When Rensley awoke, the sky was tinged with red, as if the sun were just beginning to rise.
“I must not have slept well,” he mumbled to himself.
Gezell’s room had a great view from the window. There was even a window facing east, offering a rare opportunity to witness the sunrise from the royal palace. Rensley, who had intended to experience this, opened his eyes at the perfect moment.
Despite probably not having slept for many hours, he felt refreshed. However, hunger was the only drawback. Rensley yawned with a lazy feeling he might not experience again in his lifetime and turned over to the other side. Suddenly, he was startled and slightly pushed his body backward.
Could sorcerers see people even with their eyes closed? Despite moving silently without uttering a word, Gezell’s strong arms agilely embraced Rensley’s waist. His piercing pumpkin-colored eyes were revealed.
“Why are you surprised? Is my face still frightening to you?”
“It is. I thought I was alone and was surprised to find you right beside me.”
Rensley now moved closer to Gezell, approaching him. Curious violet eyes met Gezell’s gaze.
“You’ve been sleeping with me all this time? I thought you were going to meet the emperor.”
“He’s been met long ago. I’ve settled the urgent matters and issued instructions for the remaining tasks.”
“Already? No, it’s sunrise now. When did you finish all the work?”
Gezell chuckled and leaned his forehead against Rensley’s, “You’ve been sleeping for a good two days.”
“What?!”
Rensley turned his head in surprise. He looked at the gradually brightening sky and then turned back to Gezell.
“So, you mean you’ve been awake continuously since then?”
“At first, I thought you were under some strange spell or seriously ill, so I was worried. But the doctor said it was better to let you sleep deeply because of exhaustion. I recall hearing stories that newly awakened elemental mages often fall into long slumbers. Any pain?”
“None at all. I just feel like I’ve had a good sleep…”
Well, during his time in the tower, he mostly took catnaps, and truly restful nights were rare. Even if the fatigue that had been pushed aside by the easing of his mind spilled out, it was not a strange occurrence.
“How… how did things go?”
Of course, everything must have been resolved well. Otherwise, Gezell wouldn’t be peacefully sleeping next to him. However, Rensley was curious about the details. Gezell handed him a glass of water and explained.
“The sorcerer named Amin is still unconscious, undergoing treatment while we wait. When he wakes up, he will be the most crucial witness. You too.”
“Still? Is he badly injured?”
“There was some bleeding, but he’s recovering smoothly. Don’t worry.”
The worried expression on Rensley’s face eased a bit as Gezell ran his fingers through Rensley’s hair and spoke.
“We’ve apprehended another sorcerer we had in custody. We’ve also secured someone close to Felix who can testify. Though it might seem like there are too few witnesses, there’s no reason for the emperor not to believe us. More internal revelations are expected, making it even clearer that Cornia was plotting war.”
“The Cornian royal family…”
“The king is missing, presumably hiding because they think their plans have been exposed. We’ve dispatched personnel from the palace and our side for a search.”
“If, due to this incident, Felix withdraws, one of the children born to the current queen might ascend to the throne. The eldest is fifteen. It would be challenging for someone so young to rule a country.”
“I inherited the throne at sixteen. If my mother is alive, she could act as a regent, or even if not, with the right people around, it’s possible to manage.”
Even hearing such a story didn’t make Rensley feel pessimistic. Despite being driven away, he loved his homeland, Cornia. The country, with its cheerful and affectionate friends, beautiful weather and sea, delicious food and drink, and the lively and joyful nights in the square, remained in his heart like a first love.
If Felix weren’t the owner of a shattered personality, Rensley might have sincerely supported Cornia’s new king. Of course, under the condition that he didn’t disturb Aldrant during the war.
Could the emperor use this incident as an excuse to intervene in Cornian politics? Considering the recent change in monarchs, it would be unsettling for the royal palace, even though he was no longer there.
“Are you worried?”
