"And letting her stay at your Mejiro residence all this time would be an imposition, wouldn't it? If she agrees, I'd prefer to take her back to live with me."
"Huh?"
Hearing Nearl's plan, Ardan let out a small, hesitant sound. Though it was very faint, it was still noticed.
"What's the matter? Is she so close with all of you that you'd be reluctant to see her leave?"
Faced with this question from Nearl, Ardan's eyes shifted uncertainly for a moment.
Was Centaurea welcome at the Mejiro household? That likely went without saying.
Even the family head had clearly expressed her welcome. Even if all the younger generation disliked little Centaurea, she could still continue living there if she wished.
Besides, was there anyone who truly disliked her?
Even Mejiro Dober, who had the least welcoming attitude towards Centaurea among the sisters, didn't actually hate her—she just found her frustrating.
Frustrated by her laziness, frustrated by her casual disregard for training.
But fundamentally, this kind of emotion only arises when you want to engage with someone seriously. Would a stranger care about your life philosophy?
After all, Centaurea-chan was so adorable. Even if she was a bit listless, she never did anything truly unpleasant.
The thought of Nearl taking Centaurea away… Ardan really felt a bit reluctant.
Yet, even with that reluctance, she deeply understood how important it was for little Centaurea to return to her sister.
Whether considering the closeness of their sisterly bond or the impact on Centaurea's character development, letting Nearl take her was the best solution.
They were sisters separated for fifteen years, after all. Though connected by blood, such a long passage of time was enough to create a rift.
Living together would bridge that physical and emotional distance quickly, allowing them to become close again.
Ardan had great confidence in Nearl's character and morals; she was sure to become a role model for Centaurea-chan, guiding her onto a broader path.
'Centaurea-chan can't just continue being so lazy. With Nearl keeping an eye on her, I'm sure she'll improve tremendously.'
These two conflicting thoughts tangled in Ardan's mind, making her uncharacteristically indecisive.
"Ardan, there's no need to struggle so much. This isn't a decision for you or me to make. The real power to stay or leave lies with my sister. You don't need to make a choice that isn't yours to make."
Seeing Ardan so torn, Nearl offered some comfort.
"Ah? You're right. I suppose I got a little confused. This has to be Centaurea's decision."
Instantly, Ardan felt much more relaxed. If it were really up to her, she probably wouldn't have been able to make up her mind.
A short while later, Ardan pointed towards a beautifully crafted roof not far ahead, her voice brightening. "We're almost there. That's the Mejiro residence. Don't you think it's lovely, Nearl?"
"It's a very imposing structure."
Following Ardan's direction, Nearl also saw the luxurious villa.
"Establishing such a large estate in this location must have cost a fortune."
Though her words expressed admiration, Nearl's expression and eyes remained calm, completely devoid of any yearning.
"Young lady! Miss Ardan! You should have told us you were returning!"
The steward standing at the entrance, having spotted Ardan, hurried over with quick steps. Her worried expression was as if handling fragile glass.
Clearly, Ardan hadn't expected the steward to be there either. Even Nearl could hear the surprise in her tone.
"Steward? Why are you standing at the entrance? Do you have business outside?"
"Oh, it's nothing like that. I'm here precisely to wait for you, young lady."
"But I didn't say when I'd be back. Have you been standing here the whole time?"
Ardan looked guiltily at the elderly steward, regretting not informing her of the exact arrival time.
"It's quite alright, young lady. While my body can't compare to you Uma Musume, I'm still quite sturdy."
As she said this, she patted her chest.
"Besides, seeing you looking so bright and well, this old servant has no more worries. I was afraid you might have had trouble, spending your first night away from home."
"Hehe. See? My spirits are quite high, aren't they?"
Ardan held the hem of her dress and slowly turned a circle in front of the steward, then covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"It's been a long time since I've seen you so happy, young lady. Could it be thanks to this person here?"
The steward wiped the corner of her eye, moved, and looked kindly at Nearl, who stood behind Ardan.
"You flatter me."
"Ohoho, no need for such modesty. I've been serving the young lady since she was two or three years old. I know her moods like the back of my hand. For her to be this joyful now, you must deserve a great deal of credit."
"Steward!"
Ardan protested in a soft, gentle voice.
"Very well, very well, I'll say no more. Guest, young lady, please come in."
With that, the steward opened the large iron gate behind her and ushered Ardan and Nearl inside.
The scenery within the gates was a different world altogether. Many exquisite designs, hidden by the outer walls, could only be fully appreciated once inside the estate.
"Nearl, would you prefer to see little Centaurea directly, or come with me to the drawing room first? If you come to the drawing room, I can offer you proper hospitality."
Ardan led the way with light steps, asking Nearl's plans as they walked. But Nearl's answer was unexpected.
"I would like to pay my respects to Lady Mejiro first. I must thank her for all the care she has given Centaurea."
It was indeed the proper thing to do, but most youngsters would completely overlook this point.
Perhaps they take such devotion for granted due to their elders' affection, or perhaps they subconsciously try to minimize contact out of a sense of awe.
In any case, Nearl's intention gave Ardan a sense of surprise and reminded her once again of Nearl's excellent upbringing and character.
"You're right. That was an oversight on my part." Ardan smiled and changed her path. "Then come with me to the study first to pay a visit to Grandmother. Don't worry, with your manners, Nearl, Grandmother is sure to like you very much."
"I'll take your word for it."
Meanwhile, on the training ground behind the villa, Centaurea was running casually, lap after lap.
"Ah, workout's over. Another comfortable day done."
After completing several laps, Platinum gradually slowed down and stepped off the grass track, only slightly sweaty.
"But for some reason, I feel unusually energetic today. Did something happen?"
She repeatedly clenched and unclenched her hand, sensing an unusual fullness of energy in her body compared to before. Platinum narrowed her eyes in puzzlement.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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If you guys wanna check it out.