5 Sleep and Dream

It's been a few weeks since Helen barged in my life and became my sister. In the time she's been here, my everyday life has become more fun and worthwhile to the point I can't imagine what I've been doing by myself for all these years. Having her by my side made me realize all the fun that I've been missing.

The more I spend time with her, the more I notice that she's adjusting to her surroundings pretty quickly in less than a month. I must say, my sister is a smart child and I'm proud to have a sibling like her.

"Big sister, look! A butterfly is flapping her wings!" Helen exclaimed with glittery eyes. I paused and brought down the book I was reading to smile at her.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is!" I giggled happily, appreciating how Helen speaks and expresses herself more. She started to understand some words in the books I read, that's impressive knowing that it should be a bit difficult for her age. She's so bright that I kind of want to be better so I could teach her more things.

And that is why I'm here outside, holding a book as I drink my tea, and trying to comprehend everything I'm reading. I'm enjoying this as long as I can see Helen playing around the garden with a happy grin. It's such a relief to know that she's having fun.

"Young Lady Helen, please be careful," June warned my sister. I didn't pay much attention to this maid before but looking at her closely, I think she's younger than most of the maids here. I could somehow see the youth in her honey-colored eyes.

"Okay," Helen replied politely before slowing down her way around the garden. Wow... my sister is so well-behaved I feel proud.

"If only her older sister could be as obedient as her." A sigh came from Rachel who was currently pouring me more tea. Did she just read my mind or what?

I took another sip from my drink before I crossed my arms proudly. "There's no mistaking it… her well-behaved attitude came from me!" Though I was confident about that, my pride got trampled upon when Rachel looked at me with eyes that are even more emotionless. "At least encourage me or something."

"Good luck on your lessons then, Young Lady." Gah, she really wants to piss me off, doesn't she?

"...Thanks for that encouragement. I feel so motivated right now I could cry."

"Why you're more than welcome, Young Lady." She spoke with an empty smile. Tsk, she can be really annoying if she feels like it.

With that, I bathe my eyes in books again.

I felt light… wait no, heavy.

The darkness surrounded me as if I had my eyes closed the entire time. Not knowing if I was on the ground or afloat, I simply kept going towards what I could only guess as to the heart of this darkness. I kept aimlessly wandering around but something was holding me down.

My body felt even heavier and it started to scare me. How will I escape from this when I can't even see anything? Desperately wanting to see the light, I moved my legs faster and faster. I bit my bottom lip hard and fought back the urge to cry and sob. Where am I and where is this place?

A sudden gust of wind hit my face and it pulled me back bit by bit. Then suddenly, I heard a voice whisper:

"Have I finished it?"

Everything collapsed and my hands slammed on the table.

I opened my eyes, my breath felt like it was stolen from me. My vision was blurred but I could see the book I was supposed to be holding is now on the floor, abandoned. The other books were messy and out of order now too.

What…?

"Young Lady!?" Rachel raised her voice and everything became more concerning than it originally was. She's usually so calm but now she's rushing to replace my drink with water.

She's so frantic... "I'm fine." I managed to say with a small smile. This is why I don't feel excited in my mornings; strange and dark dreams haunt me in almost every sleep I've had. I thought that they were lessening ever since I've been sleeping next to Helen but this one seemed to be worse than usual.

I sighed.

Rachel still poured me a glass of water even though I told her I'm alright. She insisted and kept telling me to drink it so I've got no choice but to give in.

"Big sister, big sister!" The voice of my younger sister came closer in every second that passed by, and before I knew it, I was already entrapped in her arms.

"What is it?"

"Rachel was panicking so I knew big sister was in trouble!" She's usually a quiet yet cheerful child so seeing her being worried still makes me feel somewhat guilty.

"No, no, your big sister is fine! I'm really fine so don't worry about me." I slipped out a genuine grin since I wasn't lying at all. Even if I just had a questionable nightmare, the fact that Rachel and Helen were here to be concerned for me makes me feel relaxed.

"Really? Are you sure?"

"I'm very sure."

"How sure?"

Helen was so cute I ended up hugging her and kissing her forehead. "I'm very very sure!" I gave her the brightest grin I could pull off and hoped that she would believe me.

"Thank god…" Helen mumbled to herself. How kind and precious she is for thinking of me!

After I ate some snacks and drank more water, I played around with my sister, secretly hoping that playing with her would make her forget about her worries. It wasn't long before Miss Plineut dropped by from her brown carriage and I felt lazy to greet her but I had to.

At least now we were back in our two-hour training and one-hour studying. My energy was gone by this point but my inner strength was still holding on firmly. The day passed without much trouble aside from earlier.

Night came and I started to pick up the books once again. I dove into the boring world of informative text while Rachel helped me carry and arrange the books I wanted on my desk. Besides being a maid, she feels like a mother who guides and helps me all the way.

