Chapter 44 The Wall Blocking The Royal Family Siblings
The fight between Sigurt and Rifine ended with my tearful plea.
Sigurt seemed to recognize my fake crying but didn't call me out on it, probably satisfied by Rifine's genuine fluster.
He played along without awkward comments, but knowing he might have been teasing from the start made it less amusing.
While I sulked internally, Sigurt leaned close to whisper in my ear.
"I really want to be number one for Yumie, so please don't make that face."
"Ugh~~~!"
This prince was relentless, his charm almost weaponized.
He was effortlessly smooth—a natural flirt.
"I kind of get what you're thinking, but... I have to say I don't want to hear it from you, okay?"
"Huh?"
Sure, I try to look good, but I've never spouted anything as blatantly flirty as Sigurt does.
"This makes sense why Neil can't just leave you alone."
Sigurt sighed and shrugged, leaving me puzzled.
Rifine took the opportunity to shift the mood.
"Hey, brother... I understand now that you don't hate me, but does that mean we can see each other properly from now on?"
Still clinging to my sleeve, Rifine's anxiety was obvious.
Sigurt's expression darkened with unease.
"I'm sorry, but we can't meet too often. The political situation is still unstable."
"...By the way, you said the reason you couldn't meet Rifine until now was to protect her, right? What does that mean?"
I asked, noticing Rifine's growing disappointment.
The topic was delicate, but understanding it felt necessary to break the wall between them.
Sigurt began explaining reluctantly.
"...We talked about how Rifine and I have different mothers, right? That's one reason why, in the eyes of the public, Rifine and I are in opposing positions. Is that clear so far?"
"Yes, I understand."
Rifine replied with a nod.
Sigurt continued in a somber tone.
"While I, as a legitimate member of the Royal Family, am in conflict with her, Rifine, who has royal blood, is extremely convenient for the Nobility who oppose the royal family. They want to use Rifine as their puppet and make her the next queen, taking the authority of the royal family for themselves──there are people scheming like that behind the scenes."
The weight of his words shocked both Rifine and me.
I couldn't believe there were people trying to use Rifine like that...
"So, if that's the case, wouldn't it be better for Sigurt and Rifine to get along? To prevent Rifine from being used..."
"It's not that simple. If Rifine and I get along and she takes the side of the 'Royal Family faction,' the 'Nobility faction' would lose their banner of support. ...That's why, to prevent that..."
"...They might try to kill me and put a substitute in my place, right?"
"...Yeah, that's a possibility."
Horrified, I realized the nobility would eliminate Rifine simply because she refused to comply.
"Of course, this is just a possibility. But the Detached Palace is mostly filled with Nobility supporters, so if something happens, I won't be able to protect Rifine with my power. Plus... my surroundings aren't exactly safe for Rifine either."
"What do you mean by that?"
"To the Royal Family faction, Rifine is a 'nuisance.' It's not hard to imagine that there are those who would think about assassinating her before she becomes a troublesome tool for the Nobility faction."
Though hypothetical, Sigurt's explanation carried a chilling certainty.
"That's why... until now, I could only choose the Status Quo. I'm sorry, Rifine."
Sigurt said, bowing his head in regret.
The burden in his voice was palpable, revealing how long he had been silently struggling.
His words ignited something raw in me.
But... because of that, I couldn't suppress the emotions bubbling up from deep within me.
"Don't mess with me!!!"
Slamming the table, I turned to Rifine, trembling beside me, and roared.
"Rifine is not a political tool...!! She's just a girl who wants to laugh, be happy, cry... and simply spend time with her family... What do all of you think Rifine's life and feelings are worth!!!!"
This surge of emotion might be the most intense I've felt since coming into this body—a storm of anger threatening to erupt and sadness welling up, trying to overflow.
Even so, a fragment of reason reminds me that this won't solve anything.
"Sigurt... earlier, you said, 'Until now, I could only choose the Status Quo.' So, does that mean there's a way to help Rifine now?"
"...Yeah, that's right. But I think Yumie will also be crossing a dangerous bridge to some extent. Are you okay with that?"
"I don't mind. In the name of Granbell... I will protect Rifine. Absolutely."
"Yumie..."
Rifine's expression, caught between tears and relief, showed just how much those words meant to her.
I reached out to gently pat her head, trying to soothe her. Then, turning to Sigurt, I fixed him with a determined look.
"Hehe... Really, Yumie is such a good girl, it's almost dazzling. That's why I can trust you."
"Thank you. ...So, what should I do?"
Her voice, firm with resolve, reflected her readiness to take on anything.
And in that moment, I felt the same—ready to face any danger to protect Rifine, no matter the cost.
But what Sigurt said next completely threw me off.
"Well then, for now... I want you and Rifine to charm everyone working at the Detached Palace. Make them all go gaga over you two."
"Yes!! ...Wait, what?"
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)