How forgetful me?

Darien pov:

"Oh... Oh no... Wait..."

Right now, I'm Darien, the main character of this novel. He has a weak body and often falls ill. Eirian is a gentle and kind brother to Darien. Always understanding and always by his side, trying his best for him, and protecting him many times from bullies... Oh yeah, Eirian and Darien are sometimes bullied by the kids here.

One reason is Darien's weakness, and another is the world I created. This world is a fantasy, so every character here has magical powers. Those without magic are considered trash by some parts of society here.

Eirian and Darien are just ordinary kids without any magic powers. Orphans since birth, only Eirian has a few memories of their parents. That makes the two of them, or usually Darien, targets for bullying.

Even though Eirian has no power, he's much smarter than kids his age and even good at fighting, but of course, it's impossible when facing magic. It's like putting your hand into a lion's mouth.

Huh... I'm really in trouble, aren't I? Maybe this is my punishment for making so many of my characters suffer... The universe is punishing me, heh.

But that's not what I'm most worried about. I don't know why I was isekai'd into this newly published novel, or who brought me here, but what I'm really worried and scared about now is Darien's brother, Eirian.

If I'm still in this orphanage with Eirian, it means the important plot in this story hasn't happened yet. I'm not sure if that plot will happen or when, but in that chapter, that important plot will change this world, so... just as a precaution, I need to make a plan.

The memory of chapter 1 is still fresh in my mind because I just published it, so according to that plot, something terrible will happen. A very big tragedy. It will happen in several places, including this orphanage.

All the kids and staff here will die... Including Eirian. Only Darien, which is me, will survive, and that's where Darien's new journey begins, and the world changes. The plot that will change this entire story.

I don't think I can save everyone, but...

"Darien~ I got some fruit from the staff, and this is water for my cute little brother, hehe."

I immediately felt grumpy because my brother was teasing me again. I forgot about this. Eirian likes to tease Darien because of his reaction. Am I already acting like Darien? Well, it's better than being suspected later.

Then, he took a small fork, speared a piece of the fruit, and held it to my mouth with his playful smile.

Is he going to feed me? This is embarrassing! Even though I'm a 6-year-old kid in this world, my soul is 21 years old, okay!  I could feel my ears burning, and my cheeks must have been red again because when I opened my mouth, Eirian fed me with his stupid smirk.

But, if I change this plot by saving Eirian... Will it be okay?

"Darien, I'm going out to town tomorrow to buy our groceries, I will buy your favorite cake while at it," Eirian said with a sweet smile and a wink at me.

Tomorrow... Out to town? Oh no, the plot will happen tomorrow. After his comeback from town. He looks so naive, unaware that death will come tomorrow night. He's just a character I created for my novel, but still... Eh? Wait a minute. Why does he need to go out, though? I don't remember.

"Eh? Why?"

Eirian raised an eyebrow, surprised by my question. Did I forget something again?

"Chores? Did you forget we all have chores here? Tomorrow is my day to go buy groceries."

Ah. I forgot about that. Oh god. How can I forget why he went out in the first place!?

I could only give a sheepish grin at my brother, who then let out a long sigh and shook his head. Then, he smiled before ruffling my hair. My cheeks flush again. His endearing smile was too much; I never thought I'd receive such affection.

Should I save him? Eirian is the only person I have, and this is my reality now. I also need to think about the impact on the story if I save him.

"...Eiri-niichan..."

"If you want to ask to come along, the answer is no."

"Ehhh!!!! But I haven't said anything yet."

"I already know what my beloved little brother wants to say~"

I opened my mouth to retort, but the room door opened, and several children started filling the space. Ah, it must be bedtime; it's almost 10 PM on the clock anyway.

"Okay, time for bed. We'll talk more tomorrow, and I'll try to come back as soon as possible to play with you, Darien. Don't try to follow me, okay?

I didn't realize a pout had formed on my lips. Eirian chuckled again, playing with my hair once more before tidying the plate and glass on the nearby table and going to his bed, which was right next to mine.

"Good night, my little angel..."

Ahh... Seriously. What's with that nickname? I don't know how many times I've blushed since arriving in this world. I just mumbled goodnight to him from under the blanket.

Eirian chuckled at my response. He pulled up his blanket and closed his eyes, trying to sleep. After some time, the rooms fell silent. Only the sounds of breathing, someone muttering in their dreams, and snores filled the space.

I couldn't sleep. How could I sleep knowing that plot would happen tomorrow night? What should I do? I don't expect that plot will happen right after I come here. If I follow the original plot, Eirian and the others die. Only I will survive, but...

I turned to look at Eirian, sleeping soundly. He still looked handsome even as a child and asleep. He'll surely be popular among the female students at the academy later. Why does my heart feel so gripped when I think about that?

If Eirian isn't here... I'll be alone in this world. He's the only one who makes me feel safe and comfortable, even though I just arrived in this world. He... makes me feel loved again.

Love from a brother, from your own family. He might be a character, but I'm already in this world. My new life is here. And I think, maybe I have grown fond of him.

I have a headache now. I don't think I can sleep early again tonight.

The next day,

"I'm off now, Darien," Eirian said with his endearing smile and gently stroked my head, leaving me speechless once again. He then left, leaving me at the orphanage gate, still frozen there, watching my brother's retreating figure disappear.

"...According to the plot, Darien will secretly follow Eirian, and then... What happens?"

I immediately facepalm at myself. God, I'm really forgetful. That's why I always write down points for upcoming chapters, because I always forget! Aaaah!!! Should I follow him like in the plot?

Maybe not. I will be safe here. Yes, let's wait for Eirian here while I figure out what I need to do tonight.
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In the capital city of Serenity,

So... this is the city of Serenity? It's just as I imagined. A city straight out of a fantasy world! I always saw it in movies, anime, and manga. It's so beautiful and full of magic! Wait, this is a fantasy world...

The atmosphere here is quite lively too, with many stalls selling food and goods while vendors shout, promoting what they're selling and looking for customers. Similarly, all the bars and restaurants here are full of people.

It's a bit noisy, but I'm relieved that the vendors' shouts are drowned out by other sounds. Swordsmiths are sharpening swords, street performers are putting on shows with attractive melodies and songs, singing, playing instruments, and dancing.

It looks fun! I didn't expect to experience all this. It feels so real. This world may not have technologies like my original world, but it's still good.

Moreover, the air here is quite fresh compared to my original world. Is it because vehicles don't exist yet? This world only uses horse carriages and magic after all.

But the strongest scent, more prominent than others, is the smell of fresh and delicious food.

I feel hungry now. Eh? Focus, Hikaru! You need to find Eirian. I just followed the original plot because I forgot "..."

And I want to explore this new world. "Hope there are no problems..." I whispered to myself before my nose caught a scent. Is that... moist chocolate cake! Well, maybe I can just stop by and look first?

Skip...

"Is that why the saying 'curiosity killed the cat' exists?" I mumbled to myself with a deadpan expression.

"Look what we got? Isn't this the weak kid from the orphanage?" a boy said with a snicker. He must be the leader because he looks quite big and tall compared to the boys beside him. Not friends, definitely his subordinates.

Me and my big mouth. No problems, I said. I'm really stupid sometimes.

"Oi, where's your brother, kid? Alone today?"

Please... Give me a rest!