Chapter 117

I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.

The Next Day.

Since everyone gathered without delay this time, the meeting was set to begin slightly earlier than planned. When I arrived at the hall where the meeting was to take place, my older brother Josef was already there, waving me over.

By the way, last time, I had been summoned when the entire faction was present, but that was more of a political performance. This time, I was here from the start.

Following Josef’s invitation, I approached him—only to see that my other brother, Lemaire, was slumped over the table in the chair beside him.

I took a seat next to Lemaire and asked,

“What happened here?”

Well… referring to Lemaire as “this” might not be the most respectful choice. But I couldn’t help but be baffled by his sheer audacity—sleeping face-down on the table in the presence of faction members scattered throughout the hall.

Josef let out a wry smile and gave Lemaire a firm shake with his strong hands.

“Looks like the alcohol didn’t wear off as much as he thought. Hey, Ainzich is here.”

…Wait, seriously? Is this a hangover?

But, Josef—shaking someone who’s hungover that roughly probably isn’t the best idea.

Lemaire’s head was bobbing side to side against the table, thanks to Josef’s sheer strength.

“Ugh…”

At last, Lemaire seemed to stir.

He still didn’t have the energy to sit up, so he just turned his face toward me while leaning against the table.

“Hey… Ainzich.”

“…Hello. Are you okay, Lemaire?”

“Do I look okay?”

…No, he did not. His face was slightly pale, and he looked like he was on the verge of death.

Just how much had he drunk?

“You and Ainzich should toughen up a bit,” Josef remarked, looking at us with an expression that practically screamed disappointment.

I had a hunch and leaned in closer to Lemaire, lowering my voice so Josef wouldn’t hear.

“Did Josef make you drink?”

Lemaire’s dull eyes suddenly lit up with hope, and he nodded twice.

Ah… so he got caught by Josef and forced to drink. Poor guy.

Even someone as laid-back and freedom-loving as Lemaire couldn’t escape Josef.

“Well, since we’re all together, why don’t we drink again tonight? Ainzich, you’re coming too, right?”

As I hesitated over Josef’s invitation, my eyes met Lemaire’s.

His gaze was filled with the desperate plea of an abandoned kitten.

“Sorry, but I’m not great with alcohol, and I was thinking of spending time with Leila.”

Sorry, Lemaire.

The hope in his eyes was instantly replaced with despair.

“I see. Well, it can’t be helped,” Josef said, surprisingly letting it go.

I guess after yesterday’s events, he understood just how jealous Leila could be. He probably also felt a little guilty for causing the misunderstanding.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded drinking with him after so long, but I wanted to continue my date with Leila from last time, so this was the right call.

While we were talking, the hall had filled up with faction members.

A glance at the clock showed that it was time for the meeting to begin.

“The Count of Vaiwal is entering!”

At the knight’s announcement near the entrance, everyone stood from their seats and bowed lightly toward the door.

I glanced sideways at Lemaire—Josef had grabbed him and forced him to stand.

The doors opened, and my father entered the hall.

“Thank you all for gathering.”

He raised a hand slightly in response to the bows.

But… his hand didn’t lower. Instead, it rested on his head.

I examined his face closely—his complexion looked a bit off.

Wait… could it be?

Father, are you hungover too?