Touch My Brother and You Die - Chapter 4

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Even now, Aster is probably wearing some random boxer shorts she grabbed from the clothesline without knowing whose they were. Honestly, I can’t blame her—trunk briefs are incredibly comfortable.
“I have knelt, Miss.”
Ah, so she’s knelt.
Then there’s no reason to delay. I remained seated in my chair, twisted my hips to face Aster, who was kneeling on one knee, and held the appointment parchment rolled up in my left hand. With my right hand extended, I touched her shoulders and head lightly to perform the abbreviated ceremony, then spoke only the conclusion aloud.
“I appoint you, Aster, as my guard knight.”
“Pardon?”
“I appoint you. Later, submit the appointment document to Father and obtain the official appointment date.”
“Miss, this is hardly something to decide so casually….”
“Answer.”
“I shall obey.”
How obedient.
I handed the appointment document to Aster and called for Violet. Even appointing a single guard knight meant considerable work ahead.
First, I needed to take her measurements and commission a uniform that would declare, “I am the guard knight of Rosalite Rocksburg. Challenging me will bring you considerable harm, so I suggest you avoid it.” I had to issue weapons bearing the Duke’s House seal, arrange the formal appointment ceremony in the Multi-purpose Hall, summon the Duke’s House administrative official to petition the royal court for an official knighthood, prepare the salary adjustment documents in proper form to submit to the butler since she’d begin work today—the list went on.
There was a reason I was called the young mistress of this Mansion. As the official heir of Duke’s House, I had to retreat to my office and handle administrative duties the moment this brief tea time ended. Damn it, if only I had an older brother or sister to dump all this on. I’m going to lose my mind!
“Violet. Strip her so we can take measurements.”
“Understood, young mistress!”
“W-what are you doing!”
I’m busy. Let’s move faster.
I munched on snacks while watching Aster futilely resist even though she’d have to undress anyway. Speaking of which, it was about time Lily brought that sexual harasser here.
“I’ve brought Dylan, young mistress.”
Good. Right on time, Lily. Not early, not late.
I granted him entry and observed my cousin, the sex offender. Our family’s genetics expressed themselves powerfully in his gleaming silver hair and golden eyes, though his hair was unfortunately frizzy. Silver hair with frizz was remarkably jarring. At least Lion, Father, and I had naturally straight hair.
“You called for me, Rosalite.”
“Yes, I did. So, will you die as you are, or will you be expelled from the family?”
Since I was busy, I got straight to the point the moment he sat at the table. I glanced toward Aster, who was still taking measurements in the corner, and she cleverly drew her sword, ready to draw it at any moment.
Interestingly, Dylan didn’t even glance at the woman half-naked taking measurements in the corner. I suppose one could say his feelings for Lion remain pure, at least.
“What’s this intimidation? Have you finally realized your place and started feeling threatened? As for me, I’m the material befitting an heir.”
Spare me. There are plenty of branch family members more capable than you, and searching through both direct and branch lines, there’s no one who can govern the Dukedom better than me or pressure the royal court more effectively.
“Even if Lion ended up living like that because of the Duke’s one night of carelessness, he remains my brother. If you’re too foolish to understand even this, you’ll become a disgrace to Duke’s House in the future.”
“….”
“My heart already aches at the thought of sending a condolence letter to Uncle for the loss of his precious son.”
I dabbed at my eyes with my sleeve as if wiping away tears. No matter how much of a wretch he was, I didn’t want to see a young man die prematurely, and I didn’t want to stain Aster’s hands with his blood.
Even if he ceased to be part of Duke’s House, he’d still retain his barony. I’d arrange for Uncle to grant him some land so he could live out his days in some distant countryside. When I explained this roundabout way, Dylan slammed his fist on the table, stood up, and stormed out huffing. Now I just needed to formally bring Lion into the household, notify Uncle of Dylan’s crimes, and have him struck from the family register.
So busy, so busy. Lion, do you know? Your sister has been living these hectic days for your sake all along.
“Will you be alright?”
“About what?”
Having finished taking measurements, Aster dressed completely and approached me. She gazed suspiciously at the door through which Dylan had departed.
“If you try to retaliate.”
“You don’t have the nerve.”
I laughed and refuted Aster’s words. Then I invited her to sit across from me. The extra teacup I’d asked Violet to prepare was for Aster.
“How much time is left until three?”
“It’s already past that time.”
Damn it.
I need to finish this quickly and get to work. Putting off today’s tasks until tomorrow only means tomorrow’s me will suffer for it.
“…Let’s take it easy for a bit.”
But perhaps I could linger just a little longer. It had been so long since I’d been at home with such peace of mind, and it had been ages since I’d had a proper conversation with Aster.
To put it plainly, I wanted to rest a little too. Mentally.
I discussed with Aster the beautiful clothes I’d have her wear, the schedule for the inauguration ceremony, and matters concerning the Brown family before rising from my seat.
It had been such a long time since I’d experienced such a warm and pleasant moment. Now I need to go handle the work Father dumped on me.
“Young Master! Young Master, something terrible has happened!”
I was just leaving the Reception Room attached to my chambers, accompanied by Aster, who had become my escort knight as of today, when someone shouted urgently.
Panting and breathless, the maid who came running to report to me was Olivia from the Annex Building. There was no reason for her to come all the way here—what was going on?
“Lord Dylan…! Lord Dylan has done something to Lion…!”
Hmm….
Lord Dylan has done something to Lion… Hmm….
Um… there….
Teacher, I have a bad feeling about this right now, but it’s not that, right? It can’t be that, haha. Surely you’re not planning to do something like that to me, haha.

