The World Has Become Kinder to Her

**Chapter 2: Why Are You Doing This to Me?**

Hession Estelle, born into a noble family, was recognized for his exceptional swordsmanship and held the position of vice-captain of the Imperial 6th Knights, which gathered the most outstanding knights. Due to his cold and strict nature, his training was notoriously intense. The knights of the 6th Division both respected and feared him.

“If you cross him, you’re dead.”  

“They say you could stab him and not draw a drop of blood.”

The knights wanted to call Hession the “Knight of Ice,” but unfortunately, that nickname was already taken by someone else: Kenneth Zahard, the genius of the sword. 

Both Kenneth and Hession were cold and unapproachable, but while Hession had the signature red hair of the Estelle family, Kenneth had dark navy hair, making the title of “Knight of Ice” better suited for him. As a result, Hession was given the nickname “Knight of Iron,” implying that he had a heart as solid and cold as iron.

But recently, something was different about the vice-captain.

“What’s going on with him?”  

“What could possibly be wrong?”

For the past two days, Hession had been wandering around as if his mind were elsewhere. His normally expressionless face looked slightly dazed, and he often drifted into deep thought. At times, he appeared to experience a profound sense of emptiness, or he would exhibit bursts of inexplicable anger.

Although the captain held the highest rank, it was Hession who interacted with the knights more frequently. Most of the knights were worried about his unusual behavior.

In the end, the knights drew lots to decide who would bravely—or rather, foolishly—ask Hession what was going on. The unlucky “hero” (read: victim) chosen was Lawrence, a lively knight who often lightened the mood in the 6th Division. His comrades joked that if he fell into water, only his mouth would float.

“Vice-Captain!”  

“……”

“Vice-Captain Estelle!”  

“……What is it?”

“You don’t look well. Is something troubling you?”

“……”

Under normal circumstances, Hession would have responded with a colder expression than usual or issued a terrifying threat, something along the lines of, “Bored, are you? Shall I increase your training?”

Hession believed there was no point in answering useless questions. But today, he was different.

Seeing Hession biting his lip as if suppressing his emotions, Lawrence began to babble.

“Is it a woman, by chance?”  

“……”

“Were you rejected…?”

When Hession neither confirmed nor denied this, Lawrence’s imagination ran wild.

“Oh my, the heavens must be splitting open! Vice-Captain struggling because of a woman? I’d love to know which noble lady it is. If only I could see her face! If it’s someone I know, maybe I could help…”

The knights watching from behind grabbed their heads in despair. 

This idiot! If we don’t get him out of there soon…

“If we don’t, we’ll all end up being punished under the guise of extra training.”  

“Hurry up and drag him away!”

Two knights approached from behind, ready to whisk Lawrence away, but just as they grabbed his arms, Hession spoke.

“Then let me ask you.”

“Huh?”

Both Lawrence and the knights nearby were startled by the unexpected response.

“What do women usually like?”

“Well, that depends on who the woman is and what kind of relationship you have with her…”

Lawrence gave a textbook answer, to which Hession added:

“The person in question is my sister.”

“…What?”

The common-born and fallen noble knights were shocked to learn that Hession had a sister, while the noble-born knights were even more surprised to realize that the woman Hession was trying to impress was his own sister.

The knights who were unaware of Lotus’s existence were simply surprised, imagining a girl who resembled Hession’s cold demeanor and exceptional looks. However, for the noble-born knights who were familiar with the Estelle family’s circumstances, their surprise carried a different weight. It was common knowledge, though rarely spoken aloud, that Lotus Estelle was the illegitimate daughter of the Marquis and that she was despised by everyone in the household. Could that not be true?

Lawrence belonged to the latter group, and he immediately regretted his loose tongue.  

‘Oh, God. Why have you laid such a trial upon me?’  

Cold sweat trickled down Lawrence’s back as he felt the piercing stares of the noble-born knights.  

‘You idiot! If you mess this up, we’re all dead today!’  

Lawrence was well aware of the stakes.  

‘Calm down. I just need to give a safe, textbook answer without leaving room for criticism.’

Taking a deep breath, Lawrence spoke.

“Flowers or jewelry—those are things ladies usually like. However, it’s best to give flowers or jewelry on special occasions, with special meaning. Sweets, on the other hand, are light gifts that are always appreciated.”

“Flowers or jewelry, huh…” Hession murmured.

“I’ve heard Lady Estelle is a great beauty. I’m sure any flower or jewel would suit her perfectly.”

“She is beautiful,” Hession nodded in agreement, to Lawrence’s great relief.

The other knights also sighed in relief, feeling as if they had narrowly escaped disaster.  

