Chapter 4: A Prince Determined To Protect His Older Sister

After that night, I felt sorry for my sister, Sophie Stronghold. I don't know why my older sister is so mad at me. I'm just worried about it. Why doesn't she pay attention to her health? But I might as well be wrong for failing to convey my good intentions. I should have been more subtle.

I don't know why, but I also feel like the distance between my older sister and me is widening. I feel like my sister is moving away from me. That time, when she woke up from her sleep, it was like she was looking at me as someone else, not as her little brother. I hope it's just my feeling. I hope the relationship between me and my sister can go back to how it used to be when we were little. For some reason, I wish I could go back to that time even if it's just a delusion.

This morning, I woke up early. After cleaning myself, I put on a noble outfit complete with a robe that shows the symbol of the Empire's greatness. I came early in the morning to the castle where my elder sister lives. I walked down the hall of the castle. You can see the servants are busy working. Several soldiers have also been busy maintaining security. They seem so diligent. As I walk down the hall, the maids and guards who pass me stop for a moment and pay their respects. I smile while replying to their flattery.

I continue my journey. I found a beautiful garden, with a fountain, and roses blooming. The green grass looks still wet from the morning dew. For a moment I remember the past. 

The childhood of Prince Mikael and Princess Sophie...
A childhood where my sister and I still spent a lot of time together. We were running around, playing tag in this park. I fell and hurt my leg. My sister immediately ran to me to help me.

"Mikael, are you okay?"

"Sister, my leg hurts." I cry in pain.

"Poor Mikael, let me check your feet." My sister touched my slightly swollen leg.

"Sister, it hurts."

"Ow, Mikael, don't cry. Sister will blow your leg so it doesn't hurt anymore." My sister blew my swollen leg.

"Does your leg still hurt, Mikael?"

"Hmm, it's been a bit better, Sis. But..."

"But what, Mikael?"

"But my feet got wet because of my sister's saliva."

"Wahaha.."

"Why are you laughing?"

"After all, Mikael is cute. You're more worried about your wet feet than your swollen ones?"

"Wasn't Big Sister the one who got it wet?"

"Wahaha.."

"Stop laughing, Sis. My feet hurt again you know?!"

"Sorry, Mikael. As my apology, I will carry Mikael to the doctor."

"Sister? Thank you, Sis."

"You're welcome, Mikael. Isn't it only natural that big sister and little brother help each other? Moreover, Mikael is my little brother who is the cutest in the world." Little Sophie says with a sweet smile. Her smile makes my heart calm. That day, my older sister carried me to the medical unit room. On the way, I said, "Sis?!"

"Uh, what's wrong, Mikael?"

"Big Sister, when I grow up, I will protect Big Sister."

"Eh, why the sudden?"

"Big Sister has always been with me and helped me. Because of that, I have made up my mind. When I grow up, I will look after Big Sister. After all, I'm a boy, and I will definitely grow strong."

"Of course, Mikael will grow strong. In a few years, Mikael will be a strong man. While I'm your older sister, you may not be as strong as you because a girl will grow more feminine. But right now, Mikael is just a child. Don't force it. After all, it's only natural for an older sister to protect her little brother. Therefore, until that day comes, I will patiently wait for you."

"Hmm, wait for me, Sis. I will definitely protect you no matter what."

"Hmm, you are indeed my cute little brother. Wahaha.."

"Stop laughing, Sis. I'm serious, you know."

"Yeah-yes, my little brother is really great."

Back to the present...
 I will never forget my sister's smile at that time. Come to think of it, now I have grown taller than my sister. Is it possible for me to be carried by my sister at this time? Forget it, just thinking about it is so embarrassing. But if time could be turned back, I want to go back to that time. A childhood where we grew up happily together without worrying about anything.

I also resume my journey. I walk up the stairs to the top floor, there was one of the rooms with a closed door equipped with beautiful ornaments. This is where my older sister lives. There, a woman in her 20s was standing by the door. She is Anna my sister's personal maid. I greet Anna and ask about the condition of my sister.

"Good morning, Anna."

"Good morning, Prince."

"How is my sister?"

"As usual, sir. Currently, the princess is in a deep sleep. All night she continue her research again until morning before finally going back to sleep." Anna replies.

Why is Big Sister always like this? Why does she force herself to do manual labour? As a princess she should be spending her time with the daughters of nobles, drinking tea while listening to beautiful music. Even the Scholars of History have given up on translating ancient books. Why are you still insisting on researching it? You have suffered a lot.” I muttered to myself thinking about my sister's suffering. My sister has been exiled by the Empire for a long time. Since my sister's body weakened. She just lived in this castle the whole time. She wasn't even allowed out of here except with Mother's approval.

"Prince, perhaps you don't know, if I may comment. I think the princess is trying to show her value. She has been in exile for a long time. I think the princess is trying to show her value to Her Majesty the Queen."

"Yeah, I know that. My sister has suffered too much all these years. As the only princess of the Empire, she shouldn't have to suffer this. Moreover, my sister is also innocent, why should she endure this seclusion. My sister is really pitiful."

"Sorry, Prince. Regarding the exile of the Princess, I have no right to comment on Your Majesty's decision. But if I may suggest, maybe the Prince can persuade Your Majesty the Queen to release the exile of the Princess."

"I've tried to convince Mother, but she won't let go of Brother's seclusion. This is too sad. My sister has always judged herself as useless. But instead, I'm actually a good-for-nothing younger brother. Becoming the successor of the king? Don't be ridiculous! Even I can't let go of my elder sister's seclusion. This is truly sad."

"In my opinion, the Prince has done his best as her little brother. I'm sure the Princess will not blame the Prince either."

"Thank you, Anna. You have looked after my sister all this time. I really thank you."

"This praise is undeserved of me, Prince. I am only carrying out my duties as her personal attendant."

"Anna, could you open the door for a moment. I would like to see how my sister is doing."

"Please, Prince." Anna opens the door. I peek through the crack in the open door. There was the figure of a white, silver-haired girl sleeping soundly. The figure fell asleep in the morning sun, showing a beautiful girl like an angel descending from heaven to earth. For a moment, I am amazed. I smile seeing my sister sleeping soundly. Then I close the door to my sister's room.

"Thank you, Anna. My sister seems to have fallen asleep. Please take good care of my sister, Anna."

"As you wish, Prince." Anna bows her head to me. I return the greeting. After that, I immediately left this castle. On that day, I promised to protect my sister no matter what. Wait for me, sis. I will definitely save you. I will take you out into the world where we can see the morning sun and smile carefree.