I can’t die before the novel even starts chapter 15

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People can change in an instant, especially when they lose something they thought was theirs.

Even a docile lamb can turn into a wolf.

And someone like Neser, who follows Fabian, seems more than capable of stirring up trouble.

“Your second brother lives in the capital, doesn’t he?”

“Yes. It’s been years since I last saw him. I thought he’d come to the wedding, but unfortunately, he didn’t.”

Klen’s invitation to ask freely opened the floodgates of my questions.

Considering the distance to the capital and the simplicity of the wedding, it wasn’t surprising the second brother hadn’t attended.

But if he’d been determined to come, he could’ve made it.

He didn’t seem like the type to drop everything for family matters.

So, it wasn’t the second brother either.

As Klen suggested, these siblings weren’t on bad terms, but their relationship wasn’t particularly close either.

“Adrian.”

Lost in thought as I stared at the ceiling, my name was called in a tone more affectionate than ever.

At first, I didn’t even register that it was my name.

By the time I realized the voice was calling for me, I turned my eyes toward him belatedly.

“Yes?”

“Do you desire the position of Countess?”

His expression hadn’t changed. It wasn’t soft or cold, but his words, despite their affectionate tone, carried a chilling weight in his gaze.

“…What?”

It wasn’t that I didn’t understand his words—I couldn’t process them.

“To put it bluntly… Do you crave power?”

His suspicion was fundamentally similar to Neser’s.

As the son of a Count, I’d naturally received an education befitting my status.

Although the title usually passed to the eldest, it wasn’t set in stone.

If Klen lacked the ability and I surpassed the others, the situation could shift in my favor.

That’s probably why my actions raised alarm.

Had I been too excited about gathering information from someone so close?

Hastily, I denied his insinuation.

“N-no, not at all.”

“Then why are you so curious about my brothers?”

Maybe I shouldn’t have asked so directly.

All I wanted was to find out who might be plotting my demise.

“…I told you—I’m curious because we’re family now.”

But reacting too strongly would only raise his suspicions further.

I answered as calmly as possible.

The Klen before me now, exuding a chilly air, matched the image of him painted in the novel.

His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through me, relentless in its scrutiny, his presence exuding an almost predatory aura.

What happened to the composed act he’d kept up so far?

“……”

He fell silent, as if mulling over my words.

After a long pause, a low sigh escaped his lips.

“I won’t inherit the title of Count.”

He stated it with certainty.

How could he be so sure of the future?

I wanted to shout at him.

‘You’re wrong! That’s not how it’ll go! If this continues, you’ll inherit the title! And that might lead to my death!’

But all I could do was silently scream in my head.

The only evidence I had was my memory—vague, fragmented, and impossible to prove to anyone.

Even I wasn’t certain enough to convince myself, let alone others.

I carefully steadied my excited heart and asked softly,

“Klen, do you have any ambition for the title?”

“None.”

His reply came back without even a moment’s hesitation.

Was he pretending to be indifferent while secretly aiming for it?

The thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it.

If I began doubting even this, I’d never be able to trust any of Klen’s actions from now on.

Once I directly confirmed his lack of ambition, the tension within me melted away like snow under the sun.

“That’s a relief.”

“…?”

Klen’s amber eyes, laced with confusion, gazed into mine as if trying to read my intentions.

I met his gaze without hesitation.

It’s fine.

There’s nothing to worry about. After all, doesn’t this mean our goals ultimately align?

“I’m not interested in it either.”

My lips curved into a smile on their own, and unlike me, Klen’s eyes widened in surprise.

I gazed steadily at him and added,

“It’s a bother, isn’t it?”

I was well aware of how tedious it was to be an earl or a countess.

Mountains of work needed to be managed within the estate, and you also had to maintain connections with the royal family and other nobles.

No matter how many retainers assisted, all significant matters had to go through the earl.

Rather than endure such headaches, it’s far better to hold the more comfortable position of the earl’s sibling, even if it comes with less power.

“… Hahaha!”

Klen’s face, initially filled with surprise, now broke into hearty laughter.

His brows and eyes curved in delight, and a wide, genuine smile spread across his face.

This time, it was my turn to widen my eyes.

It was the first time I’d seen such an honest, radiant expression from him.

For someone who usually masked his feelings so well, he wasn’t hiding anything today.

Klen laughed so sincerely that his shoulders shook as he buried his face in a pillow.

I hadn’t said anything particularly funny, so what exactly amused him so much?

