I was greeted by Helios Perennus, the owner of the greenhouse garden located on the upper floor of the royal castle. He had a beautiful appearance that could rival that of his younger brother, with a mysterious look of silver hair and red eyes that could make one think he was born under the love of the goddess of beauty, Venus, rather than the main god, Styx, whom the Styx royal family should worship.
However…
“Go home.”
That was the first thing he said.
Sitting in his armchair, Helios frowned and didn’t even bother to hide his dislike for me.
I tried to keep some distance and engage in conversation with Helios, hoping to somehow get through to him.
“Um, Helios-sama, I—”
“If rumors spread that I met with Thanasios’ wife, it will be your problem.”
“No, I didn’t come here as Thanasios-sama’s wife.”
“Then what do you want?”
“I came here to talk to you, Helios-sama.”
Helios let out a big sigh. Was it that disappointing? Nevertheless, since I was asked by Thanasios, I will fulfill my duty as a conversation partner, if only to avoid being a freeloader. Yes, that’s what I’ll do.
“Do you always spend your time here?”
Helios turned his face away and opened his book, ignoring me.
“May I have some tea?”
He snorted and laughed through his nose. Although there were several teapots and some empty cups on the table for multiple people, it seemed that he had no intention of offering me any tea.
“Do you enjoy reading?”
“Shut up.”
His sharp voice cut through the air. Finally, Helios was angry with me.
With a grumpy gesture, Helios poured tea into a cup and roughly pushed it towards me.
“Go home after you drink it and tell Thanasios. It’s none of your business.”
Well, if he said that, I would be angry too.
I walked up to Helios and sat on a small chair meant for resting your feet. Then I drank the tea in one gulp. Unlike usual, I felt a little rebellious and spoke strongly.
“Perhaps you should tell him yourself.”
“I can’t leave from here. Are you telling me to waste time by calling Thanasios?”
“Your message would be more meaningful if you conveyed it yourself. I’m sure Thanasios-sama wouldn’t think it’s a waste of time.”
“Okay, you’re an idiot.”
“That’s true. After all, I was confined to a remote monastery for ten years since I was a child. I am ignorant of the world and have not received sufficient education. I am not suitable to be Thanasios-sama’s wife. But I am confident in myself.”
“What good does that do?”
I tried my best to explain, but Helios was completely exasperated with me. He was quite logical, unlike Thanasios, and always had a retort ready.
“Listen, you fool. I don’t sympathize with you. You are lucky enough to marry Thanasios, the most capable man on this continent. What is there to sympathize with? You are not like me, and you don’t even need to get close to me. Just go back and live surrounded by sweet treats and caring maids.”
“I understand what you’re saying, but I’m still not used to the simple meals here, and my stomach still gets upset. The doctor warned me not to eat too many sweets. The other day, I ate guiropita and had to take a laxative.”
“A laxative…you’re even more foolish than I thought.”
He didn’t have to call me foolish so many times. I was getting annoyed.
However, Helios didn’t insult Thanasios. He even said that Thanasios was the most capable man on the continent, so he must have some respect for him. He just had a twisted personality.
I began to understand the meaning behind Thanasios asking me to be Helios’ conversation partner. Thanasios must be at a loss with his twisted brother. First of all, Thanasios is too busy to have a face-to-face conversation, and Helios is unlikely to be open with his excellent younger brother.
But what can I do? No, I don’t have time to complain. I need to find something I can do.
Ignoring my determination, Helios tried to drive me out of the greenhouse garden like a dog or a cat.
“That’s enough, go home. We’ve talked enough today.”
“Then, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You don’t have to come anymore.”
“No, I will come. Even if you lock the door and prepare a guard, I will come. If necessary, I will bring the Lete Temple Knights and break through.”
“Stop it, you fool. What are you so obsessed about?”
“Thanasios-sama asked me to be the conversation partner of his beloved older brother! So, I will fulfill that request!”
I don’t know if Thanasios is Helios’ most beloved, but it’s certain that he values him enough not to ignore him.
Upon hearing this, Helios looked extremely displeased.
“…Ugh, I can’t stand playing along with this idiot. Leave!”
Helios snatched the cup from the table. I could sense that he had no intention of having any more tea.
Alright, I’ll leave it at that for today. I stood up from my chair, breathing heavily, and said firmly as if to emphasize it.
“Goodbye, Helios-sama. See you tomorrow.”
As I turned my back, I heard an obvious click of the tongue. Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow. I was filled with an inexplicable fighting spirit.