Gilles adores Alicia very much, huh?

Alberts voice was the kindest I had ever heard.

And you often make wise remarks that are far from what people might expect from someone like you.. Youre a lot like Alicia.

To me, that was the best compliment someone could give me.

Similar to Alicia. It was such an honor to hear that from her own brother.

I know Ill never be forgiven by her, even if I make amends for the rest of my life.

What a sad look on his face.

Besides, Alicia did not hate Albert one bit. She liked her brother, even if he was on Liz Cathers side.

Does Albert like Alicia?

He took a breath at my question and then answered with a soft look on his face.

Shell always be my dear sister.

If thats how you feel, its okay.

A lot had happened, but I couldnt blame him.

I guess I was softening up on him as well. Am I growing up?

Oh, right.

I just remembered.

Whats the matter?

Im certainly growing up. Ill be twelve the day after tomorrow.

What? Thats something we should celebrate. What do you want? Whats your favorite food?

I thought Albert and I were getting closer, but wasnt he pushing things too fast? Well, it was all right.

Or rather, youre only twelve years old. Youre still a child.

Child. Im not a child. I am already an independent adult. Im more grounded than some other noble children.

You can let yourself be spoiled, you know.

Just as I was about to say something back, he looked me straight in the eye and said that.

I thought he was saying it out of sympathy, but his deep purple eyes seemed to really care about me.

I guess he was a big brother at heart.

Then, I want a new book of medicinal herbs.

Okay.

and a magnifying glass.

You sure dont act like a 12 years old, but I have your wish list.

Id like to have alcohol, too.

Youll have to get a little older for that.

I never thought I would ask Albert for so many things.

Someone like him, I suppose, was an adult capable of pampering someone. I never had such a person in my life.

Not Duke, not Alicia, not Gramps, but someone who was able to make me feel like a child.

Gilles, children are allowed to be children. Theyre supposed to be spoiled by adults.

Albert radiated warmth to me. How comforting.

I want the apple pie that is served every once in a while.

Oh, yes. Ill have them make you a lot of apple pies.

Im not strong, and Im not very knowledgeable about swordsmanship, but I want a small sword.

Ill have it made by a top-notch craftsman.

I let out all my thoughts and feelings I had been holding onto until now. I never expected to show him this side of myself.

Also, I miss Alicia.

I could hear my own voice tremble a little.

I had never said much about the matter, and I knew I shouldnt have.

But ever since she left the country, there was never a time when I didnt think about it. Alicia, who had always been by my side, suddenly disappeared. She wasnt holed up in her hut like before. She was out of my reach.

I could not say that I missed her because it would only annoy the people around me. So, I tried my best to suppress my feelings.

Why did my feelings overflow more and more in front of Albert?

Me too. I also want to meet Alicia.

He murmured quietly and patted my head gently.