I Will Protect My Brother - Chapter 18

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 18
‘No! Don’t come closer!’
Even as I contorted my face grotesquely and gaped my mouth like a fish, Kalian didn’t stop. Ugh, what an oblivious man.
The Imperial Guard Commander’s complexion turned ashen upon spotting Kalian.
‘Right, I did plant a suggestion in that man’s mind.’
Even though I appeared unremarkable on the surface, I’d implanted the notion that ignoring me would be a grave mistake—and the effect had been remarkably potent.
Though I hadn’t intended for him to tremble like an aspen leaf… but that’s karma, I suppose.
While I savored my amusement alone, Kalian, who had drawn near, seized my hand and pulled me along. Only after positioning me behind his back did he nod toward the Emperor.
“I greet the master of Delpiam.”
No one dared to point out his arrogance. Though the Emperor held supreme authority, the prestige of Wynyak far exceeded that of Delpiam.
The Transcendent Families were taught that they need bow to none save the lord they served.
As expected, the Emperor seemed entirely unbothered, his expression brightening as though a lamp had been lit.
“Young Wynyak, how delightful to meet again!”
“Yes, likewise.”
“I hear there was an unfortunate incident two days ago, young Wynyak. As the ruler of Delpiam, I offer my sincere apologies. I merely wished to have a pleasant conversation with you, the future head of Wynyak, but it seems my intentions were misunderstood.”
“Please think nothing of it, Your Majesty. There is no need to apologize.”
Kalian smiled softly.
The Emperor’s tone grew subtly more intimate.
“This time, I would like to converse in a quieter, more comfortable space. Of course, I harbor no intention of causing you any harm, so please do not misunderstand. Yes?”
“I see.”
“My palace happens to have just the right place. Once you visit, I’m certain you’ll appreciate it. By the way, what are your preferences? Favorite foods, colors, hobbies, special talents—anything like that! I can prepare everything to suit your tastes!”
“Haha, well…”
Kalian drew out his words enigmatically, echoing the Emperor’s phrasing. The Emperor beamed and continued his explanation enthusiastically.
“Since Wynyak is a family of swordsmen, you’d naturally prefer something dynamic over static, wouldn’t you? In that case, the Imperial Capital would suit you perfectly. There’s something quite… remarkable, hidden there!”
Good heavens. While I stared at the Emperor of Delpiam with undisguised contempt, he eagerly continued to tempt Kalian.
“I’m certain you’d take a liking to ‘it.’ You might even be able to tame it, and adapt quickly! No one has succeeded thus far, which drives me absolutely mad with… ahem. In any case, if you enjoy yourself thoroughly and find it acceptable, I would greatly appreciate your advice on the matter…”
What in the world is this man saying!
Glancing up, I noticed Kalian’s lips curling into an increasingly pleased smile.
“Of course, if you extend such an invitation, it would be an honor for Wynyak to…”
I shoved Kalian backward before he could utter more nonsense.
“Must the Young Family Head really go to such a place?”
“What?”
The Emperor turned his gaze toward me in bewilderment. I clenched both fists and spoke boldly.
“Our… I mean, my brother is frail and weak, with no strength and little intelligence.”
“R-Rosy…?”
I pinched Kalian’s side firmly as he called out to me in a pitiful tone.
Be quiet. I’m trying to save your life right now.
“I, on the other hand, am incredibly intelligent, beautiful, and quite skilled with a sword!”
“That’s true, you’re right about that.”
Ah, stop adding unnecessary comments! I shoved Kalian backward once more and flashed a bright smile at the mad tyrant of these walls.
“So please take me with you!”
You won’t regret it, I promise!
The Emperor’s expression became inscrutable.
“You’ll go in his stead?”
“Yes!”
I saw Owen hurrying over and pressing his forehead with his hand. I shot him a resolute look.
I promised to protect our young master, Owen. Don’t you worry!
The Emperor kept glancing at Kalian, his gaze sweeping from head to toe with unmistakably impure intentions.
“But… I merely wished to meet the future heir who will lead Wynyak.”
“I am also of Wynyak.”
I tapped the hilt of the sword at my waist proudly. The power of Wynyak’s Guardian Castle embedded in my blade glimmered and flared.
At that, the Emperor’s eyes gleamed as if he’d discovered a precious nugget of gold.
“So you’re the child the Wynyak family accepted as one of their own several years ago?”
That was the moment his focus shifted from Kalian to me.
