Chapter 20: About Us

Whatever you’re planning with the Student Committee," Sylvain said coldly, "if my sister is put in danger, you’ll answer to me."

A faint green glow spread beneath Sylvain’s palm as he made the application form float into the air with his Resonance.

A strong gust of wind enveloped it as it carved intricate patterns, illuminating it with a deep green light.

Sylvain’s Spirit Animal, an eagle, manifested within the glowing seal. Its wings spread wide, with two crossed swords beneath it.

The twin swords were the symbol of House Valendorf—the Empire’s Sword.

The eagle shimmered before sinking into the document. Sylvain signed his name and Resonance beneath the seal, permanently embedding the eagle and crossed swords into the application form.

In this world, a Sentinel’s Resonance wasn’t limited to fighting monsters or strengthening their bodies.

Powerful Sentinels could use their Resonance to activate their family’s seals, authenticate official documents, and imprint their authority onto something as simple as a piece of paper.

For a Duke like Sylvain, whose Spirit Animal was an Eagle, his Resonance carried the authority of House Valendorf itself.

Lydia was still processing the sight when Sylvain reached for the application. Ephraim grabbed the other end at the same time.

For a moment, neither man let go. Sylvain pulled the document toward himself, only for Ephraim to tug it back. The paper stretched taut between them as they stared at each other with equally cold expressions.

Oh, for heaven’s sake. They’re actually fighting over a piece of paper. Why does this suddenly feel like a battlefield?

"I wonder why you’re in such a hurry, Your Highness?"

The sharpness in his eyes reminded Lydia of the eagle engraved into the document.

You’ve approved the document properly, haven’t you? And I trust a Valendorf wouldn’t go back on their word simply because they’ve had a change of heart."

What a hypocrite! The nerve of Ephraim to lecture someone about keeping their word when he was the one who went back on his and wrecked my financial freedom just because he had a last-minute change of heart.

Oh, the irony. Does this man ever look in a mirror?

"Don’t involve her in anything dangerous."

Sylvain’s grip tightened as he glared at Ephraim. The warning wasn’t subtle, yet Ephraim didn’t look intimidated.

"Consider it done, brother-in-law." Ephraim continued pleasantly, "Lydia is safe with me."

Damn. That perfectly polished Crown Prince smile.

Ephraim’s crimson eyes curved into crescents, his courtesy as flawless as ever, even when he was dealing with someone he couldn’t stand.

He was staring directly at Brother Sylvain without any hint of fear.

Why are there so many predators around me?

Eventually Sylvain let Ephraim take the application and scoffed.

"Take it. Now, leave."

"Thank you for your cooperation, brother-in-law."

Sylvain’s eyes twitched at his taunt but Lydia immediately grabbed Ephraim’s sleeve and dragged him toward the door before her brother could decide that murdering the Crown Prince was worth the death penalty.

"Let’s go."

She had a feeling that if they stayed any longer, the two of them would somehow turn a simple application form into an Imperial incident.

Lydia hurried out of the study, with Ephraim following close behind. She assumed he would leave once they reached the main hall.

He had already resolved the Monster Hunting Competition issue and secured Sylvain’s approval for her Student Committee application. Surely, that was enough for one visit.

Apparently not.

When she turned down the corridor toward her bedroom, Ephraim was still trailing after her. Lydia glanced over her shoulder, wondering if he had forgotten something in the study.

By the time he followed inside her bedroom, Lydia could no longer ignore him.

"Ephraim? Why are you following me into my bedroom? This isn’t the royal palace. You can’t just wander into people’s rooms whenever you feel like it!"

"I’m lost, then."

"Like I’ll buy that."

Oh.

Since Ephraim had just done her a favor, just as he had asked from her brother, Lydia was certain he wouldn’t let her off without asking for something in return.

So that was why he was following me. Same old Ephraim.

"Yeah, thank you, Your Highness Crown Prince Ephraim Rion Adelstein." Lydia folded her arms and narrowed her eyes.

"Now, name your price."

She knew there had to be something.

"What do I expect in return?"

Ephraim glanced toward the corridor then he looked back at her. Without saying anything, he reached for the door and locked it.

Click.

Sure, Lydia hadn’t expected that. But there was nothing unusual about Ephraim entering her room.

He had been spending his time at House Valendorf since they were children. He knew this residence almost as well as he knew the Imperial Palace.

For years, House Valendorf had practically been his second home. And spent enough time with the Valendorf family that his presence in Lydia’s room wasn’t something that would cause the servants to make a fuss.

The moment the two of them had entered the corridor, even the maids and servants had already quietly dispersed.

No one was going to stand around outside the Duke’s daughter’s bedroom and listen to a conversation between the Crown Prince and his fiancée.

Especially not when that Crown Prince was Ephraim.

They knew better.

The playful smile was still there, but something beneath it felt more serious.

"Now that we’re alone," Ephraim took another step toward her. "There’s something that I want to talk to you about. Privately."

Ephraim stepped closer, leaving Lydia with barely any room to retreat. Before she could react, he planted one hand against the wall beside her head, trapping her between him and the wall.

W-Wait. Isn’t this?! Why does he have to be this close? Too close! Too close!!

Lydia could see the faint amusement in Ephraim’s crimson eyes, and the sight only made her cheeks burn hotter.

THUMP, THUMP, THUMP!

Good grief! Was her heart trying to escape her chest?!

"Lydia." His voice was much softer than usual, and with his face so close to hers, Lydia could barely keep herself from blushing even harder.

"Y-Yes?"

Ephraim gently lifted her chin with his fingers, tilting her face up until their eyes met. Lydia’s cheeks burned even hotter under his gaze.

"About... us."