--The day after the night party, Lisha hurried to Arx's room.


　Normally, her father and mother forbid her to have any contact with him on the grounds that she would be infected by her brother's incompetence, but on this day, she had a chance to visit him.
　My father had been summoned by the Count of Cremeria. My father was summoned by the Earl of Cremeria, probably to discuss how to deal with the Marquis of Gaston in the future. My mother was also out of town for a tea party with the wives of other families, so there was no one to blame if they met.


　Recently, the servants have also pretended to ignore my brother when they see him.
　They still think of my brother as incompetent like my father and mother, but I am grateful that they do not blame me for seeing him.


　When I visited my brother's room, he was sitting in the middle of the room.


　...... My brother has been sitting like this more and more often lately.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.


　Yes, he's just sitting there.
　When I asked him what he was doing and what effect this action had on him, he only said that he was not doing anything and that it would be good for his health.
　Indeed, as you can see, he is not doing anything.
　Or rather, they are doing [nothing]. To be honest, I don't understand.


　My brother says that when he's quiet, he's trying to be something called "■■" ......, but I don't know what "■■" is, what country it's from, or how it's pronounced.


　--It's like an ornament.


　That was the first impression I had of my brother when I saw him doing that.
　Yes, like a figurine. It doesn't move, it doesn't speak, it doesn't control magic, it just sits there. It is no different from any other piece of furniture. Even when it is quiet, a human being would make some kind of movement, but there is no sign of that, only the slightest sound of breathing.


　I don't understand what he's doing, but it's my brother. I'm sure it has a meaning that I just don't understand, and I'm sure it will lead to something.


　As I was thinking about this, my brother, who was looking toward the window, turned around to look over his shoulder.


"Lisha, what's wrong?

Yes. There's something I'd like to discuss with you today.

"Me?


　He nodded his head and I nodded mine.
　Recently, my brother's tone of voice has changed from "I" to "me".
　I don't mean to be rude to my brother, but it sounds like a girl forcing herself to use masculine language.


　My brother has a small face and a fair complexion, probably like my mother. His hair is not straight like my own, but silvery and fluffy, with soft ends and texture. When she smiles, she is more charming than kind.


　I'm sure it's just because I'm not used to it, but I still feel somewhat uncomfortable.
　Before you start talking to your brother, check your surroundings first. Right, left. There seemed to be no one in the room, but I asked him.


"Is Noah here?

He's out running some errands.


　Well, that's just fine.
　He sat on his knees and turned around on his butt to face me. I sat down in front of him and offered him what I had brought.


This was given to me by a man dressed as a servant when I visited the Marquis of Gaston's house the other day.

"Dressed as a servant?


　My brother tilted his head, perhaps because he heard a strange expression.
　It was at the height of last night's soiree, when the commotion had grown even louder.



　　　　　That was when the party was in full swing.



　It was the time when the nobles who were invited to the party were served with even more extravagant goods and fine wines.
　Tired of the fuss and the incessant greetings of the inebriated nobles, Charlotte and I left the hall and went to the balcony to enjoy the night breeze.
　He and Charlotte leave the hall and go to the balcony to enjoy the night breeze. He drinks some fruit water that he brought with him and takes a rest.


　I have been taken to many banquets and soirées, but none of them can compare to the commotion created when alcohol is involved. Perhaps it was the result of their alcoholism, but even the nobles, who usually behaved elegantly, were instantly thrown off their guard, and this was transmitted to the people around them.


　This was the first time I had ever encountered such a rowdy scene, but that was probably because the items the Marquis had offered were too rich. The loud voices of the drunken nobles could be heard all the way here.


　If you're not an adult, you're bound to get tired.
　Of course, my father and mother were not part of this circle. In fact, they took the initiative to let me go, saying it was bad for my education.


　It seems that Charlotte was fed up with the commotion as well, and she let out a sigh.
　Then, a thought occurred to me.


I've heard from my father and mother that soirées are a necessary social occasion, but is this really the right way to go about it? ......


　That's the honest question I had when I attended this evening party. I'm not saying it's a bad thing to hold an evening party. But there should be a limit to the amount of extravagance. Endless extravagance. Where is the public morality? Is this really the behavior of a nobleman?


　Honestly speaking, I felt nothing but disgust when I saw it.
　Then, Charlotte said.


"I agree with you. The tax taken from the people of the kingdom is being used in this way, and I'm sure the people who are being robbed are not very happy about it. Moreover...

"The injustice of the Marquis?

Yes.


　If this luxury is based on unfair exploitation, I don't feel good about it.
　Nobles, in exchange for their position and office, are supposed to comfort the people in times of peace and fight in times of war.
　Those who have such a great responsibility have forgotten their role and have become an evil that they need to get rid of.


　This is like...


"Pigs and cows.


　Did I just hear an out-of-tune cheer bellowing? Charlotte muttered coldly.


　Daughter of a highly disciplined military family. That part of her is relentless.


