A few changes of clothes, some books to pass the time, Marquis Bahod's admission application, and a special wooden sword engraved with Gravity Runes for training were more than enough to fit into one box.
I heard that the school would provide other necessary items, or they could be purchased locally, so packing was much quicker than I expected.
Oh, and there was the sword Master Belius personally picked out for me a few days ago.
I didn't plan to put this in the box; I would carry it with me.
Wearing it at my waist certainly gave me the demeanor of a swordsman.
The spring breeze was blowing, and the sun was shining brightly—it was perfect weather for departure.
I walked towards the Anglus Family main gate and saw a carriage already waiting outside.
As expected, Lia was the only one at the door to see me off. After all, Sister Aisha is already in Royal Academy.
"Are you really leaving?"
My sister's lonely expression was surely an attempt to make me stay, even though she knew it was futile.
Since that day, Aisha, Lia and I had regarded each other as true family, no longer bound by the household rules.
It was just that their occasional overly affectionate behavior gave me a headache, though it was reasonable to consider it a rebound from previously suppressed emotions.
As for the impact on the plot of the novel... who cared anymore?
I no longer had the energy to care about those details; I would just leave it to fate.
I just didn't know if there was a so-called "corrective force" in this world, meaning that no matter what I did, the plot would revert to the novel's original course, making Robert Anglus's death inevitable.
However, since the novel's timeline hasn't officially begun, there was no way to know.
Thinking optimistically, as long as I tried my best to avoid getting involved with the male lead, there shouldn't be any life-threatening danger.
At least for now, I wanted to try my best to play the role of a good older brother.
I pulled out the gift Master Belius and I had bought a few days ago from behind my back.
"This is for you."
"A cat doll?"
I had no experience giving gifts to girls, and I wasn't sure if Lia would like this.
The reason I chose a doll was simply because the impression of her holding a pink rabbit doll when I first met her was too profound.
Although that doll seemed to have been abandoned by Lia, I still subconsciously hoped she could return to how she was before losing her mother.
The reason I chose a cat was also purely based on my first impression; I didn't even know if she personally liked cats.
"I thought the color of this cat suited you, so I bought it."
"It would be best if you liked it."
"Of course, if you don't like it, you can just throw it away; I'll bring you a better gift when I come back next time."
"Did Brother Robert, specifically buy this for me?"
"Yes, I asked Master Belius to come with me to the city to pick it out."
"...Thank you."
Lia buried her head very low, so I couldn't see her face, but her tone sounded a bit reserved.
I didn't know if she was speechless or happy with me.
I had originally expected her to bloom into a brilliant smile like a flower, but after all, Lia had been through so much and was no longer that innocent, carefree personality.
Forget it, compared to the "ice beauty" character in the novel, this was already much better.
As an older brother, this was probably the most I could do.
"Then I'll be off."
"Come back soon, okay?"
"Oh, you take care of yourself too."
"I'll catch up to Brother Robert right away."
"Hmm? Oh."
Catch up to what?
How to catch up?
It's not a physical catch-up, right?
...
Lia's Perspective
"Father, I have decided to agree to your terms. From now on, I will follow your arrangements and learn family management and politics aside from magic. But in return, I want to enroll early in the Royal Academy."
I stood quietly in front of Father's desk and spoke those words as calmly as I could.
Marquis Bahod, who had been reviewing documents, slowly raised his head and looked at me.
His gaze was so sharp that it felt as if he wanted to see through my thoughts completely.
In the past, I would have lowered my head immediately under such a gaze. I would have become nervous, afraid that I had said something wrong.
But this time, I did not look away. I had already made my decision.
"You want to enter the Royal Academy early?"
"Yes."
"You know what that means?"
"I know."
"Is this because of Robert?"
Hearing his words, my heart trembled slightly. But I still nodded.
"Yes."
"Good, I can arrange a place for you next year but you need to clear a test of mine. Do you agree?"
"Yes Father!" I lowered my head and nodded again.
I am sorry Brother Robert, Lia is going to be a bad girl. She doesn't want to separate from you so even if she has to go against your advice, Lia will not hesitate to chase you.
After all, you're Lie's everything in this world aside from Sister Aisha.
Lia will not let you get away. No one can take you away from Lia.