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Going into combat while already injured not only increases the likelihood of more severe injuries but also results in a significant loss of overall combat capability. So, it’s normal to wait and focus on recovery to return to the original state, and it’s abnormal to continue under such circumstances.

Unless the situation is the absolute worst of the worst, injured personnel are not sent to the front lines. However, I’ve witnessed numerous instances in my past life where they couldn’t even do this simple thing and created various rumors.

In that regard, the Minerva Empire’s military, especially special units like the Navy Knights, can be considered exceptional. I heard from Nicole that she got injured towards the end of her entrance test, but the instructor just let her pass and exempted her from the test.

In fact, the reason for the injury was something the instructor found acceptable. Nicole had preserved her stamina until the end of the test, while other trainees were complaining and she was helping her peers, which led to her injury.

“It was really just an accident. During our march, we were suddenly ambushed by a group of orcs. Thankfully, it’s a place known for frequent monster appearances, so the instructors were prepared, but there were just too many of them. That’s how it happened.”

Nicole explained in a nonchalant voice as she lightly tapped her injured right arm with her left hand. While she might genuinely be okay, my worry as a brother couldn’t help but manifest.

It’s not like it’s any other part, it’s her arm. For a knight, it’s one of the most critical places to get injured.

She was lucky she received immediate medical attention, as initially, her bone had broken in half. Any worse, and she might have lived with a lifelong disability.

Did she figure out what I was thinking? Nicole chuckled and gently reached out, lightly pinching my cheek.

“Don’t make that kind of expression. Even though I’m a trainee, now I am also a knight. Knights should be prepared for unexpected situations anytime, anywhere. A mere injury like this is nothing. Just the fact that I received an injury is far from what it means.”

“Noona, the human body is much weaker than other species.”

“I know that. Still, don’t worry too much.”

To ease my worries even a bit, Nicole put on a bright smile. Maybe thanks to that, I found myself lifting the corners of my mouth into a warm smile.

In one way or another, she is strong. Not only did she perform her duties as an assistant alongside Adelia at the academy, but she also inherited remarkable talent from our father.

Although she got injured, she easily passed the Navy Special Warfare entrance test, so if she stays cautious, she shouldn’t suffer any further injuries.

“If that’s what noona says, then okay. Did you visit the mansion before coming?”

“Yeah. There have been quite interesting things going on during that time, right? Starting with the Demon Princess and ending with the Elf incident. It hasn’t even been a month, but a lot of incidents happened.”

“You’ve heard it all.”

It seems like she heard everything about the events that happened while she was taking the entrance test. There doesn’t seem to be a need for a separate explanation.

“But you seem to have changed a lot during that time, haven’t you? Your hair has grown longer, and you seem taller. Did you put on perfume or something?”

“It’s not perfume. I received divine power at the temple, and the fragrance started emanating from me since then.”

“Really? Then it must be the scent of lilacs. Luminous’s favored disciples emit the scent of lilacs, or so I heard.”

Nicole mentioned the incidents that she heard about at the mansion so far, but I have no idea about her current situation. Soon after, various stories from both of us poured out.

Thanks to her, I heard about what kind of entrance tests the Navy Knights go through and how tough they are. Just hearing about it was enough to make my teeth chatter. Plus, there was also talk related to my older brother, Dave, who was the first to head to the Navy Knights. It’s natural to be curious when there’s absolutely no news.

“Dave oppa has already shed his trainee badge. They have high hopes for his future within the Knights, and they’re pushing him forward. Of course, having our father’s influence also helps, but he’s working hard consistently.”

“I see. But why isn’t he taking a vacation? Let him know that the youngest sibling will be upset when he comes back later.”

“He… I’ll pass on the message, but taking a vacation is difficult for him. The Navy Knights are so elite that each member is crucial.”

As I listened to the explanation, I briefly looked Nicole up and down. As Navy Knights who can proudly call themself the best in the Minerva Empire, their uniform was impeccable. Furthermore, the navy-blue uniform that matched her hair color made her look even more stunning. With just that uniform, she looked impressive enough to have a reason to join the Navy Knights.

“But, seriously, your uniform is incredibly cool. Don’t people admire it whenever they pass by?”

“A little bit?”

Nicole proudly puffed out her chest. It’s no wonder she was proud of herself; being in the Navy Knights would undoubtedly instill a great sense of pride.

And Nicole had every right to feel that way. From her days as a cadet, she was a standout among the most skilled, comparable to a knight.

While looking at Nicole with admiration, I subtly shifted my gaze towards the clock. Time had swiftly passed, over 30 minutes had flown by, and it was already past 4 o’clock.

