The Bartholomew Baronet House, the talk of the
In the family estate lives
He was the baby of the family, doted on as he grew up.
But lately, Colin has fallen in love.
«Big sis Noel!»
The object of his affection is Noel, who’s doing rehab at the baronial house.
She’s recovered enough now to live on her own.
As long as she avoids over‑exertion, she’s fine.
«Look who’s come, you mischievous brat.»
When Colin throws his arms around her, Noel smiles and holds him tight.
She’s a world apart from his real sisters.
When he clings to her, a sweet scent wafts out.
Colin loves that smell.
«What’s up today?»
Noel asks, and Colin, as if remembering, jumps to the point.
«My sisters are being terrible.»
The academy just held its graduation ceremony, and now it’s spring break.
Finley, who’ll enroll next year, is busy with preparations, and Jena has returned.
Noel looks away and says, «Ah, I see.»
«Jena’s sister‑in‑law has a lot going on, you know.»
«Lots» refers to her failed marriage‑hunt.
She couldn’t get married while still a student.
Colin vents his frustration.
«The boys have no taste, they’re always complaining about me. It’s just a spiteful outburst. If Leon‑brother were here, he’d fire back for me.»
Colin looks annoyed that he can’t win a verbal spar.
«And Finley‑senpai is awful too. She bullies me.»
Noel places a hand on her forehead.
«Yeah, well—siblings can definitely bully each other.»
It’s not that severe, but younger Colin still feels the sting.
He gets his snacks snatched, plus a bunch of other tiny torments.
If anyone tried a more insidious bullying, Nixx would never stay quiet, so both sides keep it in check.
«When Leon‑brother comes back, the sisters will shut up, too.»
From Jena and Finley’s perspective, they can complain about Leon, but they can’t truly defy him.
After all, Leon is a marquis.
He’s a hero of the Holfart Kingdom, and his personality is exactly that.
«Leon dotes on Colin, and so does his brother‑in‑law.»
Both Nixx and Leon adore Colin.
A pure little brother is cuter than any unlovable sister.
«Jena‑senpai is irritated, Mom’s angry, Dad tells me to stay in my room—so you’re the only one who keeps me company.»
For Colin, Noel is more of a sister than his actual sisters.
«I’m your sister‑in‑law, Colin. Feel free to lean on me as much as you want.»
«Really! You’re *my* sister?»
«Yes, that’s right.»
«Hehe, I’m so happy.»
Colin didn’t know that Noel and Leon were planning a political marriage.
He just thought of her as the kind older sister who showed up at the house.
Even his parents never bring up the tangled details, and his sisters avoid the topic.
To Jena and Finley, having a woman surrounded by multiple men is intolerable.
But they themselves think it’s fine to date several guys.
The kingdom is in a transitional era, so many girls still cling to old values.
Noel pats Colin’s head.
«Leon’ll be back soon; you can talk to him then. He’ll answer you better than I could.»
«Huh, Leon‑brother’s coming back? Will he bring any souvenirs?»
«I think so.»
Colin, basking in Noel’s grin, feels his cheeks warm.
◇ Spring break.
Leon returns to the family home.
He’s just back from studying abroad, but his stay is only a few days because he’s busy.
He’s chatting with Nixx at the entrance.
«Back to the capital tomorrow?»
«Yeah, I’ve got a lot on my plate.»
«Where’s
«He’s on a flying ship, busy with maintenance and supplies. I’ve got a hectic schedule starting tomorrow, too.»
«What’s so hectic? It’s Luxion who works, right?»
«I’m busy too. I’ve got to report to that
«Stop it. Don’t call His Majesty a bastard. Seriously, stop it.»
The eldest brother is being tossed around by his way‑too‑free younger sibling.
Nixx clutches his stomach.
Colin throws himself at Leon.
«Bro!»
«Whoa, Colin. You’ve grown a lot, huh?»
Leon ruffles Colin’s head roughly, and Colin lets out a giggle.
Their parents are also at the doorway, while Jena and Finley stay in their rooms, apparently not wanting to see Leon.
(Seriously, Leon‑brother is amazing.)
Those two reckless troublemakers instantly calm down just because Leon showed up.
To Colin, that’s something truly impressive.
«Bro, how was foreign land?»
«Just trying to learn the language was exhausting. I’ve got souvenirs, so we’ll all eat together later.»
«Yay!»
Colin lights up at the thought of snacks, when Noel walks in.
She’s dressed a bit fancier than usual.
«Leon, you’ve been well?»
Colin instantly senses Noel’s nervousness.
Leon feels the same.
«Ah, yeah, I’ve been fine. And you’ve become so lively! You look so pretty, I’m shocked.»
He jokes while complimenting her.
It’s rare for Leon, so Nixx and the parents raise eyebrows.
Leon covers his mouth, «Ah, sorry. Over there they say things that would make your teeth fall out, you know?» He blushes.
Noel’s cheeks turn pink, too.
«Y‑yeah, that’s right.»
As the awkward duo stumbles, Barcas clears his throat and tries to herd everyone back to their rooms.
Nixx claims to remember something and leaves the scene.
«Colin, you go back to your room, too.»
Barcas orders, and Colin shakes his head.
«Why?»
«Why what—look, Noel‑chan is *supposed* to be Leon’s wife, right? It’d be better if you two stay together.»
«Supposed» because they haven’t officially announced an engagement or marriage yet.
But Colin doesn’t care about any of that.
«—Huh?»
Hearing for the first time that Noel is going to become Leon’s bride makes Colin’s chest tighten.
He realizes he’s in love.
Jena and Finley gossip about romance all the time, but this is his first real feeling.
He clutches his chest.
His heart is pounding weirdly fast.
«There are a lot of circumstances, but I have to make sure you two get along. So, you stay in your room, okay?»
Looking at Leon and Noel, both are blushing.
Colin suddenly understands that his first love has ended.
Tears spill, and then— «Leon‑brother, you idiot!!!»
He shouts and dashes to his room.
But Leon, startled by his brother’s sudden crying, reacts.
«What? Wh‑what’s wrong, Colin!?»
Leon chases after him, but Colin slips into his room and hides.
Leon bangs on the door, calling out.
«What’s up, Colin! Did I do something wrong? Come on, let’s talk properly!»
It sounds like Finley is on the other side of the door, too.
«—Why are you so desperate? I’m backing off.»
«Shut up, you noisy little sis! My cute brother Colin is crying!»
«What? I’m your sister too, you know! Treat me better!»
«My dictionary says ‘sister’ and ‘cute’ can’t coexist. Sorry, you’re just a sister, not important.»
«What the— you idiot brother!»
Ignoring the bickering beyond the door, Colin wraps himself in a blanket and keeps crying.
—The person he fell for was one of his brother’s wives.