Chapter 48

Chapter 48

The exhausting day was far from over. On my way back with a weary heart, I halted upon spotting someone lingering in front of my residence. He too seemed quite surprised.

“…You’re home late.”

“…”

I silently stared at the dark-haired man who cleared his throat. Honestly, I never expected to meet him again, much less have him come looking for me.

“Is it customary not to greet someone standing right in front of you?”

“…What brings you here?”

It was a dry question even to my own ears. The man’s face, already showing signs of discomfort, became even more rigid.

“You never change. Is that any way to speak to a sibling you haven’t seen in years?”

Dewey Lavant.

The man, a brother on paper whom I hadn’t seen in nine years, gave a twisted smile.

“I looked into how you’ve been. I heard you’ve had quite a rough time. They said you were imprisoned in the imperial dungeon. What happened?”

“It seems the First Prince didn’t inform you of the details.”

“Heh, His Highness is a very busy man. Why would he concern himself with the trivial matters of subordinates? He doesn’t even know you’re a member of the Lavant family.”

Could it be true? I silently scrutinized him, trying to gauge his true intentions, causing Dewey to furrow his brows.

“Why that expression? You didn’t think I should have informed His Highness that an idiot like you is my brother, did you?”

“…”

“Nothing disgraces the family more than this. An imperial dungeon, really? You used to pretend to be so smart as a kid. Look how you turned out. Father would be furious if he knew.”

Judging by his reaction, he truly seemed unaware. Appearing out of nowhere as an aide to the First Prince was startling, but they didn’t seem deeply connected. This was good news for me. Even if I decided to leave, the Lavant family discovering the truth would be a different matter altogether.

“It was a minor misunderstanding. Everything has been resolved now.”

“Hmph, that you were subjected to such false accusations indicates your own failure to act properly.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

With my straightforward answer, his arrogant expression softened somewhat. Dewey, after a brief cough, asked with an awkward look,

“I had no idea you were with the Security Department. When did you enter service?”

“About three years ago.”

“Really? Did Father know about this…?”

“I haven’t informed the Count directly, but he probably suspects it.”

“Father? You refer to him as Count…?”

He muttered with dissatisfaction but seemed internally relieved by my distant form of address. It appeared he was pleased with the respect it implied. However, he quickly regained a defensive attitude and glared at me.

“So, you entered service as a commoner. Why is that?”

“What are you curious about?”

“Was it a deliberate choice, to have a position that you could easily resign from? Or was it a condition imposed by the Duke? Did he promise to support you after enduring a humble position for a while?”

I had heard such assumptions before. How could anyone think that way? Do others see Duke Rouster as such a benevolent person? Perhaps that’s the normal assumption if I had been a ‘regular’ grandchild. A bitter smile crept onto my face involuntarily.

“That’s not it.”

“Lies. You must have been building a base here in secret, preparing to return to the family.”

“I’m curious as to why you would think that.”

“Why? You ask why?”

“After Mother passed away, the Lavant family held no meaning for me. I vowed never to return. Weren’t you there when I made that vow?”

That was the condition for leaving the family: to vow never to covet titles, wealth, or anything else granted by the family for the rest of my life. For me, who already had no lingering attachment, it wasn’t a difficult oath. However, Dewey frowned.

“Such a ridiculous vow; I can’t believe it.”

“Ridiculous?”

“Unlike me, you are a legitimate son. Do you really think you can give up all rights to the family?”

“Do you find that hard to believe?”

“Isn’t it only logical? People covet good things, even if they belong to others. But you give up what’s yours without a care? No one could truly do that. There must be some ulterior motive, right?”

I looked into his restless blue eyes. They were filled with anxiety. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen that look; he always had those eyes during our childhood.

How long had we been apart? Nine years is not a short time. The boy from then had become a respectable young man. Yet, he still seemed stuck in the same place.

“Are you that insecure?”

“…What?”

“It’s rather sad to see someone who’s received so much expectation and support from an early age behaving this way. The Count must have a lot of worries.”

“How dare you!”