　And then I look at her.
　Charlotte is beautiful, sitting in a garden chair on the balcony. She seems to be trapped in melancholy due to the frenzied banquet, but this also accentuates her beauty. Perhaps it is because of her education in the Count's family, but her manners are gentle and graceful, like the beauty sitting by the window (Jacqueline) in the Book of Chronicles.
　In addition, the white dress accentuates her fragility and suits her well.


　When you feel calm, Charlotte suddenly called out to you.


I'm not sure what to say. What kind of person is Mr. Arx?

Is he your brother?

Yes. I've never met him before, so I wanted to ask you about him.


　I've never met him, so I wanted to ask you. Her eyes, the same color as her milk tea-colored hair, were shimmering. She is usually cheerful and kind, but she may be tired of the peculiar customs of the nobility.


My brother is an amazing man. As the Count said, he is studying magic under his uncle who is a national mage. I'm also studying magic, but I'm not nearly as good as you.


　I haven't actually compared them, but I'm sure that's true.
　I refrained from saying that my brother's abilities are higher because it would be patronizing to my family, but there is no doubt that he can use a greater variety of magic than I can.


　When Charlotte heard this, she showed a momentary expression of admiration, "Ho ......," but quickly returned to her original cloudy expression.


You're a hard worker.


　She said that, but that wasn't enough to sway Charlotte's mind.
　The words she said were slurred, like the words you say when you can't find the right words.


　But that's to be expected. There are plenty of hardworking people around her. Her family, the Cremeria family, is the head of the kingdom's fine swordsmanship school, and is in a position to instruct many students. At the training grounds they own, there are many people working hard day and night to train.


　She must be used to seeing ordinary efforts.


What kind of man do you prefer, Miss Charlotte?

I think I'd prefer a strong man. ...... At least, I don't like men who look like spindly green gourds.

I don't really like men who look like spindly ......


　I don't know about that. My brother is not lanky, but he is smaller than most boys his age and has a girlish face and body, so it is quite possible that he could be classified as lanky as she says.


"Lisha, what do you think?

Well, I think your brother's build is comparable to mine. ......

............ Yeah.


　Charlotte breathed a blatantly disappointed sigh. I'm sure you prefer a strong man.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　But to be honest, Charlotte's attitude made me feel relieved. The thought of her brother leaving her for someone else still made her sad.


　As we were talking, I saw the figure of a servant in the hallway leading to the balcony.
　A man, thin. His complexion was pale. The dark circles under his eyes stood out, giving him a somewhat gloomy appearance.
　He seems to be peeping at his surroundings and is quite suspicious.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the web site and see what you can find.


　...... Who the hell is this? I'm not sure what to make of it. If you have any questions regarding where and how to get the best results, please contact us.


　And then.


I am a member of the kingdom's judiciary. I'm sorry to bother you on such short notice, but I was wondering if you could take care of this for me.

"Where's ......?


　The man holds out a black bag to him. Charlotte and I were taken aback by the suddenness of the situation, but the man who claimed to be a member of the judiciary was still busily looking around.
　Don't be spotted. He is in a hurry. He is in a hurry.


　When I was bewildered by the suddenness of the situation, Charlotte showed a firm attitude.


Refrain. It would be too rude to ask us, the children of a noble family, to be entrusted with something we don't even know what it is.


　Perhaps it was the military education he had received. Charlotte's voice was a little too strong for her age. The man bowed even more deeply to her.


I'm sorry. I'm very aware of my rudeness. But please push it to ...... please .......


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.


　...... A thin, muffled voice, pleading. This is the way it is. I think she's in trouble.


"What is it?　What is it?

"This contains evidence of the many wrongs committed by the Marquis of Gaston.

"Fraud?


　I was so surprised that my voice got louder. The only question that came to mind was, "Why me?


Why me?　Why would you entrust me with something like this in the first place?



...... I'm ashamed to say that I joined the Marquis family as a servant in order to expose his injustices, but while investigating the injustices, the Marquis became suspicious of me.


　If you tell me that much, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect.


He's about to get his evidence back, so he's going to leave it with me?

"Yes, if you can keep it for a while, the evidence will not be recovered.


　Yes, I know what you mean. If the nobleman who visited the party can keep the evidence, it can be safely taken out. At least, they won't be collected and squashed.


This is also for the good of this country. Please, please, please .......


　The man said, .......


This is beyond my control. I'd like to report it to my father first before I give you an answer.

"No, sir. Can you please not tell Joshua?　I don't want this to escalate before it's out in the open.

"............


　The man shrank back as if he were begging to get down.
　The man shrinks back as if he were begging. It's as if to say, "It's over.
　I'm inclined to keep it at ......, but I also don't want to make any unnecessary waves. I don't want to cause any trouble for my father, mother or brother if I get involved in something crazy.


　But this is evidence of wrongdoing. If you're asking me if I should leave it alone, I can't say no. Besides, this is something that this man has risked his life for the kingdom.
　Refusing it would be the same as forfeiting his righteous deed.
　Just by keeping it, one of the kingdom's ills will be removed.
　So...


