In the inner courtyard, the sound of water rang loud and strong.
“Oh, Nox-sama! Please forgive me, I didn’t realize.”
The middle-aged maid apologized with a fake voice as she held a bucket that seemed to be for cleaning.
“…Be careful.”
The young man, soaked, water droplets dripping from his black hair, walked away without even glancing at the maid.
“Have you gone a bit too far?”
Another maid who had witnessed the whole scene approached the middle-aged maid.
“He always makes me feel uncomfortable, with that hair and those eyes…”
The middle-aged maid didn’t attempt to hide the fact that she had intentionally thrown dirty water at him.
“That’s true, but it would be a problem if the young master tells his father.”
“I don’t think he has the courage to do so. He doesn’t even seem to care about him lately.”
“Indeed. Today, Edwin-sama accompanied his brother on official matters.”
“That cursed son also has rights to the throne. It would be a shame for the kingdom.”
“Completely agree.”
A red-haired maid watched from the second-floor window the mocking laughter of the other maids.
***
“Hah, it’s been a long time since I was surprised in this way.”
The young man with black hair, Nox Galaxia, who had been splashed with water, made sure no one was watching before lifting his hair. His eyes, once revealed, were a reddish color similar to ruby, or if one prefers to describe them less favorably, similar to fresh blood.
Nox shook his head like a dog to scatter the water, took off his jacket, and wrung it out without much care.
“Wouldn’t it be fitting to return the gesture in some way?”
A red-haired maid suddenly appeared and took the wet jacket as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“It doesn’t matter. With people of such twisted morality, it’s useless to get involved with them.”
The middle-aged maid had been in the mansion since before Nox was born. It didn’t seem like the malice that characterized her was going to change no matter what was said to her.
“With her age and character, I doubt she could get another job if she were fired.”
Nox sighed resignedly.
The Kingdom of Akor is located on the western side of the continent, being a country neither too big nor too small. Blessed with a warm climate and fertile lands, it possesses a stable national strength.
Edwin, the brother of the current king, began to govern the territory of Galaxia after his brother’s ascent to the throne, becoming a duke at the same time.
And Nox is the son of Duke Edwin Galaxia.
In other words, he is the heir of the Galaxia Duke’s house and the fourth in line to the throne, after the king’s two sons and the crown prince…
“Undress from below as well.”
“I think you should say that when I return to my room.”
He received neglectful treatment from all the servants.
There are two reasons for this.
One of them is the fact that he is a twin.
Nox’s brother, Lano Galaxia, is a beautiful young man with light blonde hair inherited from his mother and blue eyes inherited from his father, captivating everyone with his appearance.
In addition to being intelligent and skilled in fencing, he is very beloved throughout the country. Despite technically being the younger brother, his position is practically equal to Nox’s due to being twins. There are voices suggesting that he is more suitable as the future head of the Galaxia House.
The second reason is Nox’s appearance.
Although he shares the facial features and stature of Lano, his hair is black as coal and his eyes, a crimson red evoking supernatural creatures.
Furthermore, in the royal lineage and throughout the country, black hair is extremely rare. The sudden appearance of this hair color led to rumors spreading that he was a “cursed child.”
The death of his mother shortly after giving birth to the twins and the settlement of a dragon in the world’s largest silver mine under the control of the Kingdom of Akor contributed to giving more credibility to this rumor.
However, Edwin did not deny the rumors and simply observed them in silence, and Nox himself showed no resistance.
No official duties were assigned to Nox to accompany Edwin as Lano did, nor were any steps taken to enroll him in the school for nobles.
Now, at the age of fifteen, he is practically scorned by most of the servants.
“Perhaps it would be better for Nana not to be seen worrying about me.”
The only one who came to attend Nox was a young maid named Nana.
This girl had fiery red hair and eyes as black as onyx, with a charming and harmonious face. Although she was a diligent worker who moved quickly and efficiently without involving personal emotions, her facial muscles were the only ones not working.
“Not receiving attention from those who cause trouble is more convenient for me, indeed.”
Four years ago, Nana suddenly arrived at the mansion accompanied by Edwin, with much more power than Nox. Despite her lack of sympathy, the other maids could do little more than look at her with disdain due to her direct hiring by the head of the household.
“If Nana says so, it’s fine.”
With her focus on efficiency and her always cold and calculating personality, Nox appreciated that side of Nana.
When Nox finished showering and changing, the noise at the entrance grew louder.
“Welcome back, sir.”
“Lano-sama, it has also been a tiring day for you. Please allow me to take your belongings.”
It seemed like Edwin and Lano had returned after fulfilling their official duties.
Nox found it amusing to see how the stern servants suddenly changed their attitude and humbled themselves before them, so he occasionally watched this “triumphant parade.”
As he casually leaned on the second-floor railing, looking distractedly, he suddenly met Edwin’s gaze.
Normally, Edwin would look away immediately, but for some reason today, he continued up the grand staircase of the foyer and approached Nox.
“Do you need something, father?”
Nox asked without lifting his head from his hand as he gazed. Despite the irritated looks of the followers who hurriedly followed him, as if saying “How impolite!”, Nox maintained his composure without crumbling.
“I have something to discuss. Come to my study after dinner.”
Edwin’s low voice had a strange sense of authority, causing everyone except Nox to instinctively straighten their backs.
“What is it about now?”
Nox was surprised to hear the voice after so long. However, Edwin calmly repeated:
“Come, it’s important. Lano too.”
“Y-Yes.”
Feeling the tension in the air, Lano, who nervously observed from below, suddenly found himself drawn into the conversation and straightened up quickly.