Staying in the dorm like this wasn’t ideal, but it was too early for dinner. Nevertheless, wanting to spend some quality time with my dear older sister, whom I hadn’t seen for a long time, we planned to have dinner together.

“Are you planning to stay for a few days?”

“I’ll probably head back in about three days. It’s quite a journey from the capital to the border area.”

“Good to hear. Let’s have dinner together tonight then. I’ll let the others know.”

“No, I’ll just have dinner with some acquaintances today. I’ll have time tomorrow too. Before that…”

Nicole started to speak hesitantly, glancing at me with a slightly cloudy expression. It was evident that she was torn between whether to say something or not, and her hesitation was palpable.

At first, I was bewildered, not understanding why she was behaving this way. However, what she said next clarified everything for me.

“Well… how is Adelia? Is she doing well in her role as a bodyguard?”

“Ah.”

The topic was about Adelia, her close friend and my personal bodyguard. Judging by her reaction, it seemed that Nicole was aware of Adelia’s feelings towards me.

Nicole might be the most emotionally conflicted person in this situation. Currently, I had not only Marie but also Cecily by my side. Furthermore, Leona had boldly declared herself as my wife. If Nicole were to find out, she might sigh in resignation or even grab the back of her own neck.

Nevertheless, I was planning to accept Adelia next, so I was waiting quietly for the right moment. I wasn’t sure when I would reveal my true identity, but as long as we continued like this, there wouldn’t be any issues.

“…is carrying her duties out well.”

“Well, that’s a relief. Even though she can be a bit clumsy, she has skills…”

“She even confessed her feelings.”

“Confes… What?!”

Nicole, awkwardly trying to continue the conversation with a forced smile, suddenly exclaimed in surprise. Her flushed face and widened eyes reflected her emotions.

I, startled by her reaction, nervously scratched my cheek while trying to force a smile. Following the confrontation with Hiriya, Adelia, who I had comforted, directly expressed her own feelings.

Even though I couldn’t respond appropriately given the circumstances, the fact that she confessed her feelings itself transcended the boundaries of a normal relationship.

During our weekend workouts together, there was an increase in physical contact, and she began showing sides of her femininity that she hadn’t displayed before. We were walking a fine line, not crossing the last boundary.

“She-she confessed?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my. How should I…”

Nicole made a rather shocked sound as she covered her face with one hand, perhaps thinking that Adelia might have crossed a line. Nicole’s reaction indicated that she had some understanding of Adelia’s situation, and I had a hunch that the conversation would progress smoothly.

I waited quietly while Nicole was lost in thought, giving her time to sort out her feelings. She must have had her own complexities to deal with.

After a while, Nicole slowly raised her head and looked directly at me with her sparkling golden eyes. Various emotions were etched in her eyes.

“So, what are you going to do in a situation?”

“What do you think, noona?”

“You might not know, but that girl is willing to become a concubine. But I’m not sure if you would treat her as such, given your personality… Before that, do those two even know?”

“More or less.”

Marie has always had exceptional intuition, so it didn’t take her long to notice that something unusual was in the air between me and Adelia. Sometimes, she would casually ask about Adelia’s well-being and that’s it.

Cecily… She had a nonchalant attitude. She was okay with the fact that a new woman was added to my life, no matter what. She even proposed the idea of giving my seed to Kate and establishing a connection with her. Although there were political reasons involved, she didn’t mind me having another woman by my side.

“But, noona, you know it too. If I connect with Adelia, I naturally have to reveal my true identity. Noona, you know that Adelia is a bastard of the Ters royal family, right?”

“…Ters Kingdom? Wasn’t she just a common noble?”

Nicole asked with wide eyes. It seemed she didn’t know this much.

“You only knew half of it.”

“No. Is she really a bastard of the Ters royal family? Of the romantic king who only has eyes for the queen without even keeping mistresses?”

Nicole asked me with a slightly anxious voice. King Friedrich of the Ters Kingdom is well-known as a romanticist, even to the general public. Furthermore, he has been implementing good policies, so from the perspective of Ters Kingdom citizens, he has a positive image.

But, whether he is truly a romanticist or not, we can say that he is disqualified as a father. Seeing the deep trauma that Adelia carries, it is highly likely that he not only didn’t intervene but also simply watched.

As I nodded calmly, Nicole sighed and then let out a bitter laugh. She continued in a voice that had lost its strength, shaking her head as if in despair.

“…In that case, it will be even more troublesome. If you reveal your true identity, it will surely have an impact on that child as well. Maybe they’ll even try to use you. No, they will definitely use you.”

“Right. That’s why it’s difficult to accept.”

“Ugh… Frustrating, so frustrating.”

The current situation was so frustrating that Nicole’s heart pounded as if it were going to explode. I, too, felt frustrated about my relationship with Adelia, but there was no clear solution.

