A cold wind swept through the Grand Duke of Ilensia's office.

...Not that actual wind was blowing, of course.

Sirien disliked the cold.

Any windows that might let in chilly drafts had long been closed.

Nevertheless, a frigid gust colder than winter wind howled like a beast before me.

It was the result of Sirien's icy aura colliding with Terion's roars.

"So what I'm saying is, why go to such a backwater place? What on earth can you possibly do there? It's going to be miserable for the territory's people, so stop this right now."

"W-what? Who do you think you're calling a fool? I'm not that stupid! Those people need a strong lord to protect them from monsters in winter! I can at least do that much."

"You're the only one who thinks so. If all you're going to do is swing a sword around, you should be a knight, not a lord."

So, it was a sibling quarrel.

Since humans first formed families, this has been the most persistently ongoing type of fight.

"I'm not completely ignorant anymore. I can certainly handle basic administration."

"Sure, you probably could. But why not make things easy on yourself? Why are you being so stubborn about this?"

"Stubborn? I just think a large territory would be too much responsibility..."

"That mindset is exactly why I'm against this. You think a small territory will be easier to manage? Absolutely not."

"..."

Well, once it had devolved into a war of words, Sirien would inevitably win.

I decided to watch the siblings' fight from a safe distance.

Terion had recently declared his independence and was preparing to establish his own household.

If things went according to his wishes, Terion would form a separate family, which would be treated as one of the branch families of Ilensia.

Although the concept of "branch family" had become something rather uncomfortable among us, Terion was an exception.

Well, it was people who committed sins, not the concept of branch families itself.

Anyway, that part was fine.

If that was Terion's wish, we could certainly respect it.

The problem was Terion's next residence.

Sirien had suggested a territory near the Grand Duchy, but Terion seemed to have his eye on somewhere much farther away in the north.

Their difference of opinion couldn't be reconciled, and voices were gradually rising.

Occasionally, the sparks flew in my direction too.

"Razen! Say something. Don't you think Sirien is being too dismissive of me?"

"Considering what you've done so far, wouldn't it be better to just listen to Sirien?"

"You're taking her side too? I thought you would believe in me!"

"What are you saying? When it comes to using brains, I always go with whatever Sirien suggests. It's better than me spending days thinking about it. Shouldn't you have noticed that by now?"

I gently tossed it back to Sirien.

Sorry, brother, but I have to consider household peace now.

I didn't lie, so as a fellow man, he should understand.

Though I wonder what I'd do if he didn't understand.

Is this too unkind of me?

But if it is, then what should I... Hmm. I shouldn't think like this.

Anyway, having spent a long time by Sirien's side, I had acquired some political wisdom.

When in doubt, side with the stronger party.

And the true power in this family was, without question, Sirien.

And the family's power player was pleased with my words.

She laid down a firm ultimatum.

"Anyway, I won't accept anywhere but the west. And don't think I don't know what you're planning. I have ways to handle things even if you go to the north, so don't make things difficult."

Terion's true feelings were obvious.

While he was willing to establish his own household, he didn't want to serve as a vassal under his younger sister Sirien.

He might have given up any desire for the head position of House Ilensia long ago, but actually being subordinate to her would feel different.

It wasn't an entirely unreasonable thought.

Terion had already conceded quite a lot.

He hadn't shown even a speck of greed regarding the succession of House Ilensia.

Instead, he had conducted himself remarkably well to ensure he wouldn't become a blemish while Sirien inherited the family.

But like Sirien and me, Terion had also reached an age where he could start his own family.

He wanted to hold his head high in front of the person he loved, and not feel intimidated in front of us.

He feared that if he failed and had to ask for our help, their equal relationship would be damaged.

Even though we would never mistreat Terion, this was a matter of the heart.

"Brother. You know I'm not trying to be difficult."

"I know... I do. And I know you're right. I might fail if I try to manage on my own, but with your help, things would certainly go smoothly."

Conversely, Sirien's concerns were also legitimate.

House Ilensia was currently at its peak of prosperity.

Even if Terion branched off, the fact that he was Sirien's blood relative wouldn't change.

