Chapter 17
A Secret Discussion with My Brother
“Brother.”
“Mm.”
“I think we should separate Father from Miranda as soon as possible.”
“You’re right.”
“Do you have any good ideas, Brother?”
When I asked, my brother looked thoughtful, pretending to ponder as he glanced at me.
“What about you, Leti? Do you have any ideas?”
“I think physically separating Miranda is the best option!”
When I answered energetically, my brother patted my head as if praising me for a good answer.
Ehehe, I’m so happy.
“You’re right, that makes sense. But how do we do that?”
“Does Miranda’s territory have any scenic spots? I think it would work if I said I was going there to recuperate. In the meantime, we could analyze the components of the lycoris flower and make an antidote for Father.”
“I can’t agree to letting you go to Miranda’s territory.”
True—when I was a baby, she almost slammed me into the floor.
But now, I wouldn’t be helpless anymore. I’d have proper escorts.
And once I found the Holy Sword, I’d be able to use magic and fight back… I think.
“I’d like to discuss it with Father first, but… if he’s already being drugged somehow, he might seem normal on the surface but actually have dulled judgment. I always thought it was strange that he hadn’t dismissed Miranda yet.”
After Miranda was put in charge of the dressing room, she apparently caused a bit of trouble there too.
Even though she’s related to the Queen, normally she would have been fired for that. Yet, for some reason, she’s still working there.
Now that he mentions it, that is suspicious.
“If we’re going to handle this on our own, then a straightforward approach won’t work…”
My brother crossed his arms, looking troubled.
As I quietly watched his profile, a deep sigh filled the room.
“How do you plan to get the lycoris for the antidote? Even if we bring it from Miranda’s lands, that’ll take too long.”
“I’ll just ask Elvin! I’ll tell him I want to try growing the lycoris he gave me as a gift and ask for a potted one.”
It’s rare, sure, but not some new hybrid created in the royal palace or anything, so it shouldn’t be that hard to get.
Though, if the Queen objects, I’ll have to think of another plan.
“The Queen might not allow that, you know?”
“If that’s the case, then she wouldn’t have allowed me to press one into a bookmark either.”
When I said that firmly, my brother closed his eyes and began thinking deeply.
He must be running through countless scenarios in his head right now.
I waited quietly for him to reach a conclusion.
Bathed in the soft glow of the night lamp, my brother looked like a beautiful statue.
His face had lost the roundness it had four years ago, and his long eyelashes cast delicate shadows.
He had that unique charm of a boy just beginning to step into manhood.
“I understand. I’ll go with you. We can leave the antidote’s creation to Dr. Robert.”
Eh?! But if he comes, I won’t be able to sneak away to find the Holy Sword!
Ah—but if it’s going to be displayed as a centerpiece in the greenhouse, maybe it would be better to ‘accidentally’ discover it while he’s there.
And honestly, having my brother with me is much more reassuring than just going with Miranda.
…And if I think about it as a trip with my brother, it’s only natural my heart starts to flutter.
I’m really looking forward to it!
“Well then, it’s late. I’ll walk you back to your room. Or do you want to sleep here with me?”
Eeeeh?!
If I got into bed with my brother, I’d be way too nervous to sleep!
So I obediently returned to my own room.
When I did, my brother held my hand until I fell asleep.
I drifted off feeling so warm and comforted that I completely forgot about my nightmares.
But that trip never happened.
Because at breakfast the next morning—
I suddenly collapsed.
