Lorin

Lorin spread his arms with a helpless expression, letting the maid adjust his clothes. Noble attire was usually manageable for him. But this formal banquet gown? He was utterly clueless.

Today, he didn’t have academy classes. Lorin had planned to rest longer. But the emperor summoned him and the crown prince for a meal. So, he had no choice but to dress and leave.

“This emperor really has too much free time,” Lorin muttered inwardly. “Is he tied to the altered storyline?”

“Yes,” the Bookkeeper replied. “If you fail your mission within a year, he’ll order your execution.”

“Obviously,” Lorin sighed. Still, the emperor was ruthless. In this changed world, Lorin had been the second prince for sixteen years. Yet, he’d execute him without hesitation.

After dressing, Lorin rode a carriage to the palace. Both he and the crown prince had moved out as teens. But after Romon was named heir, he returned a year ago for safety. As the second prince with no throne claim, Lorin still lived outside.

Inside the palace, a maid holding his coat bowed. “Second Prince, His Majesty and the Crown Prince await you.”

“Mm,” Lorin replied simply, walking in.

In the original story, the crown prince would inherit next year. But the protagonist, Lilith, would leave afterward. The nation’s fate faded from the plot.

“Lorin, you’re here,” Baneka Twaya called from the head seat, waving him over.

Lorin nodded, sitting beside Baneka as guided. Across from him sat his elder brother, Romon.

Unlike Lorin’s empty seat, Romon had a woman beside him.

“Who’s that?” Lorin asked the Bookkeeper.

“Oulei Jonaka. The Jonaka family’s only daughter. Romon’s fiancée.”

“What?” Lorin nearly dropped his spoon. “Why wasn’t I told?”

As Romon’s fiancée, she’d become queen. Yet, no one informed him.

Before the Bookkeeper answered, Emperor Baneka spoke. “Lorin, this rare meal helps your brother’s fiancée know us better.”

“Oh no, Your Majesty, you’re too kind,” Oulei stammered, flustered.

Romon gently took her hand. “It’s fine.”

“...” Watching them, Lorin felt force-fed dog food. Even the soup tasted like it.

Baneka and Romon chatted with Oulei. Lorin felt sidelined, just filling a seat.

After eating, unable to bear the cozy air, Lorin stepped onto the balcony. Romon joined him soon after.

“Lorin, how’s academy life?”

“Fine,” Lorin said flatly. The original story barely covered the crown prince. He didn’t know why Romon was being friendly.

“Father said you’ll soon govern your territory,” Romon added. “If you prefer staying in the Royal Capital, I’ll ask him.”

With the heir confirmed, Lorin had no reason to stay. Baneka had mentioned his departure at dinner.

“I don’t mind,” Lorin replied, uninterested. He was here for a mission. In a year, he’d leave. The territory didn’t matter.

“Haha,” Romon laughed, relieved. Lorin’s indifference proved no throne ambitions. “You’re not young anymore. Time to find a partner.”

“Brother,” Lorin countered, “why hide your engagement? The academy overflows with your admirers.”

Both attended the noble academy. Romon was senior, yet admirers spanned all grades.

“Huh?” Romon paused, surprised. “I asked Father to keep it secret until the wedding.”

“Why?”

“Simple,” Romon leaned on the railing, smug. “Letting girls pine for me, watching them fight—it’s fun. Maybe I’ll pick an outstanding one as a concubine later.”

Nobles often had multiple wives. Especially royalty. Romon stroked his chin. “Lilith from your year seems lovely. Don’t you think, Lorin?”

“Heh, lovely,” Lorin forced a smile, inwardly cursing, “scumbag.”

“If you fancy any noble girl, tell me. I’ll help.”

“Mm.” In the dim light, Romon couldn’t see Lorin’s darkening face.

By Romon’s logic, Lorin should thank him for not claiming any girls first.

Lorin asked the Bookkeeper mentally, “Does this country survive in the end?”

“It does. Why ask?”

Lorin chuckled bitterly. “No reason. Just rare.”

From his knowledge, emperors who toyed with women’s hearts rarely had good endings. Overthrown or drowned in conflicts.

But Romon hid it well. Publicly adored at the academy, secretly engaged. Only Lorin seemed to know.