No matter how peacefully he wanted to live, others wouldn't leave him alone.

That's why we needed to be his umbrella.

Sirien seemed to be planning to send people to help with territory management, but she also wanted to break his stubbornness.

"I can't rely on you forever. I might fail, I might struggle. But it would be my failure. Can't I at least try?"

"Sigh... Fine. But not the north. I'll provide whatever support you ask for, but settle in the west. At least be somewhere my hand can reach in one go."

"I'll do that."

"Good. So when are you going to hold the wedding? I'd like to help with that."

At Sirien's words, Terion's body stiffened.

My brother was never good at hiding his emotions, but even Hena's gaze flickered momentarily.

"What? Not yet? I thought since you wanted independence, everything was already in motion."

"W-what are you talking about... sister?"

"What do you mean? It's obvious. It would be awkward to confess to Hena while still carrying the Ilensia name, so—"

"Urgh!"

Hena, who was standing on the opposite side from me, looked around in confusion.

Fortunately, only the four of us were in this room. Her pupils trembled wildly as if asking what this was all about.

It seemed those two really weren't at that stage yet.

The corners of Sirien's lips curved into an arc.

What is the most entertaining thing in this world?

Some say it's watching fires or fights, but watching love unfold has its own special charm.

Especially the pleasure of teasing a love that's still tender and yearning. And when the target is your own brother!

Happiness exploded brilliantly before Sirien's eyes.

And I... wasn't much different.

"Oh my, I feel terrible. I didn't know it was still a secret. What should we do, Razen? I think I've made a mistake."

"Indeed. You should have been more careful. I thought he had already confessed since he's been so obvious lately! It seems like everyone in the castle has known since he declared his independence! But still, we should have been cautious."

"I'm sorry, brother. I thought you two had already promised your futures to each other. Should I pretend I don't know? Oh, didn't you recently ask the head maid to find out what kind of gift Hena might like? Ah! Was that a secret too?"

"You... you two!"

"Pfft, hahaha...!"

Hena turned red all the way to the nape of her neck.

Terion's words failed to take shape as language, and Sirien laughed with rare abandon.

I couldn't hold back my laughter either and burst out.

Still, my brother made a manly choice.

"Argh! This doesn't count! Forget all of this! I'll confess properly next time, Hena! Look forward to it!"

"Hueeee..."

* * *

Eventually, the two held their wedding.

In verdant May. The very day after Terion became "Baron Remius."

Sirien gave them the same venue where we had married.

Clear bell sounds rang out, and a new couple was born amidst the blessings of the guests.

Hena, who had become particularly tearful since receiving the proposal, seemed to have cried a little today as well.

She had said she couldn't—that she had sworn not to dream impossible dreams.

Hena, who had rejected the confession while sobbing, eventually surrendered to Terion's persistent courtship.

Knowing how heavy the resolution Hena had carried was, I applauded more enthusiastically.

"We can never be together, but love doesn't have to culminate in union to be beautiful."

"I'll cherish my feelings. And the pain I'll eventually have to bear."

Words Hena had once spoken in the cabin flashed through my memory.

A love she had nurtured while giving up on its fulfillment. Emotions that felt more poignant and beautiful because of it.

Sirien took Hena's trembling hand, as if she still couldn't believe this was happening.

"Feeling like you might cry? Afraid it would be embarrassing to cry at your wedding?"

"H-how did you know?"

"I felt the same way. But a wedding happens only once in a lifetime. Wouldn't it be much more pleasant to remember it with smiles rather than tears?"

Hena nodded.

It was my role to instill courage in Terion.

"Brother. If you mess up here, you'll be teased for the rest of your life. Sirien will probably tease you until you're in your grave. Even Hena might occasionally bring it up while pretending it's fine."

"Didn't you come here to help me?"

"I am helping. I'm telling you to do well."

"Something seems off..."

I patted his back, signaling him to straighten his shoulders.

Still, my brother knows when to step up.

Terion conducted the wedding with dignity—like a true man and our eldest.

Before the officiant, the couple pledged their love.

Sunlight brilliantly adorned their kiss.