After the end of this school term, and once our results were announced, it turned out that I had secured the first place.
1. Klo Yuthnir
2. Marcilia Yuthnir
3. Luna Goldsky
At first, I was surprised by my position until I remembered the simple world I was in.
Everyone gathered around me as I stood before the results board—either excited or happy for me.
From someone who was used to always being last, now I had become first… it was strange, and saddening.
Luna placed her hand on my shoulder, congratulating me.
"Congratulations, Klo."
Elithia and Mari stood in front of me, smiling.
"Congratulations, Klo."
But what occupied my mind was the way Mari treated me. Every time I met her in the past, she either mocked me or glared with eyes full of anger.
"You've surpassed me, Klo."
Her words interrupted my thoughts as she patted my head. I didn't give any reaction, for nothing around me seemed to move as it should.
Was this because of the time I had returned to?
Ever since the day I rewrote the scenario, everything had changed. Everyone had become friendlier with me—most of all, Marcilia and Lux. My brothers who had always despised me.
Even though they weren't truly my brothers, they still shared the same blood with this body, though not with my mind.
Luna stood directly in front of me, her smile facing me as I remained unaware of the expression drawn on my own face.
"What do you say, Klo? Shall we arrange a little trip for you? You look exhausted from the exams."
My lips moved slowly, but it felt as though they were struck by lightning.
"I suppose so."
??
Luna pulled out her phone from her pocket and called Lynette, who was at Yuthnir's estate.
"Where did you get that?"
"Isn't this the device Nevin spoke to you about?"
"Ah, sorry, I must have been mistaken."
My head felt clouded.
***
The girls, along with Lux and Marcilia, gathered with me in one of Mari's acquaintances' gardens.
Everyone wore fine, elegant clothes suitable for such a pleasant trip, except for me—I was still wearing the same suit I had been in since the day I came to this world.
Lumi held on to the edge of my garment as we all entered Marcin through the gate.
As we walked along the path surrounded by roses, my eyes lingered on Mari, who appeared different.
I had never seen her this happy before. In the previous scenario, she loathed me.
"How are you, sister?"
She turned to me with a smile.
"In the best of health, my dear brother."
Klo's body trembled at the word "dear." From her, all he had ever known were punches and insults.
You should be thanking me, Klo, for this.
My gaze shifted to Lumi, who walked with small steps.
"And what about you?"
"I don't know… doesn't the weather feel unusually warm today, Ethan?"
I turned my head forward, tilting it upward slowly.
"It does."
The group moved ahead, climbing a gently sloping hill.
Elithia and Nevin spread out a mat and placed various foods upon it—pastries, sweets, and juices.
They sat together, laughing, as the beautiful sun rose.
I sat apart, holding a glass of juice and a piece of bread in my hands, staring at their smiles.
Lux played with Mari, Nevin teased Elithia and Luna, and Lumi shone with joy as she helped with the food.
Is this what they call a warrior's rest?
I finished my drink and rose, stepping toward them.
They sat together until I appeared before them like a stone statue.
Luna gazed at me, scratching her head.
"Is something wrong, Klo?"
Since I never lived a fulfilling life, why not try something different today?
"Let me braid your hair."
They all stared at me as if I was confronting them with gathered courage and bravery—but the truth was the opposite. I was nothing but a fragile being yearning for the warmth of siblinghood.
Luna smiled awkwardly, motioning toward her hair.
"Go on then."
Perhaps I had wronged myself.
I moved to sit behind her.
My trembling hands reached for her hair as I tried to braid it.
My fingers turned through her strands like wheels spinning in circles.
When I finished, the result was strange. Her hair wasn't at all as I had intended.
They all looked at me, holding back the laughter that begged to break free.
Luna took out her mirror, mirroring their reaction.
Laughter burst out at the sight of the timid person I was. My head lowered in embarrassment, but it wasn't painful—it was warm. Laughter among people I had come to love.
For the first time, I felt human.
Nevin stepped forward, guiding me through the proper way of braiding Luna's hair.
I followed her step by step until I reached a result better than the last.
When I finished, I looked at Luna and Nevin and thanked them.
"Thank you both."
Luna looked into the mirror, seeing that her hair was much improved.
"Thank you, Klo."
I wished in my previous life to have a brother and sister who loved me, but I never did.
And now, in this world, I have found a family.
I rose to playfully tease Mari and Lux.
Then I turned toward the others—the maid Lynette, the Blade Maiden Elithia, and the Violet Demoness Nevin.
The day went on in that same manner until it came to an end.
I had tried new things, glimpses of kindness, and felt a warmth hovering in my chest.
It was wonderful.