Elise, the maidservant, and Kamil, who had been in charge of Rishes guard for a while now, were two people that Theodore has long been acquainted with.

The two were born and raised in this favela, and lived in a desperately in need of food.

Theodore, who has secretly frequented this favela for a long time and took advantage of the inhabitants in exchange for money, gave them a beautiful smile.

Then again, I didnt expect this chance to come so soon. I never thought shed fall ill and pass out, creating the perfect opening to kidnap her.

Yes. Rishe-samas body search has been done. She has no weapons or other means of escape.

Perfectly done!

Theodore then looked at the maid.

Elise is looking so much better. Its a relief to see that youve been eating properly.

Its all thanks to Theodore-sama for recommending me to the castle as a maid through the church.

Its no big deal. It was a great opportunity to get a spy close to my brothers fiance. Im very grateful to you for having done a marvelous job of earning Rishes trust.

Theodore then looked at the knight, Kamil.

Besides, Kamil, Im sure youve had a hard time with your escort mission, too, have you? My sister-in-law seems quite a bit active.

Its nothing. Thanks to being assigned to escort Rishe-sama, I was able to fulfill Theodore-samas orders.

Hahaha. I was unhappy when you joined the Order and was selected as Brothers knight guard. I even asked you to be my knight, but you simply refused.

Was that about two years ago?

Theodores request was denied and the gossip about the Second Prince wanting his brothers knight guard and throwing a tantrum, etc. circulated. But in reality, Theodore knew the knight beforehand.

I can torment my brother owing it to you, being his knight guard. Thank you so much.

Theodore took out a leather bag full of gold coins and handed it to them both.

Elise and Kamil bowed reverently and received their reward.

Thank you for all your hard work, keep up the good work.

Theodore commended them and left.

***

Oh! Its Theo!

On the way home, a boy dressed almost as much as a rag came running up to Theodores side.

Hello, Vim. Is your house-sitting duties going well?

Of course! Ill keep Anna safe until mother comes home from work!

As expected of an elder brother, good job!

Theodore bent down and caressed the boys head repeatedly.

The boy was grubby, and an ordinary person would be hesitant to touch him, but Theodore didnt mind.

But its getting late, so youd better go do the rest of your mission setting the futon.

But, but I have to welcome Mother first

Sleeping with your sister is the most important task for a brother.

The boy still looked contemplative, then obediently nodded in understanding.

Alright, Ill get on with my futon mission. Good night, Theo!

Good night, sweet dreams.

Theodore stared the boys back until he disappeared. He watched him enter a shabby building and straightened up.

Its an elder brothers job to sleep with his younger sister, right? But my brother has never done that for me.

Theodore-sama.

Theodores shoulders were drooping when his tall guard called his name.

Theodore first came to this shanty town when he was a child. He held hands with his mother, who was now deceased, and set foot here to give alms.

This cesspit of a city that existed in a corner of the rich imperial city was estranged from everyone else.

To my brother, the inhabitants of this town and I are the same. As long as hes there, I have to show that Im willing to take action to help one way or the other, but the truth is he really doesnt care. Thats just the way it is.

Theodore looked down and muttered to himself.

However, with this counterstrike, I wonder if I get to see a bit of my favorite look on his face that hes fond of showing me.

***

Inside a dimly lit room, Rishe was desperately trying to stay conscious.

This place seemed to be in a building on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital. Trapped in a room that was akin to a storage room, Rishe had been waiting for that moment for a long time.

The door was locked from the outside. There was a window, but she seemed to be on the third floor of the building, so it was a long way to the ground.

Outside the door and below the windows, sentries with weapons seemed to have been set up. The guards were poorly dressed and resembled savage thieves.

Rishe squatted in the corner of the room, battling with her whirling vision, lethargic body, and headache.

Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived.

Hello, sister-in-law. How does it feel to be betrayed by your maidservant and guard?

Your Highness Theodore

Rishe spat a short breath at the entry of the person shes been waiting for.