21 Chapter 21

A/N: This chapter was written last night, and I was like half dead. So there's probs gonna be some inconsistent spelling, just drop a comment if there's any spelling mistake or any incoherent sentences. I might edit this chapter if I have the time, but I wanted to give you guys some content so yeah. Anyways, that's it from me so enjoy!

Just as I was about to leave the dining table to get changed into some outdoor clothes my mother called me over.

"That girl who you wanted to become your knight, she's a special one. I'm not sure what you know about her or what made you choose her, but know that she's an extremely good choice. Today we're having doctors check her up, we also had her cleaned up, she's rather pretty. Honestly she's so pretty and so adorable that I want to adopt her and keep her to myself. But according to her, she's yours, I don't know whatever she could mean by that."

She ruffled my hair gently before continuing.

"I will personally take care of all matters relating to her training. What happened last night, it shouldn't have happened, I've already told Lucas off. Honestly I'm not sure as to how to go about this situation, but I feel guilty, you've become more and more extraordinary as time has gone on. And I think that's made me neglect you, so that's why I'll take care of Charlotte. I'm not always going to be there for you, so I'll make sure she's someone who'll never leave your side."

She sent me off to go with a servant to go get changed. I was handed a pair of joggers along with a plain black t-shirt, yes they exist in this world. So did phones but I didn't need one just now. I was also given a pair of plain black trainers, I had asked for clothes that were more simple.

They tended to have higher quality materials used on them as the makers would prioritise usability over design. I was walked by Lillian outside and we headed to our garden, our garden was the same size as a park. We had multiple gardeners working on it, the old men gently waved to me and Lillian before they got back to work.

We had a lot of Sakura trees, they looked beautiful under the light of the sun. Lillian just walked with me and told me stories that kids would want to hear. Some about princesses being saved by knights on shining armour.

"So, did you bring that Charlotte girl to be your concubine or something?"

'What? Oh yeah, kids here are taught about sex Ed really early since they tend to get engaged and married fairly early. It's probably to stop unwanted things like the birds and the bees meeting to early.'

I looked at her 'innocently' and tilted my head slightly while looking at her in the eye.

"A concubine? What do they do?"

Lillian's face was beet red, she likely hadn't foreseen a situation where she'd have to explain what a concubine's 'duties' were. She grabbed my shoulders and gripped them tightly.

"S-s-so b-b-bas-sically t-they u-uhh, y-y'know what? M-maybe it's too early for you to learn."

"Um okay."

I tilted my head to the side again before grinning at her, if I had a face this cute and pretty back in the day, seduction would've been even easier. And if you're wondering, no I'm not a virgin, and yes I have indeed seduced women and killed them if the mission required it.

And so, we spent four or so days going by with this routine, each day she'd hand feed me and we'd talk in the garden. I slowly started making more physical contact with her, slowly closing the gap and brainwashing her into being more complacent with my demands. Physical intimacy was key to a relationship where she was emotionally dependent on me, so sometimes I'd ask for hugs, occasionally she'd kiss me goodnight on the forehead.

Today, we went a bit further down than usual and sat down on a bench, we were covered by several Sakura trees which lead to it creating a rather beautiful scenery. We simply sat there, we didn't bother talking, we were both content in relaxing in the other's sulence. Well at least she did, I was just kind of there, I've never had any sentimental experiences or anything so I don't actually know how to use this situation to my advantage.

Lillian gently placed my head on her lap and stroked my hair.

'Is this meant to happen so often? No seriously, why do I keep getting lap pillows, I swear they're meant to be something that the protagonist gets. Is this the so called popular phase? Or am I just that exceedingly good looking'

I felt something drop on to my cheek, then another droplet fell, and soon after a torrent of tears fell on to me.

"I-i'm sorry-"

"Huh? What? Did I do something wrong? Why are you crying?"

"N-no, you've done nothing wrong. It's me, I heard about exactly what happened t-the o-other day..."

*Sniffle* "Y-your body was crushed over and over, y-your arm was even torn off- That k-knight- No, that monster did so many horrible things to you-"

She started shaking uncontrollably.

"F-for the past f-few days, I've been acting like someone strong, like someone who can actually protect you. But I've never done anything for you! I can't even help you... I'm absolutely useless-".

I got off her lap and sat myself beside her, I grabbed onto her shoulders and looked her in the eye. She had tears in her eyes, her eyes were shimmering due to her tears. Even when she was crying she looked adorable.

"Listen, don't force yourself to do anything, you've been trying to act like an ideal sister. But I don't want that, I want you to be genuine with me. Don't try to act like someone who isn't you. It's only going to lead you to feel lonely, and do you know what one of the most painful things in this world is?"

She shook her head slightly and looked at me, perplexed by question.

"It's loneliness. That's why, don't bottle everything, if something is your fault I'll tell you. If you need someone to rely on then rely on me, if I need someone to help me. Then I'll ask you, just please. Please don't do this to yourself, you're only causing yourself pain and suffering."

Tears streamed down my face, of course this was all an act. But she was essentially killing herself, if she kept this personality of hers up for too long. She would end up in the fairly cliché situation of 'An older sibling hurting themselves for their younger sibling' and someone would likely tear off that mask. And at that point, I'd slowly lose control of Lillian. That someone would likely have been the protagonist.

So to summarise, she would end up wearing a metaphorical mask, this would slowly separate us and it would be difficult to use her efficiently. And the protagonist would likely take off that mask, and take my pawn away from me.