“Of course you’ll allow it, right elder brother?”

At Hister’s words, Sinclair’s expression subtly contorted.

Elaina briefly hesitated at the suddenly awkward atmosphere, but quickly began to calculate.

‘…Hister is right. Especially from Sinclair’s perspective, there’s nothing to lose.’

After falling out of the Emperor’s favor, Sinclair had never once shown his face at any palace-sponsored festivals.

That was of course partly by choice, but it was obvious the Imperial family’s wishes played a role too.

In any case, Sinclair was called the shame of Edenbell, the delinquent prince, so no matter that he was his own son, they wouldn’t want to show him in public.

Also, since Hister had long ago snatched away the Crown Prince position, they were likely afraid of rumors that ‘the Imperial family and Sinclair have reconciled’.

But now he’s to perform the most highlight-worthy ceremony at the Founding Festival, of all things? So suddenly.

People will start saying in unison that the delinquent Sinclair has finally mended his twisted relationship with the Emperor and Crown Prince.

While there had indeed been unpleasant matters, he was still rightfully a member of the Imperial family.

‘For Sinclair, who will seize the throne through rebellion, public sentiment will be most important.’

In any case, if things went as originally planned, he would have to drive out Crown Prince Hister and all the palace personnel.

Even if the rebellion succeeded, it would be no exaggeration to say that’s when the real fight would begin.

Amidst having to hunt down and execute every last one of the resisting nobles and Hister’s people, if the imperial citizens rose up too, there truly would be no way out.

‘Right. This is something that must be done, even for what comes after.’

Of course, I won’t be by Sinclair’s side then…

But still.

But why is Hister making such a proposal? It’s beneficial for us, but should be more detrimental to him. He’s not stupid enough not to realize that fact.

“…”

In the uncomfortable silence, Sinclair was still glaring at Hister with a hardened expression.

What kind of trap is he trying to set this time?

There’s no way Hister would give such a good opportunity without any ulterior motive. This was certainly a trap.

If he were alone. If there was nothing to lose, he would have answered without hesitation that he would do it.

Because now there was nothing left to lose.

But now…

…Sinclair’s gaze suddenly turned to Elaina, then back to Hister.

“Alright, let’s do that.”

Sinclair answered in a low voice.

‘If I can’t calm public sentiment after the rebellion succeeds, I won’t be able to guarantee Elaina’s life either. No matter how far she flees, it would be impossible to stop the pursuit of those who would rise up as if they’d been waiting.’

So, he had to seize this opportunity.

“I’ll leave the preparations for the ceremony to you, Your Majesty. As my brother said, it was originally my duty so I should know it better than anyone, shouldn’t I?”

The Emperor still showed signs of discomfort, but perhaps because it was Hister’s suggestion, he unexpectedly didn’t object.

He just nodded slightly with a stiff expression as if to say he understood.

“Since our Lady Elaina will also participate in the ceremony, it may be a bit troublesome, but I hope you’ll understand as it’s to help my elder brother.”

“Yes, of course. Though I may be lacking, I will work hard to assist Sinclair by his side…”

Elaina’s words were cut off before she could finish.

It was because of Sinclair, who was glaring at Hister with all his might, instantly making the atmosphere frigid.

‘Why?’

Elaina, who couldn’t know the reason, made a slightly puzzled expression.

“Ah, my apologies.”

And Hister said with a smirk.

“I had forgotten there was someone who said he would tear apart and kill anyone who dared speak the Princess Consort’s name carelessly. My mistake.”

“…Pardon?”

“Anyway, it seems we’ve discussed all we needed to. What do you think, elder brother?”

Sinclair didn’t even answer now. Despite the Emperor sitting right in front of him, he stood up abruptly without a moment’s hesitation.

“The Princess Consort and I will be taking our leave now. If we stay any longer, I’m afraid my beloved brother and I won’t be able to maintain pleasant appearances.”

“…”

“But I have one last thing to say, Your Majesty.”

