Chapter 264

Why is Brother here? (8)

* * *

Aristine shrank back, feeling people’s gazes directed at her.

She had always received stares, but today, they felt especially heated.

‘Ah, this is so embarrassing.’

She never thought that Tarkan’s barracks would appear in the newspaper.

‘Who even took that photo?’

Her bed being broken on the first night already made headlines, so you might wonder why she was so affected by this one.

‘But then and now are different...’

Although they hadn’t officially announced her pregnancy, her face felt hot to simply imagine the rumors that might spread after this.

‘It’s not my fault that the tent collapsed!’

And Tarkan even said that it was always like that.

“Don’t walk too fast.”

As her pace quickened due to the embarrassment, Launelian, who was supporting Aristine by her side, spoke up.

“It’s not so bad that you need to support me this much.”Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

“Even being ultra careful isn’t enough.” Launelian said firmly and looked at Aristine. “I knew it; it would be better if big brother carries—.”

“Let’s go quickly.”

Aristine pretended not to hear and continued walking.

Launelian followed her, looking sullen.

They were on their way to having an audience with Nephther.

“...Your relationship with Prince Tarkan seems better than I expected.”

Launelian said after a brief lapse of silence.

He thought Aristine would certainly be mistreated. Even in Silvanus, it was said that the emperor practically drove Aristine to her death.

Because of that, he rushed to save his little sister as quickly as possible, but the real situation was different from what he thought.

“I told you, he treats me well.”

“Rineh, do you like him?”

Aristine came to a stop at that question and turned at Launelian.

Seeing the look on her face, Launelian laughed. “You are all grown up, my little sister.”

His laugh was tinged with a hint of pride and regret.

“But won’t it be better to go back to Silvanus? Think of your body.”

They would have such a good talk.

Launelian smiled inwardly.

The bastard who dared to steal his sister’s heart needed to pay a suitable price.

* * *

“Our Rineh is here.”

Nephther was beaming with smiles as he greeted Aristine.

He was already fond of Aristine, but today, he was especially happy with her.

‘He must be satisfied since I successfully completed my work on the demonic beast plains.’

The situation was parallel to that a General who returned after distinguishing themselves in war.

Aristine returned the smile and greeted him back.

“Royal father, I have returned after completing my work at the demonic beast plains. I apologize for the delay in my report as I was recovering from the travel.”

“Hm? Oh, right.”

Nephther nodded as if he just remembered.

Aristine tilted her head. Wasn’t that why he was so welcoming?

“I’ve already received the report you sent so there’s no need to come in person. Your body must feel heavy as it is. Come, come, have a seat.”

Nephther rose from his seat and helped Aristine with his own hands.

Seeing that, Aristine realized.

‘Ah, he must have heard about the pregnancy.’

It came as no surprise that such news had entered the ears of the King.

When Nephther took Aristine’s arm, Launelian, who had been supporting Aristine, narrowed his eyes sharply.

He tightened his grip around his sister’s shoulder.

Nephther didn’t back down either.

He smiled and tried to quietly shake off Launelian’s arm.

Crackle.

Bright lightning seemed to flash between the two of them.

“...”

Aristine smiled tiredly as his arms were captured on both sides.

Why were they acting like this?

It might be the era of peace, but the battle of pride between nations still existed. Was this how friction between nations was fought?

‘Do as you like but leave me out of it.’