Even if it was the parent who gave birth to him, they would have a worse relationship than even his enemies. Although she didn’t know the details of the situation, it was clear that the Grand Duke wasn’t in a good mood right now.
“He’ll have to keep an eye on his vassals.”
Elusiana, who was completely unaware that the Grand Duke had carried out a bloody purge, was preoccupied with worrying that he might have suddenly collapsed because he overworked his sickly body.
“Let’s hurry a little more.”
Obviously, he hadn’t slept well in the past few days. Even if she couldn’t drag him to bed and put him to sleep, she could relieve the strain on the Grand Duke’s eyes.
Elusiana, who had been lightly dressed up, came down to the first floor and shouted loudly. “Father, I will go first today!”
“Yes, I’ll clean up after. Be careful.”
“Yes, then I will go now.”
Elusiana hurried out of the Waieos Mansion, leaving her anxiety spreading like paint behind her.
* * *
She suddenly had this thought as she walked along the maze-like path of Grand Duchy Sestein. Did all the magic barriers get lifted during the funeral? Without a key, it would be difficult to enter the Grand Duchy in the first place.
As she walked with such useless thoughts, she reached the entrance of the main building. Elusiana, who had checked her dress once again, was just stepping into the entrance.
“You’re early.”
“…?”
Elusiana, who flinched, turned her head to where she could hear the voice. There, Genoyer was standing.
“…Grand Prince. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Elusiana bowed reflexively and wasn’t completely unaware of the current situation.
The funeral was over. There was no reason for him to stay here anymore unless it was something to celebrate. Moreover, this was the Grand Duchy of Sestein, famous for its isolation. Even if the subject was the Grand Prince, no, especially because he was the Grand Prince who had lost his position, the situation was even more incomprehensible.
Shouldn’t he… leave?
The disaster caused by a power struggle wasn’t for nothing. Among the many reasons, one of the most common causes of death was ambition for a title. When there were signs of rebellion, they would trace it back to its roots and eliminate it completely.
In that sense, Genoyer was putting his head into the tiger’s jaw. Even the vassals who supported him had all abandoned him.
Still, is the Grand Duke going to do something like that?
It was unimaginable to think that Grand Duke, not someone else, would harm his blood and kin. Wasn’t the Grand Duke the more affectionate person than anyone else? As far as Elusiana knew, even if it wasn’t for that, the current Grand Duke’s body was overwhelming enough to keep the Grand Prince in check.
On the contrary, His Excellency may be in a more dangerous situation. If the Grand Prince discovered that the wounds caused by the power struggle weren’t fully healed, would the Grand Prince miss this opportunity?
I must be very careful.
Elusiana raised her head slowly, unknowingly nervous. But Genoyer’s response was something she didn’t expect.
“Last time I was disrespectful.”
“…Yes?”
“If you feel offended, I apologize.”
The unexpected remark left Elusiana at a loss for words for a moment. Isn’t this a time to give me all kinds of insults with his power? Is it because of the disparity? His apology didn’t feel sincere at all. Elusiana lowered her head once again, thinking that she would frown in front of the Grand Price if she stayed still.
“Your advice is engraved in my heart, Grand Prince.”
“That’s too much. It seems both of us are uncomfortable, so let’s forget what happened then. Anyway, did you have a good vacation?”
“…Yes.”
Elusiana was involuntarily startled at the appearance of the Grand Prince, who was different from the last time they met. How else did he know I was on vacation? Why is he being kind all of a sudden? She raised her head, smiling awkwardly.
“Well, then, you must be very busy today.”
“Yes, I think so. Do you have anything else you want me to do?”
Genoyer scratched his head in embarrassment. Unlike his cold and arrogant first impression, he looked a little foolish. If that was acting, the Grand Duke would surely have succeeded even if he had been an actor.
“I decided to stay here in the annex for the time being.”
“Ah! …I see.”
“I don’t know if I may ask you this.”
Genoyer, who smiled awkwardly, added again. “I’d like to treat you to tea when you’re free.”
“Ah, yes. P-pardon? T-tea for me?”
Is he serious? Elusiana’s scarlet eyes were colored with bewilderment.
