“What’s the matter?”
Normally, the steward would stay by Sys’s side until I arrived in the parlor. Having served House Eliant for years under Father, he wouldn’t overlook such a basic duty.
“Master Rant is attending to His Highness, the Crown Prince,” he replied.
“Rant?”
The steward hadn’t neglected his role, but his answer was unexpected.
“Why would he?”
“I don’t know the reason, my lady, but Master Rant arrived while I was escorting His Highness to the parlor.”
Rant rarely met with guests, even those visiting House Eliant—though such visits were few. He disliked facing strangers, likely due to trauma from mistreatment by maids in his childhood.
Neither Father nor I pressured him to be sociable. Social graces weren’t necessary for survival, and with House Eliant’s status, people flocked to us regardless. There was no need to force him into something against his nature.
Besides, neither Father nor I is exactly a paragon of sociability.
“So, Sys—I mean, His Highness—and Rant are together now?”
“Yes, my lady.”
It was an unexpected pairing, but not unwelcome. For the future, it would be good for them to bond. With no siblings, Sys could be a good older brother to Rant. The thought warmed my heart.
That warmth vanished the moment I entered the parlor.
“Sister!”
“Bee!”
Two men, seated far apart, called out simultaneously and rushed toward me.
“I was keeping our guest company until you arrived!”
Rant reached me first, his face eager for praise as he wrapped his arms around my waist. Despite his youthful features, he was a head taller and sturdier than I. He meant to hug me, but it felt more like I was engulfed in his embrace.
I gently stroked his hair as he nuzzled my neck, giving him the response he wanted.
“Well done.”
Pleased, he giggled and burrowed deeper.
A grinding sound made me look up. Sys stood glaring, his face contorted with displeasure.
“Is something wrong, Your Highness?”
“Something wrong?”
He drew out the word, his scowl deepening. I tilted my head, puzzled.
I’d never seen him this upset, except when he misunderstood my relationship with Evan. But Evan wasn’t here, and I hadn’t done anything to provoke him. I racked my brain but found no reason for his mood.
Is he frustrated with work?
“Things must be tougher than expected,” I ventured.
Was I wrong?
“Hah!”
He ruffled his hair in exasperation. Rant, still nestled against me, lifted his head slightly.
“Damn it!”
Sys muttered a curse, his golden eyes glaring at my neck like a predator eyeing prey. Following his gaze, I saw Rant smiling up at me.
Oh.
I smiled back at Rant, glancing at Sys, whose face remained sour. Something must have happened between them while I kept them waiting.
Sys looked furious, but Rant’s wide, attentive eyes suggested he’d be easier to question.
“What happened with His Highness?”
“Nothing,” Rant said, shaking his head, his soft hair tickling my neck.
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
The moment I laughed, a rough hand yanked my arm.
“What are you doing?”
Rant, who’d never shown anger before, shouted with a hardened face. Sys bared his teeth, growling at him.
“How long were you planning to cling to her?”
“What’s it to you?”
“She’s my fiancée.”
Sys’s arm tightened around my waist, pulling me into his embrace.
“She’s my sister,” Rant shot back, grabbing my wrist.
“A husband is closer than a brother.”
“She doesn’t have a husband yet.”
“We’ll be married soon.”
“Not yet.”
I was dumbfounded, watching them bicker with deadly seriousness.
“We’re getting married,” Sys insisted.
“We’ll see about that,” Rant retorted.
“You’ll regret that, brother-in-law.”
“No regrets, Your Highness.”
Sparks flew from Sys’s golden eyes, matched by Rant’s defiant glare.
Rant was young, but Sys, arguing with a child, was utterly childish.
“Both of you, let go,” I said.
Rant released me instantly, startled, but Sys kept his arm around my waist.
“Let go, Your Highness.”
“Sys,” he corrected, pointing at himself with a sulky expression.
I sighed. “Let go, Sys.”
“No.”
His refusal spiked my blood pressure. No more words. I lifted my foot and stomped on his.
“Ugh!”
His grip loosened with a groan. I stepped out of his hold, smoothing my crumpled dress. Rant cautiously called out.
“Sister?”
“What is it, Rant?”
I gave him a gentle smile. His wide eyes darted between me and Sys, who was clutching his foot.
“Is… is he okay?”
His expression screamed, He’s the crown prince! The boldness he’d shown earlier had vanished, replaced by nervous fidgeting. I shrugged, sinking into a plush sofa.
“What just happened?”
As I played innocently, Rant’s eyes sparkled, his worry replaced by glee.
“Nothing!”
“Ahem, I’ll prepare tea,” the steward said, slipping out with practiced neutrality, as if he’d seen nothing.
“Why don’t you both sit?”
Rant quickly claimed the spot beside me, while Sys glared, his face full of resentment.
“This is how you treat your fiancé after so long?”
“I don’t want complaints from someone bickering with a child.”
“That guy’s no child!”
He pointed at Rant, shouting. I tilted my head.
“He hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony. If you have nothing to say, I’ll head back upstairs.”
“You!”
He started to yell, then groaned and slumped onto the sofa with a sigh.
“They say the one who loves more loses. The old sayings are never wrong.”
“Is that so?”
I smirked, and he grumbled.
“Don’t smile like that. If I fall any harder, even I’m scared of what I’ll become.”
