Jill shouted at the person who kicked Hadith from behind.

“What are you doing to His Majesty all of the sudden, Rick!?”

“No, I thought he would dodge… I mean…”

The perpetrator, who didn’t show any signs of remorse, tilted his head as his fluffy, blond hair fluttered in the wind. He was none other than her younger brother—Rick, who was also shorter than her.

“Isn’t he the Dragon Emperor? Why didn’t he dodge? Could it be that he’s just a weakling?”

“Maybe he’s a fake.”

Rick’s twin brother, Andy, added.

While the two looked identical to each other, Andy’s hair was parted in the opposite direction. He also wore glasses, and not to mention, his tone was also calmer.

“I already suspected it from the beginning! After all, instead of a hostage, our sister brought home a man!”

“I knew it! She almost fooled me! I rushed back for nothing!”

“What the hell!? Don’t kick people out of nowhere! Your Majesty, are you alright?”

She rushed to Hadith who was lying on the ground while protecting the crate containing the crops and helped him stand.

“I-I’m fine, but, Rick?”

“Yes, he’s my younger brother. Rick’s bangs are parted to the right, while Andy’s, his twin, to the left. Andy also wears glasses. Hey, say hello to His Majesty, you two!”

While pouting, the cheerful Rick was the first to speak.

“I’m Rick Saber. I’m the second son. He and I are twins.”

“I’m Andy, the third son. Thank you for taking care of our sister.”

“N-no problem…”

Caught off guard by Andy’s politeness, Hadith bowed his head, but Jill didn’t forget.

“—Hey, don’t forget to apologize, you two!”

“But why should I? Rick was the one who kicked him…”

“Yes, and you let it happen. If anything, you probably set him up to it!”

“Bingo.”

Rick laughed at Jill’s guess, causing Andy to glare at him. Andy, a calculative person, took the initiative to bow his head.

“I’m truly sorry. I wanted to confirm what kind of person the man my sister brought was.”

“I’m sorry, I must’ve overdone it. Are you alright, Brother?”

With all friendliness, Rick extended his hand to Hadith. After hesitatingly taking the 9-year-old’s hand, Hadith stood up. Rick circled Hadith.

“You’re so handsome, Brother. Did our sister coerce you?”

“Did she deceive you? Are you alright? You can talk about it if you want.”

“Eh, uhm, Jill, what should I do?”

“Hm, why are you calling out to our sister? This is a conversation between men.”

“That’s right, this is important.”

Surrounded by menacing boys, Hadith seemed stunned. For some reason, he appeared to being either blackmailed or being mugged… Thus, Jill made a gesture to drive away her brothers.

“Hey, you’re bothering His Majesty.”

“Wow, how cruel… Well, it doesn’t matter. So, the Dragon Emperor is like this…”

“It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. It was helpful. Are you carrying vegetables? Help him, Rick.”

“Eh, me?”

Rick laughed before effortlessly picking up the wooden crate containing the vegetables. He didn’t strain himself in the slightest because he was using magic. Hadith panicked.

“No, it’s alright. I’ll hold it for you. I’m an adult, and uhm, I’m also your older sister’s boyfriend! Besides, I haven’t introduced myself properly—”

“—Eh, it’s alright, save yourself the trouble.”

“Same. You can always introduce yourself later.”

Hadith, who was rejected by the two, seemed hurt. But Rick soon consoled him.

“Just in case things get dangerous, let me carry it for you, Brother. Then, where should we go, next?”

“Eh, uhm, I’d like to get some meat…”

“Then, this way. C’mon, after me. As long as we’re here, you won’t get involved in anything strange.”

While grabbing the bewildered Hadith’s hand, Rick started walking. He was a mischievous yet caring soul. Jill yelled to him.

“Let him help you, Your Majesty.”

“Eh, but is it really okay?”

“I already offered to help. Or do you dislike it? Wow, I’m hurt.”

“T-that’s not it!”

“Hey, are you really good at cooking? I was really envious when I read older sister’s letters… I heard you’re going to make curry, what is that?”

Perhaps, Rick’s smile had melted the tension as Hadith soon began to explain about curry.

If that was the case, it should be fine to leave them alone.

“What about you, Andy?”

“Actually, we have a report to submit… But there’s no stopping Rick, now. We’ll just do it after they finish hanging out. Even so, how surprising.”

“Why? Is something the matter?” Jill smiled while clenching her fist. In response, Andy stared blankly at her.

“It’s not often one would find a Dragon Emperor in such a place. Not to mention, he didn’t bring any escorts with him.”

“Not like it matters. The war hasn’t started yet.”

“As always, you’re too careless, Older Sister. Is it really okay to leave him with Rick? It wouldn’t be strange if he were to be forced to reveal all the secrets of the Rave Empire.”

Jill smiled wryly at Andry’s advice.

“Are you worried about me?”

“Well, there’s a possibility that you might have been deceived.”

Hadith, who was walking ahead, was happily talking with Rick. Rick, who nodded along, was skillfully leading the conversation. Andy, who warned her about it, might have been trying to negotiate with her behind the scenes.

After all, at their current age, Rick and Andy were already in charge of espionage.

“Then, why don’t you find out on your own?”

“…Are you feeling confident?”

“Of course. I’m sure you will bow down to His Majesty.”

The calculative Andy ended the conversation.

True to Jill’s words, the two did acquiesce to Hadith at the end of the day.

After their first bite of curry, Rick and Andy sobbed because it was so amazing.

---

***T/N: Ha, gotem

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