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Chapter : 19
“I-I’m tired.”
“I’ll stay a little longer. I’m really exhausted.”
Briseis sighed as Calisten rubbed his hair against her thigh.
“People will misunderstand. Go away.”
“Just one minute.”
Thinking about how long it must have taken him to come all the way here from the palace at this late hour, her hand, which she had tried to push him away with, froze in the air.
“Brother Mihail said that the Filia Marquis family won’t stay neutral anymore.”
“Yes, that’s right. I’m going to be the emperor.”
“Then you’ll need the power of the Maize Dukes too.”
“That’s not necessary.”
He looked up at her firmly and then smiled with a look of rapture.
“What I need is not the Duchess of Maize, it’s you, Bri.”
“Your brother Mihail and father come first, right?”
“They’re needed too. But I need you much more.”
“You’re good at lying. Did you only learn that on the battlefield?”
“Hahaha.”
He laughed as if her words amused him and stared at Briseis. His eyes were lively, shining like red gems.
“I won’t lie to you.”
Saying that, he took her free hand and placed it on his head.
“Ugh…”
He held his breath to avoid reacting too much, and seeing him struggle, she deliberately patted his head.
“What promise did you make to your father?”
“Duties… titles.”
“I see.”
Briseis suddenly remembered how wealthy the Filia family was. Owning vast grainlands, their income was among the highest in the empire. They also had mines, trade guilds, and influence over most businesses in the capital.
“What will you give me if I help you?”
“I’ll give myself to you, Bri.”
“You should give me something useful.”
He shivered at her words but smiled as if it were fine. Every movement made the metal of his belt grind, making Briseis think he wasn’t entirely sane.
“I’ll help you get a divorce.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Let’s go to the Zeronis office together.”
She smiled at his words and removed her hand.
“Why stop patting me?”
“One minute passed. Now go back.”
He sighed regretfully but nodded.
“See you tomorrow, Bri. Sweet dreams.”
He said this, patted her cheek, and left.
❖ ❖ ❖
Third period.
It was Administrative Welfare Theory class.
“Can any student answer this question? One extra point will be given for a correct answer.”
Briseis, having prepared in advance, immediately raised her hand. Normally, she would have been the only one raising her hand. But this time, Delaila raised her hand too.
“This is the first time another student besides Briseis has raised their hand,” the professor laughed.
“Normally Briseis takes most of the extra points, so today, shall we let Delaila answer first?”
“Yes.”
Briseis felt uneasy but nodded.
“Thank you, Professor!”
Delaila smiled brightly and began to answer when the professor gestured.
“The difference between the two welfare theories is in who should receive support. The first theory checks if the poor person is trying hard. The second theory considers people who became poor due to social factors.”
“Correct. Which theory do you think is more accurate?”
“I think the first theory is correct. People who don’t deserve aid shouldn’t get help.”
The professor nodded.
“Briseis, which theory do you agree with more?”
“I agree with the second theory. Socially disadvantaged people can’t easily escape poverty. If ignored, dissatisfaction can lead to rebellion.”
“Correct.”
The professor smiled and looked at both alternately.
“I want to give points to both, but since Delaila answered first, she will receive the extra point.”
“Thank you!”
Briseis kept her expression neutral as she sat down. Seeing Calisten pretending not to know the answer while playing with his pen made her feel strange.
Delaila was often called a genius even in the original story. Calisten, who could rival her intelligence, had learned everything at the academy when he was very young, which explained his ease.
Briseis felt a paper touch her elbow. She turned and saw Calisten sliding another unnecessary note.
「 Is the key still in the first drawer by your bed? 」
Knowing his meaning, she ignored it and continued writing notes as the professor spoke. Calisten moved closer, pretending to sit properly, and whispered very quietly:
“Those mercenaries I killed… um…”
“Quiet.”
Briseis covered his mouth. He laughed, seemingly pleased even with that.
“Implementing the idea of noblesse oblige helps the entire noble society…”
She sighed and pushed him away. Then she saw Demian teasing Delaila by stroking her head, which made her feel odd.
Demian even gently bit Delaila’s finger and released it. Briseis caught his gaze and tried to focus on class.
❖ ❖ ❖
“Where are you going, Bri?”
After class, Demian caught up with Briseis.
“I have something to do.”
“If it’s not urgent, let’s go to the mansion. Mother will be alone.”
“Demian, you go.”
“I’m going to the wardrobe with Dili. She has no clothes that fit.”
Delaila kept wearing Briseis’s clothes.
“Go get your uniform. How long will you wear mine?”
Briseis decided to think she had given her uniform, though she felt annoyed. Delaila had also borrowed her jewelry, shoes, and even books without permission.
“Don’t be petty about things. They’re just things.”
Demian’s attitude annoyed her even more.
“…Fine.”
Briseis said this and went outside. Calisten followed, tilting his head curiously.
❖ ❖ ❖
She got into the carriage at the main gate.
“To the Zeronis office.”
Calisten smiled, pleased that Briseis had chosen his carriage.
“I thought you weren’t going.”
“Why?”
“Bri, I’m always watching you.”
She felt uneasy thinking he might have realized her feelings.
“Don’t talk.”
“Okay.”
She felt upset thinking he knew how disappointed she was with Demian and how she was hurt by his actions.
“Bri, can you look out for me?”
She looked at him. Calisten smiled like a pure madman when their eyes met.
“During my coming-of-age ceremony…”
She remembered she hadn’t attended Calisten’s ceremony.
“At that time, the Emperor said he would grant me one wish.”
“Really? What did you wish for?”
She remembered what Dili had told her about Demian’s wish.
‘He wished he could serve His Majesty the Emperor forever!’
It was surprisingly normal. She thought he would have wished to marry Delaila or officially make her his mistress.
“Curious?”
“Not really.”
He moved to sit closer to her.
“Narrow, move over.”
“My wish was to have you.”
Briseis turned in shock. She was now very close to Calisten, almost touching. Her lips were near his nose.
