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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 21
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Brother
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For the first time in a while, I put my hair up with a pearl pin and slipped on a petticoat. I wore a sky-blue dress that went well with my dark navy hair.
The air outside was more refreshing than I expected, and the sunlight was warm. I'd been cooped up inside for so long that I'd lost track of the weather.
It had been a while since I'd ridden in a carriage.
Perhaps because it was sent by the imperial family, the ride was smooth. I rested my chin on my hand and watched the scenery outside.
I could see people walking and chatting, living out their ordinary days. It was nice to see that every one of them had a smile on their face as they talked.
But I couldn't picture myself among them.
If I rest a little more at home, maybe I'll feel like going out there.
Yes, I still needed some peace and quiet.
***
When I arrived at the palace, I blinked at the magnificent sight I hadn't seen in a long time.
The Etoile estate was quite large, but the palace was truly extravagant. I think I heard it was to Emperor Kies's taste.
I walked down the hallway and was guided to the dining room.
I entered slowly, as if doing a chore I dreaded. I saw Ryan sitting in the middle of a long dining table.
I bowed my head and greeted him politely. Ryan gave me a slight nod in return.
The room, where not a single word was exchanged, was filled with silence.
‘This is actually more comfortable.’
Only the maids and servants waiting on us seemed anxious.
Ryan raised an eyebrow.
“It seems we agree on something for the first time.”
I thought so, too.
In fact, it was surprising that Ryan wasn't yelling at me and bringing up Reshuan.
Did Reshuan not tell Ryan?
That was also surprising in its own way.
“I have no intention of getting engaged or married to you. I have only Reshuan.”
I knew he'd say that. I nodded.
“Yes, I know—”
Just as I was about to reply calmly, the dining room door opened. It was behind me, but I didn't bother to turn my head.
It was probably a servant bringing our meal.
I was about to continue speaking.
“Marso.”
I flinched at the unexpected voice. My body froze for a moment, and I shook my head.
“Marso.”
But as if to deny my thoughts, the warm voice called my name again.
…But how is Darcy here? The imperial palace isn't a place just anyone can enter.
Besides, he said he was leaving.
“Sorry. I spent a lot of time getting ready to see you after so long, and it took longer than I thought. But I'm glad I seem to have made it on time.”
Before I could turn my head, Darcy's hand covered my eyes. He spoke caustically.
“Why are you talking to a guy like that? It'll rot your ears.”
…His blunt words were refreshing, but I was deeply worried about his future.
After all, that's the crown prince he's talking to.
I squeezed the fingers covering my eyes, trying to give Darcy a hint.
But Darcy continued steadfastly.
“I did you a favor and covered your eyes. You can purify them later by looking at me. I'm more handsome, after all.”
“…Who are you? Get the hell out of here—.”
Ryan's angry voice made me flinch. He wouldn't let Darcy get away with insulting him.
‘I have to step in.’
I opened my mouth, but Darcy's voice came first.
“Your brother.”
…What?
This was a development I hadn't expected at all.
I had a feeling he wasn't just an extra, but could that be true? He never appeared in the book...
I struggled, trying to pull Darcy's hand away. But his grip was much stronger than I'd thought.
I heard Darcy's low laugh, and the hand covering my eyes loosened. I gave it a light push, and it slid away, my vision clearing.
I turned my head and finally saw Darcy.
Dressed in a uniform with his hair tied up, his face seemed to glow. His clear eyes, dark brows, and upright posture gave him an air of dignity different from his usual self.
…He really seemed like a different person.
The moment our eyes met, Darcy's eyes curved beautifully. The corners of his eyes drew a gentle arc as he looked at me.
A moment later, Darcy narrowed his eyes, crossed his arms, and stared askance at Ryan. His attitude was completely different from how he treated me.
“Go on, call me ‘Brother.’”
Ryan stared at Darcy with a blank expression, as if looking at a madman.
Darcy shrugged and turned his head back to me.
“The thought of that trash becoming your husband... I just couldn't leave.”
“You're completely insane.”
Ryan spat out the words in disbelief, but Darcy acted as if Ryan didn't even exist.
His gaze was so intense as he stared at me that it was almost burdensome.
The deep look in his eyes was certainly different from before. He seemed as free with his emotions as he had on the last day we met.
‘Why, though?’
As I was flustered by the change in Darcy's demeanor, he spoke.
“Marso, I thought about it really hard, but I couldn't figure it out. I realized I had no choice but to ask you directly.”
Feeling bewildered, I asked him.
“…What?”
Darcy replied seriously.
“Do you prefer it when I speak casually or formally? Or a mix? Do you like a strong tone?”
…What on earth is the point of this question?
As I tried to gather my thoughts, Darcy rested his chin on his hand and continued.
