In the ever so familiar guest room where they once interacted before, the white-haired girl and the midnight-haired boy sit in opposite couches from one another. A single maid carefully served them tea, bowing before leaving the room with the tray.
As the subtle echo of the door closing rang throughout the room, the two people continued to stare at each other. The girl clearly showed disdain while the boy happily sat in his seat, drinking the tea with a subtle smile.
The young girl finally closed her eyes from what seemed to be an eternity and sighed, picking the barely hot tea in front of her and sipping it carefully with grace.
Her physical features are more developed and her beauty more astounding than four years ago. The same eyes that sparkled from the ball are now pierce and keen, looking stoic and calm at all times, while her wavy hair moves freely, yet even more graceful and tuned.
The same midnight-hair boy crossed his legs, staring at the tea in his hand while thinking deeply to himself.
Seraphina sighed as she saw his contemplative expression. "Relax, I didn't poison it."
He let out a small chuckle before gently placing the teat down. "I'm not worried about that, but from what I can see… you intentionally served tea that I dislike, didn't you?"
She couldn't help but scoff at the accusation. "How rude." She then crossed her arms, looking away. "I'm fond of tea's that have sweet fragrances. I didn't anticipate you not being a fan of such things." After a moment of fleeting silence, she slowly looked back at him. "It's quite funny. Lys prefers sweet delicacies like this."
August's eyes quickly lit up, trying to hear more of what she had to say about the person he truly cares about. "Is that so…?" Stroking his chin, he began to recall some moments. "Everytime I ask what type of food he likes, he just responds abstractly."
"Saying things like I'm fine with anything or I don't have a specific preference... right?"
He nods with agreement.
After seeing him agree, she dimly sighed before staring away at the window next to her, seeing the beautiful white flowers outside. "It might be strange, but I've been observing his eating habits…" She slowly smiles as she continues to look at the beautiful white flowers. "Everytime he drinks something with a sweet fragrance his eyes relax, slowly smiling to himself. The same thing goes for food. He seems to enjoy eating sweet things, especially desserts."
She crosses her arms with a troubled expression. "But that's about most of what I've got… Everything else, he seems to react without any clear emotion."
The young boy strokes his chin, grateful for this new information. "I see... Thank you for telling me, Lady Seraphina." His gaze slowly lingers back at her. "I will keep this in mind, but is there anything else you wish to talk about? I highly doubt that you invited me just to talk about what Lys likes."
She sighs once more, picking the cup of tea before drinking it. As the fleeting continued on between the two, the young boy finally got the hint. "... Don't tell me that's all you really wanted to talk about?"
She places the tea back down at the table before subtly smiling at him. "Our relationship really has some screw loose.... But I want to change that, especially seeing how Lys is around you."
The young boy couldn't help but look questioningly at her. "What do you mean by that...?"
Once again, she closes her eyes, hiding her intentions behind. "Who knows... I've asked this question for such a long time: Will Lys truly feel happier with you by his side?"
She gently opens her eyes to the person in front of her, smiling brighter than before. "Maybe he will..."
She stops talking for a moment, her mouth clogged by the sudden thoughts before hesitantly speaking once again. "I… I always have these dreams... dreams that are so... cruel."
She slowly forces a smile back at him. "But I've decided to not let these dreams haunt me. If you truly are serious about being by Lys's side, then the best way is for you to become more than friends."
The young boy sits there motionlessly, shocked by her words. Once he had time to comprehend that, he sheepishly looked away from her. "... There's no point in forcing him."
She chuckles at those words. "Force? I highly doubt it."
His ears perk up, looking at her curiously once more. She looks into his eyes for a long moment before gazing back at the tea, staring deeply at the reflection of her own face. "... He likes you, August. Everyone can tell that he likes you."
His face quickly reddens at the mention of those words. "W-What do you mean by that?!"
She stays silent before letting out a small hum. "The way he looks at you... The way he lets his guard down whenever you're around... and the way you both care about each other... If that isn't love, then I don't know what it is."
The young boy's body began to tremble with a mixture of confusion, excitement, and embarrassment. The entirety of his face turned deep red as his breath began to destabilize. He tries to cover his face, looking down to not show anyone his current expression.
He couldn't help but smile so fanatically at the thought of the white-haired boy loving him back.
But for naught, he still hasn't calmed down, still smiling fanatically at the ground. "H-He likes me...?"
She hums once again, neither accepting or denying his claim. "The chances are high, but it seems like he hasn't realized his own feelings yet."
