Duel [1]

"...I apologize for the rudeness, Prince Elysion. My name is Oliver, the one and only brother of Serena."

Extending his right hand, Oliver smiled. However, his narrow eyes remained open, and despite the smile he displayed, his sapphire eyes clearly conveyed, 'I absolutely do not approve of this man being my sister's fiancé.'

"Elysion, nice place."

"Haha, you are too cold."

'Cold? I am too nervous to talk here..!'

I grabbed Oliver's right hand and shook it... could you please loosen your grip?

Oh, you didn't intend to. That much was obvious from just a glance.

"So, Serena, it's nice that you called me out because you wanted to see me, but is there something wrong? Did your fiancé cause you any trouble?"

"We haven't formally greeted each other since the engagement, so Prince Elysion was concerned. Also, Ely holds me dear."

"...I see. Serena calls you 'Ely,' huh."

As Serena indulged in affectionate talk, her usually pale face seemed to blush even more.

"I mean, today I went out of my way to meet you regarding something, and Rena said..."

"...Rena?"

"Hup!"

I let out a light scream as I received a chilling glare.

It seemed that my casual use of a nickname without any honorifics had unintentionally triggered Oliver's anger.

"What does this mean? Even if you are a prince, calling my beloved Serena in such a way..."

"I do not approve of my brother addressing me as 'Beloved.'"

"Wha-!?"

While he was accusing me, Oliver, who had called Serena his beloved, involuntarily held his breath.

A little payback for you. Mwah~Sweet girl!

"Well, sorry about that... But more importantly, it's been a while since we had family time. Tonight, let's have a meal just the two of us..."

"Oh, actually, aside from greetings, there's something else I'd like to ask."

Sorry, but even if you try to ignore me, it won't work. Even if it's a bit forceful, I'll get to the main point.

"Brother, please listen to Ely's request."

"...Prince Elysion, what request?"

Serena calmed him down, and Oliver reluctantly turned towards me.

Completely a doting siscon brother, huh?

Well, anyway, to achieve my goal, I need to negotiate firmly.

"Cough... You may already know, but my brothers, Chris and Raphael, are engaging in factional struggles over the throne to become the next king."

The moment I declared this, Oliver's gaze sharpened even more.

Perhaps he feared that I would ask him to get involved in the succession struggle and help chris obtain the throne, after all, it was a known thing that I was from Chris's faction.

Thinking that Serena might be harmed as a result...

But...

"Until now, I have actively supported my brother Chris, the first prince. But honestly, I don't want to get involved in such an ugly struggle for the throne anymore."

"Oh...?"

Surprised or not, Oliver leaned slightly forward.

It seemed that he was a bit interested.

"However, if I take things into consideration even if I remain neutral it's inevitable that I'll be dragged into that conflict. So, I've been thinking about leaving the royal palace before it happens."

In other words...abandoning my position as the third prince and fading out of the succession struggle.

If I did that, I wouldn't need to get involved in the main plot of 'Engage Hundered times' and the absurdity of 'finding the world's best fiancée.'

Of course, if I were to go along with the scenario of 'Engage Hundered times,' I would wholeheartedly support Serena as the 'world's best fiancée.'

"So, right now... or maybe not immediately, but eventually, you're thinking of renouncing your status as a prince and joining the Ravenhurst family as a son-in-law?"

"Yes."

To Oliver's inquiry, I nodded emphatically.

Hehehe... Even if the world of 'Engage' tries to entangle me in a bad ending, I'll definitely escape. I'll do whatever it takes.

Oliver, rubbing his chin, pondered for a moment.

"Regardless of your own intentions, I can't be certain whether you, as Prince Elysion can truly step down from the position of the third prince. And at last, I can't make such an important decision on my own."

"Of course, I understand that. Today was merely a greeting to my soon-to-be brother-in-law, Oliver, and to let you know of my intentions. I wanted you to be aware of it."

Naturally, even if I say I want to become a son-in-law by abandoning the prince's seat, it won't just be a simple "Yes, sure." Even if I'm the 'Incompetent Prince,' proper procedures need to be followed, or it's meaningless.

Well, for a prince with a bad reputation like me, most people would probably celebrate if I gave up my right to the throne.

"I understand Prince Elysion's feelings."

"I am glad then, brother Oliver."

I placed my hands on my knees and smiled...but it was returned with a glare, probably because I called him as brother.

"However."

"Huh!?"

Wait, is there more?

"Even if you say such things verbally, it's not easy to trust them outright. Therefore, let me test Your Highness's determination. Let's cross swords."

Oliver opened his narrow eyes and smiled slightly. This time it was my turn to make a sour face.