Bonds Beyond Status

Rian, still drowsy, scratched his toned abs and entered the room.

Noticing Shirone, he tilted his head.

"Huh? Shirone, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I…"

If their friendship were exposed, it would spell trouble—but Reina cut in first.

"What? You two know each other?"

"Shirone? Yeah, he's my friend."

"Rian! What are you saying?!"

"Hahaha! Relax. This witch has a nasty temper, but she doesn't care about stuff like this."

Was that true?

Reina might be open-minded, but the divide between nobles and commoners was vast.

"So your name's Shirone. Don't worry. If Rian says you're his friend, then you are. He's a bit pathetic, but he owns up to his words."

Shirone still looked doubtful. Though her bluntness might offend others, Reina took it in stride. True trust often sprouts amid doubt.

"By the way, you're interesting. What was going through your mind earlier with that performance?"

"Wait, Shirone played that? I thought you'd just lost your temper again, Noona."

Shirone frowned slightly. He couldn't understand why Rian would call such a kind, beautiful woman a "witch" or "hysterical."

"Rian, why did you lie? Your sister is gentle and wonderful."

"Shirone! Don't fall for it! She's a witch! She might eat you alive someday!"

Rian's grave expression silenced Shirone's retort. Reina chuckled.

"Sorry. My brother's immature. But I'm glad he has a friend like you. Take care of him."

"Oh, I… I'll try."

Shirone shyly lowered his head, making Reina's eyes sparkle. At sixteen, he still radiated pure innocence.

"You're adorable."

Rian gulped water and refilled his glass.

"If he's so cute, why not adopt him? I'd love having Shirone as family! Ahahaha!"

Shirone flushed but didn't mind the joke. Reina raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? So close you'd give me away?"

"What? Shirone's like a brother, but I'd gladly toss you to anyone! He's too good for you."

"Is that so?"

In a flash, Reina leaped taller than a person's height. Before Shirone could react, she landed and yanked Rian's ear.

"Owowow! That hurts!"

"You're pushing your luck, brat!"

"Let go! It hurts!"

Though now a musician, Reina once rivaled Rye in swordsmanship. Her grip was ironclad, forcing tears from Rian.

"Shirone! Run! If this witch catches you, you're done for!"

Uncertain if this was a joke, Shirone couldn't abandon Rian.

"I'm sorry. He meant no harm."

Reina, squinting drowsily, abruptly released Rian's ear.

"Yowch!"

"You're alive thanks to your friend. Ugh, learn some manners."

"Tch! You just got my weak spot!"

Rian rubbed his ear and glared.

"Why'd you come home? Your vacation ended ages ago."

"Hm? Haven't you heard? About Rye."

"Since when do I care?"

"Rye's taking the official swordsmanship exam. I came to fetch him. Grandpa left earlier to meet a friend."

"The official exam?" Rian froze.

His brother was a genius, but this gap…? The official certification was every noble's dream, granted to fewer than 30 applicants yearly. Non-official certifications existed too—like those from Alpheas Magic School—but prestige favored the former.

"Lucky him. Geniuses get everything," Rian muttered.

Reina ruffled his hair. Please don't let this hurt him.

"I'll prep dinner. The palace sent seafood. Shirone, nice meeting you. Let's talk next time."

"Goodbye."

Shirone bowed, unsure if they'd meet again—but he'd never forget their piano duet. Gathering courage before his departure, he asked:

"Rian… does your sister have a boyfriend?"

Rian's eyes widened.

"Shirone, you—?!"

"N-No! Forget it! I just—"

"HAHAHA! NOONA! SHIRONE ASKED IF YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND!"

Shirone yanked Rian back as he bolted upstairs.

"Shut up!"

"Noona! He wants to date y—Ow!"

In the kitchen, maids glanced up, but Reina just smiled.

"Kids being kids. Let's cook."

Meanwhile, head butler Louis—a meticulous man in his mid-30s with cold glasses—overheard.

"Shirone?" He recalled the temporary librarian boy. Why is he with the young master?

"Summon Temuran. Now."

At dawn, Rian trained fiercely, driven by Rye's exam news.

"I'll catch up!"

His instructor, Kite, noted his growth—raw power, but lacking finesse.

"Rest!"

Panting, Rian's eyes blazed with resolve. But a servant interrupted:

"Emergency! Lady Reina says come now! Shirone's in mortal danger!"

Rian spat his water.

"What? Why?!"

"Head Butler Louis reported him to the family head. For being… friends with you."

"Dammit!" Rian grabbed his clothes.

Kite blocked him.

"A commoner? You'll worsen things."

"He's my friend! I won't be a coward!"

Kite handed him a sword.

"Only go if you're ready to stake your life."

Rian smiled, accepting it.

"Thank you, Master."