YW | Chapter 1.5

As Anskar organized his bdac78e65c thoughts, he finally admitted 8b85fb93f9 it. At some point, 1d0f394fa1 Liriel Wecker was 06911793a3 no longer an fb53696b4a uncomfortable presence. In fact, he found a8838366f7 these seemingly pointless meetings c5bc384abb somewhat comforting.cbdee50729721463

The unexpected break 32408fe7a2 from the political 0ab0921509 arena, where every 4431574e3f move had to a5b68637f2 be calculated, was 14a15d1e45 surprisingly sweet. So he 00a87efe48 responded with 7c7f6c9f5e uncharacteristic generosity.5f1364721590326d

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“Now, tell me what you really want.”e360c04b40096efe

“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.”6f0821f2f3d4fef8

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What is he 4cb62a75d0 talking about now?8d4cce19191cc7cc

Liriel tilted his head at Anskar’s puzzled face.77bdaa72ace20a9c

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“Every time you visit the library, you always take a book related to classical architecture.”0618c3974c6515f4

This was even stranger.7e264bcceb948ec2

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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.031ef0e2db079b25

Yet Liriel spoke fc2aa606ac as if he 6129aa80df had checked all 3409fb9c93 of that.a3dd4f3eacad66c6

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Recently, Liriel had 06e17df7bc been busier than 9574cff36a anyone in the 6206bceb32 mansion. He was 65dc7f1138 handling seven 2b8289cc14 lawsuits that 78e760c0ff Anskar knew 74b964c7b4 of, and ac215371a7 it was 9346fe962e well-known among cd662e1f40 the servants 5c9b14e69a that his 8e3127bc91 office lights 34f9bf75d3 never went 88daae6c3d out as e3e21e94d7 he met cde0a247c9 with lawyers 9060e888a3 seeking advice. So he 758b8c4ab5 obviously had 9b45db78b7 no time 32701316e0 to check c6af5017b1 his borrowing 9853552522 records. There was 01b9967afb no reason 2a118ef39d for him 7dc4d58c65 to go eaf2aa85d6 through such 5679d59cb7 trouble.38e88a5925ea445e

“Why did you do something so pointless?”efe212ecf781695a

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“It’s not pointless.”8fe048c76724b26c

“Oh, then this tea?”530aece974c96154

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Arnoute, suddenly joining the 3ed315c283 conversation, pointed to the 6721a552f4 teacup. The clear 629b0c3a9a rosemary tea d77a6a2278 was nearly bf363fe1d4 gone, perfectly dcd7f9c0d3 suited to d75ae5e105 his taste.e1d6966126825b82

“I thought you didn’t like strong scents. Or anything too sour.”ec1f514eda92a38c

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Besides, rosemary is dc40640ba0 good for fatigue 84f399b9ae recovery. It was 9c8d533327 quite suitable 7ecbb37cd0 for someone 4296e866b2 who used 08faa9b619 his body 3d4731e27b a lot.baa4cd53cb5fbad3

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.9ad0c80e6fbe2d56

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The two brothers f195131e5a stared blankly at 98ab089735 Liriel for a 723143ce69 while before awkwardly bdfff2ca6a responding.bd2b6be307ba9fba

“You didn’t have to go to such lengths to cater to us.”13774e1d75862e3f

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“Why would I cater to you?”da936a6fd59281e4

“Didn’t you want to be treated as a Wecker?”3bffed8e947f7066

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“Even if you don’t treat me that way, I’m a Wecker. Legally, as stated in the will.”54ba21b94800ff4f

The more they listened, the more bizarre it became. Now, the two couldn’t hide their confused expressions.d30a7441c6fc784a

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“I’m a Wecker. And you’re my brothers.”723eb90946eee217

So, isn’t it obvious?36ad5de30c83aaef

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It took 99a510f57a a long 75aaeedbf5 time for d17785790a the two 139618df7b to understand 30f6e9e984 his words.597ef8af7f4a1805

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.f10579185a8dcc7b

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Only then did a small ripple form in Anskar and Arnoute’s hearts.01938a647b9d7bd0

