Chapter 523: Brotherly Devotion
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 523: Brotherly Devotion
"Family..."
The corners of Celicia’s mouth quirked—it was hard to tell if she was smiling or mocking herself.
Perhaps they truly could be called family, but this was the Imperial House, and at a time when tensions were high on all sides, the word "family" was synonymous with "danger."
At the very least, for these two brothers, it meant they were threats to one another. The Second Prince, whose reputation was far from stellar, was certainly not the type to show mercy at such a critical juncture.
"I suppose if we didn't bear the name Leopold—if we had been born into an ordinary family—you and Andrew would be genuinely happy about my recovery," Albert said with a low, gentle smile. His peaceful tone naturally drew people in, creating an effortless sense of intimacy.
Celicia’s eyes flickered. Unlike Andrew’s calculated composure, the warmth woven into Albert’s words was something difficult to fake.
"You are being too pessimistic, Brother. At the very least, I am truly happy for your recovery," Celicia replied.
"...Thank you. I am glad to have a sister like you."
Albert’s smile deepened. He watched Celicia, seemingly trying to discern the truth behind her words, but her icy, beautiful face remained devoid of emotion—a thick tundra that allowed no one to glimpse the heart beneath.
"By the way, Brother Albert, you look... unwell. Is something the matter?" Celicia asked.
This was a formal occasion, after all. Though she had noticed Albert’s odd appearance from the start, it would have been rude to lead with such a personal question. Only after their brief pleasantries did she feel it appropriate to ask.
"It’s nothing serious."
Albert waved a hand, declining Celicia’s offer to steady him.
"Cough, cough. Though my brain ailment has cleared, I suffered a severe fever afterward. I was bedridden for nearly a month. I’ve recovered now, but my body is still a bit frail."
"Is that why you’ve been out of the public eye lately, Brother?"
"Heh, you could say that. Now that I’ve regained my senses, I can’t exactly go around looking like a pathetic mess as I did before."
Albert gave a self-deprecating laugh, his gaze darkening as he shook his head.
"Unfortunately, my dear younger brother has exhausted every means possible to force me to show my face."
"Perhaps Brother Andrew truly just wanted to host a ball."
"You don't need to comfort me, Celicia. Andrew’s true intentions are, I think..."
"Haha! I thought I heard someone calling my name!"
Albert’s words cut off abruptly as a boisterous voice drowned out the ambient noise of the ballroom.
The two turned to see a familiar figure entering their field of vision.
Andrew arrived as he always did—with a large entourage trailing behind him. He stepped through the main doors, chest puffed out, and strode through the parting crowd straight toward Albert.
Before Albert could even react, to the shock of the onlookers, Andrew pulled his elder brother into a sudden embrace.
"My dear brother! My respected elder brother! Albert, you who share my very blood—I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am by your recovery!"
Andrew held Albert tightly, clapping him on the back. His voice was resonant and seemingly sincere. Whether it was a trick of the light or not, some guests thought they saw a glint of tears in the corners of his eyes.
"I used to spend every waking moment wishing for your health to return. It seems the Goddess heard my prayers and restored you to us!"
"Andrew... my dear brother." Albert was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and returning the smile. "You are too enthusiastic."
"Haha! One can never be too enthusiastic about a brother’s recovery!"
After the greetings, Andrew took a wine glass from an attendant. Under the sudden focus of the magical spotlights, he raised it high, addressing the entire hall.
"Everyone! My brother suffered from a brain ailment for nearly thirty years, but today, he has finally recovered. I am overjoyed! And yet, there are certain villains, insects, and beasts loathed by the Goddess who have been whispering rumors in the dark, claiming that my brother and I are at odds. Therefore, I have hosted this ball not only to celebrate his recovery and to settle the recent unrest, but to prove to you all—
"I, Andrew Leopold, and my brother, Albert Leopold, have never had any conflict or discord. Between us, there is only the bond of brotherhood!"
Clap, clap, clap—
As soon as he finished, thunderous applause erupted, nearly shaking the palace roof. Everyone wore smiles, appearing deeply moved by the "genuine" affection between the two princes.
Meanwhile, the sound of magical shutters clicking filled the air. Among the entourage Andrew had brought were many representatives from Belland’s major newspapers. They held up their image-recording magic devices, permanently capturing the image of a smiling Andrew tightly embracing his brother.
By tomorrow morning, headlines like Prince Andrew Throws Grand Welcome Ball for His Brother and A Picture of Brotherly Devotion: The Leopold Princes would spread across Belland.
However, the focus of these headlines—the person being deliberately painted in a favorable light—would be the Second Prince, Andrew, for his "extraordinary magnanimity."
Driven by a calculated force, the ball reached its crescendo.
*
"Heh, what a clumsy trick. Isn't he afraid of tripping over his own feet later?"
While everyone’s attention was fixed on the two princes, Celicia quietly faded into the background. She moved to the edge of the crowd, silently watching the spectacle at the center of the hall.
She knew that from this moment on, the ball had nothing to do with her. She was happy to be left alone; knowing her second brother’s true nature, Andrew’s pretentious display was enough to make her nauseous.
"Still, as clumsy and forced as this trick is, it doesn't seem like something Andrew could have come up with on his own."
Celicia narrowed her beautiful eyes, scanning the group behind Andrew. Aside from the press and his usual attendants, she soon spotted several faces that were both familiar and strange.
Familiar, because she knew who they were.
Strange, because in the past, these people would never have been seen following the Second Prince.
"Viscount Comm, Viscount Grant, and... that looks like Count Neo’s eldest son; I met him once. Heh, just small fry. I wonder who’s really standing behind them."
Celicia silently committed the names to memory.
She had an excellent memory, so after a single glance, she boredly looked away.
"Beautiful lady, are you all alone?"
The moment she turned around, a silver platter covered by a golden cloche appeared before her eyes.
Then, an equally eye-catching, handsome face popped out from behind the tray, winking at her with a grin.
"Would you like something to eat? Steak? Foie gras? Or... me?"
"I’m not hungry." Celicia completely ignored Muen’s "flamboyant" attempt at flirting.
"Is that so? What if it’s a sweet, fragrant little cream cake?"
Muen lifted the cloche. A variety of exquisitely crafted, adorable little cakes had been arranged in the shape of a heart. The sweet aroma wafted through the air, enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
"..."
Celicia shot Muen a look that was several degrees colder than usual. Muen’s large frame shuddered, and he instinctively felt a bit cowed.
But in the next heartbeat, with the speed she usually reserved for drawing her sword, Celicia picked up a fork and popped a piece of cake into her cherry-red lips.
As the flavors hit her tongue, her tense, icy expression softened slightly, melting just like the cake.
"Is it good?"
"It’s alright."
"Do you want more?"
"...Yes."