Esika would never know.

That when with her, Resban’s patience and self-control become uncharacteristically precarious.

That even a cold-blooded man driven by reason and logic can be imbued with fiery impulses.

It’s understandable, as Resban’s expression was as calm as to seem smug.

While most masters are like that, Resban especially never showed his emotions on his face.

So it’s natural for Esika to find Resban shameless.

“I will trust Your Highness’s promise.”

Seeing Esika’s furrowed brow, Resban smiled faintly and extended his hand to her.

And he led her out of the office as she placed her hand on his with a rather displeased expression.

As soon as they exited, Esika withdrew her hand from Resban’s, which he didn’t stop.

“It’s the first time my escort has been interrupted like this.”

A low voice tinged with amusement is heard.

“Please understand, as I haven’t been taught.”

Esika wouldn’t know, but her prickly words amused Resban.

Esika wouldn’t know that there were heaps of young ladies who trembled at the mere sight of Resban, let alone speak to him.

And there was only one woman to whom Resban would offer something that could be called a joke.

A cool breeze blew, ruffling Esika’s hair.

Esika had a sweet scent.

To catch a bird that cannot be grasped by reaching out, one must prepare a good cage that the bird would willingly enter.

It was when they turned the corner.

“…Huh? Elder brother!”

A man and two women appeared before them.

Though she sensed someone coming, Esika calmly stopped as it couldn’t be avoided.

The man in imperial uniform had brown hair and golden eyes.

On either side of him were two women in almost naked dresses, clinging to him seductively.

The man’s face was red, and he reeked of alcohol.

Breyton Lamarek Lucein, the Second Prince who had just come of age at nineteen.

“…”

His eyes, seemingly drunk, brightened as he looked at Esika with an unsteady gaze.

And he started rambling incoherently.

“Is this beautiful lady your lover? You refused when I offered to lend you my courtesans, so there was a reason.”

Resban’s eyebrow twitched, but the drunken Breyton had no sense of discretion.

“Wow. She’s truly beautiful. To think such a beautiful lady existed in the empire.”

He brought his face close to Esika and started appraising her appearance.

‘They said he was an ignorant scoundrel, and it’s true.’

The empress who bore Breyton was the sister of the previous Duke Klaus and Callian’s aunt.

So the Second Prince was Callian’s cousin.

This was also why the Klaus ducal family supported the Second Prince.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Esika Klaus, wife of Duke Callian Klaus.”

Esika said stiffly, meeting Breyton’s gaze as he leaned in close to her.

Breyton, who took a while to come to his senses even after Esika’s words, belatedly clapped his hands.

“Ah, ah! That… immature and extravagant… What brings you to the imperial palace…! No, I’d only heard stories, but you’re not shabby at all!”

Breyton babbled exactly what he had heard, trying to act familiar with Esika.

“Anyway, Duke Callian Klaus. I like him. My courtesan Ash likes him too. Right, Ash?”

Breyton asked the busty courtesan on his left.

The dark-skinned woman with a voluptuous figure seemed to be watching Esika’s reaction, but the completely drunk Breyton couldn’t distinguish between what should and shouldn’t be said.

“You said so, Ash. That Duke Klaus likes your breasts…”

But Breyton couldn’t finish his sentence.

Because Resban reached out and grabbed Breyton’s chin.

The courtesans beside him screamed and fell, while Breyton flailed.

The nearby servants all closed their mouths and lowered their heads.

They had seen nothing.

“…Eld… der brother!”

“Breyton.”

The sharp voice laced with killing intent somewhat awakened Breyton’s mind, which had been reckless with drunkenness.

“Our pitiful father always tells me to treat you gently.”

“…Elder brother… I’m sorry.”

“It seems difficult to follow his words today.”

Breyton’s murky golden eyes were wavering with fear.

Breyton, raised in a greenhouse, could not understand Resban, who lived obsessed with war.

