The Royal Secret

The agreement was to celebrate the engagement ceremony at the Ronnenburgh's residence. Many noble from different factions were invited to witness the relationship of the third Prince and the only daughter of the Grand Duke to become official.

There are some who are in favor to their relationship that can benefit them, and some are against the relationship because it negatively affect their goals and influences. Lianne Ronnenburgh and the third Prince, Russel Heilsonne's relationship will truly have a big impact on all nobles.

"…I just don't understand, how will someone's relationship affect a lot of other people? Can't they just mind their own business?" Said Louie Ronnenburgh, the third son of the Grand Duke and twin brother of Lianne Ronnenburgh.

"You clearly don't understand how politics works, so stick your nose out of it. Just enjoy the food and the ball or something." Said coldly by the first son of the Grand Duke, Leandro Ronnenburgh I. He is too busy to deal with his younger brother with all the paperworks infront of him.

Though Louie is a stubborn fellow. "That's why I'm asking you! You know a lot about it, so can't you tell me?"

"Can't you see, Louie? I'm. Too. Busy." Veins began to pop out of Leandro's forehead. Louie has been bothering his brother for hours now, and kept bothering him without a care.

"But!—"

"Unlike you, I don't have a lot of free time. Ask the butlers or other people instead!"

"Brother Leandro!"

"Get on with it! Don't make me call for the guards to drag you out of my office." With that threat, Louie gave up and walked away.

The poor guy only wanted to know more about the nobles involved in his sister's political marriage. He's very concerned with his sister, since he knows her secret. And so, he searched for his sister to talk to her.

After finding her at the garden, Louie can see how depressed Lianne is. "Hey, sis."

"Hey…" she used to be so cheerful and energetic whenever they are together. It upsets Louie to see her become like this.

"Sister, tomorrow will be your big day. Can't you be happy?"

"And why should I?!" She snapped. "I will be engaged to another man. If that happens, then what would become of Edmund and I?!"

Louie knew of his sister's secret relationship. He knows and approve of if, however knowing their status in society, it is inevitable to get them into political relationships and marriages. The same goes for their Older brothers who were married off to the Princess and the Marquis's daughter.

"There, there… Lianne, I think it's best to fulfill father's wishes first. We can never go against him." He tried to comfort his sister, but it didn't work.

"Father is so selfish! All he thinks about is what will benefit him! He never considers my feelings." All that Louie can do is to sigh and listen to Lianne's every complaint.

And as the day ended, Lianne became more unstable with the fact that her engagement ceremony is a few hours away. Louie has no idea what to do about it and just hope that Lianne will be alright.

When it was almost time for the engagement ceremony, many were surprised to see Lianne missing. Louie did not know of it until his own father came up to him and ask. "WHERE IS YOUR SISTER!?"

"…what?" He's completely dumbfounded.

"Your twin sister! SHE'S MISSING ON HER OWN ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY!"

"WHAAAAAT!?"

It never occured to either of Lianne's family that she will run away from her own fixed engagement.

"WHERE IS YOUR SISTER!?" It was a question Louie can't answer. He doesn't have a clue to where Lianne could be.

"Father, I don't—"

"Don't tell me you don't know! That sister of yours is supposed to be here right now preparing for the engagement ceremony. Without her, it'll cause a ruckus to all and disgrace the family name!"

'Then what the hell is it that you want me to do exactly?!' Is what Louie had in mind to tell his father, but it'll only worsen the situation if he do so. "I apologize, father."

"Now tell me, WHERE IS YOUR SISTER!?"

"…" again, Louie still has no idea.

Leandro, who was only watching from the sidelines stepped in to help his younger brother. "Father, Louie doesn't know Lianne's whereabouts. If he ever did, he would tell us immediately."

"Y-Yes! Brother is speaking the truth! I can never lie to you, Father."

Their father clicked his tongue and hit the corner of a table in Louie's room out of frustration. "Where can she possibly be!? That ungreatful wench… making me worry like this is unforgivable!!"

"I'll make an order to the knights to search for Lianne." Leandro informed his father.

"And make sure not to let the royal family know about this! WHOEVER SLIPS THE WORD WILL HAVE THEIR HEAD CUT OFF!!"

Hearing his father gave Louie goosebumps. It was rare for him to see his father's cruel side. "…now how do we deal with this!? The engagement ceremony can't take place without Lianne!"

"C-Can't we just move the date of the engagement?" Louie suggested thinking it'll help but only caused his father to be even more furious.

"Are you not using your head!? We can't move the date! It's all in the agreement we made with the royal family and invitations have already been sent to many nobles who are sure to come!"

"Oh dear…" their father continued to uselessly complain, completely wasting their time.

Louie remained silent and accepted his father's scolding that is meant for his twin sister. While being standing on his unfortunate state, his brother Leandro have stared at him for quite a long time until his expression showed that he had an idea.

"Father, please lend me your ears… I may have thought of a solution that can temporarily help us." That has pleased their father's ears.

"Ah! I can always count on you, Leandro! You are truly the heir of the Ronnenburgh duchy. Now let's hear that solution of yours…"

A smirk appeared on Leandro's face whilst he gaze upon Louie. "With a face identical to sister Lianne, I believe the engagement ceremony can be executed without a problem."

"What do you mean, brother?" Louie is confused by what his brother is trying to tell him.

"Slow as ever." Leandro sighed, "We need you to take Lianne's place until she is found."

Louie's eyes widen in surprise. "WHAT!?"

"Yes… Yes! Brilliant!" The Grand Duke has become relieved. "Louie, you must do it for the sake of the Ronnenburgh family. You won't disappoint me, will you?"

"But!— I… I'm…" Louie didn't like the idea of getting dressed up as a woman. What's worst is that he has to be with the third prince which is a man! He absolutely can't stomach it.

"Louie! This won't be forever, so you must cooperate! For the sake of the Ronnenburgh family." His brother also tried to convince him.

"Err… I'll try my best." Despite wanting to fight back, he ended up losing his will to do what he wants.

Now, the engagement ceremony begins after a few more hours.