My wish for this life is to save my brother from dying young. Whatever the cost, I have to stop the Witch from harming him as well as prevent the death of our father.
I had been given another chance, sure, but I'm still that powerless girl who couldn't do anything on my own.
"Do you think I'll be able to do it?"
"You have a bad habit of undermining yourself. But if I were to be honest, I would say that your genius is not inferior to mine."
"That's too much."
I smiled and chuckled at Louis's boastful words.
"Hardly. Besides, if there's anything you can't do, this older brother of yours will do my best to help you."
"I'm older than you now."
I retorted with a huff.
"Ah...right…"
Louis was speechless and awkwardly scratched his cheek, showing an awkward and cute child-like smile. It was infectious as the corner of my lips rose as well in response.
I am still unsure about how our future would go. At the very least, it comforts me to know that I had someone to rely on.
“In any case, I hope that there wouldn’t be a need for us to hide things from one another.”
I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. However, as much as I want to tell Louis everything, there is a right time to reveal each one of them. Until then, I can’t be completely honest.
“I’m sorry. I can’t promise you that.”
Despite that, Louis showed only understanding and smiled.
“I know. Regardless, I would trust you.”
“But what if I’m just someone pretending to be your sister?”
I asked, and Louis laughed.
“If that’s the case, as your twin, I should know. So stop worrying for now and let’s have breakfast shall we?”
Louis said as he stood up. But I pulled on his arm to stop him.
“Wait.”
I placed my hand gently on the wound on his cheek and let my Blessed Ether flow from my heart to my palm. As the Saint, I was able to do it very quickly, and in no time as well, the scratch on Louis’s face was gone as if it never existed.
“Be careful next time.”
I said with a stern look.
“Yes, yes.”
The two of us settled upon the table that was set up as we were chatting amongst ourselves.
The day’s first meal is yogurt, oats, and a lot of leaves…
“Chris…”
I puffed my cheeks with a pout as I complained.
“You have to eat healthy in order to recover quickly, Your Highness.”
Chris said with an elderly smile, but I feel like he’s just messing with me.
“And why should that include me as well?”
Louis grumbled as he poked his food. The two of us were siblings indeed.
“You can’t be called healthy as well your Highness.”
But of course, we still can’t win against Chris.
“Cena, don’t be picky with your food.”
I flinched when Louis caught me sneakily transferring the leaves to his plate.
I pouted.
“You complained as well. I just want something sweet.”
“Sweets aren’t healthy, you know. And here I thought you finally grew up.”
“Healthy, my foot!”
I huffed as Louis clicked his tongue and put the leaves back into my plate. He thought I wouldn’t notice, but he also took some of his portion and gave it to me. I frowned.
What we’re doing is against etiquette but no one would dare criticize what could be said to be one of the most powerful children within the Holy Empire. In fact, our standing puts us above even the Princes born directly from the Imperial Family.
None of that was my concern however, as I just glared at Louis.
“You don’t want to eat yours either!”
“I’m eating, see?”
While we were engaged in that childish squabble, a messenger came to deliver a letter.
-Knock knock!
Chris received the letter with a serious look on his face. Then he called our attention.
“Pardon me, Your Highnesses.”
The letter was sealed with the Archduke's seal. It was to inform us that the Archduke departed from the Imperial Capital today to return here in Aris.
Since the journey from here the Imperial Capital to Aris takes a week, we had that much time to prepare for the Archduke’s return.
“Hmm? That’s strange.”
“That’s earlier than scheduled.”
“Do you know anything about this, Chris?”
We asked and the butler bowed down.
“Unfortunately, I have no knowledge about this either Your Highnesses.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
It really was confusing, as there was no such event where Father returned much earlier than planned during this time. As far as Louis and I were concerned, this was rather unexpected.
“And, Esen?”
“He’s currently busy dealing with the nobles.”
“Nobles?”
“They seem to be in great unrest recently.”
Esen was the Household of Aleister’s Steward. He usually dealt with the Archduchy’s matters in the absence of the Archduke while Louis was studying at the Royal Academy. He was also the Archduke’s best friend and the younger brother of Duke Gregory, one of the Four Ducal Households in the Holy Empire.
Normally, a person of high status like him would try to make a name for themselves rather than becoming another Household’s servant, but Esen’s case was special, as it dates back to his and the Father’s academy days.
It was said that he swore to become the Archduke’s servant after losing a duel.
“Did something happen?”
Louis tilted his head as he wondered.
Could it be…?
“It can't be right?”
“It’s not impossible.”
“But…”
While we were talking to ourselves, Chris spoke up.
“I’m not sure if this is related, but there’s a rumor going around that the Archduke had been dissatisfied with his work.”
Louis and I looked at each other in confusion. At this point in time, we still had been unaware of the Archduke’s resignation.
***
Chris glanced at his Young masters and closed his eyes.
“Chris.”
“I shall inform the other servants Your Highness.”
“Very well. You are dismissed.”
The butler bowed and quietly left.
“Father aside, that old man is acting strange.”
Lucena commented wearily. Nodding off as her heavy eyelids slowly closed
“Hasn't he always been strange?”
“He is, but the way he looks…is different. It’s kind of like…before…”
“Cena?”
Louis moved his gaze from his plate of food to Lucena. He found that she had fallen asleep. Louis exhaled a breath. His eyes filled with worry.
“It’s still breakfast…and you didn't even finish your food.”
Lucena’s health was simply at its worst. Her figure was so light and thin, that she looked much smaller than anyone her age Louis had met in the Academy.
Girls were supposed to grow faster than boys at their age, but Lucena’s case seemed to be the opposite. She also gets tired rather easily, and spends most of her days sleeping than she does awake.
It goes without saying but her illness is getting worse. Lucena had said that she lived till she was eighteen before, so it was reasonable to expect that she would be fine till then. But going back in time really took a big toll on her body, that she was unconscious for 14 days.
Lucena doesn’t know what happened while she was unconscious, but recalling that sight horrifies Louis, no matter how many times he had been through it.
Louis grew up, fearing that Lucena would one day never open her eyes again. He experienced it so many times until he grew tired of it, but it never got any easier.
There was no medicine for her illness. The most he could do was make sure she’s healthy to prevent it from getting any worse. It makes him feel helpless.
All he could do was to try his best to make her happy, and pray that if she would ever pass away, it wouldn’t be in pain.
Anyways, Louis had no right to complain about his sister’s eating habits. He had no plans on finishing his food either after all.
He tried his best not to make it obvious to Lucena, and he’s also trying his best to get rid of his bad habits, but it was easier said than done. If she knew, she would without a doubt, scold him.
For now…
Louis gently lifted Lucena from her seat, and carried her off to the bed. After making sure that she’s warm under the blanket, Louis planted a kiss on her forehead and made his way to the lavatory.
Comments (1)
See all