Chapter 66

When a man places a flower in a woman's hair, good fortune will come—so the saying goes.

A maid knew the origin of this custom. Mira, a junior of Sasha, who helped me change from my everyday dress to a more formal one to boost my confidence before the exam. Thanks to Mira's information, it turned out to be quite effective!

Originally, in the towns, fathers or brothers would place flowers in the hair of their daughters or sisters who were leaving home to get married, wishing for good fortune to be bestowed upon them. Over time, the practice expanded beyond family, changing to where any man could place a flower in a woman's hair, and it was used as a form of wishing for someone, such as when a daughter was taking a difficult exam, or when a man wanted to confess his love or propose to a woman.

Mira, who became a maid after passing the selection exam, received this flower encouragement from her brother before the exam. Moreover, among the maids of commoner origin around Mira, the pass rate for those who had received this flower decoration from their family was a staggering one hundred percent!

This... I have to take advantage of it too!

I kept the Reishuran flower that Edgar-sama placed in my hair, hoping to have good fortune on my side!

After all!

"Good to see you. Octavia."

"Thank you for inviting me, Brother."

I bowed to my brother.

I am visiting my brother's private room! I had conveyed the plan to my brother half a day ago. During that half day, a major event occurred where Father announced the discovery of the real crown in the 'Sky Room' to the citizens, but I spent the time in my own room. I had been informed in advance that such an event would take place, but I did not attend.

However, it wasn't just me who didn't attend; my brother and Edgar-sama didn't either. At Father's request, only he, the king, conducted the event.

After finishing my dinner alone and during my free time, I was listening to Matilda about the event when my brother's response came.

The content was an invitation to his private room.

He wanted to talk in person.

In other words, this was the final showdown to ensure the plan didn't fall through!

I need to prepare myself!

For the formal dress, I chose one that was a bit more mature in design and color, though it was still close to my everyday dress!

Of course, I also brought my black fan, which can be used for defense!

As I entered the room, my brother, who had invited me in, had a look that seemed to have something to say. His light blue eyes were clearly focused on the Reishuran flower in my hair.

Maybe I should bring it up myself.

Touching the flower, I brought it up.

"Brother, do you know about the Reishuran flower? This morning, Edgar-sama placed it in my hair."

"Edgar-sama did?"

My brother, who had a thoughtful expression, asked.

"Is that strange?"

My brother shook his head.

"...No, it's not strange. From the look of it, you seem to like it."

Do you understand? Do you understand?

"Yes, I still have it on."

I smiled without even trying to put on a princess smile.

I was ready to start a trend of live flower hair decorations among the nobility! Even those who were hesitant about Lev bird feather accessories might find this more acceptable!

"...Sit down and make yourself comfortable."

"Then I will take you up on that."

I hope this doesn't turn into a long conversation.

I sat down as instructed. The long sofa, designed for the royal family, was spacious and comfortable, with enough room for a short nap. Some of the princes in the past had even used it for... well, you know.

!

Could it be... this sofa?

No, no, no. Let's stop with the weird imagination. Even my fujoshi soul can't go "Squee!" when it involves family in three dimensions. It would be different if it were two-dimensional...

I refocused and looked at my brother.

My brother was pouring tea from a porcelain teapot. The standard tea in Esphia is black tea. The bright orange liquid was poured into the teacup.

Just to be sure, I asked.

"Brother, can you make tea?"

"Of course."

Is there a problem? It felt like he was asking me that indirectly.

There isn't, but there is.

Well, I should just drink it... I should just drink it.

It would be difficult to refuse in this situation.

I decided to drink it. While waiting for the tea, I couldn't help but look around the room. As a child, I was often lured into this room with sweets, but as I grew up, I rarely had the chance to visit my brother's private room. Most of the time, I would meet him in his office.

My brother's room had a refined and functional feel. It was so functional that it gave off a slightly cold atmosphere. Being in the room made me feel tense.