“Yes. It’s not that I disliked Felix or some people in the Elbanes royal family. I’ve never wished ill for Cornia.”
“Don’t worry too much. The emperor couldn’t handle the situation as he pleased, or else he would have found Felix, created a suitable pretext, and quietly resolved it by attacking Cornia. The emperor is calculating that it’s more advantageous for things to unfold peacefully. Once we find Felix, the situation will be resolved with a suitable excuse.”
War between nations and suppressing a few rebels for defying orders are entirely different from declaring war on an entire country or using force to crush rebellious families. In the current stable situation, if not just Cornia but also Aldrant were turned into an enemy, the fight wouldn’t end as a local conflict. Initiating a larger war over the accusation of planning a war would lead to significant bloodshed, and depending on the outcome, the emperor couldn’t avoid historical condemnation.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Rensley climbed up Gezell, who was lying down, and gently whispered while cradling his cheeks in both hands.
“It’s wonderful. Being a Duchess feels like this. It’s not bad at all.”
Gezell also smiled, his face beaming with the smile of a king. Harvesting smiles from the Duke’s face was also a privilege of the Duchess. Rensley lowered his head first and kissed Gezell. In the quiet bedroom, their lips slowly met, creating a moist sound as a punctuation mark. Amid the soft, receding sounds, a low voice flowed again.
“I’ve told the emperor about your story too.”
“My story…?”
“While explaining this incident, it’s inevitable to omit your story, and it’s better to inform the emperor in advance before making it public to everyone. He said he would come and greet you together when you recover.”
It was a casual explanation, as if they were discussing an everyday topic. Rensley suddenly sat up.
“S-so, what did the emperor say?”
“At first, he misunderstood and was surprised, asking if I was embracing both siblings at the same time. Thanks to that, he reacted relatively calmly to the story about you becoming the Grand Duchess.”
Rensley furrowed his brows at those words. Various rumors he had heard from his knight comrades couldn’t help but come to mind.
“People put on polite faces, but I don’t know what they’re really thinking… Well, it’s not a big deal to talk about same-sex marriage in a country that was on the verge of war anyway. Somehow, it seems like it was announced appropriately at the right time.”
Even as he spoke, there was a lingering discomfort in Rensley’s expression. Gezell’s hand swept across his cheek.
“You still seem concerned.”
“…I don’t know how the knights will react. It gives me the creeps to think they might address me with respect. If I suddenly announce it here and then leave without prior discussion, they will probably oppose vehemently, won’t they?”
“Do you need more time to think about it?”
Upon hearing that, Rensley laughed and shook his head. Gezell smiled back at him.
“No, I’ve already made up my mind. Even if it causes hesitation, we have to push forward.”
“Very well.”
“I need to tell Ivet as well.”
“I’ve already conveyed the message. Since you’ve rested well, how about having breakfast together? The princess is quite worried about you.”
“Sounds good! No wonder I was feeling hungry. I’ve been starving, so it’s only natural.”
Rensley quickly stood up. The robe, which had been loosely draped over him, fell off due to the energetic movement.
Standing by the window where the morning sun began to shine, with only one set of undergarments covering his well-defined and vibrant figure, orange rays slid over the contours of the newly risen muscles.
“Well, then, we should dance together at the ball. I’ll have to practice the dance we intended for Ivet and you separately. The dance they were planning to perform would be uncomfortable for others to watch if two men danced it together. I’ll have to come up with a new routine. Your Grace, come this way! If you’re okay with it, let’s practice right now.”
“If you’re feeling hungry… Aren’t you tired?”
“I’m perfectly fine now. Let’s practice a little and then have a meal. I can still manage.”
Gezell got up from the bed and picked up Rensley’s robe. He draped it over Rensley’s shoulders, inserted the sleeves, and only then faced him.
“The basic moves are the same. Now, take my hand.”
The imperial palace, bustling with people, always had numerous gatherings of nobles playing musical instruments or dancing, even if the emperor didn’t open the grand hall for a reception. Faint sounds of string instruments could be heard from somewhere, playing in the background.
