Lutiya was used to the deception of adults.  He trusted Jill, but that teacher was the Dragon Empress.  She was by no means gentle.  Roger and Elynsia treated him kindly, but that in large part was due to their personalities.  Siblings he’d be meeting for the first time were no different from strangers— No, a relationship closer than strangers makes things more troublesome.  Staying on guard was only natural.

His position was that of a hostage.  It was a status guaranteed solely because he was Rave royalty, the Dragon Emperor’s younger brother.  Even if everyone within the Imperial Castle he was seeing for the first time bowed their heads to him, he must not misunderstand.  He would only suffer for it if he did.  Just like grandfather who died still dreaming unattainable dreams.

“Welcome back, Hades.”

In fact, the man who appeared to welcome them, the prime minister apparently, didn’t even spare Lutiya a glance.

“You were quite busy with Her Highness the Dragon Empress.  Weren’t you supposed to return right away?”
“I-I’ve returned, Vissel-aniue… Um, where’s Listeard-aniue?”
“He is currently in Vileburg on another matter.”
“Eh, no way.  Why?  If Listeard-aniue isn’t here, then who’s going to protect me from Vissel-aniue!?”
“I shall thoroughly explain to you now, in the office.  A mountain of documents is waiting for you.”
“Eeeh, no, I just got back, I don’t want to— — —Jill, save me!”
“Why not let him rest at least for today?  His new younger brother has only just arrived.  He still needs to be introduced to Princess Frieda and there are various other things that need to be done as well, right?”

Lutiya had secretly hoped he could get through without being noticed, but his wish didn’t seem to have gotten through to Jill.  His new brother’s gaze snapped toward him.  Those obviously cold eyes were sizing him up.

“Lutiya, was it?”
“Yep, yep, Lutiya!”

Hades might have been frightened by his older brother for he moved behind Lutiya.

“Hey, what—”
“Let’s have a celebratory dinner with everyone tonight!  I’ll… cook!”
“Hades, come over here for now.  Be a good boy.”
“No!  I don’t want to be alone!  I won’t go unless it’s with Lutiya!”

As Lutiya stood there stunned, wondering What’s with him? Hades’ grip on his shoulders tightened as he tried to push him forward.

“Everything will be fine.  Elder brother will surely take a liking to this kid.”

Reflected within Lutiya’s widened eyes was Vissel’s expressionless face.  At that, Lutiya understood.  Hades was one thing, but this elder brother before him was fully considering the possibility of eliminating Lutiya.

With a soft pon, Hades gave Lutiya’s back a light push.  He was pushing him away.  Or maybe it’s to encourage me.

“—Lutiya Theos Rave.”

He stood straight upon stated his name.  Not with mockery like he used to, but with dignity.  Otherwise, there’s no way I’d be able to create a dragon knight order in Laica.  He had matured enough to understand that.

“Or should I be calling myself the Duke of Laica?”
“…No, there’s an even more fitting title for you.”

Lutiya felt as though Vissel’s expression softened slightly.

“You are the Dragon Emperor’s younger brother. —Come, together with Hades.  We’ll be discussing what comes next.”

Lutiya clenched his fist, drew in his chin, and began to walk.

Become the greatest statesman in the Empire?

I need to surpass this brother who gives a sharp look with just a glance and can even outwit the Dragon Emperor himself?

What an absurd thing to say.

The future was unknown, naturally.  But there was no doubt his current road lead somewhere.  Everyone who laughed together on that day, in that moment, was walking forward the same way.

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