The Emperor Is My Brother's Best Friend
Ch. 105 - Epilogue

Side Story 1

The ambiance at the banquet hosted at the Imperial Palace surpassed all expectations. 

In honor of the founding of the Tristan Empire, the imperial staff meticulously adorned the venue, while noblemen arrived dressed in their finest attire.

In the grand hall, bathed in the radiance of a resplendent chandelier, a woman clad in pristine white moved gracefully, captivating the audience with her elegant dance. 

It was the well-known Gloria of Tristan who was chosen to lead the festivities.

Surrounded by onlookers enthralled by Gloria's performance, imperial dignitaries occupied seats on a terrace specially arranged for their viewing pleasure. 

Among them sat Russell, nestled beside the Emperor and Empress, gazing down at the expansive hall.

Observing Gloria's fluid movements, Russell couldn't help but comment, his words a soft murmur to himself. 

Yet regardless of how softly he muttered under his breath, Allison, his older sister, who was seated nearby, caught his remark.

"It would be more beautiful from the square, don't you think?" 

Russell pondered subtly.

Allison tore her gaze from Gloria's dance to meet her brother's eyes. 

"Perhaps." 

She conceded.

"Did you hear that?" 

Russell inquired, slightly embarrassed by Allison's attentiveness.

Allison chuckled lightly. 

"Wasn't that your intention?"

"I was merely thinking out loud." 

Russell replied with a smirk before drawing closer to Allison. 

"Have you ever seen Gloria of Tristan dance in the square?"

Allison shook her head. She had never seen a performance by Gloria outside of the Imperial Palace's walls. 

"No, we're always preoccupied with preparations for the evening banquet while she performs."

"Exactly. It's rather peculiar. Since we're not the focal point, what harm would it do to steal a moment away in the morning?"

Russell, reclining in his chair, distanced himself from Allison's gaze as he threw out his bait. 

Observing her brother's amusement, Allison stifled a laugh behind her hand.

From a young age, Russell had been groomed as the successor to the imperial throne. Despite his rigorous training, he harbored a penchant for outdoor play rather than the weighty responsibilities of rulership.

"Russell, while we may not be the focal point of the National Foundation Festival, it's a celebration honoring our ancestors who founded Tristan. We ought to lead by example and express our gratitude." 

Allison, though gently, firmly reminded him.

"...I know." 

Russell grumbled in response, his tone brusque.

Allison regarded Russell silently, then leaned in close, her hand still concealing her smile as she whispered softly in his ear.

"Come to my room tomorrow evening, and we'll read together. I'll help you slip away."

"Outside?" 

Russell's eyes widened in surprise, stars shining brightly in his gaze, as Allison hushed him with a finger to her lips.

"Shh, don't let Father overhear. Of course, you can't venture out alone."

"How will I manage to go outside, then?"

"I spoke to Lord Devos yesterday and asked him for a favor. He'll escort you to explore the festivities."

"Did Lord Devos agree to that?"

"Yes, because he's... kind." 

Allison replied, her laughter trailing off awkwardly.

It wasn't lost on Allison that some time ago, she had stumbled upon Devos in a clandestine rendezvous with an imperial maid. 

Such liaisons were uncommon for knights, especially those on the cusp of leadership, like Devos.

"Then I take it that you're coming with me." 

Russell declared, grasping Allison's hand. 

Though she yearned to accompany him, she knew her role was to provide an alibi for his escapade.

"I can't do that. I'll be the one to cover for you."

Afraid that he'd insist, she explained gently.

"I don't want to impose on you that much." 

Russell protested.

Allison comforted Russell with a gentle pat on the head as he slumped his shoulders, voicing his disappointment.

"Instead, why don't you go out and later describe to me in detail what you saw and experienced? I'd much prefer reading a book in the quiet of my room than amidst all this noise." 

Allison suggested it, though it wasn't entirely truthful.

"Really?" 

Russell's eyes widened in surprise, to which Allison nodded, concealing her true feelings.

As Russell silently pledged to visit her room the next evening, their conversation was interrupted by their mother, the Empress of Tristan.

"Allison, Russell, what are you whispering about?" 

The Empress's kind voice prompted the siblings to draw closer to each other, intent on hiding their previous discussion.

After a moment's hesitation, the Empress took their hands and led them away.

"The Gloria of Tristan's dance has concluded. Why don't we join the festivities downstairs?" 

