Chapter 7: Chapter VII

Brother

Fool-proof plan, my foot! I literally grew up to be distant from everyone. How the heck am I going to be a loving sister?!

 

Astelle, why?! Why did you make your life harder for yourself?! Now, I have to deal with it! I cried inwardly and walked back to my table with books filled with etiquettes and mannerisms of an Empress. It also includes Economics and many other subjects that aren't really necessary for an Empress.

 

That's odd, this novel is based on a time where ladies aren't meant to be anything more than just 'sit still and look pretty'. So, why is Astelle learning unnecessary things?

 

There we go, a memory! I'm getting used to this. She... wanted to do everything she could for the Empire...

 

Oh. This is depressing. She wanted to learn everything so she could help all sections of the palace when she was Empress.

 

The Palace is divided into four, lead by the four Dukes. The Asterion Duke is the Royal advisor. The Calypso Duke is in charge of all the businesses and markets in the Empire. The Ciel is in charge of all foreign visitors or markets or just anything including foreigners. And then the Thelonious duke is the captain of the knights and is in charge of the protection of the Palace and the Empire.

 

She’s learning how to wield a sword too. She’s fluent in the four Empire’s languages. This... she worked so hard. So why? Why did she feel threatened by the female lead?

 

She’s literally perfect for the role of Empress. She didn’t need to kill anyone.  

 

Why?

 

I tightened my fists and tried to calm down. From what emotion? I don’t know.

 

 

Maybe anger? Anger and disappointment in Astelle for giving in to her curse and dooming me here. Sadness for Astelle because no matter what she did, she was still destined to die. She was the villainess.  

 

She was never supposed to have a happy ending. Then...

 

How will I have a happy ending?  

 

As I went further into my thoughts, I didn’t notice the sound of footsteps slowly approaching me.

 

Someone coughed, pulling me out of my depressing thoughts and I looked up.

 

Crap. It’s the brother. “Astelle? Are you alright?” Sirius asked, seemingly noticing my depressing demeanour. “Yes, of course, is there anything you wished to discuss with me?”

 

I shall be thanking God forever because I have read too many novels to know what to say formally. I used to talk like, ‘yo yo what’s up bro,’

 

If Astelle ever spoke like this to her brother, he’d faint.

 

“Yes, well, I’d like to apologise for earlier,” He murmured that it was almost inaudible. But I heard it and my eyes widened.

 

“There’s nothing to apologise for, brother,” I looked him in the eyes, and he really is Astelle’s brother. Their eyes are so similar. That same calm and collected look.

 

“I raised my voice and said unnecessary things, I shouldn’t do that to you, you are my sister,” He looked upset.

 

“Brother, first, please come sit,” I gestured to the chair in front of me. This is good, if we talk more maybe I can fix this relationship. Of course, Astelle style.

 

He walked over and sat. I put some of the books on the side and hoped he didn’t ask about the extra subjects Astelle took.  

 

 

“I also said unnecessary things, so I apologise for that too,” I bowed slightly from the chair.  He looked calm now, or more like curious.

 

I raised an eyebrow, and he blinked. “Ah, no, I’m glad you said that,” I slightly titled my head in question, an old habit from when I was alive.  

 

And he smiled, oh damn.  

 

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That was cute as heck. Why is my brother cute? Oh dear, I want to protect him. He’s older than Astelle but not older than me.  

 

“Talking about your...situation,” he paused,” was something you never did, so I felt you are finally opening up,” he said nervously.

 

How old is he again? Astelle is 15 and he was 4 years older than her, so he’s

19.

 

I was 24 when I died. So, I can say he’s cute. I have a little brother now. He’s my brother now. He’s so precious, God damn it.

 

“However, I’m sorry that I failed to protect you when you were a child because I didn’t take care of you well... this all happened...” he said solemnly. His hands were folded across his chest as he looked away from my eyes.

 

He feels responsible? For what happened to Astelle 8 years ago?

 

“Brother, could you look up?” I asked him. He followed the instruction and we held eye contact. “I have never blamed you for what happened, I say this now because I fear I will lose this thought in the coming years but you should know this,” I spoke to him, my emotions are not wavering. I still feel happy as I thought about my previous happy memories.  

 

I do not feel just negative emotions. I have all my emotions. Astelle, by the age of 15 lost all positivity. That’s such a young age to be thinking negatively.

 

It... takes a toll on a person. No wonder she gave up. I won’t. I have hope, I will live. For the both of us.

 

 

I keep hyping myself up then doubt myself. Tis’ the life of a person who died already. I sighed to myself.  

 

“Do you truly think that? How much has the curse taken from you?” Sirius stood up.

 

“Wait, don’t you wonder why so suddenly I spoke about it?” I said without thinking.

 

Oh no.

  

Why did I say that?! Now I have to find a reason! Maybe I can say the same things as I told Marianne. No. I was too sentimental. That is not Astelle.  

 

“I do, but it’s something I wish you can tell me in time, I am your brother after all. You will always be important to me and you should never have to find an excuse to tell me your concerns,” Sirius smiled slightly as he looked warmly at me.

 

I was shell-shocked at what he said. Why... is he so different from the Novel?

 

He never appeared, and when he did, he didn’t even look at Astelle. What’s seriously going on here?

 

He walked towards me and awkwardly patted my head, “I shall be taking my leave now, Study well, take care,” and he walked away, leaving me behind to my running thoughts.

 

Maybe the difference in my attitude so far has caused some kind of butterfly effect? However, instead of time travel, it’s being reincarnated and not acting like the person you incarnated as.

 

“My lady!” Marianne came running in quite excitedly.

 

“What’s the matter? And this is a library, keep your voice down, Marianne,” I looked up at her and saw her grin.

 

“The date for the age-of-coming ceremony has been decided, it’s going to be in four months!” Marianne grinned as she gave the letter to me.

 

The age-of-coming ceremony, huh?

 

I can’t get a break now, can I?

 

That’s when the novel starts, that’s when the main characters and the villainess are introduced.  

 

How wonderful.

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