Chapter 234, That Heart (2)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

Kalian had always thought this way.

 

When undertaking a task, the gains from it should be twofold or more.

 

Given the mental energy poured in and the physical strength wasted, shouldn’t the calculation work out to at least that much? Even with just a cat brooch, he had gained so much. What more could be said about an entire cat?

 

It substituted for an apology he was reluctant to voice, taught someone how to protect and live, and on top of that, one more thing.

 

“My older brother is so very clever, after all…”

 

The matter of the shattered emerald. Gray visited Randel on the morning of the memorial ceremony. Going back further, Kalian placing jewelry similar to a tiara on Dmirea, Evan bringing up Lannen again, Kalian sparring with Allan in the forest, and so on.

 

In case clever Plants might think about even one of all those things.

 

Kalian, who had moved his head slightly to look at the kitten on Plants’ lap, continued speaking.

 

“Thanks to that, I worried quite a bit about how a lacking younger brother could help an older brother who thinks too much, but it seems things have worked out well in many ways.”

 

“You are still rather lacking in human speech.”

 

Between someone lacking in human speech and someone simply lacking in speech altogether, Kalian, who had been weighing which was the bigger problem, shrugged his shoulders and answered.

 

“When you say I’m lacking even in the one thing I was confident about, I don’t know what to say.”

 

“You could say nothing.”

 

A bright smile.

 

A beautiful smile bloomed fully across his pale face.

 

“I don’t want to.”

 

Kalian, who had given a brief retort, raised his finger to point at Plants’ heart and continued speaking.

 

Was naming Luci not the hardest decision of Kalian’s entire life? Though in the end, the boiled pea named her anyway.

 

“Older brother, with your weak heart, please don’t worry about other things and just think about a name for the cat.”

 

Of course, he had handed over investigation materials on the Crown Prince of Tansyll and told him to continue the verification of Tansyll that had been interrupted, and right now he had tremendously increased Valkan’s workload, but still, just in case he might think about it…

 

In case he might tear apart with his own hands the heart he had already laid bare…

 

To prevent that.

 

“Think of a cat’s name, worry about what color clothes to wear from now on, and if you want to learn Magic to remove cat fur, which has become urgent, practice diligently at sensing Mana. If you want to raise the cat well when you go out later, train hard in swordsmanship. Just doing that much would be good. Well, for now.”

 

Plants did not answer for a while.

 

He seemed to understand what issue Kalian was trying to resolve and did not think further about it. Even knowing that Kalian planned to set him aside quietly and take another step forward, this time he could not say no.

 

Instead, he thought it fortunate that he had not given the cat as a gift after naming it. That younger brother, who scraped together what little attentiveness he had left and poured it all onto Hina, would surely have named it Butterfly this time around, wouldn’t he?

 

…Or Apple.

 

Or perhaps worse…

 

“Alright.”

 

So for now, he should quietly worry about the cat’s name as instructed.

 

“It’s nice that you listen so well. How convenient.”

 

“Go.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Leaving Plants, who could not move because of the two cats, in that state, Kalian, who had to worry and move busily again today, stood up briskly from his seat.

 

Then, with a still-smiling face, he bowed and returned to his room. Through the terrace window, as always fast and convenient.

 

Plants, who had been staring blankly at the now-empty seat across from him while savoring the returned quietness, remained still for another while before scooping up a spoonful of pudding and putting it in his mouth.

 

[I hope you will learn to protect things as well.]

 

The soft pudding full of milk had a strawberry scent.

 

Perhaps catching the sweet smell, the kitten tried earnestly to stick its head up onto the table. A small gray head popped up, and shortly after, Luci’s pure white cotton-ball-like front paw came up and pressed the gray head firmly back down.

 

*Meow!*

 

As if teaching that this was not something to eat.

 

Then, she pulled the frustrated kitten back into her embrace and began putting it to sleep again. On Plants’ lap no less, the most comfortable place in the world.

 

“You’re heavy.”

 

That sight was truly peaceful and heavy. Beautiful yet heavy, cute yet heavy.

 

The two small creatures breathing and with beating hearts were on his lap, so their weight was as heavy as a sword.

 

[How fascinating that something could be so heavy…]

 

Plants, who had chuckled at this thought carried on the cool breeze, made a short sound as if something had occurred to him.

 

“…Ah.”

 

[That damned younger brother. He left without removing the cat fur.]

