Chapter 6: Substitute (1)

Chapter 6 - Substitute (1)Inside the room, Elina sat on the edge of the bed with a sullen expression, looking slightly annoyed. Meanwhile, Nolan sat backward on his study chair, resting his chin on the chair's backrest as he gazed at his displeased sister. "What's with that expression, dear sister? Is something bothering you?" Nolan inquired, a playful smile pulling at his lips. Elina sighed softly and glared at him. "Brother, do you realize that what you did was practically suicide? You not only disrespected Father in front of our siblings, but you also dared to defy the Lorian family's tradition of succession. If Father had gotten angry and hurt you, do you have any idea how devastated Mother and I would have been?" Her brows furrowed, frustration and disappointment written all over her beautiful face. At that moment, she was genuinely afraid her brother would be severely punished by their father. After all, his actions were tantamount to disgracing their father, the Emperor. Fortunately, Father had only given him a light punishment—cutting off his allowance. Otherwise, she couldn't even imagine how severe the punishment might have been. As his twin sister, she couldn't bear the thought of seeing him hurt. Sensing her concern, Nolan let out a small sigh and feigned a guilty look. "I'm sorry, Elina. I promise I won't do it again," he said in a weak tone. Elina took a deep breath and stared at him seriously. "Do you really mean it?" Her gaze was sharp and cold, as if it could pierce straight into the depths of his heart. The corners of Nolan's mouth twitched slightly, and a wave of helplessness washed over him. Ouch... I thought having a little sister would be a blessing, but it turned out to be the opposite, he complained inwardly. In his previous life, he had been the only child of his parents. That was why he had always longed for a younger sibling. Sadly, his parents back then had refused to have another child, fearing a future power struggle between him and a sibling. It was also part of the reason he hated being born into a wealthy and powerful family. Even among flesh and blood, hatred and enmity could still arise. However, he quickly regained his composure. He knew Elina cared deeply for him and worried about him, and that touched his heart. "Don't worry, I meant what I said," he replied, raising two fingers as if making an oath. "Good!" Elina nodded in satisfaction, a beautiful smile returning to her lips. The previously tense atmosphere lightened, and Nolan quietly let out a sigh of relief. "By the way, Brother," Elina called out, looking at him curiously, "may I know why you're so reluctant to participate in the succession?" In response, Nolan rolled his eyes and shook his head. He then pointed at himself with his index finger and asked in a flat tone, "Elina, do you really think I'm fit to be emperor?" His question left Elina stunned. She looked him over from head to toe. Nolan's appearance could only be described as exceptionally handsome. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the most handsome man in the entire Great Empire of Velmora. Even Prince Adalen, her third brother, who was renowned for his striking looks and charm, still fell a few notches behind Nolan. However, Nolan had flaws that overshadowed his flawless appearance—his lazy demeanor, lifeless expression, and rather messy hair. On top of that, he was always blunt and completely lacked the refinement expected of a prince. Naturally, with all the flaws he displayed, it was no surprise that unpleasant rumors about him spread quickly. Even ordinary people knew that in the Imperial Palace, where distinguished princes and princesses gathered, there was one prince known for being extremely lazy and useless. And that prince was none other than her brother, Nolan. If he had simply gotten rid of his lazy behavior and carried himself like a proper prince, Elina was sure he would have shone brightly and been loved by all. Becoming Emperor would have been a title he rightfully deserved. After all, behind her brother's seemingly foolish nature, he was actually very smart and capable. Unfortunately, she never realized that the facade Nolan showed was intentional. He had no desire to attract attention or burden himself with the heavy responsibilities of imperial administration. With a soft sigh, Elina shook her head and replied, "No, Brother, you don't deserve to be Emperor. Of course, that's because your appearance and demeanor aren't like those of the other princes. If you were..." Before she could finish her words, Nolan burst into laughter, unable to hide his smile. "You see? Even you admit it. So now you understand why I have no desire to join the succession." Elina: "..." She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but her brother seemed unusually happy with her answer. Shouldn't he be angry? Yet, considering his unwillingness to participate in the succession, her answer probably sounded like a compliment to him. "Huh..." Nolan let out a long sigh and looked at Elina with a wistful gaze. "My dear sister, won't you help me escape from this responsibility? I really don't want to take part in the succession." Elina rolled her eyes, folded her arms across her chest, and crossed her legs. "Brother, participating in the succession is mandatory for you. Besides, even if you join, it's not like you're guaranteed to win. After all, you're not exactly popular among the nobles or the commoners. Honestly, your chances of winning are close to zero." Nolan clutched his chest with a pained expression. Even though her words were true, hearing them spoken so bluntly still stung. "Elina, you're so cruel... I took such good care of you, and yet your tongue is sharper than a sword," he said, his voice trembling, fake tears welling up in the corners of his eyes. Elina: "( ˵ •̀ □ •́ ˵ )" Damn! He's so handsome and adorable when he acts like that. Even if he weren't a prince, I'm sure he could easily survive just by relying on his looks and acting skills. Elina exclaimed inwardly before letting out a helpless sigh. "Alright, wipe that pitiful look off your face, Brother. It's honestly disgusting," she mocked, pretending to look disgusted. But who would have thought that, deep down, she actually felt overjoyed and was dying to rub that handsome face? Nolan was stunned for a moment before wincing in pain. Is this what it feels like to be betrayed by the little sister you raised with so much love? How painful! "Alright, back to the main topic—what are you going to do now? You still have to participate in the succession, right?" Elina asked, looking at him curiously. Nolan fell silent, as if lost in thought. A few moments later, his eyes lit up, and he looked at Elina eagerly. "Elina, I have an idea—what if you replaced me in the succession?" Follow current novels on freewe(b)novel.c(o)m