Chapter 24 Neil's Sister's Sickness (severe)
"So, what's the talk about, Sigurt?"
After finishing a makeshift picnic with Yumie in the garden, I was having a discussion with Sigurt in my room at the mansion, just as I promised.
It annoys me a bit that my fun with Yumie was slightly reduced because of this guy, but since it seems to be a serious topic, I can't really get angry.
Noticing my inner feelings, Sigurt gave a wry smile.
"Don't glare at me like that, Neil. It's not like I wanted to come here either."
"You enjoy teasing me and bothering Yumie, don't you?"
"I won't deny that."
His relaxed smile made me feel a bit defeated.
Since he's older than me, I've never been able to win against him, whether in words or in a fight.
In battles involving magic, I've been able to hold my own recently, though.
"Well, let's forget about that. Let's talk about work."
"That's about the monster countermeasures you mentioned before, right? Haven't you talked to Father about it?"
Sigurt is currently in the middle of a budget meeting at the royal palace, competing with other nobles for the budget allocated for monster countermeasures.
I don't know all the details yet, but I've heard that nobles who aren't happy with the royal family's interference and control have been banding together to frequently hinder Sigurt.
So, it seems he was seeking Father's help this time to avoid being interrupted... but it sounds like it's a bit different.
"I told you before, right? There are nobles secretly dealing with monsters. I've pinpointed the location where those deals are happening, and we plan to raid it soon."
"...Am I going to participate in that?"
"Yeah. Since it's a sensitive location, we want to keep our numbers small and choose members who won't raise suspicion to secure solid evidence."
"Location...?"
"It's the private property of the Duke Belmont family."
I was taken aback by the unexpected name, my eyes widening in surprise.
Is the Duke family involved in the monster's underhanded dealings!?
"I'm not sure how involved they are yet, but it seems certain that a deal is being made at a warehouse owned by the Duke family. You're the only friend I can invite to hang out... and as far as I know, you're the most talented magician I know. Can I ask you for a favor?"
It's a much bigger job than I was thinking.
Honestly, I'm scared.
But more than that... I couldn't ignore the name Duke Belmont.
It's well-known that the Belmont lady is infatuated with Sigurt... and because of that, she seemed to have a fierce rivalry with Yumie.
Given the timing, I can't just let this slide.
"Of course, if it's something I can do, I'll help."
"Hehe, I thought you'd say that."
Saying that, Sigurt smiles happily.
Even from my perspective as a guy, his beautiful face is so striking that I can't help but nod and agree to do anything.
...If I feel that way, Yumie must find him even more attractive.
Damn it, it's unfair to use that sweet face to charm Yumie!! He was just casually petting her head like it was nothing... that's my privilege!!
"Neil, are you getting sidetracked?"
Oops, he's right; Sigurt and Yumie aren't the focus right now.
Whenever it comes to him, my mind gets filled with thoughts of him.
I need to be careful.
"Seriously... you're completely smitten with your sister. I almost want to read aloud the letter you sent me before."
"Stop it, please, just stop. I might die from embarrassment."
I was really out of my mind back then.
It's ridiculous to treat someone as cute as Yumie so poorly.
If there was a magic that could take me back in time, I'd want to go back to the day Yumie came and punch my past self.
I should have been on Yumie's side.
If I did that, Yumie would probably be even closer to me now... and then...
"Hey Neil, it's time to come back to reality. Your face looks creepily happy."
Oops, I did it again.
"Good grief, this is really serious. Not a love sickness, but a sister sickness, huh? Even a doctor can't cure this, and your life will probably end when that girl gets married. My condolences."
"Hey, don't just assume I'm going to die. It's not like Yumie's getting married for sure."
"Let's deny the part about dying when she gets married, okay?"
Well, just the thought of not being able to see Yumie every day makes me feel like I'm going to die.
Right now, I'm living off the energy I get from Yumie's cuteness.
No doubt about it.
"I think this operation will probably keep you from seeing her for more than a week... Are you going to be okay?"
"......"
Not seeing Yumie for more than a week...?
Hahaha. That's nothing. After all, I'm going for Yumie's sake.
As an older brother, it's my duty, so there's no question of being okay or not...
"Wait... Neil, are you crying? And is there blood coming from your mouth!? Wait, are you so desperate to not be apart that you're biting your lips off just thinking about it!?"
"That's not it! You're mistaken!"
I managed to say that, but it didn't convince him at all.
Sigurt looked at me and sighed, saying one thing.
"You're really in bad shape..."
Yeah, well... at this moment, I thought so too.
...Before I leave, I should hug Yumie a lot. So I can endure it for as long as possible.
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