 

* * *

 

One egg.

 

Truly one egg.

 

“I tried to buy it for you yesterday, but the banquet ended later than expected. There was nowhere selling eggs.”

 

Exactly one egg.

 

“So I bought it as soon as I woke up, Enclave Head.”

 

“I suppose Valkan Mages have a hobby of showing up at people’s doorsteps in the morning and dragging them anywhere.”

 

Euria, who had once been similarly dragged by Allan and ended up with the position of principal, this time received one egg.

 

Euria stared intently at the white egg with violet eyes that were difficult to read, then downed in one gulp a cup filled with Himolika. She sat facing Arsene in some tavern that she did not know if it had opened early or had not yet closed.

 

Thanks to not being fully awake, Euria had forgotten about roasting Arsene and had followed along for now, which she regretted. She swept back her violet hair and frowned.

 

“Did the Count tell you I asked you to buy eggs?”

 

“Does Commander know that I didn’t give you eggs?”

 

“Yeah. I told him.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Just because. Shouldn’t I?”

 

“No. You may.”

 

At any rate, it seemed Allan had not conveyed the message to Arsene.

 

Well, if he had conveyed it, there would be no reason to be downing Himolika this morning with a blue-haired brat with an egg in front of her.

 

Arsene, who had been sipping carbonated water across from her, pointed at the egg and spoke.

 

“Anyway, I bought it for you.”

 

“Right. You bought it.”

 

“Yes, an egg.”

 

“Right. An egg.”

 

Euria, who had been staring blankly at the pure white egg sitting alone on the table, chuckled.

 

“You’re really crazy.”

 

[To actually buy a real egg. And exactly one at that.]

 

The word ‘crazy’ seemed more familiar than her name and apparently did not even register in her ears. And that ‘crazy’ person, who just nodded as if it were no big deal, looked at the crazy Enclave Heave, who was downing Himolika without any snacks right before work, and said.

 

“Have some food with it. I’ll ask them to cook it.”

 

“Just leave it.”

 

“You’re going to eat it raw? We’re at an age where we shouldn’t carelessly eat raw things anymore. I’ll quickly ask them to cook it…”

 

“Leave it. Before I grill you instead of the egg.”

 

“Fine. I’ll leave it.”

 

“I’m going to make a chick.”

 

“What?”

 

“I said leave it.”

 

“Alright, alright. I’ll leave it.”

 

Arsene, who had not lost his wits and answered obediently, soon stood up from his seat. Then he went to find a server sitting vacantly in the distance and conveyed something.

 

A short while later, instead of Arsene, one nicely fried golden chicken and instead of Arsene, three nicely roasted golden potatoes were placed on the table.

 

Arsene, who had been looking contentedly at the good-smelling food, spoke.

 

“Please eat. I won’t freeze it today.”

 

Then, he tapped the glass containing carbonated water and smiled brightly. Euria, who found that appearance too funny, chuckled.

 

Soon Euria ate one potato and a piece of fried chicken that absolutely would not go down this morning in her own way, then stood up from her seat. Of course, after completely emptying one bottle of Himolika.

 

“Aren’t you eating more?”

 

“I ate breakfast.”

 

“You ate breakfast and then ate again?”

 

“I’m eating again, of course. When someone treats me, why wouldn’t I eat?”

 

Euria, who had answered roughly, rummaged through her pockets. Since it looked like she was about to pay, Arsene quickly said.

 

“I’m treating you. I’m sorry for forgetting the egg.”

 

“No need. It feels uncomfortable to eat what someone without a salary pays.”

 

“I may not have a salary, but I have plenty of money. I get an allowance from His Highness.”

 

“How boastful.”

 

At those words, Arsene made a very proud expression.

 

“I did well breaking things as instructed, so my salary disappears but my allowance increases.”

 

“…You really seem to be the finest specimen of a Cyries Mage.”

 

“Me?”

 

“Yeah. Not just crazy, but super crazy.”

 

“Ah. I hear that a lot for some reason.”

 

“How boastful.”

 

Euria, who answered with words where sincerity could not be found even if one searched with washed eyes, completely ignored the ‘rich’ Arsene and called the server to pay.

 

“However much your allowance is, don’t brag about money in front of me.”

 

She did not know how much allowance Arsene received from Kalian, but could anyone match her, who had three jobs and received three salaries?

