Chapter 16

The morning after the welcome banquet, or rather, around noon, Vil woke up, looking utterly exhausted.

After the banquet ended, I, along with Coral and the other young witches, had a second party. Vil, feeling lonely, was caught by Phantom and was subjected to endless boasts about his beloved daughter until late at night.

It seems neither Vil nor I are the type to get hangovers. However, the fatigue lingers. My body feels heavy.

"Ah, I wish I could take it easy, but I have to go shopping today. Please help me carry the bags."

"Ugh... I guess I have no choice."

Since there was a real possibility of marrying the prince, the house has been tidied up. In other words, it's empty. There are no ingredients or seasonings left, and I've given most of my clothes to the younger ones. The same goes for daily necessities and medicinal materials. Only the furniture remains.

It's a hassle to buy everything again, but since the castle people bought my dowry at a high price, I have plenty of money. I need to get Vil's things too.

"For today, let's buy the essentials in the nearby town—"

"Sonia, the Aspinel family's carriage is here to pick you up."

Just as I was making plans to go out, Coral came to call me. A dragon carriage was waiting at the entrance to the forest.

"Oh! My brother is as forceful as ever."

"...Your brother?"

Vil's gaze, which seemed to say, "But you're an only child, right?" met mine, and I nodded.

"My brother is Lord Sunny Aspinel of Azurite. He's treated me like a real sister since I was little. He's my guardian in the noble society. ...He's in a good mood if I call him 'brother.'"

I was planning to visit him soon, and I can't refuse his invitation. I quickly got ready and boarded the dragon carriage with Vil.

Our destination is Azur, the capital of the Azurite territory. It's about a two-hour ride by dragon carriage.

Azurite is located in the western part of Mistria. Blessed with fertile land and a warm climate, it is known for its vegetable and fruit cultivation. There is a large lake, and it is rich in seafood. The people are generally calm and easy-going because they rarely lack food.

However, due to the flow of a magical river through the earth's veins, it is also a place where many magical beasts appear, and there are many dangerous forests and mountains. There are still many unexplored areas.

The Aspinel family, who received Azurite as a fief fifty years ago, cleverly attracted adventurers and mercenaries by taking advantage of the danger of magical beasts and developed Azur into a city.

Due to the land's characteristics, many rare plants and war trophies gather here, and merchants from distant countries come to buy them. It's also popular with witches because they can get materials for magic.

While weaving in this basic information, I explained my relationship with my brother to Vil in the carriage.

"I was recognized as a full-fledged witch at the age of eight. My magical power was stable, and I could already use magic better than adult witches. My mother was busy with her research on gems and didn't train me, so I was mostly self-taught. In other words, I was a prodigy."

"Are you boasting?"

"Well, yeah. After that, it was decided that I could go out into town without any problems, and I started learning the manners of a lady. I was already destined to become the queen of Mistria. Cultivation and etiquette were essential, right? So I studied at Lord's place."

Table manners, basic dance, behavior in social settings, and training to refine one's aesthetic sense, geography, and reading and writing foreign languages... I spent about a week each month at the Aspinel family's mansion, diligently following the curriculum.

"I want to praise my past self. I don't know how I managed to endure it."

"...So, all that effort was for nothing because of the engagement cancellation?"

"Not at all. The knowledge I acquired will be useful for the rest of my life. I'm truly glad I didn't end up marrying Lord Rain. But... my brother might not be convinced. He's probably very angry."

I sighed and pressed my temples.

In this world, only Lord Sunny can make me this anxious.

"Does the lord know... the truth?"

"No. My brother knows everything about the truth from twenty years ago. He was ordered by the king to keep an eye on Cucurujou. As a noble of Mistria, he is supposed to be on the side of the royal family."

"What?"

He was doting on me to get close and make me let my guard down.

To investigate the progress of the gem research, to monitor if I was forming alliances with other power players, and to attack and destroy Cucurujou if necessary. That was the mission given to the Aspinel family by the king.

"Is it safe to meet him now?"

"It's fine. My brother is, on the surface, a doting guardian. Behind the scenes, he's a spy who passes information to the king. But he's also skilled at turning things around."

Two years ago, my brother told me everything about the Aspinel family's mission. He provocatively said, "In the end, I'll side with whoever offers the most benefits."

He's honest and straightforward, even if he doesn't have to say it.

