Chapter 35

The scary guy, the bad guy, the dead guy (5)

He had no way of finding clues, but even so, the already complicated situation was growing more twisted, causing him to feel frustrated. Kleio turned his head away and wiped his eyes with his sleeves. He was still in tears from the migraine that wouldn't fade.

"Oh, you look really bad. Would it be better to head home?"

"I am okay; thank you for your concern."

"If so, would it be okay to ask a bit more?"

"...Please."

He was annoyed trying to deal with someone he couldn't refuse, but Kleio struggled to keep his expression calm. Now wasn't the time to confront this sinister and strange prince.

"I know your father is Baronet Gideon Asel, but I don't believe I've heard of your mother."

"My mother is Thelma Asel. She, unfortunately, passed away after my birth seventeen years ago."

"Oh... I'm sorry. Arthur also lost his mother at a young age as well, so I wonder if that's why he considers you like a brother."

"A brother... I don't deserve such words."

Tilting his head with a finger under his chin, the twenty-seven-year-old man wore an expression that suited him as he thought.

"Thelma... Yes. I only remembered when I heard the name. She held several wonderful banquets in the capital's mansion that were talked about over and over."

"That's something I didn't know. I'm glad you shared some good memories of my mother with me."

"Even the royalty would go to those parties. She was a very stylish and beautiful woman."

The intention of his speech wasn't to share memories. He continued to observe Kleio's reaction with an almost dissecting gaze. He was asking about his mother, not his father, out of doubt that Kleio might be an illegitimate child of the royal family.

'If only his younger siblings had worked with his skills until now, he wouldn't be reasoning that...'

"I see. I always felt sorry that I had no memories of my mother, but I feel like I was lucky to learn something."

"I'm also happy to have given you joy. Arthur is a child who rarely opens his heart, but he sticks to you tightly, so I felt he had a motive."

Kleio smiled in response, but it was an awkward smile without the acting skills to back it. Sweat oozed out inside his stuffy clothes. If you thought about it, it was obvious that King Philip was a playboy. He didn't even have a wedding ceremony as a prince and had Melchior with a commoner. After he became king, he married the princess of the Brunnen monarchy. However, even after winning the imperial princess as queen, he couldn't stop playing around and found Arthur's mother.

'Yes, it's worth doubting. Even if you're me, you'd be suspicious.'

Mrs. Thelma Asel was a genius party planner and a beautiful woman, causing her son trouble ten years later.

'It's just before the brothers bite at each other, so I don't want to get involved by being treated as a half-brother.'

It was then...

"You've been wandering too!"

It was the first time he welcomed Arthur's harsh voice. Arthur struck Kleio's shoulder from behind as if to stop Melchior.

"It's been a while!"

"Yeah, Arthur, it's been difficult to see your face."

"Hahaha. Seeing my bare face, what would I do since my brother's face still shines!"

He could see the hair standing up on Arthur's neck, though he disguised his attitude. Even the protagonist felt fear for Melchior.

"Brother, if your entrance is too late, the ballroom will be filled with the tears of the waiting invitees."

"You still are good in conversation, and your physique became stronger. The other day, when I visited the military camp, I was disappointed that I couldn't see you, but I'm happy to meet you like this."

"I was in a hurry to see my friend!"

"I was very happy to meet your friend too. But since our talk hasn't been concluded yet, will you step outside for a moment?"

Kleio saw a vein popping out from Arthur's neck. He could hear him swallowing back his words as he might explode. Kleio grabbed the boy's arm lightly to restrain him and then moved in front of Melchior.

"Yes, say it. As a student, I don't know if I can answer correctly."

Melchior got a strange impression from the energy-less boy who faced his gaze.

"I heard you were a very good student, Kleio. I heard that your achievements are difficult to see even once in a century."

"I'm receiving undeserved praise for a little trick. I will devote myself to my training so as not to disappoint."

"You have such talent, and you're even sincere. I was worried that kind of talent might adversely affect your life or grades, especially if you hang out with my youngest brother."

Kleio felt sick. What was with this guy's sense of fake concern? In the end, Arthur intervened.

"No, brother, what are you talking about? He's a very good student. I mean, what sort of an effect would that guy have?"

"Haha, you are good at making friends. Arthur, I won't ask you to get good grades, but don't break the royal prestige."

