Chapter 29: Strict Brother Sylvain

Once they were inside, Sylvain closed the door and turned to face Lydia.

"Explain yourself."

"About what?"

"What makes you think that flaunting the Crown Prince’s Bond Mark on your neck at this late hour in just your nightdress is a good idea?"

Lydia covered her neck instinctively, even though she knew it was pointless.

"Vincent did find you two on such compromising position. Deep Synchronization with hickeys and bite marks all over your—"

"Must you say it so bluntly?!" Lydia could feel her face burned. "What if somebody hear you?"

"Would you prefer that I pretend I didn’t see it?"

She pressed her lips together, struggling to find an answer that wouldn’t make the situation worse.

The truth was that she and Ephraim had slept together before. She wasn’t going to pretend otherwise, especially when an S-Rank Sentinel like him had enough self-control to stop if she wanted him to.

Sleeping with her fiancé was one thing. Having a Bond Mark that told everyone about it was another!

We only made out tonight! But would anyone even believe me if I explained? Besides, explaining it might only make things worse.

"Can we please stop talking about this? Why are you blaming only me? Ephraim is the one who left the mark!" Lydia blurted out.

"Believe me, Lydia. I have every intention of speaking to that bastard prince."

Much to Sylvain’s surprise, Lydia laughed at his comment. No sane person in this whole Empire would dare to say such things. Especially in front of his own fiancée.

For a brief moment, Sylvain almost smiled.

Her laughter was contagious, but he quickly schooled his expression and returned to his usual stern self.

"Enough," Sylvain said. "Your punishment is three days of house probation."

Compared to the one month of house probation she’d received for burning the Hunting Competition Invitation, three days was nothing.

"Fine. I’ll live quietly from now on, so quietly you won’t even notice me. There will be no need for you to concern yourself with me. So please forgive me this once."

The words came out smoothly, almost automatically.

Actually Lydia had begged for forgiveness countless times before in this house, before she went to live on her own.

This situation was no different. Well, it was a little different.

Repeating these words was not very difficult. I had already said these lines so many times before. Compared to Father, Brother Sylvain was much less scary.

Back then, Ephraim rarely talked to her family. This was the very first time he had answered to her brother with such absurdity.

Lydia just wanted to end this quickly and get back to her room. Even standing was torture.

"...This once." Sylvain paused. "I’ll forgive you just this once. Besides, we have several matters we need to discuss."

"What now?"

"His Highness mentioned that Lady Fielyn attacked you with her Resonance. And your personal maid has resigned." Sylvain frowned. "l expect you to report what happened with Lady Fielyn to the Imperial Authority. As for your maid, find a replacement before the week ends. I don’t want to hear complaints about your daily needs because you failed to hire someone suitable. Do I make myself clear, Lydia?"

"Yes, Brother."

"Handle both matters yourself. I have no intention of solving every disgrace you bring to House Valendorf."

What an annoying jerk. I wish I could just go back to my room already. But he had a point here. Having my own personal maid might help me to achieve some of my future agendas.

"And make sure to stay away from the Crown Prince for the next three days. If he wishes to see you, he can wait until your probation ends."

"Understood."

Arguing further would only make matters worse, and Lydia was beginning to feel the exhaustion of the day catching up with her.

"Fine," Sylvain said at last. "Go back to your room and don’t make another commotion."

"Thank you, Brother Sylvain. I will take my leave, now."

Before Lydia could walk away, he removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

"Brother Sylvain?"

"I won’t let you disgrace House Valendorf further by showing off that bastard’s Bond Mark on your neck to the whole mansion."

She pulled the coat closer around herself. It was warm, and the gesture was so unexpected that Lydia didn’t immediately know how to react.

Was this the same brother who had spent the last half hour scolding her?

"Don’t misunderstand. I’m not doing this because I approve of your behavior. Besides, make sure to cover that your... cleavage."

"!!!"

Such comment made Lydia immediately covered the oversized jacket all over her body.

At this point, Lydia seriously wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

Damn you, Ephraim. You must be doing this on purpose in front of my whole family.

With shreds of dignity she managed to scrape, Lydia muttered, "Thank you for worrying about me."

The last part was almost inaudible, though.

"What kind of nonsense you were speaking? Do you want to spend the rest of your probation cleaning the stables? I could arra—"

"No! Good night!"

"Then stop talking and just go back to your room. It’s almost past midnight already."

The moment she reached her room, Lydia shut the door and leaned against it, letting out a long sigh of relief.

"Oh, thank goodness."

She removed Sylvain’s coat and placed it over a chair before crossing the room and throwing herself onto the soft mattress.

Her body sank into the bedding as she stared at the ceiling. Exhaustion slowly crept on her whole body. Was it because of the scoldings? Or was it from making out with Ephraim?

Perhaps both.

And all of this happened because of Emily and Ephraim.

Just you wait, my fiancé. The next time I see you, we’re going to have a very serious conversation. I’ll make sure you pay for every bit of trouble you’ve caused me!"

And if he dared to smile that infuriating smile of his while she was scolding him, she might just—

Her cheeks suddenly heated again.

"Oh, forget it!"

She buried her face deeper into the pillow.

"EPHRAIM RION ADELSTEIN, YOU ABSOLUTE BASTARD!"