While jealous of his half-brother who achieved military exploits every other day, he feared Resban too much to even imagine confronting him.

The only time such a Breyton could look Resban in the eye and speak was when he was drunk.

Even when he occasionally spoke carelessly, Resban would just look at him like an insect and let it pass.

But now… seeing Resban looking at him as if he really might kill him, Breyton realized he had crossed the line.

“Elder brother… I, ugh, I was wrong.”

As Resban applied force to his hand, Breyton’s jaw felt like it might break and his breath was cut off.

There was not a shred of mercy in his cold golden eyes.

Only when despair was about to overtake him did Resban release Breyton’s chin.

“If you insult my guest again, you won’t be able to use your tongue again.”

His voice was neat and smooth befitting the Crown Prince, but its content was utterly brutal.

Breyton exhaled roughly, his face covered in tears.

“Cough… cough… I… I understand, elder brother.”

The fallen courtesans clung to Breyton’s side, worrying over him and sniffling.

Resban spoke to Esika, who had been watching the situation without moving.

“…I regret showing you such an unsightly scene.”

The killing intent that had been suffocating just to witness was tucked away as if it had never existed, and Resban with his previous calm expression seemed like a different person.

“It’s alright.”

Esika replied dazedly to the sudden glimpse of the imperial family’s ugliness.

The imperial palace was incomparably more splendid and solemn than the Klaus ducal house.

But 20 years ago, countless princes and princesses were brutally murdered during foreign invasions and rebellions.

Resban, who experienced all that history, and Breyton, born and raised in a greenhouse, though both sons of the emperor, carry different weights on their backs.

Perhaps they will never be able to understand each other for their entire lives.

“Cough, cough…”

According to the original story, Resban Deon Lucein eventually becomes emperor.

And as soon as he ascends to the throne, he kills Breyton.

**

The Klaus ducal carriage was seen parked.

Esika paused briefly to greet Resban according to etiquette.

For someone who claimed to be untaught, her demeanor was like a textbook of etiquette.

Resban’s expression had disappeared even more than before.

It must be because of Breyton.

“Ash. Elder brother Callian likes your breasts…”

Breyton’s slurred words echoed vividly in her ears.

After a moment of silence, Esika calmly asked Resban.

“…Did you know?”

Resban gazed at Esika with his deep golden eyes.

He had never once spoken about Callian’s private life.

Resban’s true feelings were unknowable, but it was clear he wanted Esika to sever ties with Klaus.

So it would have made sense for him to speak about Callian’s affairs in the imperial palace.

“…”

Resban’s emotionless voice was heard.

“…I thought you already knew about Duke Klaus’s scandals. I had no other intention.”

Esika’s eyes wavered.

Resban’s expression was calm, and so were his golden eyes.

Well… it’s all too common for nobles to cavort with courtesans.

Some even keep mistresses, and the ducal house already has Yuri Anesis as a mistress.

“…I see.”

Hearing that Callian originally played around promiscuously, she didn’t feel particularly disappointed.

She had somewhat expected it when she saw him with another woman on their wedding night.

The previous Esika might have felt differently, but the current Esika doesn’t love him, so her heart doesn’t ache.

Not as much as when she heard Yuri was carrying Callian’s child.

“Then, I’ll be going now.”

Esika turned towards the carriage.

Yes, she certainly doesn’t feel anger or sadness towards Callian.

But the fact that Resban already knew about Callian somehow made her feel ashamed.

What is this feeling, it’s as if my pride is hurt…

And when Resban grabbed Breyton’s jaw and seemed about to kill him, it felt even more peculiar.

Even that cold gaze seemed special somehow.

Esika felt a bit confused about her emotions.

As the door closed, Resban could be seen through the window. Black hair swaying in the wind, and the black uniform that suited him.

As he slowly turned away, her throat tingled for no reason.

“…”

Esika raised her hand and brushed her hair unnecessarily.

She’s tired, but it seems sleep won’t come easily.