"My brother hasn't given up on me yet. When I met Sednir, he seemed to underestimate me, right? I think it's because my brother didn't accurately convey to the king how capable I am in battle."

Lord Sunny doesn't appear in the original "anime."

I can't predict his moves, so meeting him is nerve-wracking.

"Vil, it's best not to say anything unnecessary today. Many people come and go from my brother's mansion. You never know who might be a spy. Be prepared for some chilling conversations."

---

As soon as we met, my brother said,

"Let's put the foolish prince who disgraced my dear Sonia on the chopping block! Commander, how many troops can you gather?"

"Yes, Lord, with your call, at least ten thousand are sure to come."

"That's not enough. We need another thirty thousand. This isn't just a civil war. It's a one-sided devastation to make the incompetent royal family realize their sins!"

"...Brother, stop. Mistria will be destroyed."

Lord Sunny Aspinel cheerfully replied, "Oh, it's a joke," and sent the burly commander back to his post. I'm sorry for making you sit through this farce.

"Don't even joke about a civil war. You never know who might be listening."

"If you can charge me with treason, go ahead. I'll cut you down with a hundred righteous reasons."

Lord Sunny is twenty-eight. He's young for a lord. He succeeded his father, who retired early, two years ago.

He is very popular among the people. He's handsome and very capable. Since he became the lord, Azur has flourished, and tax revenue has stabilized. Yet, the crime rate is the lowest.

He has several battalions for hunting magical beasts, and no one in western Mistria dares to oppose him. He stands out in wealth, military power, and intelligence.

While it's a concern for the Mistria royal family that a local lord has such significant military power... it's tolerated because he has the mission to attack and destroy Cucurujou if necessary. The king seems to trust him completely.

We were led to the grand reception room of the Aspinel family's mansion and sat facing each other. Vil tried to stand by the door, but my brother ordered him to sit, and he hesitantly sat next to me.

My brother is currently the head of the Aspinel family, doting on me like a sister. He is angry about Prince Rain's outrageous behavior at the wedding. And I'm supposed to be unaware that he's in league with the king.

Today's summons are to probe how I will act in the future.

The king must be testing whether I will keep the secret. Without the contract, there's a possibility I might confide in my brother, whom I've known since childhood.

If it's determined that I don't intend to keep the secret, the king will try to kill me. A loose-lipped girl can't be trusted, right?

I just need to act normally. My brother probably intends to do the same.

"I'm sorry, brother. I've wasted all the resources the Aspinel family has invested in me..."

I decided to apologize first.

A lot of time and money were spent on my education. The Aspinel family suffered the most from my not marrying Prince Rain. If I had really married, they would have been relieved of the troublesome task of watching over me.

I'm sorry, brother.

"It's unjust, but you shouldn't have been suspected in the first place. The people are disappointed. Will this engagement cancellation cause trouble for the family?"

When I lowered my eyes, my brother laughed and said, "Not at all."

"When I heard the report from my representative at the wedding, I couldn't believe my ears. To publicly denounce an innocent Sonia and cancel a national marriage... It's an unforgivable act. You did nothing wrong, and it won't tarnish our family's name. The people are angry with the royal family. If Sonia's heart is deeply wounded, I was really considering raising an army..."

"I'm fine. I don't think about it at all."

"Indeed. You seem quite relieved."

"Yes, brother, I'm honestly relieved. I didn't think I could be a queen, and I didn't have any affection for Lord Rain. Most of all, I'm happy to be back in Cucurujou. If I can meet you without any reservations, I think the engagement cancellation was for the best."

My brother smiled warmly.

"Is that so? I'm glad too. There's no one better than Sonia to be a queen, but the castle life would have been boring for you. It might have been for the best."

You're spoiling me too much. I think my brother's presence has greatly influenced my personality. I feel we're similar in our arrogance.

"However, I thought about finding you the best man... Do you need that?"

My brother's gaze turned to my side. Vil seemed too uncomfortable to speak, completely overwhelmed.

"Thank you, brother. But now that I'm free to fall in love, I'd like to choose my partner myself. Is that okay?"

"Of course. But if you need anything, come to me. Whether it's about love or anything else. Even without the royal marriage, I will always be on your side."

"Thank you so much. I will always be on your side too. If you need a witch's power, don't hesitate to ask."

He nodded and sipped his teacup. I also enjoyed the fragrant tea. Yes, there's no poison. My brother knows I'm immune to poison, so it wouldn't be there.

