I could tell that seeing the title that once belonged to our mother being used by someone else didn't sit well with Helio.
"You seem upset, brother. Is anything the matter?" I asked, feigning ignorance, though I knew exactly what was going on.
"It's nothing, Calli," he answered, his tone a bit tense.
"If you say so. I visited the temple a few days ago, and Elizabeth accompanied me," I said, opening the door to my room and inviting him in. "It's concerning how she wants to receive all the types of education set aside for Aureliu's heir. It's as if she aims to be the heir of House Aureliu."
Helio gave me a surprised yet curious gaze.
"You knew," he asked as he walked towards me.
"I'm no fool, brother," I replied with a sly smile. "I knew since the beginning."
"You didn't say anything. You didn't tell me anything," he said, gazing into my eyes. "You sat idly by and watched them taking what's ours. Why, Calli?"
"As I've said, brother, I'm no fool," I stated, stepping away from him and settling myself on the sofa. "A year ago, you set off to be an adventurer, seeking to gain fame and power, but you forgot about connections, money, and influence. Things Elizabeth has started gathering for herself."
"What do you mean?" he asked, clenching his fists as he looked at me.
"Elizabeth would be a far more eligible successor than you are."
"What! Are you supporting them? Are you saying I should stand down and let them take what is rightfully ours? Callista, you must be kidding me," he responded, getting closer to me and not bothering to restrain his mana.
"We should also work on that temper of yours, and I never said I was supporting our uncle's ambitions. All I said was that Elizabeth would make a more eligible successor. The only problem is that I am breathing, and I would never let that happen. I'll crush her," a vicious grin graced my lips as I looked at my brother. "Unlike you, who has a massive target on his back, no one really pays attention to me. I'm free to come and go at will, and I can also gather the connections and influence needed to make you the head. All I need is for you to trust me, brother."
Helio looked as if he was seeing me for the first time, as if I was a different person, but there was something else in those eyes of his—hope. As if he knew I'll accomplish what I set off to do, and he was right. House Aureliu would soon be in my hands while Elizabeth and her father lie motionless at my feet.