I was exposed as the strongest magician to my sister, who has severe brother complex. I can no longer hide my abilities at school!

Chapter 35 : Sudden Disappearance!

The day was finally over.

Alvin found himself alone, shaking and rattling in the Duke’s carriage as they were set to gather and disband at the location. Naturally, since it was the Duke’s carriage, Cecil was there as well.

“I’m exhausted…”

“Hehe, good job, Al-kun.”

Alvin slumped back into his seat, clearly drained.

His fatigue was palpable, causing Cecil to chuckle involuntarily.

“For someone who likes to always stay indoors, this is too much. Counting sheep during class would have been easier…”

“Well, that’s just sleeping.”

Even so, it was no surprise that Alvin was tired. He had been walking all day for an investigation and was active at night dealing with the “spirited away” incidents.

His diligence was commendable, but he resented the day his abilities became known to Cecil.

To begin with, if Cecil hadn’t bragged about her brother, he wouldn’t have ended up joining the Knights—

“…I hate you, nee-san.”

“Suddenly blaming me… Are you really that tired, Al-kun?”

“I’m really tired… Thank you for your hard work”

“Thank you for your hard work too.”

Cecil couldn’t help but smile at Alvin’s weary state. She understood that his fatigue wasn’t just from today’s activities.

‘I know Al-kun sneaks out at night.’

He’d been going out late at night, sacrificing his beloved sleep for something important, and Cecil, knowing her kind brother, sensed it was for someone else’s sake.

Therefore, this exhaustion was expected. Cecil patted the seat beside her, signaling Alvin to sit next to her.

“Al-kun, sit next to me.”

“…I refuse. Based on my experience, I know sitting next to you means my lips will be physically sealed together.”

“If you don’t sit, I’ll give you a passionate kiss.”

“Lips in danger even before sitting!?”

No matter what choice he made, he was cornered.

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

“Ah… Is my first kiss destined to be with my own sister?”

Sighing, Alvin reluctantly sat beside Cecil. Then—

“There you go!”

“Huh?”

Cecil suddenly grabbed his head and placed it on her lap. Alvin, surprised by the sudden move, couldn’t help but let out a confused sound.

“I was bracing for a kiss, but instead, it’s a lap pillow? You’re quite the strategist, nee-san.”

“Al-kun, you looked so tired. I wanted to comfort you.”

“Fank you.” [TL/N : Not a typo]

“…Even I feel embarrassed with your face buried in my thighs.”

Despite his complaints, Alvin didn’t seem entirely opposed to the situation.

“Well, Al-kun… you’ve really been giving it your all.”

Cecil gently stroked Alvin’s head, her eyes kind and reassuring. This made Alvin let down his guard and relax into her lap.

“…Though there’s been no progress.”

The information about the sweets was shared within the kingdom’s knights, but it didn’t bring them any closer to solving the case. Thanks to Layla, they already knew about it, and even the knights couldn’t find the vendor. Effort without results felt meaningless, which frustrated Alvin.

“It’s okay. Efforts will eventually be rewarded.”

“That’s just hopeful encouragement, isn’t it? As I grow up, I understand that people who get results without effort are more common.”

“That’s true to an extent, but I don’t believe it entirely.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I see you trying hard.”

Cecil looked directly into Alvin’s eyes.

Alvin, puzzled by her intense gaze, turned away, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“By the way, I talked to Sophia today. Both she and I have blonde hair.”

“Hmm.”

“That’s it?”

Cecil was surprised by Alvin’s indifferent reaction despite the potential danger her blonde hair posed. The passionate look in her eyes dissipated instantly.

“Al-kun, that’s so cold! Sophia and I might be targeted, you know! Aren’t you worried about your future spouse or Sophia being in danger?”

“I’m concerned about Sophia. But Layla will be with her for a while, so I’m not too worried.”

“What about me!? Aren’t you worried about me? Al-kun, you’ve become so mean and cold that I’m about to cry…”

Cecil pretended to wipe her tears, but Alvin’s expression didn’t change.

“There is no need to worry.”

But—

“It’s my duty to protect you. No matter what happens, I won’t break the promise I made that day.”

Alvin stated it matter-of-factly. Worrying wouldn’t change anything, but protecting Cecil was all that mattered. That’s why he was chasing the kidnapper at night, secretly dealing with thieves and various threats.

Honestly speaking, Alvin would worry if something happened.

But he didn’t want to worry.

‘If it comes to that, I…’

Alvin thought and looked at Cecil.

“Ah… No, don’t look at me.”

Cecil’s face turned beet red like a boiled octopus. It was rare for the usually playful and proactive Cecil to show such a shy, cute reaction.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing…! Don’t look this way for a while!”

She turned his head towards the window. Confused, Alvin obeyed and gazed outside.

‘…Anyway, I should at least leave a mark.’

Thinking that she’d sneak into his bed tonight as well, Alvin continued to be rocked by the carriage.

“Don’t say cool things out of the blue… I already know that.”