The Villainous Aristocrat's Efforts Led to a Genuine Harem - Episode 21

Episode 21

I was the oldest at the orphanage. And I had always acted like the big sister.

Always taking care of someone, always looking after someone… That was how I lived.

So, I had always longed for it.

For years, I had wanted it.

A big brother I could rely on — someone I could lean on.

My idea of the ultimate big brother was someone strong and kind.

And right now, the Ryō standing before me… was exactly the perfect big brother I had been searching for.

…If I were allowed, I wanted to ask Ryō right this moment to become my big brother. I would then indulge myself to the fullest — that desire was definitely there. But I held it back.

But no, that won’t do. Calm down, me.

Things like this need to follow the proper steps.

Thinking about that, while also doing physical training like mana control and watching over the rookie adventurers—

Shizuku and the others successfully defeated the dungeon boss.

“We… we did it…!”

Shizuku and the others looked delighted. They lit up with joy and came running over to us.

Shizuku and the others’ eyes were sparkling brightly. To them, Ryō responded in a calm voice.

“Well done. At this rate, you should have no problem conquering dungeons.”

“Th-thank you very much! It’s all thanks to the two of you!”

“That’s not true. It’s the result of all your daily training. Keep working hard from here on.”

“Yes! U-um… Ryō-san! I have a request… may I ask?”

Shizuku asked Ryō hesitantly and shyly.

“What is it?”

“I-I have a request… c-could you… pat my head!?”

“Eh? What brought this on so suddenly?”

“…W-well… um… how should I put it…”

Shizuku lowered her head in embarrassment. She was pressing her index fingers together.

The other adventurers around us were grinning as they looked at her. And I couldn’t help but smile warmly too.

Ahh, I see.

It seems like Shizuku has some sort of feelings for Ryō.

Ryō tilted his head in confusion. So I decided to step in and help Shizuku, who looked too embarrassed to say more.

“It’s fine. It’s like a reward.”

“A-a reward, you say…”

Shizuku muttered softly, looking down. It was as if she was denying it. But Ryō tilted his head again and nodded.

Then, he gently patted Shizuku’s head. Shizuku looked happy but also a bit embarrassed to be patted. And with a mix of emotions on her face, she eventually smiled brightly.

Seeing that, I… felt a small sting in my heart.

…How nice, I thought.

I wanted to be spoiled like Shizuku too…

The way Shizuku and Ryō interacted just now—was exactly the perfect image of siblings I had imagined.

“Ehehe… Th-thank you so much! If we ever meet again through another request or something, please take care of me again!”

“Yeah. When that time comes, be strong enough to steal my job, alright?”

When Ryō made that joke, he activated spatial magic. The exit led to the adventurer guild. We then went to report the completion of our request.

When we got outside, it was already evening. We stretched our backs lightly.

…Today too, I wasn’t able to lean on him, but… it can’t be helped.

After parting with Ryō, I touched the teleportation stone.

Once I returned to town, I walked for a while and made my way back to the orphanage.

From the orphanage, dyed in the colors of the sunset, I could hear the children’s voices.

In the yard were the teacher and the children. Erin noticed me. She lit up with joy and called out to me.

“Inaesia-oneechan! Can you play with us now?”

The teacher gave a wry smile when she saw Erin grab my arm.

“Hey, Erin. Inaesia just got back from working outside. She’s tired, okay?”

“It’s alright, Sensei. Erin and I made a promise. Let’s play a little until it gets dark.”

“Okay!”

Erin nodded happily. And the other children gathered around as well.

The teacher glanced at me. She was looking a little concerned. So I smiled at her.

“Inaesia, are you really okay? Let me know when you’re tired, alright?”

“I’m fine. Especially today — I had someone with me too.”

“Is that so? …Thank you, as always.”

“No, it’s thanks to you teachers that I’m who I am now.”

“Even so, Inaesia has her own life to live… so don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“I know. After all, I’m everyone’s big sister.”

I smiled at the teacher and went to play with the children.

…From here on, I have to do my best as Inaesia-oneechan.

Helping with dinner, comforting the kids when they’re scared to sleep… doing those kinds of things. I have to keep working hard as their dependable big sister.

…Yeah, I do like that work too, but… sometimes, I just really, really want to lean on someone.

Ryō-oniichan…

No matter what, the thought of Ryō presses heavily on my heart.

… I want to be spoiled, I want to be spoiled, I want to be spoiled.

Once I started thinking that, the desire to lean on Ryō-oniichan overflowed—

And honestly, I don’t really remember the rest of that day very well.