An Older Brother's Concerns

"..."

Eleanor and Alger stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.

In reality, only a few seconds passed, but under Alger's piercing blue gaze, time seemed to stretch unbearably long. His expression was unreadable, his sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe with an intensity that made Eleanor shift slightly in discomfort.

What exactly is going on here...?

She had felt this kind of scrutiny before—ever since waking up in Eleanor Gwendolyn's body, people had been looking at her like this. But Alger's gaze was different. It wasn't pity like the maids' or worry like her parents'. It was something else entirely.

Is it possible for someone to look at another person with worry while still exuding such an intense, intimidating presence?!

No, that's not what I should be worrying about! Eleanor scolded herself inwardly.

Why did Alger Gwendolyn come here? Shouldn't he be resting in his own room after such a long journey home? Her thoughts spiraled in frustration.

Why would he even bother visiting his sick little sister who's supposed to be resting? Eleanor kept cursing in her heart, her anxiety mounting with each passing second.

The silence in the room thickened. The maids and even the head maid remained frozen in place as if Alger's presence alone forbade them from speaking out of turn.

No one dared to break the stillness.

But Alger still didn't say anything.

So why is he just staring?!

At least please say something!

And why had the atmosphere in the room grown so cold and tense, as if they were attending a funeral?!!

Eleanor, unable to endure the tension any longer, decided to act.

She let out a soft exhale and brought a hand to her temple, feigning dizziness. Her fingers brushed against the thick bandage wrapped around her head, and she forced a slight tremble in her shoulders as though she were struggling to stand upright.

"...ugh."

"My Lady!"

"Lady Eleanor!"

The reaction was immediate.

Alger moved without hesitation, stepping forward and catching her before she could even sway too much. His arms, stronger than they looked, carefully steadied her tiny frame.

Without a single word, he guided her back onto the bed, adjusting her position so she could sit comfortably on the edge. His grip was gentle, but there was no mistaking the firmness in his touch—he wasn't going to let her fall.

"..."

Eleanor blinked.

His movements were surprisingly agile for someone who had been frail since childhood and despised both sweat and swords. He managed to catch Eleanor faster than her maids when she pretended to collapse from a headache.

Could it be the influence of spending time with the knights? Eleanor wondered absently amid the tense silence.

It wasn't just his presence that commanded silence; his actions did, too.

Without turning back, Alger spoke. "Leave."

It was a single word, spoken in a low, even tone, but it was enough.

The maids and the head maid, who had been watching anxiously, hesitated only for a moment before bowing and retreating from the chamber.

Huh, why did he tell everyone to leave? Was he going to do something to me? No, don't go, Tina!

Eleanor tried to make eye contact with Tina, but Tina misunderstood and nodded with a cheerful smile as if relieved to see the two siblings meeting and chatting together again after so long.

No...! Damn it!

Eleanor could only curse inwardly, feeling helpless in the presence of her second brother, Alger Gwendolyn, a handsome young man who continued to stare at her silently, even though they were alone in the room.

Okay, let's keep pretending to be gravely ill if Alger tries to ask any strange questions! Eleanor thought firmly.

The door shut quietly behind them, leaving only the two siblings inside.

Eleanor, who had been expecting an interrogation, tensed slightly.

Alger, who had stood imposing and tense moments before, was now kneeling before her, their eyes meeting. His striking red hair stood out against his dark attire, and his once unreadable blue eyes now held an expression that seemed more focused and clear.

Worry.

The same worry she had seen in her parents' eyes.

"... Oh."

For a moment, relief washed over her.

So, he wasn't suspicious of me after all.

Eleanor took a deep breath, deciding to break the silence.

"Brother Alger… how have you been?"

Alger, who had been staring at her as if trying to read her mind, finally shifted his gaze slightly. "… Fine."

His answer was brief, but just as Eleanor was about to respond, he continued.

