By Some Unbelievable Twist, I Became the Villainess’s Older Brother - Chapter 10.2
When Enoch threw himself forward and saved the Crown Prince as he fell from his horse, the incident had been widely discussed even then. The accident was far too sudden. People became convinced it was someone’s plot and competed to offer every manner of speculation and theory about who had tried to kill the Crown Prince.
But now, one month later, every one of those rumors had been quietly buried as though they had never existed. It was only natural. While Enoch remained unconscious, the Imperial Palace formally announced that they had found the person who attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince.
The accused was the second son of an obscure house. He came from a family Enoch had never heard of and was someone who did not exist even in his memories.
Seized by the Imperial Guard, he confessed on the spot and was imprisoned. Before three full days had passed, he was reportedly found cold and dead in his cell. Poison was named as the cause of death, along with the claim that he had likely hidden it on his person just before his capture.
‘That makes no sense. They must have searched him when he entered the prison. Did the members of the Imperial Guard truly know nothing about the poison?’
One couldn’t help being suspicious. How had the son of an obscure house, far removed from central politics, secretly tampered with the Crown Prince’s horse? How had he known where the Crown Prince would hunt on those vast grounds and arranged the deed in that exact place? How had he entered prison with poison without discovery?
The entire incident was filled with questions. Not one had a satisfying answer.
If even Enoch thought so, Adelio could hardly be different. But Adelio apparently had lacked certainty until now, for he had never given Enoch a clear explanation of what happened. He merely said he would tell him the next time they met.
Enoch had assumed it was an empty promise. Naturally, he had never expected to receive an answer.
The Imperial Family had already announced the culprit. It was effectively a declaration that no one should investigate the matter further.
Moreover… in Enoch’s estimation, only one type of person could suppress the rumors so quickly and ignore countless suspicious details without being caught.
A member of the Imperial Family.
Enoch narrowed his eyes and studied Adelio for a moment. He hadn’t been in the capital long, but he too was an imperial.
But then again. In Enoch’s experience, Adelio appeared to want nothing more than to live as a carefree idler.
Even if he truly coveted the throne, a man like Adelio did not seem likely to use such a petty method.
Of course, that too was merely Enoch’s opinion. In truth, he still couldn’t possibly know exactly what Adelio was thinking.
“…Has the culprit not already been caught? Moreover, I heard he died in prison. Surely you have not forgotten already?”
“Ha?”
That was all Enoch said. Adelio gave an incredulous laugh at his brazen attitude.
Pretending nothing was amiss, Enoch raised his teacup and took a sip to hide his expression.
“There is no chance you believed that account, Sir Enoch. Am I wrong? Is that not why you refused the First Princess’s invitation?”
After swallowing the tea, Enoch slowly lowered his cup. Their eyes met across the air.
“Well, I understand. You naturally didn’t want to become involved in needless trouble. You must suspect an imperial, after all. Am I mistaken?”
“…Would you believe me if I said you were?”
Adelio grinned as though amused.
“No?”
“Then why did you ask when you would not believe me?”
“Now, now. Sir Enoch. That is quite irreverent. Is that any way to behave toward an imperial? Hm? You get away with showing this side of yourself only because you’re dealing with me. Anyone else would never have permitted it. Do you understand?”
What nonsense! Enoch smiled bitterly inwardly.
“So from now on, you must show this side of yourself only to me.”
“……”
“Hm? You should answer. Or at least nod.”
“I understand…”
“Your voice is rather quiet.”
“I said I understand!”
“Good. You listen so well.”
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