Chapter: 394
Whenever my brother causes a ruckus or becomes the center of attention, I inevitably get dragged into it too. Actually, I often find myself getting more attention than him. After all, the number of brave souls willing to approach him is few and far between.
On one hand, it could be seen as a blow to my pride, but ever since I enrolled in the academy, I’ve gotten used to it. Honestly, if it were me, I’d probably approach the comparatively more approachable younger sibling instead of the intimidating older brother.
In fact, I’ve reached a point where I can take this scrutiny positively. People just see me as a warm and kind figure they can easily talk to. With the Patriarch and my brother both having stern expressions, it’s only fitting that I appear more normal, right?
But this situation right now? Yeah, it’s a bit too much to laugh off.
‘Ugh, it’s annoying.’
For a few days now, I’ve felt so many eyes on me that I nearly scratched the back of my head bald. Who knew a simple stare could be such a heavy burden?
‘It would’ve been better if they just asked me something.’
I realized once more that a silent gaze can feel more pressuring than direct questions.
But there’s no helping it. The nobles are so cautious about gossip, they can’t afford to speak freely about this incident.
‘A godfather and a minister, huh.’
I couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
Academy students have a fascinating blend of traits that make them a mix of inquisitive adolescents and perceptive aristocrats. Seeing them silent while observing me? That just screams this situation is beyond what an average noble could bear.
I understand perfectly well. No matter how famous a figure is in political and social circles, there’s a point where their stature makes others hesitant to even casually mention their name. Especially for royalty and dukes—one small slip of the tongue could end badly, and everyone is terrified of stepping on the toes of such noble beings.
Regrettably, my brother is now one of those figures. A war hero, the Crown Prince’s godfather, and the youngest minister-in-waiting. He’s somehow attained honors that might take others a lifetime to achieve—all while simultaneously becoming someone nearly on par with a duke.
‘Better avoid this whole fiasco.’
After a brief moment of deliberation, I decided to stand up. Thinking of myself not as the “approachable younger sibling” but as “the brother of someone nearly a duke” made me feel guilty just being here. When I suddenly got up, the nearby students instinctively created some distance.
Yep, avoiding this is the best choice for now. I’ll hang back until the gossip settles down a bit.
*
I finally reached the safest and quietest corner of the academy.
“… so you came here for this?”
“Yup.”
My brother let out a sigh, as if resigned to the whole thing.
“Yeah, well, it isn’t strange to find a club member in the club room. Feel free to hang out.”
His acceptance eased my mind. I honestly feared he’d kick me out with some lame excuse like, “The club room is only open during club hours.”
Yeah, I was probably worrying too much. Just because my brother looks serious doesn’t mean he’s devoid of compassion. He definitely wouldn’t throw out his brother who’s become a wanderer due to him.
“But what made you run away?”
“I feel like I’ve taken in all the attention I can handle for a lifetime.”
I answered sincerely when my brother tilted his head in curiosity.
Anyone who heard that would think I was exaggerating, but I meant every word. If stares had physical weight, my head would’ve turned to Swiss cheese by now.
“Oh dear.”
It seemed my brother got the gist but shook his head, his expression a mix of sympathy and pity.
While his concern was appreciated, it also made me a bit annoyed. The only one who truly understands my situation is the very culprit behind it all!
“Still, you should get used to the attention. They say that once you become a minister, there’s gonna be all sorts of eyes on you.”
“Are you really the one to say that?”
My reaction was a bit more heated than I intended in response to what was really a thinly veiled curse disguised as advice. My brother noticed and quickly redirected his gaze sheepishly.
Looking at him with frustration, I helplessly stared up at the ceiling.
‘His Minister ship.’
A sigh escaped my lips. While my brother doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as a godfather and minister, he’s also about to inherit the title of Count Tailglehen. He’ll soon become one of the thirty Imperial Counts in the Empire and, save for Sister Zenovia, the youngest among them.
The problem is, he’s going to become a high-ranking official in the administration too. Since he can’t take on the council position that comes with being a Count, the Patriarch is stepping in as a proxy. But there’s no way the retired Patriarch can keep doing that forever.
‘Right after graduation, I’ll be a council proxy.’
It’s frustrating. I feel resentment towards my brother for dumping this on me and shirking his own responsibilities.
It’s true that it’s not really his fault since he’s currently entrenched in high-level bureaucratic duties, but still… this irritation is growing. If it keeps building up, I might end up resenting the Patriarch for handing over the title!
