FCHTIB Chapter 22

“My brother doesn't really support me being a knight. Well, it’s more like he just expresses disapproval.”

“Family opinions are important, but isn’t what you, Parnel, want even more important? It’s your future, after all—you should be the one to decide.”

Railey responded with a maturity that belied her young age.

Parnel narrowed her eyes as she looked at the young madam.

She wasn’t just a small and cute girl—she was someone who truly knew how to listen to others.

Now Parnel could somewhat understand why the notoriously particular young duke allowed her to stay by his side.

She could have brushed the question off with a vague answer, but seeing how serious the girl was, Parnel decided to reply sincerely.

“There isn’t a big age gap between us, but to me, my brother is practically like a parent. Our parents passed away when we were young.”

“…I see.”

“My brother has been the one taking care of me all these years, acting as the head of the household. Looking back, he himself was really just a kid back then.”

“…”

“I still remember that night—when I had a terrible fever and nearly died. My brother had to hold back tears all night. Then, when I finally made it through the worst by morning, he broke down and cried his eyes out while holding me.”

Though Parnel spoke with a smile, the painful weight of that memory was easy to sense.

Railey felt a tight ache in her chest as she listened.

“So I understand him. Our parents died honorably while working as knights, but honor doesn’t ease the pain of loss.”

“…!”

“For someone who already planted the fear of loss in his heart when we were young, it must be terrifying to hear that his little sister wants to follow in our parents' footsteps and become a knight too…”

“…it’s only natural he’d be against it.”

She had a calm expression on her face, as if she had long since come to terms with all of this.

“And, well, even though I’m considered cured now, doing rough work like a knight might trigger a relapse.”

“…”

“That’s probably why my brother still drags me to the doctor every year. In his eyes, I’m still the fragile little girl who was always sick and frail.”

“…Don’t you find that frustrating, Parnel?”

“Hmm.”

Parnel touched her chin thoughtfully.

“When I was younger, I did feel that way… but not anymore.”

“I can exercise just fine at home to stay in shape. And I’ve found other things to enjoy doing with my aura.”

“Other things… with aura?”

“Oh, you mentioned you found my brother’s keyring once, right? That. When making delicate accessories, using aura instead of your hands really helps you concentrate—and it’s surprisingly fun.”

Railey was left speechless.

Though she had no real knowledge of martial arts, she’d heard rumors about how difficult aura manipulation was. Even just releasing and retrieving aura was supposed to be extremely hard.

And yet here Parnel was—using her aura with astonishing delicacy for things like crafting trinkets!

It was an almost ridiculous waste of talent.

“…It’s such a waste…”

When Railey murmured her honest thoughts with a sigh, Parnel let out a soft laugh.

“Thank you for the kind words, young madam.”

“But seriously… don’t you think Yuan might come to understand that you want to become a knight?”

“Yes. Probably… If I insisted, my brother would end up giving in. Honestly, he wasn’t completely against it in the beginning, either.”

As she recalled that time, Parnel looked down.

“A knight…?”

“Yeah, brother. The ducal house is recruiting knight apprentices soon, right? I want to apply, too.”

“…Wouldn’t it be better to think about it a little more?”

“…Huh?”

“Even if you’re fully recovered, we still have to consider your long-term health… And adapting to the harsh life of a knight might not be easy.”

“…”

“Let’s take time and think it through.”

If her brother had used his authority as head of the household to impose his will, Parnel might have felt rebellious.

But back then, Yuan had a face that looked like he might cry.

Just like that winter night long ago, when his little sister was on the verge of death, and he desperately held back his fear and tears.

Perhaps he wasn’t even aware of it himself.

“My desire wasn’t just some lighthearted wish to try being a knight… it was more like, I just wanted to ease my brother’s worries.”

“…”

“It’s not like I’m desperate to get out—I’m not exactly unemployed… I’m in bride training, after all. Though, with the way I look, I’m not sure there’ll be any man out there who’ll want to marry me.”

“Parnel, you’re amazing! I’m sure many fine gentlemen would fall for you!”

“…”

“But regardless… whether you end up marrying someone or not, I think it’s important that the path to becoming a knight is still open for you.”

Railey couldn’t help but recall the plot of the original novel.

Yuan had been consumed by revenge—almost like he was self-destructing.

Maybe, deep down, it had been his way of atoning for the past.

If only he hadn’t stopped his sister from becoming a knight.

If only she had carried a weapon at all times.

She might not have been so helplessly abducted, falling into the hands of those villains.

Wasn't he constantly blaming himself for Parnel's misfortune and death?

If so, fulfilling the dream she had buried away seemed like the shortest path to preventing such a tragic future.

"I'm sorry if I came across as rude. But... I truly want to support you."

"..."

Parnel closed her eyes for a moment before shaking her head.

"No, not at all. It's my first time having such a heartfelt conversation with someone. I'm grateful for it... young madam."

"And I'm equally grateful that you answered so sincerely to the words of a child. Oh, and, um..."

Railey blushed slightly, intertwining her index fingers nervously.

"If it's not too much to ask, could you call me by my name when we're alone, instead of 'young madam'?"

"By your name?"

"Yes. Honestly, I'm not that used to the title. And to me, Parnel feels more like an older sister..."

"..."

Looking at the endearing young girl, Parnel couldn’t help but smile, a genuine expression rising from her heart.

"Alright, Railey. I’ll do that."

"Oh...!"

With dimples forming, the child’s face lit up with a radiant smile.

Seeing her pure, joyful expression, Parnel resolved to rethink her own future.

Had someone else said those words to her, she might have reacted with skepticism.

But because the young girl had spoken with such pure and earnest goodwill, considering Parnel's feelings, Parnel found herself reflecting deeply.

Perhaps, all this time, she’d merely been using her brother as an excuse to run away from her true desires.

She decided to take another look at the source of her heart.*

***

A few days later.

The day had come for Duke Elestine, his son, and Railey to depart for the capital.

As they walked toward the carriage, Serge opened his mouth to speak.

“Lady Railey, if you feel uncomfortable during the long ride, please let the attendant know. We can always stop and take a break if needed.”

“Okay, I will! But please, Young Master Serge, don’t worry too much about me and just ride comfortably.”

The three of them would each travel in separate carriages.

The official reason was that, with such a long journey ahead, it would be more comfortable to have extra space.

…but Railey was quite certain it was really to prevent her from witnessing her husband suddenly turning into a fox again.

At that moment, from the other side, Walter appeared, waving cheerfully.

“Good morning, my dear!”

“Yes, Father-in-law! Good morni—oh…!”

As she tried to greet him, Railey flinched in surprise. Her father-in-law had gotten too excited and stumbled while running over.

But just as he was about to fall, Serge swiftly supported him, preventing the collapse. From behind his glasses, his eyes seemed to say, 'Seriously, this guy is doing the most…'

Of course, Walter was completely unfazed by his son’s glare and headed straight for his daughter-in-law with open enthusiasm.

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