"Sung Yujin, you're attending the banquet."
It was Kyle. Dressed as impeccably as I was, he approached me with a smile.
"I've been feeling much better lately, so I thought I'd enjoy the banquet. But Brother Kyle, you've never been fond of these gatherings, have you?"
Kyle wasn't one for banquets.
"This banquet is for Father. As his son, I couldn't possibly miss it."
"If you put it that way, what does that make me, who's skipped every banquet until now?"
"Ah, sorry. You have a heart condition, so it couldn't be helped. Everyone understands the family, the retainers, everyone."
As Kyle spoke, he glanced around, as if searching for someone.
"Sung Yujin, where's Yuria? I assumed she'd be with you, since she's your personal maid..."
"Why are you looking for Yuria? Do you perhaps have feelings for her?"
"No, it's not like that. You have a heart condition, don't you? I naturally assumed Yuria would be with you."
Kyle seemed strangely flustered.
Seeing his reaction, I realized Kyle was concerned about Yuria. I couldn't yet be certain of the exact nature of his feelings, but I understood.
Currently, Yuria was immensely popular within the mansion. She received marriage proposals not only from the butlers but also from nobles who occasionally visited, even those who were already married. That was how beautiful Yuria was.
Indeed... Yuria is exactly the type Kyle would be drawn to.
Of course, this alone didn't prove that Kyle had fallen for Yuria.
"Yuria is working in the kitchen. More than half of the dishes we'll be serving to our guests today were made by her."
I deliberately sent Yuria to the kitchen.
The food was indeed one of the reasons. I planned to showcase modern cuisine and emphasize that I had developed it myself.
The moment one of the dishes satisfied their palates and left a lasting impression, they would remember my name. I needed to make my presence known to them, even if only through this method.
Moreover, keeping Yuria around would inevitably attract unwanted attention from men, and politely rejecting them would be a hassle.
But most importantly...
There's an heir from the Helbrit family among today's guests.
Yuria and he would be half-siblings. Since Yuria's silver-blue hair and blue eyes are characteristic of the Helbrit family, there's a chance he might sense something unusual when he sees her.
"So, will there be dumplings among today's dishes?"
"You mean the dish Brother Kyle taught you? Yes, they're included."
"Really? I should go check."
Kyle's face brightened. The dumplings were a dish I had made after asking Kyle about them a measure to avoid his unnecessary suspicions.
"Lord Kyle! You're here!"
A slightly husky female voice called out. Kyle's expression froze instantly.
A woman with rosy lips approached us with quick steps. She was a noble lady wearing a pale pink dress, her face toad-like with acne on her cheeks, and her figure rather plump.
"Oh my. Young Master Sung Yujin is here too. It's been a while."
I greeted her with a bright smile.
"Yes, it's been a while, Sister Berien."
Berien Flavit.
She was the daughter of Marquis Flavit, the owner of the Flavit Magic Tower, which produced the kingdom's finest wines.
The Flavit family ranked among the ten wealthiest in the kingdom, surpassing even Count Prucus's House in financial power.
And she was Kyle's fiancee.
Kyle hated her, didn't he? ...Hmm. Maybe "disliked" is a better word?
There was no particular reason for his aversion. Like any man, Kyle was drawn to beautiful women.
In the original story, it was revealed that the Flavit family had made a pact with demons, leading to the execution of all direct descendants.
The evidence was so overwhelming that Kyle couldn't intervene, even if he wanted to.
Couldn't intervene? Bullshit.
He was the type to rush to a heroine's rescue without a second thought when she was in danger...
Kyle awkwardly interacted with Barien, who beamed brightly and actively pursued him, showing no hesitation in initiating physical contact.
I quietly observed their behavior.
Apart from her face, Barien had no flaws. In fact, she had a good personality and came from an incredibly prestigious family.
Of course, she was about a million light-years away from my tastes, so I'd never get hard for her. I wouldn't even fuck her if she offered.
Heh heh. It didn't work out in the original story, but... I should step in and help this woman.
In return, I'll fuck all of Kyle's heroines.
"Wait a moment, Miss Flavit."
"Kyle-nim, there's no need to be so formal. We're engaged, aren't we? Just call me Barien. Go on."
"...Barien. I was in the middle of a conversation with Sung Yujin. Please step aside for now, and we can talk later..."
I cut in, not letting them use me as an excuse.
"I'm fine. Since I'm staying at the mansion, I can talk to Brother Kyle anytime. But Sister Berien doesn't get to see him often, does she? Why not take this opportunity to talk as much as you like?"
"Young Master Sung Yujin, you've matured so much since I last saw you."
"I can't stay a child forever. Oh, you two when's the wedding?"
"I'd marry her right now if I could. But with the political considerations of both families... it keeps getting postponed."
"...Ah. Ha ha. It'll happen when the time is right, I suppose."
Kyle forced an awkward smile.
Fortunately for Kyle, the marriage was being delayed for political reasons or rather, actively obstructed. If the Prucus and Flavit families were united, both houses would gain significant power.
Kyle's lack of interest in marriage also played a part. Ention was surprisingly tolerant of marriage and romance.
"Then, you two, enjoy your time together."
I moved away from them and headed to find Gent.
"Brother Gent!"
"Oh! Sung Yujin! I heard you invented this 'chocolate' thing? It's absolutely delicious!"
Gent was my brother, twelve years my senior. Contrary to his appearance, he had a sweet tooth for desserts.
"Yes, inquiries about chocolate have been pouring in non-stop lately."
"No wonder, with a taste this exceptional. You're a great blessing to the Prucus Family, little brother.
