I Became a Childhood Friend With the Villainous Saintess

215 – IF Side Story – I Really Wanted to Bless You

A cold wind blew into the office of the Grand Duke of Illencia.

… … It didn’t really mean that the wind was blowing.

Because Sirien hates the cold.

The windows and other openings through which the cold wind was blowing had already been closed.

Yet, in front of me, a cold wind colder than the winter wind was howling like a wild beast.

It was the result of the clash between Siren’s cold air and Therion’s roar.

“So, what I’m saying is, why are you going to such a remote place? What on earth can you do there? You’re going to feel bad for the people of Yeongji, so just leave right now.”

“What, what? Who do you think I am fooling now? I’m not that stupid! What those people need is a strong lord who can stop the monsters in the winter! I can do that much.”

“You’re probably the only one who thinks that way. If you’re just going to swing a sword, why don’t you become a knight instead of a lord?”

So, it was a fight between siblings.

It is the most vicious fight that has been going on since mankind first formed a family.

“I’m not a complete outsider anymore. I can handle simple administrative tasks.”

“Yeah, I guess you could. But why can’t you just do it the easy way? Why are you being so stubborn?”

“Stubborn! I just find the big estate burdensome… … ”

“It’s because of that kind of mindset that I’m even more opposed to it. Don’t you think a small territory would be easy to manage? Absolutely not.”

“… … .”

Well, since it has become a war of words, Sirien will win.

I decided to watch the two siblings fight from a distance.

Therion had recently declared independence and was preparing to split off.

If things go as planned, Therion will form a separate house, and that house will be treated as one of the collateral branches of Illencia.

Although the term ‘collateral line’ has become something of a squeamish thing among us, Therion is an exception.

Well, the concept of collateral damage itself isn’t a bad thing because people have committed sins.

Anyway, it was okay up to that point.

If that was what Therion meant, I could respect it fully.

The problem was Therion’s next destination.

Sirien suggested a fiefdom near the Archduke’s domain, but Therion seemed to have his mind set on a territory farther north.

The differences in opinions were not being resolved at all, so voices were gradually becoming louder.

Sometimes, sparks fly to me like this.

“Razen! You say something too. No matter what, Sirien ignores me too much.”

“Considering what you’ve done so far, wouldn’t it be right to just listen to Sirien?”

“Are you also taking Sirien’s side? I thought you would trust me!”

“What are you talking about? When it comes to using my brain, I do exactly what Sirien tells me to do. That’s better than me worrying about it for a hundred days. Isn’t it time for you to start noticing it, hyung?”

Lightly tossed back to Sirien.

I feel sorry for my brother, but now I too must think about the peace of my family.

I didn’t lie, so I hope you understand as a fellow man.

I wonder what I should do if people don’t understand.

Is this such a bad feeling?

But what if it’s bad… … Hmm. This won’t do.

Anyway, as I spent more time with Sirien, I had acquired a grasp of the ins and outs of politics.

When in doubt, stick to the strong side.

No matter what anyone says, the real power in this family was Sirien.

And the real power in the family was pleased by my words.

He laid down his threat firmly.

“Anyway, I can’t tolerate anything other than the West. And do you think I don’t know your intentions? Even if you go North, I have a way to handle everything, so don’t bother me.”

In fact, Therion’s true intentions were obvious.

Even if he were to branch off, he probably wouldn’t want to work under his younger sister, Sirien.

I have never had any regrets about becoming the head of the Illencia family, but it will feel different to go down there again.

It wasn’t necessarily a bad idea.

Therion has already made quite a few concessions.

He didn’t even show the slightest desire for the position of successor to Illencia.

Rather, Sirien has conducted herself amazingly well while taking over the family line, ensuring that it remains unblemished.

But like Sirien and me, Therion is now old enough to start a family.

You want to hold your head up high in front of the person you love, and you don’t want to feel intimidated in front of us.

They are afraid that if they fail and start asking for help from us, their equal relationship will be ruined.

Even though we can’t afford to neglect Therion, this is a matter of the heart.

“Brother. You know I don’t mean to be bad.”

“That… … I know that very well. In fact, what you said is true. If I go through this alone, I might fail, but if you help me, it will definitely go smoothly.”

Conversely, Sirien’s concerns were also justified.

Illencia is currently enjoying its heyday.

