IATVWAMOLS 50

50. A Perilous Confrontation Between Fiancé and Older Brother

Like the opening of a typical novel, when he opened his eyes, a strange ceiling came into view.

The ceiling was flawlessly smooth, with walls clean and unblemished, showing no signs of fading or damage.

There was nothing extravagantly luxurious, yet nothing lacking either—everything was neat and orderly.

In that moment, he realized the truth.

Damn it… I really got sold.

No doubt he had been sold to some wealthy noble, and the old joke about the slave trader’s saying that “even you finally got a break in life” flickered through his mind.

He pushed himself up from the sickbed.

His stiff, aching body protested, but overall, he didn’t feel too bad.

He swung his bandaged arm this way and that.

Not just “not bad”—he felt surprisingly strong.

Though the wound on his head still throbbed slightly, resting all day had lightened his body.

He could probably run around without much trouble; his physical condition had recovered remarkably.

“Should I just run for it?”

No matter how rotten a rich noble could be, from his experience, being sold at a high price was never truly a good thing.

Whether rich or poor, any person would naturally think about the cost of their own value. To justify a high price, one would have to work and endure accordingly.

The decision to escape didn’t take long.

But there was another problem.

“Tch, a barrier…”

He could feel the strong magic surrounding the duke’s mansion—a security barrier reinforced after the brooch theft incident.

If he tried to activate it at this late hour, the guards would rush in immediately.

“What’s this now?”

On top of that, a choker was fastened around his neck.

He had tried to rip it off, but a powerful obedience spell prevented him from removing it without the master’s permission.

Whoever his new master was, it was clear they were going to be a nuisance.

Well, if magic stood in his way, he could just break through by force.

Snap.

He ripped a wooden frame off the bed with his bare hands.

Its blunt end made it ineffective for cutting, but more than sufficient for hitting.

“See you soon, Master.”

It had already been four days since the black-masked figure had been brought in.

According to the attending physician, his health had improved enough that his life was no longer in danger, yet the black-masked figure still slept as if dead.

‘When will he be fully recovered?’

Before the next event in the original story began, there was something he wanted to request from him.

Time was short, so he felt anxious but decided to wait patiently.

He would have liked to watch over him personally, but he didn’t have the luxury to devote himself entirely.

The long-awaited luncheon was approaching.

It was an occasion to wrap up recent disturbances and reaffirm the enduring friendship between the royal family and Serteia.

According to Ikart, it would just be a light meal, but that didn’t make entering the palace any less stressful.

Thump, thump.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the palace corridor.

Ikart and he followed the attendants’ guidance to the dining hall of the grand hall.

As he prepared to sit at the formal table, an attendant approached.

“Prince Perwin requests Princess Roselia to join him in the palace garden.”

“Me?”

Surprised, he looked over, and Ikart interjected.

“I’ll come too.”

The palace garden was in full bloom with spring flowers.

The vibrant colors filled the space with life. Around the central fountain, walking paths had been arranged.

Perwin waved from the entrance of the garden.

“You arrived early.”

[SYSTEM: Achievement Unlocked! ‘Sweet Favor or Trap’]

[SYSTEM: 300 Luck Points have been added.]

[☞ Use Points Now ☜]

Along with Perwin’s arrogant smile, the familiar system window appeared.

He confirmed it with a glance and offered a polite greeting.

“The Princess of Serteia greets the empire’s little sun.”

“No need for formality between us.”

Perwin waved his hands dismissively.

Yet, his polite greeting seemed to please Perwin, who looked noticeably happy.

“But there’s an unwelcome guest too.”

He shot Ikart a crooked smile.

“…….”

Ikart gave Perwin a light nod.

Instead of scolding him, Perwin extended a hand toward Roselia.

“Princess, we have some time before the luncheon. Let’s take a walk.”

Before she knew it, she found herself being escorted.

Behind her, Ikart followed closely, his eyes sharp and vigilant.

‘With Ikart watching openly, I feel so much more secure.’

Given her memories from the banquet, she already felt uneasy about Perwin. Having Ikart there was dozens of times better than walking alone with him.

Perwin wouldn’t dare act strangely while Ikart’s sharp gaze was upon him.

