Thank you… for my younger brother.
The shoulder he offered became a quiet place to rest, warm enough to ease the weight in my body until sleep took me. Inside the narrow, silent carriage, that small comfort felt clearer than anything else, born from a care he never voiced, yet always showed through what he did.
The way he stayed awake for my sake… it warmed my chest in a way I could not quite explain.
He had never changed.
Always the same.
So full of care… for me, his elder sister.
The unease that had been building with every breath since I left home slowly faded. That brief sleep brought a calm that cooled my thoughts, as if the burden had been lifted from my shoulders for a while.
There were no dreams.
No lingering shadows.
Only the same stillness as on previous nights, those nights when the grace of the ruler of the night granted my simple wish… a restful sleep.
And more than that…
My exhaustion was gone.
Like dust swept away by clear water, leaving nothing behind.
My body felt light, refreshed, as though I could run without end if I wished. There was no heaviness, no trace of drowsiness that usually lingered after a short rest.
I opened my eyes.
Ian was looking at me.
He was no longer beside me, but seated across. The dark brown seat with its thick cushioning supported him, softening the faint jolts of the long journey.
He sat in stillness.
One leg crossed neatly over the other. Both hands rested upon his lap, fingers interlaced in an orderly manner.
A faint smile nearly formed on my lips.
He truly resembled Father.
Not only in appearance… but in habit as well.
His voice came gently, carrying concern he did not try to conceal.
"You should have continued sleeping. It will still take several hours before we reach the city of Gluthera."
I shook my head lightly.
"It is fine. It is only a passing city before we head to our true destination."
He fell silent for a moment. There was a trace of resignation on his face, as though he already knew I would not change my mind.
I continued, hoping to ease the concern he held.
"I am well. We can rest longer once we reach the city."
As his sister… I felt grateful.
He was so attentive.
So mindful of me.
And the promise he made to Father and Mother to look after me… it must weigh on him, even if he never complained or showed it.
"You must accompany me to the market as well. There are many things I need to purchase."
He tilted his head slightly. The sudden change of topic seemed to catch him off guard, if only for a moment.
"You know… the next part of our journey will be longer. We will spend the night on the road. It is best we prepare everything when we arrive in Gluthera."
"Very well."
A small smile appeared once he agreed.
Ian…
He truly was becoming more like Father.
His long black hair fell past his shoulders. He still refused to tie it. Each strand moved softly whenever the carriage swayed, following the rhythm of the road that was never entirely still.
A quiet laugh escaped me.
A thought came to mind… a little mischievous, yet amusing enough to entertain.
His brows drew together when he saw me laughing without reason, yet his gaze remained gentle.
"When you laugh like that… you must be thinking of something strange again, are you not?"
He knew me too well.
And yet… strangely, I did not fully understand him.
We had grown together, shared the same years. Even so, he remained difficult to read. Once, he had been timid, reserved… but those traits had faded with time, gone like dust carried away by a strong wind.
Now he was composed.
Quiet.
And far deeper than I could see.
I waved my hand lightly in the air, brushing aside his accusation with ease.
"It is not proper to accuse your own sister. Look at me… do I seem as though I am thinking of something strange simply because I am smiling?"
He watched me for a moment.
Then, in a calm tone that carried a hint of teasing—
"Speak honestly, Sister. I will buy you extra treats at the market."
"… I am truly not thinking of anything strange."
"Truly."
A soft laugh slipped from me.
"Very well. But keep your word, or you will feel the strength of your elder sister's fist."
Ian reached up to rub the back of his neck. That threat, somehow, always made his skin prickle. Not entirely out of fear, but because he knew… there was truth behind it. He had witnessed it himself once, and that was more than enough.
"I always keep my word."
I gave a small nod, accepting his answer without doubt.
"Do you wish to know why I laughed?"
"Of course. If it is truly something worthy of being called a jest, I would like to hear it as well."
"Something worthy?"
"Is it not?"
