Your Regrets Are Late

It was 4 years later.

Recently, Luensir devised a luxury tax to stabilize the lives of the people of the empire. The policy had such a huge impact that the expression ‘Genius’ couldn’t describe him precisely anymore. As a result, he was hailed as the prince who would continue the reputation of Elizabeth VI. Charteron was also proud of Luensir.

About two years ago, Luensir hoped to enter the Rosielt Academy. However, it was put on hold due to Charelize’s dissuasion, who told him to think about it one more time, saying he would have to live in a foreign country. Charteron burst into tears, saying that she would go with him. Also, with the birth of her youngest sister that winter, Luensir chose to spend more time with his family. Charteron threw a tantrum because she didn’t want to be separated from Luensir but later felt sorry.

Due to the age-restricted education policy of Rosielt Academy, Luensir’s wish to live the same life as his mother was shattered. Even though he didn’t show it, Charteron vividly remembered how happy Luensir was when he visited the Rosielt Academy while visiting the Peschte Empire. In addition, compared to Luensir, who wanted to enroll in the Political Science Faculty and become Duke Marsetta in the future, Charteron hadn’t yet decided what to do.

After their eighth birthday banquet, where they received brooches made of ‘Psyche’s tears’ given by Empress Dowager Lireet, rumors about the twins’ curse gradually disappeared. However, this time, there was a rumor going around comparing Luensir and Charteron. Unfortunately, that coincided with this time, leading to a sense of regret and decreased self-esteem for being unable to do what she wanted.

“Our Rere. Where is the uncomfortable? Huh?”

“

.”

Charelize, who was caring for Karena, was surprised to see Charteron’s gloomy expression, even refusing the chocolate cake in front of her.

“…Charon?”

“Ah… you called me, Your Majesty Mother.”

“

Baby, is something wrong? Should I ask to bring another snack?”

“…Something wrong? No, I’m okay.”

She was worried because Charteron’s facial expression didn’t improve at all.

“Hailey.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Go tell the nanny to put the princess down for a nap. She rarely sleeps in the early morning, so she will fall asleep quickly. Just in case, let the nanny stay next to her.”

“I understand.”

She had no choice but to hand Karena over to Hailey, then went and sat down next to Charteron.

“Blonde hair…”

Charelize didn’t pass up Charteron’s mumbling in vain as she looked at Karena’s hair. Contemplating what to say, she tried to approach cautiously, but Charteron opened her mouth first.

“Your Majesty Mother.”

“Yes?”

“Lur is truly amazing.”

Recognizing that it wasn’t just a compliment, Charelize first asked why. “Can you tell me why you thought that?”

“It’s just… He’s different from me.”

It wasn’t just Luensir that made Charteron think like this. Both her mother and father were top graduates of Rosielt Academy. Even more, her mother was outstanding enough to be recognized as the little duchess at her coming-of-age ceremony.

She didn’t have the dark blonde hair symbolizing the imperial family like Luensir and Karena. Additionally, Karena appeared to resemble Arensis’s eyes. Looking closely, you will see Karena looked like Empress Elizabeth VI.

Even though Charteron didn’t dislike her hair color, which resembled her father’s, there was nothing particularly distinct about her as a member of the imperial family of the Elioter Empire. She envied Luensir, who was perfect in every way.

“…Baby.”

“I don’t even know why I’m like this. I like Lur… As time passes, the gap widens, so I feel strange…”

Eventually, Charteron looked at Charelize and cried.

“Baby, everyone has something they’re good at. Everyone is born different, so it’s natural. It’s not strange.”

“Still… Lur is my twin.”

“Charon.”

“I want to be perfect like Lur!”

Charteron, who had left those words, ran outside without a moment to stop her.

“Charon!” Charelize hurriedly followed her, but Charteron had already disappeared.

* * *

After leaving the office, Charteron went to the Garden of Light to ride on the swing hanging from the tree. She soon regretted yelling at her mother. She needed to apologize but couldn’t bring herself. So, she just kicked senselessly and took out her anger on the ground.

At that moment, the swing moved on its own.

“Lur?”

Surprised, she looked back, and Luensir, whose eyes were squinted by the sun, was pushing it.

“It’s so hot, but what are you doing outside?”

“…Just.”

“Charon, why are you in a bad mood?”

“…Is it obvious?”

