By Some Unbelievable Twist, I Became the Villainess’s Older Brother - Chapter 10.1
Enoch’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
What did he mean by this? Taken on its own, it sounded like a simple question about whether Enoch had met anyone besides him. But Adelio’s reaction was far too suspicious for that.
Was it not? That look, that attitude, that expression! Judging by those alone, this was no simple question. He looked no different from a man about to hound his unfaithful wife into a corner.
Adelio sat loosely on the couch with his legs crossed. Seeing Enoch’s strange expression, he raised one corner of his mouth. His confident face seemed to say, ‘I guessed correctly, didn’t I?’
Looking at Adelio, Enoch suddenly recalled something that had happened a few days earlier. An expensive envelope and sealing wax stamped with the Imperial Family’s crest.
The recipient was Enoch, and the sender was the First Imperial Princess. Along with an ordinary inquiry after his health, the letter politely stated that she wished to invite him to her palace.
Having remembered that much, Enoch briefly searched his memories of the First Princess. She was an Imperial Princess with a radiant, beautiful face and a gentle, warm disposition.
As the Emperor’s eldest daughter, she was the member of the Imperial Family most beloved by the people. Enoch’s memories of her were not especially bad either…
But the Enoch of that time was not the man he was now. He couldn’t yet be certain that the judgment the former Enoch had reached was truly correct.
He didn’t even know what the other party intended by inviting him. He couldn’t walk willingly into the tiger’s den when he knew nothing.
That was why Enoch declined the First Princess’s invitation, using his lingering discomfort as the reason. He heard nothing further from her afterward.
‘But this man has already heard the news?’
…How, though? Surely he hadn’t planted someone here… The thought sent goose bumps rising down Enoch’s back. He struggled to keep his expression neutral.
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“You already understand, so don’t pretend otherwise.”
“…No. I truly don’t know. Are you saying I met someone privately?”
“Hmm, you truly do not know?”
Adelio leaned toward Enoch from where he sat sunk deep into the couch. His chin came to rest on Enoch’s shoulder.
Startled, Enoch moved aside. Fortunately, Adelio let him go without resistance.
Their builds clearly seemed similar, yet was it the weight of Adelio’s rank? Whenever he behaved this way, Enoch felt a strange pressure and could only hold his breath in alarm.
Enoch’s eyes darted here and there as he avoided Adelio’s gaze. Adelio watched him for a moment, then shrugged and continued.
“Very well. I should correct myself. Rather than someone you met… perhaps I should say someone you plan to meet?”
“…There is no such person.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then I am relieved. I thought that while I watched with my own two eyes, you might be doing something foolish behind my back. I greatly dislike my friend befriending someone else.”
As he listened, Enoch narrowed his eyes.
‘Selfish bastard.’
“You may think I’m selfish. I have been this way since birth. Besides, where would you find another friend as remarkable as me? Isn’t that right?”
What a fright! Adelio immediately spoke the very thought in Enoch’s mind, nearly making his heart leap from his chest.
Enoch swallowed dryly. He had to struggle not to glare at Adelio, who folded his arms and smiled with satisfaction.
The man was uncannily perceptive, and at the same time, far too aware of his own excellence. It was infuriatingly arrogant, but also true, which only irritated Enoch more.
“By the way, I brought one interesting fact with me. Aren’t you curious what it is?”
“…What fact?”
“Did I not tell you the last time I came? I said that when I returned, I would identify the person who tried to assassinate the Crown Prince and tell you.”
“……”
“The true culprit.”
Enoch straightened. Adelio’s mouth still held a smile, but his eyes were filled with astonishing cold.
Seeing his serious expression, Enoch did not think he was teasing or lying. He gazed at Adelio.
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