 

Euria, who had picked up the white egg that had been placed on the table and carefully put it in a corner of her small bag connected to her space, stood up and went outside the tavern.

 

Arsene, who had quickly followed her out, asked Euria, who was looking down at the watch on her wrist.

 

“Are you late?”

 

“Yeah. I have to go right away. Why?”

 

“It’s my first time seeing you since returning from the forest, so I felt regretful.”

 

“As if you’re regretful.”

 

Euria, who thought what kind of person would drag someone out at this hour if they truly felt regretful, glanced at Arsene briefly. Arsene pointed at his shoulder that had been injured in the forest and asked a different question.

 

“But aren’t you going to ask if my shoulder is okay?”

 

“I can see it’s healed, so what’s there to ask? It’s tiring for my mouth.”

 

“It’s our first meeting since returning from the forest, so I was curious if you were worried.”

 

Euria closed her mouth very briefly before answering soon after.

 

“I was.”

 

Arsene nodded with a refreshing smile.

 

“I’m fine, Enclave Head.”

 

“Good.”

 

After answering that way, no more words came to mind. Therefore, Euria, who had been standing silently and staring at Arsene’s blue hair for a while, opened her mouth.

 

“Next time you see me, bring flowers. I don’t like purple flowers, so get a different color.”

“Everyone always brings purple ones. How unoriginal.”

 

Euria, who muttered and added that, left Arsene standing there unable to answer and got into the waiting carriage.

 

“I’m really late. I’m going.”

 

Then after a simple greeting, she left swiftly.

 

The blue-haired Mage’s face turned bright red.

 

Arsene, who stood there as if nailed to the spot until the carriage carrying the Enclave Head was out of sight, slowly opened his mouth and muttered to himself.

 

“…That’s a relief.”

 

[Ah. I almost became unoriginal.]

 

* * *

 

Kalian liked all food.

 

He had to eat well to grow big and strong, so he liked everything.

 

Strictly speaking, it was not that he disliked that green sprout of a person, eating only grass, but rather that he disliked him nibbling only on grass. He did not hate grass itself. He just preferred meat far more.

 

And he liked raw oysters and fresh citrus.

 

When he had many thoughts, sweet drinks were good, and usually cold mint tea was good. And when sick, bananas were the best.

 

Strawberries, well, he did not particularly enjoy them, but they were not something he disliked. He said he disliked coffee, but in truth, it would be more accurate to say he was wary of it rather than disliking it. They were similar but had subtle differences.

 

In short, he liked all food.

 

Oh right. He could never forget bell peppers. He hated them.

 

So, there needed to be a correction. He liked all food except bell peppers.

 

Then…

 

“There’s also grapefruit…”

 

He disliked grapefruit.

 

Kalian must have remembered that he had frowned when putting grapefruit sorbet in his mouth last time. Knowing that he had deliberately served something he did not enjoy, Kalian decided to just dislike it now.

 

“I dislike it.”

 

The sunset light that colored the entire sky as if announcing its disappearance was contained in the teacup. At Kalian’s words as he looked down at the tea of that clear light, Randel, who had lowered his eyes, raised the teacup with a quiet hand and opened his mouth.

 

“Bear with it and drink. What will it do to be that picky?”

 

“I’m not good at enduring things.”

 

Kalian, who answered with a pretty smile, turned his head toward Den, Randel’s attendant. Then he spoke with a cold face where the smile had completely disappeared.

 

“Bring a different tea.”

 

Randel did not restrain his youngest brother, who had decided not to listen from one to ten, from freely ordering his own attendant around. Den, who had been observing Randel’s reaction for a moment, bowed his head and quietly went outside.

 

It was unfortunate for Den, but what could be done? When that conniving fellow did not even show his schemes and tried desperately to press him down at every opportunity.

 

“I wonder how a child who was always obedient became like this.”

 

Randel, who had been watching Kalian’s reaction, spoke in a flat voice.

 

“You should say ‘who was said to be obedient,’ older brother Randel.”

 

“You won’t concede even once.”

 

“I dislike losing too. As much as grapefruit.”

 

Instead of answering, Randel nodded slightly.

 

Until Den returned shortly after and placed down a cup containing black tea and took away the grapefruit tea, the two stared at each other without a word.

 

When the sound of the door closing clicked, Randel opened his mouth again.

 

“It’s good to see you more often.”

 

“If you like it that much, please come down from time to time. There are many cats now.”

