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At the banquet celebrating the succession to the title, it was customary for the duke to pause on the grand staircase landing and address words of thanks to the assembled guests.
Of course, Aleksei also stopped, surveying the crowd gathered in the great hall. His tall, straight-backed figure seemed even more imposing, and his neon-blue gaze, radiating its own light, seemed to silence the crowd as if they were being overwhelmed.
A profound silence fell.

“First, I thank you all for gathering here today.”

His resonant, clear voice filled the grand hall.

“I, Aleksei Jurnova, have inherited the title of Duke of Jurnova. Though still young, I intend to dedicate my life to the stability and development of the Jurnova domain, fighting with everything I have.”

His gaze fixed on certain individuals in the hall, the light in his eyes intensifying for a moment.
But it quickly returned to its usual calm, cold hue.

“…I expect you all to strive alongside me.
And now, allow me to introduce someone who will inherit Jurnova with me.”

Turning his gaze to his side, Aleksei’s expression changed completely. He smiled gently and took Ekaterina’s hand.

“My sister, Ekaterina Jurnova. Having long rested quietly with our mother, this is her first appearance before you all.”

Aleksei raised Ekaterina’s hand.
Ekaterina smiled, and a wave of cheers erupted from the great hall.

“This intelligent sister of mine will henceforth be my support and assist in governing Jurnova. All who bear the Jurnova name, show Ekaterina the respect she deserves.”

At those words, a chorus of “Yes!” rose, and the great hall was once again filled with applause.

.

—That’s Onii-sama for you.
What brief and compact speech, and one filled with his love for his sister.

This feeling reminds me of the Magic Academy entrance ceremony. Back then, too, a single glance from him silenced the entire student body.
I was amongst the ones listening to him back then, but standing beside him now and seeing everyone’s reactions, I realize once more how incredible he is. Facing a crowd filling this vast hall, he shows not a hint of hesitation. In fact, it’s everyone else who seems overwhelmed by his presence.

And standing here beside him for the first time, I’ve learned something. When you face a crowd like this, you somehow feel their emotions. Even if every face wears a smile, the taut tension in response to his words clings to you too. You feel their hopes and desires rising up.

Onii-sama was born to succeed as Duke.
Destined to stand in this place someday, he lived his life to fulfill that role.

I hadn’t understood at all how profoundly lonely standing here could be.

With the appearance of me, his sister, Onii-sama was no longer alone. I finally grasped how significant it was for him to have someone standing here, holding his hand.

I promise you once more.
I will never let go of your hand, Onii-sama.

Memories of my past life as a corporate slave in my thirties still linger strongly, and I can’t shake the feeling of wondering what the hell I’m doing here.
You are already a splendid ruler despite your youth, and I don’t know how much I can truly be of use.
But I will do everything in my power to support you, Onii-sama.
Because I’m a brocon!

.

Ekaterina gripped her brother’s hand.
Aleksei smiled at his sister, clasped her hand in return, and whispered.

“The time has come to show the results of your training, Ekaterina.”

.

EEK!
I know I just renewed my vow, but I want to be literally anywhere but here right now!
Can you believe it?! I have to dance the first dance of this celebration together, under the gaze of all these people! Who decided the rule that the highest-ranking person dances first? Come out here!

Hiding her inner turmoil completely, Ekaterina smiled.

“I am delighted to dance with you, Onii-sama.”