ＩＸ

I really wanted to strangle my little sister's neck. There's no proof that I'm sick because of her, but my instinct told me that she's the cause. I really wanted to attend the birthday party of Prince Lucean. I thought about running away from home quietly, but how? this house is quite tightly guarded. Plus there are maids waiting nearby outside my house because of dad's orders.

I'm basically trapped.

Feeling bored, I read a book that Brahms already read two years ago. It's just a book about the kingdom. I reread it because I'm so bored. Esma is busy so I don't have anyone to talk to.

"Huff," I sighed and closed the book. I placed the book beside me and lay down on my bed.

Four more days until the party. I need to convince my parents that I'm okay before the party.

.

.

.

Mercie smiled to herself as she looked into her own reflection through the mirror. Her maid, Juline, brushed her hair with so much care as if it was made out of diamonds. Mercie took her teacup and take a sip.

"Lovely day isn't it?"

It's been four days since the Young Master has fallen ill. Mercie looked brighter than usual, and it seems that the other servants also slowly forgot Mercie's evil deeds a couple of days ago. Well, not completely.

"It certainly is. May I ask why miss is in such a good mood?" Juline asked gently, starting to braid Mercie's hair.

"Hm~ you can say that everything worked just the way I wanted it to be,"

Juline only smiled at her miss's words.

She knew the real reason why Mercie is in a good mood. Four days ago, Juline caught Mercie put something into Brahms's food. Mercie, who is caught, promised Juline that she will give her a lot of luxuries and promising future with her wealth. Juline, blinded by money, became Mercie's accomplice.

"Foolish brother, dare to provoke me,"

"Yes, Miss,"

"And now he can't go to the party! ha! That's what he gets,"

From outside of the room, there's a maid walking by, overheard Mercie's words. It was Esma, holding a tray of snacks for her beloved Young Master. Esma frowned, then quickly fasten her pace to Brahm's bedroom.

.

.

.

"That's what you heard?"

"Yes, I swear that's what I heard,"

I knew it from the start, but now I have a witness. I casually took a bite on the lemon tart, savouring the sweet and sour flavour. Now, all I have to do now is to find evidence. But how?

"We can't confront her without evidence, so I suppose we should just wait around until we find a gap,"

"I agree. But still, I can't believe Miss Mercie would've done it!"

Esma pouts, muttering under her breath. She's such a sweet girl, I couldn't help but smiled at her.

Of course, this angered me as well. Mercie really wanted to play games with me. I'll make sure to mess with her more until she quivered in fear and wouldn't dare to pull any more tricks on me. While Esma and I talked, another day had passed.

I feel a lot better, but like what my parents agreed on, I can't go anywhere for a whole week. Meaning that I can't attend the Prince's party. Mercie had been going out buying expensive and colourful dresses. She said she wanted to attract the Prince and became his consort. She's so deluded. I scoffed quietly while drinking my tea.

While pondering alone in the living room, an Idea popped in my mind.

Esma who saw me slowly forming a mysterious smile, only smiled back curiously while tilted her head a little bit.

A couple hours later, like always, my parents would visit my room to check and have a small talk with me. Occasionally Mercie would visit me, and that's what I've been waiting. While chatting with my parents, finally Mercie walked into the room.

"How are you my brother?" Mercie smiled brightly, standing beside the viscount.

I smiled even brighter than Mercie's. Mercie visibly flinched upon seeing my smile.

"Oh dear sister, It's terrible. I thought I was getting better, but every night I would feel throbbing headache," I lowered my eyes and batted my eyelashes, making me looked like an abandoned puppy. Eyes filled with sympathy by the servants and my parents made me almost smile.

Mercie smiled a little, but her eyebrows are scrunched.

"A-Ah, I see.., you should take more rest,"

"I am. But it gets so lonely. Esma is busy, and I don't have any friends.., if my dear sister could accompany me until I feel better, I'll be very happy!"

"!"

Mercie's face looked like she saw her own grave.

Gotcha, bitch.

"That's a brilliant idea. The Prince's party is an important event, but it's not fair if you go and your brother isn't. You should stay here and accompany your brother," dad said, looking at Mercie while nodding his head.

Mom smiled too. "Yes, it'll be wonderful,"

"B-But," Mercie stammered, her eyes are shaking. Mom and dad looked at her, waiting for her excuse. Mercie bit her bottom lip, then give a thin smile. "I mean, I would love too,"

"Great," The viscount looked very happy. Mom also smiled. They think that my relationship with Mercie has gotten better.

Mercie steal a glare toward me, and I only smiled innocently.