“Very.”

Charteron slightly opened her mouth and looked at the sky. “You know, Lur.”

“I’m listening. Say it.”

“Isn’t the succession class difficult? Do you have to become a duke when you can’t even sleep properly?”

These days, Luensir spent most of his days at Duchy Marsetta. Unlike in the old days when they slept in the same bed, they now lived independently in a different palace. Perhaps because they didn’t face each other often, the time they had to talk was noticeably reduced. Charteron tried to hide her emotions, but her questions showed her disappointment.

“I’m trying to protect you.”

“…Who will protect who? Do you value me that much? Then, if I were to ask you to give up the succession, would you do that?”

“Yes. You want me to do that?”

Charteron was rather annoyed by Luensir, who answered without hesitation.

“Fool. You work so hard to become Duke Marsetta. So why… just because of my words…”

“Then you can become the crown princess. I will become the duke and help you.”

“I… don’t have any symbols of the imperial family, so becoming the crown princess…”

“Why do you think like that? Aunt Veloche was also first in line to the throne. Although she has now given up that power. In some cases, people became emperors without it, and many children of past emperors didn’t have it.”

Luensir’s consolation, which would normally have been sweet, was bitter today.

“I’m not particularly good at anything and far behind compared to others.”

“Who dared say such a thing to you?”

The sight of Luensir speaking in a low voice made Charteron burst into laughter.

“If you know, you will do something to them?”

“Of course.”

Again, this time, the answer came out immediately.

“…You don’t know.”

“Yes, I don’t know. Because you’re not telling me.”

“…”

“Charon, it’s good to compete with someone. Because it helps both sides.”

“…”

“But don’t compare. It makes you constantly unhappy.”

Charteron, who sprang up from the swing, clenched her fist. “You are… perfect in every way, unlike me, so you can say that. I’m not like you…!”

“…I envy you too.”

“…What?”

“I’m not very close to the people I see often.”

“…”

“Did you know that you have such a good personality that you treat people kindly, even to people you don’t know? But I’m uncomfortable being around people other than my family.”

“…”

“Even when His Majesty taught me magic, I couldn’t even do a simple magic to levitate an object. No matter how much I practiced, I couldn’t do it… But you did it in one day.”

“That’s…”

“Do you know why I memorized so much theory? That was the first time I felt helpless.”

Charteron couldn’t easily reply to Luensir’s words. He seemed to be spewing out what he truly felt, not something he was making up.

“Also, you always save your money without spending much and secretly donate it.”

“…If you tell Martin what you need, she will give it to you.”

“I can’t do that like you. It’s not that I don’t like doing good deeds. It’s just that I don’t like the things I used to be given to others. Because of that,  I was told last time that I was sensitive.”

“…”

“No matter how hard I try, my bad personality cannot be corrected, and I don’t want to do that anymore. I’m already tired but don’t want to worry about such things.”

“…

what the.” Charteron bent over and scribbled on the ground.

“Do you still think you’re not better than me?”

“…”

“You really don’t know? Only you can call me Lur. Even Her Majesty and His Majesty call me by name or Luen these days. I don’t really like that childish nickname, but I only allow you.”

“Lur, you…”

Charteron was surprised to learn that the seemingly feisty Luensir was actually nervous. Even though he pretended not to, she could feel his tone of voice shaking.

“Charon, you’re my precious younger sister and my lifelong friend.”

“…I know.”

“Have confidence. Don’t compare yourself to others. What’s the point of knowing someone else’s life so well? It’s not like you’re going to live for them.”

Charteron, who looked like she was about to cry at Luensir’s words, bit her lips.

“Charteron.”

“…”

“Her Majesty Mother, His Majesty Father, Karena, and I love you just the way you’re. No matter what choice you make or where you are. I’m always on your side.”

“My side…”

“So, Charon. Don’t worry about what others think. I hope you find what you really want to do and be happy.”

“Lur!”

In the end, Charteron shed tears she had been holding back at his last words.

“It’s okay to cry. Don’t hold back.”

“You’re such a fool!”

“That’s right.”

“Don’t answer right away. You too, cherish your dreams a little more. Don’t do it to protect me!”

“I’ll try.”

“If you said it again… that you’re giving up. I’ll pull out every strand of your hair.”

While being held in Luensir’s arms, Charteron expressed her sadness for a long time.