All Chapters of My Twin Tried to Steal My Future: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

The maid's face went white. She stammered, unable to get a word out.Grandma Agnes had lived most of her life, and she sensed at once that something was wrong. "Out with it! What's going on?"The maid dropped to her knees and, in tears, spilled the whole story of how Freddy and I had traded places.When she finished, Grandma Agnes's lips trembled for a long time. Then she pushed me aside, stood up, and headed straight for the door."Grandma Agnes!"I hurried to stop her, but she seized my hand so hard her knuckles turned white. "Dennis, I'm going to help you."I looked at her graying hair, and my throat closed up so tightly that I couldn't speak.When she found my parents, Grandma Agnes struck the floor hard with her cane. "How far are you going to push Dennis?"Father was taken aback for a moment, then frowned. "Mother, you're not well. Stay out of this.""Stay out of it?" Grandma Agnes glared at him. "If I stay out of it, the two of you and your blatant favoritism will ruin

Before long, rumors began spreading through the royal court.People said one of the Palace Examination papers was astonishingly brilliant, bold and sweeping from start to finish. The chief examiner had slammed his hand on the table in amazement after a single glance and immediately sealed it and sent it straight up to the King.His Majesty had been overjoyed after reading it and was asking which family the talented young man came from. Chances were that he'd be promoted far beyond the usual ranks.When the news reached the LaValle residence, Father was so happy his face turned red.Mother clasped her hands and murmured one prayer of thanks after another.Freddy tugged at Father's sleeve, pressing him for an answer. "Are you sure it's Dennis's paper?"Father smiled so widely that the corners of his eyes crinkled. "Who else could it be? Who at the entire Palace Examination is more learned than your brother? It has to be his."Freddy scampered over to me, glowing with smug triumph.

I sighed and gave a bitter smile. "My lord, do I look like someone who could get into the Palace Examination?"I've never even passed the county examination. I've been living off my family for twenty years, and everyone at home calls me a good-for-nothing."On the day of the Palace Examination, I was still drinking at the music hall. If you don't believe me, you can ask the neighbors."The words had barely left my mouth when someone in the crowd gathered outside the door spoke up."That's right, my lord! The elder LaValle son is a famous genius who's mastered every kind of poetry and prose."The younger one is hopeless. He spends his days at cockfights, dog races, and brothels. I hear he can't even recite his children's primer all the way through.""Exactly. Who doesn't know the younger LaValle son is a good-for-nothing? How could someone like that ever get into the Palace Examination?"Freddy struggled like a madman. "No, my lord, he's lying! He wrote that paper. Check his hand

His Majesty raised an eyebrow.I explained, "For ten years, I studied day and night. All I've ever wanted is to serve the crown until the day I die. This word, 'Die,' is my vow, sealed with my life. A loyal soul never perishes, and even if I die nine times over, I will have no regrets."I filled my paper with the word 'Die' to tell Your Majesty that my life has long since been pledged to you and to Harrington."I paused, my gaze sweeping over my parents and Freddy, who were slumped in a heap behind me."I wrote these words before Your Majesty so that you would see my loyalty, written with my very life."His Majesty stared at me for a long time, then suddenly let out a hearty laugh. "Excellent! 'Even if I die nine times over, I will have no regrets.' Excellent!"He scanned the paper full of "Die" from top to bottom, then said in a deep voice, "Dennis LaValle, hear my decree."In recognition of your evident loyalty and outstanding talent, I hereby name you this year's Laureate, co