After letting those words sink into his heart, he finally calms down, breathing steadily once again before looking up at her, more serious than before. "... I don't wish to rely on chances, Lady Seraphina."
She lets out a smirk, slowly leaning forward. "I expected you to say that. There's no doubt that he becomes more open when he's around you. So, I have a suggestion for you."
"A suggestion?"
She calmly nods. "If it's true that Lys has feelings for you, then you just have to make him realize.."
She slowly stands up from her seat, childishly placing her hands behind her back while walking towards the window that showed her the beautiful and familiar white flowers. "I suggest being more... physical. Of course, not in an obscene way."
Still staring at the window, she slowly conducts her finger up in the air with a silent tempo of the spring breeze. Each note airing in the room turns into a silent music when woven all together, just like her words. "Do what you usually do when you're with him. Hold his hands. Hug him, sit closer to him, be with him. The more you do so, the more he will notice. If he continues to let you stay by his side, then that means he not only enjoys your presence, but your feelings."
She gently places the index finger she was conducting over her mouth, looking back at August with her warm and caring smile. "He's normally not a touchy person, so take advantage of every moment."
Her beautiful ruby eyes shimmered so majestically, wishing for her brother to obtain his own means of happiness. Hoping that for once, he can finally have someone to enjoy his precious moments with. Hoping that he finally knows what it means to love. "Make him fall for you."
That single sentence echoed through the prince's head like a melody, bringing him back to the present moment where he hugged the white-haired boy tightly in his arms, burrowing his face on his neck. He slowly peeks out from the corner of his eyes to see the current expression of the white-haired boy.
His beautiful face flustered with a hue of redness. Nevertheless, he reciprocates the hug without hesitation, putting his hands around him before breaking out into a warm smile.
Seeing him act like that, the prince couldn't help but smile deeply to himself.
"... Make him fall for me... What grand words. Even if it doesn't work, if he likes me even a little bit more, then I'm happy with the results."
As August continued to embrace me into his arms, I could vividly feel his warmth all over me… I can't help but think that such exchange of body heat is the reason that my body temperature is increasing.
After a few moments of us being stuck like this, I could feel his whole body flinch before he backs away embarrassedly, scratching his hair while looking away sheepishly. "S-Sorry for suddenly hugging you. It must've felt uncomfortable."
The sudden lack of warmth made me feel empty for some reason… I looked at him before bitterly smiling back. "I didn't mind it…" I looked towards his hand before gently reaching for it, feeling his warmth once again. "Your hug feels so warm…"
He looks back at me, surprised to see me holding his hands before smiling warmly, slowly grasping his hand tighter with mine, intertwining and fondling our fingers together just like we always do.
But… this time, it feels more intimate...
August continued on before I heard his gentle voice. "I see... I just don't want to do anything you don't like."
I couldn't help but let out a playful smirk, still holding tight to his hand. "What a gentleman. I'm sure anyone will be glad to have a partner like you."
As I slowly gazed back to his face, I could see a hint of bitterness leaking out from his warm and delicate smile. "... Who knows. Maybe I'll be more lucky."
My gaze continued to linger on his eyes as he said those words. That soft, graceful look that I always see. But for some reason… I could feel something coursing within me, an emotion that I've never seen before in both my life.
The more I try to know what this emotion is, the more I feel my heart racing. As I continued to gaze at his sapphire eyes, I could see his face getting closer and closer to mine…
My face continued to turn red as our faces were finally within reach, but for some reason… I didn't look away. I didn't try to push him away.
Just maybe... Just maybe this emotion is–
"Brother!"
Everett's voice echoed through the field, suddenly bringing me back from this moment before I quickly gazed towards him. I saw him running towards us, his black hair longer and wavier as it glided against the wind. The closer he got to us, the taller he is compared to four years ago, but still has the appearance of a young child.
Once he reached us, he closely inspected the situation before smirking to himself. "Ah, sorry! It seems that I have interrupted something."
August quickly let go of my hand, looking away embarrassedly as he backed away from me. "I-It's fine! It may have been good that you came at this moment..."
Everett let out a playful chuckle before looking back at me with his happy eyes.
I smiled back at him before slowly patting his head. "Judging by the time, it seems that it is time for our afternoon tea."
He eagerly nodded. "I made sure to get a lot of desserts for us! I know how much you like them!"
At the mention of those words, August's whole body turned to stone. He quickly crouched at the ground, slightly pouting as he couldn't help but have such negative doubts about himself.
