If it were someone elses call, His Royal Highness Arnold would have never been here. Even if he was forced to move as the Crown Prince, he wouldnt have chosen to do so alone. He must have complied because the request was from none other than his brother.

Stop it. I dont need those words.

Theodore painfully squeezed out his voice.

I dont want to hope that I might be loved.

Your Highness

Theres no way that man has been watching over me. How can someone who is ignored by his father be respected by his brother? But thats fine.

Theodore exhaled and then smiled.

My brother saved me once, so I also wanted to help him one day Although he probably doesnt even remember that day.

Then he turned around and looked out the railing.

Ill decide what use I have.

?

I really should have done this a long time ago, instead of trying to do something nonsensicalIm really an utter and complete failure.

What the

She was horrified.

She finally realized what Theodore was planning to do here. Theodore sat on the railing as if having fun and leaned outward.

No, Your Highness!

Rishe tried to rush towards him. But at that same moment, her vision swayed. Her legs were entangled and she fell down.

Huh, at this time?!

She struggled to stand up, but was totally weak. A splitting headache shook her skull like an alarm bell, taking her breath away.

Theodore looked down at Rishe, who had collapsed and looked satisfied.

Thank you, sister-in-law. I was quite happy when you said you needed me.

Even if she desperately reached out, it was impossible for her to reach Theodore, who was a few meters away.

Its useless!

At the same time she practically shrieked and almost shouted

A lone shadow rushed past Rishe.

That figure grabbed Theodore, whose eyes widened, by the arm, then forcibly dragged him back inside the railing.

Theodore gasped, recognizing the figure.

Big Brother?!

He looked up incredulously at Arnold, who saved him.

It was impossible for Rishe to see Arnolds face, as his back was turned to her.

But the action he made the next moment shocked even Rishe.

Arnold seized Theodore, whom hed brought down, by his collars, and slapped his cheek.

What did you think you were doing?!

For the first time, Rishe heard Arnolds booming voice.

Theodore rubbed his cheek and looked up at his brothers face, stunned.

Because

Theodore choked.

Because, theres nothing I can do. This is the only way I can be useful to Brother. I am not of any value to you!

How stupid! What idiot would risk his life for a man who has never done a single brotherly thing in his life?

Arnolds voice was ice-cold.

Nevertheless, Rishe was convinced. Arnolds decision to keep Theodore away was out of consideration for his brother.

You dont have to do that for me

Theodore kept his mouth shut. Perhaps, he was about to give up communicating with his brother.

Rishe remembered him smiling mournfully and said earlier, Theres no way my words can reach that man.

Theodores resignation and Arnolds shunning had been mounting to this moment.

Your little brothers choice might be a mistake

Rishe spoke as she struggled to get up.

Arnold slowly turned around. Rishe looked him in the eye, and appealed while battling a headache.

But, his main purpose wasnt. Your brothers desire to help you, that in itself cannot be a foolish thought Right? Your Highness Theodore?

!

Theodore clenched his fists tightly when she called his name, gasping for breath.

Sister-in-law is right.

What are you

Arnold returned his attention to Theodore, so Rishe couldnt see his expression again.

Instead, she could see Theodores face clearly.

That somewhat lost look on his face previously was replaced with determination.

Id been wishing countless times to be Big Brothers strength, to be of help. Anything I can do to help, I will do.

His eyes, identical to his brother, looked straight at Arnold.

Youre my only brother in the world and my idol.

How did Arnold react?

Unable to peek at him, Rishe watched them as if in prayer.

Eventually, Arnold removed his hand from Theodores chest and slowly drew back.

From now on, stop doing such unnecessary things.

Theodores face contorted at those words, which seemed to push him away again.

Rishes chest also felt a slicing pain. But what Arnold added was totally unexpected.

I told you. Dont ever, ever put your life on the line again.

At that moment, Theodores eyes almost popped out.

Do you remember what happened then?

Arnold answered his quivering question.

Of course.

Immediately, clear teardrops ran down from Theodores large eyes.

I-Im s-sorry.

His voice quaverred.

Theodore bawled his eyes out and apologized repeatedly.

Im sorry, brother. Im sorry, sister-in-law. Sorry

In front of his little brother, who was sobbing like a child, Arnold said in a quite worried voice.

Okay, okay, dont cry.

Wa, but

Seeing the two of them, Rishe breathed a sigh of relief.

Great. If he can still cry with a face like that, then hell be fine

Theodores tear-stained face was that of a young child courageously trying to make peace.

In the end, Arnold stood up, and this time knelt in front of Rishe.

Are you hurt?

You came, Your Highness.

Its because you say some very strange things.

Perhaps it was a warning that Theodore might be gone. It might have sounded like a threat, but to Rishe, it was half-serious.

Im glad youve made up.

Arnold stood up silently and held out his right hand, fitted with a black glove, to Rishe.

Rishe smiled and took his hand. Then, for some reason, she felt as if a thread of tension was loosened.