(...Alex used to say she was plain and unsociable.)
Alex's features—though I hate to admit it—aren't bad. He has a disagreeable face with blue-grey hair and the beauty he inherited from our mother. The young ladies often make a fuss over him. Well, we are identical twins, but because of Cyril's naturally gloomy personality and the fact that half his face is hidden by his bangs, the young ladies never made a fuss over him.
Leaving Alex speechless at Cyril's way of speaking, Cyril turned to face Minerva.
He didn't know how to apologize for this situation, but he knew he had to apologize somehow...
Looking at the young lady before him, Cyril was stunned.
(...She's beautiful.)
Flowing blonde hair and sky-blue eyes that seemed to pull him in.
(She's Minerva Augusta, right?)
He wanted to doubt Alex's eyesight. Where exactly was she plain? In what way was Minerva inferior to Lilia?
(I see. As long as she presses her chest against him, Alex will fall for her. He's such a sheltered boy.)
Feeling Minerva's gaze, Cyril hurriedly bowed his head.
"Minerva Augusta-sama. I apologize for my brother's foolish behavior."
As Cyril bowed, a small voice, like the ringing of a bell, reached his ears.
"Please raise your head, Louzer-reishiku. It is not something you should apologize for. It was my fault for failing to build a relationship of trust with Alex-sama."
(Even her voice is beautiful.)
Cyril felt a surge of irritation that only Alex was called by name.
(No, now is not the time for that.)
He immediately cleared his head and tightened his expression to look like a proper noble.
Just as Cyril was about to speak, Alex's roar echoed.
"Cyril! Get back where you belong!"
At the sound of Alex's anger-filled voice, Cyril's body jolted in a reflexive reaction from a habit ingrained over many years.
(Damn it...)
Cursing in his heart, he stood in a way that blocked Minerva from Alex's view.
"The one who should step back is you, Brother. It is fortunate that His Majesty has not yet arrived... but the engagement between you and Lady Minerva was an Imperial Command. To do this in such a public place...
He lowered his voice, not to be outdone. Because he usually slouched, Alex hadn't noticed, but in reality, Cyril was slightly taller and larger in build.
Cyril, who loved swordsmanship, had not neglected his training even while being a shut-in. Alex, who had skipped his swordsmanship training, only had a small amount of muscle.
Seeing Cyril standing his ground with confidence—unlike his usual self—Alex unconsciously stepped backward.
"E-even if it was an Imperial Command, His Majesty must not have known this woman's true nature. If I explain it, His Majesty will surely understand."
(On what basis...)
He hadn't realized his foolish brother was this stupid.
"She is the young lady chosen by His Majesty and Father, who were concerned about the future of House Louzer. Even the Prime Minister recognizes Lady Augusta's talent... Now, please look at the young lady standing beside you, Brother. She is glaring at us with a terrifying expression, isn't she?"
Was he suggesting that Minerva's nature was worse than that demon-like woman?
At Cyril's words, Lilia hurriedly corrected her expression. Alex peered at Lilia's face, but she had already pasted her mask back on.
Noticing the exasperated looks from the surrounding crowd, Alex's expression finally clouded.
"Cyril! You've suddenly started speaking so boldly, haven't you? Are you defending Minerva to try and steal the position of heir?"
Looking at the shouting Alex, Cyril thought.
(That's actually an option.)
If Alex became the head of the house and married Lilia, the fate of the ducal house was obvious. He didn't want the people of the duchy to starve. While the old version of himself might not have been able to, the current him felt confident that he could lead the ducal house.
Cyril turned his gaze toward Minerva.
(I remember. It was her.)
During his shut-in period, he had gone to the academy only to take exams. Having gotten lost in the academy, a place he didn't usually visit, it was Minerva who had helped him. Other students had avoided Cyril, who looked gloomy and suspicious, leaving him at a loss.
(That was five years ago. She's become so beautiful.)
Feeling himself becoming mesmerized again, he quickly looked forward.
(Regardless. I can't leave things to my foolish brother any longer.)
"You're right. Let's do that. I will suggest to His Majesty that I inherit the title instead of you, Brother."
At Cyril's blunt declaration, Alex gaped and began to tremble violently.
"Cyril...! You...!"
Ignoring his brother as if he weren't even there, Cyril took Minerva's hand and turned to her.
"Lady Minerva, this is not the place to say this, but once the annulment of your engagement with my brother is complete, I would like you to become engaged to me instead. I will strive to become a man worthy of you."
He intended to be sincere, but Cyril was inexperienced. Looking at Minerva with anxiety, he saw her face turning bright red.
"Cute..."
He accidentally muttered it aloud, causing Minerva to turn even redder.