"I will try my best next semester, brother."

Both brothers had smiles, but neither looked happy. Kleio, caught in the princes' battle, reading the golden letters of Promise vaguely.

[-User's level of involvement in the narrative has risen rapidly.]

[-User's level of involvement in the narrative has risen rapidly.]

[-User's level of involvement in the narrative has risen rapidly.]

The same message appeared in succession, making the hallway seem bright. At first, he thought Promise was broken, but it wasn't. The messages overlapped not only when Arthur spoke but also when Melchior responded. Since both were princes of Albion, it seemed that his narrative intervention was doubling.

'Now I've been woven into it earnestly.'

His daily life that had been peaceful in its own way was ending in this dark corridor.

"-So, my father's birthday is an excuse. If they behave like that, would you go?"

"Your words make sense, but it is an excuse to make the distinguished guests from far away from waiting longer. You will help Kleio home."

"Yes, maybe it's okay!"

"Thank you; it was an honor to meet you."

Melchior looked down at Kleio, quickly bid him fairly, and sent the two boys away.

"Your complexion looks bad. Go back and rest."

.

.

.

Isiel, who was waiting in front of the carriage, was confused when she saw Kleio's sudden appearance. He was being supported by Arthur as he couldn't stand alone. Isiel grabbed his other arm and helped him up into the carriage. Once there, Kleio lay tattered on the carriage seat. He struggled to defend against Melchior's unique skill and even used Perception, so his head was throbbing. Isiel supported his neck so that he could breathe easier, and he was grateful for her cool hand, pressing down on his forehead. While leaving the city, silence pervaded the carriage. It was only after they were approaching the Asel mansion did Arthur speak up.

"How about actually seeing the fall of our crown prince?"

Kleio, his dim eyes narrowing, looked at Arthur sitting across from him.

"I'm scared."

Arthur looked surprised at his response.

"Wow, you're amazing too. Everyone has been deceived by him except for Aslan and me."

"I won't be fooled by anyone. Such an appearance..."

Kleio's thoughts were cut off. He didn't know what to say about his voice or appearance as his mind blurred. That alone was enough to convey his meaning; however, as Arthur finished his sentence.

"It's almost like power."

"...Yes."

"I knew you and my brother would meet, but do you know how surprised I was to see you caught in a corridor like that? Why were you wandering the palace?"

"I wasn't planning on it, but I got lost. Then I saw the portrait and your brother..."

Kleio responded awkwardly, his head a jumble. Yes, the portrait. Minsun's portrait had been there; he couldn't mistake her for anyone else. Too much had happened in an instant, so he forgot.

"A portrait... Do you mean the Archbishop? Were you also interested in religion?"

"I'm not."

"Then, divine power?"

"It's not like that. I just want to meet her at least once."

Was she really Minsun or someone who mimicked her appearance? Did the author know her, and if so, how did they relate to each other? There were many things he was curious about, but it wasn't easy to continue thinking now. The carriage rattled and entered the street, lined with mansions. In the end, he could see the Asel mansion. Arthur, who checked their position, quickly spoke.

"I'll make sure you meet her."

"Do you have the ability to ensure that?"

"Hey! I am still a prince."

"Yes, do it well. I won't look forward to it, though."

"Wow, you said it. I'll try my best."

"...What do you want for it?"

"Oh, you noticed it wasn't free."

"Are you wondering if I'm on your side?"

"That's right. Today you saw Melchior, so did you change your mind?"

"Change what? I've positively reviewed your proposal before."

He felt Isiel stiffen underneath him. Her hand stopped on his forehead.

"Wow!"

Arthur, who got up a beat later, slammed his head against the roof of the carriage like a fool. The coachman began to slow down the horse.

"It's nothing; let's keep going!"

Arthur shouted out the window with a bright smile as he rubbed his head. Arthur laughed so much compared to his brother that it was like they were different people. Even though the shades were different, both were blonde with blue eyes and similar heights. Other than that, everything else was different.

"It was worth visiting the royal ball. Such a great harvest."

"I have written a contract yet, don't blow it already."

"We're almost there! I'm really happy-."

Arthur, sitting casually in front of Isiel and Kleio, spoke calmly with his face still overflowing with laughter.

"-That I don't have to kill you."