Appetency

TWO

Seamus tucked Laurent in bed for what seemed like the hundredth time, ignoring the frown sketched on his little brother's face. After that whole incident in the office, Laurent looked somewhat gaunt. Anyone could tell just how sick he was with a small glance, so now he's been properly locked up in his room.

His older brother, ever the gentleman and doting person, would come by every chance he gets and would take care of Laurent by himself without the need of servants.

This sort of familial affection didn't go unnoticed.

His brother... didn't seem to hate him at all.

Laurent figured that there was some sort of hidden story or background he needed to uncover from the game, but it turns out their relationship with one another was actually how it was portrayed toward the audience.

Which sucks since Laurent dragged Seamus down with him, including their entire household. Whatever route the main protagonist was on, and whichever love interest they had chosen, Laurent was almost always the problem and continued to act out while his older brother desperately tried to protect him. In doing so, they both met miserable ends.

Seamus never died though. He was convicted of covering up Laurent's evil deeds, but only got his title and nobility taken away before being banished from the empire whereas his little brother would always die. Every single time.

No matter what route the players took, Laurent's end meant death.

Still... it looks like Seamus really does care about Laurent. He's a little too overprotective, but he's sure he means well.

"I told you that you should've stayed in bed longer," Seamus sighed. "Now look at you. You're so sick."

Laurent glanced around the room. The system isn't here.

"I'll stay in bed then."

He says it cautiously while keeping his eyes out for a screen to pop out. So far, nothing has happened.

Laurent doesn't understand what it wants from him exactly. It might've wanted him to loudly throw a tantrum just so his brother would let him leave the estate, but now that he's all docile in bed and didn't want to leave, the system is allowing it? Just like that?

What the hell were its triggers?

"It's good you decided to stay then. I know you must be upset since you wanted to see the grand duke, but your health is far more important."

"... What did you say?"

Seamus sighed, "I know, I know... it's rather a sore subject to touch upon, but who else but me can say it to you? It's better if you find someone else that can cherish you properly. He doesn't take care of you, nor does he even bother to look at you. I don't particularly understand since you're such a gem, so his tastes must be skewed."

Laurent struggled to sit up. "The grand duke and I-"

"Are not a good match," Seamus reaffirmed. "Don't waste your time with him. If anything, I'd prefer if you just stay with me."

The grand duke? With Laurent?

He was with the grand duke?

Wait, no—is this what the system was warning him about?

<NOTIFICATION WARNING>

[YOU HAVE RESTARTED.]

[THE FIRST ROUTE HAS BEGUN.]

[GOOD LUCK.]

That was all Laurent gets before he sees the system abruptly going silent, and still nowhere to be found.