Chapter 31

I sighed quietly and immediately switched my focus to my brother's problem.

"Hey, Albes. How about you stay in the capital for a while and look for a bride during this opportunity?"

"…That’s a waste of money."

"It’s not a waste. It’s a necessary investment. You look great today. You should make a good impression at the ball, network, and secure a good match or two! That’s what a head of the family should do!"

My brother seemed about to say something.

But he couldn’t refute my words.

The duty of the head of the family is to protect the territory. But at the same time, it’s also important to continue the bloodline to the next generation.

It’s not Albes’s fault that he has been putting it off.

It’s because I was powerless.

But now, I can take action. We have a bit more money, and there are knights who can do some temporary farm work.

Now, while they are on leave, is the time to do something about it.

And to do that, I need to solve the problem in front of me.

I steeled myself and turned to Fil.

"…I know it’s a bold request, but please. Can my brother stay at your mansion for a while?"

I said this nervously, but Fil was silent.

No, he might not have heard me.

He was looking out the carriage window, as if deep in thought.

"Fil?"

Even when I called out to him, he didn’t seem to notice.

Confused, I looked at Albes, who sighed. Then, he clenched his fist tightly.

…Huh? A fist?

Before I could react, Albes punched Fil in the stomach.

Or rather, he tried to.

But just as his fist was about to hit, Fil’s hand moved and deflected it.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"Finally back to your senses? You weren’t listening to Lucia, were you?"

"…Lucia’s words? Sorry, I didn’t hear them. Could you repeat them, please?"

"Um…"

He apologized with a very pitiful and ashamed look, and I was at a loss for words.

It’s hard to repeat something so bold.

It’s too audacious… but it’s for my brother. I have to put my pride aside.

"So, you see, it’s rare for Albes to attend a ball. I want to use this opportunity to find a good match, so I think it would be better if he stays in the capital for a while. So… could my brother stay at your mansion? Of course, I’ll pay for the stay, even if it’s just a little!"

I explained it again, more simply.

Repeating it made me feel dizzy at how bold my request was.

But Fil nodded as if it was no big deal.

"Lucia, you mean Albes? Sure. I don’t use that house much anyway. You don’t need to pay for the stay. I’m usually the one who’s taken care of. But… you were talking about Lucia just now, right?"

"Considering our ages, I think it’s better to put me aside and have my brother get married first."

I added this explanation to Fil, who tilted his head.

But Fil’s face became even more pitiful.

"Albes… you’re getting married too?"

"Eventually, yes."

"What a disaster. If you get married before me, I’ll lose my comfortable place to stay!"

Fil is depressed.

I was wondering if I should comfort him when Albes glanced out the window and cleared his throat.

"Fil. You can mope later. We’re arriving."

"…Right. Okay. I’ll dance a lot with Lucia today. I don’t care about anything else!"

Fil muttered this, clenched his fist tightly, and then opened the carriage window, signaling something to the guards.

Immediately, the guards cleared the path and opened the heavy gate.

"…Where are we?"

"The back gate. It’s a bit difficult for me to enter from the front. Sorry."

Fil apologized to me, and I was left staring blankly outside.

The carriage is now passing through a massive gate.

The gate is heavy, and the walls on both sides are very thick.

Considering the time it took to pass through, it’s clear that this is an incredibly sturdy city wall.

Yes, a city wall.

The guards are wearing very famous, matching uniforms.

And… beyond the double city walls, the carriage is heading towards three massive buildings.

"…Brother. Could this be…"

I asked hesitantly, and Albes looked away again without a word.

Frustrated, I glared at Fil.

The person with dyed chestnut hair and an unfamiliar appearance avoided my gaze and smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah. It’s the palace."