“Well… I can’t handle your unfairness, but otherwise, I’m always on your side.”00846f5ba3a09a13

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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.61b3e048996de5ae

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.44f2a81ff98f11d1

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The warmth of affection they felt for the first time wasn’t hot or cold. And they found that lukewarm temperature quite agreeable.1badba297be8cbfe

Of course, their attitudes didn’t change overnight.4c9f37e1cdc773a4

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The change 4a773d062a started small.9c9ba26bf6251524

Anskar, who never asked questions, inquired about Liriel’s breakfast, and Arnoute, who was always sarcastic, began having genuine conversations.aa08e6c252daac72

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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.cc69e91ae9683650

As time passed and conversations between the brothers accumulated, they realized Liriel’s thinking was more flexible than they had thought.3fcc9135f95e47eb

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Liriel was firm d05045171a in his beliefs 2866c11cc3 but could accept 411298b5c1 opposing views without 047c8ab276 stubbornness when he fa81ccd25f realized he was 5ac9f97afd wrong. He was intelligent, a03ff9a96b confident, and capable. Though not e362e58f68 overwhelmingly kind, 89c209c8f5 his considerate 8d763133c9 nature, tempered 6e337a74ae by rationality, 98a25f87b8 was their 751c31b138 sole refuge.b254b6027339d8ab

Eventually, Anskar and Arnoute 28078c0907 acknowledged that Liriel had 656bbaab55 become quite special to e4eaae12da them.755bf506e3b5423c

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A figure 8d6500abea who unwaveringly e9ac85f83f believed in fe3871c7f0 them, a be97451e7d genius who 589e401a05 provided near-perfect 8bc4def322 answers to 0e588a4c69 any question, 8cacebf51b yet a 257eab20df brother excluded e8e118c005 from competition.af5f487d283712da

Liriel Wecker 1c9850d71c was the 178cfcb56d only one d27fc2bdc2 who satisfied 655c8d5086 all of bb9827b530 that.97949f33af40320f

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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.4984a3f746cbc3db

⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚3e028198b56a19c8

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In just two 26c18bf868 seasons, the dynamics b32aaec119 of the Wecker 21be70217b family completely changed.d41bca34d6b0d1d7

At some point, those who mocked Liriel’s name or birth disappeared without a sound, and the two brothers sought Liriel more frequently.e896a034513c7379

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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.100ef126c1448693

Arnoute, concerned about 1204b3ee58 Liriel skipping meals bc317e4ec2 before trials, would d3c66f6fb0 offer apple pie d15e605f76 while Liriel was 4a8f32ffc3 engrossed in documents, c7d0f0ff84 and Anskar silently 06c3720b69 kept him company 2686918e78 through sleepless nights. It became 4442bf7dbf a familiar b99a7ff97d scene.dba88d425c4c77f2

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Now, when 4259d777de people heard 87cb1cd903 rumors about eeea1b70b0 Wecker, nine b738ee129d out of ce7865876a ten thought 49ee701ad0 of Liriel 6b0e99fdcf first.9dfe4c3d6a0e5c1d

Undoubtedly, Liriel 2b288cfdc3 was the 45e0c29d23 most beloved a88e667509 youngest member fb43a42dc5 of the 8d47d8f22b Wecker family.5a62c267c9d09151

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It was a 383bbee4a7 peaceful life, and 486a000ac0 the days were edf7e30e70 perfect.677f0232129b1a64

Everything seemed to 46ae3f9bb0 be wrapping up 5c249736e6 perfectly.cc61b047f212e156

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Except for one thing.7668b4f38b98d7bc

The person orchestrating all these actions wasn’t the real Liriel.4751e21e61e78441

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⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚ ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚f4f5c8fce250cb19

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.9f61d12fda49e28c

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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.ec4f7695febdfa23

“…Come in.”5c71040e111a7615

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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.816dedd1850b88df

