SHC21_C21 If That Too Is Called Revenge

CHAPTER 21. If That Too Is Called Revenge

Ugh… my head hurts.

The comforting darkness in my mind was gently shaken away by a pleasant vibration, nudging me toward consciousness. But the moment I accepted it—pain, sharp and vicious, clamped down on my skull.

I gasped softly and opened my eyes.

Right in front of me was fluffy blonde hair, big teary blue eyes, and soft brown skin.

“Nii-ni?”

“…Regulus?”

Nii-ni? What was that supposed to mean?

A beautiful little boy sat on my stomach, tears falling onto me in steady drops. I blinked in surprise and gently stroked his downy hair.

His tiny hands were softly patting my chest—so that was the comforting vibration I’d felt.

My back rested against something soft, and above me hung a familiar chandelier.

So… I fainted in front of the princess and was brought back to my room?

Maybe?

Still groggy, I kept petting Regulus’s head until a cautious knock came at the door. It seemed they thought I was asleep, because before I could respond, the door handle turned.

“Excuse me… Regulus-sama? Regulus-sama—? Where did you go…? Reeguluss-sama?”

That voice—Utsunomiya-san.

The chick on top of me stirred and lifted his little body. His hair popped out from under the blanket, and I heard footsteps approach.

“Ahhh… No good, Regulus-sama. Oniisama’s resting. You can’t sit on his tummy, okay? That’s a no-no.”

“No… no-no?”

“Yes, a big no-no.”

“No-nooo?”

Uh. I mean… yeah, honestly, I’d appreciate it if he’d get off.

“Can you get down for me, please?”

“Nii-ni, you’re awake?”

“Yup, I’m awake.”

He nodded, slid off my stomach like a tiny chick, and plopped onto the edge of the bed. I slowly sat up as Utsunomiya-san came rushing over.

“Young Master! You’re awake!?”

“Yeah… but my head still hurts, so maybe tone it down a bit.”

“O-oh, I’m so sorry!”

She bowed deeply, and Regulus mimicked her, bowing his fluffy head. I reached out to ruffle his hair and he giggled happily—too cute for words.

But Utsunomiya-san, in contrast, looked unusually serious. Almost like she was about to cry.

I was just about to ask what was wrong when she spoke first.

“Um… Young Master, is it true you collapsed from staying up late making picture books for Regulus-sama?”

“Huh?”

“Lately, your room’s lights have been on late at night, and every morning, there’s a new book for Regulus-sama…”

“Ah…”

Yeah, sewing is fun, okay?

When I’m in the groove, I lose track of time. But I’m five—I can’t physically pull all-nighters. The moment I get sleepy, I’m out cold.

A single tear welled up and slipped down her rosy cheek.

Now that I thought about it—Utsunomiya-san was definitely a beautiful girl. And a crying beauty? That’s a full-blown emotional WMD.

“Wait, what!? What’s wrong!? Did I do something!?”

“You pushed yourself too hard for Regulus-samaaaa!”

“No! I didn’t! I really didn’t!!”

AHHHHHH—PANIC!

Cue: beautiful girl sobbing, me in chaos. Regulus looked at me, completely baffled.

Don’t look at me! I didn’t do anything wrong!

I handed Regulus an embroidered handkerchief from the bedside, nudging him toward Utsunomiya-san. As if understanding his mission, he offered her the handkerchief with a solemn look.

“No-no! Nii-ni’s in trouble.”

“Ughh… sniff… I-I’m sorry…”

“Regulus, you can talk clearly sometimes, and other times… not so much?”

“Yes, sometimes he talks almost like an adult… Wait, no! That’s not the point!”

Tch, and I thought I could change the subject…

She wiped her tears with the handkerchief and looked uncertain as she spoke again.

“Young Master, why do you go so far for Regulus-sama?”

“Huh? The cloth picture books are just part of my hobby. It’s not like I’m doing it just for him…”

“That’s not all. You arranged for him to get proper education here, and made sure the lady of the house wouldn’t treat him too coldly…”

“Isn’t it normal for an older sibling to look after their younger brother?”

“…But you didn’t even know about him until just recently.”

Hmm, true…

In my past life, I knew a fair bit about sibling dynamics. But in this life, I had almost no personal relationships—not even with my parents. They were practically strangers. So having a new “brother” dropped on me out of nowhere was… strange. I didn’t really know how I should feel.

“I just think… it’s common sense not to bully someone smaller than you. And… to protect them.”

“But… he’s your father’s child from another woman…”

“That’s his business, not Regulus’s fault. Besides, I’ve always been the one pushed aside. It’s not like that changed because Regulus showed up.”

Honestly, maybe Utsunomiya-san had been wound up too tightly. Anticipating cruelty, expecting rejection… only to be met with neither. That kind of uncertainty is exhausting.

