Chapter 11: The Name of the Survival Strategy Is… (5)
Thankfully, the person Father called wasn’t me but my brother. As for why that was a good thing, I didn’t know.
“Eugene.”
“Father.”
“There are many eyes watching.”
Ugh. So, you’re telling us to not act foolishly because people are watching? Why are you suddenly speaking with all these euphemisms, Father? Just directly that we should stop making such a heartwarming sibling scene in front of our half-sister who grew up alone. Tch. If it had been Levina clinging to my brother instead of me, you wouldn’t have said a word!
“Hahahaha! Look at that! Even the Duke thinks this looks ridiculous! Come on, just hand her over to me now.”
“Ian.”
“S-Sorry.”
Even the reckless eldest son of a count’s family, Ian, still had a long way to go before he could win against my terrifying brother. Stifling the slight hint of sympathy I felt for him, I slowly loosened my arms from around my brother’s neck and stepped back. Or at least, I tried to.
I was definitely trying to step away, so why wasn’t this terrifying brother letting me go? Hey, brother, your hand was in a rather dangerous spot! I was a girl who was about to enter puberty, and even the slightest touch on my chest hurt to death! I’m not some guy you could toss around carelessly! Ughhh, this world was so unfair.
“Of course there should be plenty of attention. It’s my birthday, after all.”
It was obvious I wasn’t the only one who doubted what I heard. Otherwise, Ian and my father wouldn’t both be making the same incredulous expressions.
My brother glanced at the crowd staring at him dumbfoundedly, then finally spoke again.
“Father? Are you feeling unwell?”
“…”
Father clearly had a lot to say, but for some reason, he didn’t say anything further. Well, I suppose I wouldn’t know what to say either in his position. How do you respond when someone who usually reads the room perfectly suddenly acts oblivious? What was wrong with him today? Did he eat something bad?
Aside from that incident, the banquet proceeded just as I remembered. As all the invited guests arrived, the atmosphere grew more lively, and laughter and loud conversations echoed throughout the hall. I’ve always wondered, but what was so fun about this? I can barely hear the music, people! Did you all come to party or something?! …Oh right, they did.
“Why do all the cute girls always end up with you?”
“You devilish bastard! Time for your birthday punch!”
“The heavens are so cruel! How could they allow a bastard like you into this beautiful world?”
While Father led Levina around to greet the guests, I hovered near my brother, watching as a string of birthday insults were thrown his way.
Didn’t they say that birds of a feather flock together? I couldn’t help but wonder why all the people who hung out with my brother were like this. But what really intrigued me was the group of young ladies gathered in a circle, sending flirtatious glances at my brother from time to time. Sure, my brother was a little handsome, but what was so attractive about this terrifying guy?!
It was around that time Ian–who was following my brother around like a puppy, throwing insults while shoveling down cake with great enthusiasm–started trying to sell me a story.
“Ray, don’t you remember? I used to play with you all the time when you were little.”
…So you’re not just a bad friend but a scam artist too? When did you ever play with me?! I was so dumbfounded that I felt the violent urge to punch his busy mouth, but I managed to restrain myself. Calm down, I’m a puppet! I must act!
“Really? I don’t remember.”
“Haha, well, you were really young back then. I used to carry you on my back, walking all the way from here to there…”
“Don’t lie to her, you idiot.”
“Ahh! Stay out of this! How many times do I have to tell you I’m here to see your lovely little sister’s face, not your brutish mug!”
“Just look. Don’t lie.”
Tsk tsk tsk. See? This is what happens when you try to sell nonsense. Now you’re the one being ridiculed.
I gave a pitying look at Ian, who now wore a dejected puppy face. Immediately, his eyes gleamed again as if nothing had happened. Aiguu, I got goosebumps. With those shining green eyes, he looked like a lion stalking his prey.
“Ray, how about marrying me?”
…This bastard?
“You said that you wanted to marry me, don’t you remember?”
I don’t remember, okay?! When did I ever say something like that, you lunatic?! No, even if there was, it wasn’t me who said it!
“Ahahaha… me?”
“Wah, I’m hurt. Did you really forget? You told me you liked me more than your brother and wanted to marry me!”
…Brother, why are you just standing there saying nothing? Wait, did I actually say that? No wayyyy!
I can’t believe a past affair(?) would hold me back at a time like this when I was trying to win over my brother. But if I gave up like this, I couldn’t call myself a proud son of the empire!
Thus, I gave Ian a sweet, bashful smile and said in the cutest voice I could muster.
“Even if I did say that, it’s impossible now.”
“Huh? Why? How come?”
I’ve cast the bait, and you’ve swallowed it whole.
“Because I’m going to marry my brother!”
I declared cheerfully and clung to my brother. Ughh, this was so embarrassing. I could feel my brother’s body stiffen clearly. Why did everyone suddenly turn into mutes? Come on, say something!
“Eugene, what exactly have you done to the kid?”
“You bastard, what did you threaten the poor girl with?!”
I think these people seem to have misunderstood and thought my brother was blackmailing me or something. Tsk, tsk. This was why maintaining a good image was so important. I don’t know what kind of image my brother had, but… Brother, maybe it was time to give up on these friends. How about mingling with those lovely ladies over there instead of these rough men? That way, I’d be a little happier too. Sigh.
“By the way, Eugene.”
“What now?”
“What exactly is your father thinking?”