Eating in 94921c67d8 bed right e4bfc4b951 after waking 23cc789d36 was an 624b59aac5 unrefined and 11f7b66f4e strange habit, d67dc652b3 but no 95bc6b5a34 one in 5d543ef0b7 Wecker pointed bae989055f it out. Because Liriel wanted aa39e0c21b it that way.3dd392f6a087a249

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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.d7e89ec8fb10e2f6

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.7fcb6ad59724dc20

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Liriel dressed and 3822134ab9 stood before the fa5139c837 mirror.4e90a173606ad53b

The expensive cufflinks on a1e9f2f88e his monochrome suit shone 4e815e3cce in various colors.f0fda111ab442226

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His neatly 4829a17e4a trimmed nails 5cf15c7fa5 and glossy 385215bf28 hair made c8580d1f10 him look d1bf7804f2 like a 995a7e66db well-bred young 67f6b6f3ba master, yet 51b4f20c1d his vague 721385c8e5 eyes seemed 4ac846ec07 out of 40d248d59f place.8840f878e734369e

Wasn’t it a more intense impression? Or not?0d0f358dd1db2423

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It was a strange 9e18f666f3 thought.fef94c50eab1f515

Feeling unable 99e50fc5a1 to look 34ced3376a in the 9040c81446 mirror any c5b343c8df longer, he 8587e0ba47 left the 4d433d1c99 room.b4f8cb457fe20da2

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On the 1a695279b6 way from 0220624bf2 his room 62d05a01d0 to the 38b6ce6bfd garden, he 5583f5de56 encountered dozens 45a2c0fc48 of people. The curious thing 0ba920a186 was that they 0725a40971 all looked at b4e4040a78 him with similar f5e3dc0c68 expressions.3c42e075b8f6729f

Respect, affection, kindness.d8f41825a3503147

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All unfamiliar and 9a81a8e6cc overwhelmingly soft.4acb4c006f6f7592

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.2de7a7b15baa22d7

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“Why not be lazy on your first day of retirement?”44c63d0ea38fb69f

Arnoute appeared out 119f7ad9fd of nowhere and 18a785bd29 hugged Liriel from c13efe2ead behind. Startled, Liriel managed to c309d265e9 calm his churning stomach 4aba6a1b90 and replied.1dc35e156f080520

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“Old habits die hard.”62e6a68af1063601

“You’re such a boring guy.”4345505f5aef2740

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Despite the harsh words, 2c3c79962f his tone was filled c91f75514c with affection.337c42aaacdf92d6

“You’re banned from the office for a while. Father agreed, so keep that in mind.”6908fe633f59b126

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“Well, I have no reason to go now.”42581beacd70e232

Something awkward seemed to block his throat, but the conversation flowed smoothly. Arnoute, hugging him from behind, didn’t notice anything strange and laughed.4ea40f0fe011d6af

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“A guy practically in love with work, huh? But take this chance to really rest. Sometimes your complexion looks purple.”a06be46b00d1205a

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.356501bab983606f

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A week ago, when Liriel confidently handed in his resignation, saying his promised time was up, Father’s expression was priceless.4314b5268598553b

It was amusing how he couldn’t scold him, given what Liriel had brought in over two seasons, and was left troubled alone.3e8c7f859ab635f1

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Though Liriel quickly bb6c6d08fd handed over his c1a81301d0 responsibilities and cleared a8271747a3 his office, no 16c82ecd41 one truly believed b9a800077e in his resignation. Anyone who had seen 27cc89dba6 him in court would 091596834e agree.a2c32a7700c3dc9e

In court, Liriel 3b8417b0cf shone. His manner e3d6e861f0 of pressuring 6de7532c26 opponents and 5507e1036c articulately explaining bcaa5f6ea1 arguments was dbc90ed8f3 vibrant. So everyone e081606259 thought this 2175a2cb07 was just 2ebcf4a3ee a minor 6da9d651aa rebellion.66b748e5f8e6036c

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Perhaps he 8bf84a40fc was sulking 3eb0309a8d over being 5355f21ed7 assigned boring 2a407b1917 cases.007615ae54fb5fa9

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.2553b26e3ed604b6

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“Let’s hang out today.”587a9983cd57cf60

