NOVPUBShe hadn't even imagined that her brother, Ryan, would come to Saint Kray Temple today.
After an intense struggle within her heart, she finally bit her lip, halted her steps, and waited for Marquis Ryan to approach her.
Perhaps she was holding onto a sliver of hope, wishing she might see her brother today. With that thought in mind, she had deliberately donned her most beautiful gown, presenting herself in an exquisite light, no longer indulging in acts of willfulness that could disgrace the Roland family as she usually did.
However, when Ursula truly saw Ryan nearing her, her legs began to tremble uncontrollably.
Fear and unease surged in her heart all at once, nearly suffocating her.
Marquis Ryan wore the family formal attire today. His deep purple, slightly curled short hair framed a chiseled handsome face that exuded an air of noble aloofness. His facial structure and bright emerald eyes were strikingly similar to Ursula's, but they conveyed an oppressive gravity far beyond what Ursula's youth could emulate.
Marquis Ryan's gaze was colder than anything Ursula could have imagined.
It was not a look for a sister.
"Brother."
Ursula took a deep breath, trying her best to steady her emotions.
She had prepared her heart for this moment.
"..."
Elsa looked at Ursula beside her worriedly, grasping her cold hand.
It had always been Ursula who reached out first, but today Elsa sensed Ursula's need for a friend's comfort.
Ursula had countless times yearned for her brother to return to the way he used to treat her, particularly when he came to see her. But now, standing before him, from his indifferent gaze she felt only unending pain and despair.
The surrounding guests began murmuring amongst themselves as they recognized Ursula, yet Ryan did not even appear to plan to cast a direct glance at her.
"Why… why have you come today?"
Ursula stammered as she tried to speak, only for the voice ahead to interrupt her.
"Disgraceful wretch."
Marquis Ryan's voice was devoid of any warmth or emotion.
"..."
Ursula remained silent, knowing full well that Marquis Ryan was reprimanding her.
The Ninth Army God Purple Crystal Ryan, fresh from the frontline thousands of miles away, had returned only to hear tales of his sister's disgraceful conduct that had sullied the family's name. His anger was well-grounded.
"Follow me. Don't embarrass yourself here."
Ryan spared Ursula a brief glance, devoid of any familial warmth, before turning to walk away.
Ursula's entire body trembled, her brother's words cutting into her like sharp blades, leaving her shattered.
And still, she had dared hope for blessings from him, the kind that other siblings received during special occasions.
Now it seemed that receiving even the briefest acknowledgement from him was already more than she could get.
She opened her mouth, but not a sound came out.
Her pallid face was devoid of color, and her hands clutching at her dress fabric trembled without end.
She no longer wanted to utter any reckless words to this kind of brother. Yet should she throw another tantrum, it would only further confirm to the noble figures of the empire how disgraceful and hated she was as a wealthy daughter, tarnishing the Roland family name even further. n𝚘𝚟𝚙u𝚋.co𝚖
"Fine."
Tears brimmed in her eyes, but Ursula held them back, determined not to lose control under the piercing stares of the crowd.
Were it not for Elsa providing support, she might have embarrassed herself further.
At the very instant Ursula lowered her head in despair, preparing to leave, a tall figure stepped in front of her, blocking her from Ryan's presence.
The Marquis Ryan, who had already begun walking toward the door with no intention of looking back, came to a halt and silently turned around.
"Who are you?"
Ryan frowned in displeasure.
The man in grey at this moment resembled a barrier, shielding Ursula firmly behind him to the extent that Ryan couldn't see her at all.
Lanci didn't immediately reply to Ryan. Instead, he turned around and met Ursula's startled gaze directly.
"Landry—"
Ursula cried out in shock, then quickly covered her mouth.
After all, it had only been that time after returning from the Bulida Mafia that she had dared to call Landry by name directly. Strictly speaking, such informal address was inappropriate; it ought to be accompanied with an honorific title.
"I was just about to offer my blessings for your new academic year. You have worked hard in your studies all along, and I am proud of you."
Lanci addressed Ursula and Elsa sincerely, sticking to his planned agenda for the day.
