Trying to Solve the Villain’s First Critical Event

Until now, it's still bothering me why Kaiden wants to study blacksmithing on another estate when he can do it here. There are many smithies here in Mistyvale if he only wants experience. He doesn't need to look for a famous one.

Unless there's a serious reason why he needs to leave, and whatever that is, I need to find out.

I glared at the paperwork. "But how can I investigate that when I'm swamped with work here?"

Until a knock on my door brings my mind to reality. 

I looked at it, but before I could even say 'Come in,' the person who knocked had already opened it. 

And because of that, even if I haven't seen who it is, I already know who the person behind the door is.

"Brother, are you busy?" Nicomaine asked as she entered my study room.

I lean in my chair, hold my nape with both hands, and let my feet stretch as I look at my sister standing before me. "Well, I am in my study room with many papers on my table…" 

I tilt slightly to point out the paperwork, then look at her again. "What do you think, sister? Do I look busy?"

Honestly, I want to kick her out of my study room. I have a bad feeling about her sudden visit, and whatever the reason, I am sure it will delay my work.

She rolled her eyes on me and sat on the table. "I want to run away from this mansion…" she said in a soft and weak voice.

I stopped moving my feet and sighed. I fixed my posture as I rubbed my temples and picked up the pen on my desk. I played with it briefly before looking back at my sister. "Tell me, what did Father did this time?"

Yeah, I want her out to my office right now. But if she acts like this, even if I show her an obvious answer that I want her out, she will make an even bigger fuss to get my attention. So, I'll just give her attention to get it over with.

I looked at her while waiting for her to speak. It took her a second to understand and tell me about her problem.

She looks at the table and plays with a piece of paper while pouting. "Brother, why aren't we born as a commoner? Why did I become a member of the Thorne Family?"

Her tone was sad, and it was apparent she had been crying before she came up to me. She probably didn't get what she wanted from crying, so she felt forced to disturb my peace here.

And her question seems deep. Even if I haven't heard the full details, I know what is happening now. 

I take a deep breath before I speak, "I see. Father is asking you to make your move with Nicolo." I put down the pen and leaned back again.

She widened her eyes as she looked at me. "Can you watch your words, brother!?" Then it becomes narrow when she says, "He is the crown prince of Arventia! Respect his position!" There was an emphasis in her voice.

I just sigh again and look away. My sister becomes crazy whenever we talk about him. "He's not even here. Besides, he's not officially the crown prince yet, and even if that happens, he's still our cousin."

She glared at me. "They haven't crowned Prince Nicolo yet, but he is still the king's eldest son, so they will likely make him the crown prince!" she insisted.

I shrug. "Whatever. So, what do you want me to do now?"

As my gaze shifted to her, she suddenly looked down as if looking for an answer in the pile of paper in front of us. 

"Honestly, I don't know. I have loved Prince Nicolo since we were kids, but I don't want to marry him just because Father wanted me to be his queen."

I pointed my index finger at her. "Now you need to watch your words, too!" 

She frowned when she looked at me. 

I continued, "It was just a puppy love. You are still young for love!"

"Ugh, brother!" She scoffs as she stands up. "Are you going to help me with my problem?" she asked.

I stare at her, making her speak again, "Remember I helped you last time? You owe me a big favor now!" She also pointed her index finger at me.

While still my arms were hanging, I frowned and thought about what favor she was talking about. I even tilt my head to think more because I can't remember anything.

She stomped her feet as she put her hands down. "You throw me off to the palace so you can meet that son of a baron!" she said irritatedly. 

Then she crossed her arms and looked away from me while pouting. "Why do you always get on my nerves?!"

I raised my brows, and my mouth slightly opened when I remembered that. "Ah!" I exclaimed as I lifted my chin and snapped my fingers. "But I was the one who did a favor for you—"

"Just shut up!" she started her tantrums again. "I hate you, Nicodeim! I hate you!"

She stomped her feet again as she crossed her arms. She glares at me, and that makes me laugh.

"Okay, okay! We will get things worked out somehow…" I said as I waved my hand. "If Father only wanted you to make a move, then do it…"

She approached me again and slammed the table. "Brother, aren't you listening to me?! I said—"

I waved my hand to make her stop while my eyes were closed. "I know what you said."

When I opened my eyes, I looked at her and put my hands on the table. "But what choice do you have now? Don't tell me you'll leave this mansion and live a life even lower than a commoner's. If you do that, Nicolo won't wish you to be his queen."

She couldn't respond right away to what I said. She stepped back slightly from me, her mouth agape. "Are you out of your mind?! I thought you hated his ideas?!"

"Hey!" I glared at her. "You are the one who bothered me here by asking a question with an obvious answer, and now that I gave you my answer, you will refuse to take my advice."

She slowly closed her mouth, then frowned again and looked at me.

I point my index finger at her. "Serious question, were you crazy before?"

She raised her hand as if to hit me, so I quickly raised both my arms to shield my face. But when she didn't follow through, I smirked at her again.

She was still frowning, but she looked away. It was clear she didn't feel like teasing me anymore.

I crossed my arms and sighed. "Of course, I hate Father ever since he controls my life. But let's be honest here, Nicomaine…"

She looks at me with her brows rising.

I continue, "Whether you like it or not, you must obey his words. You can see that you have no choice but to do what he wants. That is what you are always telling me, right? Then apply it to yourself, too."

"But… Nicodeim—"

"No buts. Just do it."

"Yeah, but—"

"I said no buts!" I accidentally raised my voice. I understand her feelings, but I don't regret what I said, either.

I sigh as I put my hands on my table. "Listen, Nicomaine. I honestly wanted you to be out of the burden of having responsibility in this household. But I still don't have that power yet. You know Father hasn't fully trusted me yet…" I started explaining.

'Wait… Nicolo.' I said in my mind. 'If I play this right, this could work in my favor.'

"Nicomaine," I said, my voice was sharp just enough to catch her attention. "Take my advice as your big brother. Running off without a plan is the fastest way to ruin your life—and mine."

Her brows furrowed, a mix of confusion and anger. "What do you mean, your life? You're not the one Father's trying to marry off!"

I smirked. "True. But if you screw this up, I'll be stuck cleaning up your mess. So let's think bigger."

If I can convince her to do what our father said, I can use this opportunity to talk with Nicolo. I could find clues about Chamitillon and the current state of their smithing there.

"So accept it. That's all you can do," I added.

She looked down, and I thought she was about to cry. So before she does, I speak again. "Come on, don't worry, your big brother got you…"

When she lifted her gaze at me, I smirked and said, "If Father wants to pull our strings, we'll make sure he regrets it. Play along for now— we'll turn this into our game, not his."