Chapter 14: Younger sibling needs an older sister (2)

This world was the setting for the novel, <The Princess is Loved> and Damian Kraus was the villain who would get eliminated at the beginning of the story. 

While there was no rule against resurrecting a fallen villain, it seemed to me that Damian had no further significance. He had merely played a supporting role in bringing out Elena's true personality. He served as the catalyst for her growth.

Damian, as the heir of the Kraus family, one of the three major martial households in the empire, was not the sole male candidate from such a prestigious lineage. 

Another contender, Reinhard Cromel, known as the "Sword of the Heaven," would later rise to become a Sword Master. Due to his prowess, many readers were interested in what the current Sword Master, Count Kraus would do.

Arthur Kraus, the head of the Kraus family, personally knelt before Elena and Joachim to apologize for his son's actions. The readers expected Damian to reappear, making speculations such as, “He’s gritting his teeth behind the scenes, waiting to get his revenge.” or “He’ll appear as a villain later on.” 

Contrary to their expectations, he did not make a comeback.

Damian Kraus was the only wayward member of the Kraus family. The rest were quite different.

Subsequently, the story progressed, and Count Kraus reemerged as Alphonse Kraus, replacing Damian as the new heir of the household.

The reason House Kraus maintained its prominent position in the South had little to do with fertile land or a favorable location. It wasn't solely due to their reputation as formidable swordsmen either. The primary factor was their role as guardians of the Luneproud Mountains, a territory plagued by evil spirits.

Once a year, these evil spirits would begin to advance toward inhabited areas. It became Count Kraus's responsibility to lead the soldiers on the frontlines and protect the people from this threat.

Additionally, there were dark infidels in the novel, whose appearance led to the collapse of the frontline and the destruction of much of the South. Only Sarham, defended by Arthur Kraus, remained as the last stronghold.

In order to support Sarham, various households from the empire provided their aid, one of which was, of course, the Duke from House Edelweiss, and Elena, who grew up to be an incredible magician.

With the arrival of the main character, the fate of the infidels had already been sealed. Elena, along with the Male Lead candidates who joined her, swiftly dealt with the infidels.

Alphonse emerged as the successor to the Kraus family around that time. He met with Elena to express his apologies for Damian's transgressions and aided her in her battle against the evil spirits.

Instead of Damian's return, his name was merely mentioned. Alphonse had no knowledge of his whereabouts. Readers speculated whether Damian was responsible for the wave of monsters or if he had fled out of fear.

Perhaps it was due to having such an elder brother, but Alphonse's appearance was well-received. He took responsibility for his older brother's mistakes as if they were his own, and his actions during the subjugation of the evil spirits labeled him a hero. There was even a debate among readers as to whether he was a new Male Lead candidate or not.

This series of events served as evidence that Damian Kraus was the sole disgrace within the Kraus household. It almost seemed as if God had created Damian solely to bring harm upon Elena.

'Maybe that’s why my body acts like that when I’m around Elena. I’m going crazy.'

Yes, I was Damian now, and I was grateful to have such a kind younger brother. People I used to know said that as the younger sibling grew up, they would lose their previous personality.

\But was it because I knew the future? Perhaps I felt relieved knowing that Alphonse grew up well despite having someone like Damian as his brother.

***

A portrait hung above Elena and my head.

The woman in the portrait sat gracefully on a chair. She had light brown hair and emerald-green eyes. The painting beautifully captured her warm presence.

A boy, who was an exact replica of her, trembled in front of me.

I scanned the surroundings. It seemed that there were no attendants present, as I could see no one else besides us.

He must have gotten lost. Kraus Manor was vast, so it was not uncommon for a child to lose their way. However, that was precisely why we have attendants by our side. In fact, the armors lining the corridors served as a warning. Even a strong adult male would face dire consequences if one of those armors were to fall on them.

'But why was Alphonse alone and where in the world did the attendants go?' 

No matter how well he grew up in the future, Alphonse was still a seven-year-old child right now.

He must have gotten lost. Unconsciously, I furrowed my brow.

“B-Brother… Um…” Alphonse stammered upon seeing my expression.

I noticed something in his hand. It was an object that could not be fully concealed by a child's small hand. I could see the golden chain peeking through his grasp.

It was a necklace engraved with our family's crest.

I was well aware of what it was.

The revealed portrait of our mother, the traces of her presence in the Isilia Pavilion, and the locket in Alphonse's hand.

It was then that I began to comprehend what was happening.

I rubbed my forehead with my finger and knelt down to meet Alphonse's gaze.

"Alphonse, you can't come here alone without an attendant. What if you get hurt?" I said.

"I'm sorry..."

"Do you come here at this hour regularly?"

“….”

Silence was his answer, confirming what I suspected. I didn't need to hear it explicitly.

I used to visit the Isilia Pavilion at specific times. Today was not one of those days. If it hadn't been for Elena, this place would have naturally been empty today.

'Then, why was Alphonse going to the Isilia Pavillion, unattended, and hiding from me?'

Access to this place wasn't explicitly restricted.

'Father.'

I had a faint idea about the answer. There was only one person in this family who could control Alphonse.

I turned my head and looked up at Elena, who stood beside me.

We exchanged silent glances.

Elena beamed with a bright smile and greeted Alphonse.

“I saw you last night, didn’t I? My name is Elena Edelweiss.”

The usually reserved Alphonse finally spoke. Despite his young age, he had been learning proper etiquette. He understood that it would be impolite to ignore a lady's greeting.

“…Oh, I-I’m Alphonse Kraus. And… Um, you can just call me Alphonse. S-Since you’re Brother's fiancé.”

“Yes, I see. Lord Alphonse.”

Alphonse’s ears turned red in response to Elena’s gentle smile.

The power of beauty was truly astonishing. She had captivated him with just one smile.

I grabbed Alphonse’s hand.

“Elena, I believe I should take Alphonse back to his room. It’s unfortunate, but why don’t we stop our tour for today.” 

“Oh, it’s a shame, but yes, we should. Let us come back tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry… Because of me…” Alphonse kept apologizing.

I ruffled his hair. The one who should be apologizing was me. It seemed like Alphonse wanted to discuss what had happened earlier, but I wasn't the person he should confide in.

A headache started to throb as a result of these successive events. First, the engagement with Elena, and now this situation with Alphonse.

'Does this mean I’m not the only one with a problem in this household?'

Time had resumed its course, and the events that were supposed to have already occurred were now crashing down on me all at once.

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