I was also tense. However, I had the good fortune of the flower decoration... no, let me put it this way.

I had Edgar-sama's blessing!

Actually, thinking about it did help me calm down a bit. I had the leisure to observe the room.

In my brother's private room—within my line of sight, there were no guards.

They were all in the hallway, I think. My guard, Hugh, who had been with me until I came here, was waiting in the hallway.

"This must be a very private matter."

My brother, holding a teacup of black tea in both hands, placed one in front of me.

"It's about the secret plan you told me."

He sat across from me, crossed his legs, and brought his teacup to his mouth.

I watched him closely.

Okay... He's drinking it calmly, so it must be better than before...

Hunger is the best seasoning.

If it tastes good, I'll drink it! I need to moisten my throat for the conversation!

I decided to drink it, and because I was thirsty, I took a sip without much expectation.

"!"

I was shocked.

It was delicious!

It was much better than the tea I made!

When I was a child, the tea he made was so terrible that I thought it was a prank!

In the original novel, the perfect superhuman, Serius—my brother—had an unexpected weakness.

He was terrible at making tea.

Even though he was eighteen, he struggled to maintain a poker face. The tea he made was so bad that it was a wonder... But now, the tea he made was delicious... How did this happen?

"Brother..."

I told my brother, who was looking at me with an indescribable expression, my thoughts.

"Your tea-making skills have improved..."

I was moved!

"What are you talking about..."

Despite my great emotion, my brother frowned.

"I never said anything, but I can tell you now that the taste of the tea Brother used to make was... not good at all."

Derek would disappear as soon as he sensed Brother was about to make tea!

Even then, Brother, if he had tasted the tea he made himself, he would have noticed right away, but he had a sense of hospitality and always served the tea he made to his guests. He drank the prepared tea himself.

"...Ah. I noticed because you drank it without expression. So, I caught various people and learned how to make it... ...?"

His words trailed off.

My brother, pressing his temple, shook his head and sighed.

"...Sorry. It was a trivial story."

"No..."

Rather, I felt a complex mix of emotions that he had done this for me...

This reaction is similar to the one in my room...

So, Brother's memory is still...

"Let's get to the main topic."

My brother's voice and expression became stern.

"I have received your request for the inspection. ...From Edgar-sama as well."

"In that case, all that's needed is Brother's decision."

I took another sip of the tea and placed the teacup down. It was really delicious. I preferred it with milk, and Sasha would sometimes make it for me to drink before bed, so I was used to it.

"I also want to catch the culprit."

"..."

My brother, looking tired, ran his hand through his hair and leaned back on the sofa.

"Even if I agree to your request, I cannot have Clifford Alderton return as your guard on the day of the inspection."

"That's..."

As I was about to continue, a small opening sound echoed.

Looking in the direction of the sound, one of the doors in the room opened—

"Serius...?"

With a call to my brother, a young man with dark blue hair—no, Sir Sil—appeared from there.

He might have just woken up. His hazel eyes, which seemed a bit dazed, widened.

"Octavia-sama!"

"Sil-sama!"

Sil-sama's face lit up as he ran over. I stood up, too, happy to see him moving and conscious. It hadn't been that long, but it was our first meeting since that incident!

We were about to embrace, but Sil-sama suddenly came to his senses and lowered his hands.

Oh, I was also in a position to hug, so my hands were at a loss.

What should I do?

I picked up my black fan and opened it pointlessly.

Did Sil-sama think I was being too familiar? Considering our relationship before the semi-ball...

No, I'm fine with it! A reunion hug with Sil-sama!

But Brother's gaze was painful... As a lady, even if he is my brother's lover, hugging a man is not appropriate. Yes.

"—Sil. Octavia."

I glanced at Brother's expression and quickly turned back to Sil-sama.

It's good that he's well.

"Were you close enough to embrace each other?"

His gaze was more than just painful.