As a child, there was no way she could be selfish with her mother, who worked herself to the bone. Furthermore, after her mother passed away and she was taken in by the Duke's family, there was no one to whom she could tell her true feelings.

That's why she's never fought, Charlotte muttered. Her face grew darker and darker as she spoke.

Allen listened to her to the end and then burst out laughing.

"Then why don't you just change from now on?"

"Huh?"

“You’re going to meet your little sister, Natalia, right?”

“...!”

Allen took her hand and peered into her face.

Allen noticed the bright light in her eyes the moment he mentioned her sister's name. The shadow that had been falling on her face instantly faded.

So, he thought it would be okay.

Allen held her hand tightly and continued.

“When you meet your sister, you can become the kind of siblings who can fight. Then you’ll be able to have all the quarrels you’ve ever wished for.”

“But… do you really think we can?”

Charlotte knit her brows in unease.

"I fled from that country... I'm a wanted villain. I'm sure I've caused Natalia a lot of trouble."

“That’s nothing but false charges. Someday your sister will understand.”

Her sister was the only person at home who was on her side.

If it was her, surely she would understand once everything was explained.

Allen was convinced of this, and cleared his throat, trying to sound a little cool, but...

“So don’t worry. I’ll lend you my strength. For your sake, I would――gyaah!?”

『We shall aid you as well!』

『Luu doesn’t really get it, but Luu too, Luu too!』

Before he could finish his line, Gousetsu and Luu leapt on him from behind, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Toppled to the ground beneath the two beasts, Allen groaned, while Charlotte watched with moist eyes, moved nearly to tears.

"Thank you, everyone."

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t overthink things. I’m on your side too, okay?”

Eruca placed a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder, sending her words of encouragement with a bright smile.

The atmosphere was harmonious and friendly, but Allen remained face down.

"Damn it... Get out of the way, you guys! You're heavy!"

『That's rude. Talking about weight to a lady is a no-no.』

『Yaaay! Allen’s so comfy to step on!』

"Um, you two, let's stop now..."

Charlotte looked flustered as the two continued to step on Allen.

Seeing this, Eruca stroked her chin in admiration.

“You’ve changed, big bro, but Charlotte-chan, you’ve brightened up too. With this, even our dad will be able to relax and… huh?”

Eruca trailed off mid-sentence.

Her gaze turned toward one corner of the pier. Allen followed her line of sight and saw a crowd that had gathered without them noticing.

“What the hell, you bastard! You lookin’ for a fight?!”

“You’re the one asking for it!”

A young human and a young fishman grabbed each other by the collar. There were several humans and fishmen around, probably their companions, and they were fighting each other. It seemed to have started from some petty quarrel.

The others just watched from afar, and no one seemed to try to intervene.

The Athena Magic Academy is an educational institution renowned both at home and abroad.

With students of various races gathering there, disputes like this are commonplace.

“…And right after we were just talking about fighting.”

“I-I don’t think that’s the good kind of fight. Shouldn’t someone stop them?”

"Hmm, I guess so."

Still lying flat on the ground, Allen considered.

To be honest, he had no interest in other people’s squabbles. But if it was something that could make Charlotte sad, that was another matter entirely. The most update n0vels are published on novel[f]ire.net

It was his duty to bring the situation under control quickly and reassure her.

He pushed Gosetsu and the others aside and tried to get up, but...

"Oh...?"

Just then, he spotted a familiar silver-haired figure in the crowd.