Chapter 631 - v4c16 Siblings(5) (1/2)

v4c16

Siblings(5)

Levin Orna.s.sen Seifer, historically the t.i.tular brother of Princess Gryphine.

Compared to his fame before the Aouine’s Civil war, after the war, the name of the king’s eldest son disappeared into obscurity. Some said that he died in the chaos, some said that he became a puppet of Duke Seifer and the Queen, while others said that the princess spared his life and set him free. The historical truths behind the romanticized folk tales felt obvious, yet also surprising..

After Wood’s introduction, Brendel and the princess waited in the vestibule for about a quarter of an hour, during which no one spoke, and the only sound that could be heard was the sound of the Archbishop pruning trees. No one could fathom why the Ampere Seale’s Archbishop would let a man with such a sensitive ident.i.ty, the king’s eldest son, appear to the public. It did not seem like a wise thing to do.

The princess did not necessarily want to see her brother, nor was it certain that a man who was their enemy not so long ago would want to help them either. Although it might be possible, it would certainly come with conditions.

Brendel could not guarantee that the princess would be willing to compromise with her enemy. But a moment later, he heard soft footsteps coming from behind the green wall, and everyone turned around and saw a maid leading a n.o.ble youth through the wall foliage towards him and the princess.

Although they have never met before, Brendel could tell immediately that this might be that prince from history. The man was not dressed lavishly: a plain military uniform, lavender-colored, with a long cloak that spilled onto the green meadow. Blended into the afternoon sun, he looked like a wealthy knight in places like Braggs, Magitan, or Castle Kurco, and not so much an undefeated crowned prince.

The youth had a sword hanging from his waist, not a fragile unusable sword, but a cavalry sword. The leather on the hilt was so worn out that it didn’t even look like it belonged to the royal family. But this could not be used to determine whether the owner of the sword was an expert swordsman. On that calm and relaxed face was a pair of tightly closed eyes with long lashes hanging softly over his eyelids as if he was asleep – or blind.

The prince was extremely handsome, but he was blind. Clearly, a blind person could not practice swordsmans.h.i.+p and could hardly even be involved in complex conspiracies, let alone becoming Aouine’s king.

Brendel could not help but glance at the princess beside him. The princess looked surprised too. There was a slight hesitation in her eyes, but she still asked, “Brother Levin……your eyes?”

She sounded hesitant and appalled.

“It was just a small incident, it’s no big deal, Gryphine.” Prince Levin looked unconcerned. With a smile on his face, he continued, “But rather, having lost my eyes, I am able to see more clearly, as men are often deceived by what they see.”

He added, “ Gryphine, we have not seen each other for nearly ten years since we bid farewell at Winter Castle. Now to think about it, you should be seventeen this year. You must be taller and more beautiful now, I’ve heard a lot about you lately.”

He spoke in a casual tone as if he was really talking to his sister and not his enemy. Though in a way, his sister was the one responsible for his awkward status today.

After a short moment of silence, Princess Gryphine spoke, “That’s all in the past, brother, and this time you’ve committed many wrongdoings. The kingdom, father, the people; no one will forgive you, and everything will turn onto the right track.”

“I will not s.h.i.+rk my responsibility, but my position as the prince makes it necessary for me to support my mother. Despite that she has failed, despite that Duke Seifer has died along with his defeated army, and even despite that I’ve become a prisoner. Gryphine, you must think that I hold a grudge, but it is not so, and I have not come here today to seek forgiveness. I hope you understand this. No matter how things change, I am still a member of Aouine’s royal family.” Levin smiled with drooping eyelids.

“So what you’re saying is……” Princess Gryphine was startled, and she looked at Brendel, who was also slightly confused.

Brendel frowned as well, wondering where the prince was coming from. He pondered the history of Levin Orna.s.sen Seifer. What kind of man was Seifer? There were countless rumors of him, and few described the prince positively. At least before now, he never knew that the prince was blind, and did not appear to be newly blind.

What kind of character does such a prince have? Is he headstrong or ambitious? No rumor could not answer these questions, but at least from his current appearance, it was clear that the prince was a complicated man. And it’s hard to tell whether he was involved in the conspiracy between Duke Seifer and the queen.

But in any case, his ident.i.ty was very sensitive at present. Being the only son of the queen and King Oberg the Seventh, he was the only eligible heir of the Seifer Family. And he was certainly aware of it.

What else would he be after, other than a deal? What could this prince possibly want?

It would be too naive of him to try re-inheriting the Seifer family. Since the king’s eldest son had said that he was not expecting forgiveness, presumably, he would not make such a childish request.

Brendel lifted his head. The maid beside Levin whispered something to this prince, and he saw the king’s eldest son turn back to him and smile:” This is Mr. Brendel? I have heard of your deeds. Your performance in the first battle of Ampere Seale was indeed heroic. Even the late King Erik could barely compare.”

Brendel looked at Princess Gryphine and saw no displeasure on the half-elf girl’s face, but instead one of agreement. He turned back and replied with ease, “Your Highness is speaking too highly of me, the hero of Ampere Seale was not just one person. And your highness speaks too kindly, everyone just wanted to save themselves.”

“I agree, it is because people know to save themselves and struggle for their life that civilization continues to this day. The history of mankind and other intelligent races is an epic in itself. Thousands of heroes have emerged, not by chance, but by necessity.” Levin smiled and nodded, causing Brendel to notice the prince’s long, s.h.i.+mmering, dark black hair. His long hair draped over his shoulders and fell like a waterfall. Such hair color was rare in Aouine, and his hair had a deep purple tint.

“Brother.” Princess Gryphine interrupted, that was not what she wanted to hear, “Archbishop Wood says that you have a solution to the chaos in the north. Are you going to make a deal with me with this?”

The king’s eldest son stopped, then nodded seriously.

“Exactly.”

“You should understand that it’s impossible-” Princess Gryphine frowned but she was immediately interrupted. Prince Levin smiled, “I understand, Gryphine, but you guessed wrong. I’m not trying to offer this as a condition for anything, how about you two listen to I’m thinking?”

“What you’re thinking, brother?” The Princess was slightly startled.

Levin nodded, then said to Wood beside him, “Lord, may I have a moment alone with the Princess and Mr. Brendel?”

Wood, who was holding a pair of scissors, stopped. He looked at the king’s eldest son and nodded, then casually put the scissors away. He said to Gryphine and Brendel, “Your Highness, I more or less know what your brother is thinking, and although it’s a bit radical, it’s not a bad idea. At least in the current situation, please consider it.”

After saying that, this former archbishop of Ampere Seale gently straightened his robes and walked out to the courtyard.

The princess frowned as she watched Wood leave.