If he knew what had crossed my mind… he might not call it that.
Still, there was no harm in letting him know.
"I was only imagining what it would be like if I braided your hair. Mother taught me a new style a week ago."
He lifted his shoulders lightly. His expression remained calm, yet it was clear enough to show refusal.
"That is not a good jest at all."
"Do not be like that. I am merely curious… how fine it would look if done upon your hair."
"Forget it."
He turned his face away, his gaze returning to the window. The light from outside fell softly upon his irises, casting a faint shadow that was difficult to ignore.
"Ian."
"What is it, Sister?"
A faint smile touched my lips. He did not turn, yet I knew he was listening.
He had always been like that.
"That lightning ninjutsu… have you mastered it?"
"Of course. It was not difficult."
"You do learn quickly. Yet I mastered it first, even when I was younger than you are now."
Ian let out a quiet breath. His gaze softened as he finally turned toward me.
"That is because my elder sister is remarkable. Not everyone can achieve such a thing at that age."
I held back the smile that nearly slipped free.
"I like hearing that. You are becoming quite skilled at winning my favor."
"With ease."
"Truly."
A light laugh escaped me, filling the narrow carriage that had, until now, held only the steady rhythm of wheels and hooves.
He was becoming more adept with words.
Our gazes soon drifted toward the outside.
The stretch of trees we passed spread far into the distance. Thick leaves swayed gently with the wind, as if greeting our journey with a quiet kind of calm.
The sight stirred something difficult to name… a fragment of memory that felt familiar, like the rear grounds of our residence, always shaded and filled with the soothing scent of earth.
It was not unpleasant… remembering home like this.
***
The city of Gluthera slowly revealed itself before us.
Not as vast as the city where Grandmother resided, yet far beyond the simple village we had left behind. Several times larger, filled with stone structures arranged with care, combined with wood shaped with precision.
Everything appeared more ordered, more refined, as though each corner was tended with awareness of both neatness and grace.
A pale ivory hue dominated, reflecting the sunlight softly and creating a composed elegance.
The city walls stood at three meters in height. Not towering, yet solid enough to offer a sense of security. The stones that formed them appeared dense and firm, as if holding the strength of the land from which they came.
Our carriage passed through a large wooden gate that looked heavy and unyielding. To most, it might seem difficult to breach.
Yet to me… and to Ian… it held little meaning.
A small smile formed as I called him.
"Ian."
He remained focused on the world beyond, watching the people of Gluthera move about their tasks.
"What is it, Sister?"
"It is not proper to answer without looking at your elder."
He turned at once. His face stayed composed, though there was a hint of awareness in his eyes.
"I ask your pardon."
"I desire more than a simple apology."
"What do you wish for? Speak it. I will grant it."
"Truly?"
"Of course. So long as it is not the same request as before regarding my hair. For that, I refuse from the start."
I pouted, feigning displeasure.
"You said you would grant anything."
"Very well… but do not ask me to keep such a hairstyle in public. Only within the inn chamber tonight."
He placed emphasis on the last part, setting a clear boundary he had no intention of yielding.
I held back a quiet laugh.
"Rest assured, I understand."
***
Dusk was nearing. The light dimmed little by little as we walked along the central path of the market, a wide courtyard where merchants gathered to display their wares. Stalls lined both sides, not perfectly arranged, yet orderly enough to pass through with ease.
Several soldiers in service to the city's ruler, Baron Glutherz, stood watch at certain points. Their positions were well chosen, close enough to respond swiftly should any disturbance arise.
There were no knights here.
Such a post would not suit them. Guarding a market was hardly a duty they would accept willingly, especially when the lord's residence required protection more fitting to their standing.
People moved without pause. Footsteps struck the stone ground in uneven rhythm, yet together they formed a lively cadence. The sound of wooden soles meeting the pavement created a constant murmur that filled the air.
Some were selling.
Some were buying.
And some simply wandered, observing without intent.
