Chapter 63 The Path Of The Royal Family Siblings
"...Have you fallen asleep?"
Looking at Yumie's peaceful sleeping face, Sigurt let out a small sigh.
In truth, he hadn't intended to show such weakness to Yumie.
He knew from the beginning that if he opened up about the pain inside him, Yumie would comfort him, putting aside her own issues.
That's why he thought he should try to remain calm until the end.
Still, the reason Sigurt let his guard down was──
"I wanted to rely on her, I guess... Yumie..."
Sigurt couldn't help but feel a little self-deprecating about what he was doing with a girl 6 years younger than him.
However, in a way, he felt a bit lighter-hearted after depending on Yumie, just as he had expected.
──Sigurt, there's nothing wrong with that.
──The reason this country can maintain peace now is surely because you've worked hard, right?
──Hold your head high.
"......"
Gently stroking Yumie's hair as she slept, Sigurt reflected on his own heart.
There are no special words.
Almost no one would blame you for being at fault when facing a prince, and anyone in that situation would likely offer the same comfort.
Yet, for Sigurt, those words Yumie gave him became a source of salvation.
He could believe, without any reason, that Yumie's words were spoken sincerely, regardless of their positions.
"Hahaha... I really didn't intend to get this invested. Truly, you're a mysterious child, Yumie."
At first, he were just an interesting girl to her.
Yet, before he knew it, Yumie's presence had seeped deep into Sigurt's heart, taking root so strongly that it was beyond retrieval.
That's right... this was a major issue regarding the "dismantling of absolute monarchy" that I have been working on as a prince.
he found himself wishing to protect it, even if it meant throwing away all the effort he had put into it.
"Brother, are you still awake? Where's Yumie?"
At that moment, small footsteps entered Yumie's sleeping room.
She is Sigurt's younger sister and the princess of this country, Rifine Dia Ortria.
"I'm awake. Yumie's sleeping soundly, so be quiet not to wake her."
"Hmm... I understand."
Rifine nodded quietly in response to Sigurt, who put a finger to his lips to shush her.
It's hard to believe that just recently, she was known as the spoiled princess who would run around wildly, ignoring whatever anyone said.
This change must be due to Yumie's influence.
To support this, Rifine peeked at Yumie's sleeping face and let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad... she was able to sleep well. I heard that her wounds might hurt for a while, so I was worried."
"...That's true."
In reality, Yumie is only taking pain relief herbal medicine right now, and come tomorrow, the pain will likely return immediately.
However, Sigurt chose silence, thinking there was no need to say that now and make Rifine sad.
"Hey, brother... what happened to the Neithardt family? And the other families that followed them?"
"...By now, Granbell and Belmont should be taking care of it. I have no intention of leaving the families that hurt Yumie."
Rationally, Sigurt thought he shouldn't involve Granbell.
He had informed them of Yumie's condition through communication magic, but he could easily imagine how furious those people must have been.
At this point, they could seriously start a war without joking.
Sigurt wasn't foolish enough to not understand what would happen if he set them in motion for the "processing" of the Neithardt family, the root cause of the incident.
At the same time, Sigurt also couldn't fully mature enough to accept that level of "revenge" in this matter.
"I see... I hope it gets settled soon. I'm sure Yumie will be sad to know what happened to those guys..."
Though he conveyed it somewhat vaguely, Rifine could easily imagine what would happen "there."
In her eyes, a gentle light shone, filled only with thoughts of Yumie.
"Speaking of that matter... brother, thank you for showing mercy to Mei. Because of you, I can live with Mei again."
"Ah... that's nothing much. Compared to Neithardt's outrageous actions, letting one "daughter" of a "failed criminal" go would hardly raise any complaints. No... I won't let anyone say anything."
Rifine's expression slightly clouded at the heavy resolve behind those words.
Unsure if she should ask, she still mustered the courage to question her brother.
"What do you plan to do from here on, brother? ...This matter won't end here, will it?"
The Neithardt family is an old noble house that has served this country for a long time.
Even though he was appointed as a representative by the king, it was almost entirely Sigurt's unilateral decision to completely abolish them.
Without a doubt, there will be backlash from the other nobles.
It is only a matter of time before the large internal conflict that Sigurt has been trying to avoid, which could split the country in 2, becomes a reality.
"Ah... that's why I've decided. I will talk to Father and officially become king."
"I see..."
Sigurt is still only 16 years old.
No matter how capable he is, there will likely be opposition to such a young king's coronation.
To overcome all of that, Sigurt must officially reign as king.
To restore this kingdom, which has been precariously balanced on thin ice due to Neithardt's outrageous actions, there is no other way.
"Rifine, you should go abroad with Yumie and wait until this country settles down. I will forcefully obtain permission under the pretext of treating your injuries. So..."
"Brother, I will remain in this country."
At the unexpected remark, Sigurt's eyes widened in shock.
However, Rifine also didn't make such a statement with a light heart.
"If my brother becomes king, I will join the knight order. I will become a Royal Family guard and show that I have the strength worthy of that. For that, I cannot just run away."
"...Rifine's magic talent is indeed high, but... it's not an easy path, you know?"
"I understand that much. But, I... I no longer want to be the one who is only protected."
When confronted by Alvine, Rifine could do nothing.
Until the very end, she didn't even clench a fist; all she did was entrust her Magical Power to Yumie.
That won't do.
"I want to become strong, just like my brother and Yumie. I will get stronger, and this time, I will protect both of them."
"...I see."
"You've grown," Sigurt thought, genuinely pleased with his sister's resolve.
She is no longer a child who could only survive by being secretly protected.
Thinking that made him feel a bit lonely.
"Of course, it makes me sad to think I won't be able to see Yumie for a while... Brother, where will you send Yumie?"
"Perhaps to the southern part of the kingdom, to the divine beast country of Euphemia. We have built a friendly relationship with them for now... On the other hand, we're on the brink of conflict with places other than Euphemia."
Sigurt sighed, thinking it was far from a suitable place for Yumie's recovery.
That said, Euphemia, the only candidate location, is said to be a good place with rich nature and delicious food.
It would be the perfect place for Yumie to slowly recover her health.
Rifine seems to agree, nodding her head.
"I will prepare lots of charms to help Yumie get better. Brother, will you help me?"
"Ah, of course."
The embers of the turmoil caused by Alvine and Neithardt continue to smolder at this very moment, and it's uncertain when they will ignite into a great fire that engulfs this kingdom.
Even so, Sigurt thought it was good that they could now talk freely together as siblings.
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