Chapter 117 : You’re Lame

Ludio had a perception of Usher as someone he wanted to befriend.

Thanks to his kindness, Ludio was able to easily resolve the awkward encounter with Bersia.

It wasn’t just that. When they met again, he offered his kindness and treated Ludio warmly.

The kindness without obsession was something Ludio longed for in strangers.

The elements that created this sense of security suddenly made Ludio think,

“If I had an older brother, would it be like this?”

No, it definitely would be.

That was what had happened just moments ago.

So the words that were spoken were shocking.

“Your mother is a fucking bitch.”

“Uh, well, um…”

For a moment, his brain froze.

Ludio had no tolerance for such vulgar words.

Let alone referring to his own mother with such language.

Of course, the original speaker of the words was Bersia, but wasn’t there a certain violence felt in the language itself?

Ludio tried to shake off the shock.

He struggled to bridge the gap between his thoughts of “Bersia might say something like that” and her external elegance.

In the middle of this, Usher spoke.

“That must have been quite shocking.”

“I should have phrased it more gently.”

Ludio lifted his head.

What he saw was a smile that hid sympathy within warmth.

It seemed like he was pitying him. The reason for it was completely unclear to Ludio.

He eventually avoided eye contact.

Usher didn’t insist on pointing out the awkwardness.

He simply spoke.

“You can just let it slide. I’m just passing on the saint’s intentions in secret.”

Ludio felt embarrassed.

He thought that maybe Usher knew something about the events from the Astalion royal family.

Perhaps Usher had sensed this inner thought, as he added a remark.

“I don’t know the exact reason behind it. She hasn’t told me everything about the past.”

“Ah…”

“However, I do know something.”

Usher’s gaze was directed at the sea.

His words were soft, as if they could be blown away by the wind at any moment.

This bleak atmosphere made Ludio focus more than usual on his words.

“If there is an issue, it’s between the Queen and the Saint.”

“I don’t understand what you mean…”

“You don’t need to act like you’ve done something wrong.”

Ludio’s body shuddered.

It felt like his mind was completely exposed, as if his innermost thoughts had been seen through.

Is this the insight of an adult?

“Perhaps, the Saint doesn’t dislike the Crown Prince. To be exact, she likely has no interest in him to the point of distinguishing between liking and disliking.”

Ludio didn’t know whether to feel happy or sad about that.

His expression became awkward at that moment.

“It’s a good thing. At least you’re not starting from a negative position.”

“…Do you think my thoughts are showing on my face?”

“I can read you well.”

Usher dismissed it lightly.

“Anyway, I just meant that you shouldn’t feel intimidated. You’re going to be the ruler of a nation, so you should be able to speak your mind and convey your intentions clearly.”

That’s when Ludio realized.

What Usher was doing was offering comfort.

His lips tightly pressed together.

This feeling was unfamiliar.

In Ludio’s past life, the words he heard were more like firm orders.

This is what you must do. This is what you must not do. You must be this kind of person. You should follow that.

In contrast, Usher said,

“Do as you wish, think for yourself, and act accordingly. Don’t bend your will just because of others’ opinions.”

How should he accept this?

Is it really okay to do so?

While thinking, Usher continued.

“Just try starting with a greeting. Pretend you don’t know anything, say hello, and if the response is awkward, shamelessly say you came to refresh your memory of what your sister looks like.”

Usher’s smile was crooked.

It was more natural than the bright smile from earlier, to the point where Ludio unconsciously thought it suited him better.

“Your personality is lame. If you push, she’ll probably hesitate but accept it.”

Ludio responded with a question.

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, I guarantee it.”

Ludio didn’t want to avoid talking to Bersia.

After all, she was his only sibling.

Though he had just met her now, the bond of blood was strong enough to bridge any physical distance.

He had just thought he wasn’t in a position to approach her.

For Ludio, every word Usher spoke felt like encouragement.

Maybe he should try greeting her.

Of course, he couldn’t let Hermion know, but as Usher had said, not everything had to be tied to his mother.

