Chapter 82
Phew, I’m glad I didn’t bump into my brother. Stella was running at an incredible speed, but it was amazing how she stopped so suddenly.
“…Tiana.”
Gilbert called my name quietly, his expression surprised.
“Y-yes.”
Ah, oh no. I’m going to get scolded.
Thinking I was in trouble, Tiana lowered her head.
“I heard you woke up, so I was just about to come see you. Is it okay for you to be up now?”
“Uh, yes. I feel really well.”
Huh? I thought for sure I was going to be scolded, but he’s actually worried about me after the attack.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come to help immediately when you were in danger.”
“No! I was really scared, but you and the others came so quickly.”
I expressed my gratitude to Gilbert and patted Stella.
In reality, I didn’t remember anything because I couldn’t see, but Mariana said he seemed to have rushed to help me, so he probably came in a hurry. Besides, that incident was my fault.
“I heard from Father. You did well. But it’s not good to carry everything on your own. If it gets too tough, call for help anytime. I’ll handle it.”
“Th-thank you.”
Hearing my brother say that feels a little scary. He seems merciless to those he sees as enemies. But at the same time, I’m really happy he said that.
“A-and another thing.”
Gilbert took a step closer to Tiana.
“Hm?”
Is there still something else?
“Running indoors is dangerous. If you bump into someone, both you and the other person could get hurt.”
Ah, so I was scolded. I thought I was forgiven, but I got told off after all. I’m surprised at myself too, so I feel sorry.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“Fenrir too.”
“Stella, apologize as well.”
“I-I’m sorry.”
Stella muttered a small apology. But she ran the way I wanted her to.
“You tried to take me to my sister because I panicked, right? Thank you, Stella.”
“Yeah. Because it’s for my master.”
“You were trying to go to Ellie’s room?”
“Yes.”
“Since I’ve confirmed you’re safe, I’ll go with you. Come on.”
“Stella will come too.”
“Stella… is that Fenrir?”
“Yes! Her fur sparkles beautifully!”
“So you’ve become friends with that divine beast?”
“Yes! She’s my friend.”
“Since Fenrir and Tiana have a familiar contract, you two are as one.”
Stella seems to be wearing a triumphant expression toward Gilbert. Could it be… a sense of rivalry?
“Hmph.”
Saying that, my brother held out both hands. He was trying to take me from Stella. Maybe because it’s dangerous.
Huh? Wait.
Why isn’t he putting me down? For some reason, he’s still holding me.
(I can’t give Tiana to some random person. Besides, I don’t like that she seems closer to him than to me.)
“I-I’ll walk on my own!”
“We’ll go to Ellie’s room like this.”
“Wouldn’t it be faster if you rode on my back?”
“No, I’ll take her myself.”
Why does it feel so tense? It’s a little awkward.
Why won’t he put me down? And… is my brother a little angry? I’m already nine years old, not at an age to be carried around. Compared to the average height, I’m a bit small, but still… it’s embarrassing.
