Ch.58Alliance (1)

“No…even though I’m injured…what if Grandmother comes here? It’ll be a complete disaster.”

I said to Asena, but she remained silent. Her eyes showed that she had no choice in the matter.

It was Grandmother Riana’s decision.

The Praester Duchy had rapidly grown in power starting from Grandmother Riana’s time. More precisely, since her husband, the former Duke ‘Aiden Praester,’ became the head of the family.

This was information I couldn’t have known when reading the novel, but since entering this world, I had inevitably accumulated knowledge about the Praester family’s history.

Aiden Praester was a man who could rightfully be called the greatest Praester in history.

In Grandmother’s words, he possessed all the shining qualities—passion, confidence, sincerity, decisiveness, steadfastness…and so on.

Using these qualities, Aiden Praester had brought numerous families under his wing and subjugated many others. It was a time when they became second only to the royal ‘Lucilder’ family—or unofficially, they had grown almost as powerful as the royal family.

Hearing this, I wondered if this might have caused conflict with the royal family, but all such problems disappeared because of Grandmother.

Grandmother Riana’s original name was ‘Riana Lucilder.’

Though her surname changed through marriage…she was of royal descent.

The king was pleased to have Aiden Praester as his son-in-law, and Aiden Praester could somewhat suppress potential conflicts through marriage to the royal family. It was a marriage beneficial to both sides.

In any case, people both admired and feared Aiden for his many accomplishments.

Consequently, Grandmother Riana’s dignity also followed his. After all, she was Aiden Praester’s wife.

So if Grandmother Riana were to come to the Academy, it would certainly cause a commotion, just as I had said.

“When is she planning to leave?”

“I don’t know. She’s probably preparing now. Helen and Tein also received letters, and Grandmother seems…determined to come.”

“…Oh boy.”

I clicked my tongue.

The journey itself wasn’t easy, and there wasn’t much for her to resolve by coming.

I just wished she would rest at the territory. Though I wanted to see her too, I didn’t want things to escalate because of me.

If she came, she wouldn’t just look at my face and leave. I didn’t know exactly, but things would likely get complicated.

“…Asena, please write a letter for me.”

“Brother…you know Grandmother doesn’t change her mind once she’s decided.”

“If you won’t write it, I will.”

At my words, Asena glanced at my body. She wiggled her eyebrows in contemplation before finally nodding.

“I’m not asking you to tell her not to come. I know that once Grandmother makes a decision, she follows through. But ask her for some time. Tell her to postpone it by…10 days.”

“….10 days?”

“If I greet Grandmother in this condition…it’ll break her heart.”

“…..”

“So I can get better. Tell her the physicians said I’m fine. Also let her know I’d prefer she didn’t come if possible. Meanwhile, let’s prepare.”

“…Prepare what?”

“How to explain why I got injured, things like that. Grandmother will hear about Shallon Payne too. There’s no need to reopen what’s been settled…”

“Ah, I was already preparing for that.”

“Really? That’s a relief. Anyway, please ask her to come later, when I’m better, if she must come.”

“….Alright. But I don’t know if Grandmother will listen to you.”

“We have to try.”

.

.

.

.

Two days later, Grandmother replied to Asena’s letter. She agreed to listen to my request. At that point, I thought the immediate crisis had been averted.

But things became increasingly complicated.

About six days later, I could hardly believe what Kirsy told me.

“…Did I hear that wrong?”

“…..No. You heard correctly.”

“…S-say it again.”

“….Word got out that Grandmother is coming to the Academy…and now many family heads are coming too. Some to see Grandmother…some to see those coming to see Grandmother…and others to see those people. It’s snowballed…and now, a grand noble assembly is going to be held.”

“…Ha…haha.”

I was so shocked I couldn’t even respond properly. I wondered if it was a joke, but Kirsy’s expression was more serious than ever.

Thanks to my request for more time—no, actually because I got injured—the result was that all the nobles would be gathering.

****

Asena had been unable to control her emotions lately.

Was it because Caden had briefly slipped from her grasp?

Now that he was within reach again, it felt like a dream, and just when she thought he couldn’t become more lovable, he did.

Her heart pounded when she saw his smile, and her hands and feet tingled. Though she didn’t show it, she had to clench and unclench her hands and feet to contain her feelings.

Not as the ‘Praester Duchess,’ but as the ‘Asena’ of before.

Even these small things gave her a thrilling pleasure.

She wanted to cling to him. She wanted to stick to him all day and act spoiled.

The emotions she felt when facing Caden were always new. She experienced feelings with him that she thought she’d never feel for anyone else in her lifetime.

At times like this, she realized she was human after all. There was one small flaw—that he was her brother—but ultimately, she was just a woman drawn to Caden.

If he hadn’t existed, would she ever have felt such emotions in her life? Probably not.

