While my lips were wiggling, the Grand Duke apologized to the others for Kir’s actions.

“Kir couldn’t control his temper and continues to behave rudely. Please forgive me.”

“No.”

Father answered briefly first, and as the rest followed, they had odd expressions on their faces.

“How could that be?”

“It is an understandable situation.”

“Anyone would have.”

Surprisingly, they sided with Kir. It was ridiculous that they spoke as if Kir’s behavior was natural. No, how do they defend such action? His rudeness was enough to pierce Earth’s inner core.

I wondered whether the kid’s behavior slow improvement was due to the Grand Duke’s bluntness or that others were too soft on him.

“Anyway, I’m really sorry. Please continue your meal.”

That’s how we ended up having a birthday dinner without the birthday boy. Until I returned home, I couldn’t see Kir’s face at all.

I knocked on Kir’s door before leaving, but Kir did not want to see me. It looks like he was really very upset.

Kir’s birthday, which was so pitiful, passed.

Still, I wanted to say goodbye to Kir before leaving for the Empire. So I went to the Grand Duke’s residence the next day and the day after, but I still couldn’t meet Kir.

I admit that to some extent I was wrong. Before I decided to study abroad, I should have told Kir that I was worried about him.

He had no friends other than me, so I should have been considerate of the loss he would feel if I suddenly disappeared. However, I also did not have time to take care of Kir as I was thinking about my future and my father.

When I asked the Grand Duke, just in case, he said that Kir could not go to the Empire. It was suggested by the Empire first, so I thought that if Kir said he would go, he could go with me, but still the Grand Duke said no. He said Kir had to shed his arrogance and learn to face the consequences of making decisions. I nodded my head knowing that I couldn’t meddle there.

Kir, who seemed unlikely that he would show his face ever again, came to see me on the morning of my departure. I was worried that he would not be able to let go of his anger until the end, but I was glad that he came out to see me off.

“Kir!”

“Come here.”

The departure time was slightly delayed, so I asked Mr. Hafterry for his understanding and headed to my room for a while. Even though we went inside and were alone, Kir’s expression was gloomy. At times like this, I, the little more grown-up, had to step in.

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry about?”

He doesn’t even make eye contact with me as he saw me off. Seeing that he was still upset, I went closer and grabbed Kir’s hand.

“I didn’t tell you that I was going to study abroad sooner.”

Only then did Kir’s eyes look at me.

“I know you have a lot on your mind. But if you had told me in advance, if I had known earlier…”

Anger appeared on Kir’s face again. I grabbed Kir’s hand tightly and apologized.

“I’m sorry. I was really wrong.”

I don’t know if saying this will change anything, but I didn’t want us to fight until the end, so I begged him unconditionally that I was wrong. The breath that was trying to be strong became quiet.

“I know, you are greedy for studying. And that you can learn more if you go to the Empire.”

Kir knows that, but his behavior which revealed his sadness and doesn’t know what to do was cute. Perhaps showing that he really hated parting, his eyes gradually turned red. Even if he acted like he was all grown up, he was still a child.

I let go of his hand and hugged him, knowing that he was afraid to leave me. Kir stiffened as he drew in his breath. It’s a bit like I was hugged by him because of our height difference, but I slowly patted Kir’s back.

“I didn’t know it would turn out like this either. I’m sorry.”

I didn’t even know that the opportunity to study in the Empire would come to me. Because I thought I would live in the principality for the rest of my life.

“Aren, promise me.”

Kir gave me a big hug. I was amazed at how strong he was. He was showing how much he didn’t want to part from me, so I endured it because I knew that.