YW | Chapter 1.5

As Anskar organized his thoughts, he finally admitted it. At some point, Liriel Wecker was no longer an uncomfortable presence. In fact, he found these seemingly pointless meetings somewhat comforting.

The unexpected break from the political arena, where every move had to be calculated, was surprisingly sweet. So he responded with uncharacteristic generosity.

“Now, tell me what you really want.”

“Oh, if it wasn’t to your liking, I’ll choose again. I thought you’d like this exhibition because it had a lot of classical styles.”

What is he talking about now?

Liriel tilted his head at Anskar’s puzzled face.

“Every time you visit the library, you always take a book related to classical architecture.”

This was even stranger.

As the little duke, he visited the library several times a day to find reference books, and he took even more books. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say he borrowed over 100 books a day.

Yet Liriel spoke as if he had checked all of that.

Recently, Liriel had been busier than anyone in the mansion. He was handling seven lawsuits that Anskar knew of, and it was well-known among the servants that his office lights never went out as he met with lawyers seeking advice. So he obviously had no time to check his borrowing records. There was no reason for him to go through such trouble.

“Why did you do something so pointless?”

“It’s not pointless.”

“Oh, then this tea?”

Arnoute, suddenly joining the conversation, pointed to the teacup. The clear rosemary tea was nearly gone, perfectly suited to his taste.

“I thought you didn’t like strong scents. Or anything too sour.”

Besides, rosemary is good for fatigue recovery. It was quite suitable for someone who used his body a lot.

Liriel spoke as if it was nothing special, but it wasn’t the same for those listening. They never imagined that the lack of discomfort over the past few months was due to his consideration.

The two brothers stared blankly at Liriel for a while before awkwardly responding.

“You didn’t have to go to such lengths to cater to us.”

“Why would I cater to you?”

“Didn’t you want to be treated as a Wecker?”

“Even if you don’t treat me that way, I’m a Wecker. Legally, as stated in the will.”

The more they listened, the more bizarre it became. Now, the two couldn’t hide their confused expressions.

“I’m a Wecker. And you’re my brothers.”

So, isn’t it obvious?

It took a long time for the two to understand his words.

Liriel Wecker was saying that meeting face-to-face, understanding their preferences, giving them things they’d like, and having trivial conversations were all natural. Just because they shared half of their blood.

Only then did a small ripple form in Anskar and Arnoute’s hearts.

“Well… I can’t handle your unfairness, but otherwise, I’m always on your side.”

From what they’d observed, Liriel Wecker didn’t bother with unnecessary flattery or lies. Similarly, he didn’t make promises he couldn’t keep. So they believed his words were genuine.

For Anskar and Arnoute, who had never learned proper affection from birth, Liriel’s reasonable resolve was more appealing than idealistic words about sharing burdens.

The warmth of affection they felt for the first time wasn’t hot or cold. And they found that lukewarm temperature quite agreeable.

Of course, their attitudes didn’t change overnight.

The change started small.

Anskar, who never asked questions, inquired about Liriel’s breakfast, and Arnoute, who was always sarcastic, began having genuine conversations.

Despite their changes, Liriel’s attitude remained consistent. He didn’t make demands but always considered their circumstances. His approach wasn’t overly submissive or blindly accommodating.

As time passed and conversations between the brothers accumulated, they realized Liriel’s thinking was more flexible than they had thought.

Liriel was firm in his beliefs but could accept opposing views without stubbornness when he realized he was wrong. He was intelligent, confident, and capable. Though not overwhelmingly kind, his considerate nature, tempered by rationality, was their sole refuge.

Eventually, Anskar and Arnoute acknowledged that Liriel had become quite special to them.

A figure who unwaveringly believed in them, a genius who provided near-perfect answers to any question, yet a brother excluded from competition.

Liriel Wecker was the only one who satisfied all of that.

So it wasn’t strange that they became deeply attached to him. Liriel Wecker, their brother, was truly someone they couldn’t help but like.

⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚

In just two seasons, the dynamics of the Wecker family completely changed.

At some point, those who mocked Liriel’s name or birth disappeared without a sound, and the two brothers sought Liriel more frequently.

Liriel’s room, once in the most secluded part of the main house, was moved to the center of the building, and he began appearing in public.

Arnoute, concerned about Liriel skipping meals before trials, would offer apple pie while Liriel was engrossed in documents, and Anskar silently kept him company through sleepless nights. It became a familiar scene.

Now, when people heard rumors about Wecker, nine out of ten thought of Liriel first.

Undoubtedly, Liriel was the most beloved youngest member of the Wecker family.

It was a peaceful life, and the days were perfect.

Everything seemed to be wrapping up perfectly.

Except for one thing.

The person orchestrating all these actions wasn’t the real Liriel.

⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚

Liriel’s trembling eyes slowly opened. The ceiling was familiar yet unfamiliar. It felt like waking from a long dream, but somehow it still seemed dreamlike.

Outside, there was a polite knock on the door. He turned his head to check the clock. It was exactly 9 o’clock. Did I ever wake up at this time…? A sense of unease crept in. So Liriel was a bit late in granting the servant permission.