I thought he was just a troublemaker, but he was quite brave too, daring to ask about my father’s intentions right to my brother’s face.
“How would I know?”
“You probably know better than I do. After all, he’s your father. If it were me, I’d think Ray…”
Ian’s words, which had started off in an unusually serious tone, suddenly trailed off awkwardly.
What’s this? Confused, I looked up at my brother, but he just stood there with his gaze lowered. Come on, if you’re going to start saying something, finish it! What did I do?
Could it be that this troublemaker knew about the time I didn’t speak? Did my brother tell him? That would be strange in itself…
“Ray! Come here for a moment.”
My father called from across the room. I glanced briefly at my brother before quickly making my way towards Father. Ugh, these skirts were so uncomfortable I think I’m going to die. To make things worse, my feet were starting to hurt more and more. Ugh. Wait a minute…
As I walked, I noticed that the surroundings had suddenly gone quiet. The attention of the guests that had been drinking wine and eating food were now on us—specifically, my father, me, and Levina, who were now standing at the center of the banquet hall.
The buzzing noise faded, leaving only the sound of the band’s music filling the room.
“Sister.”
As I stood face-to-face with Levina, who tilted her head innocently, I immediately understood why my father had called me. It was now. He wanted me to present the gift at this time.
I blinked up at him, and he gave me a silent but firm look, urging me to act. When I turned back to Levina, she seemed to know that she was going to receive something from me. Her eyes shone bright, silently pressuring me to hand it over.
Ugh, these damn blue eyes.
Do you really think I’d just hand it over?
With so many eyes on me, rather than flat-out refusing to give the gift, it would be better to steer public opinion in my favor first and then make a dramatic exit in the middle of it all. You know, like those tragic noble ladies who run out of the ballroom in tears. After that, I could either beg my brother for help or hide behind that sneaky Ian.
I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath as my heart pounded in my chest. Stay calm. If I want to turn the tide in my favor, I’ll need to act this out perfectly. Even if my father retaliates later… sigh. I really wish my terrifying brother would help me. This was a gamble, a real gamble! And I was a gambler!
“Levina…”
“Yes, Sister.”
“You know, I’m sincerely glad to welcome you to our home.”
“Thank you, Sister! I’m so happy to have a sister like you!”
Yeah, right. Swallowing my real feelings, I reached into my inner pocket with trembling hands. The necklace was kept there.
Ugh, did I overdo the shaking? I could see the annoyance creeping into Levina’s round eyes as she smiled at me. Ha. No matter what happens, the fact that you’re annoyed made me happy.
“Sis?”
“So, I… I…”
What was the easiest way to pretend to cry? Just think about the most painful memory you’d rather forget. I’ve practiced this hundreds of times, so I’m not entirely unconfident. As pitifully as possible!
…And Father, would you mind not staring so sternly? You’re scaring me! Hic. I suppose I should thank you for helping me display a convincingly timid expression.
A small commotion rose among the crowd as I stretched out my hand shakingly, holding a necklace with a teary face. It was a curious, almost suspicious kind of murmur. Everyone, you know this is all a lie, right? Oh, you don’t? Well, great.
“I… for you… I mean, I wanted to give you… sniff…”
Just as I was about to run off without finishing my sentence, a hand suddenly appeared from the side and grabbed mine. I nearly jumped out of my skin. Oh my gosh! Couldn’t you at least make some noise when you approach?!
Why was my brother wearing such a terrifying expression? He wasn’t planning to hit me like back then, was he?
Father cleared his throat. My brother, who had suddenly appeared and was staring at my wet face, slowly turned to look at Dad. Watching the two similar-looking men glaring at each other over my head was really making my heart race.
“What are you doing right now?”
“And what are you doing, Father? It feels like something is happening in this house that I’m not aware of.”
This was really unbelievable. My brother, of all people, speaking so sarcastically to Father! Was the sun going to rise from the west tomorrow?
“Can you step aside? There are many eyes on us.”
“Who wouldn’t know that?”
Correction. Something was definitely wrong with my brother. There was no other reason he would be acting so snarky like this.
My brother lowered his head again, this time looking at Levina standing in front of me. Levina, who had appeared embarrassed for a moment, was now tilting her head to the side in a cute display of puzzlement.
Finally, my brother spoke.
“Levina.”
“Yes, dear brother?”
“I’m so glad you’ve come to this house.”
“Hehe, thank you…”
“Ray is usually very lonely. Now that you two are sisters, I hope you’ll take good care of each other and get along well.”
What the heck was he saying? Brother! Were you seriously sick? Did you drink too much? Maybe Ian passed some strange disease to you. I have no idea what kind of disease though.
“What? Oh, yes… yes, of course!”
Although momentarily taken aback, Levina quickly nodded and beamed brightly. My brother then turned his attention to the crowd. His eyes, the color of a serene ocean under pale silver hair, curved gently. Oh dear, I could practically hear the sound of the ladies swooning!
“Now then, shall we continue the party, everyone?”
I could clearly see the veins bulging on Father’s forehead. Well, he did raise my brother, after all. He’s hit me before, but never my brother. Sob. Brother, I’m sorry for calling you a jerk all this time. From now on, I’ll call you hyung properly. Of course, only in my head though.
Author’s Note:
As most of you have noticed, Ray is suffering from a severe lack of affection and PTSD. The problem is that he’s not even aware of it himself… 🙂