I should’ve taken the time to talk to her properly earlier.

I gestured for her to sit on the bed. She hesitated, but eventually joined me. Regulus promptly climbed into my lap—of course.

“Utsunomiya-san, I think the truth is like a polyhedron. Change the angle, and you see a different face. From Kikunoi’s side, Regulus is proof of my father’s betrayal. But from Regulus’s mother’s family, I’m probably the symbol of Kikunoi’s cruelty.”

“That’s… true.”

She nodded quietly.

Yeah. A child born from betrayal would obviously be expected to be rejected. It’s textbook drama. My past-life mom loved that kind of daytime soap nonsense.

But I had no such emotional mirroring. I didn’t hate Regulus just because I was supposed to.

In fact, as his caretaker, Utsunomiya-san needed to know something important.

“Utsunomiya-san, to be honest… I don’t think I’m going to live very long.”

In the vision from that fall down the stairs, Regulus had still looked young—barely into his teens. And he was only two years younger than me.

So if he was still young… then so was I.

Her face went pale.

“W-what are you saying!?”

“I told you before, didn’t I? You never know what’ll happen. It’s always good to have a backup.”

I tilted my head at her flustered reaction. That was… a little too extreme.

“About six months ago, I nearly died from an epidemic. Since then, I’ve had this feeling—like I won’t live long. So I figured I should raise Regulus to be ready in my place.”

It was a lie, of course. I already knew he’d kill me. I just wanted to make sure he’d grow into a worthy head of the house before that happened.

“If I die, my parents won’t care. They didn’t even expect me to survive in the first place.”

“That’s not true!”

“It is. When I was on death’s door, the only ones by my side were Rottenmeier-san and the house staff.”

“…………”

“But Regulus is different. His mother is gone, but my father traveled all the way here to secure him the best tutor. And he’s even bowing to my mother to protect Regulus. If I die and Regulus becomes head of the house, more people will be happy. The greatest good for the greatest number. Isn’t that the goal of good governance?”

“But what if you live!?”

“Then I’ll pass the title to Regulus and spend my days singing and sewing.”

Though I know… that day will never come.

In the back of my mind, I can hear Regulus shouting as he brings down that sword.

To prepare for that day, there’s so much I need to do.

I sighed, suddenly exhausted.

“Utsunomiya-san, I have a favor. Even if this estate is no longer hostile, it’s not exactly safe either. Regulus needs more allies. Right now, you’re the only one who can make people see how smart and kind he is. Make sure that when I die, no one even thinks of suspecting him.”

“Young Master! What are you saying!?”

“If they suspect him of killing me, it’ll play right into Sebastian’s and Mother’s hands. I’m not siding with either of them, but I refuse to help people who’d push toddlers down stairs!”

Utsunomiya-san placed a gentle hand on mine.

When I grasped hers, she met my gaze firmly.

“Sebastian tried to use me to drive Regulus away. He dangled the idea that maybe Mother would care if I helped. He implied that I needed to inflict pain on someone weaker in order to gain love. However, I refuse to descend to such a low level.

Yes.

Deep down, I’d been angry too.

At Sebastian. At Father. At Mother.

Perhaps my act of raising Regulus to become a respectable adult was a form of revenge.

He looked up at me, confused.

My brother.

If I had to say—yes, I think he’s adorable. Otherwise, why would I have thrown myself down the stairs with him?

It’s just… I’m five. And my contradictions don’t always line up.

I’d talked too much. Again.

As I brushed Regulus’s hair, Utsunomiya-san suddenly stood, gathered her skirt, and curtsied.

“Understood. I, Alice Utsunomiya, will dedicate myself fully to protecting you and Regulus-sama!”

“Huh? No, it’s fine if you just take care of Regulus…”

“No! Fulfilling your wish is for Regulus-sama’s sake. I’ll serve as your hands and feet, Young Master!”

Whoa, she’s fired up. Also—Alice? That’s her first name? It’s the first I’ve heard of it.

I nodded, a little overwhelmed, and her expression grew serious.

“Young Master, please stay close to Regulus-sama. If you’re close, I swear—I’ll protect you both!”

“Uhh… Aren’t you being a bit intense?”

“Eh!? No, not at all! Though… Young Master, you’re surprisingly fierce! ‘That bastard’? Really!?”

She laughed brightly, then sang,

“I’ll go tell the others you’re awake!”
and disappeared into the hallway.

…

Something about that felt… suspicious.Eunie: Not gonna lie. I was irked in how Utsunomiya treated Ageha. Like yeah, she's new and there are bad rumors but miss ma'am you are at most a nanny. and Ageha is a noble and the legitimate heir of the Kikunoi family like why is she acting like that towards him, a kid at that.

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