Birthday (2)
“Look over there!!”
The grand ducal household was far from its usual calm today. Servants were rushing about in preparation for the upcoming ball. From the frenzy, it seemed the duke was putting quite a bit of effort into this one.
...What the hell is he scheming?
Killing Ashu was secondary; the real issue was how to approach it. Poison in the food? An arrow or spell from afar? Who knew.
Still, watching them sweat like that feels so damn good.
Seeing them drenched and disoriented washed away years of pent-up grudge. Spin a little more, you lot. Do you have any idea how much I suffered because of you? This is nothing compared to what I went through.
“Why are you grinning like a creep?”
“N-No reason...”
Ashu crossed his arms and snorted derisively.
“Still, seeing those idiots like that puts me in a good mood.”
Ashu flashed a wicked grin. I wholeheartedly agreed. Those bastards had cost me a fortune...!! Give me back the money for my shrine!
“Young master, allow us to assist with your preparations.”
I was thoroughly enjoying the chaos of the bustling household when an older maid appeared out of nowhere, bowing politely.
“...Hah.”
Ashu tilted his head in disbelief.
“Hey.”
His voice was so flat and emotionless it made my heart sink.
“Don't bother. I'll handle it myself.”
“B-But that's...”
“I said don't bother.”
The maid's face drained of color. Cold sweat beaded between the wrinkles in her skin.
Nice one. Go, my disciple!!
Of course, I was cheering him on silently. It was downright absurd. They'd ignored him completely before, and now they flipped like a switch?
Shamelessness has its limits.
They should've treated him right from the start. Like I did.
“P-Please forgive the intrusion.”
The pale-faced maid bowed hastily and scurried away.
“Pathetic worms.”
His cold tone from that expressionless face was terrifying on its own. The scurrying servants edged farther away, fearing they'd catch the fallout.
...It does feel good, but something tastes off.
Maybe because nothing was truly resolved yet. The root problems remained untouched.
“Get lost.”
“H-Hiiik! Y-Yes, sir!!”
Ashu's low growl sent the servants trembling in terror. Their frantic escape was almost pitiful.
For now, I'll just enjoy the show.
I decided to let Ashu's rampage play out unchecked. Watching it cleared my chest like a punch.
Serves you right.
Right now, Ashu wasn't my precious little golden boy. He was the educator come to restore discipline to this crumbling household! You got this, disciple!!
“...And why are you here?”
“Long time no see, punk.”
Sparks flew from Byrn and Ashu's glares. One smirked slyly, the other scowled furiously.
“I told you before. You're going places. Gotta butter up the big shots early, right?”
Byrn shrugged and snorted.
“...So, what makes you think─”
“Like I said last time, I've got good eyes.”
Byrn pointed to his own pupil with his index finger. Ashu gaped, genuinely dumbfounded.
“S-Sorry to interrupt, but...”
As their bickering hit a lull, I raised my hand timidly. Everything was fine. Totally fine.
But why am I in this situation again?
A horde of maids loitered behind me, wearing those same lecherous grins.
“Wh-What's with them─”
“Oh.”
Byrn glanced between Ashu and me, then his lips curved into a sly upward smirk.
“Feels familiar, huh? We did this last time. Can't have the ball's stars showing up looking like that.”
Byrn wagged his finger and clicked his tongue.
“Not on my watch.”
“D-Disciple!!”
The second those words left his mouth, I spun and lunged for Ashu's collar─ but whoosh. My hand swiped empty air.
“Sorry, already talked it over with this guy.”
“Y-You...?”
My eyes shook. How dare you...!!
“D-Disciple...?”
“See ya.”
Ashu ditched me without a backward glance, vanishing with Byrn.
“Y-You ungrateful little...!”
To repay my grace like this...!! I'll never forget this betrayal!!
“It's been a while, honored guest.”
“Hiiik!!”
Ever heard of Pavlov's dog? Ring a bell, give food, and eventually the dog salivates at the bell alone. Simple experiment.
That's why I bring it up now.
“H-Hiiik!! D-Don't come closer...!!”
“No worries. It'll be over quick.”
The maids' beaming smiles were identical to last time, not a hair out of place.
“Nooo!!”
“It'll be quick.”
And just like that, I ended up dolled up again. Another chunk of my masculinity perished.
“Anyway, that's unexpected.”
“What's unexpected?”
“The ball. As far as I know, this is your first birthday one.”
“...”
Ashu clamped his mouth shut. Byrn chuckled lightly and continued.
“Plus, the duke doesn't seem to like you much.”
“...Shut up.”
It hit a sore spot; Ashu's ice-blue eyes flashed dangerously. Byrn raised both hands placatingly.
“Sorry if that stung, but you know it's true.”
His sly grin vanished in an instant. His curved lips straightened, and his sharp eyes fixed earnestly on Ashu.
“The duke suddenly throwing you a birthday ball.”
“...I won the subjugation tournament.”
“Ah, that?”
Byrn stifled a hollow laugh. Why so naive? He probably thought it was fishy too, deep down.
Byrn patted Ashu's shoulder.
“You live so carefree. I thought you were just rude, but you're arrogantly rude.”
“What're you getting at?”
“Eh, I don't wanna meddle in family drama. Got an appointment anyway.”
“Appointment?”
Ashu blinked curiously. The ball was about to start. Even now would be cutting it close. What appointment?
The guy was impossible to pin down.
“Urgent one. See ya later, punk.”
“I said don't call me that!”
Byrn blew off the protest and vanished in a flash. Ashu sighed, gazing upward.
The sky had darkened to spilled ink.
“...Carefree, huh.”
If only he could live that carefree. It'd be a dream.
“...So, why'd you call me out here?”
Chilly moonlight bathed the ground. The cold bit like it could flay skin. An outdoor meeting in this weather? With the imperial prince, no less.
“Big sis.”
Ideal stepped out gracefully. Even masked, her beauty was undeniable─ sensual, like beholding a goddess. Her form-fitting dress clung irresistibly. A sweet peach scent clouded his mind.
“...Hello, Your Highness.”
Ideal bowed politely. Byrn shook his head to clear it.
“I figured it was the duke when you rushed the appointment. Big sis? That's a surprise.”
Byrn crossed his arms with a grin.
“You're different from usual, though.”
“Yes.”
The clumsy demeanor was gone. Was this her true self?
“I have a favor to ask.”
“A favor?”
“...”
Ideal's hands clenched her dress tightly. Her faintly trembling shoulders tugged at him.
“...If anything happens to me, please look after my disciple─ I mean, Ashu Kan Hart.”
“'If anything happens'? Funny way to put it.”
Like preparing for her own demise.
“That punk would flip if he heard you say that.”
“Hic─ Ahem.”
She shuddered again, spooked. Byrn smirked.
“Whatever it is, I'll help.”
“R-Really...?”
Ideal's eyes sparkled behind the mask.
“To cozy up to him anyway, better to impress big sis than the dog.”
Byrn tapped his chin. Ashu didn't know gratitude─ that's why he was a punk. But this woman was different. Ashu's most treasured person.
Helping her would make Ashu an ally later. Huge boost in the succession fight─ the grand duchy could tip the scales.
“...Me?”
“─Yeah.”
“Wh-Why me...?”
“You seriously don't know?”
Byrn looked baffled. Not acting─ genuine confusion. Good luck, Ashu Kan Hart. Long road ahead.
She didn't even seem aware of her own feelings. Her future was crystal clear.