I Accidentally Saved The Male Lead’s Brother Chapter 172

 

Charlotte turned her head this time to look at Carcel. His expression was one she had never seen before.

His wide eyes seemed filled with shock, but his tightly closed lips looked as if he was holding back tears.

Charlotte, equally startled, couldn’t utter a word.

Edgar, with a casual shrug, reached out to Theo, who was standing to Charlotte’s right.

“Is this our youngest brother? How adorable. Theo, come to your big brother.”

Theo was surprisingly shy. Though he warmed up quickly to those he liked, he often hid behind Charlotte whenever he met someone new.

But Theo immediately let go of Charlotte’s hand and ran toward Edgar.

Edgar smiled brightly as he lifted Theo into his arms.

“Hi, Theo.”

“Hi,Brother Edgar !”

When Theo waved and greeted him, Edgar’s eyes widened briefly before softening into a smile.

“You even know my name?”

“Yeah!”

Theo puffed out his chest proudly.

“I saw it in a picture! Edgar Brother! That Brother is Carcel Brother!”

“That’s right. Our youngest is so smart, remembering all our names.”

“Hehe.”

Excited, Theo pointed to Charlotte next.

“Sister’s name is Charlotte!”

“Charlotte?”

“Yeah! Charlotte!”

“Who does our little one take after to be so clever?”

Edgar, brimming with affection, planted several kisses on Theo’s chubby cheeks and walked toward Charlotte and Carcel.

Carcel stood frozen, merely watching the two brothers.

“Carcel, why are you just standing there?”

“……”

“Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“Edgar, I….”

“I’m very happy to see you. Right, Theo?”

“Yeah!”

Theo wrapped his arms around Edgar’s neck and nuzzled his cheek against Edgar’s. It was Theo’s unique way of showing affection.

Edgar kissed Theo’s cheek again before turning his gaze to Charlotte, who stood speechless.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

Though he greeted her calmly, Charlotte didn’t know how to respond.

She was aware that this was a dream, but Edgar’s radiant smile and lively demeanor felt so real that it seemed as if she were meeting him in person.

As if anticipating her hesitation, Edgar continued without waiting for her reply.

“Our Carcel is quite charming, isn’t he?”

Edgar was probably the only person in the world who could call Carcel “charming.”

“Despite everything he’s been through, he hides his feelings and acts composed. But deep down, he’s a very tender-hearted boy. He worries about our parents and always looked out for me.”

Charlotte didn’t hesitate to agree.

“I know. Better than anyone, I know how warm and kind Carcel is.”

“If you’ve noticed that, then you must be a truly wonderful person. You suit Carcel very well.”

Edgar smiled brightly, but his voice turned softer.

“By the way, Miss, did you know? Carcel is afraid of rainy days. Whenever it rained, he couldn’t sleep unless I held his hand.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

“He tried not to show it. I was probably the only one who knew.”

Theo, watching curiously, interjected.

“Huh? Just like me!”

“Oh? Theo, you don’t like rainy days either?”

“Yeah… thunder’s scary.”

“It’s okay. Once you grow up a little more, you won’t be scared anymore. So eat well and grow strong, alright?”

Theo clenched his fists determinedly.

“Yeah!”

“Good boy.”

Edgar patted Theo’s bottom gently before setting him down. Yet Theo clung to Edgar’s side as if he’d already fallen for his kindhearted nature.

Holding Theo’s small hand tightly, Edgar turned to Charlotte.

“So, Miss, please take good care of Carcel.”

For the first time, a hint of worry crossed Edgar’s radiant face.

“He deserves to be happy now.”

Charlotte furrowed her brow slightly and nodded. Even though she knew this was a dream, she felt compelled to reassure Edgar.

“Yes. I will take good care of Carcel.”

“Thank you so much. And though it’s shameless of me to ask, please take care of Theo as well. Now, Theo, go to your sister. I need to talk to Carcel.”

“Okay…”

Though reluctant, Theo hesitated only briefly before Edgar gently nudged him toward Charlotte. With heavy steps, he trudged back to her.

Watching Charlotte comfort the sulking Theo, Edgar turned to Carcel.

“Carcel.”

“Edgar, I… I’m sorry.”

Charlotte watched the brothers with a heavy heart.

If only the tragedy in the Heinst family had never occurred, the two would have grown up cherishing one another as they did now. The thought made her pity both Edgar and Carcel.

After Edgar’s death, Carcel had been raised as the family’s heir. Even in front of Charlotte and Theo, he always maintained a composed demeanor.

Yet, standing before Edgar now, he was like a vulnerable younger brother, unable to hide his emotions. His face twisted as if he might cry, and his shoulders drooped.

Edgar pulled Carcel into a tight embrace. Though Carcel’s tall frame was larger than most, he fit perfectly in Edgar’s arms.

“You’ve been through so much. I’m sorry too.”

“I should have gone instead of you.”

“Don’t say that. I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Edgar, don’t you resent me?”

“How could I? You’re my beloved little brother.”

Edgar’s calm voice trembled slightly.

“So don’t worry anymore. Live happily, without guilt or regrets.”

Suddenly, the brothers’ forms shimmered with light, and their appearances reverted to their seven-year-old selves.

The younger Edgar patted the back of the tearful young Carcel gently, just as he always had when they were children.

Smiling brightly, the boyish Edgar looked just as he had in the portrait Charlotte had seen before.

“Alright? Be happy. You, Theo, and Miss Charlotte too.”

With that final statement, as if casting a spell, Charlotte woke from her dream.

At the same time, she saw Carcel opening his eyes across from her, with Theo sleeping between them.

Tears streamed from Carcel’s dazed eyes, as though he hadn’t realized he was crying.

Charlotte stared at him silently before reaching out to wipe away his tears.

Carcel said nothing, but she felt as if she understood.

“We had the same dream, didn’t we?”

“How did you…”

“It seems we did. I saw Edgar too.”

Just then, Theo mumbled in his sleep, his fingers twitching.

“Edgar Brother…”

Charlotte froze for a moment, then chuckled softly.

“Looks like Theo dreamed about Edgar too.”

She gently stroked Carcel’s cheek. He placed his hand over hers and closed his eyes.

“I’ll do better from now on.”

“…”

“So let’s be happy together.”

“…Okay.”

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Charlotte closed her eyes.

Then, as a thought crossed her mind, she teased him playfully.

“By the way, you’re scared of rainy days?”

“…”

“That means yes, doesn’t it? You and Theo both—what would you do without me?”

Charlotte’s laughter mingled with her words as she leaned in and kissed Carcel.

“Don’t worry. From now on, I’ll always be with you.”

“Always,” Carcel whispered against her lips.

“Forever.”

They both laughed softly.

*****

The day of the wedding finally arrived.

“Charlotte, my daughter, be happy.”

At the end of the aisle, Carcel smiled brightly, waiting for her.

As she reached him, he gently took her hand from the baron’s, and their new journey began.

Together. Forever.

– The End –