Outaishihi ni Nante Naritakunai!! Chapter 339

Yup, I'm glad.
I concluded that and nodded deeply.
However. Going by the earlier conversation, Brother seems the same as ever.
After all, Brother first introduced himself to Cain as 'Lucas'. That means Brother is still using Father's name as a pseudonym.
"Call me Alex." "As if I can call the son of a ducal house by a nickname!" "Ain't it fine, we're friends." "You're the only one saying that. I haven't recognized it!" I fixedly watched Brother have such a low-level quarrel with Cain.

―― Older Brother really never learns.

Has he already forgotten he got angry at and was sent to the territory ahead of schedule? Father has it hard with such a son.
Brother would surely tell me, "I don't want to hear that from you," but I'm already done with, so it's fine.
While I was thinking such things, suddenly somebody… no, Freed hugged me from behind.
It's the usual, so I wasn't surprised. When I softly placed my hands on the arms embracing me, I felt Freed smile behind me.

"What are you thinking? Lidi."
"Eh? I'm not thinking about anything important. I was just thinking that Father has it hard…"

When I said that, Brother stopped quarrelling with Cain and looked at me.

"Wait, Lidi. He has it hard with you, no?"
"Eh? Isn't it obvious he has it hard with you, Older Brother?"

After all he said it. When I replied while thinking that, Brother looked at me with a suspicious face.

"You… Do you really understand what you've done so far?"
"I haven't done anything. Ah, that's right. Older Brother. It may be late, but thanks for the matter with former Baron Wire. You punished that man, right?"

When I told him what I'd learned by chance today, Brother was flabbergasted for an instant, then he made a face like he suddenly recalled it.

"Ah? Aaah. That damn pig. He broke various laws, so it wasn't just for you… Nn? Why do you know that? Did you hear from the old man?"
"No. I heard it from the person himself today."
"Haa?"

Brother's complexion changed and he fixed his gaze on me. Still hugging me, Freed also sharply asked, "Lidi, what do you mean?"

"Err, it'll be a long talk…"
"It's fine, so hurry up and talk."

Brother ruthlessly dismissed it.
Since the talk would take time, we all moved to the sofa (Cain insisted that he'd never sit down and would remain standing), and I talked about what happened today from beginning to end, and while at it I told Freed about my connection to the former Baron Wire from the past.

"… That damn fat geezer. I took away all that he owned, and yet he came back in just two years, what's with that? Not only is he talented in trade but he's good at gambling too. If I'd known he was a geezer brimming with such vitality, I'd have punished him more."

After hearing out everything, Brother said so hatefully. Freed agreed with him.

"My Lidi being a mistress? It seems that former Baron Wire doesn't value his life."

It's scary how Freed's voice remained unchanged.
I hurriedly explained.

"That was before. Today, he certainly talked… about me being something like a mistress, but I properly emphasized that I'm married!"
"That damn geezer doesn't even know you're the Crown Princess? Even if he only came back a week ago, a little research would have told him who became the Crown Princess. He must be really unpopular."

Freed laughed at Brother's words and said.

"I intended to make the whole world know that Lidi is mine. Was it not enough?"
"No, of course it was.

I strongly nodded in my mind to Brother's calm retort.
Freed, who was sitting next to me, pulled my waist to himself. Being in a position to lean against Freed, I obediently placed my head on his shoulder. Brother looked at us in amazement and said, "Lovebirds are being unmindful again," and then he continued with, "And."

"About Wire. That old geezer said he'd made money in a casino in Irvine, right? Irvine has an underground casino. If he frequented it, it makes sense he wouldn't know about the aboveground world. He must've made a killing and returned to Wilhelm. And without knowing it, he set up a store in front of the café financed by the Crown Prince… Hah! Is he stupid?"
"And when he bet with Lidi, didn't he say he'll explain how things are to me if Lidi loses? Lidi, it doesn't matter if you lose. I'll take over afterwards. Besides, I'm incredibly curious about his logic."
"… No. I decided I'll win no matter what."

As Freed said it's fine if I lose, I glared at him at point-blank range. I know he said it because he doesn't want me to worry too much, but I absolutely don't want to lose. As usual, when I pouted, Freed apologized immediately.

"Sorry, sorry. Lidi, I don't think you'll lose either. My Lidi is very reliable. I trust you. But can't I wish you'd rely on me a little?"
"You can, since I'm relying on you. After all, I used you as an insurance in case I lose. Even if I lose, Freed will do something if I leave it to him… I'm thinking something so awful even though I told former Baron Wire to play fair."

There, there. As I hung my head, Freed stroked it.

"I don't think it's awful. Because Lidi, you tried to take responsibility for accepting the match on your own, right? You used me so that nobody around got hurt even if you lose. That's fine. Lidi, I'm your husband, so you don't need to worry at all. Use me as much as you like. Let's see… Supposing you didn't rely on me, I'd feel depressed that I'm a husband who can't be relied on when it counts."
"I'd never think that!"

I think he's more reliable than anyone. When I denied since it was impossible, Freed patted my head.

"Then, isn't it fine? It's natural for the husband to show up when something happens to his wife. More importantly, Lidi. Does the third-party refereeing have a purpose?"
"Ah, refereeing… Freed, I was thinking of consulting it with you while on the topic of the match."
"Consulting?"

I raised myself from Freed's shoulders and straightened my posture. It's perfect that Brother is here too. I'll have him listen.
I faced Freed and Brother and laid bare the secret.

"Actually――  I'm thinking of something like this, but…"

Chapter end