--a life that cannot be called happy or unhappy, I suppose.

　One of the great nobles existing in the kingdom, the Linfold family. The eldest son and heir of that family, Seth Linfold, muttered this in his heart.

　The Linfold family was a bloodline that had been an excellent medicine man in a war that had ended over a hundred years ago. They also excelled in magic, and were known for their many battle achievements.

　In recognition of his achievements, he was even able to become one of the four great noble families in the kingdom. Since then, the Linfold family has continued to produce mages and medicine masters from generation to generation, and has maintained its position.

　In this generation, four children were born into such a family. Three males and one female. Seth is the eldest of them all, so the chances of him becoming an heir are naturally high.

　Whether one considers that a blessing or an unhappiness would be different for each person. And in Seth's case - if anything, he was closer to the latter.

　A venerable family lineage. Rising expectations. A sense of responsibility.

　It is never acceptable to tarnish the family name. He was always proud of being an aristocrat and worked hard to improve himself. It was natural, and it was his duty.

''Huh........''

　Seth looks up at the gray sky outside the window and sighs a single sigh. The sky was the same color as his own hair, which was a little long for a man, and it was depressing to look at.

　He felt like shouting that he was depressed, but unfortunately, he didn't have the energy to do so. Instead, another sigh escaped me.

''Brother, if you keep sighing like that, your happiness will run away.''

　A dumbfounded voice was thrown at Seth with the sound of the door opening. Seth couldn't help but remove his gaze from the window. Standing in front of the door was Leisha Linfold, Seth's sister.

　She has the same, but much longer gray hair as Seth's, shaking her hair and holding her hands on her hips.

　Turning to his familiar sister, Seth returned a wry smile.

'That being said, Leesha...'
See, see, that's how you look so gloomy again.

　Leesha's cheeks puffed out as she looked at Seth, who was fuming. As it was, she packed up to Seth and grabbed his cheeks and forced him to form a smile.

　However, as soon as Leesha let go of his hand, Seth's expression changed to a dark one again. Seeing this, a natural sigh came out of Leesha's mouth as well.

''........Did brother Alda say something to you again?''
That's part of it but it's not the first time Alda's hit on me.
So this is about that matter from the royal family, like your father said?

　Seth doesn't utter a word, he just turns his face down quietly. Leesha shook her head, as if she had guessed the general situation by her brother's reaction, but she shook her head in relief.

It is true that I want brother Seth to take over the house. But if that doesn't make brother Seth happy, I don't want to force him to do so.
'It's not that I'm heartily uncomfortable with the idea of taking over the house and if I relinquish that role, that Alda guy will take over the house.

　The words come out with a hint of hostility, which is rare for the calm Seth. Orda is Seth's younger brother, and he is the one who looks at Seth with anger and hostility.

　His character is bad, to say the least, and he has a sarcastic attitude towards his brother Seth on a daily basis. However, his abilities as a medicine man and a mage are high.

　The problem lies in the fact that his abilities are higher than Seth's.

　That doesn't mean that Seth is inferior by any means. Rather, he would be superior in general.

　The fact that he was superior to his brother gave Orda's heart an arrogance and increased the greed within him. In other words, the belief that he was the one worthy to inherit the family.

　This is why he dislikes Seth, who is the closest to the heir. It's a common story. For Seth, however, it is an extremely annoying story.

　Taking over the family means, of course, owning a fiefdom. In order to do so, one must be excellent in character and ability.

　Orda seems to have a bit of a problem with the personality aspect.

''Well, it seems that your father is also planning to leave the house to brother Seth, so if things go in order, there won't be any problems, but.......''
Just in time.

　Seth looked out the window and squinted at the window.

　--Yes, if things went in order, Seth would definitely be the master of the house.

　But there's just one problem with that.

Depending on what happens with the royal family, that order could be overturned.
It's...

　Why did Seth look so dark?
　Leesha, who had an idea, couldn't help but choke on the words.

　A certain order that came directly from the royal family not long ago. Seth and Alda were chosen as the personnel to fulfill that order. The details of the order have not yet been heard, but depending on the results, there is a possibility that the order may be reversed.

　Of course, Seth is willing to do his best, but it is also true that Alda's abilities are very high. It's not a bad thing to be worried about.

Well, after all, if I were better than Alda, I wouldn't have to worry about anything. I'll just have to deal with it myself.

　Seth says this to himself and sighs again. It's Seth's habit of leaning toward the negative in his thoughts. He often gets mad at Leesha for sighing so many times a day.

　As usual, Risha looked a little angry. However, for once, she doesn't show any further reaction, perhaps because she thinks it can't be helped.

''I hope it's nothing, but...''
I don't know.

　Seth said as if it were someone else's business, then checked the time.

'It's about time,'

　Seth said and moved away from the window and out the door. He looked at his sister's anxious expression and smiled, meaning it was okay, and then began to walk away.

　Heading to the office where his father was waiting for him. Seth and Alda have been summoned beforehand as there is an explanation of the contents of the orders from the royal family.

　As Seth walks silently down the wide corridor, he spots a familiar figure behind him a short distance away. At the same time, he gets an unintentionally bitter look on his face.

　The man in front of Seth heard the sound of shoes behind him and slowly turned around. His short, cut gray hair and tall stature wore a somewhat intimidating look.

　Thin, sharp eyes caught Seth's figure.

''Oh, well, my brother, isn't it? What's the matter, you don't seem to be looking very good.''
Thanks for your concern. But I'm fine.
'I'm glad to hear it. I'd be sad if anything happened to your dear brother.

　Orda's sarcastic phrasing.

　-- you don't think that for a second.

　Seth poisoned himself inwardly, but he didn't let his expression show it.

'Just as well. Shall I come with you to your father's place?
...Yeah, I guess so.

　Reluctantly, Seth nodded. The destination is the same. There is no excuse to refuse.

''Looks like that nagging Risha isn't with us today.
It's no surprise that we were the only two called in.
'Oops, excuse me. I forgot what you did with me.

　Alda makes a smile as if to mock him. Her attitude towards Seth is like this every time, and contrary to her polite tone, she doesn't show any respect.

'Well, even so, it is an honor for us to receive the order from the royal family. I'm sure your father will take this opportunity to realize clearly who is worthy to take over the family.
Well yes.

　Seth is fed up, but responds appropriately to Alda's sarcasm and sarcasm. It's a waste of time and effort just to think seriously and reply.

　--I'm not going to be able to get away with it.

　Seth thought heartily and sighed softly.