Knock knock.

As Machi adjusted his coat, Kahilrun turned his head.

The person who entered the room wore the same outfit and mask as Kahilrun. To an observer, it would seem as if there were two Kahilruns, so similar was their build.

As soon as the door closed, the grey-haired man who entered removed his mask and let out a long sigh.

“I thought I was going to suffocate in there.”

Randolph complained about the stifling outfit and the suffocating silence of the banquet, which was contrary to his nature.

Kahilrun, as always, pretended to listen and asked, “Any trouble?”

“No, Her Majesty gave me a look for not saying a word.”

Randolph recalled the venomous glares of the Queen that seemed to pierce through him, exaggeratedly trembling as he crossed his arms.

The Queen had always been openly disdainful of Kahilrun.

She even complained to the King about his cold demeanor towards his stepson whom he hadn’t seen in years. Accusing him of lacking warmth and worrying about his future ability to embrace the nobility, her remarks were laden with political insinuations.

Randolph rubbed his ears, still ringing from the Queen’s scathing words.

Kahilrun smirked at Randolph’s disgusted expression. He knew too well the temperament of his stepmother.

“It’s best you return to the banquet soon. It won’t look good if the guest of honor is absent for too long.”

Kahilrun nodded at Machi’s suggestion.

Back at the banquet hall, Kahilrun looked around, half-hoping to see someone. As expected, Renéola was nowhere to be seen.

Ignoring the glances of the ladies around him, Kahilrun idly spun his untouched glass of wine. Then, someone tapped his shoulder.

“Brother.”

Kahilrun turned and briskly brushed off Eric’s hand. Eric twisted his lips.

“You still dislike me, Brother.”

“You don’t like me either, do you?”

As Kahilrun retorted, Eric readily nodded.

“Yes, that’s true. Father is calling for you. Let’s go.”

Following Eric to a reception room, they found the King and Queen, and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Floria Violet. The King gestured towards a sofa.

“Sit down.”

Kahilrun sat where the King indicated, while Eric was already seated next to Floria.

Despite the presence of the King and Queen, Eric continuously expressed affection for Floria.

Kahilrun thought his foolish younger brother surely believed such actions would play in his favor.

“Why wear that mask here?”

“I hurt my face a bit. It’s nothing serious, so don’t worry.”

As the King stroked his long beard and nodded, Kahilrun remained stoic, even under rare praise. In contrast, the Queen, anxious and biting her lower lip, was always irritated by Kahilrun’s indifferent demeanor, as if Eric and she meant nothing to him.

Given the rumors and whispers about Kahilrun during his absence, it was no surprise that the King’s trust in the Prince remained solid, especially since he had doubled the nation’s territory.

The Queen turned to Eric, always proclaiming him her precious son, but deep down, she knew her son paled in comparison to Kahilrun.

That’s why she was secretly pleased when he brought Floria home, as she was beloved by the people, even if she wasn’t perfect for her son.
Thanks to this, the public support for Eric continued to rise. Finally, the light seemed to shine on Eric, who had always been overshadowed by Kahilrun, the war hero.

‘But why did he have to return at this time?’

If Eric’s royal marriage had been expedited, he could have firmly established his favor with the King.

‘Why doesn’t that dreadful man just die?’

The Queen had sent several spies to assassinate Kahilrun on the battlefield, but each time, he miraculously sensed and avoided them. Worse still, he often returned the spies’ heads to the palace, leaving her side in shock each time.

The Queen, grinding her teeth at Kahilrun’s relaxed posture lounging on the sofa, turned to the King.

Now, with the people’s high regard for Eric, she was eager to hasten his royal marriage. It would overshadow Kahilrun’s triumphant return.

“Your Majesty, now that the First Prince has returned, we should proceed with Eric’s marriage, which has been delayed. Floria has been in the palace for months, and everyone already informally addresses her as the princess consort. It doesn’t look good to keep delaying like this.”

“Indeed.”

The King nodded in agreement. The Queen was about to continue when the King turned his attention to Kahilrun.

“When do you plan to marry? You are of age, it’s time to find a partner.”

“Your Majesty, the First Prince has yet to decide on a lady for marriage. Such an important matter as a royal wedding cannot be taken lightly.”

“Still, it’s not proper for the younger to marry before the elder.”

“Does that mean Eric must wait indefinitely until the First Prince marries?”

“Well, traditionally, the elder marries first…”

“But!”

“I am fine with it.”

Kahilrun interjected calmly amidst the Queen’s increasing volume.

“I have no plans to marry yet. Let’s proceed with Eric’s marriage first.”