Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Sibling Secrets
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"But making excuses has reached its limit now. Not just the retainers—even the servants are starting to suspect you, brother. Do I really have to watch them whispering about not knowing where you are or what you're doing?"
"I'm sorry. But it's unavoidable."
"What's so unavoidable about it?"
"That's..."
Fred trailed off, averting his gaze. It was always like this. Essilie responded with a flat look, figuring there was nothing unusual about it anymore.
"Honestly, there are plenty of ways to figure out what you're up to. It's not like I don't have eyes and ears in the county at all. But I won't do that."
A shallow smile crept onto Fred's lips.
"Why not?"
"Because I don't really want to pry into the secret you're trying to protect."
"Oh. That's touching. I mean it."
"You're jumping the gun on the. Even without digging, I can roughly guess what you're doing in the middle of the night."
"Yeah? Then let's hear our cute little Essilie's theory."
"First, your death, brother. And His Imperial Majesty the Emperor."
As she laid out the two clues, the smile vanished from Fred's face. That confirmed Essilie's suspicions.
"You're still hating on His Imperial Majesty, aren't you? You don't believe that tragic incident during the Orc Subjugation War was just an accident. Right?"
"Essilie."
"I get it. I don't like His Majesty either. I can't understand dragging out small-scale local skirmishes under the pretext of territorial defense, or pushing that dictatorial foreign policy without keeping up with the times. But that shouldn't turn into hatred for him."
"You're off the mark."
"No, I'm spot on. You always tap your pinky when you lie. Just like now."
The conversation, which had started lightly, grew heavier bit by bit. It certainly wasn't the kind of talk for a place meant for enjoying a dance. But Essilie didn't back down.
"I don't know exactly what you're plotting, but stop it for the family's sake."
"I don't work for the family. I don't care what happens to the Pelgaroin Countship."
"Then at least do it for me and Father. Carry on the Pelgaroin legacy."
She pushed so boldly that it was hard to wriggle out. Fred let out a groan and leaned back against his chair.
"Are you telling me to become the next Family Head of Pelgaroin?"
"Ever since our eldest brother went to heaven, you're at the top of the succession line. There's no one else to lead Pelgaroin but you."
"There's Malden."
"That pig?"
Calling her own brother a pig—Fred couldn't help but chuckle.
"Yeah. That pig is my little brother too. Got a problem with that?"
"How can you even say that? Malden isn't cut out to lead the family. How could someone who rolls around with slaves all day and makes a fool of himself in front of the servants possibly lead us? Malden's a lecher who thinks his womanizing proves his talent."
"Hmm. Definitely not leadership material. Then your sister... no, you could become the Family Head."
At his teasing tone, Essilie's face flushed bright red.
"D-don't even joke about that! How could a woman like me lead the family?"
"It's possible. You're the only one among us who truly cares about the family."
"It's impossible. The retainers would riot over breaking tradition. Even if not—"
"You're clever, but still so young."
Cutting her off, Fred gravely stroked his chin. Essilie watched him for a moment before puffing out her cheeks in annoyance.
"...Stop imitating Father."
"Haha. Sorry. But I wanted to say it's not entirely impossible. The retainers care more about the family's survival than its traditions. That way, they get their share of the pie too."
"What does that even mean?"
"You'll find out someday. That's why I'm telling you—hold tight to Theobald. I didn't approve of your marriage just because that guy's got a soft heart."
Essilie blinked blankly, still not getting it. Fred leaned forward, tapping the table.
"Background. The Deharm Viscountcy's reputation will hand you tremendous power. The moment the territory folk's support outweighs the retainers' influence, the Pelgaroin Countship will fall into your hands."
Essilie's brow furrowed at his sly, sticky tone.
"I'm not engaged to Theobald thinking like that. I did it because I truly love... no, like him. Don't think I'm some materialistic gold-digger."
"You're so prickly. Can't you be nicer to your loving brother giving advice?"
"Hmph. Fine. Talking more would just hurt my mouth, so I'm leaving."
"Good call. Judging by your outfit, it'd be best if I make myself scarce."
"What's that supposed to mean!"
Essilie bristled, but Fred just chuckled and rose from his seat.