What else is he going to say? Elaina wore a slightly tense expression, and Sinclair looked at the Emperor and Hister with a cold face as he moved his lips.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try any tricks to summon the Princess Consort alone while I’m not around. If you have something to say, send someone instead. Don’t waste time doing foolish things like serving cold tea.”

That was the last of it. Sinclair turned his head and gestured to Elaina as if to say let’s go.

So Elaina stood up to follow him, and Sinclair began to walk, matching her uncomfortable pace.

But he turned back after just a few steps.

“Still, I quite like that you had us gather in this reception room.”

And then he said quite sarcastically.

“Isn’t it a perfectly fitting reception for a brother born from a commoner concubine?”

“…Elder brother.”

“Of course, it’s not befitting the dignity of myself and the Princess Consort, but that level of consideration is only natural from one’s superiors.”

Surprisingly, I can show that much consideration too, can’t I?

With those final words, Sinclair stared at Hister, whose face had hardened, and smirked. It was a very scornful smile.

Even in the midst of the confusion, Elaina bowed politely to the Emperor and Hister, and this time she began to leave the reception room with Sinclair.

…Watching the two of them walk away together, gradually getting farther, Hister thought to himself.

If your relationship with Elaina isn’t just for show.

So if my guess that that woman is your weakness is correct… your feelings must be one of two things, Sinclair?

Guilt that has festered and grown throughout your life, based on useless old affection.

Or a heart that hasn’t changed at all, despite all the time that has passed.

‘Yes. Show me that for certain.’

For that, I can gladly endure this much trouble.

…But this opportunity will never bring you a good ending, Sinclair.

Hister’s sinister laughter filled the reception room they had left.

After leaving the cramped reception room and walking down the seemingly endless long corridor, the two were finally able to completely leave the Imperial Palace.

And all the way back to the Prince’s Palace, Sinclair said only one thing to Elaina.

If ‘truly nothing had happened’.

Elaina answered that it had. That there was nothing for him to worry about at all.

That was the extent of their conversation.

Not that he coldheartedly left Elaina behind and walked off alone.

Sinclair was still matching Elaina’s pace, which was much slower than others. He was just walking with an expression tinged with various emotions.

“…”

Elaina looked at Sinclair’s profile as he walked silently with his mouth shut.

What might Sinclair be thinking now?

Though she couldn’t know completely, there were some emotions she felt she could somewhat understand.

That is, the shame of having one’s weaknesses exposed in front of others, especially someone who should be close to oneself.

Just like the emotion Elaina had felt when she saw Sinclair come to rescue her on the day she was kidnapped on Melvin’s orders and about to be sold to Duke Hank.

There must also be anxiety about what results Hister’s proposal might bring. Especially in a situation like this.

No matter how much he’s called a delinquent. Even if he has the guts to treat the Emperor in ways others couldn’t even imagine.

Even if he has the decisiveness to carry out many things without a moment’s hesitation, Sinclair was still human. So he couldn’t help but feel such emotions.

Elaina silently gazed at Sinclair’s profile like that, then slowly came to a stop.

And then she stared intently at Sinclair’s back, which somehow felt like it was carrying an especially heavy burden today.

“…Elaina?”

Sinclair, who quickly noticed the lack of presence behind him, stopped walking.

He saw Elaina standing there blankly behind him and came back, stepping towards the path they had come.

“Is something uncomfortable?”

“No.”

“Or…”

Sinclair hesitated and looked down at Elaina’s legs.

“Do your legs… hurt?”

“It’s not that either.”

Then why.

It was the moment Sinclair looked at Elaina with puzzled eyes.

Small and white.

And warm hands carefully grasped Sinclair’s large, cold hands.

Long ago. And yesterday too. Even in dreams he could hardly reach, it was the first moment Elaina came to him of her own accord.

At Elaina’s completely unexpected action, Sinclair flinched greatly, quite unlike himself. As if he had forgotten even to breathe.

“Sinclair.”

At last, Elaina called his name softly in a gentle voice.

“Shall we walk like this for a while?”

And then, looking up at the golden eyes swaying like the sea with her face fully reflected in them, she said.