Older Brother and Lovebirds Fondly Talking About Each Other Epilogue
“Hey, was it truly okay?”
“Nn?”
While walking with Freed through town, I spoke to him.
I was looking forward to today’s date for the past few days, but yesterday’s Brother’s attitude has been bothering me the whole time.
“Older Brother said he had no idea about today’s date and seemed angry. I’ve been thinking that it might not have been a particularly good idea to go out today.”
“Aah, it’s alright.”
Freed laughed away my worry. Then, with a face like he was revealing a secret, he said, “Actually”.
“This is a secret from Alex, but he’s got three days off from tomorrow.”
“Eh?”
I stared at Freed in wonder as he told me so.
“Recently, Alex seems to be considerably overworking himself. I thought of giving him a sizeable break. I intend to take over all of his work for three days from tomorrow, so I went out hoping he will forgive me for today.”
“So that’s how it is…”
Certainly, Brother was making a considerably tired face. It might be good for him to rest his body in the mansion.
“Alex looks unreliable, but in truth he is a very serious man. He takes on alone even what he doesn’t have to. If I don’t draw a line somewhere, the Crown Prince’s work will never end. That’s why I finish quickly, and there was a part of me that thought with that Alex would also start going home earlier, but…”
“… Older Brother leaned in the direction of working overtime, huh… In a sense, it might be like Older Brother.”
“But it’s the truth that Alex is quite tired. I’d be troubled if Alex collapsed. That’s why I consulted with Glenn and decided to force a few days of break on him.”
“But I wonder if Older Brother will obediently agree…”
Even if he says he wants to skip work, we’re talking about Brother. It might be just him saying it casually.
Upon hearing my words, Freed shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, that’s one of the reasons I didn’t tell him today. Right now, he’s bound to be angry. But if I tell him I’ll take on his work for three days to make up for today, won’t it be easier for that guy to accept?”
“Well, it might be for Older Brother.”
“And that’s why Lidi, if Alex complains, will you cooperate?”
I nodded to Freed’s words.
It’s true Brother is tired. There’s no phrase like in this world, but I cannot laugh at Brother’s way of working.
“I wish he could rest for a week.”
“I very much wish I could do that. But as expected, I would be troubled.”
Three days seems to be the limit.
He can relax in the mansion and go to town, it might help him destress if he can spend his time freely.
It’s much better than no holidays.
“Then Freed, you’ll be busy for three days starting tomorrow? Will you work overtime?”
“Unfortunately. That’s right, if you like Lidi, could you come to the office instead of Alex?”
“Eh, me? As expected, it’s impossible.”
I blinked my eyes at the unexpected words.
Certainly, I received the queen education, but I don’t have the ability to work as a close aide like Brother.
I know from the start that I’ll be useless even if I’m there.
That’s why I shook my head, but Freed corrected me with a smile.
“Lidi, it’s not that I want your help with work. You can just sit on the sofa in the office and read a book. And when the time comes, I’d be happy to have tea with you.”
“Is there a meaning in it?”
“Of course.”
When I tilted my head at being told I can relax in the office, Freed smiled.
“Didn’t you hear from Alex? When you’re on my side Lidi, I’m more efficient at work.”
Wouldn’t one normally be less efficient?
With such a doubtful look I fixed my eyes at Freed.
“I think I unconsciously try to show off to you, Lidi. I’m not just saying that. It’s certified by Alex, so it’s not a lie. So, will you come?”
“Yup. If that’s how it is.”
Asked again, I nodded.
If I’m not getting in a way, I also want to be on his side.
“Then Freed, I’ll be spending three days from tomorrow in the office with you.”
“I’m happy. Thank you.”
Freed gently hugged me and peered at my face. With happily narrowed eyes, Freed dropped a kiss on my forehead.
“I’m glad. With this I’ll be able to manage even without Alex.”
“Freed, you’re exaggerating. But I wonder what face Older Brother will make when he’s suddenly told he has time off.”
