---

309. Siblings Ep – Remaining Tasks

In a grand ceremony adorned with blooming Liatris flowers and beautifully draped silks of white and red, the venue sparkled with elegance.

In stark contrast, the front garden of Count Peter’s mansion sat simply, bustling with the whispers of the notable nobles of the Belita Kingdom.

The rumored dead prince and princess.

With the impending war against the Aisel Kingdom, this became a major topic shaking Orville. Once their survival was confirmed, the Conrad Kingdom would surely not sit idle.

What began as surprise murmurs gradually grew into political discussions. Just then, with the royalists’ leader, Marquis Benard Tatian present, questions arose as to whether we could leave those siblings be.

A sinister weighing of options.

However, Lean paid them no mind. He thought of his younger sister first, wrapping his arms around Reriana’s delicate shoulders and pressing on.

“Is that really how you feel? Trying to use the person your brother loves… is that genuinely your thought?”

His tone dripped with disappointment, causing Reriana to lower her chin in shock.

“Ah, no… that’s not it…”

“Don’t look away. Come on.”

“It’s not like that, really. I had a dream… hic. O, big brother. I’m scared.”

“…Sister.”

Yes. I know it’s all because of that damn achievement. But I spoke firmly.

“You’ve told me many ridiculous dreams. I thought you remembered when you were a princess at such a young age. Yes. You are indeed a princess. The princess of the Conrad Kingdom. But what you dreamt…”

I spoke earnestly.

“It’s not reality. It never was, and it never will be a delusion.”

Let’s believe in {Immunity}. Lean dismissed his sister’s dreams as mere illusions, continuing to speak. The persona born from her dreams must not be brought back to life again, it must be erased.

“I hope what you said wasn’t genuine. That’s not only wrong, it’s cruel as well. I’d like to believe you just momentarily confused dreams with reality…”

“…”

“Step aside.”

At that moment, Ksenia approached with a stiff expression. Ignoring her narrow dress, she strode forward with heavy steps, trembling with anger. Edlyn stood beside her.

“…”

“…”

Though they faced each other, neither spoke. The absurdity of their encounter before an engagement amidst their splendid adornments was simply too much to bear.

Ksenia felt the engagement ring Lean had left on his ring finger weigh heavily like a shackle. She glared resentfully at the man she loved.

Then, filled with fury, she spoke.

“I greet His Highness the Prince. And you, Princess. Did you enjoy yourselves?”

“…Ksenia.”

“Please call me Ksenia Peter, Prince Lean de Yeriel.”

“Things are not as you think.”

“Of course not. I thought you loved me dearly. Don’t come closer.”

“It’s true I concealed my identity.”

“Same goes for me. I said I was one of those commoners. The reason for you hiding your identity must be similar. I won’t blame you for it. But… I told you not to come closer.”

Yet Lean approached. He believed their relationship and trust had not been shattered. He continued speaking.

“However, my feelings for you are not hidden. They’re not a lie either.”

Lean held Ksenia’s hand tightly, causing her face to twist in distress.

How selfish this man can be. He speaks his mind and easily sways others. Though she liked him, being a prince elevated Lean’s position as well. Ksenia pulled her hand away, saying,

“I didn’t love you deceitfully either. I still love you, Lean. But whether I love the prince is uncertain.”

She liked that he, despite being a beggar, stood tall. Not as Prince Lean de Yeriel but as the man who came to her because he loved her.

That was the point she hit upon, yet Lean answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“I love you too. Not Ksenia Peter, but the actress who came to me as if by fate.”

“…I apologize, but it seems you’re implying you didn’t know I was a noble.”

“I didn’t know. At least not then.”

“Are you asking me to believe that?”

In a world where meeting a handful of nobility was rare, what were the odds that this noblegirl was the daughter of a family related to the Conrad Kingdom? And what were the chances that a beggar prince would genuinely confess his feelings to her?

It couldn’t be. Unless the ambitious prince approached her intentionally.

It was a perfectly logical point, yet Lean responded emotionally, “Indeed. Please do believe me.”

I can’t hold back my anger.

Ksenia bit her lipstick-stained lips. This selfish man wouldn’t let go of the ties of longing, and turning her head away from her mother was the best rebellion she could muster.

Edlyn gazed at the prince with complex eyes before taking her daughter and leaving. The invited guests began to sense that the engagement had been broken.

Then Count Peter’s household was now disconnected from the prince and princess at the center of the issue. ─ Just as the scales seemed to tip.

“Big brother, I can solve this…”

“Stay still.”

Patting his sister’s head, who was wallowing in guilt, Lean shot a glare at Marquis Benard Tatian. He was watching Reriana with suspicious eyes, apparently angry.

“Marquis Benard Tatian.”

“…”

“You have won. I will admit I must seek your help.”