Even if Therion escapes to the collateral line, the fact that he is Sirien’s blood relative will not change.

No matter how much my brother wants to live in peace, those around him will not leave him alone.

So we needed to be the umbrella.

Sirien seemed to be thinking of sending someone to help manage the estate… …but she seemed determined to break it.

“I can’t rely on you all the time. I might fail, and things might get tough. But it’s still my failure. Can’t I try?”

“Haa… … I understand. But the North won’t do. I’ll only provide as much support as you ask me to, so take a seat in the West. At least within my reach.”

“I will do that.”

“Okay, then. When are you going to have the wedding? I’d like to help you with that.”

Therion’s body stiffened at Sirien’s words.

It makes sense since Hyung was bad at hiding his emotions to begin with, but for a moment, even Henna’s gaze flinched.

“What? You haven’t been here yet? I thought you were going to become independent, so I came.”

“Th, what are you talking about… little brother.”

“What are you talking about? It’s obvious. It’d be hard to confess to Hena with Illencia as my last name… … ”

“Ugh, ugh, ugh!”

Henna, who was standing across from me, looked around.

Fortunately, there were only four of us in this room. Henna’s pupils fluttered wildly as if wondering what was going on.

It seemed like those two weren’t really there yet.

The corners of Sirien’s lips curved into a line.

What is the most fun thing in the world?

Some say it’s like watching a fire or watching a fight, but watching love is also particularly fun.

Especially the taste of teasing a love that is still young and tender. And the target of that love is her own older brother!

Happiness exploded before Sirien’s eyes.

Me too… … I wasn’t that different.

“I’m sorry about this. I didn’t know it was still a secret. What should I do, Rajen? I think this is my fault.”

“That’s right. I should have been careful. I thought you had already confessed since you’ve been acting so obvious lately! But it seems like there’s no one in the castle who doesn’t know you since the moment you declared separation! But still, you never know.”

“I’m sorry, Oppa. I thought you two had already promised each other a future together. Should I pretend not to know you again now? Why, you asked the maid a while ago to find a gift that Hannah would like. Oh! Was that a secret too?”

“You… … you, you!”

“Phew, phew. Ahahahaha… … !”

Henna turned red all the way to the nape of her neck.

Therion’s words were not formed into words, and Sirien laughed out loud, a rare occurrence.

I also couldn’t hold back my laughter and burst out laughing.

Still, my brother made a manly choice.

“Eight! This is invalid! Forget it all! I’ll confess properly next time, Henna! Look forward to it!”

“Huhh …

* * *

Eventually, the couple got married.

It was a lush green May. The day after Terrion became Baron Remias.

Sirien gave the place where we got married to the two of us.

Amidst the clear sound of bells and the blessings of the guests, a couple was born.

Henna had been crying a lot since receiving the confession, and it seemed like she cried a little today too.

He said he couldn’t do that – he swore he wouldn’t have such dreams.

Henna, who had cried and refused the confession, gave in to Therion’s persistent courtship.

I knew how heavy the determination Henna had been holding, so I applauded a little more enthusiastically.

– It may not be possible, but love doesn’t have to be tied to be beautiful.

– I will cherish my heart. I will also cherish the pain that I will have to bear someday.

One day, something Henna had said in the cabin flashed through my memory.

A love that was cherished even while giving up on its fulfillment. That is why it felt even more sorrowful and beautiful.

Sirien held Henna’s hand as she trembled as if she still couldn’t believe it.

“Are you scared that you might cry? It would be embarrassing if you cried at the wedding hall.”

“Oh, how did you know?”

“I was like that too. But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime wedding. Wouldn’t it be much more enjoyable to remember it with a smile rather than crying?”

Henna nodded.

It was my job to inspire Therion.

“Brother. If you make a mistake here, you’ll be teased for the rest of your life. Sirien will tease you until you go to the grave. Henna might pretend to be okay, but she might scratch you every now and then whenever she thinks about it.”

“Didn’t you come here to help me?”

“I’m helping you. I’m just saying let’s do our best.”

“Something seems strange… … .”

He patted me on the back to tell me to straighten my shoulders.

But he’s the type that does it when he has to.

Therion attended the wedding in a manly manner, and also in a dignified manner, as befitting our eldest son.

In front of the priest, a man and a woman swore their love.

The sunlight dazzled the kiss between the two.