CH 77

Yohan Borneau.

He was Astina’s stepbrother. However, based solely on appearance, one would assume the two are actual siblings.

Yohan, who was running quickly, patted Astina’s head and asked with concern.

“Do you know how worried I was when I couldn’t see you at the salon? Where have you been?”

Yohan’s eyes, which were directed at Astina, were honey-colored like their hair. I don’t think Gilbert, who considers me his younger sister, has ever looked at me like that, let alone my other two brothers.

Yohan’s gaze turned to me, as if he sensed my gaze. They look like baby angels…

“Conler….”

“Oh, I told you before, right? I had a friend who was very kind to me.”

“Hello.”

“Yes…”

Yohan, who has a warm disposition by nature, smiled warmly at me as well. Oh, I think I have a weakness for blonde hair. I also smiled awkwardly in response to his.

“Hmm.”

“Oh, prince.”

“Yohan, I really enjoyed the story you told me earlier.”

Young men appeared to have their own salon as well. Demimore came over and began talking to Yohan before I knew it. Demimore, who was a little taller than me, was blocking my view of Yohan in front of me.

Oh, let me appreciate his face a little more.

Demimore squeaked a little as I crept up behind him. What? What’s wrong? Also, show me his face! I mean, those are the faces I really like.

After speaking with Yohan, Demimore finally moved out of my path. I gave Demimore a disapproving glare. Demimore shrugged while extending his lower lip.

Why is he suddenly so mean? Is it because he’s going to be his brother?

Unlike me and Demimore, who had a strange war of nerves, Astina and Yohan were still sweet.

“Ah, why didn’t Astina come to the salon?”

“What?”

“You said you’d come in once you looked at the flowers.”

Yohan was worried because Astina didn’t participate in the salon, so he asked in a voice full of concern. The drooping corners of his eyes are exactly like Astina’s. I guess Astina is meant to be part of the Borneau family.

I wonder if she could honestly tell her brother that a lady from another family hated her for no reason and prevented her from attending the salon. They will surely be mad if it gets to their ears. However, I believe they will also deal with it if they are informed beforehand.

That’s what I thought, so I looked at Astina, who bit her lip tightly as if it were difficult to say. She shook her head slightly when our eyes met, as if to avoid talking about it. I nodded because somehow I could relate to her desire to avoid causing him to worry.

“Don’t try to fool me; I didn’t see Franz Scott in the salon earlier, maybe he…….”

“She got lost while looking at the flowers.”

“What?”

I cut Yohan’s words short because it sounds like he’s about to interrogate her in earnest. Yohan nodded and looked at Astina, wondering if it was true.

“Is it true?”

“Oh, oh! I got lost while looking at the flowers. Mary and the prince helped me find my way.”

“Astina.”

“Oh, I didn’t say anything because I was afraid Brother would make fun of me for being stupid again!”

“Ha…”

After hearing Astina’s excuse, Yohan dropped his hand holding Astina’s shoulder like he was speechless. But there were still some lingering uncertainties in his eyes. I was a little sorry, but I can’t help it. I support Astina.

“Let’s go back now.”

“Oh, yes.”

“Yes, goodbye.” 

What, you’re returning already?

I wish I could make out more of the harmony between your faces. As if they were unable to sense my desperation, Yohan and Astina appeared to be leaving soon. Demimore seemed to be trying to send them off as if he heard good news. Since when did you become so impolite? Why do you keep upsetting me, Demimore?

Astina and Yohan held hands. I wondered if such perfect and beautiful siblings existed. As one would expect from the female lead and her brother……

“I had a great time, Yohan, and I hope to see you again next time.”

And the male lead, who is eager to send them on their way,…

“Mary!” 

Astina let go of Yohan’s hand and ran to hug me. I awkwardly gave Astina a pat on the back.

“I’ll see you next time, right?”

In a wet, clammy voice, Astina enquired. She appeared uneasy.

“I have no doubt that we’ll cross paths again.”

I spoke reassuring Astina. In relief, Astina chuckled.

“Surely.”

I looked at Astina’s back and waved. That brother and sister have such lovely faces. Someone grabbed my wrist and lowered it because I was constantly waving as if in ecstasy, fascinated by the beauty of the siblings. Demimore was smiling at me when I turned to look at him in surprise.

“You must like her a lot.”

“Oh, yes… Since we shared a childhood together.”

“Did you come here after being invited by the princess?”

“Yes.”

“But why did you stop here?”

Demimore inquired, wondering why I would walk so far from the salon.

“Oh, I was looking for the prince.”

“Me?”

I took the laminaicho out of my bag with joy, thinking that I might finally accomplish the reason I had come to the palace.

“Yes!”

“Why me?”

When I said I was looking for Demimore, he asked, sounding quite surprised. I smiled and gave him a bottle of laminaicho instead of responding.

“What’s this?”

“I’m going to repay you!”

“What?”

Demimore frowned, as if perplexed by my irrelevant response. Do you realize how handsome you are? You have such good looks that you could work as a model.

“I owe the prince a great deal.”

“So what is this……?”

“It’s Laminaicho.”

When Demimore heard the word laminaicho, his expression changed in an odd way. He appeared to be burdened by it. I’m sure he is. Feel burdened, and then pay it back later.

“If the prince doesn’t mind, I’d like you to accept it.”

“The prince is not okay with it.”

I said it as innocently as I could, but Demimore responded more firmly than I expected. He held out the bottle I had given to him, but I hid my hand behind my back and shook my head.

You should definitely accept it.

“You must accept it.”

“How can I possibly accept this?”

“You’re going to need it someday!”

“Won’t there come a time when everyone needs laminaicho?”

That makes sense, I guess.

What can I possibly do to get him to accept this?

Demimore was clearly looking at me, pondering what he could possibly do to return this to me.

“No, I really want to pay back your generosity.”

“It’s too much compared to what I gave you,”

“In addition to the hairpin, you helped with the bet.”

“How come you’re thanking me for that when Mary was the one who hunted the demon?”

Is this called a showdown between two proud geniuses?

Demonoor had a determined expression, as did I. I’m sorry, but you can’t overcome my obstinacy.

“However, you must still take it.”

“Wow, you’re so stubborn.”

“Hehe.”

“Haha?”

“Hahahaha.”

“Hahahahahahaha.”

Demimore and I looked at each other and laughed as we continued to argue. We laughed despite not knowing what was funny. But you should really take it. You’ll later regret refusing to accept it. I was about to say something, but I laughed so hard that tears fell from my eyes.

“Ha…”

I sighed deeply and took a moment to collect myself. How can I force Demimore to raise the white flag during this protracted conflict? I don’t know what to say. Should I act like I’m possessed and turn my eyes upside down?

“This is too precious, Mary; I’d rather have accessories like a beanie.”

“No, the prince will need this.”

Demimore’s tone softened, perhaps because he changed his strategy to persuade me. However, I was even more determined this time. I smiled confidently as I said so.

This medicine will save Demimore’s mother.

Of course, if he hears this story, Demimore will take it without hesitation. But won’t he be upset if I tell him that this is for his mother?

“Then become my friend.”

“What?”

“If you accept this, you can be my friend and help me again later.”

Anyhow, you were supposed to assist me in finding Leo. And to be honest, giving this bottle to Demimore isn’t just a kind gesture. When he remembers and uses the medication later Demimore will support me, view me as one body, and see an attack on me as an attack on himself.

“Friends?”

Demimore gave me a serious look.

“Is that even possible?”