“When did the prince and I ever compete? Such unwarranted remarks are rather unsettling.”

Hmph. Lean stepped closer to the Marquis and said,

“Now would be the time. Marquis, soon you will find yourself in trouble and come seeking me for help.”

“Me? How surprising. I’ve never faced trouble in my life, so I’m curious to hear what you say.”

“Hahahaha. By what you’re saying, you still fail to grasp why the king moved Princess Chloe.”

“…?”

“Your son, Toton Tatian, will soon end up just like Prince Gilbert Forte. He will fall in love. The king will exploit enthralled Toton to pit you against Count Hermann Forte.”

What does that mean? The marquis scoffed quietly. Lean seized the opportunity.

“You think it’s impossible, right? Isn’t that interesting? You must think I’m a fool to say such a thing.”

“Indeed. I understand now. The prince is simply a person who enjoys toying with things. I won’t see you off on your way back home.”

The marquis turned coldly. I suppose there’s no need to see him again. I was still pondering how to deal with that strange princess…

“Irène.”

At that one word, his body stiffened.

“She’s quite capable and makes for a good pawn. I believe she’s a fine asset.”

It was something he couldn’t just brush aside. Turning around once more, Marquis Tatian watched the prince closely.

“…You said you cannot use magic, but you lied to me.”

Lean shrugged.

“Think as you will. I’m not a sorcerer.”

“Then you must be a shaman. How do you know of Irène? Regarding her connection with my son, of course…”

“You’re wondering how I know that you know? A shaman… Hahaha! Even they can’t read minds.”

“Answer my question. Depending on your response, I may not spare you, Prince.”

Lean laughed. As if he’d seen through a partner all ready to fleece others.

“I never thought you of all people would ask such a question. Let’s pretend I didn’t hear it.”

“……”

The marquis was silent. Meanwhile, Lean organized his thoughts, grateful to Ksenia for the good information she had given him.

The marquis was clearly aware that Irène loved his son. When I attempted to assassinate Toton Tatian in the ninth round, he had purposely inserted Irène into the process, causing the assassination to fail.

A nasty hobby.

To read and exploit the hearts of others. Thus, he must have known that his son secretly liked Irène.

So the prophecy that Toton Tatian would soon fall in love with Princess Chloe must have seemed ridiculous to him.

I merely used that to my advantage.

Reawakening the marquis’s interest, Lean casually concluded, whispering to him,

“Let’s wait a few days. There will be an incident within a week, so I trust you will handle things until then.”

With that, he gracefully slipped away among the chattering nobles with his sister. However, he couldn’t bask in his victory.

The engagement ceremony was in shambles.

It was true he could gradually mend Ksenia’s heart, but the fact remained that the long-anticipated engagement had shattered. And even his sister, who hung her head like a sinner… The carriage jolted and shook.

“…Big brother. I’m s-sorry. It’s my fault…”

Reriana cried her chicken-sized tears. It seemed Ksenia breaking off the engagement had profoundly shocked her.

Lean observed her for a moment, wondering if this was just an act of hers.

Do I have to treat my sister with all the cunning I used on Marquis Tatian?

Of course, if Reriana seems to change, I’ll scold and advise her again anytime, but I still wanted to be sincere with her.

Because for her to be this way, I must act as such… He didn’t want to calculate it out, so Lean shifted positions and embraced his sister. Patting her back, he noted how small Reriana still was.

The carriage headed towards the peaceful grounds of the Rauno Family, carrying the tearful Reriana.

He fed her (the candy he’d taken from Oberg), soothing her.

“Don’t do that from now on. Got it?”

He secured her promise tightly.

Wiping her tears, his sister fumbled a lot in front of him, said she was sorry and then dashed off to find Santian Rauno. Lean felt a little heartache.

By the way… even if he reconciled with Ksenia and restored their relationship, he thought he couldn’t stay in Orville for long.

His identity had become too widely known. The nobility here was a problem, and he couldn’t guess how long he could continue his mind games with Marquis Benard Tatian.

And above all, what would happen if Eric de Yeriel found out about his and his sister’s survival? It was early autumn now, and it would take a long time for Reb to reach the Conrad Kingdom.

For various reasons, he thought it would be best to leave Orville. There wasn’t much to gain by being near Astroth either.

‘Right. Let’s leave. Anywhere but here. But before that, there’s something I must do.’

It was time to meet the “broken-armed beggar” he’d put off for so long.

Having met the prince of Aisel Kingdom, he confirmed how the {war} would erupt, and he had done everything he could in Orville. He could leave Gilbert Forte alone since Leah wouldn’t be heading to the Monastery Church.

He had seen Katrina freed from her shackles… Just one more meeting with Kasia would do.

As Lean planned his future schedule, he gazed down at the calm courtyard of the Rauno Family. Surprisingly, it was still broad daylight.