‘As I thought—anyone under Wynyak’s protection will do, won’t it?’
The Family Heads of the Transcendent Families who had just descended from the podium were also watching us intently.
Behind Owen, I could see Regina and Luize Whezel.
‘…Regina.’
I had anticipated that attending the Imperial Capital banquet would naturally lead to meeting the Family Heads of the Transcendent Families.
Since Lozietti Kirges had died twelve years ago, they would have no reason to recognize me.
Perhaps they had already forgotten my existence entirely. Dozens of new disciples entered Kirges’s tutelage each year—surely none of them had been as exceptional a sorcerer as I was?
But…
Was it merely my imagination that Regina’s gaze toward me seemed sadder than ever before?
‘Why does she look at me that way…?’
My chest tightened. Regina was once my teacher, and in my heart, I had regarded her as a mother.
The reason I never ran away despite Kirges’s brothers subtly shunning me was because of Regina.
Because she existed, Kirges was my homeland and my place to return to.
Just not yet.
Alpien remained at the Family Head’s side. I bit the inside of my lip and grasped Kalian’s hand more firmly.
Regina, who had been observing me with those deep eyes, finally spoke.
“Owen, who is this child?”
“A child under Wynyak’s star. I accepted her several years ago.”
“I see. The Emperor seems quite interested in her. Would it be alright if I took her for a moment? The child doesn’t seem to object.”
Owen sighed and rubbed his brow. Rather than answering immediately, he bent his massive frame to meet my eyes.
“Rosien. Are you truly certain you can go alone?”
“Of course, Family Head. Don’t worry.”
“Remember what I told you yesterday.”
He must have meant his request for me to stay by Kalian’s side.
I nodded vigorously to assure him. Until I eventually returned to Kirges, I would cling to Wynyak and Kalian like a barnacle.
“Rosy… are you really sure about this?”
Kalian grasped my sleeve with a whimper. I lowered my voice and whispered reassurances to him.
“Don’t worry, big brother. I’ll bring back everything you want to know. The relationship between Delpiam and Abuye, the authenticity of the sacred relic—all of it.”
“You’re doing this for me?”
“Of course.”
Of course, I had my own selfish reasons mixed in as well.
As someone who once belonged to the Transcendent Families and now sought their protection, I was equally curious about that sacred relic.
Sacred relics had always captivated those who transcended. The concentrated essence of stellar power. An absolute weapon.
I would ask for nothing more if I could just touch it once….
Ah, why was my mouth watering?
‘And, also.’
My eyes drifted naturally toward the back of Regina, the Family Head. More precisely, toward the object hanging around Alpien Kirges’s neck.
‘My planetarium.’
Just wait a little longer. Your older sister will seize her chance and reclaim you!
I grasped both of Kalian’s hands firmly with resolve.
“Really, you don’t need to worry, Kali. I’ll be back in just a few days.”
“…Okay.”
“Eat well, sleep well, train hard, and just wait three nights! You trust your sister, right?!”
“Mm….”
Kalian nodded, wiping away his tears. His eyes and the corners of his mouth trembled pitifully.
“Don’t cry!”
I embraced Kalian tightly, my resolve burning fiercely within me. Then, surrounded by the Imperial Guard, I strode forward with confidence.
Well then, let me get a glimpse of this mysterious Harem!
* * *
Luize watched the boy’s retreating figure trailing after the Emperor and Kirges with bewilderment.
Was he simply pure-hearted, or did he lack perception? Had he never cultivated any sense of danger or vigilance…?
‘Or perhaps he was already a sage who understood everything.’
If the latter, it was remarkable. If the former, it was equally remarkable. How could someone be so utterly oblivious?
After the beautiful red-haired boy—whose inner thoughts remained utterly inscrutable—skipped along after the Emperor, the Wynyak family was also preparing to return to their Mansion.
With one exception.
Kalian Wynack made no move to leave his spot. Luize Whezel examined him suspiciously.
Look at that. He’s grinning from ear to ear.
It was lamentable that Satan himself lurked beneath such magnificent, almost holy beauty.
Luize opened his mouth with reluctance.
“Isn’t that supposed to be your younger sibling?”
“Yes.”
“Your sibling is being dragged away, so why are you grinning like that?”
Just moments ago, he was whimpering with such a sorrowful expression.
“My, my….”
Kalian lowered the hand that had been covering his mouth.
And then his smile, spread across his entire face, was laid bare for all to see.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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