The Male Lead’s Younger Sister is Still Sad Today

Episode 7

“Oh, be merciful.”

Along with the profoundly peaceful sound of the piano, Raiden’s voice echoed. Though it was somewhat buried in the music, the tone was definitely tinged with teasing.

Honestly, I had no idea how to respond to such a remark.

I rolled my eyes and asked cautiously, “Then is he dead?”

“He’s not dead. I’m still contemplating what to do.”

Raiden leaned comfortably against the back of the chair, looking at me. With each of his movements, there was a faint rustling sound coming from the strings attached to his glasses.

Despite the tranquil music filling the space without a single gap, I was intensely focused on every move Raiden made.

I decided I needed to steer the conversation away from this topic for now.

“Y-Your Grace… do you need anything else?”

But at that moment, the music, which had been gently filling the space, suddenly surged in volume as the strings and percussion instruments harmonized in a climax.

Because of this, I couldn’t hear Raiden’s response.

The music continued to swirl loudly around my ears.

“…”.

At that moment, Raiden yanked my wrist forcefully. My body pulled toward him, almost losing its balance.

I quickly grasped the armrest of the chair where Raiden was sitting, using it to support myself.

Raiden whispered softly in my ear, “Lower your voice.”

Only then did Raiden release my wrist. I nodded with a bewildered expression and moved towards the phonograph.

…However, I had never learned how to handle a record. The golden horn of the phonograph, which still made loud sounds, sparkled beautifully in the sunlight.

It would be better to ask him rather than risk damaging it by touching it randomly.

The moment I turned around, I collided with Raiden. Because of the loud music, I hadn’t noticed him approaching me.

Raiden reached out and moved the cartridge on the spinning LP record outside the platter. As a result, the music abruptly stopped, and I involuntarily let out a gasp of surprise. Raiden looked at me with a disdainful expression and then returned to his desk.

He then placed the poem that was still on fire into the tea cup I had prepared earlier.

As the flame on the poem extinguished, Raiden spoke, “You may leave now.”

Upon hearing his words, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed for some reason. I couldn’t believe how pathetic I felt for not accomplishing the one task I had been given.

“…Understood.”

I approached Raiden cautiously, intending to respond to his words.

“Your Grace…”

Raiden’s gaze shifted to me as I called out to him.

“I… Your Grace, I understand that I have a lot to learn. But I will work harder in the future to avoid causing you any trouble.”

In response to my words, Raiden smiled lightly and spoke.

“Does that mean I don’t need to keep you around anymore? I prefer someone who is already polished over someone who’s still improving.”

Despite his blunt tone, I smiled.

“Instead, I’m good at listening to others. I can listen quietly. If Your Grace ever feels frustrated or has a difficult time…”

“I’m not stupid enough to confide in you to that extent.”

Raiden’s gaze returned to the paperwork.

* * *

I felt drained of all energy. It felt like something heavy had been placed on me, and my insides felt blocked, but it was fine. It wasn’t exactly… incorrect, after all.

It seemed like I had gotten a bit carried away.

I slapped my face with my palm until it made a slapping sound and then opened the door.

“…What are you doing there?”

Abel, who had a large build, was sitting down and fiddling with the wall. It was quite an awkward sight.

In response to my question, Abel removed his hand from the wall and spoke.

“The magic circle is back in working order.”

“…A magic circle?”

Does that mean I can spend a bit more comfortably in this room?

Of course, I had gotten used to being uncomfortable even at the Marquis’s place, so I wouldn’t let my guard down completely.

“It seems that way, probably because we haven’t been here for long.”

Abel said while pounding the wall with his fist.

“Still, it’s better to be cautious.”

I nodded in response to his words.

As I pondered, I casually thought about Lord Raiden Akaruth’s face. Maybe the Duke wasn’t just saying those things to me but also to Abel?

“Anything… unusual today?”

Upon hearing my question, Abel squinted his eyes slightly and scrutinized me. Then he immediately adopted a serious tone.

“Yeah, come over here.”

…Why is he setting such a serious mood?

I hadn’t seen Abel in such a serious mood since parting ways with Isis, but I had never seen him create such a heavy atmosphere before.

With a sense of unease, I went over and sat in front of Abel.