"More importantly, what were you thinking? How did you get hurt so badly? And why didn't anyone tell me sooner? You should've written to me immediately. Why do you look so pale? Are you eating enough? Have the physicians been treating you properly? Why did you try to stand just now? Did you know I had to rush home the moment I heard the news? What if I had been even a day late? What if—"

"....."

Eleanor could only stare, stunned.

Eleanor was about to continue the conversation, hoping to ease the tension with casual sibling banter—something she sorely missed from her real world with her younger brother—but Alger beat her to it.

The words, though spoken in a level voice, came one after another without pause, not giving her a chance to respond.

He doesn't seem like someone who talks much, but he's not giving me a chance to speak at all!

Her mind raced to compare him to the other members of the Gwendolyn family.

Father is the same way… He looks dignified and composed, but the moment he starts talking about me, he doesn't stop. So this is a Gwendolyn family trait after all.

Suppressing a sigh, Eleanor patiently waited for a gap in Alger's relentless questioning. When she finally found a chance to speak, she carefully answered only what was safe to answer.

Alger listened intently, his expression neutral, but she could tell he was absorbing every word. He nodded in satisfaction when she reassured him that she was following the physicians' orders, that the maids were attentive, and that her recovery was progressing well—albeit with exaggerated frailty.

Then, as if remembering something, he glanced toward the other side of the room, where boxes were now neatly stacked.

"Most of those are for you," he said simply.

Eleanor blinked in surprise. "... For me?"

Her red eyes widened when she realized there was a pile of suspicious large wooden boxes filling the corner of her chamber. These boxes were out of place, towering and meticulously stacked, their contents a mystery wrapped in intricate layers of cloth and paper.

The sight made her pause mid-step, her gaze flicking back and forth between the strange wooden boxes and her second brother, Alger, who had just returned to his usual, aloof posture.

Whoa...!

Eleanor couldn't help but wonder when her chamber had become filled with all those wooden crates. She hadn't even noticed when they were brought in, despite being in the room the entire time!

"Medicines from the south," Alger explained, standing up. "And some other things."

"They're from a renowned craftsman in the South. Consider them both a souvenir from me and a token for your speedy recovery."

Why would he bring so much for me?

Her eyes swept over the unfamiliar items—several crates filled with bottles, carefully wrapped packages, and even decorative boxes containing delicate accessories. Among them, she spotted finely crafted jewelry, elegant hairpieces, and small luxuries from the southern regions.

Alger had brought them all for her.

"..."

Eleanor didn't know how to respond. She wasn't used to receiving such thoughtful gifts, especially not from family members she barely knew in this world.

Eleanor felt a strange warmth spread in her chest.

But she swallowed the lump in her throat and, forcing herself to keep her composure, finally managed a small, appreciative smile.

She had been worried about his presence at the mansion, afraid that he might become an obstacle in her plans. But now, looking at all the effort he had gone through for her sake, she realized something.

Alger isn't someone I need to be wary of.

Before she could express any gratitude, Alger returned to his usual, indifferent demeanor.

"Get ready," he said. "I'll escort you to the dining room."

"Huh?" Eleanor hesitated. "Dining room?"

"For lunch." His blue eyes locked onto hers. "With the family."

Right now?

She wanted to refuse. She wasn't prepared to sit through an entire meal surrounded by her parents and Alger, who had just proven how relentless he could be.

But before she could protest, Alger extended his arm.

Eleanor sighed in defeat. Fine, fine.

With a small nod, she accepted his offer, carefully placing her hand on his arm.

"..."

The walk to the dining room was quiet, but unlike before, it wasn't an uncomfortable silence.

Alger walked at a slow, steady pace, adjusting his steps to match hers. His free hand hovered slightly at her side, ready to support her if she stumbled.

Realizing this, Eleanor felt something in her heart settle.

For the first time since arriving in this world, she felt the unfamiliar yet comforting presence of an older brother who truly cared for her.

So this is what it feels like to have an older sibling, she thought with a bitter smile.