Just the fact that someone pointed this out gave him the courage he needed.

A determined look appeared on Ludio’s face.

“Cheer up.”

Thud, Usher placed his hand on Rudio’s head.

Rudio’s eyes widened.

He had a surprised expression, but Usher didn’t seem to mind much.

For some reason, his insides tingled.

The last thing he did was turn his gaze away in embarrassment.

“It’s about time we head back. It’s time to greet the Saintess.”

“Yes!”

Whatever the case, Rudio made up his mind through that conversation.

He decided he needed to talk to Bersia.

“…So, you’re saying the prince will come to me?”

“Probably?”

Usher’s mouth fell open in shock at Bersia’s irresponsible words.

He wanted to snap at her immediately, but he couldn’t.

Why wouldn’t he? It was rare for Bersia to show kindness to others.

And it wasn’t just kindness—it was genuine goodwill.

Of course, she often went out to do volunteer work and such, but whether that was based on goodwill always made him tilt his head in doubt.

In contrast, this time, there was enough reason to be genuinely moved.

After hearing Ludio’s story, Usher also felt sympathy.

A child who exists as a replacement for someone deceased—how could one not feel sympathy for such a sad childhood?

If only that goodwill hadn’t put him in a difficult position, it would have been perfect.

“…What am I supposed to say to him?”

“That’s your job now, Sir Knight.”

Bersia’s bright smile had never felt more irritating.

But in the end, he didn’t snap at her.

A sigh escaped him.

At least he had something positive to think about.

‘The Saintess should have at least one family member to be attached to.’

If it was for that purpose, wouldn’t it be worth making a humble sacrifice?

A hollow smile appeared on his lips.

Still, he needed to prepare, so Usher followed up with questions about behavioral guidelines.

Unfortunately, there was no time to hear such things.

“Saintess, you have a guest.”

As soon as her management period ended, Dalin returned to the garden and delivered the news.

Standing behind her was a hesitant Rudio.

Usher flinched.

His complexion turned a little pale.

Rudio bowed his head.

Then, as he straightened his back, his expression looked determined.

Usher glanced at Bersia.

She smiled brightly.

“Sorry for skipping out on this. But no matter how much I think about it, I don’t know what to say to him. You’re good at dealing with people with a smile, Sir Knight.”

Ah, how had things ended up like this?

“…I have no idea.”

“You know better than I do.”

Her response made his blood pressure rise.

Ludio was nervous.

He had resolved himself. Like Usher said, he decided not to feel guilty for something he hadn’t done.

Wasn’t Usher telling him not to become something that merely belonged to his mother?

But even so, Bersia was still an intimidating person.

No matter what, she was the Saintess—someone so blessed by the gods that she was called their favorite.

Public perception aside, she was seen as someone difficult to approach.

In every past meeting, she had always been expressionless.

He had no idea where to start or how to speak.

At times like this, his eyes naturally turned to Usher.

Usher gave him a bright smile. Was it meant as encouragement?

Rudio composed his expression.

‘There’s no need to be afraid in advance.’

With that thought, he took a step forward.

Then, standing before Bersia, he bowed politely.

“Greetings, Saintess.”

No, this kind of greeting wouldn’t convey why he had come.

Lifting his head, Ludio spoke firmly.

“…Sister!”

At that moment—

“…Hic!”

Bersia hiccupped.

She looked like she had goosebumps.

But it didn’t seem like disgust or irritation.

Rather, she looked embarrassed.

Feeling a bit confused, he heard Usher speak.

He sounded slightly playful.

“It seems she finds it awkward to hear that word.”

“Sis… ter…!”

Bersia clenched her teeth as she responded, her cheeks slightly red.

Even a fool could tell she was lying.

—Her personality is pathetic.

Usher’s words had been spot on.

Seeing her like that, Rudio’s nervousness melted away in an instant.

At the same time, he was a little surprised.

‘Someone like her…’

Would say things like “motherf***er” and such.

It didn’t quite match her image.

If someone had told him Usher had said those words instead, he would have believed it more easily.