"So I'm the only one that doesn't know what he likes...? I'm such a fool... If I don't even know what things make him happy, then what right do I have to like him?"
As he continued to mumble to himself, Everett slowly walked up to him. He placed his hands on his back, crouching down to his level while looking slightly worried. "August, are you okay?"
August looked up from the ground, seeing Everett's worried expression. Without control, the Blessing of the Sword also showed him the same worried feeling around him, telling him just how worried he actually is.
August couldn't help but smile at his consideration, slowly getting up before thinking to himself about the person in front of him.
"Everett Blakesty, the third child of the Blakesty family… Throughout these four years, he has already earned an undeniable reputation of being so kind-hearted, intelligent like his other siblings, and gifted with so much holy power that rivals high ranking priests."
But his smile slowly faded as he continued to stare at the worried boy in front of him.
"... But behind that aura, there seems to be some lingering sadness around him. I noticed it, but that sadness only seems to appear when he's near his older brother. The presence was so strong at first when he first woke up, but gradually became smaller and smaller as time went by."
As if he accepted that sadness into his life...
August shook his head of the dim thought before smiling back at Everett. "Thank you for worrying, Lord Everett. I just had a cramp on my leg, that's all."
The young boy slowly smiled before letting out a relieved sigh. "That's good to know... Also, just call me Everett! No need to be formal."
August let out a chuckle before nodding.
I worriedly walked up to him, gently holding his hand. He looked away from Everett, gazing at our hands before looking up at me with a small blush.
I continued to look worriedly at him. "Are you sure you're okay? If father is training you too harshly, I could persuade him to ease the training."
His face continued to turn red, slightly looking away, yet still gazing at me from the corner of his eyes. "It's fine... I can tolerate such training. It won't mean anything if he goes easy on me after all."
"I see... But still, you should take the day to rest. If you want, you can join us. I hope you don't mind, Everett."
Everett happily shook his head. "I'm fine with that. I don't wish to separate you two after all."
Hearing his response, I smiled back at him. "Thank you…" I then looked back at August as a sudden thought crossed my mind. "Ah– I forgot something in my room that I wanted to show you. I'll quickly go and get it. You two can go ahead if you like." I paused for a moment before smiling warmly at August as we continued to hold our hands together. "Of course… that is if you want to join us."
He smiled warmly, holding my hand tighter before nodding along. "... Thank you. I'll happily tag along."
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
The awkward silence filled the space between as the midnight-haired boy continued to sip his tea while the black-haired boy was in a quiet trance, staring at the tea in front of him while fiddling the edge of the cup.
August slowly looks down at the reflection of his tea before gazing at Everett, who hasn't said anything at all once they came here.
With the Blessing of the Swords, August can gauge the emotions of his current thoughts: Sadness and Nostalgia.
Everett's hazel eyes continued to wander into the depth of the tea in front of him. Each ripple from the world's vibration creates new thoughts, but no new answer.
He slowly closes his eyes, solidifying those thoughts within him as he clenches his hand anxiously.
... It's been four years. Four years since I've been brought to this world by that goddess. Four years since I've gotten the chance to be by his side once more.
But one thing is for certain. This world is based on the novel: Ways of the Mystic.
The characters are all the same, but at the same time they're not. They seem too… different from what I've read in the book. The current plotline also doesn't align from what I've read in the novel.
I slowly gazed up from the tea, lifting my eyes to meet the prince's gaze. Once our gaze connected, he let out a warm smile towards me.
I can't help but find it weird...
The plotline is totally messed up.
Augustus and Lysander were clearly at odds against each other. Seraphina and Augustus were supposed to be lovers around this time.
But...
Seraphina and Augustus rarely talk to one another unless it is for something important. It seems that they are just platonic friends at most.
As for Lysander and Augustus...
Their relationship seems to have evolved into more than just friends.
August seems to have romantic feelings for brother, but it seems that brother hasn't realized his, nor his own, feelings.
Seeing just how brightly the prince smiles at him with pure love and affection, and the way that brother smiles and behaves differently whenever he's around him... I can't help but want their relationship to prosper...
I just want what's best for my brother...
"... Everett... Can I ask you something?"
My wandering mind soon returned to August as he finally spoke out first.
I gently smiled before nodding back. "Sure."
I can see him hesitating to speak out his mind. He looked frantic, but took a deep breath before looking anxiously at me. "... Is it true that Lys likes sweet things?"