His face flushed red with anger, and he moved closer as if to grab my collar. But before he could, someone else grabbed his shoulder.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“…!”

The one who intervened was Camille. I was surprised, but Dewey turned pale.

“How did Lord Rouster get here…?”

“That’s what I’d like to know. Why are you here? I hope you weren’t trying to harm Sei just now.”

“Of… of course not. You misunderstand, Lord Rouster. I would never…”

“But the words you spoke earlier cannot be misunderstood, can they?”

“Huh? What do you mean…?”

“How dare you say such things? Did you use the word ‘dare’ with Sei? I wonder if you have any right to use such words.”

These were not words a Count’s heir should hear. Dewey’s eyes trembled with humiliation, but given who was confronting him, he couldn’t express his emotions as freely as he did with me. His wandering gaze settled into a subservient smile.

“I got too excited and momentarily misspoke. I admit the expressions were inappropriate. But as the heir, isn’t it my right to strictly reprimand my younger sibling’s rudeness?”

“Younger sibling? Who is your sibling, exactly?”

“Well, I mean…”

“Sei has cut all ties with the Lavant family. There should be no relation between you two anymore.”

“But family bonds aren’t that easily severed, are they?”

At that, Camille chuckled.

“Interesting. Are you sure you want to say that?”

“What…?”

“If lineage is what matters, then the seat you’re sitting in might not be secure.”

This time, Dewey remained silent. Though he forced a smile, his failed attempt at maintaining composure made him look pitiful, as if he were on the verge of tears.

“Oh, I just remembered I have urgent matters to attend to. I must take my leave.”

As he turned to leave, trying to excuse himself with an obvious lie, Camille called out once more.

“By the way, I heard you’re getting married soon. Congratulations in advance.”

“Huh? Oh, thank you.”

“I heard your betrothed is the daughter of a Viscount from Crintos. Since I hadn’t heard of her locally, I looked into it myself and found she’s the niece of Duke Lakan’s wife.”

Ah, so that’s how it is.

I couldn’t help but sigh. So, that’s what the Count of Lavant was counting on by siding with the First Prince. His scheming marriage deals seemed to be quite effective.

Dewey, swallowing dryly, hurriedly fled. Camille, watching until Dewey was completely out of sight, chuckled lowly.

“That coward. Can’t even speak a word properly in front of me, yet he sneaks in here to pull his stunts?”

“In some ways, he’s a pitiable person. He’s never been able to escape his own illusions.”

“How is that your fault? How insecure must he be to still be venting his frustrations on others at his age? He resorts to backstabbing because he lacks competence. I hate people like him the most.”

Camille wasn’t normally this outspoken, but today he was remarkably blunt, likely deciding to draw a firm line. After all, things must be tumultuous around him. Every newspaper covering political gossip was having a field day. It was the situation Duke Rouster hated most.

“But what brings you here, Lord Camille?”

At that, Camille, who had been grumbling, clamped his mouth shut. He seemed to be suppressing something, then finally let out his words with difficulty.

“You, you submitted a resignation letter, right? Is that true?”

“Ah.”

I clicked my tongue. How could the Crown Prince have such a loose tongue? How long had it been since I left the Crown Prince’s palace? This was pretty much outright tattling.

“What on earth are you thinking? Are you really planning to leave?”

“Should I lie about leaving then?”

“So, you’re going to join that race?”

“Seems like it.”

“Have you thought this through? You barely know these people. They’re a different race. Even small cultural differences can be hard to adjust to. Can you, who lived as a human, really adapt to their way of life?”

He wasn’t wrong. These were all valid points. Honestly, I wasn’t confident either. If it weren’t for the issues of awakening and transformation, I would’ve taken more time to ponder my decision.

But I didn’t feel like explaining all these reasons. I was already set on leaving. Watching my reaction, Camille bit his lip, looking anxious.

“Sei, I’m your family too.”

“…”

“No matter who your father is, you’re still a part of Aunt’s bloodline. You’re a legitimate member of the Duke Rouster family. That fact will never change. We shared the same childhood, and I see you as a true brother. Can’t you stay here, for my sake?”