DTEYH 09

chapter 09

I shook my head left and right, brushing away the memories that rose up from the past. I held no resentment toward him for hating me. In fact, I understood it deeply.

Even though Lady Lindbergh was not my biological mother, she had undeniably been… my mother.

When she passed away, it felt as if grief was choking my throat. If that was the case for me, then how much worse must it have been for her biological sons?

Honestly, it was surprising that the eldest brother, Eden, and the second brother, Harry, didn’t openly despise me.

Lucian’s reaction is the normal one.

So I intended to bear his hatred until the day I died.

The image of the cold, stern Duke of Lindbergh and his three sharp-edged sons—balanced by Lady Lindbergh, who had been like spring sunshine between them—was perfect when I recalled it.

Just how much of their precious treasure had been taken from the Lindbergh family because of me?

It had already been five years, but even now, just thinking about it made my chest ache.

Still, it’s better if I leave quickly. I’m already of age anyway.

I sat by the window where I could see outside. It felt as though a hole had been punched through my chest.

Pulling my knees up, I lowered my head and closed my eyes. Spring sunlight streamed through the window, warming my skin.

Maybe it was because of that warmth.

The words I had repeated countless times since the death of Lady Lindbergh—my second mother—rose again in my mind.

“Mother became the warmest spring wind.”

“But who was it that first told me that…?”

The only sound in my ears was the ticking of a clock.

In the quiet room, I drifted into a light doze. Of course, it didn’t last long—I was jolted awake by a loud voice.

“You’re sleeping so peacefully.”

Through my drowsy vision, I saw Lucian Lindbergh’s face twisted in anger.

His golden hair shimmered, and his icy blue eyes—traits of the Lindbergh ducal family—stared down at me.

“Ah… brother.”

“Do you even know what’s happening with Father right now?”

“Ah…”

“‘Ah’? Seriously!”

He shouted, his face turning red with fury. I braced myself for more scolding.

Then another voice came from behind him.

“Lucian, stop.”

It was a much calmer voice than his.

“What kind of older brother yells like that at a kid who just woke up?”

Following the voice, I saw a familiar figure with a composed expression—Harry, my second brother.

I was suddenly wide awake.

They’ve come back.

The distance between the Lindbergh territory and the capital was considerable.

Even by carriage, it would require at least a night’s rest halfway. But for them, that would be no obstacle.

They can use portals with the help of mages.

Only with the Emperor’s permission could one use a magical portal to enter the capital, and it required an enormous amount of money. It wasn’t something just anyone could use.

But they aren’t included in that “just anyone.”

I gave a small nod and lifted my gaze.

The three brothers, all bearing their father’s striking golden hair and blue eyes, looked almost unreal when seen together.

Of course, their faces and personalities are completely different.

They looked like they could find each other even in the middle of a battlefield.

“Brother! Father is injured, and she’s just sleeping like this—how can that be okay?”

“Enough. It’s normal for a child to sleep when she’s tired. Father said it’s only a minor injury, so stop overreacting.”

A child?

Did he just call me a child?

I awkwardly scratched my cheek at Harry’s word choice.

Unbothered by my reaction, the brothers continued their argument.

“You’re too soft, brother. I’m going to tell Sir Eden that Hazel was sleeping while Father was in bed injured.”

Without replying, Harry flicked Lucian on the forehead.

“Ow! Brother!”

Lucian protested loudly. Harry ignored him and turned his gaze to me.

“Are you tired? Want to go back to sleep?”

I hesitated briefly before answering. It felt awkward speaking after so long.

“I’m fine.”

“Then how about coming out for a bit? Eden just arrived as well. Let’s have tea together as a family.”

“Alright.”

At my quiet reply, Harry nodded and dragged Lucian out with him.

Left alone, I felt strangely uneasy, my eyes wandering around the room.

Family…

After Mother died, if there was one person who truly didn’t belong here, it was undoubtedly me.

Harry casually including me within the boundary of “family” felt strangely overwhelming.

Come to think of it, Brother Harry has always been like that.

He was kind to everyone. He rarely got angry, and among the three brothers, he resembled their mother the most.

Not only in appearance, but also in his gentle yet clear way of speaking and his soft temperament.

Maybe that’s why…

His kindness made my heart tremble more than it should.

Even though I know it’s just consideration.

And yet, I found myself clinging to a foolish hope—that maybe he still saw me as a younger sister in truth.

“Ugh, what am I thinking?”

I shook my head.

There was no time to be lost in emotions. I needed to stay focused.

With the brothers back, I should become even more invisible.

After Mother’s death, guilt had made it a habit for me to avoid them. The only times I truly met them were when I caused trouble during magical experiments and they came rushing over after hearing a loud crash.

Other than that, even when living under the same roof, we often didn’t exchange a single word. I couldn’t even remember the last proper conversation we had.

I wonder how long they’ll stay this time.

Eden, the eldest, split his time between the ducal estate and the capital while undergoing heir training.

Harry, despite his gentle nature, was a natural warrior and now served as the captain of the Astereon Knights.

Lucian… well.

He doesn’t seem to have anything in particular to do, though he often goes down to the territory.

All three brothers used to stay constantly at the capital estate, but not anymore.

It’s probably my fault.

There was no way to hide the fact that I made them uncomfortable. A bitter feeling rose in my chest.

“Anyway, once I leave…”

They’ll be able to stay here comfortably again.

After murmuring to myself, I turned to leave the room.

But then—

“Hazel.”

“Gah!”

A sudden voice made me jump in surprise. I nearly collapsed in a ridiculous manner but managed to steady myself and look up.

Standing before me was Eden Lindbergh, my eldest brother, with a cold expression.

I glanced sideways and noticed the door was slightly open.

Realizing my gaze, he spoke politely.

“I’m sorry for entering without knocking. The door was open, so I came to take you out.”

“I was just startled. It’s okay.”

“…But.”

His eyes sharpened.

“Yes?”

“What did you mean by leaving? Has a wedding date been set without my knowledge?”

It seemed he had overheard my earlier words.

I hesitated, unsure how much I should explain. My throat went dry.

“If a date with Duke Romanov had been set, Father would have informed me in advance.”

“No, no!”

I had to clear this misunderstanding.

I only barely managed to get him to agree to break it off because I want to live!

A wedding with the Duke of Romanov? Absolutely not. Never.

“It’s not a wedding. I’m planning to break off the engagement.”

At that moment, Eden’s brows furrowed deeply.

“Break off?”

“Yes.”

“…Did Romanov request the annulment from you?”

His expression darkened further.

Wait—why would he assume that?

Well… logically, it would make more sense if they were the ones to break it off.

I quickly shook my head.

“I was the one who requested it.”

“You?”

“Yes.”

For a brief moment, his expression eased—but then it twisted again.

Why is he frowning like that again?

As I tilted my head in confusion, I suddenly realized something I hadn’t considered before and froze.

Ah… my broken engagement would probably bring shame to the Lindbergh family… wouldn’t it?