Now that shed thought everything through, Rishe lowered her eyes.

Then well continue to protect you here, Rishe-sama.

Thank you. Please excuse me again.

The knights stood in the hallway on either side of the door in front of her room. After thanking them, Rishe opened the door.

And when she entered, she found an envelope at her feet.

Whats the matter?

Nothing.

She gently shook her head and entered the room so as the envelope wouldnt be seen by the knights.

Once she locked the door, she picked up the envelope.

It was an envelope of very fine white paper. The red wax seal was stamped with the imperial seal of the Garkhain family.

When Rishe opened it, a sheet of paper was inside.

On it were beautiful words meticulously written, saying:

Ill let you in on a little secret. Go to the chapel tonight at nine oclock. Arnold Hein.

Rishe stuffed the paper back in the envelope and called Elise to her room.

***

At nine oclock on the appointed night, Rishe, clad in a black dress, visited the chapel in the corner of the Royal Castle.

She had her knight guards wait for her a distance away from the chapel.

She showed them the wax sealed letter and said, Id like to see His Highness Arnold alone.

The source of the letter was probably waiting for her in advance.

Rishe opened the door to the chapel and raised her voice without closing the door.

Good evening, Your Highness Theodore.

The light shining through the stained glass windows and the candlelights kept the interior of the chapel fairly lit.

Good evening, my beautiful sister-in-law.

In front of the chancel at the end of the red carpet that stretched ahead stood a young man.

Youre not the least bit surprised. Its as if you knew it was my letter all along, Theodore said with a laugh, while Rishe exhaled.

The style of the signature didnt resemble His Highness Arnolds.

Well, it was just a matter of hoping youd be fooled. Although, I dont think youve ever seen Brothers signature before.

Certainly, in this life, she hasnt seen it yet. But in another life, she did.

Arnold, who had waged war on other nations, had sent written declarations of war to the royal families of the countries in advance. Having lived the life of a knight and had close ties with the royal family, Rishe had personally seen it.

Arnolds handwriting was beautiful, but when it came to his own name, he seemed to have a habit of jotting it down messily.

The signature on the letter that Rishe received in her room was too polite in comparison to that one.

And why did you come when you knew it was me who sent it? I thought you said its inappropriate to stay alone with other men Oh, is that why you didnt close the door?

There are also knights awaiting orders a short distance away.

She had taken other measures, but shed keep them out of her mouth.

Theodore looked bored as he let his fingers run through his fluffy, bouncy hair.

Ive gone to the trouble just to teach you something good, so it would be nice if youre a little more welcoming. I never imagined that Brother actually likes a woman like you.

If you have anything to say, please be quick.

You said during the day that you knew how cruel Brother was. You cant possibly be fully aware of that.

Theodore approached Rishe one step at a time.

We dont get along with each other as a family. And then the Empress our fathers wife, isnt our real mother. Shes what they call the second wife.

Its not a rare story for someone of noble blood.

Oh, yes. But what if the reason for the Emperors former wifes absence was because someone murdered her?

Theodore stood in front of Rishe, his eyes narrowed and a somewhat bewitching smile glowed in his eyes.

Your brother killed your mother.

A detestable gleam shimmered in his eyes that were of the same color as Arnolds.

You see what I mean? Thats how cruel Big Brother, Arnold Hein, is. You may have been lured by the Crown Princess position somehow, but youd better let go of that stuff. The man is a man who can even lay a hand on his own mother. Hes a man who can even lay a hand on his own mother.

All brides who had married into this country ended up unhappy. I think youre beginning to understand what I meant during the day. Its not a threat or anything, you really could be killed by your husband.

I get what youre talking about.

Rishe merely sighed.

Whats wrong with that?

Huh?

Theodores eyes went round at her retort.

What is wrong with you? Hes a mother-killer! Why arent you upset to hear these horrible things?!

Well, I was surprised with that new piece of information, but Ive known one of his criminal records.

There was nothing more scary than that one.

When Arnold proposed to her, the only thing Rishe knew about him was Arnold Hein in her previous lives.

The Emperor who slaughtered, invaded, and trampled on the royal families of various countries in a bloody and ruthless manner.

The traitor who killed his father emperor and usurped the throne.

The man who once killed Rishe.

All her knowledge and memories about him were nothing but horrendous.

But even so, Rishe decided.

Im willing to marry him with all my heart.

Now that she was by his side, shed been wondering if shed see him in a different light than she had in the past.

E-Even with that knowledge? Big Brothers name has no middle name for blessing. Hes a cursed man whos been spurned by our father and mother.

I have the name Ilmgard myself, but I have never felt the need for it. Your Highness Theodore Auguste Hein

Shut up!

I dont need to know those sorts of things.

Looking straight up into Theodores eyes, Rishe assured him.

The Arnold Rishe has known in this life seemed at least a decent man.

Despite the coldness in his behavior, he was a politician who looked out for his subordinates and tried to respect the people.

What Rishe wanted to figure out was why Arnold would head into a future like that.

For example, what events within the next few years would change him?

Or was he holding on to that cruelty he would unleash in five years time, and was just hiding it well?

Or was he just a mere human being with a decent heart and soul, who had to resort to cruel means for some non-negotiable purpose, instead of a monster?

Silly me.

Rishe smiled as she softly mocks herself inwardly.

Is that all you wanted to say? Well then, Ill take my leave.

Whoa, wait!

How about I give you an alternative?

She cut him off and looked back at the door of the chapel.

If you dont mind, speak with your brother from here on out.

H

There stood Arnold with his steely eyes.

Big brother.

Theodore croaked and cleared his throat.