Transmigration: One Among The Many.

Chapter -7(2)

"Wait for me," Hector's voice called out just as Jean was about to make his escape after the dreading first meal.

Jean stiffened, his shoulders tensing involuntarily. He had sent off the leads with as much nonchalance as he could muster, but now, with Hector’s commanding tone pulling him back, he couldn’t suppress the urge to roll his eyes. Why did this so-called brother always have to make things complicated?

Hector caught his younger brother's fleeting irritation and scoffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Let’s talk," he said, his voice laced with something before pulling him into a side hug that made Jean’s skin crawl.

Reluctantly, Jean followed Hector as he led them through a series of ornate corridors, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors. They emerged onto a balcony that overlooked the vast expanse of the palace grounds. The view was breathtaking, with manicured gardens stretching out like a sea of green, but the beauty of it all was lost on Jean. His eyes were drawn instead to the table set before them, covered with books and papers.

"What do you want?" Jean asked, his unease growing. There was something about Hector's manner, a calculated coolness, that made Jean feel as if he were being lured into a trap.

"Why such a rush?" Hector replied smoothly, pouring himself a glass of wine with a deliberate slowness that set Jean’s nerves on edge. He gestured with the decanter. "Want some?"

Jean shook his head firmly. "No, thanks."

He wasn’t about to lower his guard, not in what felt like enemy territory. His eyes flitted over the papers on the table, trying to discern their contents without giving himself away.

Hector noticed the man’s restlessness, his eyes narrowing slightly. He leaned back in his chair, savoring a sip of his wine before speaking again. "The Northern Kingdom of Salona is preparing to send their princess as a hostage to us."

Jean’s heart skipped a beat, though he managed to keep his expression neutral. He had written this plotline, but somehow, hearing it now sent a chill down his spine.

"Just wanted to know your thoughts on that," Hector added, his voice casual but his eyes sharp.

Jean’s mind raced. 'Salona... isn’t that the kingdom where the Main Protagonist comes from?!'

His inner turmoil must have shown because Hector leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "They’ll be sending envoys to escort the princess. Father has decreed that our Third Brother will oversee this matter, and I, of course, will entertain them on *His* behalf."

Jean’s thoughts scrambled as he tried to piece together the timeline. 'Has the plot really progressed this far already? How did I not see this coming?'

Hector watched him closely, enjoying the discomfort he was causing. "But that’s not the main point. The reason I called you here is that I want you to be present when we welcome the envoys.You see,Father asked me to relay that to you to at least maintain the bare minimum of public appearance."

Jean's eyes widened, and his mouth opened to protest, but Hector cut him off with a sly grin. "Don't give me that dumb look. It's already decided."

Jean’s stomach churned. He knew this scene well from the original novel. The Emperor had used this occasion to supervise the unruly Jason, hoping to teach him some responsibility. But the original Jason had turned the event into a spectacle of embarrassment, a lesson in how not to behave.

Despite knowing this, Jean couldn’t help but push back. "How so? It’s not like I can help with any of the tasks. I’d rather not be involved, thank you."