smile, as though to dispel any doubt he had.
"Of course, there's a gentleman I like. I came to this academy to win over his heart."
At the same time, her purpose is to formalize the annulment of her engagement with Folse.
Since it was an engagement decided by the royal family, it was still not agreed upon by the two parties involved.
Considering the reputation of the royal family, it would have been reassuring to have the support of the younger brother, Prince Renwild.
All she had to do is to be careful not to be caught that she's trying to make use of these people rather than being friendly.
Rozalia smiled and left the library.
It is only a few seconds later that Alexis, who has been rigid for a long time, suddenly collapsed to the ground and shouted.
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