He’s My Real Brother, Duke Chapter 169 - Side Story 4 - Getting Permission to Marry was the Hardest Part

 

Cassian asked politely, taken aback by the suddenness of the attack that might as well have been a slap.

 

“…Do you dislike me, Captain?”

 

“Everything I’ve said is a common man’s assessment of Lord Cassian Gray.”

 

Ropa Shelind shrugged.

 

“Still, the Lord Cassian Gray I know is a rational, level-headed man, not the type to be swayed by showmanship, so to speak.”

 

“…”

 

“Get rid of your prejudices, and take a good look. Lady Vietry chose him herself.”

 

“That’s…”

 

“It’s a fact of life, and she’s a grown woman.”

 

“I mean, I feel like I’m selling Astel down the river…”

 

“Listen, to love someone is to trust their judgment.”

 

Cassian chewed his lip silently at Ropa’s words.

 

‘Trust Astel’s choices?’

 

The words sent a tiny ripple through Cassian’s complicated mind.

 

The solid stream of thought was about to shift.

 

💫

 

After talking to my brother, my anxiety and worry only intensified.

 

‘You don’t seem to be too keen on welcoming Knox into the family.’ 

 

It was clear that the atmosphere was not favorable, so I decided I needed to meet with Knox.

 

Knox came running up to the Count’s estate in response to my letter.

 

“You’re finally here?”

 

“Yes, I’m here.”

 

Knox’s face lit up as if a fog had lifted upon seeing me. I grinned at the warm smile that formed at the corners of his mouth and gestured downward.

 

“And there’s also Rune here!”

 

“Duke!”

 

Rune scampered over to Knox and snuggled up to him. 

 

Scooping the wobbly creature into his arms, Knox whispered sweetly.

 

“Hi, it’s been a while.”

 

Rune whispered in wonder as he placed a hand on Knox’s shriveled cheek.

 

“Hmm! I miss Duke! Cute!”

 

I chuckled softly as I watched Knox’s cheeks clasped in Rune’s tiny little hands.

 

Upon closer inspection, it was actually kind of cute.

 

But Knox didn’t seem to agree with Rune.

 

“No, Rune. It’s Astel who’s cute.”

 

“Huh!”

 

Rune clapped a hand over his mouth and his eyes widened in realization.

 

The two of them looked like they were having a good time, and I kept watching to see what the hell they were going to say.

 

Then Knox gave a serious glance and tapped Rune on the cheek.

 

“Remember.”

 

“Hmm! Ant is the cutest!”

 

“Yeah, memorize that.”

 

‘I think you’re exaggerating a little too much.’ 

 

As I froze in the middle of their conversation, I heard a voice that brought me back to reality.

 

It was Belle, who had just appeared from behind Knox’s back.

 

“Hi! I’m here, like the cool silver fox that I am!”

 

“Belle!”

 

Rune jumped out of Knox’s arms and ran up to Belle, hugging him tightly.

 

Belle struck a grown-up pose, broadening his shoulders.

 

“Yes, my brother is here!” exclaimed Rune. 

 

Belle’s gaze snapped to mine as he giggled, a hand over his mouth.

 

“What’s up, Belle?”

 

Belle stopped giggling and said sternly, setting his chin in an attempt to look cool.

 

“Ah, ahem. I’d like to meet Lady Vietry.”

 

“Hello, Belle, my cute little fox.”

 

“I am a very cool fox!”

 

I ruffled Belle’s hair, teasing him, then stopped.

 

For some reason, the side of my face felt hot. Knox was staring at me with a burning gaze.

 

No way, was he jealous?

 

“I’m not jealous, never.”

 

…He’s jealous.

 

I gave a weak laugh and held up my hand. It was a sign that we should have a private conversation.

 

💫

 

After sending Belle and Rune off to the garden with their maids, I had a private moment with Knox in the reception room.

 

Until we faced each other across a small table, I was all smiles and laughter, as if I had no cares in the world.

 

…Or, more accurately, I was happy, until I brought up my brother.

 

“How was it with my brother?”

 

Knox’s face instantly stiffened.

 

‘Sometimes, when he’s so expressionless, he looks like a dark villain.’ 

 

The moment I thought that, I saw his hardened lips twist slightly.

 

Normally, I would have found it frightening…

 

‘What? I love that look.’

 

Unsure of what I was thinking, Knox put on a serious face and explained his plan.

 

“It’s not that easy yet, I have a plan to get to know him a little better, would you like to hear it?”

 

“Mmm, tell me.”

