Published: August 15, 2025
I am Wilfried, seven years old.
Since I finished the baptism ceremony in spring, I’ve been upset that even though I’m Rosemine’s older brother, she seems to get away with all kinds of advantages.
She’s the only one who can freely come and go from the castle, doesn’t have a teacher assigned, started studying magic earlier than me, and receives praise from Father and Mother at dinner time.
Lamprecht said, “Rosemine has it tough,” but that must be a lie to protect his little sister. What could Rosemine possibly do when she collapses and almost dies after just a little running?
After finishing breakfast and basic training with the knight apprentices, I bumped into Rosemine coming down the stairs on my way back to my room. It’s rare to see Rosemine at the castle around the time the third bell rings.
Our eyes met but she immediately looked away, so I quickly realized she was on her way to Father. I’m told not to disturb or intrude on Father’s work, but Rosemine gets to go whenever she wants...
“Off to Father’s place again? …That’s not fair.”
“Brother Wilfried, since you say it’s unfair, how about we switch lives for one day?”
I expected her to yell back at me again, but Rosemine tilted her head gently and calmly made the suggestion. I was puzzled and tilted my head as well.
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“I have a report to make to Foster Father today. After that, I planned to have lunch here and then return to the temple, but you will go to the temple as the head priest in my place. The period will be from lunch today until lunch tomorrow. We’ll hold meetings and reflections while eating lunch. I will study in your place.”
“That’s a great idea!”
Rosemine’s proposal meant that I could leave the castle for a day and spend time however I wanted without annoying teachers or attendants.
“Wilfried! Rosemine!”
Lamprecht shouted in an angry voice that scared me. I thought Rosemine would cry, but she just raised an eyebrow slightly and looked up at Lamprecht with her moon-like golden eyes.
“Brother Lamprecht… no, Lamprecht, sometimes people don’t understand just by talking. It’s better to let them experience it once. I’m going to report to Foster Father. If Brother Wilfried changes clothes and comes, the boring report will be just about done.”
With her mature words silencing Lamprecht, Rosemine produced something strange, got on it, and started moving.
“What is that!?”
“It’s my mount. I almost collapse inside the manor, so I got permission from Foster Father.”
“I don’t even have a mount yet, but Rosemine already has one! That’s unfair!”
“Hurry and change your clothes. I’ll be waiting in Foster Father’s office.”
Saying that, Rosemine moved the mount at the pace of an adult walking and left. I wanted one of those little-footed vehicles too.
“…That’s a mount? No, no… what? Isn’t it just a slightly bigger Greun?”
“Hurry up, Lamprecht!”
Hurrying the blinking Lamprecht, I returned to my room, had my body wiped lightly, and finished changing. Then, I hurried to Father’s office.
A knight standing at the door opened it when he saw me. My heart beat a little as I stepped into Father’s office for the first time.
Inside were Father, his guard Karlstedt, Ferdinand who assists Father, and Rosemine clutching a document.
“Wilfried, are you serious about switching lives with Rosemine? Don’t do it.”
Father opposed immediately, as if he had already discussed it.
I pouted at Father’s blunt refusal, and at the same time, Rosemine stepped forward and argued back.
“Brother Wilfried wishes for it. Please grant his wish.”
“…Rosemine.”
I never thought my cheeky sister would side with me. Feeling touched, Rosemine looked up at Ferdinand.
“Ferdinand promised to keep me in good spirits. And it was Foster Father who ordered him to do so, right?”
“If taking care of Wilfried for a day lets him handle unreasonable demands, I have no objection.”
Ferdinand, who doesn’t usually talk to me much, nodded approvingly and sided with me. Father’s face became bitter.