CAELAN
After my useless worry of getting lost in this manor, the butler came to find me in my room just a few minutes after preparing food.
"Young master, the lunch has been prepared."
I thought for a second, I should act like Caelan. "Lead the way."
Thankfully the butler didn't question me and quietly led me to the dining hall, which was decorated in gold. The gleaming table was filled with a sumptuous meal. The oil glittering from the light and the meat surrounded like a golden halo light, asking to be eaten.
'Was I drooling?'
I shook my head as my vision landed on a pair of red eyes looking at me. Err...who is this guy?
"Father?" I asked awkwardly.
He frowned. "Sit down Caelan."
My heart started beating like crazy. This handsome guy really has kids? What the hell.
I sat next to him and started eating. Variety of spoons,forks and knives were neatly placed in the table. I have no idea what utensil to use but it seems like my body remembered it. 'Ah yes, Caelan Callisto Sorcierre was an etiquette freak.'
We started with a calm luncheon, but the peace didn't last long. The Duke, my father broke the silence.
"Have you been feeling unwell? You didn't attend any meetings for a whole week."
"...I was just thinking." Thinking I am hallucinating, I mean.
"Thinking?"
I quickly ravaged my brain thinking of Caelan's character. He was a villain, who irritates nobles to the core. No wonder he didn't live long. And looking at this guy sitting with me, I don't think I should anger him, knowing he is the Duke.
"Yes." I smiled at the Duke. He was stunned for a moment before clearing his throat.
"I don't care what you're thinking. But make sure to not disgrace our family. You have been causing troubles and endlessly wasting money. It was fortunate you were quite these days."
I quickly replied. "And I shall continue to do so in the future."
I started eating again, not minding the stares the servants and my so-called father gave me.
Not long after, the door creaked and a young boy with the same red eyes walked in. The kid walked directly in front of me, like it was his seat. The servants served him his meal without any sound.
If I'll estimate his features and height, maybe around 5-7 years old? The kid casted me glance and awkwardly picked up his spoon.
The Duke left the the hall earlier, it seems like he has a prior engagement. And just like that, I found out I have a younger sibling and a father, information I didnt really read in the novel. Well Caelan was just an extra villain in the story.
With me and the kid alone, there was a deafening silence. Every time I sneak him a glance, he moved anxiously.
'What did the original Caelan do to him? Did he had any trauma?'
As I was thinking about that, the kid put down his fork and moved his lips. Unexpected bold words flowed out from his small delicate mouth.
"My lord, please stop starring at me. It is uncomfortable."
"..." I was speechless. Did he hate Caelan? Or simply gutsy?
"How have you been?" I tried testing the waters into which he gritted his teeth.
"I've been alright, my lord."
"Brother."
He looked at me dumbfounded. "Call me brother." I teased.
"..."
"You'll disobey my order?" I asked again. He looked like a tomato ready to burst. He was a cute kid. Too bad, he hates me. He reluctantly nodded that he'll obey.
"...You're not going to ask how I am?"
"I don't really care...lord bro..ther" He bluntly replied. I chuckled at his actions.
"Don't you care if you hurt my feelings?" I countered.
He shook his head, "Who cares about feelings? Its just an unnecessary baggage that blocks the rationality of humans. You told me that brother."
"..." For someone who hates me, he sure listens well.
I think I'll have to fix this kid's mindset.
-----
After eating and touring the manor, I sluggishly sat in the garden. This manor is like a maze. What was it again? magic stone mines? Was that what made the Dukedom rich? I wonder if I could get my hands on those.
Of course I thought of going back to my previous life, but quickly gave up the thought. I have no family there. There's nothing worth coming back for. And speaking of family, I tilted my head at the servant.
"What is my brother doing?"
"Young master Callix was practicing magic in the study, sire." I nodded. Callix was it?
Aren't the Sorcierre known for their magic? "Call him. I need to talk to him."
I was contemplating on how to survive in this novel, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to mend my relationships in the process. I am inside a hated character after all. Less complicated relationships, less death flags.
When Callix arrived, I made him sit down immediately. The servant served tea and sweet pastries in front of us.
clack.
After a sip, Callix spoke. "Why did you call for me, lord brother?"
'What a stiff greeting.'
"Why not? It's brotherly love, brotherly love. Can't I enjoy tea time with my little brother?" I tried lightening the mood.
He was uselessly suspicious of me. "How could you talk about love, when you are full of hate?" He tilted his head, genuinely confused.
I lifted a cookie.
"I was wrong Calli. In this world we have to spread love not hate." Giving him a nickname, I chumped the cookie in my mouth, lifting another one after.
'Who cares about the old Caelan and his ways? I'm here now.'
While I was savoring the cookies, my little brother stared confusedly at me. I brought the spoon with cake into my mouth.
"..."
'Why isn't he eating? Doesn't he like sweets?'
"..."
"Calli, eat."
Awkward at his newly baptized name, "I have eaten a bite."
tad. I stared at him, "Just one? Eat all you want."
"B-but you told me, a noble must be poised. He must control himself."
"I changed my mind. Now, eat." Forcibly, I handed a fork in his small hand. Why would a kid abstain himself? If there's food then eat. This nobles are wasting their wealth.
As I stared happily at the small kid eating, I thought of the date. 1521 Kairos calendar, this was the year the Princess would have her coming-of-age. Since it was still in its early months, I knew that an invitation for a royal banquet would soon arrive.
It was an important event in the novel after all. I have to prepare. I took a sip of the sweet tea and stared at my brother.
'Should I bring this brat along?'
-----
Callix was sitting opposite his older brother. Confusion was visible in his face. It was the first time he was called by his brother. Not only that, but they were having a peaceful tea time in the garden.
It was a beautiful garden full of roses and flowers. But for some reason, Caelan and garden didn't mesh well. Not to mention that his brother was continuously munching pastries without stop.
'Where did his elegant brother go? Where did this cookie-munching monster come from?'
He may be 6 years old, but he knew he was smart. His brother was despicable and arrogant, but Callix looked up to him because of his prowess in magic execution.
"Calli, eat some strawberries." His nickname dumbfounded him.
Meanwhile, in front of the Sorcierre household, a carriage wearing the insignia of the royal palace came bearing an purple gold envelope.