MLHBMH 03

Chapter 3

Brian, who was four years younger than Frederick and one year younger than Lily, was a useless wastrel who loved drinking, women, and gambling. His face was flushed red — clearly from another night of heavy drinking.

“…It’s been a while, young master.”

Had that title always felt so awkward?

The words came out rough, like sand grating against her tongue. Lily bit her lip and turned to a passing maid.

“Where is Mother-in-law?”

“She’s in her room, milady.”

It wasn’t the maid who answered, but Brian.

“She said her head hurts too much to get up — because of someone — so she’s having breakfast in bed.”

In other words, Samantha wouldn’t be joining breakfast that morning.

Lily was neither surprised nor disappointed that the servants hadn’t told her. It happened too often to be new.

“Then I’ll be going.”

If her mother-in-law wasn’t coming, there was no reason to stay.

“Wait.”

As she turned to leave, Brian suddenly caught her wrist. A strong smell of alcohol rushed at her, making Lily wrinkle her nose and turn away. His sly, grinning face filled her vision.

“It’s been three days since I last saw you. Isn’t it a bit cold of you to greet me like that?”

Was he seriously bragging about being gone for three days?

Lily found the whole thing absurd but didn’t respond. His comings and goings had nothing to do with her. What bothered her was his hand — the one still wrapped around her wrist.

“Let me go.”

“I heard you fought with my mother yesterday?”

Like mother, like son — neither of them knew how to listen.

“I said, let go.”

Lily put force into every word, but Brian ignored her again.

“I heard you told her that my brother’s a… what, impotent man? Is that true?”

“…”

“Pfft—ha!”

Even though she didn’t answer, Brian burst out laughing as if she’d confirmed it.

He reeked of alcohol, even in his laughter.

Lily frowned and yanked her hand away — only for him to grab it again immediately. A deep crease formed between her brows.

“Let go…!”

“How about me, then?”

Brian leaned in close, his face almost touching hers.

“Unlike my brother, I work just fine.”

What—?

“So how about you have my child instead? I’ll treat you real nice—”

SMACK!

The sound of her hand striking his cheek echoed through the wide hallway.

It was so loud that servants from far away came running to see what had happened.

They stopped dead when they saw Brian, one hand on his reddened cheek, and Lily, standing tall, glaring icily at him with her hand still raised.

The servants exchanged uneasy glances, silently piecing together the scene.

Did the young madam just slap the young master?
Seems like it.
Good heavens… what did he do to make her — the gentle one — that angry?
I don’t know, but if the madam finds out, there’ll be hell to pay…

Brian’s lips twisted.

“Quite the strong hand you’ve got.”

He chuckled in a way that sent chills down her spine.

“They say a woman with a firm hand is good in bed. Makes me want to test that theory.”

His words were filthier than the sludge flowing through a sewer.

If Samantha hurt people by stabbing at their weaknesses, Brian used vulgarity and humiliation as his weapon.

Lily hated dealing with either of them — but if she had to choose, she’d still take Samantha. At least with her, Lily could argue back. With Brian, she didn’t even know how to respond.

“You seem to have forgotten I’m your brother’s wife,” Lily said coldly.

Brian’s eyes narrowed into slits.

“Sister-in-law. Right… that’s what you are.”

He repeated the title as if savoring it, then leaned in even closer, lips curling.

“You’ve never even shared a bed with him, though… but still, you’re his wife, right?”

“…!”

Her green eyes wavered — the resolve she’d forced into them cracking.

How did he know that?

It couldn’t have been Frederick. The two brothers barely spoke — Frederick considered Brian useless and treated him with contempt.

Seeing Lily falter, Brian smirked wider.

“Relax. I haven’t told Mother yet.”

Yet.

“So be good to me, yeah? Wouldn’t want your secret getting out, would you?”

He leaned in, exhaling a breath that brushed her ear.

“…!”

The vile sensation crawled down her neck. Lily recoiled, clapping her hands over her ears, and stumbled back.

Then she turned and fled.

She slammed her bedroom door shut and locked it tight — then dragged a chair in front of it, just in case.

“Haa… haa…”

Her chest heaved with ragged breaths. Her legs gave out, and she sank to the floor. She rubbed furiously at her ear — where his breath had touched — until the skin turned red, but the disgust wouldn’t go away.

“I’m fine…”

Her lips trembled as she whispered. Shame and humiliation flooded her, but she hugged herself tight and forced the words out again.

“I’m fine. I can bear it.”

If it meant saving her mother — if it meant paying for her treatment — she could endure anything.

No, she had to.

A luxurious black-and-gold carriage rolled through the gates of the Maximilian Duchy.

When it came to a halt, Harold stepped down, carrying his luggage.

A coachman hurried over. “Allow me, sir.”

“No need.”

Harold declined politely and strode up the grand staircase. The sharp sound of his boots echoed through the marble hall.

“Harold!”

The first to greet him inside was the Duchess of Maximilian — his mother.

Harold took her smooth, ageless hand and kissed it lightly.

“I’m home, Mother.”

“Welcome back, my dear.”

After exchanging a brief embrace, Harold turned to his father and bowed.

“It’s been a while, Father. Have you been well?”

The Duke chuckled dryly.

“For someone who hasn’t written in two years, you seem curious enough.”

“As you surely know, I’ve been… occupied.”

“‘Occupied’ is putting it mildly.”

A new voice — familiar, but out of place — cut in from the stairwell.

Harold frowned and turned.

A man with golden hair like melted honey leaned casually against the railing.

“You wiped out the Salamand tribe — the same ones who terrorized the Empire for over a century — and you call that ‘a little busy’? That’s quite an understatement, Harold.”

“…Your Highness, the Crown Prince?”

It was none other than Austin Carman Andreas, heir to the Carman Empire.

Austin waved cheerfully. “It’s been too long, Harold. I’m glad you made it back alive.”

“His Highness came early this morning to see you,” the Duchess whispered.

Harold’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Excuse me a moment,” he said to his parents, then motioned for Austin to follow.

“Come with me.”

His tone was formal, even commanding — yet Austin didn’t mind at all and followed him without protest.

They entered Harold’s room — spotless despite years of disuse. Everything was just as he’d left it.

After locking the door, Harold turned. “What brings you here?”

Austin didn’t object to the informal speech. The two were old friends — titles meant little in private.

“What else? I came to welcome back the Empire’s hero.”

“Spare me the pretense.”

Harold’s mouth curved faintly. “Tell me why you’re really here.”

“You’re as cold as ever,” Austin sighed. Then his expression grew grave.

He glanced around once to ensure no eavesdroppers, then said in a low voice:

“Darius has been acting suspicious lately.”

Darius Carman Andreas — Austin’s half brother.

Born to a mistress, yet officially recognized as a royal by the Emperor — a rare privilege that only showed how much the Emperor favored him.

In truth, that favor stemmed from the Emperor’s affection for Darius’s mother, the cunning and ambitious Marchioness Ariande.

Rumor had it that if the Empress’s family had been any weaker — or if Austin hadn’t proven himself capable — the Emperor might have named Darius the Crown Prince instead.

“His odd behavior isn’t new,” Harold replied indifferently.

Austin sighed heavily and raked a hand through his hair.

“I know, but this time it’s different. He’s been digging into something strange.”

“Strange?”

At that, Harold finally showed some interest. Austin nodded.

“He’s investigating the Viscount Benjamin family.”