The dress clung sensually to her skin, accentuating her figure, and she'd even donned expensive jewelry she usually deemed too extravagant. Anyone could see she'd dressed up with Theobald in mind.
He'd thought she'd had a huge fight with Theobald at the mansion a few days ago, but it must've been his imagination.
'No wonder. A bond that close wouldn't crumble overnight.'
Her romance seemed to be going smoothly, so no need to worry.
Fred waved goodbye—wishing her a good day—and left the room. Left alone, Essilie fiddled with her teacup, looking sulky.
"Brother knows nothing..."
Her embarrassing slip made her mutter to herself.
This was just to maintain dignity at the ball—not to impress Theobald. At least, not the 'bad Theobald' she'd seen at the mansion a few days back.
Knock knock—
As she swallowed her unease, a knock came.
"Come in."
At Essilie's permission, the door opened, and a young-faced servant entered.
"N-Noble Lady E-Essilie...!"
The overly formal address and awkward bow were pitiful in several ways. He seemed to be one of the servants hired just before last month, and Essilie found the excessive propriety uncomfortable.
"I'm not noble, so no need to call me that. Just say 'miss' casually, Pariel."
Pariel's eyes went wide.
"How do you know my name, milady—no, miss...?"
"It's only natural to memorize the faces and names of the household staff you'll live with. More importantly, what brings you here? Deliver the message."
"Ah, yes. Actually, Viscount Theobald Deharm just arrived at the annex, so... I came to inform you."
Theobald already? Essilie nodded, her expression stiffening.
"Thank you for letting me know. I'll head down shortly, so Pariel, please attend to the guests."
"Yes! Understood, miss!"
Pariel shut the door energetically after his vigorous reply.
'He'll surely bring that elf slave along. In that case...'
Staring at the spot where Pariel had been, Essilie stood and rummaged through a nearby drawer.
A way to uncover Theobald's true feelings had suddenly come to mind.
*
Among our ancestors' sayings, there's this one.
To choose something, you must give up something else.
So I made a bold decision. Even if my life was at risk, I couldn't keep hiding my true feelings for Essilie.
I don't know if it's the right choice, but it won't be one I'll regret.
Clunk—
The carriage jolted once and came to a slow stop.
After a brief wait, the coachman opened the door.
"Lord Regent. We've arrived."
"Thanks."
With a light nod of thanks, I stepped down from the carriage and took a few steps forward.
A man in a impeccably tailored tailcoat hurried over to me. He looked like one of the Pelgaroin servants assigned to help with the annex party.
The servant approached, bowing neatly in greeting.
"Lord Regent. You've arrived."
"Yes. I was worried I might be too early."
"No need for that concern. Many guests are already gathered in the annex hall. We informed Lady Essilie the moment your carriage passed the main gate, so she'll be down soon."
"Thanks for your tireless efforts amid such a busy schedule."
"Not at all. Just doing my duty. If you have any luggage, hand it to me. I'll guide you to the annex."
I'd brought an extra coat, but nothing substantial enough to call luggage.
"It's fine. I can carry this myself. No need to trouble you when the annex isn't far."
"Ah. As rumored, you're most considerate. Then, if I may be so bold, I'll accompany you as a walking companion. Feel free to ask any questions about the annex."
"Very well. Lead on."
As I started walking, the servant fell in beside me. Crickets chirped peacefully along the path.
'This is freedom.'
Just for today, I could enjoy life free from the elf. A tune nearly escaped my lips unbidden, but the servant glanced at me suspiciously.
"By the way, Lord Regent."
"Yes? Speak."
"Might I ask why you sent the slave ahead first?"
"Slave? Seems like a misunderstanding. I've never sent a slave to the annex. There's no reason my slave would be at the annex..."
There was.
"Urk."
In my shock, I bit my tongue and clamped my mouth shut.
Because at the annex entrance stood the elf—apron stained with tea and dirt—glaring coldly at me...
'How.'
A tiny question reared its tail in my horror-stricken mind.
How the hell was that elf here?
'I definitely ditched her in front of the castle and sped off...'
No. Thinking back, the elf was a superhuman at the grand archmage level.
If she set her mind to it, leaping a short distance would be a breeze.
In the end, my short-sighted blunder. My intent to protect Essilie had only put her in danger.