Episode 18
The heavy revelation prompted an apology from Reina.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up something painful.”
“No, not at all. I’m more worried that Dahlia caused you trouble.”
“Not in the least. I understand because I used to follow anyone who resembled my missing brother. Even though I knew it wasn’t him, I missed him so much that I acted impulsively.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Dahlia probably knows too. She’s just searching for anyone who even slightly resembles her mother because she misses her.”
Reina’s expression grew wistful as she recalled her missing brother.
Watching her quietly, Aiden moved to take Dahlia, but Reina spoke up.
“If it’s alright, may I take Dahlia to her room? I’m worried she might cry again if we separate.”
“Would you do that?”
“Of course. Could you just grab that book for me?”
Reina pointed to the book she’d set aside, and Aiden picked it up.
As the unfamiliar trio walked together, Aiden discreetly observed Reina.
When his brother had suddenly announced his marriage, Aiden had assumed it was the emperor’s influence.
He’d thought the marriage was a ploy to keep tabs on the North.
Yet, the woman before him didn’t seem to care about such things.
In fact, it was surprising that she didn’t reproach his daughter’s rudeness.
Most would shy away from a child’s snot or drool on their clothes.
But she remained unfazed, her expression unchanged.
When they reached the child’s bedroom, Aiden took Dahlia and gave a light bow.
“Thank you. Do you know your way back?”
“Yes. I always carry the map Dive gave me.”
“I should escort you back…”
“Stay with Dahlia instead. She’s at an age where being alone must be scary, right?”
Reina gently declined, wiping Dahlia’s tear-streaked face.
Thankfully, the girl was fast asleep and didn’t whimper as before.
Reina looked at Dahlia’s puffy eyes with pity and continued.
“If she looks for her mother again, send her to me. If that’s alright with you.”
“You’re very kind.”
Aiden gave a faint smile and bowed his head.
“I hope we’ll have a chance to talk soon. Have a peaceful night.”
“Have a peaceful night.”
Reina lightly lifted her skirt in a courteous gesture and quietly walked away.
Aiden stood at the door, watching her leave with an odd expression.
Her demeanor was different from what he’d expected, sparking a quiet curiosity.
He held off on defining her for now, reflecting on how he’d instinctively kept his distance simply because she was royalty.
***
The next day, while Reina was enjoying a walk, a cute visitor appeared.
Dahlia hesitated, peeking from behind a pillar, watching Reina shyly.
She held a sketchbook in her hands.
It seemed she’d rushed out while drawing, as she was still in indoor slippers.
Reina hesitated, unsure whether to acknowledge her.
Ignoring her felt wrong, especially since the child’s attire concerned her.
Then Lily spoke to the girl first.
“Oh, Miss Dahlia? What brings you here?”
“Eek!”
Startled by the sudden call, Dahlia hiccupped.
She dropped her sketchbook and bolted away.
Lily tilted her head, puzzled.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“No way.”
Reina shrugged lightly and picked up the sketchbook.
Crayon crumbs trailed in the direction Dahlia had fled.
As if leaving a trail for Reina to follow, the crumbs made her smile faintly.
“Looks like today’s walk takes us that way.”
“You’re going after her?”
“I need to return this too.”
Holding the sketchbook carefully, Reina headed in the direction Dahlia had gone.
***
Meanwhile, Kaiden was in Aiden’s study.
Unlike Kaiden, who had excelled in martial arts since childhood, Aiden preferred books and research.
His particular interest in magical beasts had led him to start studying them young, amassing vast knowledge and skill in crafting magical tools.
Despite sharing dragon blood, the brothers excelled in different fields and were so close that typical succession disputes never arose.
Kaiden looked at his younger brother with concern.
Since losing his wife a few months ago, Aiden had been noticeably downcast.
Now, he practically lived in his study.
Though Kaiden knew focusing on something was better, he couldn’t help but worry.
He glanced at Aiden, who was examining a beaker containing a Goreth egg, and asked lightly, “Are you even sleeping?”
“Of course.”
“For someone sleeping, you’ve got an awful lot of stimulants and coffee on your desk.”
Caught off guard, Aiden pouted and made an excuse.
“You didn’t consider that my boss gave me an urgent research task?”
“And that boss would be me?”
“Who else is above me but you?”
“I don’t recall setting any deadlines.”
“Whatever. I’m just saying I’ve got a lot to do.”
Aiden grumbled, not taking his eyes off the beaker.
Kaiden watched his distracted brother and spoke again.
“So, how’s it going? Can you safely dispose of it?”
“It looks promising. The hatching prevention tool we brought helped, and thanks to the ample samples you secured, research on Goreth will pick up.”
Excited by the research question, Aiden removed his lab glasses and continued.
“By the way, Goreth eggs are hard to detect before hatching. How did you find them so quickly? Did you get a lead?”
Aiden looked at his brother, seeking an answer.
He’d been curious ever since they found the Goreth husk and sent a messenger, only for the subjugation team to be dispatched to the exact location shortly after.
It was too precise to be a coincidence, so he assumed there was a clue.
But the response was underwhelming.
“I happened to meet a sharp oracle. Seems the gods are on my side.”
Kaiden chuckled at his own joke, but Aiden was stunned.
“An oracle? You’re saying you sent out that entire subjugation team based on someone’s word without any evidence?”
“It turned out to be accurate, didn’t it?”
“Sure, but… I thought there was another reason.”
When Aiden’s face showed clear disappointment, Kaiden said, “Looks like your scholarly zeal’s kicking in again.”
“What’s this oracle like? Did they come with you? If they did, I’d love to talk to them.”
Aiden’s question brimmed with curiosity, but Kaiden held his tongue.
He’d promised to keep Reina’s abilities secret.
Kaiden changed the subject.
“No, they didn’t come. But I brought someone close to the oracle.”
“Someone close… You don’t mean Princess Reina, do you?”
Aiden gaped at Kaiden, who didn’t deny it.
“You’re saying you married her for that?”
“Keep it to yourself.”
Kaiden smiled, pressing a finger to his lips, as Aiden’s jaw dropped.
He’d suspected it wasn’t love, but this reason?
Aiden’s expression hardened as he began to scold.
“Brother, are you insane?”