I froze, baffled from the question. I couldn't help but let out an awkward laugh, but thinking more deeply into it, I guess it makes sense…
Brother always seemed to know what I liked and disliked, but it wasn't the same for me. I didn't know what he even liked… much less disliked.
Suddenly, mother's voice ran through my head when we argued about brother.
"Chun-Jan! That thing is nothing more than a doll! Don't think of him as your brother!"
Maybe her words hold some truth to them… I always knew it, but I chose to ignore it.
He was trying so hard to act like a good brother. Always acting and putting on a weak mask that was so visible to Minji and I.
It was so painful to see…
But over time, I could see his true self seeping through that mask, cracking bit by bit.
I looked at the sweet tea in front of me, remembering the time he showed us his true feelings…
It was when he ate a chocolate cake for the first time. He always told me that eating was something that he did to live, and would constantly eat simple things like bread or rice.
But eating that cake in a coffee shop for the first time, a simple smile formed through his mouth as he slowly enjoyed the cake in front of him.
It was so simple, but it was the truest emotion that he has ever shown us before. So simple that unknowingly, I let a tear run down my face.
I couldn't help but smile back, knowing that mother's words were wrong.
"He isn't a doll, mother... He's human."
I closed my eyes, trying to express that simple smile that brother showed me that time. "... Yes, brother likes sweet things, but don't be harsh on yourself. You may not realize it, but you know more about brother than I do."
Indeed, from what Seraphina told me, I believe that you were the main key that made brother who he is today. He may not remember his previous life, but it is undeniable that he still acts like he did before.
You were able to change him and help him learn his true feelings all these years, something that I never got to do until the time of his death.
That weak mask stuck in his face is finally close to breaking. This rupture will help him realize what feelings he has deep in his heart for August, and just how much he cares about him.
I smile brightly at the thought of brother finally being able to be himself, and not someone else. "August… No matter what happens, please continue loving my brother..."
August's body froze at the words. But seeing the aura around the young boy filled with so many complex emotions, he smiled reassuringly. "My feelings... I will continue to hold and treasure them."
Everett couldn't help but smile at his response. Soon, a knock echoed through the room before the doors slowly opened.
"Sorry I took so long, I had to get some paper from my room."
August looked at him warmly, longing for the person in front of him to always remain happy just how Everett felt and said to him. "Don't worry, you didn't keep us waiting for long."
Seeing August smile like that warmed my body for some reason. I smiled back before sitting in the chair between Everett and August.
Everett leaned towards me to see the content of the papers in my hand. "What's that?"
"Ah... These are businesses that I've been planning on investing in. I brought them with me to hear both of your opinions."
August leaned in curiously. "Interesting. Most businesses you've invested in have been extremely profitable." He slowly places his hand around me, making me slightly flinch. "I like to see your train of thoughts."
Everett leaned back on his chair. "Investing... I'm not knowledgeable about such things unfortunately."
Slightly blushing from the sudden physical contact, I looked back at Everett with a smile. "Don't worry, Everett. Your opinion still matters. Sometimes, an outside perspective is what's needed the most. I've already chosen the candidate businesses to invest this time around."
August stroked his chin curiously. "I see. If you're willing, I'd like to see what businesses you've chosen."
I nodded, sliding one of the papers toward August. "This one caught my eye recently. It's a new bakery in the southern district of the dukedom. Their confections are gaining attention for their unique use of imported ingredients."
August scanned the document, his brow furrowing as he read more into it. "Hmm... The southern district has been economically expanding rapidly. But seeing that they are already importing foreign ingredients after being established for three months... Have you visited this bakery yourself?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I was planning on going there myself. I also thought that the rapid expansion seemed quite unnatural. I'm afraid that there may be some underlying trade occurring with this bakery acting as the catalyst. Further investigations are needed. Using the basis of investing will give me more leeway to interfere."
Everett tilted his head curiously. "Do you always do such thorough investigations?"
"Indeed. A poor investment isn't just about lost money; it could damage the reputation of the family and create distrust, ultimately lowering my status overall."
"You truly think ahead about everything, don't you?"
Hearing August's voice spring close to my ear, I flinched once again before slightly blushing, gently pushing him away. "... It's necessary, especially with the responsibilities I carry."
Everett picked up another sheet of paper, pointing to a sketch of a clothing shop logo. "What about this one?"
I looked away from the paper of the bakery to the one he pointed at.
