Part of what I felt was disbelief, but at the same time, I had a strange feeling of unease. I wondered if there were really people who could betray someone who put this much trust in them; I knew I certainly couldn’t. Well, not that I had any intention of doing so in the first place. Hoping to lift my feelings of unease, I changed the subject and communicated the first thought I had when he told me his story.
“Because of the way you act, I’d always imagined that you were doted on in a magnificent palace when you were growing up. It’s a little shocking to hear that you had such a difficult childhood.”
“Well, we’re talking about something that happened when I was six or so. After that, my brother took over as my guardian and really did dote on me. You weren’t as wrong as you think,” recounted Cezar with a gentle smile.
“I see. So your brother really doted on you.”
Though I still thought he must have had a hard time until he was six, I was glad to see that he had pleasant enough memories of his childhood after that to talk about them with such a warm expression.
“I was suddenly given a room to live in that was more beautiful and opulent than anything I’d seen before, and allowed to eat my fill of some very tasty food. At first, I even balked at being given such luxuries. Then I was assigned excellent tutors who trained me in academics and sword fighting, and, despite being so busy, my big brother always found time to come and check on me.”
After Cezar said this, Janne chimed in too.
“And once in a while, Cezar and His Majesty shared a bed at night.”
“Eh? Couldn’t he sleep on his own?”
“Back in the day, Prince Cezar was afraid of thunder.”
“Janne, you don’t need to mention that kind of thing,” said Cezar, raising his eyebrows.
Ah, come to think of it, I started by asking about their relationship, but we’ve got a bit off topic.
“Excuse me, but could you tell me about your childhood together?”
Once I asked my initial question, Cezar answered.
“Ah, right. Well, Janne’s mother was originally my brother’s wet nurse. She left upon having children, you see, but once her own children had grown up a little, she returned to work, so my brother entrusted her with my care. And she brought her youngest son to play with me—that was Janne.”
“That’s right. And back then, Prince Cezar was much smaller and so adorable,” said Janne with a nostalgic smile, but Cezar butted in before he could elaborate.
“Wait, we were more or less the same age, weren’t we?”
“Not at all. At that age, a few years make a big difference. Especially in Prince Cezar’s case, since he was rather small for his age. He also had such a cute face that at first I thought he was a little girl.”
“Wha— Janne, why you...” began Cezar with a look of serious displeasure.
Janne just chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.
These two really are close. More than just childhood friends...
“You two almost seem like brothers,” I said.
Cezar looked even more displeased by this comment.
“I wouldn’t want a brother who’s always poking fun at me.”
“But I think all big brothers are like that,” I said, remembering my big brother from my past life. For the most part, he was always teasing me, always making fun of me—kind of a bully.
“Huh? You have some weird ideas about older brothers. My brother was always kind to me.”
“Couldn’t that be because the king is so much older than you? I think it’s different when an older brother’s age is closer to your own. Probably.”
My much older brother was never half the bully he was. Being closer in years makes all the difference. That’s what I think.
My statement caused Cezar to stop and think for a moment. His next words were firm.
“But I’d really rather not have a brother who’s always joking and poking fun at me.”
When Janne saw how serious Cezar’s expression was and heard his declaration, he burst out laughing.
They really are close, I thought. But you know, Cezar, I added quietly, inside my head, When I said you were like brothers just now, Janne had the happiest, kindest look in his eyes. Though you may not have noticed.
Cezar then went on to boast about how wonderful his older brother was, while Janne told me a few more embarrassing stories about his childhood, so I decided to boast about my own younger brother. I told them that my adopted brother was cool, but also very dependable, and that he, too, had been very adorable when he was a little boy, looking more like a little girl. We each got quite excited as we spoke about our siblings.
When we had finally calmed down a bit, I checked the time and was shocked to realize how long we had been talking.
“Excuse me, but I really must be going.”
Even though Janne had informed my workplace that I’d be back late, the fact remained that I was in the middle of my workday and it was time for me to take my leave.
“Sure, sorry for keeping you for so long when you’re supposed to be working,” said Cezar.
“Well, I got carried away myself, since I was having so much fun talking with you. I should apologize for taking so much of your time,” I replied before bowing.
“No,” Cezar said, grinning from ear to ear, “I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. Thanks, and see you again tomorrow.”
I held my head high.
“Please, leave it to me.”
I’ll have to spend tonight working on a proper plan for tomorrow. Of course, I did just receive a lot of treats, as promised. Ah, I’m looking forward to eating more later.
As for my return journey, I wouldn’t have to walk alone beyond the palace grounds, so I wasn’t at all worried, but Janne still insisted on escorting me.
As we were walking, Janne spoke up again.
“Thank you very much for spending time with us during your workday. Please forgive me for insisting that you show us around town tomorrow.”
This was similar to what Cezar had just said. But Janne also bowed deeply as he apologized, leaving me flustered.
“Erm, well, I got a lot of treats out of the bargain, and I really enjoyed our conversation, which is why I went on talking for so long—sorry for that. And I’m looking forward to showing you around, so please don’t worry about that,” I said desperately, shaking my head and waving my hand furiously.
Janne chuckled.