At the center of the grand hall stood a row of luxurious chairs. Seated at the very front was a man with a frail appearance, yet an unmistakably majestic aura. His arms were crossed, his posture composed.
Liser's eyes lingered on him, studying him carefully. Even without an introduction, he could feel the authority radiating from the man.
This was the King of Jiran—Lorian VI.
Liser stepped forward and bowed respectfully."This son greets Imperial Father."
Lorian was visibly taken aback upon seeing him. The boy resembled his deceased wife, with traces of the former crown prince in his features. His gaze sharpened as he scrutinized Liser.
"Rise."
The word came out stiffly. There was an awkward pause. The king clearly didn't even remember his own son's name.
Sensing this, Liser calmly spoke,"Your Majesty, this son is Liser, the Fourth Prince."
Lorian let out a soft snort and looked him up and down, as if measuring his worth.
"You truly resemble your mother."
There was a flicker of pity in his eyes. And calculation.
"Your mother is gone, and now your brother is as well. You should understand your position."
Liser understood perfectly. The remnants of the First Prince's faction would inevitably target him. This was less concern and more… a warning.
"I understand, Father. I am also deeply grieved by my brother's passing."
The king sighed, " Your brother was a good boy, yet it's a pity he died. You should reflect on his actions." It was the only advice he could give, facing his son whom he had never met.
"I'll remember it, Father. You should take care of your health."
The king waved his hand dismissively."I understand. You may leave."
That was it.
Liser turned and walked away, his emotions tangled. That warning… was it for him? Or just to protect the king's precious legacy?
He let out a long sigh.
As he glanced around, his eyes landed on a frail girl, around thirteen years old, quietly observing him. Her crimson eyes mirrored his mother's.
She didn't look away.
Liser approached her."Hello. May I ask who you are?"
The girl replied calmly,"I'm Emilia."
Liser froze.
She was his biological elder sister—the one born between him and the First Prince.
He examined her more closely. Her beauty was undeniable, fitting for royalty. But her clothing… it wasn't up to standard. Not disgraceful, but far from what a princess should wear at such an event.
"Big sister, I'm Liser—the Fourth Prince."
A complex emotion flashed across Emilia's eyes. Rumors said he was the reason their mother died. That he was to blame for everything that followed.
And yet… she couldn't hate him.
There was an invisible bond between them.
She nodded slightly."Mhm."
Liser sat beside her.
After a moment, Emilia spoke, her voice soft."Brother… how have you been?"
"Don't worry about me, Sister. How have you been in the palace?"
He already had a guess. Her hollow expression and plain clothing told him enough.
Emilia sighed."The palace… You could say I'm fine. That vixen is ruthless."
A sense of pity rose in his heart
"Don't worry, Sister. Anyone can see how she treats you."
He lowered his voice.
"One day, I'll save you."
Emilia let out a faint, mocking smile."Little brother, worry about yourself first. That woman won't spare you."
She stood and gestured for him to follow her outside.
Unnoticed by them, Helena watched from a distance, a sneer forming on her lips.
'That girl is still not obedient.'
She dismissed them entirely. What threat could two children possibly pose?
Outside, Liser looked at Emilia."Sister, is there something you want to tell me?"
Emilia turned to face him. The emptiness in her eyes was gone, replaced by clarity.
"I won't waste time. The Queen's faction sees you as an enemy. If you want to live, you should run."
She quickly handed him a pouch.
"There's twenty gold Yun inside. I'll assign you a trusted maid—she's both a warrior and a mage. Leave now, and you can live the rest of your life in peace."
Liser felt numb.
They had only just met… and she was already risking everything for him.
Liser was touched. His valuation for this sister rose to a new high.
"Why are you doing this for me?" he asked quietly. "Am I really worth it?"
Emilia's expression softened.
"You're the only family Mother left behind. I can't leave, and my life isn't in immediate danger. But you… You can still escape."
She paused.
"And you're my brother. I won't let you die here."
For a moment, Liser said nothing.
Then he shook his head.
"Sister… thank you. But I can't accept this."
Emilia was stunned. She was about to argue, but Liser spoke first.
"My mind is made up. I need strength. I need revenge. That woman took everything from our mother."
Emilia sighed in frustration."You brat… do you even understand how dangerous this is? Listen to me. After this banquet, you must leave the capital."
"The situation isn't that dire yet," Liser replied firmly. "Sister… don't you want revenge too?"
Emilia looked into his eyes and sighed again.
"You stubborn brat… fine. What's your plan? Without action, those are just empty words."
"I'll build my strength slowly and keep a low profile. The Queen's faction won't act openly for now."
Emilia hesitated, then said,"You should contact Grandfather."
Liser frowned."Wouldn't that make me a bigger target?"
"He's still the Protector of the South," Emilia explained. "Neither the king nor the Queen's faction would provoke him directly. With his support, you can push for an investigation into the First Prince's death."
She paused, watching his reaction.
"Without him, you might last two or three months. With him, you could buy yourself a year."
Liser was impressed. This wasn't the thinking of a sheltered princess.
"…I understand. I'll follow your advice."
Then he asked,"But will he even listen to me?"
Emilia smiled faintly."The only reason I'm still alive in this palace is because of his influence. He values the family's reputation above all else. Give him a reason, and he'll act."
She looked up at the sky.
Liser spoke firmly,"Don't worry, Sister. I'll grow stronger. I won't disappoint you."
For the first time, he felt genuine attachment. This sister… she wasn't simple. But she was on his side.
"Let's return," Emilia said.
They walked back toward the hall, only to hear a sudden commotion growing louder.
As they entered, Liser saw a man far more handsome than himself, surrounded by nobles and attendants.
Emilia leaned in and whispered,"That's the Second Prince… the current Crown Prince, Logus."
(Will have to take a break. Exams are going on. I'll start updating after 20th May)