And so, the rumor that the “Knight of Iron,” Hession Estelle, had a deep affection for his half-sister, Lotus Estelle, began to spread throughout the knights.  

***

Hession arrived at the mansion about an hour later than the usual dinnertime. The butler and his personal servant greeted him warmly.

“Welcome home, young master.”  

“Did Lotus eat dinner properly?”

Since two days ago, Hession had been inquiring about Lotus’s meals and overall condition. It was an unusually tender concern, unbefitting his title of the Knight of Iron. The butler, as always, responded without showing any emotion on his face.

“As per her request, Jane brought mushroom soup and biscuits to her room.”  

“What? Is that supposed to be dinner?”  

“…Yes. She doesn’t have much of an appetite and seems to be watching her figure, as her debutante ball is tomorrow.”

“Lotus is already so thin. Why would she be concerned about her figure?”  

“It’s natural for a young lady to want to look her best for a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Hession frowned at the butler’s explanation. Perhaps he should have stopped by a dessert shop to bring her something. But it was too late now, as most shops would be closed. He sighed and resigned himself to waiting for another opportunity.

He wanted to see Lotus today—when would be the right time? After a moment of hesitation, Hession approached the first maid he saw and asked where Lotus was.

“She should be in her room now.”

Just a few days ago, no one in the mansion would have cared where Lotus was or what she was doing. But over the past two days, with the Marquis, the Marchioness, and Hession constantly inquiring about her, the staff had grown accustomed to keeping track of her whereabouts.

Hession made his way to Lotus’s room. The room was small and modest, not fitting for the young lady of a Marquis household. However, the Marquis had already ordered that one of the largest and best rooms be renovated for Lotus, so in a few days, she would have a better space.

“Lotus,” Hession called out, his voice slightly tense, as he stood in front of the door. It was a rare sight—a man who never flinched in the face of wild beasts now hesitating nervously before a girl’s room.  

“Ahem, may I come in?”  

No answer came. Hession bit his lip and waited, hoping she would respond in some way. 

“What is it?” came her reply after a pause, her voice clearly unenthusiastic.

Hession fiddled with the small box in his hands and answered, “I have something I’d like to give you.”

He was trying his best to sound gentle, though he wasn’t sure how it came across to Lotus. The silence stretched on again, and he thought he heard a quiet sigh. Then, footsteps approached the door.

*Click.* The door, which had seemed as impenetrable as a fortress, opened.

“It’s not much, but please, come in.”

Lotus couldn’t leave the esteemed son of the Estelle family standing outside, so she allowed Hession into her room. Inside her modest chamber, there was a small table and two not-so-large chairs. Lotus gestured for Hession to take one of them.

“So, what message do the Marquis or the Lady wish to convey?” she asked.

“…”

Hession was well aware that Lotus didn’t refer to the Marquis as “Father” or the Marchioness as “Mother.” It had become a habit ever since she was ten, after she had been beaten twice by the Marchioness. Hession sighed and spoke.

“I didn’t come on their behalf.”

“Then?”

“I came of my own will, for my own reasons.”

“That’s even more surprising,” Lotus replied sarcastically.

It wasn’t unreasonable for her to respond this way. Until that strange dream, Hession had never shown her any real interest.

“You’re debuting in society tomorrow,” he said.

“…Yes.”

“Congratulations. It’s not much, but I’d like you to have this.”

With that, Hession pulled out a purple box from his coat. It was clearly a luxurious gift box. Lotus’s previously indifferent expression twisted slightly. In her beautiful green eyes, an emotion akin to confusion flickered.

“Lord Hession, why are you doing this to me?”

“…!”

Hession’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar title. He had never imagined Lotus would address him as *Lord*, a term that wasn’t usually used by a sister for her brother.

“Why… why are you calling me that?” 

“Should I call you *young master* instead?”

“Lotus!” Hession’s voice rose sharply as he called her name, but Lotus remained unbothered and responded calmly.

“You know why I call the Marquis *Your Excellency* and the Marchioness *My Lady*. It’s the same reason. I have no desire to be beaten again.”

At her audacious answer, the emotions that had momentarily flared within him began to cool. In their place, a sharp pang pierced his chest, the same pain he had felt when he saw her crying. Hession bit his lip, his face growing pale.

‘Get a grip! Did you really think Lotus would open her heart in just two days?’

He hated himself for not stopping his mother in the past, for not tending to Lotus’s deep emotional wounds. But it couldn’t be helped. After a brief pause, Hession closed his eyes and took a deep breath, managing to calm himself.

“…I’m sorry.”

That was all he could say once again. Lotus’s brow furrowed a little deeper. After a moment, she sighed and responded.

“What can I do? This is how I was born. It’s fine.”