Rensley wanted to ask Gezell what he was thinking right now. Was he recalling the time when, on a night before they had even kissed, they had stood by the window of the Duke of Roudken’s bedroom, practicing their first dance to the music drifting in from outside? Was Gezell reminiscing about that night, filled with an oddly exciting atmosphere and his lonely smile? Even during that strangely thrilling night, Rensley was already thinking of the moment when he was the first to initiate a kiss.
Someone knocked on the door from outside just then. Rensley and Gezell both turned their heads simultaneously.
“Your Grace, it’s Maes from the second Knight Order.”
It was one of the names of the leaders. As Rensley quickly released Gezell’s hand, Gezell walked toward the door.
“Wait here.”
Rensley hurriedly put on his clothes. Even though the announcement was imminent, he felt the need to be aware of the strange atmosphere. After hastily putting on a shirt, the door opened.
“What’s the matter?”
“An urgent report has arrived from Cornia.”
Saying so, the leader glanced at Rensley. Seeing the expression that seemed uncomfortable delivering the news, Rensley approached him.
“Leader, what’s going on?”
“Well, it’s about King Felix of Cornia.”
“Have you found him?”
At Gezell’s question, the leader bowed his head.
“He has been found dead.”
Rensley’s eyes widened. His lips, tightly closed after a moment of shock, trembled with tension.
Now, the sun, fully revealing its presence, was rapidly ascending. The morning sunlight, reaching the room through the extended curtains, cast a solid stillness in the bedroom—the guest room where the sun was most favorable in the palace. Rensley couldn’t immediately determine if the unexpected death was good news or bad news.
Seemingly concerned about the fact that Rensley Maelrosen was part of the Elbanes royal family, the leader, instead of continuing the report, injected a somber atmosphere with a bitter expression. Rensley blinked his eyes several times and then asked.
“He’s dead…? How?”
“We haven’t received detailed information yet. The news came from the Cornia search team, not from our side confirming the body… However, Your Grace, since there is an imperial decree, we still need to confirm whether the death is true and return.”
Gezell nodded his head. It would take more time to receive additional reports anyway. Gezell gave new instructions to the leader.
“She must be awake by now. Inform the Grand Duchess and bring her here.”
As the leader left the room, Rensley collapsed into the chair as if losing strength. With a light frown, as if he couldn’t believe it, he stared blankly at Gezell. What happened? As if asking that question, his bewildered eyes seemed to seek an answer.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I was just a bit surprised by the unexpected news.”
“It seemed that internal conflicts had arisen as things took a turn. Perhaps they got entangled in a fight.”
Gezell kneeled in front of Rensley and held his hand. Although Rensley tried to lift him up in surprise, he was silenced by the subsequent question.
“Are you sad?”
Rensley’s frown deepened. After glancing at him for a moment as if questioning himself, he then answered firmly.
“No.”
“Really?”
“He got what he deserved. I’m not sad. Even if he were alive, it might have turned out like this anyway… I just feel a bit strange. After all, we were stepbrothers who grew up in the same palace, and just a few days ago, we were still together.”
However, Rensley’s expression, with his mouth shut, contradicted his sarcastic tone. Gezell, pressing his lips into Rensley’s hand as if making an apology, spoke in a conciliatory manner.
“I understand. You are a kind person, and even if you suffered, you cannot help but feel conflicted about the death of a brother you grew up with for a long time.”
“Well, I won’t go so far as to sing praises for his death…”
At that moment, the door burst open without a knock. Someone hurriedly entered through the open door.
“Ren!”
“Ivet.”
The maids started to follow but retreated at Ivet’s gesture. Ivet bowed slightly to Gezell and then rushed to Rensley, sitting beside him. The siblings held hands and checked on each other’s well-being.
“Ren, are you okay? Any injuries?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just out after being confined for a while.”