With a rather serious expression, Abel began to speak.

“How long are you going to stay here?”

“…Me? Probably until brother is here.”

“No…”

Abel seemed like he was struggling to find his words after hearing mine. And I didn’t miss that moment.

“But we already settled this last time.”

“…”

“And there’s no guarantee it’s safe outside the Duke’s estate, right? Lord Owen might find it even easier to approach me…”

Abel seemed speechless at my words. Instead, he spoke with a flustered expression.

“Then just promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“If you ever feel like you want to leave this place, just tell me anytime. I won’t bring up this topic anymore.”

Abel extended his pinky finger towards me.

“Of course, I can promise that.”

When I confidently hooked my pinky with his, he seemed a bit reassured.

Then, with a rough hand, he took something out of his pocket and extended it towards me abruptly. It was a small box beautifully wrapped.

“What’s this?”

There was no answer coming from Abel. Of course, I didn’t ask seeking one. I already knew, yet I asked.

I wonder what’s going on. For a moment, I even thought it might be my birthday today.

I carefully opened the box. Inside, there was a bracelet and a large jeweled hairpin. It seemed like they had bought both because they weren’t sure what to gift.

“They’re beautiful.”

Abel had a taste for large accessories, and the hairpin he had bought had a green gem in the center that resembled both mine and Abel’s eyes. It was honestly a bit old-fashioned, but it was still nice.

Among the bracelets, there was none with a large gem, and instead, there were countless interlocking silver loops. The bracelet was completely to my liking.

Unintentionally, I let out a small laugh and put the bracelet on my wrist. Even though I had adjusted the length, it still felt a bit loose.

Abel, who had been quietly watching me, spoke softly.

“Come here.”

As I approached Abel, he took the hairpin out of the box and fixed it in my hair.

When I was younger, I used to have long hair, and Abel would often tie my hair for me. Since I cut my hair short, there hadn’t been such an opportunity.

My face, adorned with the old-fashioned hairpin, looked quite happy when I saw it in the mirror.

I touched the hairpin that Abel had given me and thought that I needed to somehow improve my relationship with Raiden to keep this smile.

* * *

The next day, Raiden called me to the front of his black car, which was entirely identical to his hair. There were several cars at the mansion, but this black car was Raiden’s favorite.

“Get in.”

He opened the driver’s seat door.

With a hint of surprise, I couldn’t help but ask, “You’re driving yourself?”

“Then who would drive? Do you want to?”

I’m not particularly good at driving, but I figured I would be better than that man who didn’t seem to know where he was going.

A car driven by Raiden… If I said I wasn’t anxious, it would be a lie.

While I hesitated, Raiden got into the car swiftly.

Thanks to that, I also opened the passenger seat door and took my place. And more than anyone else, I diligently fastened my seatbelt, fervently praying to the gods.

Just to safely return to the mansion. If he granted me that, I would also listen to Abel and promise to live a good life from now on.

Raiden checked his face in the rearview mirror and then stylishly put on sunglasses.

After a while, the car started with a pleasant sound. At least that sound was cheerful.

Not long after, the car smoothly glided along. I felt somewhat relieved by the relatively smooth ride.

Still, Raiden Akaruth was a Duke, and there were scenes in the original work where he got involved with the female protagonist. So, I hoped he was at least a good driver.

Just as I was thinking this, the car suddenly screeched to a halt with a screeching sound.

Because of that, my body lurched forward.

“Ah, my mistake.”

Then, following Raiden’s words, I clenched my seatbelt, which was like a lifeline.

Oh, dear God. Please let me come back alive.

To cut to the conclusion, I survived.

Well, if I had died, it would have been somewhat expected, considering that Raiden, who sat right next to me, would either die or become severely injured. So, it was only natural that I survived.

Raiden had driven us to a boutique despite his tumultuous driving.

Honestly, I never imagined Raiden would take me to a boutique.

At the very least, I had thought he might take me to a remote mountain prison or somewhere to play cruel tricks on me, given his past deeds, including giving me a gun and his reputation as a wandering rogue in the kingdom.

‘It’s really grand…’

From the entrance, which was adorned with gold, the boutique I was visiting for the first time in my life exceeded my imagination.