Such was the nature of an open market. Not everyone came with purpose. Many only wished to walk, to look, and to leave once their curiosity was satisfied.
The stalls stood firm along the courtyard. Though not arranged with precision, they were kept reasonably clean. The air carried a mild blend of scents, food, wood, and the presence of people, none strong enough to overwhelm.
Ian looked about.
This was not our first time in the city of Gluthera. Yet because most of our days were spent in the village, returning to a place like this always felt somewhat different.
I began to consider what I needed to purchase.
Some items did not belong on the main list. Carrying too much would only cause them to spoil along the journey. We had to choose with care.
Dried pastries and sweets were certainly a priority.
Still, part of them I would buy tomorrow morning at a confectioner in the city center, when the selection would be fresh and complete.
Ignoring the noise around us, I drew Ian toward a stall that caught my attention.
"It has been some time since we last had those skewered meats."
Without hesitation, he answered,
"Ah… you are right. Though it is not as fine as the meals at home, it offers a different kind of taste."
I glanced at him.
"You are too honest."
"… "
"Look at that middle-aged woman. If she were to hear you, she might scold you for harming her trade."
"That is merely an objective judgment."
"It is not wise to speak so in a place like this. What if those around us hear it?"
Ian cast his gaze about, taking in the surroundings before giving a small nod.
"Yes. I will be more mindful from now on."
"Good. Come, before they run out."
We arrived just as two women stepped away from the stall. The owner was the same middle-aged woman we had spoken of moments ago.
She looked at us briefly, then offered a welcoming smile to her new customers.
Her hand gestured toward the rows of skewered meat still roasting over iron rods. Thin smoke rose slowly, carrying a scent that was difficult to resist.
"Welcome, Young Lord and Young Lady. Which will you have?"
Such greetings were common in places like this.
Our attire drew too much notice.
It could even be said that it surpassed what most of the upper class in Gluthera would wear.
Father paid close attention to our appearance. And Mother never hesitated to support it, as our household's means were… more than sufficient.
Since we entered the market, people's gazes had followed us.
Especially me.
Not only because of how we looked, but because of the impression we gave. A young girl, not yet fully grown, walking with confidence through the market beside a young man, dressed in garments clearly beyond the standard of this city.
Young lord.
Young lady.
Children of a distinguished house.
That was surely what crossed their minds.
And from that, a certain caution took root, a desire not to invite misunderstanding.
I returned the woman's smile, then turned slightly to Ian.
"Which do you choose?"
He considered for a moment before pointing to one of the skewers still over the fire.
I placed the order at once, indicating the selections before us.
"Five of these. And four of the ones my brother has chosen."
"Very well. Kindly wait a moment, Young Lady. It will not take long."
"Yes."
The look in Ian's eyes shifted as he glanced at me. There was clear disbelief, not even concealed.
Our tastes had never been the same. He chose skewers paired with different fruits, while I favored apple. He, on the other hand, had little interest in that flavor.
Our preferences were plainly different.
Of course, my fondness for apple was not excessive. I simply desired it today.
"What is it, Ian?"
"It is this… you ordered five for yourself, and four for me."
"Why? Is it not enough? Then we shall add more."
He pressed his hand lightly to his forehead, looking at me with a faint smile.
"And who will finish my portion later?"
A soft laugh escaped me.
"Leave it to me."
"You planned this from the beginning, did you not?"
"Ian, do not make such accusations. It is merely coincidence."
I pouted after saying it, though inwardly I knew he was not entirely wrong.
And as always… he saw through it with ease.
"Very well. Still, is this not excessive? Mother has warned us not to indulge too much."
I wished to argue.
Yet the moment he mentioned Mother, my words faltered.
"Just this once, Ian. What say you? You gave your word… that you would heed me and grant me extra treats."
He fell silent for a moment, considering, before letting out a quiet breath.
"Very well. Only this once."
My smile widened at once.
"You truly are the best."
Ian let out a soft laugh at that, and once the payment was made, we left the stall with the skewered meat in hand.