11 Sudden Appearance

"A carriage has arrived just now," Rachel announced as she gave me a bow. Seriously, she wouldn't listen to me whenever I tell her there's no need for courtesy since we're like family. "It has the crest of the Cohar household, shall I tell the guards to let them in?" I briefly nodded and dismissed my caretaker.

After the incident some days ago, my peaceful daily life isn't so peaceful anymore. That redheaded kid would drop by every now and then to hang out with us though I know he mainly visits to meet my sister. The good thing about the boy is that he never fails to inform us around the time when he could visit; because of that, I'm always mentally (and physically) prepared with whatever he'll try to say or do around my sister.

...Surprisingly, he's not doing anything weird so I don't have to do much.

As I was reading my book, the sound of the main doors creaking open made me lift my head. The sight of two guards beside the redheaded idiot is still weird to see every day but I'm slowly getting used to it. "G'morning, Alianne! How's your day?" He approached me with a toothy grin.

I already knew who it was since I'll never be able to forget this annoying kid so I wasn't shocked that he greeted me so casually. "Good day to you as well, Young Master Vincent." Unlike him, I still try to be polite.

"I already told you to drop your courtesy and just call me Vincent."

"I thought I already said there's no need for that, Young Master Vincent." I gave him a fake smile as I closed my book. His knitted brows made me want to laugh at his face and mock him.

"Seriously… and here I was thinking that we're like friends now," he mumbled, crossing his arms and puffing. "That aside, I noticed that you really like reading books."

"You think so?" It's not that I like reading books, I just want to understand this world more and of course, reading would be beneficial. I'm still unfamiliar with many words and concepts so I stick close to the most necessary ones that I could still comprehend. "I guess it's a hobby of mine."

"What a feminine answer… I thought you're the type that would go around picking fights with people." What the? Why the hell would this redhead think of me that way? "Don't get me wrong but the first time I even got to talk with you was when you obviously didn't want me to talk with your sister. You look like you're ready to punch me at any moment."

Now that he puts it that way, I can't blame him. First impressions do last after all, it's only natural he'd remember that. But of course, I'll protect my sister from any possible harm and that includes potential love interests! "It's not my fault that you obviously looked interested in my sister."

"And what's wrong with being interested in being her friend?" What a joke.

"We both know that your interest goes beyond friendship."

"W-well, I also want to be her friend! What's stopping me from doing that?"

"Isn't it obvious? Me." The frustration in his face was too entertaining that I couldn't hide my smile.

"Y-you..." Pfft, look at him shaking. I bet he's so angry he can't think of a proper comeback. "You may look like a lady in the eyes of others - especially your sister - but you can never trick me! Your true colors have shown and I'll definitely let Young Lady Helen know about this soon!!" He's now stomping his feet, how cute.

"You could try but that'll be pointless. Who would she believe more: a boy who she just met or her sister that's been by her side?" Looks like I hit the bullseye because he's obviously holding back the urge to stand up and glare at me. "Now that you've realized it, I hope that you understand my actions."

"That's - wait - how would I be able to understand?! It's not like I'm doing anything wrong so why are you literally pushing me away from befriending the both of you?" This is bad, I almost grinned like an idiot and burst out laughing. I'm glad my etiquette lessons really paid off.

"Excuse me but do you have a sibling, Young Master Vincent?"

His annoyed pout slowly turned into confusion. "I do have a younger sister… but what does it have to do with this-"

"Do you want your little sister to be approached by boys that obviously have motives aside from being friends?"

"I… uh… I guess as long as they aren't doing anything wrong or weird to my sister then it's fine if they talk with her."

"What if that same person were to be left alone with your sister? Knowing that he or she has bad motives, would you still want them to be together? Just the two of them?"

"...No, I would be an idiot if I-"

"Exactly! Now going back to our original topic, I'm just looking out for my younger sister. That's very reasonable, isn't it?" He's speechless and I couldn't be even more satisfied than this. As I was about to add more, he suddenly stood up.

"But I'm not even left alone with her! You're there which means the three of us can hang out. I'm not a bad person who would do bad things, in fact, I want to protect Young Lady Helen with all my might." Redhead finished his knightly declaration with a fist over his heart. I raised a brow at how extra that was but I can't mock his sincerity.

After all, I also want to protect my sister no matter what.

"...Alright, alright, I get it. Now sit down, you might make the maids think that you're a huge weirdo." His cheeks faintly turned pink as he mumbled whatever to himself. "You are a weirdo but you get my point." Without much resistance, he sat back down with his arms crossed.