Help me out later. With our combined strength, we can bring the Prucus Family to its greatest golden age."
"If there's anything I can do... I'll do my utmost to assist you, Brother."
These were empty words. Once Gent no longer needed me, he would have me assassinated without hesitation. He lacked the gullibility of Kyle.
"Hahaha! Just hearing those words makes me feel secure."
Gent clapped me on the shoulder.
Gent was showing me favor because I lacked any talent with the sword, we were full-blooded brothers born of the same mother, and I had a congenital heart condition. From his perspective, I posed no threat.
"I saw you talking with Kyle earlier. What did you discuss?"
He clearly viewed Kyle as a rival.
"Nothing significant. Just that the dishes I developed today would be served."
"I've tried your cooking myself. It was delicious. The braised short ribs were particularly outstanding."
Gent glanced toward one side of the banquet hall, where tables and chairs were arranged for dining.
The dishes, especially those rumored to have been developed by me, were remarkably popular, as if word had spread.
"Miss Flavit seems quite fond of Kyle."
"He's Brother Kyle's fiancee, after all."
"Tsk. Sung Yujin, just because they're engaged doesn't mean they'll actually marry."
Gent clicked his tongue, despite being married to his own fiancee.
His real issue wasn't with Flavit herself, but with the potential power the Flavit family might grant Kyle, which would disadvantage him in the succession race.
"Wouldn't it be better for Brother Kyle to marry soon?"
"Sung Yujin, marrying early isn't always a good thing. Remember that."
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. But if Brother Kyle gets married, won't he become the heir to the Flavit family?"
"The Flavit family has a legitimate eldest son, so that won't happen."
"Hmm. I see."
Fortunately for Kyle, Gent opposes his marriage to Barien.
Well, I can deal with that later. For now... let's stir up some trouble. Heh heh.
Gent isn't as magnanimous as Kyle. While Kyle can shrug off insults, Gent always punishes or retaliates against those who insult him.
"Brother Gent, I heard Brother Kyle is about to become an Aura Expert. Did you know?"
"What?! Kyle's already becoming an Expert?!"
Despite his surprised tone, his voice was remarkably soft, as if he were conscious of his surroundings. If this news got out, Kyle's reputation would skyrocket.
"There's no proof, Brother Gent. It's just something I've been thinking about lately while observing Brother Kyle."
"...Sung Yujin. You shouldn't make such claims lightly. Nor should you spread such rumors carelessly. Have you told anyone else?"
"You're the first, Brother Gent. I'm sorry. I won't tell anyone else."
"... ..."
When I fell silent, Gent frowned.
"...Sung Yujin. Tell me only. What do you mean by saying Kyle will become an Aura Expert?"
"I've been getting close to the Plum Knights lately."
"The Plum Knights...? Ah, that commoner-born knight order."
"Yes, they're knights of exceptional skill."
"Exceptional skill? Hah. ...Never mind. Continue."
"As a member of the Prucus Family, I've been training in swordsmanship, though I have absolutely no talent for it. But even I can recognize true skill.
There's a knight who recently became an Aura Expert... the aura he exudes is remarkably similar to Brother Kyle's."
"Ha ha. Is that all?"
"I even asked Brother Kyle directly. He said confidently that he feels he'll break through the wall soon."
Gent's face stiffened at my words. He asked in a low voice, "...Kyle really said that?"
Gent is also a brother. He knows Kyle isn't one to make empty boasts. If Kyle says he'll break through the wall soon, it means he truly will.
"Yes, that's exactly what he said," I replied with a smile.
Kyle had indeed said those words when I asked him last time. Even if it were a complete lie, Gent's personality meant he would never bother to confirm it with Kyle.
"...Kyle is 17 this year, right?" Gent asked.
"Yes. If Brother Kyle becomes an Aura Expert, he'll be the youngest person in the kingdom to achieve that rank. It would likely be an unprecedented record, wouldn't it?"
Well, assuming Yuria's record doesn't exist, that is.
"..."
Gent's expression turned serious.
In this world, people adore heroes. Tales of heroic legends and stories are common. People crave and idolize heroes.
A peerless genius who reached the rank of Aura Expert at the age of 17? That's practically the opening chapter of a heroic saga.
If this fact became known, more retainers would support Kyle. That's exactly what happened in the original story.
"Ah, right. Brother Kyle isn't usually fond of banquets. Do you know why he's attending this one?"
"...What is it?"
"He said it's for Father. He can't possibly miss it as his son."
"...Is that so?"
To an ordinary listener, Kyle would seem like a devoted son. But Gent might interpret it differently. For example, he might see it as Kyle subtly showcasing his abilities to Ention.
People are inherently self-centered, so they tend to see those they dislike in a negative light, no matter what.
Even if a bastard like Kyle does something good, it's always perceived as having ulterior motives. It's a kind of prejudice.
And they say a bastard only sees other bastards.
I didn't think this alone would make Gent act. He would likely become even more wary of Kyle and prepare more thoroughly to bring him down. The more he did, the more intense their conflict would become.
Tap, tap.
Footsteps approached. Someone was coming toward us. Gent and I turned our heads in the direction of the sound.
Four men stood there. At the center was a strikingly handsome man with silver-blue hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Prince Gent, it's been a while. Your exploits at Utren Castle have reached even the royal palace."
"Prince Helios, as elegant as ever. Ah, this is my younger brother, Sung Yujin."
He turned to look at me.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Sung Yujin. I am Helios Helbrit, son of Duke Makellos Helbrit."