Hey Guys, Aidkaâs Here!
I expect this chapter to be very controversial. And to be honest, I hesitated about it a lot. However, I still decided to do it like this.
Of course, I understand if some of you have a differing opinion on Claus and Dinaâs choice, so leave a comment and we can discuss it there.
...
Dina was standing there with a stunned expression.
"... Claus? And, who is this old man?"
But she was not the only one stunned. The old man was also stunned, although he was for a completely different reason.
"... I had heard that Miss Ysnay had reached the pinnacle of swords, but I did not know your mastery over space was also at such a high level..."
"Just a little trick," Ysnay said modestly. "Plus, it was not space."
My grandfather was confused, but I rolled my eyes.
It was just a little trick. What are you bragging for?
But thinking about it, Ysnayâs fake identity as my secret teacher sure has been useful.
Could it be she thought about this when she forged that identity? Is she using it to make me feel indebted to her?
As though aware of my thoughts, Ysnay looked at me and rolled her eyes.
"You are too conscious of yourself."
Really?
I would like to think itâs like that.
Anyway, now is not the time for this.
Coughing, I told my sister about the situation.
Fifteen minutes later, and after I told her the entire story, Dina was silent.
"... Little brother, what do you think?"
"... Iâll let it to your choice, sister," I said after thinking for a moment. "I donât care either way if the emperor dies or not. In fact, perhaps leaving him alive will be worse for him."
Itâs true. The day of the revenge, when everything is revealed, perhaps the emperor will prefer to die than to continue alive.
However, there is another reason I left the choice to her.
And itâs that Iâm not sure about what to do here.
Itâs because, on one side, Dina, Aunt Dayana, and Aunt Sera want vengeance.
And on the other side, Lena will suffer a lot if her father and mother are killed.
Even Bryanâs âsupposed deathâ was already a huge blow for her. What will then happen when we kill the rest of her family?
Dina sighed and looked up at the roof.
For almost one minute, she did not speak a word.
Her expression was very complicated. Sometimes she seemed angry, sometimes she seemed sad, and sometimes she seemed hesitant.
In the end, she sighed and looked at me.
"... Claus, am I too soft for not wanting to kill my father even after everything he has done? Am I too soft for thinking of Little Lena when I think of killing my father?"
"... Perhaps you are. But Iâm your brother. Iâll support you no matter what you choose."
"... I see." Dina looked at me with a relieved look before turning towards the old man. "Grandfather, Iâll agree to your terms."
"Good!" The old man smiled. "You are much more likable than this stinking brother of yours. Great. Iâll start the preparations!"
"Wait a moment, old man."
"What is it, brat?"
"... Even if we accepted your support, it doesnât mean we will do things your way. I already have my own plan."
The old man furrowed his brows.
"Do speak then."
I smiled. Then, I started to tell them about my plans.
Of course, itâs not like I trust the old man. Although I can feel he is not lying, who guarantees me that the old man will not go back in his words later?
So, I used a little trick at the same time.
Using my mastery over souls, I engraved a contract in his mind.
With this contract, if he thinks of betraying us, his soul will dissipate immediately.
When the old man and Dina finished hearing my plan, they looked at me agape.
"You... You are crazy." The old man said while twitching his lips. "... I hate to admit it, but itâs a good plan. Three birds with a stone. Moreover, I have the feeling you are still plotting something behind scenes. But... Donât you think you are being too cruel? He is your father after all."
I sneered. "Iâm already being merciful when I agreed to not kill him. The least I can do is to show him hell."
The old manâs expression turned complicated. In the end, he sighed ruefully.
"... I guess itâs karma. He wronged your mother and the two of you. Now he is receiving the punishment for his actions... I understand. I will not interfere anymore... Right, about the church... What are you planning to do about them?"
Not only the old man but also Dina looked at me.
I shrugged. "Donât worry about them. I have a gift prepared for them as well."
The old man looked at me and sighed again.
"... You are a frightening kid. As I thought, I prefer little Dina over you."
"I donât like you either, so the feeling is mutual."
"Stinking brat." The old man glared at me angrily before turning around to leave. "Iâll follow your plan, boy. I hope you remember your promise."
"I will."
After the old man left, Dina looked at me.
"... Claus."
I sighed and looked at Ysnay.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Iâll wait for you outside."
Ysnay then left the room, leaving only Dina and me inside.
Dina bit her lips and lowered her head. Seeing her like that, I could not help but walk towards her and wrap my arms around her waist.
"Silly girl, why are you like this?"
"... Little brother, Iâm sorry..."
"I told you I donât mind... To be honest, I canât care less if that scum dies or not. However, I donât want to hurt you in the process. Right, you will have to convince the rest of the family about this."
Dina nodded with a bitter smile.
"Donât worry, Iâll talk with my aunts, grandpa, and grandma."
"Do it. Itâs alright, I donât think they will do things difficult for you. Moreover, itâs not like the emperor will not pay. Perhaps staying alive after all of this will be much more of a torture for him."
"... Perhaps." Dina said and put her head on my chest.
When she finally calmed down, she separated herself from me and looked at me with a slight blush.
"Thank you, Claus... For everything..."
"I love you, sister. itâs the least I can do."
Dina smiled. She then took a step forward and put a kiss on my lips.
I know I have said it a lot of times, but I still think my big sister is too cute.