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And father too, wanting to keep my sister within his reach, has declined all talks of engagement. While the standard age for marriage is older here compared to other nations, sister Sumiaria will be deemed already too late to wed in the near future.
Brother’s inferiority complex towards our sister was redirected to the failure that was me. In other words, it’s no exaggeration to say that his mental stability is maintained solely because I am below him.
It’s a real nuisance on my part if you ask me. And since I found success in the world, he’s currently desperate.

「And so the request made to decide our side is hereby cancelled, is it……」
「Yeah, that’s right.」
「Is that so.」

Then I’ll report it to the guild. I add in my head.
He said mere hunter as if to make light of me, but the ones ruling Central is what’s the equivalent of an aristocratic class in other nations. And with them, the upper echelon of the Hunter Guild, Merchant Guild, and the church.
In other words, I don’t see any reason to look down on hunters. And yet he one-sidedly orders a cancellation.

He thinks it’ll be permitted because I’m his little sister? Well, this is a private request, so I can only accept it with grit teeth. But if I report this to the Hunter Guild, it can negatively affect the Amyulute family’s standing. At my current standing, I have that much influence.
It’s irritating, but being emotional here would be a bad move, so I do my best to reply calmly.

「Incidentally, how did you manage to persuade our father? I don’t believe he would nod so easily. Please, if you will, teach me your methods.」
「Sure, why not?」

I thought the flattery might have been too obvious, but surprisingly he took it well. This brother of mine, is he really alright?

「While by coincidence, I managed to win over Triadol, the head of the anti-Fiiyanamia faction. If the Amyulute family allies with them, we are promised a suitable position. At the very least, we will be able to aim for greater heights, unlike in this unremarkable position we have now.」
「…… And how will the Amyulute family repay this?」

What happens in these situations is so common around me, so there’s no need to even ask about it.
Moreover, Triadol is well-known to be fond of women. He has the excellence to be seated at the top, he just keeps it hidden. They can’t present me to him. After all, my standing is no longer that of a member of the Amyulute family. In that case…

「It’s a relief to hear what a slow failure you are, as usual. Isn’t it obvious? We’ll give away Sumiaria as a bride.」

There’s no other answer. I feel the burning from the pit of my stomach, but I restrain myself and calmly continue the conversation.

「How did father reply?」
「Sumiaria has certainly worked hard for the family. So I said “Isn’t it about time to wish for my little sister’s happiness?” And father agreed.」
「Is that so? Understood.」
「You’re awfully meek today. I see you’ve come to understand your position.」
「Not at all. However, today’s happening must reach father’s ears, so could you please give way?」

For now, I must confirm with father and ascertain sister Sumiaria’s thoughts on this.

My elated brother gladly moved out of the way. Rather, he probably blocked me just to say all of this. He knows how close we sisters are. He hates how I suddenly gained power. He despises our sister’s excellence. If he did this to get rid of sister Sumiaria and get back at me, it certainly is an effective method.
He probably thinks that my meek demeanor was caused by the shock of my sister getting sent away. He probably thinks that I don’t have the leeway to even feel anger. However, the reason why I don’t feel any anger is because I know of a way to pull through this.

Honestly, I feel reluctant to rely on her, but if it’s for my dear sister, I won’t hesitate to lower my head. But before that, I have to talk to father.

◇

「I’ve heard about it from brother. It appears that you will be giving sister Sumiaria to Triadol.」
「Yes. Do you have any objections?」
「No, if that’s your decision, then so be it. It’s none of my concern. However, isn’t it a bit hasty for a change of faction?」
「Maybe so. However, I’ve judged that it’s necessary for the Amyulute family’s further growth. Besides, he has already made the promise, nothing else can be done. If we go back on the promise with Triadol, Amyulute would find itself in crisis.」

I see. Father had no intention of giving sister Sumiaria away. However, my brother’s talks have progressed beyond the point of no return.

Not being the head of the family, whether brother’s promises have any validity is questionable. But since the other party has greater power, if we go against them, they can push the issue by force.
So in this case, he had no other choice.

「Incidentally, Viviana, do you have no thoughts of returning?」
「Not the slightest. After all, my brother might sell me off somewhere like he did my sister.」
「I see.」
「More importantly, about the request the other day…」
「No longer necessary. The stone has already started rolling.」

It was an urgent matter, so we even accepted the request bypassing the formal guild process. And then this, really? I might have to apologize to my fellow party members… Actually, I don’t.

「Is that so? In that case, I shall excuse myself.」

If he doesn’t need my report, then there’s no reason for me to stay. I immediately left and headed to my sister.

◇

「Oh, Viviana. You’ve come home today.」
「Yes. I’m glad to see that you’re looking well, sister Sumiaria.」
「I see. From how you sound, I suppose that you’ve already heard about it.」

Sister Sumiaria’s room is neat and tidy with only a few things. However, I find this light blue room to be calm and soothing, just like her. Even though we’re sisters, the sight of her within that light blue sanctuary appears remarkably beautiful to my eyes.
She has long hair, slender limbs, white skin generally unexposed to the sun, and deep indigo blue eyes that seem to pull you in.

「That’s right……」
「It’s going to be lonely.」
「Are you really fine with this?」
「To marry for the good of the family. That is my fate.」

I knew she would say so. Unlike me, sister Sumiaria was raised and nurtured for the good of the Amyulute family, after all. Although she’s kind to me, she’s strict on herself.

「Do you really believe that this marriage will be for the good of the Amyulute family?」
「…No. To draw one’s bow at Mistress Fiiyanamia, I don’t think it could end well at all. However, neither brother or father will lend an ear to my words. So there’s no other path left.」

Even my sister cannot overturn the rules and it’s not like your wants will just conveniently fall on your lap. To begin with, she excels in the use of sorcery and her eye for rational observation. She’s not good at schemes and stratagems.
That’s why even though she can coldly judge that it would be wiser to side with Mistress Fiiyanamia, she isn’t able to persuade them.

「Just as you said, Mistress Fiiyanamia is unlikely to ever see defeat. No, even her daughter, probably no one can best her.」
「So it also appears that way in your eyes.」

Sister Sumiaria stared into the distance. It’s as if she’s expecting to see a losing battle. In that case, maybe I can bring the topic up to her.

「Dear sister, are you willing to abandon the Amyulute family?」
「Why would you ask such a thing?」
「I might just have a way to separate you from the family.」

And that’s the end of Viviana’s side. Hiya! Man, mr. next head of the family is really, *really* doing the Icarus “Fly yourself too close to the sun” maneouver with all his smug confidence and casual insults. Our idiot seems to be shaping up beautifully, magificently even. And I honestly like the smugness.

On to the father, he seems to be a cautious type, maybe too cautious. He knows when to back down, considering their exchange about Viviana’s chances of returning. Still, he’s either underestimating Fii or overestimating the power of the anti-Fii faction. Well, the ball’s already rolling, as he says.

Viviana’s sister, meanwhile, is pretty much between a rock and a hard place. Talented, but doesn’t seem to have a strong initiative. Might be her nature, might be from pampering. With the context we have of Fii’s true nature and our princesses’ abilities, it’s literally watching someone watching a trainwreck, this chapter.

Also, I like how you can really feel Viviana’s indifference. She really doesn’t want anything to do with them anymore (barring her older sister).

Now then, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I’m a little late on the reading, but please feel free to give your comments and feedback. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a nice Monday~!