"...... I understand. I'll keep it.

"......!　Thank you!


　The man squealed with delight at receiving such a colorful reply.
　After receiving the black bag, he asked.


So, what are you going to do with it after this?

I'll come and get it for you. Until then, you can keep it at home at .......


　After saying that, the man walked away without asking me who I was.
　I was taken aback by his busyness for a while, but I was also curious about the contents of the bag I received.
　I was still skeptical that it was some kind of a joke, but when I looked inside, I found a number of documents and notes.


"This is .......

"This is .............


　Charlotte, who also saw the contents, had a hard expression on her face. It was probably because there were things that could be evidence to support the black gossip that she had heard before.


　Then Charlotte came to me with a worried look.


"Lisha, are you okay?

Yes.


　Good? Is it good or is it bad? I don't know which side this action belongs to.
　But at least you didn't do anything wrong.
　Although it was true that I was very anxious about the fact that I was entrusted with something so important.


　Charlotte must have sensed my inner anxiety.


"Do you want me to take it?

"No, no. ...... Miss Charlotte. I'm the one who gave it to you. If he comes for it, I'll be in trouble. Besides, it could get the Countess in trouble. ......

Are you sure?

Yes.


　I nodded with all my might. I nodded with all my might, but the vexation in my heart grew with each passing moment.



　　　　　"That's...



That's what ...... is for.


　...... Although the story was verbatim and to the point, my brother was surprised to hear it.
　Naturally, he did not expect such a story to come up.
　I showed the contents of the black bag I brought to my brother, who was still skeptical like I was last night.


This is .......


　My brother picked up the documents in the bag. He picked up the documents and other things in the bag, which I did not recognize, but he must have understood what they were. His expression became more and more stern.


　I offered my brother something from the bottom of my bag.


"Also, this is .......

"Is this a ...... ledger?　Is this an accounting ledger?　No, if this is evidence, then maybe it's a back book!　Hey seriously, ......


　My brother, who is usually so calm and peaceful, lets out a scream. Is it really that surprising? His face became very tight.


"Why would you leave something like this with a child? ......

Is this really that big of a deal?

"I think ...... is enough evidence of tax revenue to prove fraud. That's why it's so absurd to leave something like this with a child.



It seems that the man was in dire straits and, well, it was an emergency.


　My brother, who had been groaning at the contents of the ledger, let out a deep breath as if to calm himself down.


I don't know if I should tell him.

I don't know if I should tell him, so I haven't yet. And I don't even know if it's real.

...... I see.


　I don't know if it's real or not. That's why I couldn't decide whether I should tell you or not.


　Besides.


"And she also asked me not to tell my father.

Hmm?　Don't want me to tell him?　Is that what she said?

Yes. He said he didn't want me to tell Joshua.

"............


　When my brother heard that, he fell silent. Is there something on his mind?
　Anyway.


"What should we do, brother?

"What am I going to do?" "I can't just throw him out. ...... But I can't tell your father or mother.

He said he didn't want me to tell them, and I thought it would be better not to.


　When I said that, my brother fell silent again.
　He was thinking about something. He closed his eyes and remained quiet for a while.


　After a while, he turned to me with the red eyes of Raytheft, as if he had come to a conclusion.


"What do you want, Leisha?

"Me?

Yes. I'd like to know what Lisha wants.

I think I should keep her.

Why?　There's no reason why Risha should have to do that, is there?

　You're absolutely right. There's no reason to keep it from her, there's no responsibility.
　But...


"Brother. I was taught that a nobleman should be proud of his nobility and his actions should be noble as well. That we are above the people of the kingdom, that we must protect them and be an example of the laws of the kingdom at all times. If it is right for me to do so, then it is right for me to keep them.

Righteous?　That's why you're taking what may be a dangerous action?

Yes. Pretending to ignore it is an unbecoming act for a nobleman.


　I nodded in response to my brother's question. That's what my father taught me. My father taught me to always act with the pride of a nobleman. Then helping those who work for the law of the kingdom is what I should do.


　If this evidence is real, you must not turn a blind eye to it.
　Anyone who turns a blind eye here should not be a nobleman.

　Suddenly, my brother exhaled.


Oh... Oh, yeah, the guy used to read that too.

"......?


　He muttered something.


"Lisha. I'll keep this for you.

Your brother?

Yeah. It's better that way, isn't it?　If I leave it in Lisha's room, someone might see what's inside.

Oh. ......


　It's true, there's no guarantee that a servant won't find it when cleaning her room and tell her father or mother. Or, my father or mother might enter the room and see it directly.


　On the other hand, if it is left in my brother's room, there is almost no chance that my father, mother, or servants will find it, because they will not be around.
　In that case, it would be best to ask your brother to keep it for you.


If you hear from the man, let me know.

"Okay.


　And with that, I left my brother's room.
　Perhaps it was because I had shared a serious matter with someone I could trust that my anxious feelings were somewhat lightened.