Chapter: 302
The name of the Earl Hiden carries weight. Bestowed by the second Emperor, Amanca II, they have lived as the shield of the Empire and the imperial family for nearly 300 years. They existed in the shadows of Livnoman, dedicating all glory to their one true master, Livnoman. That is the pride and boast of the Hiden family.
From the moment I was born as the first child of the Hiden family, I was burdened with 300 years of pride and self-importance. I never imagined I would be the first and last.
“You bear a heavy burden.”
Sometimes my father would say this while stroking my head. The name of Earl Hiden is something the firstborn must carry, while the younger siblings can support the patriarch. But I’m all alone. I have no older brother or sister to rely on, nor younger siblings to cheer for me—just me.
Still, I didn’t show it. If I displayed weakness, my father would be even sadder, and the retainers would panic. Those who wished to belittle the Hiden family would come out of the woodwork. So, I had to always remain dignified and composed. It was my sacred duty as one who bore the name of Hiden, living a peaceful life.
At first, I resented Erich—even if just a tiny bit.
“They are from the Krasius family. The elder is two years older than you, and the younger is two years younger. Isn’t that amusing?”
In a social venue where the noble heirs of the Earl’s family mingled, it was quite common for them to meet. Especially since the head of the Krasius family had been close friends with my father since childhood; it was only natural to be introduced to the Krasius family first. The bond formed between parents naturally extends to their children.
I casually greeted Brother Carl. He looked like he was just here fulfilling an obligation, and knowing the burden he carried on his shoulders, I let that slide. Why trouble someone in the same situation?
“Hello, sis!”
But Erich was different. He was cheerful and lively, unlike Brother Carl. When he suddenly called me “sis,” I was taken aback.
That surprise quickly morphed into irritation. While firstborns like me or Brother Carl needed to bear heavy burdens, here was a carefree younger sibling just bothering us without a clue. You’re just enjoying rights with no responsibilities, so of course, you can smile like that.
Of course, that was a ridiculous thought. I was too young then to think that way, and as I matured, I felt embarrassed by my own thoughts. Nobles certainly have their duties; even if they don’t, that wouldn’t justify hating Erich.
“Do you practice swordsmanship too? My brother and I do.”
“Wow, you can ride so well! Can I be like you someday?”
“This is a gift! Cheesecake! Our chef makes these so well!”
But back then, I was oblivious to my own embarrassment. So I distanced myself from Erich, yet inexplicably, he kept approaching me no matter how much I pushed him away.
While Brother Carl, the same heir, showed no signs of leaving the Tailglehen County, Erich kept popping over to the Horfelt County, acting all friendly. Looking back now, I can’t help but feel grateful.
“Sis, what are you doing?”
“Breathing.”
I really am thankful. Despite my obvious attempts to show that I was annoyed, he didn’t take it personally.
Anyway, the persistence of Erich, who kept coming to visit, slowly shifted our unusual relationship.
It was a story of a child lacking talent in martial arts trying to make up for it with effort, but ultimately reaching a limit and falling into despair. It was a tale of a child who couldn’t follow in his father’s footsteps—the one renowned for his sword—ending up in fear. How mundane and common such a tale sounds.
Originally, it could have ended normally like any other day, but due to Erich’s visit, it took a different turn.
“My nurse said high-ranking people don’t need to be good at everything. Just showing effort and progress earns respect from others.”
“I think you and Brother are amazing! I could never do that!”
Honestly, that wasn’t particularly helpful advice. In essence, it just meant that my talent was limited, and I should accept my fate.
But for some reason, hearing that oddly eased my mind. It felt like the endless road I had been traveling finally reached an end, and where there was only blaring sunshine, some shade appeared.
“If I’m lacking, my retainers will be anxious.”
So, for the first time, I voiced the anxieties I had kept inside. I shouldn’t be saying this to a kid younger than me, but I wanted to.
“They can help each other among nobles without the retainers knowing. I’ll tell Brother to ask you for help!”
That made me chuckle unintentionally. Better for the retainers to know of my shortcomings than to show weakness to nobles, who are equal rivals.
Still, I didn’t mention that. Instead, I spoke to Erich smiling for the first time.
“Could you help me instead of Brother Carl?”
“Of course, sis! You’re my friend! I’ll help you all my life!”
