# Chapter 05
Chapter 05
Rezef was very confused.
“Is this the same Cayena Hill I know?”
Until now, Cayena was like a doll that he could twist for his purposes whenever he needed.
However, now it felt like there was a knife in his chest.
His entire body felt cold and tense.
Cayena wasn't finished yet, however.
“Besides,” she said.
“We need to put more emphasis on the poisoning incident, but downplay its importance at the same time.
“What does that mean?
Rezef was now eager to hear what she had to say.
“I want you to exaggerate the severity of my condition to create a succession crisis.
If there are rumors that Dad and I are in ill health, the ministers will become impatient.
This was obvious, it could barely be called a scheme.
Rezef was a little disappointed, but Cayena continued.
“Then turn this incident into gossip.
“Gossip…!
— Rezef finally understood what Cayena meant by downplaying the incident.
“If we frame this incident as a scandalous affair committed by a man who loves me, society will certainly pay attention.
This way, people won't pay much attention to the incident itself but will still discuss the issue.
They would do just that.
People have always been obsessed with love stories.
Rezef could already imagine the rumors they would spread.
"Who advised my sister about this?
Or was it her idea?"
Rezef just needed to ask her.
He looked at her closely, trying to see through her true intentions.
“What the hell are you thinking?
Cayena didn't respond.
She just looked at him.
That moment didn't last long, however, as she suddenly got out of bed.
“Cayena?
— Rezef said, frowning.
Then, she slowly knelt down.
“My king.
“…!
— Cayena kissed the hem of Rezef's clothes, like a servant to her master.
“What are you doing?!
“Your actions could easily be considered treason.
Rezef quickly stood up, grabbing Cayena by the shoulders and pulling her up.
“Cayena!
— It was a name he had called many times before, but it felt strange and unfamiliar, as if its texture had completely changed.
Cayena didn't seem worried as she respectfully held and kissed the back of Rezef's hand.
In a low murmur, he said:
“Why…?
Why was Cayena kissing his hand and acting so respectful?
And she had done it very carefully, holding his hand with both of hers, as if she were just a servant.
Rezef used to kiss the back of Cayena's hand because he wanted her to consider him noble and let her guard down, but even he never used both hands.
He didn't have the sincerity to do that.
But that's what Cayena was doing to him.
“You're the only one here for me, Rezef.
— That's what she always told him.
“I only have you, Rezef.
“You are my younger brother.
My only true family.
“You have to stop…!
— Rezef pulled his hand from hers.
He squeezed the hand he had just kissed, so hard that it shook.
“You will be the next emperor of the Eldaim Empire.
I'm just showing my loyalty, as I would in the future.
Cayena has clearly lost her mind.
Was the effect of the poison that serious?
Rezef glared at Cayena.
“What are you up to?
“Do you trust me?
— Cayena asked.
She smiled quietly.
Even his smile looked suspicious.
“What are you referring to?
“I'm asking if you really think of me as your sister.
— For a moment.
Rezef was speechless and could not respond
Cayena continued her strange questions.
“What would you do if I was no longer useful to you?”
“…
“It's easy to guess what you would do.
You would sell me to a suitable spouse who would work on your behalf to get rid of me, and you would no longer have to deal with me.
Then, she casually said some terrifying words.
— Well, unless you pick the wrong man and I marry a crazy husband who's going to kill me.
If she is sent to marry Gillian again, she could be killed again after facing arrest and abuse.
Cayena remembered her distant past.
The terrible memories made her feel even lonelier.
“I know my situation well.
There was no trace of laughter in his expression.
“Besides, I know you need me.
Rezef looked back at Cayena, his expression so clearlaughed at hers.
As she said, Rezef needed Cayena.
The emperor was still alive and therefore his own position was precarious.
Cayena's social influence served him well.
Although he could get engaged and leave that part to his fiancée, it would be a waste to get married so young.