 

“It’s not enough to make me move my feet myself, so don’t worry.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Kalian, who had received the evaluation that he was the kind of person not worth the trouble of going down two floors for, answered plainly and took a sip of black tea.

 

“What have you come to verify again?”

 

“You told me to cool my head. Don’t you think I might have just come like you said?”

 

“Not exactly.”

 

Kalian, who had briefly savored the black tea flavor remaining in his mouth, nodded and opened his mouth.

 

“What did you discuss with Count Gray Beurisen?”

 

“I told him not to trust you completely.”

 

“I had told you it would be helpful for older brother Randel’s heart as well, but you interfered in this manner?”

 

“Wouldn’t it not matter? He seemed to be someone who fears you anyway.”

 

After saying this, Randel, who had been watching Kalian chuckle and nod, brought out one question.

 

“Do you really intend to hand Beurisen’s sword to the second?”

 

Kalian readily nodded his head.

 

“Yes. That is what I intend to do.”

 

“What will you do if the second, holding Beurisen’s sword, points it at you?”

 

“Did I not tell you? On the day I said I would show you my back, older brother Randel.”

 

That he was not considering Plants’ betrayal.

 

Kalian, who had answered the question that had been asked again even on the day he decided to join hands with Randel, added more words.

 

“I’m a bit too busy to worry that far ahead.”

 

“If that’s the case.”

 

Randel, who had heard the answer, tapped the table once.

 

As if he would not miss Kalian’s reaction to his question. Looking very deeply into those red eyes, he brought out a question.

 

“What will you do if I point at you?”

 

“You will end up in the tower.”

 

Kalian’s lips, which had answered without the slightest delay, drew a long arc.

 

“I like that you have no hesitation.”

 

“Why would I hesitate? You are someone who will truly point.”

 

“Yes. You’re right.”

 

The teacup containing red grapefruit was lifted. Randel, who had looked at it with eyes of the exact opposite color and put it back down, spoke again.

 

“But I feel a bit hurt. Between us brothers.”

 

“You sure say uncomfortable things.”

 

“Do you think so?”

 

“How tiresome.”

 

At Kalian, who had returned the exact answer Randel had given last time, a smile of unknown meaning appeared on Randel’s lips.

 

“Indeed, that would be so. You as well.”

 

“Yes. However… I hope you will not truly point at me. Between us brothers.”

 

“Alright. I’ll try.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Kalian, who had finished the short conversation with nothing hidden, raised his teacup and brought out the main topic again.

 

“By the way, Your Highness so loves equestrian performances, but this year you could not have one. I’m thinking of suggesting whether it would be good to go out, even if belatedly.”

 

Though it was about someone unwelcome, Randel was expressionless.

 

The sound of the teacup being set down clicked at Kalian’s fingertips after he had taken another sip of black tea and swallowed. A voice like fragrant but ultimately bitter black tea continued.

 

“If you do go, I think Marquis Beurisen will step forward saying he will accompany you. I don’t know whether he will be a companion or an uninvited guest.”

 

Whether he would come with his sword left behind or holding his sword, he did not know that either.

 

If the Royal Family left the Royal Palace, wouldn’t he come in some way or another?

 

“Marquis Beurisen is not someone who cannot distinguish Heaven from Earth to that degree.”

 

“Whether he distinguishes or cannot distinguish, would it matter?”

 

Kalian, who had smiled slightly, continued speaking.

 

“But… I wonder what of Count Beurisen once he hears of this news.”

 

Randel looked at Kalian’s eyes without a word.

 

It seemed he wanted to know what Kalian was thinking, so Kalian did not refuse that gaze and met it.

 

Whether Evan planned to attack Kalian or not, would it matter?

 

Since Gray had said he would create the evidence anyway, Kalian just needed to create the appropriate conditions.

 

Of course, since Kalian could not step forward to meet Gray himself, he had come to find Randel again. To have him tell Gray that the Royal Family was planning to leave the Royal Palace soon.

 

Before long, Randel spoke in a quiet voice.

 

“In a day or two, won’t he be able to hear it well?”

 

“That’s fortunate.”

 

It meant he would meet Gray within a day or two and inform him of Kalian’s intentions.

 

Kalian nodded and smiled.

 

Because his eldest brother, like a half-peeled onion, understood everything well even without long explanations, and because he had set a small trap to catch the Griffin’s leader, Kalian got quite excited and laughter came out.