My home has a large garden. It even has a hill. A garden with a hill. We use carriages to get around this place.
"Push hard! Push hard!"
"Yes, Young Master."
The box I'm sitting on gets a heavy push from Kitty. It slides down the hill at an incredible speed—what a thrill!
"Whee!"
The box skids across the grass with a 'zooommm' sound and comes to a stop. I quickly get off the box, drag it back up the hill, and hop on again right away.
"Push hard! Push hard!"
"Yes, Young Master."
"Wheeeee!"
The hill in my garden is perfect for sliding down, and recently I've been obsessed with it. It's my current craze. I could keep doing this all day, but that's enough for now.
"Huff, huff. Kitty, hasn't Sevran-onisama arrived yet?"
"Yes. It's almost time for the appointment, so I believe he'll be here soon."
"I've got to get ready!"
I put my favorite box away at the top of the hill. Thanks again, my friend—you were amazing today! I praised it in my heart and turned away.
On the flatter part of the hill, the tea set is being arranged. We brought a table and two chairs too.
Today, I made a promise to have a picnic (at home) with Sevran-onisama. Brother Sevran heard I was into sliding down the hill and suggested, "Let's have lunch there together!"
The chef made an apple pie and pinchos with meat on bread, and the maids are arranging everything beautifully.
It's so much more colorful than when I have tea alone... It looks delicious!
I'm in charge of seriously inspecting the table. I make a round and nod in approval. I glance at the chef and Kitty, and they both nod too, so I'm sure everything is perfect.
"I hope Sevran-onisama gets here soon."
I wait anxiously near the open carriage I rode here in. I can see the house from here, but it looks like Sevran-onisama's carriage hasn't left yet.
Fidget. Fidget.
"...Ah! There it is! Is that Sevran-onisama's carriage?"
"It appears so."
"Wow, it's here! He's here! I'm getting nervous!"
This is my first picnic with Sevran-onisama. I'm excited.
The carriage that left the mansion is getting closer and closer, and I can see the faces of the people riding in it. There are two carriages, and Brother Sevran is in the first one.
When the carriage stops, Sevran-onisama got out!
"Sevran-onisama!"
I couldn't hold back and called out his name, and he waved at me.
I'm so happy! I want to run over to greet him, but I hold myself back.
Brother Sevran walks over slowly and says:
"Did I keep you waiting? Thank you for preparing all this."
He patted my head as he spoke.
"Hehe... Hehehe..."
It feels different from being praised at home. I don't know... it makes me feel shy.
"I brought some tea too. It's a brand I like, and I thought you'd enjoy it, Fran."
"Thank you! Kitty, Sevran-onisama brought some tea! It's his favorite!"
"That's wonderful."
"Hehe, hehe..."
While I was shyly giggling, Sevran-onisama took my hand and walked with me to the table. Instead of sitting across from me, he sat diagonally next to me. I asked the maids to arrange it that way so we could talk a lot.
"Is this your favorite menu, Fran?"
"Yes! But it's prettier than usual. The chef really outdid himself!"
"Is that so? Today's meal is filled with things you like, Fran."
"Yes! I love apple pie, and I love you too, Sevran-onisama."
"I see. I love you too, Fran."
"Hehe."
Sevran-onisama is so cool. He's so refreshing and amazing!
"Oh, the tea is ready. This is my recommendation—it has a slight chocolate-like flavor."
"Chocolate...!"
Chocolate is rare, and I haven't had it much. Even as a child of an important duke, these things happen. Ever since I remembered my past life, I've known how delicious chocolate is, so my expectations are high. I blew on the tea and took a sip.
"...? Oh! It tastes like chocolate after I swallow it! It's delicious! So mysterious!"
"It's an interesting flavor, isn't it?"
It's not regular chocolate, but when I drink it, it's tea. Yet, after drinking it, it feels like I've eaten chocolate! Amazing! I've never tasted anything like it before!
"It's amazing! Sevran-onisama, you know everything! You're incredible!"
"I don't know everything. I found this tea at the place where I train as a knight apprentice."
Sevran-onisama started his knight training this year, so he sometimes goes away. He's studying under one of Father's friends, a famous knight.
It's sad that Sevran-onisama, like Stefan-onisama, won't always be home anymore... But I have to support him... I bite my lower lip and furrow my brows.
"What's wrong? You're making a strange face. Your cute face is all ruined."
"...Mm."
"Hmm?"
"I feel lonely when you're not here, Sevran-onisama."
"Fran..."
"But I'll do my best! Please let me know when you'll be staying overnight, so I can do some preparation exercises!"
"Preparation exercises?"
"If I get really tired, I'll fall asleep quickly, and then it'll be tomorrow before I know it!"
"I see."
I realized that if I sleep, tomorrow comes faster. That's why nights aren't lonely anymore!
Even when Brother Sevran, Brother Stefan, or Father aren't around, and I feel like shouting, "Ahhh!" I've been getting through it with this strategy recently.
After listening to my genius plan, Brother Sevran untied the ribbon necktie he was wearing. Then he started muttering some kind of spell.
" ? "
"...Alright, it's done."
Brother Sevran smiled and handed me the ribbon. I wasn't sure what was happening, but I took it. The green ribbon was shiny and beautiful!
"I've cast a spell on this ribbon to help you have good dreams. Try attaching it to one of your stuffed animals and sleep with it. It should last for about two weeks."
So, so amazing!
My brother is incredible! I can't use such a cool spell, so I have nothing but admiration!
"Thank you so much, Sevran-onisama!"
"You're welcome. I'll let you know when I'm staying overnight."
"Yes!"
Yay! I got an awesome item!
I'm excited to use it soon, but I also hope Sevran-onisama's overnight stay is far off... It's a complicated feeling.
"Hehe, it's a gift from Sevran-onisama."
In the end, it's a happy win!