“Felix, that son of a bitch! Maybe he killed the king too. If we investigate again now, who knows if evidence will come up?”
Pouring out her anger instead of Rensley, she soon wore a pitiful expression.
“But even if evidence comes up now, it won’t be of any use. Ren, Felix is dead too.”
“Yeah… I just heard.”
“I don’t know what’s going on. The king and queen of Cornia dying one after another… Even though I’ve cursed Felix to die several times, it feels weird when I hear that he’s really dead.”
“Me too.”
Rensley nodded. The siblings sat side by side in silence for a while, looking glum. Rensley, who had been looking down at the carpet, finally spoke up.
“When I heard that the king died, I didn’t feel any emotions. Even though he was my father.”
“Me too. I actually thought, ‘Finally, he’s dead.’”
“Both the king and Felix tormented me equally, so why does it feel so strange this time?”
Ivet leaned against the sofa back, letting her head rest. Her red curls waved over her shoulders. She looked up into the void for a moment and then slowly raised her eyebrows.
“Although Felix was a bastard, the king was the one who created that bastard.”
“…”
“He was the one who teased and tormented us the most, but even though he knew about Felix’s suspicion of killing other sons, he didn’t do anything. Just because he was the child left by the queen consort he loved so much, he gave him too many privileges. He never granted you the title of a prince and used you as he pleased, but Felix got away with killing people. We were all under the king anyway… In the end, he made Felix, and us, like this.”
Instead of responding, Rensley seemed to ponder those words, lowering his gaze. Sunlight sparkled on his slightly trembling eyelashes. Gezell, sitting silently, merely observed the tips of his long eyelashes. After a moment of silence, Rensley, with his head down, smiled.
“Ivet, aren’t you hungry?”
“Huh? I’m hungry. I want to eat soon.”
“Your Grace, may I have breakfast in Ivet’s room today?”
Gezell nodded.
“As long as the princess is fine with it.”
“Oh, then I’ll prepare the meal in the room. I came up as soon as I heard I could meet Rensley, so I just put on my clothes. It’s still a bit messy.” As Ivet stood up, Rensley also stood up. “I’ll be down soon. See you later.” With a brief farewell, Ivet returned to her room, leaving only Gezell and Rensley in the room.
“Thank you, Your Grace. Did you purposely call Ivet to keep me company because you were afraid I might feel down?”
“I don’t think I’m the type to discuss matters that I don’t understand well.”
Rensley, who had approached step by step, leaned his face against Gezell’s chest. A small sigh brushed against his clothes. As if that sigh had relieved some of the anxiety, Rensley lifted his head, and the usual smile appeared on his face. Gezell, looking at him, remained silent.
“Actually, when Your Grace came to get me, I realized that I had spilled everything I wanted to say to Felix all this time.”
“What did you say?”
“He called me pitiful, so I told him that your life is even more pitiful. Well, I didn’t really mean it in sympathy.” Rensley hesitated briefly before speaking.
“For him, it was probably a given position, but for some people, it’s something they can’t even dream of…”
“…”
“I could have become a better person, but in the end, it turned out like this. I felt a bit empty thinking about it.”
“I see.” With Gezell’s short and awkward response, Rensley, who had not completely erased his melancholy until then, burst into a soft laugh. Gezell, as usual, had a face without a special expression, but the awkwardness he felt was conveyed to Rensley, who was facing him. The look in Gezell’s eyes, wondering why he was laughing, was also present.
“It’s not something to be comforted about… Your Grace, you’re not very good at comforting.”
“I’m sorry… I haven’t tried it much.”
“I’m sorry. You should have something you’re not good at. Let’s go. I’m really hungry now.”
Despite the rehearsed and decorated words of consolation, Rensley, who had received genuine comfort from him many times, appreciated even the awkwardness of Gezell’s sincerity. Rensley returned to his usual self and grabbed Gezell’s hand. Only the gradually brightening sunlight shone into the empty room as the two left.
