TAMWSFB 10

Chapter 10 

 I’ll Be Your Friend

“Because it’s sad if Niitama doesn’t have any friends except you. So, Letty will be your friend too!”

“Oh, Letty. You’re so kind.”

My brother, who had been frozen in place for a moment, suddenly stepped in front of me and shielded me from Elvin’s gaze, as if protecting me.

“I don’t need to be friends with such a tiny thing.”

Elvin, clearly displeased, snapped back with a huff.

…Maybe it’s because I’m so used to my brother being calm and mature that seeing such childish behavior feels oddly refreshing.

“Elvin said he doesn’t want to, so there’s no need for you to be friends with him, Letty. I’ll find you more suitable friends.”

“Suitable friends,” huh…

Even if I tried to make friends with other girls, they’d probably all just try to get close to my brother instead.

Well, who could blame them?
Niitama is the best, after all.

“It’s okay. Niitama’s friends are Letty’s friends too.”

My speech has improved a lot, but I still can’t pronounce “sa-shi-su-se-so” properly—it makes me sound extra childish.

But maybe that’s not a bad thing. Being a little kid means I can act cute and get away with it—and that just means more time to snuggle up to my brother!

“If you insist that much, then fine—I’ll be your friend.”

When Elvin folded his arms and declared that, my brother turned back to me with a worried look.

“Are you sure, Letty?”

Yes, Niitama. I’m sure.
This is all part of my master plan to prevent your unwanted political engagement!

And so, from that day forward, Elvin began visiting our house regularly.

At first, I thought since his mental age seemed a bit low, we might actually play together, but it turned out that playing the same games is hard when one of you is six and the other is one.

I always wondered what Elvin and Niitama did together before, but to my surprise, they weren’t really “playing”—they were studying!

Apparently, my brother wasn’t just his “friend”; he was basically Elvin’s personal minder, making sure the lazy prince actually sat at his desk.

“Is it okay not to study when you’re going to be king someday?”

I asked, watching Elvin run wild through the garden every time he came over. He gave me a look that said, What are you even talking about?

“That’s what my vassals are for—they’ll help me.”

Excuse me, what?
I had to stop myself from blurting that out.

What kind of education has he been getting?!

“But not everyone around you will be a good person, you know?”

Judging from our talks, I had the growing suspicion that Elvin hadn’t received a proper education at all.

Sure, most kids hate studying—but when you’re the Crown Prince, that’s not an excuse. Normally, tutors would tie you to a chair if that’s what it took to make you learn.

If they aren’t doing that, maybe it’s because someone doesn’t want him properly educated…

After all, a lighter puppet is easier to carry.

“Bad guys won’t be a problem—Marquis Gilson will deal with them for me.”

“Marquis Gilson?”

That name wasn’t in the novel at all.

I glanced over at my brother, who gave a weary sigh, as if to say, Don’t count on that man.

So, not someone trustworthy then.

Let’s see… Elvin’s mother—the former queen—died giving birth to him, right? She was a princess from the neighboring kingdom. That makes Elvin the only living link between the two nations.

That neighboring kingdom has been our long-standing rival. Eight years ago, when the previous king suddenly passed away and our country fell into chaos, they took the opportunity to seize our border territories.

Just when it seemed they might invade completely, the new king proposed a peace treaty and married the neighboring princess—Elvin’s mother—to secure it.

But then, she died during childbirth.

Which means Elvin is now the only remaining bridge between the two nations.

And yet, he’s been allowed to grow up spoiled and ignorant. That’s… not good.

It’s obvious now that this “Marquis Gilson” intends to use Elvin as his puppet.

I can’t help but worry about the future of this country.

Still—if my brilliant brother stays by his side as an aide, everything should be fine… right?

And besides, as his friend, I’ll be right here to whip him into shape too!

No way am I letting him become a puppet king—or a foolish one!