“I have no other intention. As I said before… I’m a little curious about my brother. If it’s you, I think you can understand my heart slightly. Is this an unreasonable request?”
“…Ah.”
Elusiana was at a loss as to what to answer. If she was in a company, it was similar to how the managing director would invite her to eat together. Still, she herself is the president’s secretary. However, if that was all, the problem could be solved neatly by asking the president for his understanding and meeting him.
But the president and the managing director have a really bad relationship.
Elusiana quietly held her hands together. What should I do? It seemed like a tiger that was emitting murderous intent was standing in front of her, and a viper with blue eyes was gazing at her from behind.
Perhaps guessing what she was thinking, Genoyer made a plausible proposal.
“If it’s inconvenient for you, just avoid the time when my younger brother would be present.”
“…I’ll do my best.”
“I don’t know if I put too much pressure on you.”
Elusiana swallowed the laughter that was about to burst out of her throat and bit the tender flesh in her mouth. It’s not funny. Why do you say it if you know? It’d be better if you did not say it.
“No, I’m just a little worried about keeping the Grand Duke waiting.”
“Then shall I help you with your work?”
“Yes… Pardon?
“I think I can help quite a bit since it’s what I used to do. It’s just sorting paperwork, right?”
Surprised, Elusiana widened her eyes. It must have been a joke, but thinking of the three of them in the same office made her blood dry up.
Genoyer, who looked at her like that, gently curled the corners of his mouth and burst into laughter.
“Pfft. It’s a joke, a joke. Why are you making such a disgusted face?”
Looking at the bewildered Elusiana, Genoyer laughed. Elusiana, who had laughed awkwardly along with him, swept her chest. At that time, the string of her necklace caught on Elusiana’s fingertips, and her pendant came out.
Uh? Why is this?
Elusiana quickly put her necklace into her clothes in case anyone saw it. It was then.
“It’s pretty.”
Elusiana, who had just tucked her necklace under her clothes, raised her head to look at Genoyer.
“The necklace suits you well. But it seems like I’ve seen it a lot somewhere.”
“This is a keepsake from my mother.”
Elusiana pressed the necklace hidden under her clothes and smiled faintly as if missing her. Although Astein has the real keepsake.
Genoyer tilted his head and thought. When he thought of it, the shape of the necklace he saw at first glance was the shape of a flower.
“Ah, that flower. Is it the pattern of the Waieos family?”
“Yes. It’s lisianthus.”
“Lisianthus. Hmm.”
For an instant, Genoyer’s eyes narrowed. It’s definitely a familiar necklace, but he couldn’t remember where he saw it. If he could clearly look at it again, he might remember it.
“If it’s okay, can I see it?”
“My necklace?”
“Yes. I wish I could see it again.”
“Ah, yes. Here—”
It was when Elusiana pulled the necklace halfway out of her bosom. Genoyer, who had been watching the necklace, suddenly turned his head to the side. As if scrutinizing something, he once again looked back at Elusiana.
“I guess I’m already taking too much of your time. I’ll look at the necklace next time. Ah, I hope you keep your promise to drink tea with me. I think I’ll be very sad if you forget.”
“..!”
Pardon? Look, Grand Prince. I said I’d do my best but never gave you a definite answer. Who dares to keep promises?
Elusiana barely swallowed the words inside and tried to open her mouth. But before she had time to say anything, Genoyer sighed, laughed, and disappeared like the wind.
What is this…!
Before leaving, Genoyer smiled at the empty spot.
What do you mean by a promise? Wasn’t this the only way to give him a justification to meet me? By the way, wait. What’s wrong with his smile?
A creepy feeling wrapped around her whole body as if she had taken a bite of poisoned apple. Elusiana shrugged her shoulders involuntarily. The goosebumps on her skin made her back stand upright.
“Gasp! G-ghost!”
Surprised, Elusiana tripped while stepping back. Aster quickly wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh, uh, yes!”
“Why are you here so early? It’s still a long way before it’s time to go to work.”
“Hahaha. So, that—”
Elusiana lowered her head, unable to hold back her embarrassment.
I know, right? Why did I come so early? Why did I throw myself into the fire of hell for useless fuss? Why?
The expression of Elusiana, which had recalled the Grand Prince’s smile, gradually turned into a melancholic one.