Cayena knew very well that Rezef was measuring many things in his head to optimize things for his benefit.
“What do you want?
— Rezef asked.
He decided to take a step back and start negotiations.
He could very well see where this was going.
Cayena responded by saying something she had never said but so desperately wanted.
“Freedom.
Cayena knew she would look ridiculous saying this, but it was the most sincere word she had spoken since waking up in this world.
She wanted the freedom to be herself.
She wanted the freedom not to do anything others told her to do.
She wanted freedom to think for herself.
All she wanted was just this.
Freedom.
Rezef shouted, unable to contain himself.
“Freedom?!
“Freedom, she said.
The word didn't suit the imperial princess at all!
“Are you really going to give up this life of wealth and luxury?
Do you think you will be able to be free if you just leave impulsively?
He sincerely looked at his sister with pity.
He gently caressed her pale cheeks with his hand.
“You may think this place is stuffy, but this is the place that suits you the most,” he said, running his fingers through her soft hair.
“Poverty is not beautiful.
Cayena knew much better than him what poverty was like.
In her past life, she was raised by a single mother.
As her mother's income was not enough, she was unable to even attend a regular gym.
She was smart enough to win a corporate scholarship and finish school, but that was about it.
It was a life full of difficulties.
Cayena couldn't say which of her lives was worse.
That in itself was regrettable.
She just wanted to live the rest of her life in peace.
Couldn't the history of the world continue without a villain?
Cayena then placed another condition, one that Rezef would understand.
“Let me marry someone I want.
This is the freedom I desire.
His request was very typical of a normal Cayena, and Rezef lost his strength.
“Are you talking about Raphael?
Cayena shook her head.
“No no?"
This was unexpected.
Rezef looked at Cayena with a frown.
“Well, that doesn't matter.
Big sister, what can you do for me in return?
Cayena was unable to respond immediately, for a moment struck by a sudden dizziness.
“I can't fall here.
Not yet."
She felt chills and her vision was fading, but she forced herself to appear calm.
It was the only time Rezef was so shaken.
She couldn't give him time to think calmly.
She didn't need to be so nervous, as Rezef interpreted this silence as significant.
“What will she say, that she has to ruminate over this for so long?” He thought.
As soon as she felt like she could speak in a calm voice, Cayena opened her lips.
“I will make you the emperor.
She said it so lightly, as if the throne was something she could give him as a birthday present.
Rezef was stunned.
“Sister, are you referring to me?
Even if Cayena was helpful, her support alone could not make him emperor.
He was about to correct his mistake when she continued:
“I know that you will be able to gain the throne without my support.
However, if you do this, you will have to share your powers.
“…
Even if he became emperor, he would have to pay dearly those who helped put him there.
He could not succeed to the throne alone.
Cayena went deeper into the question.
“You will have to especially fatten the pockets of the Evans family, the one who acts as your strategist.
The Evans family, owners of the northern barns, were already extremely wealthy and of high standing.
Rezef had his eye on this family and Cayena was well aware of that fact.
“…Are you appointing yourself as my strategist, then?
— Rezef asked.
Cayena smiled softly.
“I'm not asking you to trust me now,” she said.
“But isn't it time you thought about what you would do after gaining the throne?
No one ever said those things to Rezef.
In other words, no one had been a suitable adult figure for him before.
Then, Cayena's body swayed.
“Sister!
— InstinctAgain, Rezef's hand reached out to hold and protect her.
His entire body was burning like fire.
“To push your body to this point…!”
Cayena's forehead was slick with sweat.
She had exhausted all her energy to remain conscious and finish the conversation.
It was only now that Rezef realized how serious his condition was.
He shouted for a maid.
“You there!
Call a doctor right now!
— Rezef put Cayena to bed.
Then, just before he completely lost consciousness, she gently brushed her hand against his head.
“You are a kind child.
Just like that, she fainted, leaving Rezef with a lost, childish expression on his face.