His scars had started to heal properly, and some bandages had been removed. Though he still felt pain, he had reached the point where he could move around. He could walk on his own. Nevertheless, Asena still fed him. She found it incredibly enjoyable.

Though her expression was now controlled and rigid as before, beneath that mask she wore a bright smile. Or perhaps she couldn’t help the constant flush on her cheeks.

At the same time, Asena was experiencing many changes in her feelings.

She was overjoyed to be by his side and that his condition was improving…but her heart ached every time she saw his injured state.

She couldn’t shake the guilt that she had ultimately caused this situation.

She now realized…she needed to change.

Though she still disliked him talking with other women…she had decided to be somewhat more tolerant.

After all, how things ended was more important.

No matter how much he talked about leaving, Asena still dreamed of marrying him. She knew she couldn’t delay this plan any longer.

She needed to create a connection with him, ahead of everyone else.

-Knock knock

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

The twins looked at Caden.

Caden looked back at the twins and said:

“Come in.”

-Creeak.

The door opened, and in came Judy and Daisy.

Asena’s mood sank. Of course…she had decided to change and tolerate their presence a little, but since this was new to her, she didn’t feel comfortable.

Daisy stood next to Asena, while Judy stood next to Kirsy as they looked down at Caden.

Daisy spoke first.

“How are you feeling…?”

“I’m getting better. Sometimes it stings when I move wrong, but otherwise I’m fine.”

Asena silently put her spoon in the bowl and watched them.

“…Still, I’m so relieved. That your wounds aren’t getting infected and are healing well…”

“It’s all thanks to the physicians. How are you, Daisy? You don’t need to visit like this every time..”

Judy answered Caden’s question.

“…How long do you think it’ll take that we wouldn’t come?”

“…I guess you’re right? Anyway…I’m grateful.”

Daisy nodded at Caden’s thanks, then gently placed her hand on his wrist.

The twins’ eyes simultaneously darted sharply to Daisy’s hand.

“Caden, have you heard?”

“About what?”

“About the grand assembly.”

“Ah…. Yes, I have.”

Caden nodded with a complicated expression.

Seeing this, Daisy chuckled and began teasing him.

“You’re amazing. Everyone is gathering because of the commotion you caused. What do you think about that?”

“…..”

Asena was practicing turning a blind eye to all this.

Taking a small breath, she looked away from the hand on Caden’s wrist.

She focused only on Caden.

“…..”

But even that wasn’t easy to endure. A small smile had appeared on his face.

Asena couldn’t understand why it angered her so much that Daisy made him smile.

Finally, Asena looked at Kirsy.

Kirsy, like her, appeared to be enduring with slightly bitten lips.

Her wandering eyes finally met Asena’s.

The two exchanged a silent conversation.

“Caden. My father is coming too.”

“…Huh?”

After Daisy, it was Judy’s turn. The twins just sat there silently, their attention stolen.

“Duke Ice?”

“…Yes. So if you get the chance…talk to him.”

“….Ah.”

After discussing something only they understood, Caden gave Judy a meaningful smile.

“Don’t tell me…you and I…that?”

“What are you…Oh! You! I told you that’s not it!”

Judy started protesting loudly. Finding it funny, Caden burst into laughter.

Asena’s heart sank. Whether it was because he laughed so hard at his conversation with Judy, or because she was worried about his physical condition, she couldn’t tell.

She hastily said:

“Brother…! You shouldn’t laugh so hard yet..!”

“Hahaha..ugh! Cough cough..”

But it was already too late.

At his sudden groan of pain, everyone in the room took a step toward Caden.

Perhaps from laughing too hard, a scab had come loose. He finished his remaining laughter with a grimace.

Kirsy anxiously asked him:

“B-brother..stop joking around..! And what’s this about you and Judy…w-what does that mean? Why are you two the only ones who understand…”

“Hehe..ouch ouch…..phew… It’s something between us, Kirsy.”

“…..”

Asena was still holding back harsh words, but she felt her limit approaching.

Every moment was precious, and the time she could spend with him was being wasted.

Just as she was about to gently send them away for his stability, using this incident as an excuse, a physician entered through the open door.

Seeing her, Asena’s heart sank bitterly.

“Ah. Is it that time already?”

Caden said.

The physician approached and handed Caden a cup. Afterward, perhaps feeling burdened by the many nobles present, she quickly greeted them and left.

Looking at the cup Caden received, Judy tilted her head, and Daisy asked:

“What’s that?”

“Ah…it’s poppy extract.”

“What…? I know it has powerful pain-relieving effects…are you still in that much pain?”

“No, it’s not that. This is heavily diluted. I keep waking up from occasional pain…so I’m still getting some help with that.”

“…Ah.”

The reason Asena was dissatisfied with this situation was simple. His sleep time was approaching.

For quick recovery, he was maintaining a regular sleep schedule. She knew the time was coming since she had been feeding him dinner, but…she hadn’t expected to lose that time to Daisy and Judy.

