Reborn as a Mind-Reading Empress
Chapter 531: Raymond Is Not Your Brother

Chapter 531: Raymond Is Not Your Brother

[Wait. Full-blooded? He is my older brother so he should be half dragon half elf if his mother was a dragon.]

"But he is my older brother. How come he is a full-blooded dragon?" Ronald decided to inquire to get some clarification.

It was easier for him to believe dragons existed due to the Valerian founding myth and history.

"Raymond is not Regis’ son. So, he is not your brother," Ferdinand revealed without hesitation.

Ronald would have known about this earlier if some of his elf traits had manifested when he was younger. But they did not, so he remained in the dark about the truth.

"N-Not my brother?" Ronald blinked repeatedly.

[How could that be? He had been my brother since he was first brought home by Father. They clearly told me he’s, my brother. Father had a lot of praise about him too.]

"Isn’t he my father’s son from a former lover?"

"No. Regis had no former lover. It was only made to seem that way so Raymond can be my Prime Minister and assist me," Ferdinand revealed, and Ronald was speechless.

Ronald was having difficulty processing all this unbelievable and shocking information.

Meanwhile, Ivan didn’t dare make a sound. But he was shocked as hell after hearing that things were fabricated for someone to be seated as the Prime Minister.

[Isn’t that against the law?] Ivan wondered.

But as he pondered over it, he realized that there were not that many laws about who could be the Prime Minister.

There was no specific law prohibiting the fabrication of the Prime Minister’s background either since no one in Valeria would have dared to do it. Unless perhaps in cahoots with the emperor just like what they did with Raymond.

Likewise, most of the former Prime Ministers were from the Reginalds’. The direct branch family of the royal family.

It was a clear monopoly of power. But the nobles and the people didn’t mind since they had done well in their jobs and maintained Valeria’s strength.

There were also times, it came from Maximus’ Household or the others. But only occasionally.

Most, if not all of them, had passed the Imperial Exams at a young age and served in lower positions before ranking up and gradually getting promoted as head ministers for a few years.

Raymond passed the exams at the earliest age allowed to take it and quickly got promoted every year until he became the youngest Head Minister. He served there until he became the new Prime Minister.

[No wonder I was made to swear to keep these a secret. It would be chaotic if everyone knew about this.]

Ivan wondered why they even allowed him to be here instead of dismissing him so he would not learn more about any of this.

If they had told him he could only listen to the first part, he was willing to leave. He understood enough that knowing more about the secrets of the royalty would put his life at more risk.

He was curious of course, but he treasured his life.

Meanwhile, Ronald didn’t know what to say after what he just heard. He couldn’t believe Raymond was not his brother.

[I chased after him. I hated him all this while. But he is not even my brother?!]

Ronald disliked Raymond because he knew his mother once suffered and felt betrayed because of his sudden appearance.

It also made Ronald who was supposed to be the first child and heir, replaced. He became a second child who had to live in the shadows of a very capable older brother whom he barely knew or spoke with.

He was also envious and insecure of Raymond because of his father’s high praises for the latter.

But Ronald could not hate Raymond completely because he couldn’t help but admire him as well because of his capabilities and achievements.

Yet, after all the years he had spent chasing behind Raymond’s back and trying to catch up with him; he only learned now, that the latter was not even his brother.

[Then, doesn’t this mean, I had been hating an innocent person?!] Ronald gritted his teeth, feeling guilty and disgusted with himself.

Arabella knew this. This was why when Ferdinand said it was time to reveal the truth since Ronald’s elf traits had manifested, Arabella fully agreed.

It would be a huge blow for Ronald now, but at least, he would understand early on why he was not able to close the gap between him and Raymond no matter what he tried.

At least, he would stop obsessing over and comparing himself with Raymond. It further led to him living in Raymond’s shadows.

Ronald had been trying to beat Raymond and only kept getting disappointed in himself. He was losing confidence because he could not beat Raymond in anything.

But that was because, in the first place, Raymond was already far more experienced than Ronald. He was several thousand years ahead.

Ronald could keep Raymond as his goal to reach if he wanted to.

But at least, after knowing the truth, he wouldn’t have to be so frustrated and disappointed in himself for not being able to reach Raymond’s level.

Arabella needed Ronald to understand that at his age, he was already more than good enough. He was already outstanding.

It was good to aim high, but it was also necessary to accept the truth and accept what he could do now and appreciate it even if there were other people better than him.

’Ivan and Ronald both have such high standards for themselves. They keep getting depressed about things they didn’t have to worry about,’ Arabella internally sighed.

She hoped Ronald would reflect on this, learn to accept himself, and stop being insecure about Raymond so he could focus on himself instead.

"Regis’ as the former Prime Minister, had the duty to pass it to the next assistant so he could retire. It would be easier for the people to accept if Raymond came from the former Prime Minister’s house, so the Regis Household took him in as a child."

Ferdinand was explaining when Arabella heard thoughts from outside the door.

Riley and Raymond had teleported outside the room.

{His and Her Majesty are explaining to Ronald and Ivan.} Rendell informed Raymond.

{Yes, Riley told me. I’d like to see that child’s reaction.} Raymond sounded like he was grinning.

[He’s back already. I thought he would visit his wife. Did he return because of this issue?] Ferdinand sensed Raymond’s presence.