But at that moment, she didn’t realize one thing:

Having Perwin and Ikart in the same space was exponentially more uncomfortable than walking alone with Perwin.

“Last time, things were too chaotic to talk properly. Regardless of the circumstances, I’m glad we can meet like this.”

Perwin spoke warmly, showing no attempt to hide his intentions to win her favor.

She had to admit that when he boldly approached like this, he was undeniably charming.

Under normal circumstances, one might get intoxicated with the illusion of being favored by the empire’s most esteemed man.

She had once experienced that in a past life.

‘But it’s far too risky to get carried away.’

What if she dreamed of a sweet romance with Perwin and the original story protection system activated?

‘Ugh. I barely escaped Aunt Petunia’s schemes, and now this?’

No matter how charming Perwin was, some things just weren’t allowed.

Just as she steadied her resolve, a burning gaze pressed down from behind.

‘Extremely… intimidating.’

Ikart followed closely, glaring at Perwin as if he wanted to kill him.

The palace garden was tense with a palpable atmosphere all the way through.

‘A confrontation like this… so uncomfortable.’

Sweat began to bead on her palms.

Perwin noticed her discomfort and chuckled.

“As expected, the young marquis only shows his presence when the princess is involved. I’ll have to see Princess Roselia more often.”

Perwin winked playfully.

Ikart stopped in his tracks and warned in a stern tone.

“I will not allow you to involve Roselia between us.”

“If you didn’t like her being used, you shouldn’t have avoided me.”

“……Do you really not understand why I’m avoiding you?”

Ikart’s brow twitched, his aura so intense it made her shrink back.

Yet Perwin remained unflinching and boldly retorted.

“On the contrary, I want to ask: from the moment His Majesty appointed you minister, I favored you greatly—how can you reject me so? That’s ingratitude.”

Ikart had graduated top of his class at the Royal Academy and was immediately recruited as a royal official.

‘A straight path to success, right from graduation.’

Despite his potential as the heir of a promising ducal family, some questioned his capability as a bureaucrat.

But all doubts were silenced by the Emperor, who offered full support and made unprecedented appointments.

‘Ikart became minister just two years after joining the royal administration.’

However, he soon resigned from public office.

“Hah, you say I’m ungrateful?”

Ikart’s gaze turned even harsher, showing no trace of his resentment toward Perwin.

“I never received any favor, so how could I betray? Nonsense.”

“Wow, the young marquis, so loyal, must delight your late father greatly!”

Perwin sneered, mocking him.

Sparks flew between the two, and she, caught in the middle, could only fidget.

‘I should have come alone.’

It was too late for regrets.

Their conversation spiraled deeper.

Ikart struck at Perwin’s weaknesses.

“Honestly, wasn’t your engagement to Roselia just a means to pressure Serteia?”

Perwin’s lips twisted at the remark.

His previously relaxed, straightforward demeanor vanished.

“A princess suddenly talking about breaking the engagement, and it turns out someone was stirring trouble in the middle?”

He frowned coldly at Ikart, who responded with a sneer.

“Did Roselia say that? Good, then our intentions align.”

“……!”

“Then let’s discuss it seriously, the engagement.”

“I don’t want to. I’ve already talked with the princess.”

Perwin suddenly grabbed her wrist, and she was pulled into his embrace.

‘What strength…’

Her wrist throbbed painfully from his rough grip.

Crack.

Ikart twisted Perwin’s wrist.

“Do not touch my sister recklessly. It’s disgraceful to see, even as a man.”

“Ouch.”

Perwin’s frown deepened as he released her, and Ikart extended his hand.

“Brother….”

“Roselia, let’s head in.”

He strode ahead, deliberately bumping Perwin’s shoulder as he passed.

“This is getting ridiculous—”

Angered, Perwin grabbed his shoulder to turn him around, fist raised, ready to strike.

Just as he was about to punch Ikart’s face, she intervened.

“Stop it!”

She stepped between them, exasperated.

Everything was a mess.

The three-way confrontation had turned from a romantic encounter or a heartfelt talk into a mud-slinging fight.

She panted as she separated the two.

‘Br-break the engagement? Did she just say break the engagement?’

Evelyn, hiding behind the fountain, covered her mouth, witnessing the entire commotion.