Vil looked at me and my brother with a disturbed expression. Knowing the truth, the current conversation must seem hollow and eerie.

At that moment, the door to the reception room opened.

"Sonia, you really came back. How pitiful."

It was Yudia Aspinel, two years older than me. She wore a haughty smile typical of a noble lady.

I was tired of the probing, so her timing was perfect. I returned her smile.

"Yudia. It's been a while... not really, but I'm glad to see you looking well. I've returned, but there's no need to pity me."

"Is that so? I'm relieved. I hope you and your husband will get along well."

"Yes, please be gentle."

"Husband...?"

In response to Vil's whisper, I explained.

"Yudia is my brother's wife. They got married six months ago."

Vil's eyes widened. Since Yudia and my brother look like siblings, he probably didn't expect it. Well, they are a beautiful couple, so I think they suit each other.

Yudia doesn't know the true nature of my relationship with my brother. So, when she's around, we don't delve too deeply into each other's thoughts. It's a relief.

I introduced Yudia to Vil again.

"We've met at parties since we were little, so Yudia is like an old friend. Now, she's a very generous friend who buys the perfumes and beauty products I make."

"Yes, Sonia is a valuable and wonderful friend to me."

We laughed together, and Vil looked bewildered. Or rather, he seemed scared.

"So, the knight you brought back? Hmm. Sonia, you like this kind of man..."

"Are you relieved? He doesn't look much like Lord Sunny."

Yudia's cheeks turned red.

I know. Yudia has been in love with Lord Sunny since she was little. She was jealous of me, who was especially doted on by him.

When she heard I was coming back without marrying the prince, she must have been nervous, thinking I might steal her beloved husband.

I've been a one-sided rival since childhood, which was troublesome. But Yudia is proud and never bullied me. She regretted her inferiority to me and tried to surpass me by improving herself. She's a hard worker.

That's why I like her. I find it cute when someone works hard for the person they like.

My brother couldn't help but laugh.

"Haha, what a cute one. Even after becoming my wife, you still envy Sonia?"

"Hey, husband! Don't tease me. I don't think anything of it!"

Their relationship seems to be good.

I hope they are happy.

It would be reassuring if my brother were completely on my side, but that would mean betraying the royal family. Despite already betraying them to some extent... I can't ask for more.

I really don't want to get into a conflict with the Mistria royal family.

Unnecessary disputes will destroy the happiness I have now.

I want the best for myself, Coral, Phantom, the witches of Cucurujou, Lord Sunny, Yudia, and the people of Azurite.

Of course, that includes Vil. Really.

---

The return dragon carriage was filled with gifts. My brother prepared food and daily necessities, thinking we might need them. His thoughtfulness is impressive.

I took them without hesitation, so I need to return the favor next time.

"Hey, Vil. What did you talk about with my brother?"

My brother called a tailor to make us formal wear for a future ball. While I was being measured, my brother went to talk to Vil.

I think they were discussing something important.

Vil's behavior is strange. He avoids eye contact with me.

"Just... he just told me to serve you well."

"Really? Your eyes are wandering."

"R-really."

After replying with a pout, Vil hesitantly asked,

"Do you have... anyone else to confide in and rely on?"

"Are you worried about me?"

I'm surprised. I didn't think Vil had the capacity to care about others. Maybe I can tease him a bit more.

"N-no. But... I heard Aronia is an orphan. What about your father?"

I sighed softly.

"He died when I was a baby."

"Is that so... What about your father's relatives?"

"I don't think they exist. If they do, they're probably not normal. My father once worked as a male prostitute."

"What!?"

"Isn't that strange? Imagine the father of the prince's fiancée being a former male prostitute. He almost tainted the bloodline of the Mistria royal family."

To prevent that, my father was adopted by a noble family and given a decent status. But it was a formal relationship, and I never met that noble family. Now that my father is dead, the connection is severed.

"No, that's not it. A former male prostitute... is your father...?"

I didn't want to tell Vil this, but I can't keep it a secret. The village witch and my brother know about it.

"My father's name is Ambert. He was once a young man loved by Jebra."

I don't know how my mother and father met. But I can't imagine they loved each other.

In the past vision, my father seemed uninterested in me and my mother. He just lived a carefree life in Cucurujou. He was like a freeloader.

Vil held his head in his hands, looking exasperated.