"I hope the two of you are done with your… conversation." My head shot up at Rachel's voice. She was listening the whole time…?! If she was then Father would definitely know what happened and he'll scold me or whatever. "Young Lady Helen seemed to be too surprised to even say anything." Why is she saying…

Rachel moved just a bit, a small hand gripping her clothes. My eyes widened when I saw my sister clinging onto Rachel instead of running towards me like usual. Oh no, don't tell me she also heard that? I don't want her to think I'm bullying the redhead or something, I'm obviously being friendly with him.

"Y-Young Lady Helen!" Redhead exclaimed excitedly as he looked at my sister with glittering eyes. I was about to stand up to stop him from getting closer but Rachel's gaze was too intimidating. I don't want my sister to think I'm being the villainess here so I could only watch him.

He took a step forward but froze, looking as if a force was stopping him from taking another. I'm sure he could feel my glare pricking his back. "Ah, it seems that my cute sister is here to see me and just me," I emphasized to irk the redhead.

My sister seemed reluctant on which to approach first, or so I thought. My victorious smirk couldn't have been more obvious when Helen walked towards me and sat down on my lap. "Aww," I gave this angel a tight hug, "you're finally here."

"I'm sorry that I didn't say anything earlier, I just thought maybe I might distract you two..." Helen meekly whispered.

"Distract? Well, your cuteness… I mean, I get distracted from anything so don't worry about that."

"It's fine, Young Lady Helen. You can join in anytime you want!"

"Ah, I almost forgot you're here." The redhead seemed so upset when I said that. His reactions are always so amusing that I couldn't help but bully- err, I mean, tease him a bit. Right now he's really frustrated and it's showing on his face so much; I want to ridicule him… but I suppose being a bit nice would be fine.

"Helen, Young Master Vincent visited us again. You should greet him."

Helen hurriedly stood up from my lap and gave the redhead some courtesy. "Forgive me for not greeting you earlier, Young Master Vince. I hope you're doing fine today." My sister seemed a bit mature ever since she started her etiquette lessons.

She's so adorable.

"You don't have to call me with a long title just Vince is fine." Redhead finally calmed down and smiled at my sister. Look at this idiot, Helen smiled at him and he's already looking giddy. I can't blame him though since my sister's smile can make anyone feel blessed after all.

The three of us started to have some tea together and talked about anything. Since redhead is a talkative one, he's even more active now that my sister is in front of him. He really is trying his best to impress her. It kind of annoys me how much his jokes made her giggle.

Huh? Wait a minute… why am I even getting jealous? Of course, my relationship with my sister is different, I shouldn't even compare it to this weirdo. That's right. I should be more confident here.

As we were drinking tea together and telling random stories, Rachel walked towards me. "Young Lady, Lord Flaine's subordinate informed me to tell you that he's coming home soon." I'm glad that Father would be going back home early but I wonder why he asked my caretaker just to say that.

That's… odd. I don't think that Father said it without a reason.

I gave Rachel a nod, "I see. Did he say anything else?"

"His subordinate didn't say anything else, though he looked frantic. Perhaps Lord Flaine is hurrying to come back home for a very important matter." Rachel noticed it as well so I'm sure there's something strange about this. I was too busy thinking to myself that I couldn't comprehend what redhead was telling me.

"Alianne, blablabla," that's what I'm hearing from him right now. Ugh, shut up redhead, I'm trying to think of any possible reason why my father acted that way.

"I think I know!" Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's see… Did Father learn about my secret practice? I don't think he'd be furious if he knew that I started to train some self-defense with Ramon… "Alianne!" Hm, that can't be it. I wonder what it's about?

"Alianne, snap out of it and listen to me!"

"The hell do you want?" Oops, my thoughts leaked out. I coughed up violently, "I meant to ask: what is it, Young Master Vincent?"

"Aaahhh, you finally showed your true nature! Did you see that, Young Lady Helen?!" Redhead suddenly started getting worked up. Pointing at me with random gestures as if he's seen some pot of gold, he grinned. "See, your sister is a meanie!"

"Forgive me but I don't think I know what you're talking about. I only coughed for a bit, is there anything wrong with that?" My voice was so sickeningly sweet that I witnessed redhead flinching at it. Tsk, it's his fault for pointing that out.

Helen blinked at him before looking back at me. After smiling at her innocently for a few seconds, it seems that she made up her mind. "Sorry but I'm a bit confused, Vince. I'm sure Big sis coughed just now? I don't see any problem with that."

Oh my God did my precious angel just turn a blind eye at my obvious mistake? That pure smile of hers… I never expected her to jump on board with my lie… I know I should be telling her that it's wrong but I couldn't. Instead, I laughed out loud at how ridiculous this was.

Who knew that even Helen - the most angelic person I know - would also be a bit mischievous.