What’s so hilarious?

I’m practically risking my life here.

The next day, I was stunned by the sight on the table.

“What is this?”

“The young master ordered that you shouldn’t be allowed to leave the table until you’ve finished every bite.”

The servant, bowing deeply, didn’t even dare meet my eyes.

The other servants exchanged glances as if worried about the shock I’d experience.

‘Oh?’

But they didn’t notice the sparkle in my eyes.

“I told him you likely wouldn’t be able to eat such heavy food, but… it seems he’s worried you might collapse again.”

The servant quickly added words to defend Klen, perhaps misinterpreting my silence.

“It’s fine,” I said.

Actually, this is perfect.

What they brought me was a thick steak and a deliciously roasted whole duck.

My stomach, already excited in anticipation, growled loudly, and my mouth watered, almost spilling in eagerness.

I cut a slice of the thick meat and placed it in my mouth.

The fragrant oil and juicy flavors exploded on my tongue with every bite.

It had been a long time since I’d savored the texture of proper meat.

“If it’s too much, please let us know.”

“No, I’ll finish it all.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

I quickly answered to ensure they wouldn’t remove the plate.

Under their concerned gazes, I had to eat as slowly as possible.

Of course, such discomfort was a small price to pay for this delightful meal.

‘Delicious.’

How long had it been since I last tasted proper meat?

This must be the result of last night’s conversation.

No wonder people say life gets easier when you know how to sweet-talk in bed.

As I savored each bite of the tender, melting meat, my gaze fell on the servant standing on guard nearby.

It was the same one who had accompanied me to the training grounds yesterday.

“Ah, right. Fabian scolded you yesterday. Are you okay?”

I hadn’t been able to properly explain on his behalf because I’d been too sleepy.

Did my brother continue to reprimand him, or did he let it go?

Judging by his unscathed appearance, it seemed he hadn’t been punished severely.

Fabian didn’t seem like the type to resort to harsh discipline.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks to your intervention, Adrian, he didn’t get angrier.”

“That’s a relief.”

It seemed the scolding I’d overheard was the extent of it.

“Thank you.”

He bowed deeply, as if ready to kneel, and I quickly waved him off.

It seemed Fabian wasn’t as harsh as I’d feared.

Perhaps that’s why Klen could slack off so comfortably and remain uninterested in the title.

After all, our older brother, the predetermined heir, was a capable man.

Later, I eyed the worried maid standing by as I finished the last piece of meat.

Her face practically shouted her concern—whether I’d manage to finish the meal without overdoing it.

What am I supposed to do with all this overprotectiveness?

“I feel like going for a ride…”

“You can’t.”

“…”

As expected.

The maid firmly cut me off before I could say more.

“Riding in your condition is out of the question.”

What?

That’s ridiculous.

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty meal, I feel stronger than ever.

I could probably take down a wyvern if it appeared right now.

“If you collapse again, what will we do? The young master wouldn’t let it slide this time.”

“The earl is worried about you as well.”

The protests came one after another.

Clearly, word of my previous condition had already reached the earl.

I scanned the group of servants.

Even among them, there was always one person with the most influence.

If I could persuade that person, the rest would follow like fish in a net.

“If you’re truly intent on riding, shall I ask the young master for his permission?”

The maid responsible for my meals caught my attention.

Her resolute eyes met mine.

It had to be her.

If I could convince her, the others would fall in line.

Now, how should I approach this?

“…”

After finishing my meal, I sipped a bit of wine, wiped my lips, and ran my hand through my hair.

Rising from my seat, I strode toward her with purpose, lowering my voice slightly as I spoke.

“Before I got married, I often went for rides to clear my head… But I haven’t had the chance to do that since coming here. Maybe that’s why my strength has been declining.”

I tilted my head slightly, allowing my soft, golden hair that covered my forehead to gently fall to the side.

I could feel the sunlight streaming through the window, making it shimmer.

I gazed at her quietly.

Getting too close might backfire.

I opened my mouth again, maintaining just the right distance.

“I think it would be nice if it were just for a moment…”

This time, I let my words slip out in a voice so soft it was almost on the verge of disappearing.

The unfamiliar tone seemed to give the words a muted, weighty quality.

I subtly lifted my gaze.

Her eyes slowly lowered before closing deeply.

When her eyelids lifted again, her gaze carried a softer warmth than the firmness it had held before.

“…Then, just for a moment.”

Got it.

I responded with a bright smile.

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