As the final whistle blew, the match officially came to an end. Arthur's class secured second place in the grade-wide tournament. Though it wasn't first place, the whole team erupted in cheers, immersed in the joy of victory. They exchanged medals, took photos, and high-fived one another in celebration.
Only Serena stood aside, her face as cold as if she could freeze the summer air.
She held a drink in her hand, fingers unconsciously squeezing the straw as her eyes locked onto Arthur—not far away, chatting with his teammates… and standing right beside him was Orthell, smiling with that annoyingly "harmless" face.
"Go ahead and celebrate… You guys have no idea what almost happened just now," she bit on the straw, sneering to herself. "I can't just sit here and do nothing… I need to strike back."
But she also knew now wasn't the time. Too many eyes were watching. She had to stay calm.
After all the players had received their medals and the crowd began to disperse, Serena finally walked forward at a measured pace.
Her smile was gentle, but her eyes shimmered with cold light. "Brother."
Arthur turned around happily, beaming. "Serena? Were you watching our match the whole time? I saw you cheering for us!"
"Mhm, of course I was cheering for you," she replied with a smile, then turned her gaze toward Orthell, her tone polite and poised. "Your Highness, may I borrow my brother for a moment?"
Orthell nodded with his usual elegance. "Of course. It's your siblings' time alone—I won't intrude."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Serena kept staring at his back until he was far enough. Only then did she push down her boiling rage and force a harmless smile toward Arthur.
"You were amazing today, Brother. Defeating so many strong teams and getting second place!"
Arthur's ears flushed red, and he scratched his head bashfully. "Aw, it wasn't just me—everyone worked hard. I just did my part..."
"Mm-hmm." She nodded, then suddenly changed the subject, "So, have you noticed… anything different lately?"
Arthur blinked. "Different? Hmm… not really. Everything seems normal—classes, magic training, and..."
"Is that so~" Her tone was light, but her smile stiffened. "Then… Brother, are you… seeing anyone lately?"
"Huh?" Arthur jumped, his face turning bright red. "No, no! I don't have time for that… and I don't think anyone's interested in me like that anyway…"
"No one?" Serena raised a brow and sighed deeply, her face practically saying I can't with you.
"Brother, you're seriously… unbelievably dense."
She bit on her straw, rolling her eyes internally.
He has no idea the Crown Prince has feelings for him!!!
Suddenly, Arthur's eyes lit up, as if he remembered something. He turned to her excitedly, "Oh right! I heard you took part in the Starlight Arts Challenge recently? The teachers said you did amazing and even won an award?"
He reached out and gently patted her head, his voice filled with genuine pride and warmth. His eyes sparkled, "My Serena is incredible."
Serena froze.
Those familiar green eyes held nothing but joy and pride. That "my Serena" felt like a soft warmth blooming inside her heart.
"Hmph… Of course I did." She turned her face away shyly, pursing her lips. "I've always been happy…"
But, Brother… I just want you to live a better life than you did in the last one. And I don't want you to get dragged into any royal schemes again.
That's what Serena feared most. She couldn't allow Orthell to endanger their family—or her brother. She wouldn't let history repeat itself.
In the locker room—
Crown Prince Orthell took off his sweat-soaked uniform top, his pale skin still glowing with post-match heat. Though only twelve years old, his figure had already grown upright and well-formed.
He raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow, but his movement slowed as his thoughts drifted to those moments during the match—those moments when he had been so close to Arthur. Practically pressed up against his back, close enough to hear his heartbeat—
Orthell's ears flushed red.
"I was already that close to him…" he muttered, a trace of frustration in his voice. "And he didn't react at all."
Arthur's obliviousness was driving him insane.
With a sigh, Orthell was about to go take a shower and relax when a sudden knock knock echoed from outside the locker room door.
He raised an eyebrow, confused. Normally among boys, no one bothered knocking.
He quickly threw on a jacket and walked to open the door—only to find no one there.
Then he looked down—
"...Serena?"
The girl looked up with a sweet, innocent smile, her eyes twinkling as she greeted him, "Your Highness, what a coincidence~"
Orthell's expression tightened slightly, his gaze flickering. "What are you doing here?"
"I was just passing by~" Serena smiled like a soft little bunny, then tilted her head and asked sweetly, "Your Highness… you and my brother… are you very close?"
Orthell coughed, trying to compose himself. "Well… yes, we get along quite well."
"Then…" Serena tilted her head again, eyes narrowing as she grinned, "Your Highness—do you like my brother?"
The question hit like a thunderbolt. Orthell stiffened. His composed façade cracked slightly as his ears turned red again. "W-What?! Who told you that!?"
"No one." Serena smiled sweetly. "I figured it out myself."
Orthell stared, clearly not expecting such bluntness from her.
But before he could respond, Serena's smile faded, her tone now calm and proper:
"However, Your Highness… we're merely a low-ranking count's family. Hardly worthy of someone as distinguished as you."
"Perhaps what you feel right now is just a misunderstanding born from youthful affection and the need for closeness. That may not be true... 'love.'"
Her words were polite and respectful—but sharp as needles.
Orthell fell silent for a moment, then asked softly, "...And how do you know I don't understand what love is?"
His tone no longer sounded like that of a twelve-year-old boy, but of a seasoned noble who had long seen through the ways of the world.
He said coolly, "Arthur is a dear and trusted friend. That's all there is to it. Besides, you're five years younger than me—what makes you think you understand love more than I do?"
Serena simply smiled and said nothing.
She knew—words alone wouldn't sway this boy. Even at twelve, he was more mature and more stubborn than most. Push any further, and he'd only become more hostile.
"I'll be going now." Serena turned to leave.
But Orthell suddenly called out, "Wait."
He leaned down, his breath brushing her ear, and said in a low, teasing voice:
"But… maybe Arthur and I are closer than just 'brothers.' Who knows?"
Serena's smile froze.
Her whole body trembled. Her fists clenched tight. Her wide eyes locked on him, dying to strangle the little bastard on the spot.
Yet she kept her fake smile, her voice soft and sweet:
"Your Highness truly is friendly… and your way of getting along with others is indeed… special."
She gave a graceful curtsy, turned around with her stiff smile, and walked off.
But inside, she was screaming:
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS LITTLE MONSTER THINKING—IF I COULD, I'D THROW HIM OUT OF THIS SCHOOL RIGHT NOW AAAAAAAHHHH!!"