Kirsy spoke in a subdued voice. She seemed to feel the same frustration as Asena.

“…Everyone should leave now. My brother needs to sleep…”

“Ah.”

Daisy and Judy adjusted their posture at Kirsy’s words. Caden looked at them and said to the twins as well:

“You two should go back too.”

“…Huh?”

Kirsy let out a weak voice. Asena knew why Kirsy was so disappointed. She felt the same way.

They had wanted to send Daisy and Judy away, then have a brief closing conversation before leaving.

But Caden was telling them all to leave together.

“…You’ve been taking care of me all day. You should go rest.”

“……”

Asena’s frustration continued to build.

Though she knew there would be opportunities tomorrow, she felt terribly disappointed about missing today.

Also, if they hadn’t been there, she could have given him a goodnight kiss. Now she couldn’t even do that.

While she hesitated, the atmosphere increasingly suggested they should leave.

Judy exchanged eye contact with Caden before leaving the room first, and Daisy also blessed him to get well soon before waiting for the twins in the center of the room.

“…..”

Asena considered whether to kiss him in front of everyone. Or whether she should receive a kiss from him…but of course, she had to hold back in the end.

“Girls, thank you for today. See you tomorrow.”

Caden said goodbye refreshingly, as if without any regrets.

Kirsy and Asena had no choice but to wave and leave the room.

Just before Asena closed the door, through the gap she saw Caden drinking the poppy extract.

****

“…Phew…”

Kirsy sighed as she left the building. She couldn’t help but direct sharp glances at Judy and Daisy.

They were no different from thieves who had suddenly appeared and stolen her precious time with Caden. Though recent events had taught her to suppress such jealousy, it wasn’t something she could control at will.

Somehow she had endured today, and would have to endure again next time, but she felt how difficult it was.

As they left the building, the sunset had almost faded, and the sky was turning purple.

A cool breeze brushed past her. Kirsy thought how nice it would have been if her brother were beside her now.

Daisy and Judy, who had left the building first, were waiting for the twins.

At that moment, Asena said:

“…Before we go. I need to stop by the bathroom quickly.”

Having sat beside Caden for so long, Kirsy could understand Asena.

Hearing her words, Kirsy looked at Judy and Daisy.

“You all go ahead. I’ll wait for my sister and go with her.”

Since she and Asena shared the same dormitory, and she found Judy and Daisy unpleasant and uncomfortable, Kirsy made this suggestion.

Daisy and Judy looked at each other, then finally nodded.

“See you tomorrow, then.”

Kirsy only gave them a brief bow. She didn’t wave or act friendly.

Asena had already headed to the bathroom.

“….”

As everyone dispersed temporarily, Kirsy looked at the darkening night sky and felt an impulse.

If she had to wait for Asena anyway, couldn’t she go see her brother for a bit?

To complete her imperfect day, she thought it would be nice to kiss his cheek or hold his hand briefly before returning.

Was it because frustration had built up?

In a momentary impulse, Kirsy’s body moved immediately.

Not knowing how long Asena would take, she quickly made her way to Caden’s room.

Turning this way and that, she finally arrived at his room.

Whether from running or from the joy of seeing Caden, her heart was pounding.

-Thump..thump…thump.

Kirsy swallowed hard and slowly opened his door without knocking. He would be sleeping anyway.

“…..Huh?”

As Kirsy carefully opened the door, she froze at the sight before her.

Someone was already there.

It was Asena.

And Asena was kissing Caden.

“…..Haah..smack…haah..”

It wasn’t just a peck. It was a kiss.

Through the occasionally parting lips, Kirsy could see Asena’s tongue.

She was deeply inserting her tongue into Caden’s mouth, intimately exchanging saliva.

Her once steadfast sister was gone, replaced by a woman with flushed cheeks.

She was so focused that she hadn’t even noticed Kirsy’s presence.

“Mmm..smack..haah…haah..”

What was most surprising was how natural Asena looked. As if she had done it dozens of times, she naturally explored Caden’s upper and lower lips, savoring him.

At the same time, she made sensual moaning sounds that seemed to escape unconsciously.

Thump thump thump, she bumped her head against his three times, pressing their already connected lips together more forcefully.

Asena’s hands were both caressing Caden and holding his head in place.

Finally, the frozen Kirsy called out to her.

“……Sister?”

Though it was a small call, Asena immediately reacted and quickly raised her upper body.

A strand of saliva stretched between his lips and Asena’s.

Asena covered her unfocused eyes and reddened cheeks with her hands and arms as she spoke:

“Ki…Kirsy…ah….”

“…….”

Kirsy waited for Asena to continue. She had nothing to say first.

Asena wiped her lips and slowly met Kirsy’s eyes.

Her initially flustered face gradually hardened. Finally, with flashing…or brazen eyes, Asena asked Kirsy:

“….Did you see?”