“…Come in.”

At his low voice, the servant entered cautiously and set a tray. A plate with thick, soft bacon, eggs, and tender bread was placed on Liriel’s lap as he barely sat up in bed.

Eating in bed right after waking was an unrefined and strange habit, but no one in Wecker pointed it out. Because Liriel wanted it that way.

His hand moved before his thoughts, picking up a fork. Soft, glossy bacon slipped into Liriel’s mouth. He chewed with a stiff jaw. The bacon was greasy and unpleasant, yet Liriel forced himself to finish the plate.

After eating, he entered the bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face didn’t clear his mind. When he came out, the servant was gone, and only clothes were prepared.

Liriel dressed and stood before the mirror.

The expensive cufflinks on his monochrome suit shone in various colors.

His neatly trimmed nails and glossy hair made him look like a well-bred young master, yet his vague eyes seemed out of place.

Wasn’t it a more intense impression? Or not?

It was a strange thought.

Feeling unable to look in the mirror any longer, he left the room.

On the way from his room to the garden, he encountered dozens of people. The curious thing was that they all looked at him with similar expressions.

Respect, affection, kindness.

All unfamiliar and overwhelmingly soft.

Liriel only caught his breath after stepping on the grass. It was amusing that he realized he had been holding his breath only after exhaling. He couldn’t understand why he felt so suffocated today.

“Why not be lazy on your first day of retirement?”

Arnoute appeared out of nowhere and hugged Liriel from behind. Startled, Liriel managed to calm his churning stomach and replied.

“Old habits die hard.”

“You’re such a boring guy.”

Despite the harsh words, his tone was filled with affection.

“You’re banned from the office for a while. Father agreed, so keep that in mind.”

“Well, I have no reason to go now.”

Something awkward seemed to block his throat, but the conversation flowed smoothly. Arnoute, hugging him from behind, didn’t notice anything strange and laughed.

“A guy practically in love with work, huh? But take this chance to really rest. Sometimes your complexion looks purple.”

Arnoute buried his face in Liriel’s shoulder. It usually smelled like a cool forest, but today there was a sweet scent. He didn’t particularly like it, but he didn’t show it. More than such trivial things, he was excited that Liriel, who rarely spent time with him due to work, was now unemployed.

A week ago, when Liriel confidently handed in his resignation, saying his promised time was up, Father’s expression was priceless.

It was amusing how he couldn’t scold him, given what Liriel had brought in over two seasons, and was left troubled alone.

Though Liriel quickly handed over his responsibilities and cleared his office, no one truly believed in his resignation. Anyone who had seen him in court would agree.

In court, Liriel shone. His manner of pressuring opponents and articulately explaining arguments was vibrant. So everyone thought this was just a minor rebellion.

Perhaps he was sulking over being assigned boring cases.

Even Anskar, who had been secretly worried about the dark circles under Liriel’s eyes, felt relieved. He was simply happy to spend more time with the increasingly interesting Liriel.

“Let’s hang out today.”

“…A grown adult should know how to entertain themselves.”

“I’m not fully grown yet.”

In the midst of this utterly ordinary conversation, Liriel alone was plunged into confusion.

What am I doing right now?

The strange unease he felt since waking enveloped him. Liriel’s heart pounded. His stomach churned, and he wanted to vomit.

Once he realized it, everything seemed wrong.

He had never spoken informally to anyone in his life, and he hated greasy meat so much that just smelling it made him sick. He despised colorless clothes, and he had never refused a proposal from the family he dreamed of in his sleep.

Nothing felt like him.

As if… as if.

He wasn’t Liriel Wecker.

Only then did Liriel realize he had been imitating someone all along.

“Huh? Let’s hang out.”

The moment he realized it, the world seemed to stop.

None of this was normal, but the most abnormal thing was himself.

If I sleep again, everything will be back to normal. When I wake up, I’ll be myself again.

Liriel urgently clasped his hands. His already pale skin turned ghostly white.

Arnoute sensed something was off with Liriel’s unresponsive demeanor. His brother, who always pushed him away indifferently, was acting strangely today.

When Arnoute finally looked up and met Liriel’s face, his eyes widened. Liriel, pale and trembling, looked pitiful.

“What’s wrong? What’s happening?”

I need to sleep again.

Then.

Everything.

Will be normal.

Wandering through his tangled thoughts, Liriel suddenly stopped.

But…

What does normal mean?

His dilated pupils slowly returned to normal. The noise receded, leaving him alone in the world. The cold winter wind bit into his skin.

When should I return to be the real me?

Before the long dream? The day I first arrived at Wecker? Or when I crawled on the dirt floor?

While Liriel was lost in thought, Anskar, informed by a servant, arrived. Out of breath from running, he quickly took Liriel from Arnoute’s arms.

“Call a doctor immediately!”

Liriel’s head swayed. Every gaze he met was filled with worry and concern for him. The servants were anxious about what might happen to the youngest master, and the knights were restless, running around.

Among them was Sir Burnel, who always saw him as a troublemaker.

Ah, what is this feeling?

“Hang in there. The doctor will be here soon.”