1st Person POV Ekaterina

To begin with, I feel that summers in the Imperial Kingdom were more comfortable than the sweltering Japanese summers I remembered from my previous life.

Nevertheless, in this lifes memory, summers in the imperial capital were certainly hotter than those in the dukedom. And when I was on deck, I felt sorry that Mina was standing beside me, holding a parasol over my head.

But if Big Brother is concerned, I will do as you ask.

Good girl.

Alexei smiled and took her sisters hand.

They were to stay together in Alexeis cabin until dinner.

Ivan brewed a pot of fruit tea. It was a refreshing tea with citrus fruits added. Alexei placed his hand over it and let it cool with the ice magic.

Thank you, Big Brother, its very good.

If youre happy, I can think my own magical attributes arent so bad.

I guess its complicated because the old hag and the bastard father also had the ice attribute.

I, who was someone in their 30s before, just want to pet Big Brothers head or something.

The imperial capital is enormous, isnt it? Even with such a fast ship, it seems we havent left the Imperial City yet.

Yes, because the imperial capital continues to expand along the Cernov River. But this area is no longer the official imperial capital. It is just an area populated by the influx of exiles.

Alexeis words caused me to review the rows of houses visible from the ships windows. Indeed, the houses looked much smaller and shabbier than they had looked when we first set sail.

I wondered if there were any residents of Yurinova territory who ended up living here

People who could not live because of disasters and embezzlement of the aid they were supposed to receive.

There may be some. They will return once their homeland is restored.

Yes, Im sure they will. I will do what I can to help them return to their hometowns.

If they havent established a basis of living in another land, or if they are still struggling and have a better chance of making a living if they return, they will surely return.

you are really a kind person being concerned about them.

Alexei sighed softly.

There are too many greedy people in the world. People who are already wealthy in their own right, but are not ashamed to steal from those who cant even make ends meet tomorrow.

Big Brother has been fighting them all his life, hasnt he? Thats admirable.

He had just turned eighteen, but he carried himself with tremendous dignity because he had been through so much.

I once thought that his interaction with the Headmaster was a bit like facing a boss who was a little too polite with his words, but I guess that means there was a difference in experience that even the Headmaster couldnt compare to.

Alexei smiled as he looked at me, lost in thought.

When we return to the dukedom, you will be the queen of that land. No one will be allowed to oppose you. You can behave as you wish, unfettered.

Big Brother, the head of the family, is Big Brother. I serve Big Brother as his sister.

Yes, I am the head of the family. And although I am the head of the family, I am also your loyal servant. My beloved Mistress, Ekaterina.

Alexei then took Ekaterinas hand and kissed her fingertips.

Ekaterina was inwardly squealing.

Big Brother as my servant! Why must you say something like that!

Was it my imagination, or am I just being an idiot!

Im still a student myself, and this will be the first time Ill spend time in the territory in earnest since I inherited the dukes title. Many people will underestimate me because I am young, but I will not allow them to be disrespectful to you. I swear it.

Oh, that clarifies things.

Ekaterina smiled at her brother.