"... This tailor shop has an innovative approach to ceremonial and casual wear. They mix traditional designs with modern techniques. I thought of investing because..."
I stopped midway.
August's curiosity piqued. "Because?"
For a moment, silence filled the room. I could feel August gaze studying me.
This approach to tailorship isn't uncommon, and honestly not worth the investment. But the business owner close to the shop is what caught my attention.
A young woman who inherited her family's generational shop... or so it seems to the public eye. The real owner was killed off and replaced by one of the Saintess's people. If I connect this information from the novel to the situation occurring in the south district, it can explain the exponential growth.
Under normal circumstances, this growth is profitable. But the underlying problem is the cause of the income.
Slave trade.
Though profitable, it is highly illegal in the Izora Empire.
Furthermore, the people being sold are undoubtedly from the Blakesty land. I've already informed my father, but it still needs to be kept a secret from others. If words get out, it will lead to dire consequences.
Nobles of the Noble Faction might even use this as a means to upsurge us.
In the novel, no one noticed this and the corruption rooted itself way too much into the empire to be completely removed. But it is still in the developing stage, so hopefully I can prevent this from happening.
I tapped near one of the words in the paper and slid it across different rows of letters as I continued talking. "The design caught my interest. It can be a potential candidate to increase availability of tailor-made clothes to the public."
I was planning on giving this letter to August to read and destroy without verbal communication. Fortunately, this will lead to a more natural way to not cause suspicion.
Why?
Because there are already people who have infiltrated the estate. If it seems that we have noticed the situation, or the spies are suddenly killed off, the people running the business will kill all the slaves and burn down the business, leaving no evidence behind as they relocate their hideout. A manner clearly done in the novel.
They won't lose profit. After all, they can just kidnap more people. The only one suffering major losses is us. So we need to be extra careful about this. To not act rashly and reduce the number of casualties as much as we can.
August quickly read the paper in the alignment I guided him with. He then closed his eyes before looking seriously at me with a subtle smile. "I see."
Everett spoke out, breaking the fleeting tension. "I feel like I'm being left out of something, brother."
I looked at him warmly, trying not to cause any more suspicion. "Don't worry, Everett, I promise that you aren't."
A white lie… It feels strange. I'm so used to lying, especially in the past, about my emotional being. But lying about something else brings forth a new type of guilt… But still, I can't drag Everett into this. I don't want to put him in danger…
The three of us continued to discuss the remaining businesses, the conversation flowing easily. After a while, Everett stretched his arms above his head, slightly exhausted from all the business talk. "We should enjoy the desserts I brought before they lose their freshness."
I nodded. "True. Sorry to have kept you from eating."
"No worries. I'm glad I was able to spend more time with you."
He smiled before happily taking a plate of chocolate cake and putting it in front of me. Eating this cake… It reminded me of that time with Chun-Jan…
August hesitantly ate one of the cakes. I'm well aware that he isn't a fan of sweet things. I told him that he shouldn't force himself to eat the desserts, but he slowly smiled at me, saying that he wants to share the happy feeling of eating sweet things with me.
My heart skipped for some unknown reason when I heard his reason, before looking away with my face slightly red.
After we ate the cake and drank the tea, Everett quickly left to attend his evening classes, leaving just August and me.
August stood in silence before finally speaking out. "So... When will it be?"
Simple words that emit different meanings depending on the situation. I smiled before grabbing his hand, placing my hand underneath his and tapping his wrist three times. "You mean the tea session? We always host it at the same time as today."
He nodded, but still continued to hold my hand tightly. I'm quite surprised... Is he doing this to continue the act?
I gaze at his face once more, seeing his sapphire eyes looking at me so warmly...
He placed his other hand on top of my hair, gently patting it as he continued to look at me endearingly. "Today's tea was sweet, I hope that you enjoyed it."
I couldn't help but slightly blush at his words before slowly nodding back. "Ah... Yes, I liked it very much… The desserts were also good."
He chuckled before he began leading me to the corridor. "There's still time left. Do you want to continue talking while we walk?"
I slowly nodded back, my face still red from the earlier moment.
We then began our slow and peaceful walk around the hallway corridor, talking about the simplest thing while we continued holding hands.
Each time his finger tapped into my wrist, it signals a spy. I made sure to memorize their faces before we continued walking around the estate.
If it wasn't because of the people who infiltrated, I would've wanted this moment to never end...
Saying that to myself...
Just why do I feel like this?
What is this emotion that I continue feeling in my chest?
I wish to know...