“Maybe you won't know until you hear it? Give this a listen, Marso. *I have missed you.* Is that too awkward….”
The elegant way he spoke was so natural, as if he'd always been that way.
Mired in confusion, I finally managed to ask.
“How did you even get in here? You said you were leaving.”
Darcy blinked at my words. It seemed he'd forgotten that I hadn't asked that question yet.
“I came to see you.”
Darcy gave a sly smile, closed the distance in an instant, and whispered in my ear.
“I didn't know you'd come all dressed up like this, though.”
His breath landed softly against my ear, like downy fluff.
My face flushed.
Calm down. That's not the problem right now. I had to think more seriously about Darcy's crime of insulting the imperial family.
Is Ryan really Darcy's younger brother?
…Or did Darcy eat something bad? Could he have been brainwashed somewhere?
But there's no way he was subjected to mind alteration. Is that even possible in the first place?
…What if he was captured by the mages here while trying to escape and they altered his mind? How horrible.
My mind filled with worst-case scenarios.
First, I should ask him. I looked at Darcy and asked in a trembling voice.
“Darcy, don't tell me you were brainwashed… No. If he were brainwashed, he wouldn't just admit it.”
His current state worried me more than his comment about me being pretty. He was one of the first people I had opened up to since possessing Marso's body. He was a good person, good enough that I found myself reminiscing about the time we'd spent together.
Darcy remained silent, staring blankly at me. My worries grew into a mountain. Could I get him treated?
“Darcy, I have plenty of money, so let's go see a doctor first.”
“I knew you wouldn't believe me easily... but this reaction is beyond my imagination.”
Darcy muttered as he watched me. He gazed at me intently, his eyes narrowed, then shrugged.
“Marso, first, answer my question. What kind of speech do you like?”
What kind of speech I liked? I'd never even thought about such a thing.
It seemed he wouldn't move on until I answered, so I decided to reply quickly and then find a way to get him treated.
“I don't have a preference.”
“And my way of speaking doesn't bother you?”
…Why is he asking this? He's the one who spoke to me informally from the very beginning.
Feeling puzzled, I nodded.
“Yeah. It suits you.”
“You think this way of speaking suits me? Is that a good thing….”
Darcy made a strange face. Even the slight frown on his face was as beautiful as a portrait.
I always knew he was handsome, but he was especially eye-catching today. Maybe it was because he was so much more dressed up.
“Darcy, let's get you treated—”
“Not yet. Not yet, the most important thing is left.”
As I continued speaking with concern, Darcy shook his head with a serious expression.
This time, it seemed like he was about to ask an important question that would get to the heart of the matter, so I nodded immediately.
“Don't get engaged to that guy.”
“…What?”
As I dumbly asked for clarification, Darcy lowered his gaze slightly.
“I'll help you be happy.”
His eyelashes trembled. Darcy met my gaze and whispered in a languid voice.
“Because you saved me.”
I was about to ask what he meant when I saw the cold steel of a sword touch Darcy's neck.
My god, I'd completely forgotten about Ryan, who was right in front of me! I came to the palace for a different reason!
But Darcy, the one with a sword to his throat, didn't seem to care at all.
On the contrary, he turned his head to face Ryan as if the blade wasn't even there, crossed his arms, and grumbled nonchalantly.
“Little brother. Where did you learn the manners to interrupt an important conversation like this?”
Ryan replied with a cold expression.
“Can you call acting as if I don't exist ‘manners’? To claim kinship before the Prince is a grave crime in itself. Stand up.”
“Alright.”
Darcy stood up obediently and gave me a beautiful smile.
“Enjoy the banquet here, Marso. I'll be the one to leave.”
“…And where do you think you're going?”
At Ryan's question, Darcy's eyes widened as if in shock.
“Are you suggesting Marso should be the one to leave? My word, how inconsiderate can you be? She came to the palace, so you should at least let her enjoy a proper banquet.”
His pitying expression reminded me of when we first met.
Darcy pointed at the door.
“Well, shall we go?”
His audacity, telling the Prince to leave, was something else.
Ryan, frowning, remained standing with his sword at Darcy's neck. He seemed unwilling to listen to a word Darcy said.
I felt the same way. Who knew what kind of threats Ryan would make if they went outside?
“Talk here. Stay here.”
I couldn't let him die. If they talked alone, Darcy would be at a disadvantage.
Darcy, who had been blinking at my words, whispered with a face as radiant as a flower.
“I like hearing that. Say it one more time.”
No, this isn't the time for jokes.
As I gaped at him, dumbfounded, Darcy burst into a hearty laugh.
His actions, so out of place in the current situation, suited him as if they were tailor-made.
“Say it.”
Even with a sword still at his neck, he was chillingly composed.
