Not-So an Extra

"Ian!"

Adrian and Fredinand halted and turned toward the voice, revealing Nathaniel rushing in their direction. The moment the young man arrived before them, Fredinand greeted him, and Nathaniel nodded in acknowledgment.

Adrian, noticing his brother's freshened face, smirked. "Looks like you got some good rest."

Nathaniel grinned and stretched his arms upward. "Yeah, it's been a while since I've slept in a proper bed."

Adrian chuckled softly, "Glad to hear it."

With that, the trio resumed their walk to the dining hall.

​​As a thought crossed his mind, Nathaniel asked. "By the way, when is the steam train project connecting the Solis Region to the Egberg Region scheduled to begin? It'd be convenient if we could travel from Juvel to Agatha within hours, just like traveling from Agatha to Syna."

Spending over twenty days seated in a carriage almost made Nathaniel bored to death. Unlike his little brother, who might have enjoyed it, Nathaniel, being more outgoing, felt frustrated when confined in one place. He even had to persuade one of his knights to take his place in the carriage so he could ride a horse instead.

"According to the schedule, it'll begin in months," Adrian responded. However, he furrowed his forehead and turned to his brother. "You've ridden the steam train?"

Meeting his gaze, Nathaniel nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, I have! It's so popular that I've even had to wait for hours just to ride it!"

Adrian acknowledged with a nod. "I see." As expected of his very beloved brother; not even a temporary exile would deter him from sneaking out.

Speaking of the steam train, he had read the report sent by Arthur. It highlighted a notable increase in foreign tourism numbers since the inaugural day of the steam train, with continued growth each subsequent day. Additionally, Arthur informed him that several kings had contacted him, expressing interest in purchasing the steam train blueprint.

When Nathaniel came to a stop, Adrian mirrored his action. Upon locking eyes, Nathaniel looked at him as if he was a weird creature. Annoyed, Adrian snapped. "What?"

Disbelief was etched on Nathaniel's face and voice. "Ian, don't tell me you've never ridden it?"

Yet, the teenager before him just shrugged indifferently, responding dismissively, "I haven't."

Nathaniel massaged his temples in frustration and vented his exasperation, "Goddamnit, Adrian! You are the one who invented it!"

"Tsk," Adrian clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes in boredom. "Sorry, not sorry, but I'm not the one who can sneak out freely like YOU. Not to mention that I have to ride on horseback for more than twenty days to reach Agatha."

He had ridden the fast train countless times in his previous world, so it didn't really matter to him. That was why he asked Arthur to expedite the opening of the steam train to the public, despite his absence during the inaugural day.

As the realization sank in, Nathaniel clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Ah! You're right."

Adrian looked at his brother in disgust and continued walking, leaving Nathaniel behind.

"Hey, wait!" Nathaniel hurriedly ran to catch up and positioned himself beside his little brother once more.

"Then..."

Nathaniel's voice trailed off, prompting Adrian to glance at the sound and see his brother smiling at him.

"Let's ride it when we reach the Capital!"

Adrian returned the smile, "Sure, why not?" That was precisely his plan. Still, he wanted to see his creation, too.

Nathaniel chuckled and ran his fingers through Adrian's white lock, stroking it gently. "Let's create good memories."

Adrian's mind drifted. Now that he thought about it, his brother often uttered those words. He recalled how he brushed it off like it was nothing, but after living years in this world, he understood the significance of Nathaniel's words.

With a smile, Adrian nodded in agreement, "Yeah, let's create lots of good memories."

Having no idea when the original Adrian might reclaim this body, so... wouldn't it be better for him to enjoy his life to the fullest, and give his best, living each day as if it were his last, no?

As Nathaniel caught a glimpse of the fleeting sadness in Adrian's cerulean eyes, he instinctively grasped his wrist, compelling them to halt.

Adrian arched an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Yet, Nathaniel just stared at him with an indescribable expression. He opened and closed his mouth, but no words came out. Regardless, Adrian patiently waited.

After gathering his courage to speak, Nathaniel eventually released him and asked, "...Ian, is there something troubling you?"

"?" Adrian tilted his head.

"It's just..." Nathaniel's voice trailed off, his gaze drifting momentarily as he absently scratched his nape. Returning his attention to him, Nathaniel continued. "...you look so sad..."

Locking eyes with him, Adrian asked. "Am I?"

Nathaniel nodded. "Yes."

Adrian let out a genuine smile. "Thank you so much for your concern. It's just that... it's been a while since you patted my head. So, I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic."

"..." Nathaniel shut his mouth tightly, his face devoid of any expression.

Nathaniel was not stupid by any means; he knew Adrian was lying to him—those eyes were the same ones he had seen during their afternoon tea at Safonyx Castle. The fact that Adrian lied so poorly, which was so unlike him, indicated that whatever was bothering him must be greatly affecting him.

Nonetheless, Nathaniel snorted and smirked wryly. "Heh, I didn't know my little brother enjoyed it when I patted his head."

Adrian's expression turned grim and sealed his mouth tightly, regret washing over him. Somehow, he could feel the urge to facepalm skyrocket.

Just when Adrian was about to speak, Nathaniel suddenly lunged forward and wrapped his arm around Adrian's neck. "Take this!" Nathaniel exclaimed, his other hand vigorously ruffling Adrian's white hair.

"W-what are you doing! Let go!" Adrian protested, struggling to free himself from Nathaniel's grasp. Yet, that bastard just laughed heartily, relishing the moment of his misery.

After what felt like an eternity, Nathaniel eventually let go of him, leaving Adrian standing with disheveled hair. "Pft, hahaha! Look at your hair! It's like a bird's nest after being struck by a tornado. Hahaha!"

The corner of Adrian's lips twitch in irritation. "Looks like you're having fun, huh?"

"Of course, I am!" Nathaniel nodded shamelessly.

Rolling his eyes in exasperation, Adrian started to tidy his hair. Nathaniel quickly joined him, helping to smooth down the unruly strands.

"By the way—"

Adrian glanced at the voice, revealing Nathaniel softly smiling at him.

"—If you need someone to talk to, you can always reach out to me, you know."

Adrian returned the smile, "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Adrian understood that Nathaniel was simply worried about him. Deep down, he wanted to be more transparent with his brother. However, given his circumstances, Adrian found it difficult to disclose the truth—at least, not now. But someday... someday, he promised to himself that he would confide the entire truth to Nathaniel.

After finishing tidying Adrian's hair, Nathaniel urged him, "Let's go."

Adrian nodded. "Yeah."

With that, they marched toward the dining room. However, Nathaniel's question lingered in Adrian's mind.

'What's troubling me?'

Adrian stole a glance at his brother from the corners of his eyes. What troubled him the most was the fear of disappearing from this world without saying goodbye to those dear to him.