"Y-you… seriously Alianne, you even influenced your sister?" The mixed anger and sadness in his voice were awfully evident and that made me snort. "This is insane..." He took a step down with slumped shoulders, defeated.

Helen also cracked up and her small giggles turned into a full-fledged laugh. This occasional laughter of hers... I suppose that boy also plays a role in making her laugh. It would definitely alert me if I didn't know the reason behind her laughter.

Maybe it's not bad to have this kid around. He's harmless right now anyway.

We soon talked about magic and he shared his own experiences in practice. It seems that perfecting elemental magic is tricky so most nobles don't bother making it their expertise. But in their household - the Cohar household - the abundant water magic power is their pride and symbol of honor.

"That's why I'll become the best water attribute user and make a name in history." Redhead proudly declared with such passion in his eyes. With his expression, I could see the amount of dedication he's willing to put just to master his magic.

"Just like my father, my grandfather, and my forefathers - I'll be as amazing - no, possibly even better than them."

His eyes lit up at that very moment. As I stared into his eyes, I was reminded that these characters are real people with real dreams and real feelings. Just like the heroine, they're all the main characters of their own stories. The fact that I can stay by their side and watch them achieve all of it… that made me close my eyes and smile.

Is it too naive to hope for a happy ever after? Even if it is, I just hope they would all find their happiness.

"You better treat Helen and me for some good food when you become famous!" I joked.

"I… I want some cotton candy, uhm and meat, and... and muffins!" My sister joined in with excitement in her voice.

Redhead was overwhelmed for a bit before he came back to his senses and gave us a smile that reached ear-to-ear. "That's a promise," he grinned as he rubbed his nose. I guess he's really happy to get some support from Helen.

"Don't get too ahead of yourself though, don't let tiny words of encouragement get to your head."

"Wha - can't I be happy about something for once?!" And just like earlier, we were back to laughing the whole matter off.

This moment… the small promise we made. We would only make more promises in the future, some would come true, and I'm sure some wouldn't. I know that even if this is fiction it's still impossible for a story to be perfect in every single way.

We may still be children right now, but these memories would be engraved in our minds. Every choice would change the future and I'm sure I'm constantly changing it with my mindless actions. It's not my fault that I'm born in this world with the knowledge of having a past life.

I suppose all I have to do now is face everything head-on.

...Is what I said but right now I really don't understand what's happening before my eyes. My father, who is usually very calm yet stern, opened the door a bit louder than usual. His face seemed to be a bit pale as well and his lips were tightly sealed.

What's this? There's… a boy behind him?

"Greetings, Father. Welcome back-" I gave him a bow. The two as well as the other maids and butlers did the same yet Father still seemed to be restless. I wonder what's wrong with him? He even has a boy beside him - wait a damn minute.

That boy… isn't he-

"Forgive me if I came in without notice. I hope that the Viscount as well as you all would excuse my rude behavior?" Downturned blue eyes and golden hair… I've definitely seen him before. What bothers me the most is the ominous feeling.

"You don't have to apologize, Young Marquis. It's completely fine," Father said but his knitted brows seemed to tell us a different story. "Please take a seat and make yourself comfortable."

Wait, isn't this happening too fast? Why is he here? As if reading my mind, Father cleared his throat to grab our attention. "I'm sure it sounds discourteous of me, Young Count, to tell you this but we need to have a private discussion."

Redhead didn't seem puzzled at all. "Oh, it's no problem at all, Viscount. I'll take my leave now." He gave Father a bow before bidding farewell. It seems that he noticed the awkward atmosphere quite well and escaped as fast as he could.

Well, it's not like I can blame him. Even I feel like running away from this situation.

Father's eyes were clouded and he's definitely hesitating. The last time I saw him being so reluctant was right before he introduced me to Helen. If that's the case then he surely has something important to say.

I gulped and prepared myself for anything that's about to happen.

"You see, the Marquis has been my friend since childhood. Our household has been very close to the Opherons and I can assure you that it will be fine. The bond between our families is unbreakable, you can trust them and I'm sure the Marquis's son is a fine gentleman." Father suddenly started rambling on with some family history. What does that have to do with anything?

"Viscount Flaine, if you don't mind, may I be the one to tell the details instead?"

"Of course, go on." Father seemed so out of it yet this blond was relaxed as if he's walking around the park. I seriously have a bad feeling about this - a really terrible feeling in my stomach that I just can't ignore.

"This is very sudden, I know, though I have to say it sooner than later." The way he worded that out definitely isn't a good thing. I'm really starting to sweat over here. "I'm here to ask for your hand in marriage."

...Oh shit.