My elder brother will try to anger you so he can hold you in contempt. He’s most likely looking for an excuse to separate us. Climb, never let him see you weak.
That sad expression— his master who was not accepted even by her own family, Climb remembered the day when he swore that at least he would never betray her.
“But I wasn’t referring specifically to Renner though? That must be what you really think… well, let’s stop stating the obvious. But treasure… was it? Is she really proposing her ideas thinking that they would work? It looks to me like she already knows that they won’t, but still acts on them.”
There was no way that was true. Just how could it? It was the ugly jealousy of a man who could only think in those terms.
“I do not think that that is the case.”
“Fufufufufu. As expected, it seems you don’t see her as a monster. Is it because you are blind? Or perhaps she’s being clever? … Shouldn’t I be suspicious?”
“Not at all. I firmly believe that Renner-sama is the Kingdom’s treasure.”
Because he was the one who watched her the closest, he was assured that everything she did was righteous.
“Really, that’s interesting. Then can you deliver a message to that monster for me? … Although your brother only thinks of you as a political tool, if you cooperate with me, I can rid you of your right of succession and grant you territory.”
Climb felt his displeasure rising.
“... Jokes should be kept in moderation. I did not expect for you to say such words. I will pretend that I never heard them.”
“Fufufufufufu. A pity. Let’s go, Marquis Raeven.”
The man who was searchingly watching the two in silence nodded his head.
Not much was known about Marquis Raeven. Although he had drawn a clear line between Climb and himself, his eyes were slightly different than the other nobles. Renner also did not give any specific instructions on how to treat Raeven.
“Ah, I almost forgot. Marquis Raeven also shares my opinion and thinks of her as a monster. No, you could say that we are in complete agreement on this matter.”
“—Your Highness.”