Ch.93Epilogue – Enella Chester (2)

That afternoon, after the two engaged in an intense battle of wills, Philliah found himself in an awkward situation inside the carriage heading to the bustling district.

Who would have thought he’d face such a predicament while living his life?

‘What should I do now…?’

Philliah and Enella. The two had forgotten many things in their refusal to bend their pride.

For instance, in Enella’s case, she overlooked the fact that Philliah had never once presented himself as an exemplary seducer of the opposite sex.

Similarly, Philliah had greatly overestimated his own qualifications.

‘I’ve never dated a woman before.’

As the heir to one of the four ducal families, Philliah couldn’t afford to leave any blemishes on his record. His position was undeniably that of the young lord of House Estern. Not only should he not carelessly embrace women, but his exceptional good looks meant he had internalized an even more modest demeanor as he grew up.

From the beginning, noble ladies would swoon at the slightest upturn of his lips—why would a refined young lord of a ducal house need to master the art of seduction?

Philliah put on a deliberately relaxed smile and spoke.

“Lady Chester, is there anywhere in particular you’d like to visit?”

“I’d like to see the Imperial Knights’ training grounds.”

“The Imperial Palace isn’t a place one can casually visit like a marketplace…”

The exceptions might be her brother, Knight Commander Bartlant, or perhaps Marquess Nepy Alteon, who was said to be so favored by His Majesty the Emperor.

In the end, it was a case of the thirsty digging their own well. Since Philliah didn’t have the initiative, he focused on creating various possibilities.

‘From books and rumors, perhaps…’

◇

Bartlant Chester was shocked by the unexpected combination he witnessed at the marketplace he happened to visit.

‘What am I seeing?’

He focused on a man and woman engaged in friendly conversation at a dessert shop across the way. Even to the not-so-perceptive Bartlant, their identities were clear.

A young lady in a dress with a sword leaning against her chair. She possessed the distinctive brown hair and green eyes characteristic of House Chester. Her tomboy nature radiated a strong presence.

“Enella… why are you with that man…”

That man—Philliah Estern. The undisputed most handsome man in the Empire gave Enella a gentle smile. To Bartlant, it appeared to be the attitude of a man addressing a woman he loved.

“Is he seducing her now…? The young lord of House Estern, seducing our Enella?”

Why on earth? Why would the notorious young lord of House Estern…?

As these questions arose, concern overtook his rational thought.

‘I’d like to believe it’s not true… she’s my sister, but she is “that” Enella after all.’

Above all, the impossibility of marriage between the four ducal families was something drilled into the head of anyone belonging to a ducal house. House Estern would be no exception.

In the blink of an eye, a thousand possibilities flashed through his mind. From youthful indiscretions to tender forbidden romance. His imagination unfolded in ways that felt sinful to witness as a family member.

In the midst of this, a terrifying memory struck Bartlant’s mind like lightning.

‘Wait, what happened between the founding Duke and the first Duke Feita?!’

While he wasn’t one to limit matters of the heart, he couldn’t support his sister walking a thorny path. As Bartlant steeled his resolve, his pupils soon dilated like ink spreading in water.

It was at that moment, as Bartlant’s consciousness began to boil.

Philliah personally licked the cream off Enella’s finger and then kissed it. It was an undeniable scene caught in the act.

Bartlant lost his mind at the heaven-defying transgression committed by his sister and the young lord.

“Enella!!!”

CRASH!

Bartlant threw away his reason and flew in like a heavy projectile. All to prevent the tragedy that would befall his sister in the future.

◇

“Kyaaaah!?”

“W-what’s happening!”

“I know him. That’s the Knight Commander…!”

Huff. Huff.

Enella and Philliah stared at each other in bewilderment. While Enella was shocked by her brother’s sudden appearance, Philliah’s face turned pale as he received the full brunt of the hostility directed at him.

Enella blocked Bartlant’s path to shield Philliah from the pressure. Philliah’s complexion quickly returned to normal.

“Brother Bartlant. What do you think you’re doing? Of all people, you causing a scene in broad daylight!”

“I should be asking you. Enella, do you realize what you’re doing?”

“Of course I do. At the very least, it’s nothing that warrants you breaking into a shop.”

