I Accidentally Saved The Male Lead’s Brother Chapter 154

Randru’s tone had a trace of insolence, or so it seemed to Carcel. His voice dropped, growing colder.

“Why are you bringing up Charlotte here?”

“…”

“I remembered on my own.”

Randru’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Despite his years of experience, he failed to maintain his usual composure this time.

“How is that possible…?”

“Does it matter how I regained my memories?”

Carcel raised his hand as if to slam it on the table but restrained himself, flattening his fingers instead.

“Randru, you deceived me.”

“I only upheld the wishes of the late Duke.”

“What exactly were my father’s instructions? Did he tell you explicitly not to speak of Edgar to me?”

“The late Duke asked me to ensure you wouldn’t recall Edgar’s existence, so you could live a happy life.”

The calm declaration made Carcel’s fury boil over.

“Did you truly believe that would lead to my happiness?”

“Well, I—”

“Because of your decision to hide the truth, Theo nearly died!”

Carcel could no longer contain himself and slammed his fist onto the table.

If he had known about Edgar and the connection to the Petrian Marquisate earlier, he might have identified the threats more quickly.

The first assassination attempt might still have occurred, but Theo wouldn’t have been left trembling alone amidst the flames.

Charlotte had saved Theo, but the mere thought of what could have happened without her intervention was enough to terrify him.

Randru, who had been bowing his head, raised it suddenly.

“What does this have to do with Young Master Theo?”

Carcel’s voice trembled as he replied.

“The Petrian marquis had a surviving son.”

“What…? But the Petrian family was eradicated seventeen years ago—”

“There was a bastard. Likely a Rositto. The Marquis must have kept him hidden, knowing that if his son’s nature were discovered, others would exploit or kidnap him. And this same bastard orchestrated the attacks on Theo.”

“Do you have proof of this?”

“Lionel Wisner, the bastard son of the Petrian Marquis, is behind it all.”

“…!”

“If you had continued hiding Edgar from me, I would have remained oblivious to the truth. You claim to protect the Heinst family, but think carefully about what you’ve done to it.”

Carcel’s anger burned not only because of the past but also because Randru’s actions had undermined his ability to protect his family.

Even so, Carcel’s real fury stemmed from something deeper.

While he could understand why his father wanted Edgar’s existence concealed, Randru should have been honest when Carcel sought the truth.

Instead, Randru had chosen silence.

That silence was an act of loyalty to the late Duke rather than to Carcel, the current head of the Heinst family.

The realization stung. How could someone in Randru’s position prioritize a deceased master over his living one?

Randru, sensing Carcel’s wrath, prostrated himself on the floor.

“My deepest apologies.”

Carcel rarely showed emotion, but when it came to Theo, he didn’t hold back. His younger brother was his most vulnerable spot.

Even as a loyal retainer, Randru knew that testing Carcel’s patience here could mean exile—or worse.

Carcel closed his eyes and took a deep breath, willing his anger to subside. He hadn’t summoned Randru to dwell on the past.

“Tomorrow is my engagement ceremony,” Carcel said abruptly.

“Yes, Your Grace. I am aware.”

“I suspect Lionel Wisner will attempt to infiltrate the estate. I’ll need your assistance.”

Randru remained bowed, silently listening to Carcel’s plan.

Carcel stood, his final words sharp and cutting.

“This time, you must decide whether you serve my father’s memory or me.”

The weight of Carcel’s ultimatum was palpable, leaving Randru frozen in place. Carcel turned and left the room, his footsteps fading down the corridor.

Even after Carcel had gone, Randru remained prostrate on the floor, unmoving.

****

The preparations for the engagement ceremony proceeded smoothly.

Due to the scaled-down nature of the event, there wasn’t much to prepare. Charlotte and Carcel decided to wear the same formal attire they had worn at the New Year’s Ball.

Under ordinary circumstances, they would have ordered new outfits, but given the looming uncertainty, practicality took precedence.

Throughout the estate, an uneasy tension hung in the air. Only Theo, oblivious to the complexities, seemed genuinely excited about the upcoming celebration.

As the day before the engagement ceremony arrived, Carcel put Theo to bed and guided Charlotte to a corner of the nursery.

He knelt in front of a bookshelf, its shelves filled with Theo’s storybooks. Reaching for a crimson-bound book on the bottom shelf, he tapped its spine.

“Charlotte, pay close attention. Pulling this book will open a door.”

As he pulled the book, a mechanical sound echoed. The bookshelf slid inward, revealing a hidden room.

The space, about a quarter the size of Theo’s room, was surprisingly spacious for a concealed area.

“A safe room,” Charlotte realized, peering inside.

Carcel held her hand and led her into the room.

“I assumed such spaces were only found in studies.”

“There’s one in my study as well, but Theo’s room seemed safer. That’s why I’m showing you this one.”

The room was fully stocked with essentials: clothing, food, and even valuables.

Charlotte found the presence of valuables puzzling, but before she could ask, Carcel explained.

“I hope nothing happens tomorrow. But if it does…”

He hesitated, his expression tightening.

“Stay here until it’s over. Sir Selene will guard you and Theo.”

Charlotte started to protest, her voice rising.

“But—”

Carcel shook his head, cutting her off.

“Please, don’t argue,” his eyes seemed to plead.

“Then what about you?” she asked, refusing to back down.

“I’ll be outside, leading the knights.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“Charlotte.”

He looked at her intently, his gaze filled with sorrow and determination. Charlotte struggled to meet his eyes.

“You’ve seen what Lionel Wisner is capable of. He might be a Rositto. Even with Sir Morris and Sir Ain’s help, I can’t guarantee success.”

“All the more reason I should go. I’m the only one here who knows what Lionel Wisner looks like.”

“Brown hair and eyes. That’s enough.”

“What if he disguises himself with magic? He will. I’m certain of it.”

“Charlotte.”

Carcel took her trembling hands gently and lowered himself to her eye level.

“It’s my duty to protect you.”

“You don’t have to protect me. I’ll protect you and Theo instead! That’s why I’ve been practicing!”

Charlotte motioned toward the ring on his finger.

“My power has protected you before, hasn’t it?”

Carcel sighed, his gaze fixed on the ring. After a moment, he gently placed a hand on her wrist, feeling her pulse.

“Do you remember what the High Priestess said? To call for her if anything happens to you?”

“…”

“That reminded me of the tournament when you collapsed after using your power.”

“…”

Charlotte couldn’t deny it. He had already pieced everything together.

“I realized something else. Does using that nullification magic strain your body?”

Charlotte bit her lip, unable to mask her reaction. Carcel sighed heavily.

“So, it’s true.”

“No, it’s not that bad. I get tired, but it’s nothing serious.”

It was a lie—a desperate one. The High Priestess had explicitly warned her, and she had already coughed up blood twice.

But Charlotte couldn’t admit it. If she did, Carcel might prevent her from using her power when it mattered most.

“You’re a terrible liar, Charlotte.”

She said nothing, her lips trembling under the weight of his scrutiny.

“When you collapsed during the tournament, do you have any idea how I felt while waiting for you to wake up?”