“Actually, not only Glenn but Will is also an accomplice. It’s common knowledge that Alex is working too hard.”
“But Freed… I think you work too much too.”
Even after returning to the room I often catch sight of him checking documents, he’s always working.
He works enough that occasional dates are easily allowed.
I pointed that out, but Freed only smiled.
“I’m the Crown Prince. My position is different from Alex’s. Besides, compared to the past, I have a lot of time off.”
“Is that so?”
“Yup. Because Lidi, I don’t want to shorten my time with you. In the past I was always working endlessly. I’m happy my life has become more balanced as a result.”
“Working endlessly…”
That’s also unhealthy.
As I scrunched my eyebrows, Freed put his hand on them.
“Now, don’t frown at me. It spoils your cute face. I said it, right? Lidi, until I met you, I couldn’t even sleep properly. Work was basically a distraction for me.”
I looked up at Freed in surprise.
He, who’s gently smiling, is now the very image of health itself no matter how I look.
“Please don’t overdo it.”
“Lidi?”
I muttered so. I don’t want to see Freed having it tough.
“Freed, I don’t want you to collapse from exhaustion. I won’t tell you to skip work, but don’t force yourself. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’ll do it.”
“Lidi.”
I wrapped both arms around Freed’s back.
He returned a hug immediately. My back was gently patted.
“It’s alright. Lidi, as long as you’re on my side, I’ll be fine. That’s why, please stay at my side. And if you think I’m working too hard, stop me at that time, Lidi.”
“Yup. Got it.”
When I nodded to show he could leave it to me, Freed smiled happily.
Then he separated from me and again presented his hand.
“Then, shall we focus on a date now? In any case, it’s decided I’ll be working incessantly for three days starting tomorrow. I have to restore my energy today.”
“Yup!”
When Freed said so jokingly, I took his hand. As we began walking, Freed turned his head to me and asked.
“Now then, where do you want to go today? Anywhere is fine. I’m the happiest if I can make you happy, Lidi.”
While feeling tickled by his usual pampering words I spoke.
“Then, let’s visit the recommended stores of the south town in order? Freed, you said it before, right? That you want to know what’s actually popular in town. I think if we just go around the town, you’ll grasp the fads.”
“Is that fine?”
Freed looked at me with a surprised face.
“It’s a precious date. Lidi, you can choose your favorite places.”
“It’s alright, all the stores we’ll be going to are popular. They’re also all stores that I like very much. That’s why I’m truly not forcing myself, besides――.”
After a short pause, I looked back in Freed’s eyes.
“There’s nothing happier than being together with you, Freed. Anywhere is fun.”
“Lidi…”
“I love you, Freed.”
While saying that, I entwined my arms around his neck and clung to him.
Freed caught me and saying “I give up” wryly smiled.
“Lidi, you wanting to please me like that makes me fall in love with you even more. My cute Lidi. Do you truly understand how much I love you, Lidi?”
“I don’t lose in that.”
I giggled. Freed met my eyes, and in a bewitched voice he said.
“Lidi, I think I’m absolutely more fond of you. I love you, Lidi.”
“Me too. ―― Then, it’s a precious occasion, so let’s go? I want to buy a present for Older Brother.”
I wonder if Brother would be pleased if I bought him lots of dried small fish.
No, he’d definitely snap.
, while I was laughing in my imagination, Freed said.
“Then it’s better to also get something for the collaborators, Glenn and Will.”
“You’re right… Small fish sound good though.”
When I nodded with a self-satisfied face, Freed asked puzzledly.
“Eh? Lidi? Now, did you…”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I glossed over it with a full-power smile. Freed must’ve noticed I was scheming something. He blinked his eyes a little, then he loudly laughed.
“… Really, I’m no match for you, Lidi. Then, let’s go.”
“Yup.”
While nodding to Freed’s words, I again joined hands with him.
And then we began to slowly walk together along the town’s main street.