Chapter 5: The Clumsy Trait is a Good Match for the Older Brother Character

[Clumsy]

This term refers to someone who is not good at handling things or dealing with people, or who is clumsy with their hands.

Clumsiness is a common attribute in fiction, and characters with this attribute are often depicted as simply not being dexterous with their hands, or as having difficulty communicating with others.

These are characters who, despite caring for others, fail to express their feelings properly, leading to misunderstandings and making us feel frustrated, wishing they would just say what they want.

However, it is precisely because they are so clumsy and unable to be honest that we are moved by their awkwardness.

There's something wonderful about those moments when we understand the true feelings of clumsy characters....

★★★

"As you requested, I have escorted Chitose-sama back to her room."

"I see. I apologize for the trouble, Hojo Sakura-dono."

"As someone currently working in this household, such formal language and honorifics are unnecessary. Onjōji Moritsugu-sama."

"I see, in that case... I'll call you Sakura. Is that alright with you?"

"Of course, Moritsugu-sama."

Despite the difference in gender and age, his physique is nothing like that of his younger sister, Chitose-sama; it's clear just by looking at him that he has a robust build.

Even when talking to me, he doesn't even blink, and I can't read any emotion from his face. He's the complete opposite of Chitose-sama, whose expressions change easily when talking to people, making it easy to read her joy, anger, sadness, and happiness.

His voice is also different from Chitose-sama's, which is charming and approachable; it has a coldness that seems to reject approach.

And unlike Chitose-sama, whose hair has turned white due to negative energy, his hair is black like twilight.

This is Onjōji Moritsugu-sama, the eldest son of the Onjōji family and the older brother of Chitose-sama.

Perhaps it's because of the significant age difference, but they don't resemble each other at all; you wouldn't think they were siblings unless you were told.

If Chitose-sama is a delicate flower that trembles in the wind and snow, then Moritsugu-sama seems like a sturdy, towering tree that is undeterred by them.

"I'm sorry to take up your time like this while you're working."

"Please don't worry about it. I was also thinking of saying hello to Moritsugu-sama anyway."

"I see. That makes me feel less guilty."

"...Thank you very much."

It's true that he gives off an impression of being difficult to approach. However, as we've been talking, he's shown concern for me, and even though I'm a servant from another household, he initially tried to use polite language and honorifics towards me, his younger sister's attendant. 

Furthermore, according to Chitose-sama, he regularly delivers letters to Master and Madam.

My impression so far is that, despite his intimidating appearance, he seems like a kind person.

That's precisely why I can't understand it.

'Why does he treat only Chitose-sama that way?'

"How is your life in this house? Are you experiencing any inconvenience?"

"Thank you for your concern. However, there is nothing of the sort. Everyone, especially Master, has been incredibly kind."

"I see..."

Unlike my mind, which is filled with question marks, the conversation proceeds smoothly and without offense. Most of the words directed at me are considerate, and the others are all expressions of concern for the master of the house, Madam, and the other servants.

Many of the replies are as simple as that, and sometimes they do feel curt, but I can't help but feel that he was not really a bad person. 

At the very least, he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would tell Chitose-sama, who is in such a state, to go back to her room without even opening the door or giving her a glance.

Chitose-sama said that Moritsugu-sama disliked her.

'But is that really true?'

I heard that Moritsugu-sama became a guard serving in the Imperial Guard a little while after Chitose-sama was born, and that since then he only comes home occasionally, like this time.

If that's true, then these siblings hardly spend any time together. Moritsugu-sama was at home before Chitose-sama was old enough to remember.

If this is how things are every time he comes home after that, can we really say that Chitose-sama understands Moritsugu-sama's true feelings, considering she has spent far less time with him than with me, who only spent a year with her.

I know it's rude to ask questions to someone I've just met, especially someone of higher status.

But I have seen Chitose-sama's face.

If that's the case, then...! 

'I must ask him!'

I must ask Onjōji Moritsugu-sama.

I am Onjōji Chitose-sama's attendant, and that is precisely why I must ask.

