As I was bathing in the tub, I began wondering why Sel was being so nice to me today. He brought me flowers, which made me happy, he took me out to have tea, and he even showed me how to use magic and offered to punish Maya for me. Is this the same serious big brother I've always had? Did he find out my secret? No, that can't be. But I accidentally popped that squirrels head today and I tried to play it off as cutely as I could.
I'm not very experienced with using magic yet and he overloaded my body with it that I couldn't control it. Even so, he was very understanding and he seemed to be worried about me. It felt a bit nice. Seeing how he's a genius magician, maybe he can help me get stronger.
Lillia, his personal maid walked in and placed the clothes by the sink. He silently stayed inside and faced the other way while I finishing cleaning myself. I always envied Sel for having such a good personal maid. Mine is always bothering me and acting self-important. That was why I was happy when Sel hit her with magic. I'd been wanting to do that for a long time. He even offered to do it again if she bothered me.
I think I'm starting to like my brother. He never really talked to me before today and I knew he was forced to study a lot before but now, maybe he has some free time.
I finished cleaning my hair and then got out of the tub and began drying myself. I looked at the clothes she had picked out for me and I liked them much better than what maya usually had me wear. It was a plain outing dress that was easy to move in and comfortable. I like these types of outfits much more than the corsets and tight dresses Maya has me wear every day.
I got out of the bathroom and my brother was reading some documents on his desk. I decided to act a little and went up to him and hugged him from behind. It's a good time to score some good sister points.
Even if he has no idea about the demonic competition, it would only benefit to have him on my side. Even if normal humans can't actually enter the competition, he can train me and teach me things. And maybe even be my body guard until I get strong enough to protect myself.
"Your hair is still wet." He turned around and patted my head slightly and warm air began to surround me.
It revolved around my head and eventually my hair was dry and soft. It made me realize how much control he actually has over magic. Even if I can somewhat use it, it would take some time to learn how to control it so precisely.
"i want to give you something."
He began searching the drawers and pulled out two shiny gold and pink earrings. They were very pretty. I liked them a lot.
"Mom gave them to me a long time ago and told me to give them to a girl I was interested in. But I want you to have them to celebrate your first time using magic."
He reached for my ears and put on the earrings. His touch was soft and gentle. I had never felt like this before. It was a comfortable feeling. I felt a bit hazy and lightheaded, but it felt nice. Is this what affection feels like? Mom and dad have never done something like this, so it was new to me. I didn't know how to react in front of him so I stuttered my gratitude.
"T-Thanks."
"If you see pretty things and eat yummy food, you'll feel better no matter what has happened."
Is he trying to cheer me up after the squirrel incident? That has to be it, otherwise he wouldn't be so nice to me.
"So let's go eat some yummy food now." His sincere smile made my body feel nice and warm. I've never been treated so well by anyone before. This was the first time. I couldn't control my emotions and it felt really good to be cared for.
He grabbed my hand and we made our way to the kitchen.
Sadly the nice feeling went away soon after we left his room.
"What you doing here, dad?"
"I heard you attacked a maid within the palace."
"Yeah, she was being disrespectful."
My father and brother were looking at each other with ill intent. I could feel the sparks flying in the air. Do they not get along? I thought since they spend so much time together, they would naturally be on good terms.
I noticed his gaze was pointed at our hands, and I felt like I had done something wrong. Was I not supposed to hold my brother's hand? I was about to let go, but Sel pulled me.
"Let's go to the kitchen."
"I'm not done talking to you." Said my father.
"Yeah, well, I'm done talking to you."
I could see the anger in his eyes as we quickly left to the kitchen. I felt intimidated. How is my brother able to face him without any fear. Even I know that my father is very strong. His war merits were talked about a lot in the palace.
"Is this okay?" I asked Sel.
"Yeah, don't worry too much. He's always like that. But he's just a pushover."
I got the feeling that when they were together, it made everyone else uncomfortable. i decided to heed his words because I was happy to be getting some affection from Sel. He'd never been like this before and I actually liked it quite a bit. I hope this isn't a one-time thing. I want to feel that comfortable feeling again.
After getting some snacks from the chef, we sat down in the kitchen and enjoyed ourselves. We talked for a bit about my daily routine and what I was doing in my free time. For some reason I felt compelled to tell him about everything and he also told me about his busy schedule. From sword practice and magic assimilation, to reading documents and ordering the troops. He had a very busy life while I just stayed home and played around. I felt bad for him. I wouldn't want to do everything he's doing.
Eventually it got late and we made our way to our rooms. I didn't want to leave him yet. I was having fun and it felt nice being looked at with such a sincere gaze.
When we reached my room, he looked a little disappointed and I couldn't help but feel the same.
"Goodnight, Ellie." He reached down and kissed my forehead then gave me a few head pats before leaving. It was the first time he had called me by my name. Rather, he even gave me a nickname.
That comfortable feeling came back and I didn't want it to stop. I don't know what took over me in that moment, but I decided to quickly change into my night gown and run after my brother.
He had left his door slightly open and I entered it without any prior notice.
"Ellie?" He looked quite surprised to see me but I didn't bother with it. I hugged him and decided that today I was going to sleep with him.
"Can I sleep here today?"
He blinked a few times and quickly smiled at me.
"Sure."
The fuzzy feeling came back and I felt content.