59. Spy

In Noah's room at this moment, Liora was carefully explaining each detail.

"Manor Lord, just now, it was all just a little joke of mine."

Noah waved his hand with a dissatisfied expression. This was the third time he did so.

"I told you, you don't need to be so formal. Just call me Lord Brother, Senior Brother, or even Onichan if you like. But you still won't listen… Call me that again."

Inside, Liora felt annoyed. Isn't the Manor Lord already quite old to be making me call him Brother or even 'Oni-gi-gi'?? Does he want me to point out that he's at the level of my ancestor's ancestor's ancestor... But if I did, I fear I might wound his heart.

"Manor Lord, calling you like that feels strange. You're a senior; it wouldn't be proper to call you Brother. My parents would say that's disrespectful."

Noah sighed, thinking to himself that he only had one option left.

"You may not be used to it, but I am. Didn't you always call me Brother back then? In that era, you'd always follow behind me like a shadow, calling out 'Brother this, Brother that…' Now, if you don't call me that, I won't let you go."

Liora thought, In that past era, I was his little sister? Could it be...? But didn't he say we should let go, not hold on? Wait, doesn't this imply... How pitiful the Manor Lord is.

"Brother… you have to believe me, what I said earlier was just a joke, I didn't mean anything by it. Please, Brother, you must believe me."

Each time Liora softly called, "Brother… Brother," Noah's heart blossomed with joy, his happiness so overwhelming he couldn't contain it, and he laughed. In Liora's eyes, the Manor Lord's entire demeanor brightened when he heard her call him Brother; he even wore a carefree, childlike smile, as if he'd found the greatest happiness. Unconsciously, she found herself wanting to say "Brother" a few more times.

"Brother, what is your name?"

She doesn't know my name?

Noah was somewhat confused. Didn't the plaque reveal everything? And besides, how has no one asked? These people, really…

"Little sister, you may call me Brother Noah. Liora, I'm sure you've already guessed a part of this by now. No matter the lifetime, my little sister remains as smart as ever. So remember, don't tell anyone else about this."

Liora's eyes grew misty. So that story was true? The Manor Lord really is pitiful. She nodded, her words sincere.

"Liora promises not to tell anyone about this."

Noah took a deep breath and gently patted her head.

"Good girl, my little sister. No matter the lifetime, you are always trustworthy. I hope that, when it's just the two of us, you'll call me Brother. At other times, you don't have to, to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Liora felt moved.

"Brother Noah."

Noah smiled.

"Liora, my little sister."

Liora smiled sweetly, feeling cheerful.

"Brother Noah, why didn't you acknowledge me earlier? And you always bullied me, too. How annoying!"

Noah pondered for a moment before replying calmly.

"I had no choice… After all, you aren't the same sister from the past life. Even if I did recognize you, you wouldn't remember. As I said, holding on doesn't bring happiness. I wanted to quietly help you, support you, so you could find your own happiness. But you're so adorable; I couldn't help myself. I've done this many times. I've lived so long, in loneliness, in boredom… So every time I tease you, I feel joy, no matter the cycle of reincarnation."

Hearing this, Liora pouted. She pulled a chair closer, glaring at Noah with a sharp gaze, but he looked back innocently. Realizing her glare wasn't working, Liora angrily continued.

"Is it that you've gotten used to teasing me? I don't care what you used to do, but now you can't bully me anymore. Got it?"

Noah didn't dare say anything, only nodding in agreement.

"Alright, I understand."

Hearing Noah's words, Liora felt at ease.

"So tell me, why did you tell me all of this? Don't try to change the subject."

Noah was taken aback. Is Liora already this perceptive and sharp at just sixteen?

"The reason I told you everything… I simply couldn't hold it in anymore… When you were cornered earlier, you declared you'd stand by my side, didn't you? Those words made me so happy, so moved. It's been so long since I last heard that from you, even if it was only unintentional."

Hearing this, Liora was deeply moved. I didn't mean anything by it. But thankfully, she hadn't stirred up old wounds for her Brother. Liora took Noah's hand.

"Brother... Don't be sad. Although I have no memories of our past life, if you're ever troubled, I will always support you. I'll stand by your side."

Seeing the moment was right, Noah almost asked her whether Lalatina or Luna Hart was sweeter to her. But something inside warned him it was too soon; he needed her trust first. Then, Liora will be my spy, haha…

"Alright then, Liora, it's getting late. Time for you to return to your room. If your current Brother needs help or encounters any troubles, feel free to come to me. And if those two give you any difficulty, just mention my name."

Liora sweetly thanked him and prepared to leave. Suddenly, she remembered something.

"Brother Noah, could it be that Lalatina is that person?"

Noah's gaze grew distant, sadness reflecting in his eyes.

"I'm not sure. I don't want to see her with anyone else, so I haven't searched for her. And even if she were, or weren't… The outcome is the same. Now go get some rest; it's not good for your reputation to linger here too long."

Seeing Noah's sadness, Liora made up her mind.

"Brother… No matter what, I will stand by you. I'll go now."

As she reached the door, she suddenly remembered something else. Spinning around, her green hair flowing, and a shy smile on her face, she hesitated before asking.

"Brother, just one last thing… Is Luna Hart someone from the past?"

Noah was caught off guard by her sudden move… He almost said she was someone who once loved him deeply, but the words stopped on his lips as a feeling of danger crept in… She's testing me.

"Luna Hart was once an opponent of mine in the past, but now, she's like a passing cloud... Is there anything else you want to ask?"

Liora shook her head, giving a radiant smile.

"No. Brother, rest well. I'll be on my way."