Water dribbled down Yuval's naked body as he walked toward the ornate stand, carved with delicate patterns where his after bath wrap hung neatly.
He slung the linen around his hips and tucked it in before walking out the bathhouse without so much as a glance at the maid still in the water.
Reaching his chambers, he met a waiting maid who draped him in fine, formal clothings before excusing herself.
Yuval exited his chambers, telling one of the guards to escort him to the meeting as he had no idea where it was being held.
The guard bowed and started leading the way.
As Yuval walked through the spacious hallway of luxurious decor, his curiosity ate at him.
"Who the hell am I even meeting with?" He asked the system which floated alongside him.
Yuval ceased in his step, snapping toward the system.
"I have a brother?!"
<…>
"An older one at that?! Then why didn't he inherit the throne?"
"Tsk!" Yuval clicked his tongue, continuing the walk.
After a while, they arrived at the council chamber where a long, curvy table sat at the center. At either side of the table sat matured looking men, and at the end of the table, sat a young man.
His hair looked so much like Yuval's, and they shared the same eye color, purple.
Yuval hadn't even fully entered the chamber when the young man sprang up his chair, and dashed toward Yuval, all smiley.
His arms flew open, attempting to wrap Yuval in a friendly hug but Yuval darted out of the way, ducking the hug.
Although he sort of guessed the young man to be his older brother, Yuval wasn't used to this sort of affection. He's only ever acted close to girls.
Though he avoided this out of reflex, something in him screamed he did the right thing.
The brother's jolly countenance fell, his eyes droopy as he stared at his palms with which he wanted to hold Yuval. It was as if he was questioning if something was wrong with his hands.
"Brother…" the young man called lowly, lifting his gaze to meet Yuval's.
Yuval broke out in cold sweat, heat rushing to his face as he had no idea what to say to defend his action.
But before he could wallow deeper, one of the elderly men spoke.
"Leave him be. He must be in one of those foul moods of his."
Hearing this, Yuval immediately calmed his nerves, composing himself and standing upright with his chest out.
I'll just go with the flow.
Without a word, he strutted toward the head of the table, taking the seat he knew was meant for him.
"Guess it can't be helped," his bother sighed, casually walking back to his seat as if this act of Yuval wasn't anything new.
Yuval sat upright in his chair, nonchalantly resting his head against his hand that was propped up by the arm of the chair.
He'd accessed Yuval's' behavior from the little he knew. Pretty much all scums are prideful, and bet he was going to act like one, lest he gets his ass beaten by the system.
"So, what have we to discuss today?" He asked, his voice steady and bold.
The meeting started. It was a discussion about the impending visit of a royal family from a neighboring kingdom. One which Yuval formally had an issue with.
The elders had asked for a meeting because they wanted Yuval to be cautious. Knowing him, they didn't want him acting out of pride and anger, thereby jeopardizing and ruining their kingdom's reputation.
"What am I? Some vagabond? I'll act right by my authority and serve back how I'm served, tsk!" Yuval stated, gazing at them like they meant nothing.
Even as he put on the act of arrogance before them, Yuval wasn't just sitting there doing nothing, he was accessing all of them.
I don't know how dumb the previous Yuval was, but I can see clear as day their ill intentions toward me. These people don't want me as their king.
Yuval's eyes darted toward his bother, the skin between his brows creasing.
And that one, he doesn't bear me any good will either. He's trying to mask it by being all warm and smiley, but it's there…his hatred for me.
Must be upset I got the throne.
"Oh brother, I also wanted to discuss the iusse from last time. You know, about the small town in the outskirt you promised to hand over to me," his brother said, his enthusiasm full.
Yuval who had no clue about what his brother was talking about hadn't even replied before his brother continued.
"You said you'd send over some of your men to help me seize the people who are reluctant and establish my presence there," he reminded gleefully.
Yuval kept silent, cheek resting on his hand with eyes carefully observing. Seeing Yuval's accessing gaze, his brother's nerves shunned softly with nervousness, his soft chuckles turning awkward.
Even the elders were a bit surprised. The air around Yuval was unlike any they'd seen. It was different and they couldn't quite grasp it.
Observing his brother in silence, a faint smirk graced Yuval's lips.
I see. He asks for things that would make me exert force on my people, and further ruin my image to them….hagh~
How the hell has Yuval lived till now that he couldn't see the illness his brother harbors toward him? He clearly has eyes for the throne.
Issuing wicked commands from the shadows, he manipulates his brother into acting on his behalf, ensuring it is HE who bears the burden of being seen as the villain.
Yuval sighed in his chair, eyes squeezing shut as he mulled over things in his head.
Now…. what to do? If I outright refuse what I already promised, it wouldn't align with Yuval's character and I'll be punished.
From the looks of it, they both seem to get along quite well, and Yuval seems foolish enough to always grant his wishes.
But if I allow this, only bad will spread in my name, and it would be hard to find redemption.
How do I act moving forward?