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

At those words, Enoch narrowed his eyes.

“What else do you know?”

Adelio raised his index finger and pointed to his own head. Enoch watched him silently, wondering what strange thing the man would do this time.

“I know you have forgotten certain memories.”

Enoch was abruptly lost for words. He had never imagined Adelio would notice even that.

Of course, he might have learned this through his investigation as well, but judging by Adelio’s expression, that did not seem to be the case. This was precisely why Enoch disliked perceptive, intelligent people.

More unexpected still was the possibility that Adelio had assigned someone to watch him. The puzzling question was why.

‘What made him so suspicious? Or… did he want to know something?’

Neither possibility was easy to understand. There might have been another reason entirely.

And what if… this was not the first time he had placed someone near Enoch? Enoch’s heart lurched at the thought.

If it had begun recently, it did not matter. But Enoch somehow felt that Adelio might have planted someone beside him long before that. Perhaps even before his fall from the horse.

Anxiety churned in his chest, but Enoch tried to hide his expression. Adelio was plainly studying his face, intent on discovering something.

“…I didn’t know you were aware even of that.”

“Do you remember when I came to visit you in the Crown Prince’s place?”

“Yes.”

How could he forget? Ostensibly, Adelio had visited on the Crown Prince’s behalf, but far from offering comfort or concern, he had done nothing but continually aggravate his sick host.

Adelio had also shown Enoch affection whenever he pleased and clung to him. In truth, Enoch had initially welcomed Adelio’s favor far less than he did now.

It was only natural. Adelio was the sort of person he had never encountered before. And with a stranger constantly expressing interest in him, he couldn’t help feeling burdened.

But after dealing with the man several times, Enoch gradually grew accustomed to him. As he adapted to ‘Enoch’s’ life, memories of Adelio also slowly began surfacing.

Of course, the innocent, lively boy in the real Enoch’s memories did not much resemble Adelio as an adult. He remained full of vitality, but the look in his eyes had changed far too much since childhood.

His gaze was deep, like that of someone who had weathered every hardship life could offer. Enoch couldn’t begin to imagine the days Adelio had spent in the west…

‘…What? No, what am I doing?’

Enoch started when he realized he had begun worrying without even noticing and hurriedly calmed himself.

Worry? What did he mean, worry? Who was he to worry about whom? Adelio was the Emperor’s only younger brother. He was capable and highly placed enough to live his entire life without ever requiring anyone’s concern.

“At first, I found it strange that you didn’t recognize me. Then I discovered there was something wrong with your memory. But it truly was unexpected. I couldn’t understand how you had failed to recognize me. You shouldn’t have been able to forget. That day was far too memorable.”

“Pardon?”

What was he going to say now? Enoch swallowed dryly as Adelio abruptly lowered his voice.

Adelio stared directly into Enoch’s eyes and spoke.

“That night we spent together. Have you truly forgotten it?”

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The First Princess strolled through the garden, gazing at the roses in full bloom. It had rained from dawn through the morning, leaving the petals drenched.

Perhaps for that reason, the scent of roses was almost sharp enough to sting her nose. The First Princess’s delicate hand brushed over the blossoms. The personal lady-in-waiting following behind her carefully draped a fox-fur cloak over her shoulders.

“The weather is still chilly, Your Highness. What if you catch a cold?”