By Some Unbelievable Twist, I Became the Villainess’s Older Brother

“Yes. I am fine.”

Wondering whether his complexion looked that poor, Enoch touched his face for a moment. But his answer did not seem to change the First Princess’s mind.

“If you were ill, you should not have forced yourself to come. You are an extremely important talent even within our Empire, Sir Enoch.”

Enoch’s mouth stiffened strangely. Having his words ignored repeatedly did not feel pleasant.

No, I told you I’m fine. And if she was so worried about others, should she not have refrained from sending five invitations?

“I truly am fine, Your Highness. I have nearly recovered.”

“Oh. Then are you free of aftereffects as well?”

“Yes.”

“I see! What a relief. You cannot imagine how alarmed I was when I heard you had been gravely injured and were unconscious. Heaven must surely have aided you!”

“Yes. Well…”

Enoch fell silent as he watched the First Princess clasp both hands and look toward the ceiling as though offering sincere thanks. If she had worried that much, should she not have visited him sooner?

He nearly died saving her younger brother. If she had been concerned, surely she could have done at least that much. Enoch silently watched the First Princess’s false display, then docilely nodded as though she were correct.

Meanwhile, she finished her prayer and lowered her hands. The peculiar fervor glittering in her eyes as she looked at him felt somehow chilling.

“But Sir Enoch, there is something I am curious about… May I ask?”

“Yes, of course, Your Highness.”

Seeing him nod, the First Princess leaned slightly forward. Enoch reflexively drew back from the oppressive motion, and her smile deepened.

“Since when have you been so close to my uncle?”

“……”

“Ah. I mean nothing by it. I am asking only because I am genuinely curious, Sir Enoch. Will you answer me?”

Contrary to her light question, her expressionless face plainly threatened him to produce an answer immediately. Enoch swallowed dryly.

If it had been a simple question, he would readily have told the truth. But the First Princess did not appear to be asking because she truly wanted that answer.

What she really wanted to know was likely not when they had become close, but how the two men came to meet so often.

‘…But how does she know this too? Do all members of the Imperial Family have dozens of eyes?’

How did they know even these trivial details so well? Struggling to compose his expression, Enoch widened his eyes.

“What do you mean, Your Highness? I do not properly understand what you are saying.”

“Oh? You do not understand?”

The First Princess widened her eyes in feigned surprise and tilted her head. Sweating inwardly at the false performance, Enoch answered seriously.

“Of course not. His Highness the Grand Duke and I have merely met several times. How could I dare claim friendship with him? He only asked after my health several times on behalf of His Highness the Crown Prince and paid visits to comfort me while I recovered.”

“Hmm…? Is that truly all?”

Expressionless, Enoch nodded.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I see.”

After the short exclamation, the First Princess rested her chin on one hand and looked at Enoch. He couldn’t tell whether she meant she understood or still harbored doubts.

Feeling his body grow stiff, Enoch tried to relax somehow. The First Princess still radiated a gentle air, yet strangely, Enoch felt as though he stood before a beast.

An intense instinct pierced his mind, warning him never to lower his guard. Feeling the shirt dampen against his back, Enoch composed himself once more.

“So… it was all my misunderstanding?”

Enoch smiled lightly.

“Yes, regrettably for me. But such things happen. I do not mind. …If that was all you wished to say, I should now―”

“Why are you in such a hurry, Sir Enoch? We still have much to discuss. Very well, then. Since this does not seem to interest you, shall we speak of something else?”