First and foremost, I had to talk to Marie, and eventually, I had to reveal the truth. It was an uphill battle from the start, with progress in my relationship with Adelia moving at a snail’s pace.

“So, I’m taking the stance that we should wait a bit. After all…”

“Wait, even after confessing? Are you crazy?”

I ended up trying to rationalize it and ended up receiving only insults. When I glanced at Nicole, who was giving me a fierce look, I shut my mouth in embarrassment.

Afterward, she stared at me, as if I were a mute who had just eaten honey. She then took a deep breath and got up from her seat.

I didn’t know what she was up to, and I must have had a puzzled expression on my face when she asked me what she was doing.

“Isaac, as your older sister and Adelia’s friend, I have one serious question for you. I hope you’ll answer it properly.”

“Uh? Uh, what’s the question?”

“Do you want to remain as a scoundrel who takes a concubine without your wife’s consent, or do you want to be a fool who accepts many women’s hearts?”

No matter what I choose, both are the worst, aren’t they? Nicole looked at me with an incredulous gaze and said in a stern voice.

“Answer. My actions will depend on your answer.”

“No. Aren’t both of them hurting people’s hearts?”

“You won’t be able to push away someone who comes unnecessarily kind. At times like this, don’t hesitate indecisively; push forward decisively. Become a fool who accepts all the women who like you, or become trash who takes them as you please. What will you choose?”

“Um, wouldn’t being a fool be better?”

Nicole’s pressure was so intense that it created an atmosphere where there was no room for argument. Listening quietly, it seemed like being a fool might be better than being trash.

With my hesitant response, Nicole, with her cold, golden eyes, stared at me and soon gave an order.

“Guide me.”

“Uh, huh? Where, where to?”

“Guide me to Adele. Since we’ve come this far, we have to see it through to the end.”

I can’t figure out exactly what her plan is. I got up from my seat, momentarily taken aback, and began to follow her instructions.

Before I knew it, I found myself outside the dorm, but I still couldn’t discern Nicole’s intentions. She just followed behind me, emitting a chilly atmosphere.

‘But if Leona is revealed…’

I can’t bring myself to say that. It’s not just empty words, Nicole might snap at me.

No matter how much she loves her younger brother, she is the one who corrects things directly. I don’t know what she’s trying to correct, though.

I walked for a while with a heavy heart. Finally, we arrived right in front of Adelia’s residence. The gaze I felt from behind intensified as we reached the accommodation.

Under some sort of pressure to open the door, I cleared my throat and lightly knocked. Adelia should be waiting inside the dorm until I call her.

How much time passed?

Coming out~

I heard the voice, then the sound of Adelia approaching the door. For some reason, my heart raced nervously as she came closer.

Creak—

“Who’s there… Oh! Cutie?”

When I opened the door, Adelia, wearing a white shirt and shorts, greeted me with a bright smile. It seemed like she had just finished exercising.

“What’s going on all of a sudden… Huh?”

Adelia, with a look of surprise and delight in her sky-blue eyes, seemed to have noticed Nicole standing behind me. It was as if she had met a close friend after a long time. Adelia’s smile was brighter than before as she walked slowly from her accommodation to meet Nicole.

“Nicole! How long has it been? But your arm…”

“Isaac.”

“Uh, yeah?”

Nicole called my name without acknowledging Adelia’s greeting. Her voice was somewhat low and seemed to be irritated for some reason.

Adelia also seemed to sense this subtle atmosphere, and while initially concerned about Nicole’s injury, she started to roll her eyes with a worried expression, trying to understand the situation.

Push-

Then Nicole forcefully pushed me from behind. It was a strong push, and I had no choice but to collide with Adelia.

Fortunately, Adelia accepted me, but I couldn’t help feeling bewildered by the sudden close contact. Just as Adelia and I were left speechless, Nicole spoke in a sharp voice.

“Now both of you come inside.”

“Noona? Can you explain what’s going on…”

“Yeah, Nicole. What’s the sudden idea?”

Adelia, also taken aback by the abrupt situation, asked with a puzzled expression. Perhaps sensing an unusual atmosphere, she held me tightly to protect me.

“Sigh…”

Whether she liked it or not, Nicole looked at the two of us in turn and let out a deep sigh as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Then, she pulled her uniform cap down low and spoke quietly.

It was a tone and voice mixed with various complex emotions that couldn’t be easily explained in words.

“I can’t stand to watch this anymore. Really…”

After saying that, Nicole turned her back and gradually walked away.

“You guys decide whether you’re going to kiss or have sex or whatever.”

She added one last sentence.

“I’ll go knock some sense into my sisters-in-law.”

Adelia and I could only stare blankly at Nicole’s retreating figure.

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