CH 64

Chapter 64: Alliance (7)

Asena quickly took turns looking at Cayden, Judy, Duke Ice, and her grandmother, then hurriedly sat down.

Unable to hide her expression, she leaned closer to her grandmother and began whispering.

"....Grandma, what are you saying?"

"....Hm? What are you talking about?"

"...Are you saying that Oppa is compatible with that woman? Why are you saying such things?"

"....Is there something about that child that I don't know..."

"No, it's not that..."

Asena chewed on her lips in frustration and spoke.

".....It's the Ice Family, Grandma. You always warned me to be cautious. And that Duke Ice, who belongs to such a family wants Oppa to marry into their family, how can we agree...!"

Even Keirsey, who was attentively listening to Asena and her grandmother's conversation, quickly spoke up.

"Grandma, what Unnie said is right. Are you planning to send my Oppa to the Ice Family? To enemy territory?"

".....It would be fine if that lady comes to our territory then..."

Upon hearing those words, Asena realized that her Grandma was seriously considering it to some extent.

She felt her heart being torn apart in an instant. It was the first time Cayden had become so close to another woman. It also meant that his departure from her side became more concrete.

If he were to disappear, all the happiness, love, warm words, and fun jokes she received from him would vanish. Even the kisses that gave her great strength at night would disappear.

Someone she had built a deep affection for over a long time would be distant in a single moment.

"....Grandma, they'd never get along." Asena trembled, suppressing her emotions, as she spoke. "Oppa and that woman, they don't match."

Keirsey whispered from the side as well. "I... I agree with what Unnie said. They’re… not compatible."

Liana calmly replied while looking at Cayden.

"I can't understand why you think they don't match when they both seem happy like that."

The twins followed Liana's gaze and looked at Judy and Cayden.

Cayden had casually put his arm around Judy's shoulder and was basking in the cheers from the commoners. Judy and Cayden were now exchanging smiles and laughter while looking at each other.

Asena felt her heart sink with a thud.

When Liana's words, Ice Duke's words, and Cayden's actions were combined, she began to feel anxious.

Cayden seemed to be standing at the edge of a cliff. With a little force, it felt like he would depart to a place she could no longer reach.

The overwhelming sense of fear made her nose twitch, and it felt like her eyes would turn red. Her toes and fingers went numb, and her legs lost their strength.

Liana continued:

"They seem to get along well. Their interests are also similar, aren't they? I cherish Cayden, but... looking at it objectively, it’s not a loss, right? The same goes for Judy Ice. Moreover, behind her, there is the formidable power of the Ice Family. It may be a rival family, but in the long-standing conflict, we might temporarily join forces. It may be just a facade... a temporary alliance, so to speak, but we still need peace, no matter how temporary."

Keirsey grabbed Liana's arm and hastily spoke.

"Grandma, you should also consider Oppa’s feelings. Ah... no matter how well the situation aligns, isn't that same as using him as a tool?"

"Keirsey, I keep telling you; They seem happy."

".........."

"In a situation where he doesn't hesitate to call upon a member of the Ice Family on the stage, how can your brother oppose this marriage?"

Asena's anger finally surfaced.

"...Grandma!"

"I know that you all care about Cayden a lot and that you still show caution towards the Ice Family, but sometimes… you need to broaden your perspective. And if you really think otherwise, then tell me; What kind of woman would be suitable for your brother?"

"......"

"......"

In response to Liana's words, Asena and Keirsey stiffened.

Liana urged the twins again, not simply passing over the question, “Well? tell me. In my eyes, I can’t see a more suitable girl than the lady of the Ice family, but I may change my mind after hearing your thoughts.”

Hearing that she might change her mind, the twins slowly began to voice their thoughts in their own ways.

Keirsey spoke first.

"...Oppa likes jokes, doesn't he? He would like someone fun. Someone with whom he can laugh together. Someone with a lot of aegyo... And, at least for a few years, they should have known each other. Nobles below the Marquis rank are not acceptable. An illegitimate child is absolutely not allowed. Neither a girl from an enemy family... It should be someone who suits him. The second child of a powerful family perhaps. She should know how to cook and feed him... and should drink tea together every night..."

"........Asena, what about you?"

Asena lowered her head and answered quietly.

"...Someone superior to me."

"What…?"

"...I can't accept someone with less power than me. Even if they are a little less attractive than me, it's not allowed. I can't give him to someone who loves my Oppa less than I do.”

Unbeknownst to themselves, the twins were explaining themselves. Keirsey was directly describing herself, and Asena, knowing that there was no one with both power and beauty superior to her, indirectly described herself.

Liana finally sighed and raised her hand.

"...Isn't it too unrealistic? I also wish I could find the kind of woman you described, but no one from another family sees Cayden as a suitable marriage partner. Well... Ah, maybe that could change from today…."

"......"

"Hmm… then, let’s say if there is a candidate among the girls that your brother likes, how about that? Would that be acceptable?"

"...yes?"

Asena gave a weak response.

