“I’ve never met anyone stronger than I am,” he answered confidently.

Amazing. Shouldn’t yoube the protagonist?

“Then, you must return safely without injuries too...!”

“Understood, my lady. I, too, shall come back without a single injury,” he said, his tone cheerful.

I hadn’t known that Ivan was the type to lie without batting an eye. He was so quick to promise not to get injured that Iknew he didn’t mean it. Rather, to protect Alexei, I believed he would let his own body be destroyed. Still, considering his confidence, I suspected he was in possession of a monstrous amount of strength.

“Thank you, Ivan.”

“It’s nothing, my lady.”

I finally stopped crying and smiled at Alexei.

He smiled back and seemed relieved as he wiped away the tears on my cheeks.

“I should have been more considerate. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, brother. I shouldn’t have lost my composure, especially not on your birthday. How embarrassing... Please forgive me.”

I looked up at him, feeling ashamed, and Alexei stared at me with confusion.

“What is there to forgive? You were simply worried about me. If anything, I should be the one to seek your forgiveness for being so insensitive. I swear to not leave you alone. Thank you for shedding tears for an unrefined boor like myself who did not even understand the meaning of birthday celebrations. The glass pens were a wonderful present, but there is no gift as precious as your pure, precious tears, my beloved Ekaterina.”

He’s so kind. As expected of him. I’m sorry for being such a bratty little sister. I’d once again let my obsession for Alexei get the better of me and upset him.I’m locking in now! I’ll do my best not to repeat this mistake!

Before my brother started working on prism circles for real, I had to get my glass pen business running. Then, I could leverage that experience to help him!

“As long as you’re by my side, nothing scares me, brother. I can hardly wai