Chapter 107 - 34: First Meeting with Big Brother

Chapter 107: Chapter 34: First Meeting with Big Brother

’Adrian...’

’What is he doing here?’

Attended by her maids, Lilia changed out of her nightgown and into a formal dress suitable for receiving guests before making her way to the door of the drawing-room.

According to Rebecca, the Eldest Prince of the Light Kingdom was gentle and upright, a Knight who strictly abided by his code.

’So, did he come today because he heard from Veronica and the others that a "sister" had suddenly appeared in the Royal Court while he was away? Is he visiting out of curiosity and a sense of responsibility as the eldest brother?’

Lilia doubted that the man who had just attended a treacherous banquet the day before would have the leisure for such a casual visit.

’Then...’

’Is he here to test my attitude and allegiance?’

’After all, from Adrian’s perspective, I was "classmates" with Veronica and the others for over half a year. He must think I’m closer to his younger siblings than I am to him.’

With these questions in mind, Lilia pushed open the door.

Inside the room.

A young man in his twenties, dressed in a pitch-black suit, was sitting on the sofa, sipping tea.

Hearing the sound behind him, he turned to look.

The young man had the same short brown hair and amber eyes as Chris, but his features were more defined. The powerful muscles, honed by years on the battlefield, strained the fabric of his suit, giving him the mature Charm of a grown man.

As Lilia sized him up, Adrian was also observing his newfound sister.

He had not been back to Hillflan for a long time, but that did not mean he was ignorant of matters here.

Even before returning to the Royal Court, the Nobles who followed him had already told him about this Little Princess.

According to those Nobles, this Little Princess was discreet, obedient, and taciturn. Despite possessing immense Magic Talent, her ambition was less than that of any maid in the Royal Court.

So, before Lilia pushed open the door, Adrian had expected to see a meek and even somewhat shy little girl.

But he never expected...

Lilia walked up to Adrian, gathered the hem of her skirt, and curtsied. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Adrian."

The girl’s curtsy was flawless—her movements precise, her posture elegant. She was every bit the Little Princess who had been pampered since birth.

Adrian’s gaze fell upon her exquisitely, almost perfect face, and he suddenly felt that it was only fitting.

’A doll belongs in the most beautiful and splendid of flowerbeds.’

"So you’re Lilia?"

Adrian collected his thoughts and smiled gently. "Just call me Adrian. It’s what Veronica and the others have always called me."

He gestured for Lilia to take a seat on the sofa, and the two siblings, meeting for the first time, began to make small talk.

Adrian first asked if she was settling in well and if anyone was still bullying her as they had in the past. He then mentioned that he hadn’t seen her at the banquet yesterday and had only learned from Veronica that she was unwell. He asked how she was feeling now and whether she needed him to call for a doctor.

Their conversation was filled with his gentle words and meticulous concern. He seemed exactly like a long-lost elder brother, finally home after many years, doting on the younger sister who needed the most care.

Lilia suppressed her myriad thoughts and answered his questions obediently, one by one.

"...I’ve rested for a few days, so I’m much better now. You don’t need to have a doctor make a special trip."

"That’s good. If you still feel unwell, you can tell me anytime. Please don’t try to tough it out. It’s never good to let a small illness become a big one."

The subject was quickly dropped.

"I hear that for the past six months, you, Veronica, and the others have been studying under a Great Mage?" Adrian asked.

Lilia had known he would be interested in this question and, just as before, she gave an obedient nod.

"Last night, Veronica couldn’t stop praising your talent."

Adrian smiled. "After all these years stationed on the border, the biggest thing I’ve learned is that a single powerful Mage can truly change the course of a battle."

"It’s a shame that the number of High-level Mages is still too small. And with the Church and the Mage Association also in the Kingdom, the Royal Family has very little control over Mages. Even among those who graduate from the Royal Capital Magic Academy, few are willing to join the army."

"But that’s perfectly understandable. As Mages, they can easily find respectable, safe work in Hillflan. There’s absolutely no need for them to throw themselves onto a battlefield."

"In my opinion, however, the army is actually a decent place for a Mage. It’s simple and direct, without so much scheming and backstabbing. Moreover, Mages in the army don’t tend to be territorial about their knowledge. As long as you’re a true prodigy, they will teach you everything they know."

Adrian paused here and looked at Lilia. "The Royal Family’s Imperial Cavalry Army is currently stationed outside the city. If you’re interested, would you like to come and see it?"

"There are several highly respected Mages there. I’m sure that with your talent, they would be more than happy to exchange knowledge with you."

Silence fell.

Lilia did not answer at once.

She recognized it for what it was: an invitation, and one that could not have been more obvious.

It was not merely an invitation to visit the Imperial Cavalry Army’s encampment, but an invitation to... join his faction.

Perhaps the rumors Lilia had asked Rebecca to spread had been effective. Adrian did not see her as a competitor, but—just as she had hoped—as a resource to be won over.

In the past, Lilia would have likely agreed without hesitation. Even if she didn’t join his camp immediately, she would have at least shown a great deal of goodwill.

But now...

Lilia’s first priority was still to find a legitimate reason to travel to Navia County.

Only if that goal proved impossible would she consider abandoning her primary objective concerning Victor and cooperating more deeply with the various royal heirs.

Therefore, in response to Adrian’s direct invitation, Lilia neither accepted nor refused. Instead, she tactfully expressed her interest and promised she would certainly visit if she found the time.

Adrian understood her meaning and did not press the matter, giving Lilia ample freedom of choice.

This alone showed that what Rebecca had said about the Eldest Prince being a man of principle was not just an empty rumor.

At least based on this first meeting, Lilia’s impression of him was quite good.

After watching Adrian leave, Lilia returned to her chambers and gave a lazy yawn.

It was not yet nine o’clock. She was about to return to her room for a little more rest when Rebecca’s voice came again. "Princess Lilia..."

The young maid spoke cautiously, "Princess Veronica is here."