I Became the Older Brother of a Villainess - Chapter 3.2
Daria realized she was tricked, but she was a bit too young to clearly refute my subtle deception.
“Daria, who likes yellow, is playing with flowers.”
“W-Well…”
“Why? Don’t you like yellow? If you like yellow, you must dislike blue as well, right?”
…”
Daria succumbed to my nonsensical logic.
“Right. You play by yourself then.”
This older brother is busy.
After finishing the funeral ceremony in style today, I need to return to the aristocratic mansion and confirm my magical talents. I need to know how skilled I am to plan the next steps.
Preparing for the upcoming monster subjugation mission should be a priority, right? If my magical abilities are good enough, I might even be able to fight directly.
“No. Even if my magical skills aren’t extremely impressive, I can still fight.”
I can revive my experience as a dispatched bodyguard and systematically defeat the monsters.
If that doesn’t work, I can try something else. It’s not a bad idea to use my head and find a substitute who is stronger than me but loyal.
As for potential candidates…
“There are quite a few guys who could be considered as candidates…”
I recalled several warrior characters who were active in the game. Well, the most usable guy is probably Pippin, one of the main characters, but taking him over could be quite challenging.
“I might as well spend money to hire mercenaries; it would be faster and simpler.”
Our family should take the top spot in this monster subjugation unit.
I was planning to gradually overcome the impressive imperial family with the great prince.
Why? The reason is clear.
The most unfortunate moment for Daria was in the route where she was the prince’s fiancée. Daria couldn’t become the princess, and as punishment for tormenting the protagonist, she was exiled to a monastery.
It felt as if my sister had been abandoned by relatives, receiving useless care from her brother and ultimately dying alone in the hospital.
In my past life, I was a failure. I couldn’t protect my sister, and I died from a shock while crying during a game.
Perhaps Daria is the reincarnation of my sister. Somehow, that feeling lingered. I wanted to believe in it.
“As an older brother and the only family I have, I have no choice but to do my best in this life.”
I made a firm resolution as I looked up at the towering structure of the church. The church’s windows, like firefly wings, changed colors depending on the direction.
Daria followed my gaze and, making an OK sign, tapped her temple.
“Big brother.”
“Why?”
Her brown eyes sparkled more sharply than the colorful stained glass.
“Do you see it too, big brother? The window with writing. If you open the eyes of your heart, you can see it.”
“The window with writing…?”
“But Daria can’t read. She doesn’t understand letters well.”
She was confident.
***
“Tap, tap, tap.” The sound of sturdy heels crushing the marble echoed clearly.
I forcefully swung open the closed doors of the worship hall with both hands. All eyes turned towards us simultaneously. As planned, I ushered Daria in first.
Daria, adorned in a dazzling yellow dress, walked across the red carpet like a wedding procession.
“The, the Duke has arrived! The funeral is beginning!”
The priest standing next to the entrance, initially bewildered, hastily shouted. Startled, the conductor, shaken by the sudden announcement, waved his hands frantically. The solemn funeral music resumed.
I knew the conductor’s name from the butler and called out to him in a loud voice.
“Jonathan!”
The conductor’s arms froze, and he turned towards me, eyes widening, hands still raised.
“Yes, yes?”
“The Duchess, who is the mother of both Daria and me, used to request your orchestra at every banquet.”
“Yes, indeed. It’s an honor.”
Jonathan turned his body slightly towards me, offering a respectful bow. Though the chapel seemed silent, a subtle ripple of anticipation began, akin to the fluttering of bat wings.
“So, you must remember the kind of music she enjoyed. Play the liveliest piece she loved during the banquets.”
“Yes?”
“Right now.”
At my command, the conductor, glancing around cautiously, rolled his eyes in different directions. In the distance, the butler stood with his head nodding like a metronome. Understanding the butler’s signal, the conductor reluctantly turned around, his expression filled with dismay.
A new piece of music began. The high-pitched string instruments played a rapid and unconventional melody. It was cheerful, yet disturbingly intense. And that’s why I liked it even more.
None of the mourners or priests easily found their voices in response to our eerie entrance. They stared at Daria, then turned their gaze towards me as I followed her into the church.
I walked confidently, maintaining an air of composure. My footsteps weren’t discreet; I intentionally let them make a sound.
As we reached the church garden, the looks we received were markedly different from when we first arrived. Back then, it might have been mere disregard, but now it was a mix of disregard and astonishment. It didn’t matter; I was fine with that. After I checked the list of mourners, their expressions would likely change again.
I leisurely surveyed the chapel. Fortunately, it was easy to identify those who came from the imperial family. They wore capes symbolizing royalty over their Sarkaman ceremonial attire.
The color, like Daria’s dress, was a bold yellow, serving as evidence of my provocative attempt. On their ornate attire, a royal emblem featuring a golden tree, symbolizing the imperial family, was engraved. It seemed perfect, a stolen toy to be presented to Daria.
“Goodness gracious! W-what on earth is this…!”
The reaction from the imperial representative was delightful.