◇ ◆ ◇

Before I could even process what was happening, I found myself sitting at a table.

2 PM. Confirmed.
Blue sky outside the window. Confirmed.
Hair length. Confirmed. Becky, Lily, and Violet preparing my afternoon tea. Confirmed.
The Garden was beautiful, birds were chirping, and the sunlight was warm—my Duke’s Mansion was peaceful as always today.
I took a sip of the warm tea in my cup.
“Sigh….”
Teacher….
The difficulty seems to have increased compared to before. Am I just imagining things, Teacher….

I had become sixteen-year-old Rosalite.

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In my twenty-first cycle, Lion met a miserable end due to my carelessness, but the twenty-second won’t be so forgiving.
Damn Dylan. How dare he humiliate me?
I drafted my report while cursing Dylan, the second son of Uncle Louis—my father’s own brother. Since he humiliated me last cycle, I’ll return the favor this time. Don’t underestimate me, Dylan. After decades of nothing but administrative work in the Office, I’ve developed stenography skills that let me write five thousand characters in thirty minutes.
“Young Master, I’ve brought Lion.”
“Come in.”
He’s here already.
Reflecting on what happened last time, I dismissed Becky, went through the procedures to appoint Aster as my escort knight, and summoned Lion separately. I was scheduled to meet with that damned Dylan, Father, Lion, and Aster all together at four o’clock this afternoon, and naturally, I’d already notified them that we’d all visit the Duke’s Office together at that time.
“Violet, bring Lion hot chocolate with marshmallows. I’ll have another cup of coffee.”
“Very well, Young Master.”
In this dreary life, my only companions were sugar and caffeine. I greeted Lion while dropping another sugar cube into my remaining coffee—which already had five in it.
“D-did you call for me, Young Master?”
“Sit.”
Lion flinches as he bows. How adorable.
I tapped the seat across from me with my fan, ordering Lion to sit. He seemed reluctant, saying he couldn’t possibly sit alongside the Young Master, but when I commanded again, he reluctantly took the chair.
Look at him trembling like a frightened rabbit. Lion really is adorable.
“Ha. You really are adorable.”
“…Yes?”
“No wonder Dylan’s enchanted.”
The moment I finished speaking, Lion’s face went pale and he dropped to his knees, frantically denying any such relationship with Dylan, insisting he’d done nothing shameful to the Duke’s House. The way he looked ready to cry at any moment was truly endearing. This is why I enjoy teasing children.
“I know. Stop kicking up dust and sit down.”
“I-I’m s-sorry…”
As I smiled wickedly, Aster frowned at me as if she’d seen every despicable person in existence. Wait until you’re old like me. The only thing age brings is spite.
“I do owe you an apology, though…”
So I indulged in more mischief.
Staring at Lion with narrowed eyes as if I were about to demand his life, tears welled up in his eyes and he hung his head low.
Oops, I made him cry. Was that too much? I should tell him quickly.
“You’ll be joining the Duke’s House.”
“…Yes?”
“Whether you’re the result of the Duke’s one night of carelessness or a maid’s, you’ve come into existence regardless. I’m acknowledging you as Father’s son and my brother, and I’ll keep you in this household and work you until the day you die.”
“…Yes?”
“Lily. Prepare a room for Asterion in the Annex Building and assign two maids to him. Maids, not servants.”
Lily answered “Very well, Young Master” without the slightest hint of emotion and left. Violet, who’d brought the beverages, also performed her duties with an unchanged expression. Those two really are skilled at hiding their feelings—true exemplars of proper maids.
A far cry from Aster, who sat beside me with orange juice dribbling down her chin, eyes wide open in shock.
“You mean Lion is the Duke’s son, Miss?”
“That’s right.”
“Has the Duke lost his mind?”
“That’s precisely why Mother left the house and still hasn’t returned.”
Aster’s expression shifted as if everything suddenly made sense, and she looked between me and Lion alternately.
“Now that you mention it, they do look alike.”
Alike? They’re practically identical.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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