Even if it was the parent who gave birth to him, they would have a worse relationship than even his enemies. Although she didn’t know the details of the situation, it was clear that the Grand Duke wasn’t in a good mood right now.
“He’ll have to keep an eye on his vassals.”
Elusiana, who was completely unaware that the Grand Duke had carried out a bloody purge, was preoccupied with worrying that he might have suddenly collapsed because he overworked his sickly body.
“Let’s hurry a little more.”
Obviously, he hadn’t slept well in the past few days. Even if she couldn’t drag him to bed and put him to sleep, she could relieve the strain on the Grand Duke’s eyes.
Elusiana, who had been lightly dressed up, came down to the first floor and shouted loudly. “Father, I will go first today!”
“Yes, I’ll clean up after. Be careful.”
“Yes, then I will go now.”
Elusiana hurried out of the Waieos Mansion, leaving her anxiety spreading like paint behind her.
* * *
She suddenly had this thought as she walked along the maze-like path of Grand Duchy Sestein. Did all the magic barriers get lifted during the funeral? Without a key, it would be difficult to enter the Grand Duchy in the first place.
As she walked with such useless thoughts, she reached the entrance of the main building. Elusiana, who had checked her dress once again, was just stepping into the entrance.
“You’re early.”
“…?”
Elusiana, who flinched, turned her head to where she could hear the voice. There, Genoyer was standing.
“…Grand Prince. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Elusiana bowed reflexively and wasn’t completely unaware of the current situation.
The funeral was over. There was no reason for him to stay here anymore unless it was something to celebrate. Moreover, this was the Grand Duchy of Sestein, famous for its isolation. Even if the subject was the Grand Prince, no, especially because he was the Grand Prince who had lost his position, the situation was even more incomprehensible.
Shouldn’t he… leave?
The disaster caused by a power struggle wasn’t for nothing. Among the many reasons, one of the most common causes of death was ambition for a title. When there were signs of rebellion, they would trace it back to its roots and eliminate it completely.
In that sense, Genoyer was putting his head into the tiger’s jaw. Even the vassals who supported him had all abandoned him.
Still, is the Grand Duke going to do something like that?
It was unimaginable to think that Grand Duke, not someone else, would harm his blood and kin. Wasn’t the Grand Duke the more affectionate person than anyone else? As far as Elusiana knew, even if it wasn’t for that, the current Grand Duke’s body was overwhelming enough to keep the Grand Prince in check.
On the contrary, His Excellency may be in a more dangerous situation. If the Grand Prince discovered that the wounds caused by the power struggle weren’t fully healed, would the Grand Prince miss this opportunity?
I must be very careful.
Elusiana raised her head slowly, unknowingly nervous. But Genoyer’s response was something she didn’t expect.
“Last time I was disrespectful.”
“…Yes?”
“If you feel offended, I apologize.”
The unexpected remark left Elusiana at a loss for words for a moment. Isn’t this a time to give me all kinds of insults with his power? Is it because of the disparity? His apology didn’t feel sincere at all. Elusiana lowered her head once again, thinking that she would frown in front of the Grand Price if she stayed still.
“Your advice is engraved in my heart, Grand Prince.”
“That’s too much. It seems both of us are uncomfortable, so let’s forget what happened then. Anyway, did you have a good vacation?”
“…Yes.”
Elusiana was involuntarily startled at the appearance of the Grand Prince, who was different from the last time they met. How else did he know I was on vacation? Why is he being kind all of a sudden? She raised her head, smiling awkwardly.
“Well, then, you must be very busy today.”
“Yes, I think so. Do you have anything else you want me to do?”
Genoyer scratched his head in embarrassment. Unlike his cold and arrogant first impression, he looked a little foolish. If that was acting, the Grand Duke would surely have succeeded even if he had been an actor.
“I decided to stay here in the annex for the time being.”
“Ah! …I see.”
“I don’t know if I may ask you this.”
Genoyer, who smiled awkwardly, added again. “I’d like to treat you to tea when you’re free.”
“Ah, yes. P-pardon? T-tea for me?”
Is he serious? Elusiana’s scarlet eyes were colored with bewilderment.
