Chapter 98

The first to appear through the open door was my brother. Right behind him was Derek.

Following them, several soldiers stormed into the room. The persuasion had succeeded...! But I was worried about my brother's state. No matter who he was, could he remain calm?

My brother's face, for just a moment, twisted.

He seemed to have immediately and accurately gauged the situation upon entering.

Nathan, supported by Sir Sil. The fallen guard knights. Hugh, standing without any weapons. Me, and Clifford protecting me.

—Confirming that the content Derek had conveyed to my brother was correct.

"Hugh Roberts."

My brother called out to Hugh. His face was expressionless, as if he had suppressed his emotions.

Hugh, who would have responded politely as a guard knight in the past, simply turned his face silently while standing.

"What is your reason? State your motive."

Hugh glanced around the office.

He slowly opened his mouth.

"Prince Serius. You are aware that not everyone blesses the relationship between Your Highness and Lord Burks, are you not? I, too, was one of those people."

...What could it be?

I received the same impression from Hugh as I did when he explained the reason for the tassel being cut.

"Are you saying you had a grudge against me and Sil?"

"You two love each other. However, as a citizen of Esphia, I could not overlook the future king choosing only a same-sex partner."

"...So, you targeted Sil?"

"I could never raise a sword against Your Highness."

Hugh laughed mockingly.

"Then!"

For the first time, my brother raised his voice.

"Why didn't you talk to me first!"

A cry, like a wail.

In response, Hugh laughed again.

"Do you truly believe, from the bottom of your heart, that talking would have solved everything?"

It seemed like a question, but he wasn't really seeking an answer.

"I do not."

Hugh denied it coldly.

"Believing that dialogue can solve everything is an illusion."

"—No. You just gave up before even trying to talk. If you were going to take other measures, you could have done so afterward. You didn't even try to talk."

To my brother, who looked pained, Hugh now smiled in a way that seemed almost gentle.

"...Yes. I did not attempt to talk. But even if I could start over, I would not choose to talk to Prince Serius. No, to anyone. I consider it futile."

"Do you have no regrets?"

"No. Not at all."

His head slowly shook side to side.

"Your plan failed. Even so...!"

"Yes. Whether it succeeded or failed, it was my wish."

Throughout the conversation with my brother, Hugh remained calm. He seemed less like a conspirator whose plan had failed and more like someone whose plan had succeeded.

"Hugh. Is there anything else you want to say?"

My brother asked Hugh one last question.

Probably, it was the lingering affection for Hugh that made him do so.

Even though the person himself admitted to the crime and there was no room for doubt, there was still a desire to believe. He wanted Hugh to say something. Even an excuse would do, something that could defend Hugh.

But even after receiving such a question from my brother, Hugh remained unchanged.

"Nothing."

The answer was just one word.

"......"

My brother closed his eyes tightly.

"Hugh Roberts."

A scene from the original work where Serius, despite believing in Hugh, reluctantly ordered his imprisonment.

It was different, yet it was strikingly similar to that scene.

My brother gave orders to the soldiers waiting at the entrance of the office.

"—Imprison Hugh Roberts in the dungeon."

His voice was slightly trembling.