The relationship between the two different brothers had been quite complicated for a long time. In fact, it was a relationship that was bound to be complicated.
In terms of age, Raphael was a couple of years older than Ludwig, but he was just an illegitimate child. And Ludwig was the heir of the noble royal family. Although they had the same father, their positions were very different, just like the difference between the sky and earth. In short, if Ludwig was the light, then Raphael was the shadow cast behind it.
Raphael didnt want to marry Annette as Ludwigs substitute. And on top of that she was a woman from the Bavarian family, who were big pedigree supremacists. Raphael and Bavaria were literally poles apart. So he expected the marriage to be nothing more than a wreck.
But now..
He hated to admit it but Annette had become someone special to him. The tears falling from her eyes felt like hot candle wax falling over his heart. Because of his misunderstandings, he wrongfully berated her, but now he could see that it was over there that he started to lose his treasure. This happened all because Ludwig kept on hanging around and snooping around other peoples wife. Raphaels eyes became cold when he saw Ludwig.
Annette is my wife now. And she feels uncomfortable running into you,Your Highness. I dont understand why people who already have a fiance would keep doing this. Does Your Majesty know about this?
Ludwig laughed ridiculously at the mention of his father. As Ludwig leaned against the wall, a sharp answer naturally came out of his mouth.
I didnt realize I had to get permission from my father at this age. I was just going to attend the party with my fiance, but she canceled at the last moment, so I had to come alone.
Ha! Even a child wont believe in such excuses. Then since my wife doesnt have anything to do, Ill take her and leave.
Raphael smiled and tried to turn his back. Ludwig, who had not yet met Annette, became nervous. On the surface, he pretended to be calm, but it was true that he had come here to meet Annette. Raphael was again going to take her away from him. Ludwigs demeanor broke down when he heard Raphaels words as if Annette only belonged to him.
Why, are you now afraid that youll lose your wife if she sees me? You were the one who whined to father that you didnt want to get married to her. You said you didnt like a woman from the Bavarian family who were all like snakes. Then why? Now, is it that you started liking snakes? Its ridiculous that youre saying this now.
Raphaels face, as he looked back, became blue with anger. In the first place, he was the type who used his fist to talk. But this time, the opponent wasnt good. If he had achieved the ability of Sword Master, he could have landed him a blow or two, but he was not in a position to do so yet. King Selgratis sure would not forgive Raphael for assaulting the Crown Prince. So Raphael folded his arms and tightly clenched his fist to hold himself back.
If she really was so precious to you, then why didnt you do anything earlier? Unlike me, you knew from the beginning that Annette was falsely accused. Annette must have felt heartbroken because you knew everything and still did nothing. Now, she has no regrets or feelings for you, Your Highness.
And you? Do you think Annette loves you? No way! Shes a noble and delicate woman. So she would never like a rude bastard like you.
Ludwig, who was stabbed in his sore spot, gritted his teeth and mocked Raphael. When Ludwig, the royal heir, looked down at him contemptuously, Raphael clenched his jaw. Just because he was born well and had everything, Ludwigs selfishness to take Annette away was disgusting. So Raphael brazenly gave a blow to Ludwig by completely abandoning his conscience.
No. Annette likes me. And very much at that. Your Highness must have felt it too, havent you? If she didnt like me, she would have taken your hand when Your Highness reached out to her long ago. Well, if she really has eyes to see, she would prefer a real man like me rather than a clumsy weakling.
As Raphael challenged and laughed at Ludwig, the corners of his mouth rose in a mocking smile. At that moment, it was Ludwig who lost his composure first. Because of Raphaels jab at his embarrassing weakness and the trauma from Annettes rejection, Ludwig lost his temper. He gritted his teeth and grabbed Raphael by the collar.
Shut up! What do you think you know? You dont know anything!! About her, about our relationship!
Raphael looked at Ludwigs face with grim eyes. In his deep blue eyes, the glimpse of the features that were stained with anger had a clear resemblance to him. Maybe thats why he felt even more dirtier.
Oh, no. Even though I dont know anything, I know this one thing very well.