“I have no other intention. As I said before… I’m a little curious about my brother. If it’s you, I think you can understand my heart slightly. Is this an unreasonable request?”
“…Ah.”
Elusiana was at a loss as to what to answer. If she was in a company, it was similar to how the managing director would invite her to eat together. Still, she herself is the president’s secretary. However, if that was all, the problem could be solved neatly by asking the president for his understanding and meeting him.
But the president and the managing director have a really bad relationship.
Elusiana quietly held her hands together. What should I do? It seemed like a tiger that was emitting murderous intent was standing in front of her, and a viper with blue eyes was gazing at her from behind.
Perhaps guessing what she was thinking, Genoyer made a plausible proposal.
“If it’s inconvenient for you, just avoid the time when my younger brother would be present.”
“…I’ll do my best.”
“I don’t know if I put too much pressure on you.”
Elusiana swallowed the laughter that was about to burst out of her throat and bit the tender flesh in her mouth. It’s not funny. Why do you say it if you know? It’d be better if you did not say it.
“No, I’m just a little worried about keeping the Grand Duke waiting.”
“Then shall I help you with your work?”
“Yes… Pardon?
“I think I can help quite a bit since it’s what I used to do. It’s just sorting paperwork, right?”
Surprised, Elusiana widened her eyes. It must have been a joke, but thinking of the three of them in the same office made her blood dry up.
Genoyer, who looked at her like that, gently curled the corners of his mouth and burst into laughter.
“Pfft. It’s a joke, a joke. Why are you making such a disgusted face?”
Looking at the bewildered Elusiana, Genoyer laughed. Elusiana, who had laughed awkwardly along with him, swept her chest. At that time, the string of her necklace caught on Elusiana’s fingertips, and her pendant came out.
Uh? Why is this?
Elusiana quickly put her necklace into her clothes in case anyone saw it. It was then.
“It’s pretty.”
Elusiana, who had just tucked her necklace under her clothes, raised her head to look at Genoyer.
“The necklace suits you well. But it seems like I’ve seen it a lot somewhere.”
“This is a keepsake from my mother.”
Elusiana pressed the necklace hidden under her clothes and smiled faintly as if missing her. Although Astein has the real keepsake.
Genoyer tilted his head and thought. When he thought of it, the shape of the necklace he saw at first glance was the shape of a flower.
“Ah, that flower. Is it the pattern of the Waieos family?”
“Yes. It’s lisianthus.”
“Lisianthus. Hmm.”
For an instant, Genoyer’s eyes narrowed. It’s definitely a familiar necklace, but he couldn’t remember where he saw it. If he could clearly look at it again, he might remember it.
“If it’s okay, can I see it?”
“My necklace?”
“Yes. I wish I could see it again.”
“Ah, yes. Here—”
It was when Elusiana pulled the necklace halfway out of her bosom. Genoyer, who had been watching the necklace, suddenly turned his head to the side. As if scrutinizing something, he once again looked back at Elusiana.
“I guess I’m already taking too much of your time. I’ll look at the necklace next time. Ah, I hope you keep your promise to drink tea with me. I think I’ll be very sad if you forget.”
“..!”
Pardon? Look, Grand Prince. I said I’d do my best but never gave you a definite answer. Who dares to keep promises?
Elusiana barely swallowed the words inside and tried to open her mouth. But before she had time to say anything, Genoyer sighed, laughed, and disappeared like the wind.
What is this…!
Before leaving, Genoyer smiled at the empty spot.
What do you mean by a promise? Wasn’t this the only way to give him a justification to meet me? By the way, wait. What’s wrong with his smile?
A creepy feeling wrapped around her whole body as if she had taken a bite of poisoned apple. Elusiana shrugged her shoulders involuntarily. The goosebumps on her skin made her back stand upright.
“Gasp! G-ghost!”
Surprised, Elusiana tripped while stepping back. Aster quickly wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh, uh, yes!”
“Why are you here so early? It’s still a long way before it’s time to go to work.”
“Hahaha. So, that—”
Elusiana lowered her head, unable to hold back her embarrassment.
I know, right? Why did I come so early? Why did I throw myself into the fire of hell for useless fuss? Why?
The expression of Elusiana, which had recalled the Grand Prince’s smile, gradually turned into a melancholic one.