You're probably wondering why I'm suddenly being serious about my studies… well, the realization hit me like a truck. I'm a noble and a daughter of a Viscount so it's only normal that I should study hard for my future.

My dad is like a landlord of sorts and he has half of the responsibility of a Count. Together, they rule over their territory but a Viscount's role is mainly to bring justice to the people and he must also part take in gathering taxes. Though Lord Flaine, my father, may not have an entire territory of his own since he already has a lot on his plate that doesn't mean that he isn't carrying a huge responsibility and duty.

I learned all of this and realized that even if I may not be the official heir, I can still learn how to handle the work of a Viscountess if ever I'll need it in the future. This is all new to me but when that day comes, I have to understand both the basic and the complex processes so I could handle them professionally without a trouble.

Speaking of trouble... what about self-defense?

"Maybe I could start swordsmanship training." I thought out loud and didn't even notice it.

"Swordsmanship? That isn't something you'd need to do, Young Lady, so you don't have to worry about it." I knew she was trying to comfort me but my mind and heart still told me it'll be nice to protect the people I care for.

I was about to head to the next book but stopped when I thought about everything a bit more clearly. Even if it seemed odd for a lady to practice a sport usually done by men, I still think it's going to give me an advantage. "It's true, though! Swordsmanship can definitely help me!" My whole body is excited at the thought of it.

"Young Lady..." Rachel sighed. "It's too irrational." I know it is but if there's a will then there's a way!

The corner of my lips rose to give my caretaker a cheeky and smug smirk. "But, if I ever become a swordswoman or at least understand the simple yet fundamental moves then I'll be able to protect the people I love." That's what I genuinely think. "I'll be a great knight to the people in need! How cool is that?"

Rachel blinked at me twice before giggling. She barely finds humor in anything so my jaw dropped in astonishment at the sight and voice of her laughter. I can't believe she found my honest determination as something funny… "I'm being serious!" I pout and she laughed even more.

"Rude!!"

Rachel doesn't seem to be fazed whatsoever and even patted me on the head. Woah… that caught me off-guard. "What was that for?" I asked with a light glare.

She looked at me as if a ghost made her move her hand to pat me. "It's nothing, Young Lady. I was just wondering how much of a child you can be… it's nice." I couldn't help but become even more surprised.

"Glad to know I'm cute even if you were laughing at me..." Childishness aside, I know I'm still older mentally if I added my age in my past life so it's also embarrassing to act as a true six-year-old child.

Eugh, I guess swordsmanship wouldn't be a good option after all. It's still really cool though; I want to be good with swords!

In the future when I'm going to take a magical aptitude test or mana strength at the right age, maybe I'll learn that I actually have strong magic? My lips curved upwards.

That settles it then. If I can't train with weapons then I'll just have to train with magic! Well, if the divine beings are kind enough to grant me a good amount of mana then I might be able to live up to my expectations.

"Stop grinning and daydreaming. Go back to reading your book, Young Lady."

I nodded twice and read more books about magic.

*** *** *** *** ***

Muffled sounds came from a room that wasn't properly closed. Two people outside were listening carefully to what was happening with the conversation of the two people inside. A small girl with curious eyes quickly took a small peek.

"I'll be able to protect the people I love!" Her big blue eyes with a hint of amethyst glittered as she heard that.

"Young Lady, let's go back to your room." June, the child's caretaker, said with a friendly smile. She used to be quiet and shy but now she's a close friend to the little girl.

Helen glanced at the room where her older sister, Alianne, was in. Her hands were shaking earlier for she wasn't used to sleeping by herself but now she found the resolve to become independent.

Her older sister is such an inspiration for her.

Other people always seemed so full and gray - even her daily life felt hopeless - but now the pair of green eyes that stared at her with love slowly but surely gave colors to her world.

She even told Helen that her hair is beautiful just like the flowers she liked. Whenever she remembers that, her heart would throb… but it didn't feel painful at all. Instead, it filled her with an immeasurable amount of happiness and joy.

"You seem to be stronger now, Young Lady. I'm very happy about that." June said as she held Helen's hand with care. The lady she serves seemed to be a lost kitten the first time she saw her but now she was growing up steadily and it warmed her heart.

"Thank you."

"You've also gotten very close with Young Lady Alianne, that's amazing."

Helen nodded happily and the mention of her sister always made her feel light. Alianne always shone brightly like a star guiding her to a beautiful path and she wanted to do everything she could to see the star keep shining.

With that, she gathered all her courage to enter her room and sleep by herself.

June stayed beside her the whole time so Helen could sleep without too many worries. When the little girl finally seemed to be in a deep slumber, the maid smiled to herself.

She never expected the Lord's first daughter, Alianne, to accept Helen as her sister. It was such a beautiful mystery in her eyes and she hoped that the siblings would get along even more from now on.

"Sleep well, Young Lady. I'm sure the two of you will create more unforgettable memories together." She whispered before closing the door behind her.