Reincarnated As The Only Son (18 years old) Of The Arrogant And Wicked Marquis Family. - Chapter 47: Elena's Home.

Elena’s Home.

“Have you calmed down a bit from your nervousness?”

“To be honest… it’s a bit complicated.”

“What? Why would you say that? I even held your hand for you. Your rough and strange hand…”

In a mansion built on a vast estate, after arriving at the Lecrueil family and getting off the carriage, two individuals continued their familiar banter as they walked through a garden adorned with various colorful flowers, heading towards the entrance.

“Well, guys are supposed to have some roughness in their bones, generally.”

“Hmm, but why is it complicated?”

“It’s just that it wasn’t a straightforward grip from the beginning. You poked my knuckles, lifted my hand, and pulled my fingers.”

“That… that’s because it felt weird! Various sensations, it’s your fault!”

“You always come up with unreasonable arguments.”

“Hmph!”

Watching Elena, with her beautiful red hair swaying, let out her signature snort, a quiet smile crept onto the other person’s face.

If he had been caught smiling here, he was sure Elena would have teased him with a “What’s up with that?” without a doubt.

(Thanks, Elena.)

Seeing her unchanged self helped him relax. He continued walking while feeling grateful deep inside.

Soon, as they appeared between two thick pillars, a grand entrance revealed itself, and there stood a young man with a straight posture, making eye contact with them.

“Oh, it’s been a while! Beret-sama!”

It was Alan, the Lecrueil family’s younger brother, who came running towards them with wide purple eyes.

“Hey there, Alan-kun. Have you been well?”

“Yes!”

Narrowing his purple eyes and flashing a sparkling effect with his handsome smile.

They had met before in the library when he (coincidentally) helped him with some advice. That was quite some time ago.

At that time, he didn’t know anything about his name or background, and that fact remains a secret to this day.

“I was looking forward to meeting you today! Beret-sama, were you doing well too!?”

“Y-yeah…”

(He’s… quite close. He’s being quite persistent. That smile of his is so dazzling… It’s troublesome to have such a handsome face coming so close…)

Come to think of it, Elena also has the habit of getting close to people. It must be a behavior he unconsciously inherited from her sister.

But one thing is clear; his feeling of happiness is definitely radiating from him.

“Um, speaking of which, Alan-kun, are you going out today? You’re dressed for going outside.”

“You’re right. I’m planning to head to the shop that my father manages.”

“Huh? The shop…?”

“Yes! Currently, I’m working under the store manager, gaining experience and studying business management.”

“Oh, I see.”

Alan gratefully reported without showing any dissatisfaction.

Despite the fact that he holds a higher position as the heir to the Lecrueil family than being just a “store manager,” he seems to overlook that. Well, it’s typical of him, or rather, typical of Elena’s younger brother.

In a society where power comes first among the nobles, it is undoubtedly an unusual thing.

“You’re working hard. So, how do you feel about it? Do you have a sense that you’ll be fine with this? Like, ‘This seems okay’?”

“To be honest, not at all… Unfortunately, as I understand the ropes, I realize my own naivety in thinking…”

“You’ve lost confidence?”

“Yes…”

Alan replied with a small voice, shoulders drooping. It seems like he’s hitting the first hurdle, but it’s something everyone experiences.

“I see. But you know, I think that’s a good trend. It’s not a matter of being naive.”

“A good trend… you say?”

“That’s what I think. If you had the know-how of running a business and still lacked confidence, that would be a problem. But Alan-kun, you’re different, right? You’ve only just started, so it’s natural not to have confidence yet. And precisely because you lack confidence, your ability to absorb and grow is stronger. You have room for growth, you know?”

I pat his shoulder as if to say “Right?” and encourage him.

In the first place, it’s already remarkable for someone his age to be trying to engage in business.

I show my respect.

“So, in situations where you feel crushed by pressure or when you’re in trouble, feel free to rely on me anytime. I’m not as reliable as Alan-kun’s father, but haha.”

“Thank you so much!”

“No, no, it’s not something to thank me for like that.”

I bow deeply and wave my hand to express my deep gratitude to him.

“Oh, there’s one more thing I wanted to mention. I’m planning to enlist the help of Baron’s third daughter, Luna, in this matter. Are  you okay with that, Alan-kun? I’ve already discussed it with her, by the way.”

“Huh!? L-L-Luna, the talented Miss Luna!?”

“Yeah, she’s the same age as you.”

“T-That’s…”

It’s no wonder Alan is so surprised.

Luna is famous for cherishing her own time, to the point of emitting an aura that keeps everyone at a distance.

Being the same age, he knows her better than anyone, and he knows that she’s not the kind of person who easily grants permission.

“No one has as much knowledge as she does, and I rely on her too.”

“I can’t express enough gratitude for going that far… Please give my regards to Miss Luna!”

“Y-Yeah.”

(His gaze is so dazzling… he doesn’t need to have such sparkling eyes…)

A face that seems to purify even a tainted heart is turned towards me.

Elena, the sister, who had been listening to this conversation the whole time, understood my feelings.

“Well, it can’t be helped. Alan is late to the shop because he wanted to meet you. Of course, he got permission from  father.”

“Huh? Late?”

“Sister!? We had an agreement not to mention that!”

“Hehe, was that so?”

Elena is undoubtedly feigning ignorance, and Alan must be aware of that too.

A tense atmosphere that feels like it’s about to turn into a sibling quarrel surrounds us, but…

“Alan, you should head to the shop soon, or you won’t make it in time, right?”

“Ah.”

Once he makes eye contact, he immediately leaves the house. That must have been the agreement. He showed signs of impatience right away.

“Well then, Beret-sama! I look forward to the day we meet again!”

“Yeah, good luck with your work.”

“Yes! Thank you, and see you later!”

Alan made a refined bow with a spirited voice and quickly headed towards the carriage.

And now, there were only two of us in front of the entrance.

Thinking that Elena would suggest we go inside, instead, she glanced at me and thanked me.

“Thank you, Beret.”

“Um, for what?”

“For advising Alan. ‘Not having confidence is a good trend’… I couldn’t say that myself. But I think those words will be a great support for him.”

“You’re welcome.”

“………You really are reliable.”

Blushing her ears hidden in her hair, Elena mumbled softly as she took a step and reached for the doorknob.

“By the way, I was wondering, where are the Lecrueil family’s servants? I haven’t seen any of them around.”

“Didn’t I mention it? They are helping out at the shop, so they are generally scarce during this time. That’s why I’m the one responsible for delivering the tea during the meeting.”

“Oh…”

“What’s with that reaction… Are you trying to say that the tea I make is not good?”

“No, it’s not that. I just thought it’s unusual to have two jobs at the same time.”

“Hmph, well, if you understand.”

Satisfied with Bereto’s explanation, Elena opens the entrance door. The time for the meeting is approaching.

As if cherishing this moment alone with Bereto, she subtly extends her hand towards the hem of his clothes.