Chapter 76.2: Good Sister, Let Your Brother Give You a Hug! (2)

Chapter 76.2: Good Sister, Let Your Brother Give You a Hug! (2)

In a daze, the grand prince felt as though a cold knife was pressed against his throat.

He could not help but shudder as he looked at Edaline in surprise...

What's going on?

Did I say something wrong again?!

Edaline said indifferently, "I can help you ascend to the crystal throne, but you have to follow my arrangements."

"Fufu, I can't just listen to your arrangements completely. However... alright, if you have any suggestions, I'll be sure to consider them."

The grand prince wanted to put on a tougher front.

However, at the thought of his niece's apocalyptic combat strength... he gave up eventually.

...

Finally...

Edaline decided to take the grand prince with her to meet Rayne.

The grand prince asked, "Meet Rayne? Together?"

Edaline replied, "Yes."

The grand prince smiled. "I see. You want to express your stance through this method to let that lad understand his situation, right?"

That was about it.

Although she wanted to kick Rayne off the throne...

It would be meaningless if Rayne was killed because of that.

Therefore, Edaline decided to let Rayne know openly that she was backing the grand prince right now.

Presently, apart from Histia, Edaline was the strongest existence in the territory of Haines.

If she announced that she was on Edgeworth's side, Rayne would probably back off.

She had also heard that Rayne had been very close to Hela recently.

However, that was useless. Even Thea, Hela and Lilia combined were not a match for Edaline.

The mere fact that Edaline was going to support the grand prince had already determined Rayne's defeat in this political game.

Therefore, please give up.

She would let her stupid brother grit his teeth and curse her for betraying him before living out the rest of his ordinary and boring life peacefully.

After that decision...

A teleportation gate had already opened in front of the grand prince.

Edaline said, "Let's go."

The grand prince was stunned. "What's with the rush?"

Edaline said, "We'll do it while Hela is still around. That way, she can be reminded to behave herself in the future."

...

Rayne returned to the capital after settling the issue with the evil gods.

He decided to rest well in the capital for a few days.

After returning from the monastery, he felt that he was... a little tired.

Those monks would never know what was happening right under their noses in the past month amidst their sincere daily prayers and dedicated chanting of sutras.

Ah...

Right.

At this moment, Rayne suddenly recalled.

He had been out for more than a month and had yet to visit the Empress.

The Empress probably knew about everything that happened in the Desolate Tundra and Gold Village.

Rayne felt that his mother should have many questions for him right now.

Therefore, he made a move immediately, prepared to meet the Empress.

However, the moment he opened the door, he saw a dimensional rift that had just healed.

Two people appeared at his doorsteps.

It was the grand prince and... Edaline?

Rayne froze for a moment.

Rayne said, "Well, this is a protective amulet that I obtained from the lake giant in Remembrance Pure Land after cultivating for a month. Edaline, keep it safe. It should be useful in the future."

Edaline asked in disbelief, "Y-You even prepared... a gift for me?"

Rayne smiled, as though he could not understand why Edaline was so surprised.

He revealed a pleading expression. "This gift might not be that precious, but please promise me not to lose it, okay?"

"G-Got it..."

Edaline received the golden crystal in a daze. Right now, she could barely think!

W-What was the meaning of this?!

M-My brother...

Did my brother leave the capital for a month to pray and obtain this thing just for me?!

In order to get a protective amulet for me, he...

Edaline was extremely touched.

However, she tried her best to maintain her composure.

Right now, Edaline merely looked at Rayne expressionlessly, stiff as a block of wood.

Rayne looked at the grand prince and then at Edaline, asking in confusion, "Right, you're here with the grand prince because...?"

Edaline blurted, "I was just passing by. I have nothing to do with him!"

Rayne asked, "Is that so?"

Edaline replied, "Yes!"

Rayne smiled. "Alright then, Edaline. Have a good rest now that you're home. I have something on and will leave first. I'll visit you tomorrow."

Edaline said, "Yes, brothe—I mean, prince. Take care."

Rayne bid farewell to the grand prince politely before turning to leave.

Edaline's gaze followed Rayne as he departed.

For the longest time, she could not calm down.

Rayne...

He actually hugged me?

How many years had it been since he did something like this?!

Edaline could not understand why Rayne, who had always been in a cold war with her, would suddenly be so friendly today.

Furthermore...

He even gave her a gift.

Edaline was flustered and did not know what to do with the golden protective amulet given to her by her brother.

Eventually, she noticed the begrudging gaze of the grand prince.

At that moment, there was panic, confusion and resentment in the prince's eyes.

"Miss Edaline, can you explain what 'passing by' means?"

You were the one who suggested the plan to pay a visit to Rayne, wasn't it?!

"Erm... my bad..."

Edaline blushed and avoided the grand prince's resentful gaze.

"I... misspoke. It won't happen again."

The grand prince double-checked. "... For real?"

Edaline nodded awkwardly.

"Don't worry, I-I'll definitely let that guy u-understand his situation next time."

Rayne gave her a long-awaited hug and was so gentle to her...

However...

That cheap warmth was child's play for Edaline who was an Imperial Guard!

Edaline did not have time to engage in a game of playing house with this mortal brother of hers!

She was a cold-blooded and heartless Imperial Guard, one of the strongest demigods in the mortal world.

Right now, Edaline merely wanted to help her stupid brother out of a sense of responsibility towards her blood kin so that he could recognize reality.

Next time!

That's right, next time!

Edaline would definitely make Rayne give up on his greed for the crystal throne on his own accord!