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We returned home and had a good night’s sleep.
Perhaps it was taboo for a daughter of one of the five noble families, but we slept on my big bed, holding hands.
I think I might have slept so peacefully for the first time in a long time. I felt as if all the fatigue that had been accumulating was finally lifted.
Before, after, and after my return from exile, my days had been very hectic.
I slowly opened my eyelids to see that it was morning.
…When was the last time I slept like a log?
I looked at Gilles, who was still sleeping next to me.
It was rare to see him sleeping so peacefully.
He must have been on edge the whole time, making a cure for Spotted Disease was no ordinary feat.
…And then Uncle Will died. I doubt he was getting any proper sleep.
I gently let go of Gilles’ hand and got out of bed.
I stepped to the window and looked out. It was still dim outside, and I could feel the chill of the early morning.
Was that Big Brother Albert?
I saw Big Brother Albert practicing swordsmanship in the garden.
I felt as if I was watching my old self. I mean, Big Brother Albert would usually not practice swordsmanship this early in the morning.
Maybe it was because I said “regain your dignity”.
Seeing Big Brother Albert’s serious expression made me feel that I should do something too.
There were things I had to do in the Duelkis Kingdom, but I had to go back to the Ravaal Kingdom soon.
I had to keep my promise to Kushana, and above all, I was concerned about whether Rio’s Spotted Disease had been successfully cured.
Leaving Gilles behind, I changed into my training clothes, picked up my sword, and left the room.
For now, strike while gathering my thoughts!
There was no use in thinking about messy things. If I have time to think, I’d better work out!
Rushing out into the garden, I called out, “Big brother!”.
Immediately, Big Brother Albert noticed me and stopped his workout.
“Ali!”
He called my name, a little out of breath.
Sweat was beading on his forehead, indicating that he had been practicing for quite a while.
My brother was so serious… I think he was the most serious and the kindest among my siblings. The eldest son.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning. Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
“Yes, very soundly.”
“That’s good to hear. Maybe I’ve been putting too much pressure not only on Ali but also on Gilles.”
I paused for a moment before answering my brother, who said this with a furrowed brow.
“I don’t think you need to worry about that, Gilles was just working for his own satisfaction…”
“You’re as harsh as ever.”
Big Brother Albert laughed loudly.
I felt like he had grown up a lot in the little time we hadn’t seen each other. Not just Big Brother, everyone had grown up.
“Selfishness is only good for the later life. …That’s why Gilles is not suited to be a villain.”
I blurted out one last word.
Big Brother Albert must have heard me. He widened his eyes and looked at me.
“Is Alicia cut out to be a villain?”
“Rather, was there ever a moment when you looked at me and thought I was a good person?”
I gave him a sarcastic look.
I have been wearing Villainess-like expressions since I was a child, and I could make a wicked expression at any given moment.
I should put that in my profile. I could make a wicked expression at any time of the day.
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