It is my duty to lessen the sadness on her face, even just a little.

"...Moritsugu-sama. I have something I'd like to ask you. Is that alright?"

"Of course. I was starting to feel uncomfortable with me doing all the talking."

"Thank you for your concern. Now, let me ask you this: Why don't you meet with Chitose-sama?"

"....."

"Is there a reason for this? Could you please tell me?"

"....."

There was no response to my question; the already sparse conversation ceased completely, and only my voice echoed in the room. The silence was painful to the ears, but I couldn't back down now. I made my decisive move.

"Chitose-sama is saddened by being treated in that way."

"....!!"

For the first time today, Moritsugu-sama's expression changed; a somber look appeared on his face.

'Just as I thought. He really is a kind person.'

After a brief silence, Moritsugu-sama spoke with great reluctance.

"..... What did you think when you saw my body?"

"I was impressed by your impressive physique. It's no wonder you're a guard serving in the Imperial Guard."

"Yes, I have been blessed so much. A body free from illness, a mind with balanced Yin and Yang... and a soul that knows no stagnation.

I possess far too many things that Chitose lacks, things that she desires but cannot obtain, which I have taken for granted.

Therefore—I can only look into her eyes by turning my back on her."

"....."

"I'm afraid. The thought of that girl who used to call me 'Onii-chan' looking at me with jealous eyes, the thought of those little lips uttering the words 'Why only you?' It's just so frightening.

I'm terribly afraid of my little sister hating me."

"....."

"..... I also had a younger sister before Chitose. She passed away before she turned seven. Do you know what happens when a child dies before the age of seven?"

"..... Yes. According to the laws governing mourning, it is not necessary to mourn a child who died before the age of seven."

"That's right. Young children are fragile, and it's pointless to mourn every time one dies. I understand the logic.

But it's a different matter emotionally!

When Chitose was born, I thought, 'Oh, not again.' But that child lived.

She lived!

I can only imagine how much that meant to me, and to Otou-sama and Okaa-sama...!"

"So, that's why you're afraid to face her. Because she's so important, it's so frightening?"

"Yes, that's essentially it. I know it's a pathetic thing to say, but even so, I... I... "

His large body seemed to shrink.

The words he spoke, slowly and deliberately, as if uttering them to reflect the weight of his emotions, were filled with love for Chitose-sama.

'My suspicions were correct after all.'

However, this person is making a huge mistake.

'And it's a critical error that disparages Chitose-sama, so I must correct it, because if I don't, there's no point in me being here!'

"I have certainly heard your feelings, Moritsugu-sama. And from that, I understand very well that you know nothing about Chitose-sama.

It is true that Chitose-sama has led a difficult life. However, despite that, she is a person with the strength to say, 'I am blessed to be able to spend time like this with everyone.'

I understand that my words were excessive. However, I would like you to immediately retract your insult to my Lady...!"

"You speak as if you know her better than I do, her brother."

"Yes, I do!"

".... I see... That's true... Sakura spent a year with that child, while I've just been running away since she was born. No wonder I can't win... I've heard from Otou-sama and Okaa-sama that she's growing up to be strong."

"Yes. Chitose-sama now is strong enough to rival even Moritsugu-sama."

".... Thank you, Sakura. I'm glad you're Chitose's attendant."

"I am deeply grateful for your generous praise. And I apologize for my rude remarks. I will accept any punishment if you wish for it."

"It's fine. If I did that, Chitose would truly hate me, wouldn't she?"

"Is that so?"

"Of course. Please continue to look after Chitose."

"Understood. I will, even at the risk of my own life."

"Thank you. ...I'm sorry to ask you a favor while I'm thanking you, but would it be alright if I asked you a small favor?"

"..... Of course. I am a servant of the Onjōji family, after all."

★

(Sakura-chan returning from Onii-sama's room with a letter, comb, and obi from as a gift for me....

Why???

What's suddenly gotten into you, Onii-sama?

I mean, if you're going to go this far, why don't you just talk it out with me?!)