I Accidentally Saved The Male Lead’s Brother Chapter 153

Jake’s expression froze in disbelief. Though Isaac’s reaction was more subdued, his clenched jaw and stiff posture betrayed his unease.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, and Charlotte immediately regretted her harsh words.

‘I went too far.’

In her determination to reject their involvement, her words had come out sharper than intended.

Before she could offer an apology, Jake’s trembling voice broke the silence.

“How… how could you say that to us?”

A glint of something wet caught the sunlight near his eyes. Charlotte stared, unsure if he was actually tearing up.

“This has nothing to do with us? Do you know what you’re saying? This is dangerous for you!”

“Jake, that’s not what I meant—”

“Do you think just because you’re engaged to the Duke, you’re no longer a part of this family? You’re still our parents’ daughter, and you’ll always be our sister!”

Throughout the argument, Isaac remained silent, his arms crossed as he watched Charlotte. His expression was calm, but she knew better. Isaac’s quiet demeanor often masked a burning anger.

“I know, Jake. You don’t have to tell me I’m still your sister and part of the Lannia family,” Charlotte said.

“Then why—”

“Because I don’t want you two to get hurt!”

Isaac, who had been observing quietly, finally raised a hand to stop Jake from saying more. He turned his gaze back to Charlotte and delivered his conclusion calmly.

“I understand. If that’s what you want, we’ll respect your decision.”

“Isaac!”

Jake protested, but Isaac silenced him with a sharp glance.

“This is, as you said, a matter for the Heinst family. We won’t interfere.”

“Isaac, you can’t be serious! Charlotte could be in danger!”

Isaac’s narrowed eyes silenced Jake once more.

“Even so, we can’t stand idly by while you’re in the middle of this,” he said, turning to Charlotte. “We’ll remain outside the estate, ready to act. If something happens, we’ll ensure your safety.”

The tone in his voice left no room for argument. If Charlotte tried to refuse even this, he seemed prepared to oppose the engagement entirely.

Instead of feeling troubled, Carlotte was deeply moved.

‘They truly care for me.’

Her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She sniffled, trying to hold back her emotions, and nodded.

“Okay. I won’t stop you from doing that. Thank you.”

“Goodness, why are you crying? Come here. It’s been a while since your brother hugged you.”

Jake grumbled, but he opened his arms wide, trying to act nonchalant. He didn’t seem to realize his own eyes were red.

Charlotte gave him a half-hearted glare before giving in and stepping into his awkward embrace.

It had been so long since Jake had last hugged her. His arms hesitated, unsure where to rest, and he fumbled uncomfortably.

Despite his stiffness, Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh. It was her first time experiencing such a brotherly hug since taking over this body, and while it was clumsy, it felt warm and comforting.

Jake eventually figured out where to place his hands and gently patted the back of her head. It wasn’t quite a soothing gesture, but it was endearing in its sincerity.

“Don’t worry too much. Everything will work out. I’ll explain things to Mom and Dad.”

“Thank you, Jake.”

“Good. As long as you understand.”

True to form, Jake’s words still carried a gruffness that made Charlotte laugh again.

***

The following morning, Teresa prepared to leave the Heinst estate. Before her departure, she visited Charlotte in the early hours of the morning.

“How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” Charlotte replied.

“That’s good to hear.”

Despite her words, Teresa seemed unconvinced. She took Charlotte’s hand and bestowed another blessing, her touch warm and soothing.

“I heard the situation is nearing its resolution. They told me the troubles surrounding you and young master Theo will soon come to an end.”

“Yes,” Charlotte said quietly.

“I wish I could stay until your engagement party, but I can’t leave the main temple unattended any longer. As the high priestess, I also can’t get too deeply involved in personal matters. I’m sorry.”

Charlotte clasped Teresa’s hand tightly and shook her head.

“Please don’t apologize. You’ve already done so much for us. I’m the one who’s grateful.”

Teresa smiled faintly, her kind expression softening further.

“I’ve only done what I’m supposed to as a servant of the divine.”

She cleared her throat and paused before continuing.

“Please try not to use your powers. I’m working on finding a more permanent solution, but I haven’t found one yet.”

“I understand.”

“But I suspect you won’t listen to me,” Teresa added knowingly.

Charlotte couldn’t argue.

Their opponent, Lionel Wisner, was likely a Rositto. While Carcel was also a Rositto, his magic had been sealed for so long that he hadn’t mastered its use.

Though a formidable knight, Charlotte doubted Carcel could handle someone like Lionel in a one-on-one confrontation.

In such a case, the only option might be for her to step in and disrupt Lionel’s magic, just as she had at the tournament.

Teresa sighed softly, shaking her head.

“You don’t seem like someone who’s stubborn at first glance, but you’re surprisingly headstrong. I’ve warned you countless times that using your powers could put your life in danger.”

“…”

“But that’s why I like you,” Teresa admitted with a small smile. She released Charlotte’s hand and stood.

“If you end up using your powers and something happens, call for me immediately.”

“I will,” Charlotte promised without hesitation.

A few hours later, Teresa departed in a white carriage.

Charlotte stood watching until the carriage disappeared from view. When she could no longer see it, Carcel gently took her hand.

“Charlotte,” he said softly.

“Yes?”

“If anything happens to you after the engagement ceremony…”

He trailed off, his grip on her hand tightening.

Charlotte smiled faintly, brushing her free hand over the veins in his tense hand.

“If it happens,” she said, “then call Teresa.”

With a playful tap on the back of his hand, she turned and walked into the estate.

Carcel remained where he stood, watching her retreating figure.

Deep in thought, he finally followed her inside. His expression had turned cold, so much so that the servants avoided him, trembling in unease.

****

Randru arrived at the capital, bowing respectfully before Carcel.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace. I trust you’ve been well?”

“You lied to me.”

Carcel’s sharp words cut through the formalities, skipping pleasantries entirely.

Despite the accusation, Randru remained composed.

“I’m not sure what you mean, Your Grace,” he replied calmly.

But his composure faltered the moment Carcel uttered a single name.

“Edgar Heinst.”

“W-What…?”

Carcel stepped closer, his presence radiating menace.

“How long did you think you could keep it from me?”

His voice was rough, almost feral, as if barely suppressing the storm of emotions inside him.

Randru stared back, his expression now uneasy. Instead of answering, he countered with a question of his own.

“Did Lady Lannia tell you this?”