His body was likely covered in scars,but they weren’t visible, hidden by the large tunic covering his hands.

Thankfully, the seizure was a side effect of his ability,so it seemed he regained stability overnight after receiving healing.

The wounds would probably heal quickly, which was a good thing.

“That’s a relief.”

When I crouched down, met his gaze, and smiled,Noah’s mouth opened wide before he beamed brightly.

“Hey, the doctors told methat a precious guest of my brother helped me.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That precious guest is you, right?”

“Seems like it.”

I gave another gentle smile.I’m not exactly a guest; your brother kidnapped me, you know.

Wait a second.

“…Brother?”

“Huh?”

Noah’s chubby face tilted in curiosity.

“Did you just say ‘brother’?”

Noah’s large eyes blinked.

“Yes! Duke Dante Ian is my brother! Isn’t he cool?”

Hold on. So,he’s a boy?

I carefully looked Noah over again.

Now that I think about it, didn’t Dante sayhis family always had brothers?

Goodness. Noah’s appearance was so girlish, I forgot.

His short hair suited him perfectly, his frame was delicate,and his face was so pretty I assumed he was a girl.

His voice was incredibly sweet, with deep double eyelids,large eyes, and perfectly placed eyelashes. Even looking again, he seemed like a girl.

Looking at his clothes, the oversized tunic and baggy pantswere indeed a boy’s outfit.

Seeing my confusion, Noah burst out laughing with a “Pfft!”

“You thought I was a girl, didn’t you?”

“No, it’s just…”

Wouldn’t it be rude to admit that? He’s the future duke, after all.

“It’s okay. It happens a lot.I’ve even gotten necklaces and diamond crowns as gifts.”

“You’re just so pretty, that’s why. Sorry about that.But now that I look again, you’re a dashing young man!You’ll be super popular when you grow up.”

Noah nodded enthusiastically.

Then, looking around, he pointed straight at Ruben.

“I’m going to grow even bigger than that knight over there.”

“Really?”

“Yes! I want to be as big as my brother.And super strong!”

Despite being in pain before, Noah was now brimming with energy,as if last night’s ordeal never happened.

To think he could change so much in just one night.

It really hit me that the side effects of abilitiescould only be handled by a saintess’s healing power.

Even pouring potions on him didn’t work,but healing through touch resolved it instantly.

“You’ll definitely grow that big. I’m looking forward to it!”

I nodded vigorously at Noah.Excited, he pulled me toward the sofa, chattering away.

So much for being shy.

“Where are you from?My brother says precious guests are rare,and it’s always been old acquaintances, but you’re new.”

“Hmm. I haven’t known Duke Dante for long either.”

“So, you’re friends with him now? Will you come back?”

“Well, I live far away.”

“Don’t worry. There’s a portal.”

“That’s true, but…”

As I hesitated, Noah suddenly sprang up from his seat.

“You know, the desert cityis a place the great wizard loved dearly.”

“The great wizard?”

“Yes!”

Now that I think about it, the maids said something like that too.The temperature-regulating stone in the bathroomwas specially made by the great wizard.

So, a great wizard loved the desert…?What was the reason?

“That’s why the southern portals are so well-made.The city’s built like a maze,so they installed portals for easy travel within it.”

Come to think of it, we used a portalto move from the top floor of the castle to the walls.

This city does seem to have unusually advanced magic.

As expected of the future duke,Noah proudly spread his arms to introduce the desert.

Then, he suddenly noticed the collapsed castle walland his expression fell.

“Oh.”

I waited for his next words.He hurriedly explained, as if he’d accidentally revealed something.

“That’s… a mistake.That kind of thing never happens!”

“The wall collapsing?”

“Yes. It’s the first time since I was born!It seems someone illegally trespassed today,but when I grow up and become duke,I’ll take care of all the bad guys.”

Noah clenched his fists tightly.

He was so cute, I wanted to squish his soft cheeks.

“When you become duke, this place will be even more amazing.I’ll come back if I can, if you invite me.”

“Can I invite you every day?”

“Uh… sorry, that might be tough.”

At my refusal, Noah looked puzzled.

