Who Dare?

Eugene visits the Shradinza Household as requested. Eunice pulled Timber to welcome her brother and happily clung to Eugene as he stepped off the carriage. "Brother welcome back! I miss you so much!"Eugene's face softened as he patted his little sister's face."Well, brother miss you too."Timber smiles, "Eunice has been bothering Euric these past few days since she hasn't seen you for a while. Seems like being the future grand duchess is tough."Eugene hummed and was about to hug Timber but froze. Timber didn't see his reluctance and just tilted his head then waved his hand, offering a gesture of inviting a guest inside. The proper action of a soon-to-be Marchioness of the Shradinza Household."Are you getting used to the Household?"Timber nodded his head and sighed, "Though it's still a bit awkward for me to marry the brother of my friend." After all, there's no love in this arrangement, and he's concerned about the love life of Euric if they get married. He's the only one at an advantage in this marriage. Timber still thinks it's not fair to the other party."Don't overthink. Besides brother also needs this marriage."The Count is already calm and has even sent a letter to his brother, stating that he'll offer a dowry and agree to the marriage. He has also sent Klius to stay within the academy's walls and withdraw Timber's enrollment, so right now, Timber is solely focusing on household lessons such as fulfilling his role as a wife and the marchioness."I'm receiving letters from Father, he said that my mother is recovering well."Timber's eyes started to water.He thought he would lose his mother, and he had been anxious while staying at the Shradinza Household. He wanted to go back to Rozan's Manor, but he didn't want to be caught by his brother, knowing how scary it is to be locked away. Fortunately, Eugene was there to save him, avoiding his fate of being under his step-brother's control."That's good. You can now rest assured while staying here."After all, the Count has no idea that his son is poisoning his wife, and now that he has found out, he can't help but feel disappointed in Klius, who almost took away the person he cares about. Now, unless it's the Count, no one is allowed to go near the Countess, and even the doctor and healer are under observation whenever they visit the Madam.Upon entering the manor, he saw that nothing changed.The only difference is that there is no presence of an elder.Their grandparents are dead, and their relatives are just a bunch of greedy individuals who wanted to hook his brother. Unfortunately for them, Euric is not someone who is easy to manipulate or be swayed by words. They might try to visit the manor sometimes in the name of visiting relatives, but Euric would only sneer and make them wait for an hour as the price of bargaining without sending a proper letter of visitation. "Young master, welcome back."Eugene paused when he saw Vincent and couldn't help but raise his eyebrow."Hmm. Where is Raphael?"Vincent lowered his gaze, "Raphael is in the dining hall checking the meal."Eugene strode past Vincent with an air of frigidity, making her way through the living room. The surrounding servants instinctively lowered their heads, their bodies trembling as the recollection of their past mistreatment of the second young master loomed over them. With the former Marquis now in exile and Eugene poised to ascend as the future grand duchess of the grand dukedom, a palpable shift had occurred. No one dared to scoff at the once-unfavored young master in their midst.Hold on. Unfavored? That's far from the truth now, isn't it?In the present, Eugene has emerged as a formidable presence, recognized as a dualist of great renown. Rumors even circulate that the grand duke harbors an intense fascination for the second young master, to the extent that any attempts at proximity are swiftly met with preemptive warnings."The second young master has arrived, hurry up!"Chaos erupted among the servants in the dining room and kitchen, sending waves of panic through the air. Raphael, overseeing the terrified expressions of the servants, could only release a heavy sigh, his own demeanor tinged with apprehension.Why does he feel like, the seemingly peaceful days are over?"Would you like to explore the town later?" Eugene inquired.Eunice shook her head, her lips pressed together in a troubled expression. "I'd rather stay in," she murmured.Concern furrowed Eugene's brow as he observed the shift in his younger sister's mood. Even Timber, sensing the tension, let out a sigh and placed a comforting hand on Eugene's arm. "Eunice has been troubled by certain nobles seeking favor from the Shradinza Household. They've been persistent, even at social gatherings. It's becoming increasingly difficult to manage..." Timber trailed off, his lips tightening as he lowered his gaze before speaking again."E-Eunice was nearly poisoned––""What?!" Eugene's eyes narrowed sharply as he gripped Timber's hand, causing Timber to flinch."Brother!" Eunice interjected, hastily grasping her brother's hand and glaring at Timber. "I told you not to say anything!"Timber lowered his head, "I'm only concerned for your well-being, and Eugene has every right to know––""Who?" Eugene's cold voice cut off Timber's explanation abruptly.Seeing Eugene's dark face. Both Eunice and Timber tremble in fear."Brother, please, calm down," Eunice implored, her voice soft yet urgent. "Brother Euric has already taken care of the matter. We wouldn't want to burden you further, especially considering your responsibilities in managing the affairs of the empire. Besides, I––"Interrupting her, Eugene swept a hand through his hair, the motion swift and forceful. His fingers caught in the strands, revealing the intensity of his frustration."So, you and brother intended to hide it from me just for a simple reason?"Eugene looks at his little sister with red eyes."Eunice, do you look down on me? Your brother?"Eunice was taken aback, her voice faltering as she struggled to find the right words. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, betraying the depth of her emotions as she faced her brother's disappointed gaze, compounded by the visible anger simmering within him. Overwhelmed, she could only cry and offer apologies, seeking solace in her brother's embrace."Brother, I'm so sorry," she choked out between sobs. "I-I just don't want you to get worried because I knew you--""That I could not only exact retribution upon their third generations but extend my vengeance sevenfold?"Timber widens his eyes and even Eunice didn't expect what she heard."Eunice, can you fathom the disappointment I'd experience if I were to learn of this from someone else?" So those bastards should be a little thankful that Timber had spoken the matter earlier than it needed.Eugene's icy gaze bore into his little sister's face, his hand gripping her neck firmly as he leaned in close, his voice a chilling whisper. "Not only would I ensure their demise, but I'd also subject them to the cruelest of tortures.""Brother!"Eugene let go and glanced at Timber. "Who are the culprit?"Timber shook his head with a troubled expression. "I'm not entirely sure. Euric has kept the details from me. However, Lady Brittany might have some insight. She witnessed the incident and was the one who sent Eunice back to the Manor, reporting the matter."Hearing Britanny's name, Eunice hurriedly grabbed her brother's arm."Brother, Lady Britanny had nothing to do with the poisoning!"Eugene hummed and patted Eunice's head."I know." He knew Britanny wouldn't do something so low such as that.Since he couldn't get full details from Timber, Eugene resolved to have a conversation with his brother later. But for now, his priority was his little sister. After all, spending time with her was the very reason he had returned to the Shradinza Household.They walk straight to the lounge room for a moment of tea."How's life in the manor treating you?" Eugene inquired.Timber smiled warmly. "It's been great, honestly. Though there are moments when I miss the life of a student, the thought of not having you within the academy's walls outweighs any longing I may have for it."Eugene sighed heavily, his gaze distant as he muttered, "There's always more beyond the towering walls of the academy."Moreover, Eugene had frequented the academy numerous times, finding the repetitive routine dull and uninspiring. He had amassed a wealth of knowledge over the centuries of his existence, making it challenging to remain engaged in the same educational environment.Besides, this wasn't the first time Timber's educational pursuits had been abruptly halted. Klius's past actions, imprisoning Timber and confining him to the walls of Rozans Manor, had effectively barred him [Timber] from pursuing a life beyond its boundaries.Recalling the haunting image of Timber confined within a colossal cage, worshipped like some sort of deity by Klius, Eugene couldn't suppress the deep furrow in his brow."Speaking of the academy," Eunice's sudden enthusiasm drew Eugene's attention. Eunice exclaimed, clapping her hands together, "There's an awarding ceremony coming up soon. The halls will be bustling with activity once more."Timber raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Is it that time already?"Eugene and Timber's gazes met, and a shared understanding passed between them as they both realized the significance of the upcoming event."It does feel like it's been ages since we last set foot in the academy." Timber sighs, his voice filled with nostalgia.Eunice's sigh carried a note of resignation. "The academy is still open for visits, but I fear it won't be a peaceful one," she remarked, her tone tinged with humor. "After all, my brother is quite the popular there, thanks to his numerous achievements."Eugene just chukle.Timber: "I bet the most popular talk is the selection incident.""Thant's right!" Eunice laughed, "Everyone talks about that and they still can't believe it."As Eugene and Timber delved into fond memories of their past, Eunice listened with a contented smile, cherishing the warmth of their shared recollections. However, their nostalgic reverie was interrupted by the arrival of Raphael as the afternoon sun began to wane."Excuse me, young masters and young lady," Raphael announced respectfully, "but dinner is served, and the Marquis awaits your presence in the dining room."Eugene, Timber, and Eunice strolled through the opulent hallway of the Marquis's estate, the soft glow of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished marble floor. The air was rich with the scent of polished wood and fresh flowers, adding to the grandeur of their surroundings.Raphael, led the way with impeccable precision, his demeanor as dignified as the mansion's ornate furnishings. His silver-trimmed coat bore not a single crease, and his steps were as silent as a whisper as he guided the young nobles towards the dining room.Finally, they reached the entrance to the dining room, where the heavy oak doors stood imposingly ajar, welcoming them into the opulent chamber beyond. With a gracious nod from Raphael, they entered the dining room."Brother!"Eunice, her excitement bubbling over, lifted her skirts and dashed inside, prompting immediate concern from the three men."Don't run, Eunice! You might slip!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with genuine concern for her safety.Eunice's steps halted abruptly, her expression transforming into a pout.Euric sighed softly, reaching out to her. "Come here. Why are you in such a hurry?"Eunice's pout softened into a smile as she replied, "Nothing! I'm just happy!"Euric knew that his little sister is like this because Eugene came to visit.Eugene settled into his seat on the left side of the table, while Timber took his place across from him on the right. Euric, as the head of the household, occupied the central seat, his presence commanding the attention of all. Meanwhile, Eunice hurriedly seated herself next to Eugene, her eyes darting eagerly over the array of food spread out before them."Eugene, it's been a while."Eugene nodded at his brother, a serious glint in his eyes. "Indeed, there are matters I wish to discuss with you, brother," he stated firmly.Euric simply smiled, understanding that Eugene was already aware of the recent events concerning Eunice."Then, we will have time in my office."Timber sighed, a heavy weight settling over him as he lowered his head. He understood that Eugene wouldn't let the matter go easily, and in truth, it was the right course of action. After all, who would dare to attempt the life of the sole princess of the Shradinza Household? In a realm where the empire lacked a princess of its own, Eunice and Lady Britanny, as members of the four pillar families, held titles bestowed upon them by the emperor, marking them as the closest semblance to royalty.Those nobles are probably panicking right now.