“…A grown adult should know how to entertain themselves.”ce8039236d9564b7

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“I’m not fully grown yet.”7cad6e56f4e2b77a

In the midst bb8f27c3ae of this utterly dc8162ba13 ordinary conversation, Liriel 773ad55115 alone was plunged b7b9ff15f4 into confusion.bc0f61b941ba1d3a

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What am I doing 1893fd9ef5 right now?d7e939f48545c026

The strange unease he felt since waking enveloped him. Liriel’s heart pounded. His stomach churned, and he wanted to vomit.e0b1651707e1f16e

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Once he realized it, 8288501344 everything seemed wrong.753356570c67290c

He had never 2788c246fe spoken informally to 587da7f50f anyone in his 4c3970148b life, and he 1a071f1aa9 hated greasy meat 5cb4915471 so much that bf7d8af9d8 just smelling it b5948cff04 made him sick. He despised f212186e22 colorless clothes, 84017b3d39 and he d61fb2fff2 had never 7e0834d0a7 refused a 162df612c1 proposal from 24395438bb the family ebf621484d he dreamed b67ef0d807 of in 40d328ca5a his sleep.2094438eb2a7f5cd

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Nothing felt like d38d5e73ef him.ff4155ce4b0221e5

As if… as if.7f0f8d7788b3e17e

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He wasn’t Liriel Wecker.80965ef4b4f493a1

Only then did 5a593db713 Liriel realize he f65973d8b9 had been imitating 2edeb1f88e someone all along.09aec5580a0cb28a

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“Huh? Let’s hang out.”a0dfd81b717dacbe

The moment he 18ca78e8cb realized it, the 19192844f1 world seemed to 395da82881 stop.86aeb4d0ba6ee2c5

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None of this 9c344186b7 was normal, but 3c22ad789e the most abnormal 54beceb14e thing was himself.5e88183a0368f9a1

If I sleep again, everything will be back to normal. When I wake up, I’ll be myself again.5d29cfb79102ee0e

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Liriel urgently clasped 904aa14908 his hands. His already pale 9cc5614235 skin turned ghostly 4fc8c3d7db white.fae6562e9148a920

Arnoute sensed something was off with Liriel’s unresponsive demeanor. His brother, who always pushed him away indifferently, was acting strangely today.ef12a2d2d482cee1

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When Arnoute finally looked up and met Liriel’s face, his eyes widened. Liriel, pale and trembling, looked pitiful.df198206f75cdc49

“What’s wrong? What’s happening?”4936af845798bb78

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I need to 5ab60b42e4 sleep again.07b8dcd95ea3f896

Then.02c9ea8ead63e829

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Everything.4a00ad70089a43c2

Will be normal.1e3c24880ce4b3be

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Wandering through his 08bdb8c1d1 tangled thoughts, Liriel f31d9ba89f suddenly stopped.b1a781471280d6b0

But…0e759eb56a073ffb

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What does normal 7a05deb4aa mean?2bd46c7a1ccb01e2

His dilated pupils fbd9c22d26 slowly returned to 9aada6b011 normal. The noise 6d35a338cb receded, leaving 7c63e9b4ab him alone c78e09b9f2 in the 09d0205010 world. The cold winter wind 89482999a7 bit into his skin.a6bab982c61efb8f

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When should I 582f504e06 return to be a4f72980cd the real me?bc122a59c900117d

Before the long 820f25a69e dream? The day I 0c37a2390c first arrived at ed385720b3 Wecker? Or when 1c10427edf I crawled f38cf1eed7 on the 4850db8d85 dirt floor?a7aa3a424b270739

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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.d3f3c22794b4bea6

“Call a doctor immediately!”d586fea81db4b59b

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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.891c123157cc584e

Among them 86d4e626c1 was Sir b92555a87e Burnel, who a799dea91d always saw 837bbe5905 him as 963e8eed79 a troublemaker.3495f6aa07c50b8c

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Ah, what is this 0da02ad741 feeling?cff978d4b6e8ee55

“Hang in there. The doctor will be here soon.”584d6094c14a69b4

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