“Why? Others are thrilled when I invite them.Some even beg me to invite them every day.”

“You’re quite popular.”

“Yes. I’m pretty and cool.I’ll be even cooler when I grow up.”

“You’re right. You’re pretty and cool.But unfortunately, I live with someone else.”

Noah’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Who do you live with?”

“Someone scary.”

I chuckled as I said it,but Noah’s eyes and mouth widened in shock.

“Why? Why live with someone scary?”

“Well…”

I suddenly found myself at a loss for words.

Originally, it was because I failed to escape.

But now, it’s not just that.

Sure, Edan is scary, but he protects me,I’m under his protection, and also…

“Who’s scary?”

Eek! Edan appeared behind me out of nowhere.

That’s what’s scary—him popping up like that!

Noah and I flinched, turning around simultaneously.

Ruben was moving to the side,while Edan and Dante stood with their subordinates.

“Brother!”

Noah ran to Dante and hugged him tightly.

Dante ruffled Noah’s hair,which was the same color as his, and crouched down.

“Noah, I told you to rest more.”

“I was resting!”

Edan glanced at Noah and approached me.

“Let’s go.”

I stood up and walked toward Noah.

“Noah, take this. Sprinkle it on your food when you’re in pain.It’ll help.”

“What is it?”

“Something to help you become a great duke.”

Noah took the pepper container I gave him,and Dante looked at me curiously. Understandably so—it’s just pepper.I cleared my throat to hide my embarrassment and stood up.

“I’d love to give you something fancy like a potion,but that’d be illegal. This has the same effect.I’ve tested it, so don’t worry.Sir Hillstain has something similar.”

Dante bowed his head.

“Thank you. I won’t forget this kindness.”

I wish it was something other than pepper. It’s a bit embarrassing.

Then Noah stretched his neck to look up at Edan.

“The scary person?”

Edan glanced down at Noah.

Dante stood and introduced Edan to Noah.

“Noah, greet him properly.This is His Highness Edan Dietrich.”

“His Highness?”

“Yes. The Grand Duke who guardsthe unbreakable wall of the north.”

Noah’s eyes widened and sparkled.

“The unbreakable wall?”

Noah placed a hand on his chestand bowed deeply to Edan.

“Hello, Your Highness. I’m Noah Ian.”

With impeccable manners, Edan received the greeting as a prince.

“I permit you to raise your head.”

“I heard those who guard the unbreakable wallare the strongest in the empire.So, Your Highness, are you the strongest?”

As soon as he raised his head,Noah fired off clever questions,and Edan answered curtly.

“Yes. And a scary person.”

A cold smile flashed in Edan’s eyes.

A wind rose from his feet,and a dazzling blue power surged upward.

It happened in the blink of an eye.

Edan sent that power flying over the terrace.

The ability split into dozens of arrowsand struck the castle wall.

With a tremendous roar, the wall collapsed.The sentries and knights repairing the damagepanicked, and screams erupted from all directions.

“Gasp.”

Noah covered his mouth with both hands.

Everyone around, except Dante and Ruben,stared at Edan like he was insane.

Ruben looked unfazed, as if he expected this,while Dante’s expression remained unchanged, as if prepared.

“Your brother has already gotten what he wanted.I’ll let this matter end here.”

Noah, who had proudly introduced the wall moments ago,went pale.

He seemed shocked to learn the identityof the “bad guy” who destroyed the wall this morning.

His gaze, which had admired Edan as the coolest person, wavered.

Noah’s mouth hung open,looking back and forth between the wall, Edan, and Dante repeatedly.

“Brother!”

Finally, his eyes welled up with tears.

“It’s okay, Noah.”

Dante patted Noah’s shoulderand, surprisingly, bowed to Edan.

“Thank you.”

This isn’t the time for thanks!

Noah’s eyes are brimming with tears! Those pretty eyes…!

I glared at the back of Edan’s head,and he turned away smugly, as if he knew.

Ugh. I quickly looked in the opposite direction.

“Sh-should we go?”

Yeah, no point in provoking him further.

The best thing is to get out of here as fast as possible.