What an unreliable older brother you are!

Upon hearing my comments, the old man hastened off to get Sascha, leaving Alice and me to fend for ourselves here in the castle garden.

This excellent and extensive garden makes me want to nap in a quaint little cottage close to the fish pond since it makes me feel so at ease.

But just as I was about to stand up after spending considerable time sitting in this fountain, Alice remarked on something, "Geist Legion, huh? It's no wonder you've risen to such a high position in the palace. Did mother instruct you to manage it?"

"no, you might say, mother, just a generous investor who was sorely required at the perfect time, "I said it in a lighthearted manner, but after hearing Alice's query, I couldn't help but reflect on something else.

"Alice, you are free to relax for a little while before the workout we have scheduled for tomorrow," I then smiled to myself as I looked at Alice.

"Am I just going to go about my day as usual and practice my magic?" Alice inquired while assuming an upright position and striking a stretch pose.

"Not only magic, but also how to command troops, think of plans in all scenarios, and so on. Basically, you will train here to be a general in this location," After listening to my explanation, Alice's brow furrowed in concentration, and it was clear that she found what I stated to be a great deal of bother.

"Big brother, and sister Emilia, aren't you two already outstanding generals? Meanwhile, I can become a dependable, powerful magus," Alice exclaimed this with a jubilant tone and a beaming grin on her face. It was apparent to me that she imagined it at this very moment.

When I approached Alice, I couldn't help but give her a warm smile as I walked near her because Alice was at my shoulder height, and in order to speak to her, I had to incline my head slightly.

"Are you interested in learning one of my secrets?" I made sure she was paying attention before continuing what I was saying by halting for a moment.

"Only three persons in this world have earned my trust. Do you know who they are?" Upon hearing my question, Alice gave a slight nod while shaking her head.

"The first is mother, and after that is Emilia, and the final..." I put both of my hands on Alice's shoulders.

After that, I leaned my head forward till my forehead made contact with her, and then I whispered something to her in a low voice while shutting my eyes.

"You, Alice, are the very last one. As long as the three of you are safe, it doesn't matter to me if this world comes crashing down around us... which is why I really hope you have faith in me."

After opening my eyes and moving my body slightly to the side, I was able to observe Alice standing perfectly still with a shocked expression on her face and her cheeks turning a bright red.

However, after that, she woke up with her head lowered.

"There is nothing that can be done about it... if you have that much faith in me... you can leave it up to me," she said.

Those who hear it will understand without a doubt that Alice is only pretending right now. She has a flushed face and a broad smile when she is ashamed, so there is no need to elaborate further.

After that, Alice entered the castle by herself while singing the entire time cheerfully. She also leapt slightly with each step she took.

Just before she went through the entrance, Alice turned her body to look at me while she said something.

"What an unreliable older brother you are!"

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- Alice Pov -

"Are you interested in learning one of my secrets?" Suddenly, my brother said something to me, and as soon as I heard it, I thought to myself, "What secret is he trying to tell me?"

"Only three persons in this world have earned my trust. Do you know who they are?"

'how do I know? Complete your sentence as quickly as possible. Please don't make me more curious,' I wanted to scream out of the depths of my heart, but in the end, all I could do was softly shake my head.

"The first is mother, then Emilia, and the last..." When it wasn't my name that was called out first, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

However, at that exact moment, he reached out and put his hands on my shoulders, and soon after that, his face moved closer to mine.

Suddenly I am at a loss for what to do, my heart is racing, and I am beginning to feel weak throughout my body. Why do you all of a sudden have your face so much closer to mine? Has he gone mad?' I said in this heart that was fighting so hard.

I just decided to close my eyes because I was at a loss for what to do. At that very instant, I was surprised to feel someone touch me. After being gently touched on the forehead, I became aware of the reassuring voice of my older brother.

"You, Alice, are the very last one. As long as the three of you are safe, it doesn't matter to me if this world comes crashing down around us... which is why I really hope you have faith in me."

After listening to what my older brother had to say, I experienced an instantaneous feeling of warmth in my heart. The moment I opened my eyes, I was met with the sight of his crimson eyes peering intently into the depths of my being.

I was at a loss for words, so I just kept quiet and lowered my head, 'What on earth was he thinking about at that moment? Words were suddenly spoken that stopped me from having any other choice.

After taking a few deep breaths, I began speaking in a typically upbeat manner, "There is nothing that can be done about it... if you have that much faith in me... you can leave it up to me."

My brother's cunning grin made it impossible for me to hold off any longer. After that, I walked away without speaking to him again.

My previously weak legs suddenly gained strength, and as I made my way toward the entrance to the castle, I began to hum joyfully in order to distract myself from the rapid beating of my heart. Despite my efforts, my pulse continued to race.

I mustered up the courage to cast a glance in my older brother's direction as I opened the door and prepared to go through it. Upon seeing him, I made another attempt to tease him by stating that.

"What an unreliable older brother you are!"

I really hope he is able to pick up every word.

The End Of Pov

_________________

Seeing Alice, who was not there, caused a wry smile to form on my face. I can still hear what she is saying, despite the distance separating us.

I heaved a sigh before muttering something to myself, "Since it doesn't look like there will be enough time for a nap, the first thing I'd like to do is go to that location."

As I made my way down the training area, I noticed that despite the fact that the sky was starting to become dark, there was still a great deal of soldiers training.

They are superior beings who possess a talent that is above the ordinary. Since I personally chose each and every one of them, it stands to me that the Geist legion would be superior to any other army.

I travelled until I reached a prominent location where I could see stunning scenery as far as the eye could see in every direction. Only one long bench can be seen in this enormous space.

A lady is now seated on the bench, but she has her back turned to me. In spite of the fact that she is wearing a helmet, her long, dark hair is free to flow in the breeze, adding to the mysterious impression.

I sat down next to her and saw the setting sun in complete silence. Even when I unexpectedly sat down next to her, the other person did not react in any way. Her gaze was fixed in front the entire time.

Shortly after that, the woman seated next to me said something.

"Every time you visit this place, the world has undergone significant changes, the vast majority of which have been for the worse."