“No, you clearly don’t understand. Come here. We’ll talk at the mansion.”

“I refuse!”

“What?”

Enella stood defiantly with her arms crossed. She was thoroughly irritated that her peaceful afternoon had been unjustly interrupted.

Besides, being dragged away for unknown reasons would only result in Arnel’s cold stare. Her high pride would be torn to shreds.

Enella needed to achieve something here. So she boldly declared:

“Come to think of it, it’s about time I went through a rebellious phase. If you want to take me away, brother, go ahead and try.”

SHING!

Enella drew her sword with impressive dignity. Her eyes, like olive stones covered in verdant foliage, sparked with vibrant battle aura. The girl in her defensive stance displayed the dignified bearing befitting a daughter of a martial family.

Enella’s firm stance put Bartlant in a difficult position. In terms of pure combat ability, she had already achieved a level just below the vice-commander. If she was determined to resist, the entire area would be destroyed.

“Don’t worry, Lord Estern. This is just a minor sibling quarrel. I will definitely protect you.”

“Ugh, understood.”

“Enella, you…!”

Bartlant’s headache was worsening like a rotten egg. He couldn’t fight and cause a scene, but maintaining this standoff would still cause damage.

He had charged in recklessly after recalling the story of Netionpis and Lorian Feita. Now faced with his sister’s rebellious attitude, he hesitated.

‘Enella… this brother truly doesn’t understand what you’re thinking.’

Enella’s eyes, filled with battle aura, were unwavering. Her resolute determination showed not even a hint of hesitation, and Bartlant was the first to admit defeat.

“I apologize for causing a disturbance. The ducal house will send someone to compensate for the damages. Please be understanding.”

He bowed his head in apology to the shop owner. The fact that a young lord and the Emperor’s guard captain was lowering his head so respectfully made the owner frantically wave his hands in embarrassment.

Bartlant’s gaze next turned to Enella and Philliah. His twisted eyes exerted strong pressure that naturally made Philliah’s shoulders shrink. Enella noticed this and stepped directly into his line of sight.

“…I’ll see you at the mansion. I’ll need a satisfactory explanation.”

“You’re not making any sense, Brother Bartlant.”

Thanks to Enella’s spirit, the midday commotion came to an end. As far as Philliah knew, it was the most vicious sibling quarrel in the world. Only after Bartlant’s large figure completely disappeared from view did Enella sheathe her sword.

Enella looked at Philliah with her back against the broken wall of the building. Philliah still had a dazed expression, his focus lost. This was common for ordinary people who directly faced Bartlant’s battle aura.

“Are you alright?”

“Ah, yes.”

Enella gave an awkward smile, wanting to reassure him. She extended her hand to Philliah who had slumped down, but was puzzled when he didn’t readily take it. As she was seriously considering whether to withdraw her hand, weight finally settled into her grasp.

‘What, what is this?’

Philliah was extremely flustered. Inwardly, he wanted to slap himself several times.

Enella, smiling awkwardly and extending her hand, looked like… like… an angel radiating benevolence.

The memory of feeling stability from her slender back was too intense.

He was captivated by her appearance, like a female warrior straight out of a fairy tale.

‘This, this is… anyone would think…!’

For some reason, he found it difficult to meet those green eyes that had only seemed arrogant before. This mysterious feeling he faced for the first time in his life was like uncharted territory, impossible to describe.

Whoosh—his face heated up. Had he caught a fever in the meantime? Was there something spicy in the food? He was engulfed in all sorts of foolish thoughts.

“Lord Estern?”

“Yes? Oh, yes!”

“Where shall we go next?”

“We’re continuing?”

“Do you mind?”

Enella innocently tilted her head. Philliah found himself paying attention to her every move.

“No… not at all. Let’s go.”

“Then I’ll be counting on your escort!”

As if the recent commotion didn’t matter at all.

Enella’s smile bloomed like a healthy wildflower.

It was an afternoon where a gentle spring breeze brushed against his cheeks, adding to the heat.

“Do you like blacksmiths, my lady?”

“How can you even ask! I absolutely love them.”

Enella brightened at his half-joking question. It was a moment when the information he had gleaned from social circles proved useful.

By then, the strict regulations had been neatly erased from his clever mind.