My heart raced at the promise of lifelong support. I know he was just a kid speaking lightly, and I don’t plan on pulling the strings to make Erich marry me based on that comment.
It simply mattered that I felt liberated from a life where I tied myself down, and my affection for a younger sibling was noteworthy.
Holding onto that memory, I strived to become a wonderful, dignified sister that Erich could look up to—
“Hello, Your Grace. So nice to see you again today!”
Even after working hard to be that sister, why did Erich’s presence still irk me?
“Erich’s booth needs to be profitable too. We’re not outsiders here.”
As a sudden interloper approached, I managed a smile while the blonde kid, Sara, glared with sharp eyes.
How obnoxious. What difference does it make if a chick like that makes a face?
‘…You’re from the Baron family?’
I tried my best to ignore the chick in front of me, but to be honest, being a baron is like wielding a poison that threatens me instead of being a weakness against that chick.
If that chick lowers her gaze, I might just consider her as Erich’s wife, no problem. I could show some mercy as the winner. But if I lose, it’s game over. If the Baroness becomes Erich’s first wife, I’m waving him goodbye.
Thus, I could not retreat further. Unlike that chick, who would have a backup even if she lost, one defeat for me would lead to my doom.
‘I can’t lose.’
Nurse’s daughter? Childhood friend? I’m also a childhood friend of Erich. Our fathers have been close friends.
The conditions are the same. No, I have the overwhelming edge. I’ve built relationships all over and hold the title of Earl Hiden. I lack nothing.
All Erich has to do is show up. Then I could ensure he lives a life without a worry.
‘What can you offer?’
A frail lady, the daughter of Baron Trimara serving the Krasius family. In truth, aren’t you the one who should be under Erich’s care?
Of course, I’m not saying she should just disappear due to lacking family prestige. Love isn’t merely a transactional arrangement; it’s about shared happiness in being together.
“You two seem to get along well. Someone might mistake you for siblings.”
“Not really. Erich and I don’t have much in common. You two seem more like siblings.”
It’s simply about extending the courtesy of yielding when a superior version shows up.
—
They’re at it again.
‘Should I pop in later?’
As soon as I returned from meeting Marghetta, I sensed the urge to moonwalk. Sara was glaring, all smiles on the surface, yet her eyes were anything but friendly, directed at the Horfelt Count. And caught between them was Erich, innocently munching away at cake.
Despite the other club members holding their breath, he’s casually enjoying dessert. Is he made of steel? Or does he just have a steel brain? If we take recent records into account, it seems to be the latter.
“Oh, Brother. You’re here?”
Just as the urge to moonwalk was about to win out, Louise, who had been curled up in a corner, rushed over.
I quietly nodded, feeling as if I’d found an oasis in the desert. It’s too late to make a getaway.
‘I have to intervene.’
Seeing Louise’s face filled with dread led me to an unavoidable conclusion. I need to put an end to this silent war if she ever wants to breathe easy again.
Honestly, I think they’re somewhat restrained around me, the potential brother-in-law. So surely they’d behave around Louise too. If that’s how I think of it, Louise doesn’t have to be anxious.
‘If only she wasn’t the first love.’
Regrettably, while he may be my ‘potential’ brother-in-law, the title of ‘my man’s first love’ is still ongoing.
Thanks to that, whenever those two clash, Louise hides in a corner from the fright. Once potential brother-in-law is out of sight, the two ramp things up, resulting in a terrible cycle.
‘That damned brat.’
I shot a glare at the cake-munching Erich. In the end, it’s Erich’s fault for charming both sides, and it’s his fault for messing up the signals. What a miraculous Grand Slam of chaos this is.
…But let’s be thankful it hasn’t escalated into an all-out brawl yet.
Throughout the remaining fair days, I resolved to remain rooted in the booth like a totem. It seemed other club members quietly hoped for the same. Those engaged in a mess of a chaotic love race would find a full-blown duel terrifying.
At least Marcilio doesn’t care whether the younger ones mess around or not. But on the flip side, such childish scuffles made it hard for me to step in. It doesn’t feel right for an adult above 120 to intervene in a spat between twenty and eighteen-year-olds.
‘Please end soon.’
So I prayed fervently. Can’t this fair just wrap up quickly?
I’d even gladly welcome a natural disaster like a typhoon or hail to bring an early end.
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