I became fully aware of my feelings when I turned ten.
The way Rafayel earnestly tried to say his heartfelt congratulations on my birthday—it made me happy, of course, but it also stirred emotions within me that I had never felt before.
"From now on, I want to protect him by my side forever."
That thought became a desperate wish.
However, I was still too young at the time, and Rafayel was only a small child.
I knew that keeping him by my side forever wasn't something I could make a reality just yet.
But now, I am approaching my fifteenth birthday—the age of adulthood.
Once that happens, as the heir of the Delmare family, I will inevitably be introduced to potential fiancées.
One day, I may even be forced to stand before Rafayel and marry someone else.
If that happens, my first love will end before it ever has a chance to begin.
As the heir, I am also expected to produce an heir of my own.
The gender ratio in this world is eight men to two women, so same-sex marriages are widely accepted.
Moreover, even in same-sex unions, it is possible to conceive children.
By implanting a magical core that was functioning as a substitute for a female womb—into the male partner who would be taking the 'mother's' role, childbirth can be achieved.
In that sense, it would be possible for Rafayel and me to have a child together.
However, the fact that we are siblings remains a major obstacle.
Even if we were to surpass the boundary of being brothers and develop romantic feelings for each other, we cannot escape the reality of our blood relation.
The risk of genetic complications would make it difficult for us to conceive a child, which could endanger the continuation of the Delmare bloodline.
Yet, despite all of that—I still want to be with Rafayel.
Even if it means risking the end of our family lineage, my love for him will not waver.
That is why, before I reach adulthood, I plan to make my declaration to Father.
"I do not need a fiancée. The only one I love is Rafayel."
I believe Father will at least wait until Rafayel comes of age before making a final decision.
However, if Rafayel does not return my feelings by then, I will accept my fate and marry whomever is chosen for me.
The time limit is ten years.
Until Rafayel reaches adulthood, I will gradually express my feelings, little by little.
The biggest challenge is that Rafayel only sees me as his older brother.
To change that perception, I must make him understand my love without scaring him away.
It will take time, but as his brother, I have the privilege of being the one he relies on the most.
Whenever he is troubled, I will be the first to support him.
With all of this in mind, I drift off to sleep, thinking about Rafayel once again.
No matter who stands by his side, I will never lose.