59. Spy

In Noah's room, Liora, cautiously explaining.

"Manor Lord, earlier was just this junior's jest, no ill intent."

Noah, displeased, arms crossed. Third time doing this.

"Told you, no need for formalities. Call me Brother Manor Lord, Senior Brother, or Onii-chan. Yet you refuse."

"Try again…"

Liora, inwardly annoyed. Manor Lord's what age, still wants 'Brother'? Onii-what? Should I say he's my great-great-grandfather's elder? But that'd hurt him.

"Manor Lord, calling you so feels wrong. You're a senior, how could I? Parents taught it's rude."

Noah, sighing, Last resort.

"You're not used to it, but I am. Back then, didn't you always call me Brother?

Always trailing me like a tail, 'Brother this, Brother that…'

No 'Brother,' no leaving."

Liora, ??? Was I his sister in a past life?

But didn't he say to let go, not cling? Wait, isn't this admitting it? Poor Manor Lord…

"Brother… please, earlier was just a joke, no meaning. You must believe me."

Each time Liora's sweet, clear "Brother" rang, Noah's heart bloomed, joy uncontainable. He chuckled.

In Liora's eyes, the Manor Lord, hearing "Brother," brightened, smiling like a child, pure, fulfilled, as if granted the greatest happiness. Unconsciously, wanted to call "Brother" more.

"Brother, what's your name?"

"You don't know my name???"

Noah, puzzled. Didn't the token reveal it? Why's no one asking? This bunch…

"Little Sister, call me Brother Noah."

"You've guessed some, haven't you?

My little sister, always so clever, in every life. Don't tell anyone, understood?"

Liora, eyes teary. So that story was true? Poor Manor Lord. Nodding.

"I won't tell anyone."

Noah, exhaling, gently patting her head.

"Good little sister, I'm reliable in every life.

When it's just us, call me Brother. Otherwise, no need, to avoid trouble for you."

Liora, touched.

"Brother Noah."

Noah, smiling.

"Sister Liora."

Liora, beaming sweetly, cheerfully said.

"Brother Noah, why didn't you recognize me sooner? And always bullied me. Hateful."

Noah, pondering, spoke slowly.

"No choice. You're not the sister of that life. Even if I claimed you, you lack those memories.

As I said, clinging brings no joy. I'd quietly help, care for you, let you find your happiness. But you're so adorable, I couldn't resist. I've done this many times. I've lived long, bored, lonely. Teasing you brings joy, in every reincarnation."

Liora, puffing cheeks, pulled a chair close, glaring. Noah met her with innocent eyes. Seeing no effect, she snapped.

"You're used to teasing me, aren't you? I don't care about before, but no more teasing now. Got it?"

Noah, silent, nodded.

"Alright, I understand."

Satisfied, Liora pressed.

"Why tell me this? Don't dodge."

Noah, startled. Liora, sixteen, already so sharp?

"I told you because I couldn't hold back…

When pinned, you said you'd always stand by me. That thrilled me, touched me. It's been ages since you said that to me, even if unintentional."

Liora, moved again. Said it thoughtlessly, but good it didn't stir old wounds. Grasping Noah's hand, she said.

"Brother, don't be sad. I lack past memories, but if you're troubled, I'll help. I'll stand by you."

Sensing the moment. Noah nearly asked who's tastier, Lalatina or Luna. But a warning stirred—too soon. Need more trust. Then, Liora'll be my spy. Haha…

"Alright, Liora, it's late, return to your room. If your current brother needs help or faces trouble, tell me.

Especially if those two give you grief, use my name."

Liora, sweetly thanking "Brother," moved to leave. Suddenly recalled something.

"Brother Noah, is Sister Lalatina… her?"

Noah's eyes turned melancholic, distant.

"I don't know. I don't want to see her with another. So, I stopped searching.

True or not, the outcome's the same."

"Go rest, lingering's bad for your reputation."

Seeing Noah so pitiful, Liora resolved.

"Brother, whatever happens, I'm on your side."

Reaching the door, another thought struck. Spinning, green hair swirling, shyly asked.

"Brother, one last thing. Is Sister Luna someone from your past?"

Noah, startled by her sudden move, nearly said she loved him deeply. But danger pricked…

She's testing me.

"Luna was my rival once, but now, mere clouds and smoke…

Anything else?"

Liora shook her head, flashing a radiant smile.

"No, Brother, rest well, I'm off."