Jealous Younger Sister

――――[Lily’s POV]

“What is with that strength…?”

I’d heard that he was a useless person who didn’t put in any effort, but he’s nothing like that. Well, technically, Brad didn’t do anything.

It was just Siegfried who self-destructed on his own…

Using Siegfried’s connections, I managed to enroll in the Royal Academy along with my sister Freesia. But what I saw there was my sister’s fiancé, Brad, and his absurd strength.

What on earth!

That smug look on Freesia’s face… It’s as if she’s already the real queen!

But the scary one is Brad.

How did he know that I wasn’t interested in him but I still approached him? 

As I was puzzled over how Brad, who seemed incapable of reading people’s minds, had seen through my true feelings, Freesia waved cheerfully and approached me.

“Lily! It’s been a while.”

She’s like a completely different person!

For Freesia to call out to me first… And with such a bright smile that I’d never seen at home… I thought Brad would have killed her, but from the looks of it, she’s really being adored…

Is she doing this to spite me for bullying her in the past?

If that’s the case, then I’m in trouble!

If Freesia were to become queen, my life would be over. If the tyrant Brad were to tell Freesia to “destroy the Elna Count’s household,” just a single word from her would be enough… Cold sweat trickling down my side made my body tremble.

I mustn’t provoke Freesia here.

“Oh, dear sister! It’s been a while. How’s life at the royal palace?”

“It’s wonderful. Everyone, especially Brad-sama, treats me very well.”

The moment Freesia mentioned Brad, her cheeks turned red. It was immediately clear that this woman truly loves that man.

“That’s… that’s good to hear. I was worried about you, wondering if Brad-sama was doing anything terrible to you…”

“Lily, listen carefully. Brad-sama may be a bit awkward, but he has the kindest heart. He always cares for me. What everyone says about him is…”

“Freesia! What are you dawdling for? Once you’re done here, get back to the palace!”

“Yes, I apologize… but I wanted to see Brad-sama’s valor.”

“Fool! You possess the qualities of a saint… No, never mind. If you’re not feeling well, don’t come to places like this.”

Saint? Did Brad just refer to Freesia as a saint?

C-could it be…? The dirty, dog-like beast Freesia brought back… Could it possibly…?

But what’s going on here?

This looks exactly like Freesia said, as if Brad is a husband caring for his pregnant wife!

As Brad walked past Freesia, who was hesitating to move, she lifted the hem of her skirt and hurried after him.

“Ah!”

Freesia stumbled and seemed to be falling forward.

Serves her right.

I won’t allow Freesia to be happier than me!

I hoped she would trip and have a miscarriage.

Just as I thought that…

“Huh?”

I did a double-take. Freesia was standing straight, not falling at all.

“Thank you, Brad-sama!”

“What are you talking about?”

“For catching me when I was about to fall.”

“Stop talking nonsense. Go to bed if you’re tired.”

“Yes!”

He speaks harshly, but Freesia is loved by Brad…

It’s so frustrating…

Freesia, who used to be considered unworthy of being a noble lady, is taking everything from me. 

Men, status, honor, money…

Overwhelmed with hatred for my older sister, I bit the edge of my handkerchief. My mother always pointed out that it was a bad habit, but today, I couldn’t stop myself.

As I struggled with my emotions, I noticed Siegried crawling on the floor, reaching out with a pitiful voice.

“F-Freesiaaa, don’t leave me…”

“What are you doing?”

“Sniff…sniff…I lost to Brad…”

Such a pathetic man…

I had heard that Brad was a terribly incompetent and cruel man, so I begged Father and Mother to propose Freesia as his fiancée. But compared to Siegried, Brad is a much better man!

“Siegfried! Listen, you need to steal Freesia from Brad. I will approach Brad in his despair and make him mine. So stop crying pathetically and stand up!”

“O-okay…”

Tears and snot running down his face, Siegried’s pathetic crying is ruining his handsome looks.

“Hahaha! How pathetic, Siegried!”

Even without being told, I had been aiming for the position of Brad’s wife, the first in line for the throne. But now, I might actually fall for him.