Chapter 128 :A Game of Shadows and Smiles
❖ Chapter 128 ❖
A Game of Shadows and Smiles
To Edward Windsor, Christian had always been the rival he longed to surpass.
As he strolled leisurely through the grand corridors of Barberin Castle, Edward basked in the curious glances thrown his way by the castle’s residents.
“Hmm…”
It felt like a sliver of light had finally pierced the monotony of his days.
Christian had no doubt realized by now that Edward had joined forces with Theodore. He must have known that Edward had intercepted the offer initially meant for him—and surely, he must be fuming.
Which is why Edward found the whole situation thoroughly delightful.
When he arrived before the grand doors of Christian’s office, he paused, a smug smile tugging at his lips, and gave a subtle wink to the attendant. Only then did the servant move to announce his arrival.
Moments later, Edward entered the room.
Christian sat behind her desk, hunched over documents, small spectacles perched precisely on her nose.
Tsk. You’d think someone so rigid would end up old and unmarried. Shame.
Edward mused internally, half amused, half pitying.
“Sister.”
Christian had, until then, ignored his entrance—but now she looked up. Her hair was pulled so tightly that not a single strand dared defy her order.
“Edward.”
Her tone was soft. But to Edward, it carried the chill of polished steel.
She was always terrifying when she spoke kindly—especially right after chaos had broken loose.
Christian valued royal dignity above all else. That she could greet him so sweetly after the uproar he’d caused? It was unsettling.
What game are you playing now?
Suppressing his unease, Edward offered a disarming smile.
“Sister, I feel like I’ve seen more of you since returning from Mussen than I ever did in Baden.”
“Indeed. I never imagined that leaving the royal household would come with so many… complications.”
Christian studied him, her expression unreadable.
“I don’t believe I approved an exhibition at the museum simply for this.”
She lifted her chin, a subtle but unmistakable sign of irritation.
Edward matched her tone effortlessly.
“I was surprised too. But rest assured, there’s no real harm to the royal family.”
Christian’s faint smile faltered.
“Hmm… Even if you acted without my explicit consent, you’re still royalty. That means you should’ve anticipated trouble—and prevented it. Especially for something of that scale.”
She added with clipped grace, “You’re not a god, Edward.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The temptation to ask whether she’d ever seen him as royal simmered, but he held his tongue.
Now wasn’t the time. He had to look like the victim.
Besides, the satisfaction of unsettling her was delicious.
He let out a pleasant chuckle, brushing off the tension.
“The artist in question painted Eden Blanc.”
Christian nodded knowingly.
“His actions were questionable, yes—but cutting off his livelihood? That seems… excessive.”
“I didn’t think about it too deeply.”
“That,” she said, “is the difference between you and me. And perhaps why our father never considered you a contender for the throne.”
“…Well, that was sudden.”
Edward’s smile twitched, threatening to crack.
Christian laughed, amused.
Ah, Edward—her younger brother wore his emotions like a badge whenever the throne was mentioned.
Not endearing in the least—but undeniably entertaining.
Leaning back in her chair, she tapped her lips thoughtfully.
“You do nothing for the people. All this chaos over Eden Blanc—was it worth trying to destroy someone’s future?”
“…Strange coming from someone who weaponizes Eden Blanc so flawlessly.”
Christian simply shrugged, then steered the conversation elsewhere.
“What happened at the Mussen Museum was reckless. Targeting Duchess Schultz… That was dangerous.”
That was the real reason she’d summoned him today.
Why Edith Schultz?
Why risk so much—only to inflict damage on himself rather than Johannes?
She pretended not to be curious, choosing scolding over inquiry.
But Edward saw through it.
“I owed the Duchess something. I forgot my place for a while.”
“What exactly do you owe her?”
Edward looked awkward, rubbing the back of his head.
“Nothing significant. A minor discomfort, really.”
“…I see.”
“To make amends, I plan to host an event here at Barberin Castle. A small gathering.”
“A gathering?”
“Yes. I’ve invited a few others as well.”
“Sounds delightful.”
Christian agreed without protest.
Edward’s impulsiveness was nothing new, and involving Edith didn’t seem all that serious.
How close could they truly be?
“My dearest sister.”
Christian looked up again.
Edward had stepped closer. There was something puppyish about him—drenched in theatrical sincerity.
“It’s been over a decade since I swore to be your loyal hound. Isn’t it time you believed in me?”
“…Edward, do you think I don’t trust you?”
“Don’t you?”
“Of course not. You’re my only brother. I’ve said it again and again—family is all I trust. Even once I take the throne, I’ll look after you.”
She smiled gently, rising from her chair and crossing to him.
Her palm settled coolly against his cheek.
Edward flinched ever so slightly.
She stroked his face.
“So don’t say things like that. I’d hate for my affection to be misunderstood.”
Edward resisted the urge to recoil.
Christian had always acted like she was on his side—since childhood.
And perhaps she was. She’d defended him against the king, against everyone.
But his lack of status made her kindness feel more like a burden than a blessing.
As his gaze darkened, Christian’s voice softened.
“You must be tired. Go rest in your room.”
“Thank you, sister.”
Just as he turned to leave, her voice halted him.
“Oh—did you bring the gardener again? Please, call him.”
He turned slowly.
“…You mean Frederick?”
“Yes. Frederick Müller.”
Christian clapped lightly, a smile playing on her lips.
Edward let out a low laugh.
“So you finally remember his name. Why do you need him?”
“No one understands the Barberin gardens like your gardener. They’ve been a mess since he left.”
A cold grin crept onto Edward’s face.
Christian Windsor still thought of Frederick Müller as nothing more than a gardener.
She had no idea that the boy she had once dismissed had grown into something formidable.
What expression will she wear when she discovers the truth?
Edward met her gaze, his eyes gleaming.
“Of course. I’ll tell him to come in right away.”