 

“I have a fantasy island, and I want to buy it for him. 

 

“Um, you’re going to buy him an island?”

 

“Yes. It’s a magical, man-made island, the stuff of legend. It’s said to be a favorite vacation spot for noblemen.”

 

I froze a little at the mention of ”Knox’s plan to win Cassian’s favor.

 

He added cautiously, “And since he says the Ego Sword isn’t enough, I can give him all the great swords he wants.” 

 

“You’re showing off your wealth…”

 

“I’ve also considered the option of threatening the Emperor of the Empire to give me the position of Grand Duke.”

 

“That’s a bit of a plan, and a difficult one…”

 

“It won’t be easy, but it’s worth a try.”

 

I smiled awkwardly and looked into his blue eyes. His plan was all about how to make Cassian wealthy.

 

It was as if he’d never gotten along with people in the normal way before.

 

‘Well, it’s… true that Knox doesn’t have any friends.’

 

I was the only one he had, so it was understandable that he would have trouble winning the favor of others.

 

‘Still, I don’t think this is the way to approach the matter.’

 

My brother was not a man easily seduced by money or fame. He was more of a reactionary who would get furious if you tried to seduce him with money.

 

Looking at Knox, I asked firmly, “You want to get to know my brother, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then why don’t you appeal to him with something other than riches or fame?”

 

He looked up at my suggestion and whispered softly.

 

“So, what should I appeal to?”

 

“Hmm…”

 

I smiled awkwardly as I stared into Knox’s eyes, ready to go along with anything.

 

‘Um, I guess that might be, um, excessive affection.’ 

 

Debating whether to say it or not, I ended up giggling.

 

I chuckled, wondering if I should say it, but then realized that if we knew we were meant for each other anyway, why hold back?

 

“Well. I mean, yeah. There’s a reason I like Knox.”

 

Despite pretending not to, I could feel his ears perk up. I fidgeted, looking away.

 

“It’s because there’s something… genuine about Knox liking me.”

 

“Oh.”

 

His pupils fluttered. I decided to shoot him a confirming look, meeting his blue eyes.

 

“I mean, I like the sincerity of it.”

 

He tilted his head toward me, looking impatient at the sudden confession.

 

“May I?”

 

Even as I politely asked for permission, our faces were slowly getting closer. I giggled softly and pushed his shoulder lightly.

 

“Um, I still have a few more things to say.”

 

His face flushed a little. I smirked at the mixture of shyness and impatience on his face.

 

“And there’s something else.”

 

I paused, looking into the corner of Knox’s eyes. 

 

The corners of his eyes were reddish, in sharp contrast to his blue pupils. It was almost lustful.

 

“Another one, you mean?”

 

“Yes.”

 

I whispered playfully, desperately fighting the urge to continue.

 

“Because you’re handsome?”

 

Belle and Rune, who were playing in the garden, suddenly came up to me and exclaimed.

 

“Wow, so this is how love works.”

 

“Aww, Ant is great at dating!”

 

My face, which had turned bright red as soon as I said the word ‘handsome,’ burned hotter than the whispers of Rune and Belle.

 

But despite their cries, Knox remained brazen.

 

“You said I was handsome the first time.”

 

“…Ah.”

 

“You must really like my face.”

 

Feeling even more embarrassed, I ducked my head and spoke in a low voice.

 

“Well, do you realize that now?”

 

I heard his small chuckle from overhead.

 

“Now, would you mind looking at my face some more?”

 

At his smirking request, I cautiously lifted my head.

 

That’s when my gaze locked with Knox’s. I bit my lip hard and spoke seriously.

 

“I mean, I guess what I’m saying is, you’re good-looking enough to be liked, so maybe if you’re sincere with Cassian, he’ll open up to you.”

 

At that moment, his head tilted further toward me.

 

Before I knew it, our foreheads were touching.

 

“More specifically… tell me how to do that.”

 

Meeting his serious gaze seemed to wake me up.

 

‘Yeah, I’m supposed to take charge and make things better between Knox and my brother, right?’ 

 

I pondered for a moment, and then an idea came to mind.

 

“Okay, then…”

 

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the watch to check the time.

 

My brother had a pretty irregular schedule for returning home, but at least he joined me for dinner.

 

‘It’s almost dinner time.’

 

So he would probably be home soon. I glanced up at Knox, a look of determination in my eyes.

 

“Join us, the three of us.”

 

Beside me, Belle and Rune whispered softly.

 

“We?”

This time, I said sternly, “It’s time for the kids to go to bed.”