Chapter 6: Cedric’s Brother.

After the magic lesson, the teacher tidied her tools, gave a slight bow, and quietly left.
All that remained in the hall was the pleasant fatigue of exertion and the scent of drying water.

“Shall we go to the library together afterward?”

Cedric’s voice was softer than usual.

“Of course.”

I answered instantly. No way I’d refuse an invitation from my favorite.

We walked down the corridor together.
The annex’s library was just around the corner from the courtyard.

But two unfamiliar shadows stood before the door.

Two tall men, broad-shouldered, with daggers at their waists.
…Like escort knights.

The annex should only have female and elderly servants.

Before I could frown, Cedric’s steps halted.

At that moment, the library door opened from within.
A man emerged slowly, his near-golden brown hair tied back, dressed in a dark overcoat.

Sharp eyes, high nose.

Cedric caught his breath.

“…Brother.”

His brother.
Darius, the eldest son of the Gilbert ducal house—his half-brother.

Darius openly grimaced upon seeing us.

“You. …Right, this is your nest, isn’t it?”

Nest. His words were rough and cutting.

The two escorts stepped back deferentially.

Darius glanced back into the library, speaking carelessly.

“I just came for some books. Who’d willingly visit your pathetic place?”

“…Yes.”

Cedric’s reply was small, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Memories of bullying since he was ten lingered deep in his core.
Cedric is earnest and composed, but still a fifteen-year-old boy.

I stepped closer to his side.
Before speaking, I gently took his hand.

Cedric glanced at me, startled.
His blue eyes showed brief confusion, then a small smile.

It’s okay. I’m here.

Darius seemed to notice me, his chin lifting slightly.

“Hm? You are?”

“I’m Amelia. I offer my greetings, Lord Darius Gilbert.”

I gave a shallow curtsy.
He’s the heir. Formality is required.

“…Oh. The woman who married this thing.”

Darius sneered, his lips twisting.

“Weren’t you sold off by the border count’s family for your debauchery?”

He mocked coolly, smirking with just the edge of his mouth.

I didn’t respond.
I put on a smile.

That was true, but I’m different now, and I don’t need to say it.

Besides, I have no complaints.
I’m even grateful—I got to be my favorite’s wife.
…Divorce plans aside, that’s separate.

“Hmph, boring.”

My lack of reaction seemed to bore him.
But then his eyes gleamed differently.

“But you’re decent-looking. How about I entertain you?”

…Inviting me, his brother’s wife, right in front of Cedric.

His words made something in my head go cold.

Keeping my smile, I tilted my chin slightly.

“Please. I’d never entertain you, Lord Darius. I am Lord Cedric’s wife.”

I spoke clearly.
A light insult deserves a graceful rejection.

Darius’s brow twitched.

“A loose woman acting high and mighty…”

His boots clacked harshly as he closed the distance.

Then a shadow moved in front of me.

Cedric stepped forward, shielding me behind him.

“Brother. She is my wife.”

His voice was low, quiet but resolute.

His hand left mine, protecting me with his back.

“What…! A filthy thing like you dares speak to me!”

Darius roared, raising his arm.

A fist was coming, I thought—but in that instant—

The air froze.
From Cedric’s fingertips, a white wall rose soundlessly.

A transparent ice barrier stood between me and Darius.

His fist hit the surface, not with a harsh sound but a dull rebound.

“Ugh…!”

Beyond the wall, Darius stumbled, falling on his rear.
His escorts rushed to him.

“Are you alright!”

“…To raise such a wall in an instant…!”

One escort’s low murmur carried awe mixed with fear.

This is Cedric’s magic.

Through the ice, Cedric spoke curtly.

“Leave.”

His tone was flat but carried undeniable weight.

“You’ll regret this!”

Spitting a parting shot, Darius stood and stormed off.
His escorts hurriedly followed, disappearing down the corridor.

Cedric raised his hand, confirming their footsteps faded.

A faint red glow touched the ice.
The next moment, the wall melted quietly, leaving a thin trail of water on the floor.

“…Are you okay?”

His voice trembled slightly as he turned.

“I’m fine.”

I smiled.

That ice was perfect.
Not too thin, not too thick, raised in an instant.

Not an attack, but defense.
A way to harm no one.

His hand, choosing that, trembled slightly.

“I’m sorry… about my brother.”

There was no need to apologize.
Cedric’s shoulders rose and fell faintly, his breathing shallow.

“Pathetic… using magic against someone.”

The memory of his magic outburst lingered like a thorn in his fingers.
Even against a hated foe, he never wants to hurt again.

That’s his virtue.

But also the shackle binding him.

I gently took his hand.

Wrapped his fingers, stroking the back of his hand once with my thumb.

“You’re not pathetic.”

I said firmly.

“You were very cool, Lord Cedric.”

That split-second decision, the shield, the back shielding me.

All of it.

His lashes flickered faintly.

“…Is that so?”

His blue eyes softened.
The tips of his ears reddened again.

“Yes.”

I nodded, putting a little strength into our clasped hands.
This time, he gripped back.

“I’m glad I got to be called cool by you so soon.”

Cedric smiled as he spoke.

Sorry, but I still think you’re cute.

But absolutely, very cool too.