"If your brother likes someone, you wouldn't have anything to say, would you?"

"........."

Asena imagined that scene for a moment…

That Cayden standing in front of her… Her Oppa, who had always been her support, was talking about another woman.

‘I want to be with this girl.’

He was leaving her and going to another woman.

Carrying all of his kindness, wit, and reliability, he was going to a place where she could no longer reach him.

She envisioned a future where all the words of warm love would be directed towards that woman, and she could only dream of it herself.

"...Grandma, stop talking about this now. I don't like it."

Keirsey spat. It seemed she had imagined that scene along with Asena, as her eyes were red.

"...I didn't know you would be so sad by this. After all, your brother will eventually have to get married."

"...Grandma..."

"I understand. Let's stop. Today is a day to celebrate your brother’s achievement."

Liana sighed. Then, she looked at Cayden with a vacant expression, and with a kind smile, she began to applaud.

And the twins stood beside her, unable to hide their expressions.

✧ ✧ ✧

Amidst the cheers and applause, Judy looked up at me.

I was holding her hand tightly, trying to instill courage in her, but she was terrified from the moment she stepped onto the stage.

It wasn't her usual personality; being in front of her father or her stepsiblings seemed to make her nervous.

"Ca...Cayden. Why did you call me here?"

At her question, I whispered close to her ear, trying to break through the loud cheers, but my efforts were somewhat overshadowed by the louder voices of those who seemed to find my actions amusing.

"We did this together, so,, of course, we should stand here together."

"You bore all the danger..."

"You saved me. And Judy, we are knights. When else will we earn our reputation and honor, if not now?"

“……”

I held Judy's trembling hand and lifted it. People laughed, applauded, and cheered at our sight.

Suddenly, I looked back. I wanted to see Duke Ice's expression. Why was Judy so nervous? I may not know, but she must have a reason, considering how difficult it must have been for her in the Ice family.

However, there was nothing I could discern by looking at Duke Ice. Instead, he had a faint smile. He didn't seem to hate Judy.

Right, Judy once said that her father was the only person she could comfortably write to.

I turned my head forward again and whispered to Judy.

"Judy, he’s watching you from behind and smiling."

"Huh...?"

"I mean, he seems to be happy to see your proud figure."

"You're... not mocking me, are you?"

I burst into laughter at her appearance.

"Judy, you've really become a completely different person, haven't you?"

"... …What?"

"Why are you so scared? You should enjoy today. Everyone is cheering for you."

Judy's eyes shifted down to the people who were crowded below, watching us.

Some children were jumping up and down in place, continuously thanking us.

Judy blinked as she watched those children.

"…we are being seen as nobles and heroes who put their lives in danger for the children of commoners. Of course... you and I can't claim to be proper nobles, but still, nobles are nobles."

"Cayden, as I said, you put your life in danger for that..."

"Stop it, Judy."

"Huh?"

"You were there with me. We saved the children together. You may feel uncomfortable, but I would like you to embrace these applauses with me."

Judy remained silent.

I smiled at her.

"You've always helped me. This time, it's my turn. We - people in a similar situation in their family - should stick together, right?"

Judy's stiffened hand gradually relaxed, and a small smile appeared on her face.

"And… straighten up your shoulders a bit. What will they think if you keep hunching over when your family notices? It’s sad to see."

Taking this opportunity, I expressed my regret.

"No..."

Judy started with an excuse as usual, but she didn't continue speaking, as I used my arm to straighten her posture and stood shoulder to shoulder with her.

"Ah!"

"Look at all these people. When will we ever receive this kind of love again?"

"..."

"Can you hear what they're saying?"

"..."

We both focused on the words they were shouting.

-"Get married!"

-"You look great together!"

-"For Pryster and Ice!"

And at the same time, we flinched and tensed up.

Suddenly, the arm I had around her felt heavy. It became awkward in an instant; it was difficult to find the right words.

Yet, even in this awkward situation, I tried to pass off the situation lightly and made a joke.

"....Should we do as they say?"

"........"

However, Judy didn't respond.

Her silence made me even more bewildered.

Contrary to the giggles I'd expected, as I teased and asked if we should do that, Judy only blushed with swaying eyes.

Could it be because there are people in front of us, or is it because our family is behind us that she's refraining from acting recklessly? I had forgotten that members of the Ice family had come, changing things significantly.

Oddly enough, my own cheeks started to turn red as well.

Finally, awkwardly removing my hand from her shoulder, I scratched my head.

Soon, the principal approached us from the side and spoke.

"Cayden Pryster. You can leave now. You know how to win people's hearts."

"Ah…thank you for your praise."

In response to his words, Judy and I waved our hands to the audience one last time and descended from the platform.

As soon as we descended from the platform, I noticed that the twins were standing in front of me.

Trying to forget about the situation with Judy, I forced an awkward smile and asked.

"Wasn't your Oppa cool?"

Keirsey gave a small smile at my question and asked.

"...Oppa, why is your cheek so red?"

"Huh?"

Although she was smiling, her voice sounded cold for some reason.