Hyemi,
The first family first son,
It seems that he was doomed to fail in that prospect.
"Elder brother, listen to the servant."
Hyuen voiced from the side interrupting his thoughts while Hyemi still leisurely sipping tea specially nurtured by Guai in her garden.
It had the similar taste to the barley tea his mother loved but with a nuttier taste to it,
She had called it an unusual name Fagopyrum tataricum, either way, he had acquired taste for it since it was brewed by her.
"Mmm," he replied absentmindedly.
"Thank you second young master Pingui. First master-"
"Speak faster, I have work that needs to be completed," Hyemi spoke in an impatient tone, why would she waste so much time?
Shouldn't this foolish female be aware that he was busy?
"Yes, the third miss she asks if you have time for tea?"
"Inform her I will comm her later,"
Of course, he had no desire to do such a trivial thing, after all this female should be grateful enough that she will become his wife and the future madam of the Pingui family, of course with her change in attitude Hyemi found her no longer useful enough to bear his children but simply as a trophy.
"Yes thank you first young master Pingui,"
Hyemi didn't bother to acknowledge the servant instead he ignored her presence finding that she remaining there made his mood slightly sink, returning his attention to his brother.
"You will be returning to the school in the next month yes?"
Hyemi asked his younger brother, lazily Hyuen answered.
"That was the plan, all of my free time has been used,"
"And her? How was it when you had accompanied her on the first day?"
This was a question he had held himself back from asking still because he could no longer do that Hyemi asked trying to seem as casual as possible.
"Each of her tests had been approved, one of the lecturers found her endearing,"
Hyemi laughed, for the month Guai had spent as the legal daughter they had become aware of her tendencies.
For instance, Guai spent all of her time practising her "endurance" exercises which seemed a bit barbaric but from her body, that had been malnourished, seeing the small form fill out proved that it was extremely effective, another thing she liked doing was growing various tea leaves.
Hyemi frowned at the next words spoken from between his younger brother's lips.
"I am aware that your interest is almost as deep as mines, but Hyemi you must understand that you will be married soon and my eyes are set on this girl."
even though his younger brother spoke in a more leisure tone, his voice was not just as cold and his words striking a chord within Hyemi.
Hyemi of course was aware and will continue, but what he was also aware of is the fact that the blood and genealogy of Guai were extremely unique.
Still, she was too young and him focusing on her...it would not end well if he did so. Hyemi must only continue down the path he had chosen to take. for now.
"I may show interest in Guai but she is nothing but an eight years old girl, as a male eleven years her senor I find it laughable,"
"Hyemi, as your younger full-blooded brother, you seem to think that I am ignorant. Others may be fooled by you, but I will never be. Guai will be my future woman, my wife and the mother of our children. This has been decided the day she opened her eyes and I looked down on her holding our young cousin."
Hyemi, wanted to throw his head back and laugh, his brother the second born son from the first family had decided upon a mere child.
Hyemi paused, his mind calculating already aware of the main reason his brother had set his sights on their little "sister" but did it make him who was much older care?
No!
Gathering both his thoughts and feelings Hyemi then asked in a low tone.
"Is she aware?"
"Weather Guai is aware or not the point is moot. A woman only has to obey the father, brother and husband. As her brother who dots on her and future husband, what right does she have?"
Hyemi clenched his fist at that speech, oh Hyuen, Hyuen Hyuen!
"Tell me brother, if I did not have a wife and showed interest in our dear adoptive sister what then?"
He asked quietly, the temperature in the room fluctuated from cold and warm him the cold and his brother the flame.
An ice serpent and a fire phoenix.
"Brother, let me warn you about things that are mines, I have no desire to have them taken away. I will burn you to ash if you become my competition,"
He laughed, looking down at his younger brother as he stood, they could pass for twins except he who was four years older, only until after his brother turned eighteen would he look slightly older.