Raphael slowly raised his hand and crushed Ludwigs hand, which held his collar. The incredible grip distorted Ludwigs face with pain. Before Raphael, who had been wielding the sword all his life, someone like Ludwig, who had only played the lute and held the pen, was of no match. Feeling the crushing pain, Ludwig eventually had to let go of his grip on Raphaels collar.
At that moment, Raphael grasped Ludwigs shoulder and pushed him against the wall. His elbows and forearms pressed hard near Ludwigs neck. Ludwig felt suffocated because he was caught between the wall and Raphaels body. He tried his best to get out of the humiliating position, but Raphael didnt even budge. Raphael, who bowed his head to bring his face close to Ludwig, growled.
Its stupid to attack someone whos stronger than you. Especially when youre alone.
Ughhumph!!
Ludwig glared at Raphael with bloodshot eyes and then again grabbed his collar. As he pulled desperately, Raphaels collar tore making a crisp sound. Just then, Annette, who had come through the curtain gap, found this scene.
Raphael.Oh my God!
Annettes pupils quivered. At first glance, Raphael and Ludwig did not seem as if they were fighting, but they rather seemed as if they were sharing the hot passion of adults. Raphael had Ludwig trapped in his arms and pressed against the wall while Ludwig stretched out his hand and tore off his clothes. They were looking at each other with their faces up very close.
I Did I disturb them?
Annettes pupils trembled as if an earthquake had broken out in them. If she hadnt heard their quarrel coming over from behind the curtains, she really wouldnt have experienced this scene. Fortunately, Raphael, who first noticed Annettes presence, removed his hands and released Ludwig.
Annette.
Being conscious of Ludwigs presence, Raphael called her more affectionately than usual. Ludwig, who was clutching his collar and glaring at him, immediately looked this way. As soon as he saw Annette, Ludwigs expression suddenly changed 180 degrees. Ludwig, who just had been wielding his claws and revealing his teeth, suddenly called Annette with a sad face.
Annette.
Ludwig, who looked as if he was crying, staggered as he approached Annette and then suddenly fell down. Annette was surprised to see this and quickly supported Ludwig.
Oh my! Your Highness, are you all right?
I think Im going to have another seizureits painful.
Ludwig leaned his head against Annettes arm and breathed roughly. Raphael was bewildered seeing Ludwig suddenly pretend to be pitiful as if he didnt care about his image. Just now, he was so lively that he tore off his clothes.
What the hell is this nonsense?
Raphaels eyebrows distorted unpleasantly. It was obvious that Ludwig was just acting. However, Annette took care of him with a worried look, as if she had fallen for his trick.
Breathe slowly, Your Highness. The faster you breathe because of anxiety, the worse your condition will be. Dont worry and bend your head more.
Im in pain, Annette huh..keuk
Ludwig moistened his eyes and rubbed his cheeks against Annettes arms. He threw away all his pride and guilt. Raphael, who saw this happen right in front of his eyes, literally felt ridiculous. In the eyes of Raphael, who thought men should be manly, Ludwigs current appearance was a culture shock to him.
Only
He really wanted to kick Ludwig and yell at him to stop his bloody acting right away. But considering Ludwigs status, he could not do such a thing in front of Annette. He wondered how he looked in Annettes eyes.
You must think Im a barbarian with no blood or tears.
Raphael gritted his teeth and endured his stomach turning upside down. But Annette was also wise. Annette, who used her shawl to support Ludwigs head, stood up. Then she said to Raphael with a worried look.
Raphael, Ill go and bring someone. Please watch Your Highness until then.
In fact, thinking of Ludwig, it would have been better for her to stay and take care of him, and for Raphael to go and call the people. But Annette didnt want to wait alone with Ludwig on the balcony, which was usually used for secret meetings. It would be a perfect topic for people to gossip about. So, it was a much wiser choice to leave Raphael and Ludwig alone.
Of course. Trust me, Annette. Ill take good care of him.
There was a very bright smile on his lips. When Annette saw his smile, she felt uncomfortable because it felt like leaving a mouse with a cat alone. But there was no time to think about useless things. If Ludwig really had a seizure, she had to hurry to save him. Annette quickly walked out of the curtains and called the people.
Your Highness, the Crown Prince has fallen! Somebody please come and help!