Mother declared to your mother that she would love both Tobias and you as her own daughters. That is why I, though we are half-siblings, have resolved to treat you both as true sisters.
Olivier remembered playing with Emilia as if they were real sisters when they were young. She believed they could return to that time. Jared had brought her out of her confined world, which had only consisted of Mother and Trane, broadening her horizons. Now, Olivier felt she could take Emilia’s hand just like she did back then.
“Older Sister… Are you truly thinking of me that much?”
“Of course. I am your older sister, and you are my younger sister. Although, I learned this from Jared as well.”
“From Jared-sama?”
“Yes, that’s right. Jared often struggles and gets hurt for others, putting himself last. When he uncharacteristically acts for himself, it’s often for his own sake, but also for his precious friends and their families. I sometimes wish to see him act selfishly.”
However, Olivier doubted Jared would ever act selfishly. Her bond with Jared was deep, not just because they were engaged, but because they had influenced each other since they met. Yet, Olivier couldn’t fully grasp the depths of Jared’s heart. He never tried to reveal it.
The other day, she had learned something about Luzer Fischer’s past, and she was so happy just hearing about it that tears welled up. Jared wasn’t secretive, but he had a side to him where he wouldn’t speak unless it was necessary. Olivier suspected something else had happened between his time in the facility and his return to the Capital City, something she was unaware of.
Despite carrying a complex past, Jared remained optimistic. Even if he occasionally looked back and paused, he possessed a mental fortitude that allowed him to start walking again once he realized he had stopped. Though he exhibited the instability typical of a teenage boy, Olivier, who had been stagnant for so long, had so much to learn from him. Her attempt to reconcile with Emilia stemmed from her desire to be as forward-looking as Jared.
Mother was the same. She had forgiven Cornelia, who had tried to kill her, and was determined to raise Cornelia’s child as her own. This was no impulsive decision; it was a significant act. Olivier didn’t know how much deliberation Mother had put into this resolve, but it was a moment where she glimpsed Mother’s true strength, the strength that had once convinced her she needed to protect her. Because of that, Olivier decided to move forward. Her steps might be slow, but there were people walking with her. Her strong Mother, whom she didn’t actually need to protect; her sister-like companion who had supported her; and her beloved fiancé with his complex past, all matched her pace.
It wasn’t just them. There was her Father, who had always looked out for her; Yeny, who affectionately called her fiancé her older brother; and even Pfeil, who had tried to kill her but was now forgiven and living with them. The prospect of Emilia joining them caused no resistance.
“I want to become a kind person who can care for others. I want Jared to be proud of the fact that he protected me—”
“I envy you, Older Sister. Being able to walk alongside Jared-sama…”
“Then let’s start over together.”
“Huh?”
Taking her sister’s surprised hand, Olivier smiled.
“We both still have plenty of time. Let’s not give up and look forward. And someday, somewhere in the future, we’ll look back on this moment and find it nostalgic. Let’s move forward so that we can laugh about this being something that happened.”
“But… I can’t leave this mansion.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. Mother explicitly stated she would love you as her daughter. Come and live with us.”
“—!”
Emilia was speechless at her sister’s unexpected words. She had thought it was a possibility given the flow of conversation. She harbored a faint hope, but she had never imagined Olivier would actually suggest they live together.
“B-but, I did terrible things to you, Older Sister. And my Mother… she also threatened Hannelore’s life…”
“If we’re bringing that up, then Pfeil from Waalthe is living with us too.”
“And I involved Yeny-san too…”
At her sister’s words, Olivier wore a troubled expression as if she had just remembered something, then smiled resignedly.
“Actually, the person who kidnapped Yeny starting yesterday has begun living in the mansion…”
“Th-that’s… should I call it extravagant, or audacious…”
“He’s likely not thinking about anything deeply. So, you don’t need to think about anything either.”
Olivier invited her sister in a deliberately gentle voice. It wasn’t out of pity, nor was it solely for Emilia’s sake. Olivier wanted to live with Emilia for her own sake as well. She had already spoken with Father, Harald. When he learned about Cornelia, who had fled to her family home abandoning her daughter, Mother had spoken with Father about the possibility of losing her own life someday. Olivier realized Mother’s resolve had been made earlier and was even greater than her own.
As long as Emilia agreed, they had already obtained permission to move from the Main Family Residence to the Separate Residence where Olivier lived. It was Mother, Hannelore, who had initiated this. Having declared she would love and raise Emilia and Tobias as her own children, she wanted to be near them. However, she didn’t want Mother’s return to the Main Family Residence to cause unnecessary trouble. Olivier had heard that Emilia felt constrained at the mansion, and since there were no prejudiced individuals at the Separate Residence, she wouldn’t have to live while suppressing herself—though not completely free. Father, who had initially been hesitant, had been persuaded with certain conditions, so it was now up to Emilia.
However,
“…Please give me a little time to think.”
“Understood. I apologize for not asking for your thoughts, focusing only on ours. This was sudden for us too. Take your time to think. I won’t withdraw the offer just because it takes a while.”
“Thank you, Olivier (Female).”
Even if she continued to live at the Main Family Residence, her days would be confined and uncomfortable. But Emilia wasn’t so brazen as to casually live with those she had wronged. Therefore, she was troubled. However, it was better for her to be troubled. It was better to think thoroughly until she was satisfied, rather than giving a quick answer, so that no matter the outcome, she could accept it. Olivier hoped she would make a choice she wouldn’t regret.