The Empress proposed, guiding them towards the banquet.

Russell glanced back, noticing his father, the Emperor of Tristan, also preparing to descend to the banquet hall. 

Side by side, the Emperor and Empress led the way, with Russell and Allison following in tow.

As the four entered the party, all eyes turned towards them.

"Behold, the pride of Tristan!" 

The guests clamored to greet the Emperor of Tristan, and Russell and Allison opted to enjoy the festivities from a distance.

Just as Russell made his way towards the food prepared for the party, the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention.

"I greet the sun and moon of the Tristan Empire, Prince Russell and Princess Allison."

Three young ladies drew closer and introduced themselves to the siblings.

"Ah, it's been a while. Hello, everyone." 

Allison responded warmly, exchanging pleasantries with the group. Russell recognized the familiar atmosphere and anticipated a prolonged conversation between the ladies and his sister.

As anticipated, Allison's conversation with the ladies flourished, completely engrossing her. Unbeknownst to her, Russell quietly slipped away from the room.

Even en route to the food table, he found himself greeted by numerous individuals feigning familiarity. 

As the designated heir to the empire, he attracted far more attention than Allison.

Dodging the crowds congregating around the food, Russell retreated to a secluded corner, foregoing even a drink.

"Ha! I didn't expect to not be left alone for even a moment on National Foundation Day." 

Disgruntled, he muttered to himself, sinking further into the shadowy recesses of the room.

Leaning against the wall, he tapped his toes absentmindedly, only to notice a shadow approaching.

"Disgusting people! Can't they leave me in peace?" 

Russell grumbled, standing up to confront the intruder. 

Sitting on the floor of the party hall didn't befit a prince, after all.

As he straightened his clothes, Russell braced himself for the encounter, crossing his arms in preparation.

However, his stern expression softened as he caught sight of the person rounding the corner.

"What a fuss they're making... Let's see who it is." 

Russell thought, unfolding his arms and relaxing his features.

His scowl melted away entirely when he recognized the familiar face approaching.

"Wells!" Russell exclaimed, darting forward eagerly.

Wells, the eldest son of the Duke of Honeywell's family and a close friend of Russell's, appeared slightly taken aback by the enthusiastic greeting.

"Aha, I guess my instincts weren't off."

Wells began, catching Russell's attention.

"Huh? I don't understand. What do you mean?" 

Russell inquired.

"I stumbled upon a dejected child making their way to the corner of the party. Intrigued, I followed, wondering which house they were from. Turns out, it was the prince."

"I wanted to enjoy the festivities and indulge in some delicious food, but I had to hide because the incessant attention from clingy people was getting on my nerves." 

Though blushing from embarrassment, Russell confessed.

"Haa, I witnessed that too. The prince was so short, he practically vanished in an instant." 

"Don't worry. By the time I reach your age, Wells, I'll tower over you." 

Russell retorted, stealing a glance at his friend, who was on the brink of his coming-of-age ceremony.

A spark ignited in Russell's mind as he regarded Wells.

"Wells, have you ever witnessed the National Foundation Festival in the square?" 

Russell inquired, already formulating a plan to sneak out and rendezvous with Wells the following day.

After all, he reasoned, it would be more enjoyable to experience it with a friend than alone.

"No, today was my first glimpse. Unfortunately, I missed it." 

Russell concealed his excitement at Wells' response.

"In that case, let's go together tomorrow!" 

Russell exclaimed, only to be cut off by Wells.

"Actually, my family---my father, mother, and younger sister---are planning to attend the National Foundation Festival tomorrow evening." 

Before the prince was able to encourage his friend to join in on his mischief, Wells interjected.

Russell's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. 

"Oh... okay."

"My father has been so busy with festival preparations, he hasn't had much time to spend with us, and my younger sister is eagerly anticipating the event." 

Feeling ashamed of the instant rejection, Wells explained.

"Congratulations... Wait, you mentioned having a younger sister, right?" 

"Yes, Rose. She has golden blonde hair, just like me." 

The conversation shifted to Wells' younger sibling, whom he spoke fondly of.

Russell observed Wells, noting the tenderness and sincerity with which he spoke about his family. 

It was a side of Wells he hadn't seen before in their five years of friendship.

As he watched, Russell realized that if he ever found himself at odds with Wells, he could easily diffuse the situation by praising his younger sister.