Free Web Novel“Haha, that’s true as well. You really don’t have just... one Imperial Brother...”
The trace of anger was quickly suppressed by Andrew, but in the eyes of others, his tone at that moment carried an unmistakable sense of speaking through clenched teeth.
The imperial throne that had originally been within easy reach had suddenly gained uncertainty because that Imperial Brother’s brain illness had recovered, and even Father Emperor had begun to show a slight inclination toward that so-called “cursed” genius. This had kept Andrew in a very bad mood lately.
But he was not entirely foolish. He knew that at a moment like this, if he continued to act wantonly as before, he might truly be kicked down by that “brainless older brother” of his, so even the cultivation and etiquette in his everyday gestures and movements were much better than in the past.
“Celicia, did you just come back from Father Emperor’s place?”
Andrew continued to ask with a smile.
“Yes. I went to see Father Emperor.”
“I see. Going to see him is good, but...”
Andrew suddenly waved his hand, having the people around them step back a little. He leaned over and lowered his voice:
“Did Father Emperor say anything to you?”
“Say what? Of course it was just routine concern.”
“Ahem. Besides routine concern, he surely said other things as well. I don’t believe Father Emperor would meet you just to talk about family matters.”
“Oh?”
Celicia’s willow brows lifted slightly as she asked with a half-smile:
“What does Imperial Brother Andrew mean...?”
“I don’t mean anything. I just wanted to remind Cia of something. After all, we grew up together since childhood. No matter how you look at it, our relationship should be closer than that...”
Andrew pointed at his own head.
“Imperial Brother Albert’s, right?”
“...That does sound like it.”
If merely growing up in the same palace, and not even seeing each other once a day, could be considered having a good relationship.
Celicia lowered her gaze. Etiquette, political affairs, scholarship, personal cultivation—there were so many things to learn in the imperial family. How could there be any possibility of building close relationships with these brothers of hers?
Perhaps when they were younger, their relationship had truly been good, but as time passed, they inevitably grew distant. freēwebnovel.com
“But Imperial Brother Andrew, you’ve misunderstood. When I went to meet Father Emperor, it really was just to chat about family matters. I had heard that Father Emperor’s condition had worsened, and I was very worried, so I specifically brought him some precious medicinal ingredients. That is all.”
“Is... that so?”
Andrew looked disappointed. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
“If Imperial Brother Andrew doesn’t believe me, why not ask Father Emperor?”
“I believe you, of course I believe you!”
Andrew’s expression became serious as he nodded firmly.
“Cia, how could I not believe your words? But speaking of which, about what happened before—you’re not angry, are you?”
“What happened before?”
“Yes... that letter of appointment I issued to Muen Campbell, that future brother-in-law.” Andrew said apologetically.
“Ah, was there such a thing?”
Celicia showed a trace of surprise, as if hearing of the appointment for the first time.
“So he hasn’t come back for so long because of that so-called appointment letter? I thought he died outside somewhere.”
“Ahem... Cia, that really is...”
Andrew coughed twice, somewhat awkward.
“Actually, I was doing it for his own good. This kind of gilded opportunity—I spent a great deal of effort persuading a large group of my subordinates before giving it to him. Once he comes back, relying on this merit, I believe he’ll soon obtain a position of real authority in the imperial core.”
“Sigh, there are too many people to lead. Even a little bit of benefit gets fought over endlessly. It’s really hard to balance.”
Andrew sighed repeatedly, looking quite troubled.
“Imperial Brother Andrew is truly thoughtful.”
...Was he hinting to her that he was where people’s support lay?
Celicia once more pinched the hem of her skirt and offered an elegant curtsey.
“Then I will thank you on behalf of that dead man.”
“Hehe, no need to thank me. We’re all family.”
Andrew continued smiling and nodding, but his gaze quickly swept over Celicia’s cool and pretty face. After finding nothing amiss, his eyes withdrew with a trace of suspicion before Celicia could react, returning to normal.
“Since that’s the case, I won’t waste your time any further. I’m going to visit Father Emperor as well. I’ve collected several antique art pieces, and I believe Father Emperor will like them.”
“Mm. Then please take care, Imperial Brother.”
After another round of courteous yet mutually unreadable farewells, Celicia passed by that group.
“Ah, right, there’s one more thing.”
Andrew suddenly turned around and slapped his forehead.
“Look at my memory. I had been planning to personally send it to where you live, but now that we’ve met, I almost forgot.”
At Andrew’s glance, someone beside him quickly delivered an exquisitely crafted, gold-embossed letter to Celicia.
“This is...”
Celicia glanced at it quickly.
“An invitation?”
“Yes. Three days from now, I plan to hold a ball in the palace. At that time, all the nobles and famous figures of Belrand will receive my invitation and come to attend.”
Andrew spoke with animated brows about the elegance of the ball and the exalted status of those attending. It was as if only at such times could he show the confidence he once had when he was the sole imperial heir.
“This... is an invitation issued in Father Emperor’s name?”
Celicia opened the letter, seeing the signature and seal that were more noble than anyone else’s.
Andrew’s expression stiffened for a moment, but he still smiled.
“I did obtain Father Emperor’s consent. After all, the ball is being held in the palace. And since I’m currently acting as regent, easing tensions between all sides at a time like this is also one of my responsibilities, isn’t it?”
......
Ease tensions?
When you yourself are one of the reasons tensions °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° exist?
And what’s more, a ball held in Father Emperor’s name would only further provoke suspicion and doubt from all sides.
“Imperial Brother Andrew has worked hard.”
Celicia showed no abnormal reaction. She put the letter away again and nodded.
“I will attend as agreed.”
“Then I’ll look forward to it. With Celicia’s beauty, you’re sure to become the most dazzling pearl of the ball.”
......
After parting with Imperial Brother Andrew, Celicia did not hurry to leave the palace.
She found a quiet courtyard and, while enjoying royal pastries, waited quietly.
Not long after, she saw Imperial Brother Andrew—who should have gone to visit Father Emperor—leading his entire group, a dense mass, leaving from the way they had come.
Celicia summoned the maid who served as her informer.
“Did Imperial Brother Andrew see Father Emperor?”
“Reporting to Your Highness, he did not.”
The maid said with her head lowered.
“His Majesty seemed to be occupied with other matters and did not summon Imperial Brother Andrew for the time being. Imperial Brother Andrew waited briefly in front of His Majesty’s chambers before leaving on his own.”
“How long did he wait?”
“About... ten minutes.”
“Only ten minutes. Heh, truly no patience at all.”
Watching the departing figures whose only merit was their momentum, Celicia rested her cheek on her hand and let out a cold laugh devoid of emotion, whether in ridicule or lamentation.
“No wonder an Imperial Brother Albert who’s only just recovered can force you into this state... a complete fool.”
