chapter 6

Hadrian Aster's departure from the estate was supposed to be uneventful. He had left for a business matter, something about negotiations with the southern provinces, and wouldn't be back for at least a few days. Lilic had thought this meant peace—no awkward breakfasts, no unreadable glances, and most importantly, no pressure to decode whatever fatherly intent Hadrian had been attempting lately.

She had not accounted for Leor.

The moment Hadrian's carriage disappeared beyond the gates, Leor seemed to shed his usual stiff and honorable demeanor, and what remained was an older brother with far too much free time and a deeply ingrained dislike for his younger sister.

At first, it was subtle.

Lilic entered the library, eager to spend her day reading, only to find that all the books she had been reading recently—every single one—had mysteriously vanished from the shelves.

She blinked at the empty space where her latest book on political strategy had been just yesterday.

"Huh."

A passing servant stopped when she called them over. "Excuse me, do you know where the books from this section went?"

"Oh," the maid hesitated. "The Young Master ordered them to be stored away, my lady."

Lilic stared. "...Stored away?"

"Yes, my lady. He mentioned something about 'removing unnecessary distractions.'"

Lilic took a deep breath.

Leor.

Fine. If he wanted to play that game, she'd play.

The next morning, she noticed her personal tea set was missing. That afternoon, the garden bench she always sat on had mysteriously been relocated. By dinner, her usual seat at the table had been taken, a small but smug victory visible in Leor's gaze as he acted completely unaware of his actions.

It was petty. It was childish. It was infuriating.

And Lilic refused to lose.

She started responding in kind.

Leor's favorite pen? Missing. His paperwork? Somehow replaced with her handwriting practice sheets—filled with overly enthusiastic messages about sibling unity. His riding boots? Suddenly a size too small. Every time he glared at her, she smiled sweetly in return.

The staff of Aster Manor had never been more confused.

By the time Hadrian returned, neither sibling acknowledged the war they were waging, each pretending all was well.

Unfortunately for them, Hadrian had not returned alone.

"My old friend, Lord Davian Roen, will be staying with us for a while," Hadrian announced over dinner.

Leor and Lilic, both mid-bite, froze.

Davian Roen was a name both of them recognized—an influential nobleman known for his keen insight into politics and business. A man who had eyes sharper than Hadrian's.

Leor immediately straightened, adopting the perfect posture of a responsible heir. Lilic, in turn, gave her best impression of an unproblematic young lady.

Davian, seated across from them, studied them both with amusement. "Hadrian," he said, taking a sip of his wine. "You never told me your children were so… interesting."

Leor twitched. Lilic beamed. Hadrian merely sipped his drink, unaware of the battlefield his household had become.

Then it got worse.

Somehow, Hadrian decided that the best way to entertain his guest was to ensure that his children spent more time together in front of him.

Which was how Lilic found herself seated beside Leor in the drawing room, pretending to be the epitome of sisterly affection, while Leor, looking as if he were experiencing the world's worst headache, forced a strained smile.

"You two must get along quite well," Davian observed, his sharp eyes flickering between them.

Leor's smile froze, and Lilic, sensing an opportunity, leaned in with an overly sweet voice. "Oh, absolutely. My dear brother is so caring. Always looking out for me."

Leor's eye twitched. "And Lilic is… an irreplaceable presence in my life."

Hadrian hummed approvingly, clearly enjoying the display. Davian chuckled. "It's rare to see such a close bond in noble families."

Leor, whose fingers were digging into the armrest of his chair, let out a short, clipped laugh. "Yes. Very… rare."

Lilic, barely containing her laughter, patted his hand. "I'm so lucky to have him."

Davian nodded, utterly convinced. "A strong sibling relationship is a good foundation for family unity. It's heartwarming to see."

Hadrian, smirking slightly, took another sip of his drink, fully aware that neither of his children could drop the act now without making it obvious.

Leor's smile was beginning to look pained. Lilic decided to finish him off.

"I simply adore my big brother," she sighed dramatically. "He's the best."

Leor shot her a sharp look that promised revenge.

She smiled back.

Their war had just reached a new level.