‘My life…’
A tear almost slipped out. While I knew my brother was a high-ranking bureaucrat, I had expected to be a council member a long time later—at least twenty years from now. During those twenty years, I wanted to do what I wanted, explore the mountains, and live life a bit.
Wanting my brother to have a kid so that the kid can take over this proxy business instead? Isn’t that a bit too selfish of me?
“Ah.”
My brother’s voice interrupted my wandering thoughts.
“By the way, Count Horfelt asked me to send his regards.”
“From Sister?”
“Yeah. Also, if you’re worrying a lot about the council proxy position, he said he’d be happy to consult with you—”
After that, I tuned out what my brother said entirely. I was too moved by Sister Zenovia’s heart to focus on anything else.
Ever since she visited the club fair, we’ve kept in touch, even exchanging words of congratulations and checking in on each other after the war ended. Since Uncle Georg came back safe, it was only natural for her to congratulate me as a childhood friend. It’s only normal to ask why Uncle was wandering around in capital city instead of Horfelt County!
But even with our exchanges, I hadn’t mentioned anything about that council proxy position. It felt too recent, and it felt embarrassing to tell a sitting councilor that I didn’t want their job.
‘Sister…’
And yet, Sister Zenovia was the one who reached out first to check on me. Such a contrast to my brother, who merely passed the burdens onto me!
With that thought, I pulled out my communication device from my pocket.
I couldn’t hold back the urge to express my gratitude any longer.
*
After a short break, I set down my pen and stretched out my arms. I’d been sitting at my desk since morning, and my body felt stiff.
Suddenly, I was struck by how my father, the insatiable workaholic, managed to deal with this kind of work. How on Earth did he sit still for over ten years without going bonkers?
‘He must’ve endured a lot all that time.’
As I mulled over this by myself, a chuckle escaped me. He’s been enduring it for over ten years as an Imperial Count, so he must be enjoying all the freedom he can get now.
And while it frustrates me that he was directly in the war zone due to his energy…
– “How can I ignore my friend fighting? He’s practically my son-in-law now.”
“……”
– “Of course, breaking that promise was my fault. So, I swear from now on, neither my friend nor I will see combat ever again.”
Hearing my father’s thoughts made perfect sense.
– “Oh, and I actually saw Uncle in the capital! Even though the war is over, he seems to be having a rough time.”
Given how Erich was subtly defending my father, I decided to let it slide.
How could I ignore what my beloved father and precious Erich said? Sure, I was mad at my father, but it was partly due to him getting into a mess during the battle.
Since my anger was aimed at him, I figured it only made sense to let it go for his sake. Naturally!
‘For the time being, he should be quiet.’
Honestly, I don’t expect my father to listen to only me from now on. Just as long as he can remain quiet for a while, I’ll be satisfied. Given his experience of being cast out by his daughter, I’d wager he might keep it together for a few months.
‘…Will he manage?’
Just as anxiety began to creep in, my communication device lit up.
I frowned a little. My contacts knew better than to call me during these hours; I usually talk to Erich on weekends. So, it must be work-related.
“Count Horfelt speaking.”
– “Hey, it’s me.”
I froze for a second, my device still in my hand.
– “Sorry for bothering you while you’re working!”
Seeing Erich’s face, I quickly shook my head.
“No, it’s fine. I was just taking a break.”
– “Glad to hear that.”
Simultaneously, I racked my brain.
What’s up with this? Erich rarely calls during weekday hours. Plus, is this even a break time? No, it is a weekday—unless he’s just taking a lunch break?
– “Just heard from my brother, so I wanted to check in on you. I appreciate you looking out for him.”
That reminded me of the event from a few days ago. The day it became practically official that Cal was appointed as the Inspection Minister and will inherit the title of Count Tailglehen. I had sent my congratulations to him, asking him to the relay greetings to Erich when he had to take on the role in his stead.
The joy I felt at the thought of spending time with Erich in the near future resurfaced. Cal may have remembered to pass on my words after all. How touching.
“It’s only natural. As a senior councilor, it’s expected I worry about my juniors.”
But I tried to keep my tone as casual as possible. If I let too much happiness show, it might pressure Erich, who’s taking on a considerable burden as a council proxy.
I just have to make him think of me as someone he can lean on.
‘Yup.’
From his relieved expression, it seems like I did choose wisely. No matter how distant we might be, as long as we stay in each other’s hearts—
– “I wish you were my family.”
I froze once more.
My rational mind screamed that the kind of family he was talking about was totally different from what I thought, but my heart was racing in a way I couldn’t ignore.
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