Touch My Brother and You Die - Chapter 226

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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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The celebration welcoming my return stretched on for days. My survival alone was cause for jubilation, but the withdrawal of the Largol Military and the complete collapse of Largol’s internal affairs—that was truly worthy of a toast.
The collateral branches, who ordinarily despised taking on work, took the initiative to host the party. Though it was an event the Diamante people had assumed to indulge their pride a little, Father graciously overlooked it and permitted them to ascend to Rocksburg.
Thus the people of Rocksburg continued their labors, while the Rosalite Homecoming Party hosted by Diamante proceeded day after day in the Multi-purpose Hall in this peculiar rhythm.
Father, considering the hardships I’d endured in Largol, shouldered the administrative duties himself, but that didn’t mean I could rest.
I worked like an ant between moments of enjoying the festivities. My first priority was securing my release from limited guardianship. Once I submitted documents to the Duke stating that Celin’s regression magic no longer existed in this world and that I harbored no further thoughts of death, he graciously agreed to remove the shackles that had bound me.
However, since I still carried considerable stress and required psychiatric counseling, he stipulated that one year of psychological consultations with a doctor and investigations by the Dark Mages, including Ram Bart, would be necessary before I could be fully released from limited guardianship.
Being unable to involve myself in morally questionable ventures before gaining that release was troublesome, but this would be resolved once Lucilucil arrived at Rocksburg. Even if I couldn’t confide in Glen, I could tell Lucilucil anything without reservation. Between the two of us, we’d accumulated years of experience in such matters—we were perfectly matched.
My recent accomplishments yielded considerable gains extracted from the Crown Prince. First and foremost, I reclaimed the Hofen Territory, which should have belonged to my husband. Glen could now boldly declare himself Glen Hofen Rocksburg wherever he went, whenever he wished. After all, the Hofen Territory was his. Of course, he received his title along with the domain. Glen was now Baron Hofen and the son-in-law of the Rocksburg Duke.
This led to something amusing recently. My cousin Benjamin Diamante naturally used formal address toward the future consort of the Rocksburg Duke and Baron Hofen. But Glen couldn’t accept it and hiccupped in terror, pleading for Benjamin to call him by his usual name. Instead, Benjamin found it hilarious and pursued Glen with various formal titles—”Glen, sir,” “Glen, your excellency,” “Baron Glen”—each one more elaborate than the last.
Watching Benjamin chase Glen with dead eyes, calling him “the great Glen, your excellency,” while Glen turned pale and limped away in panic—it was absolutely hilarious.
Now that I think about it, there was another amusing matter. Diana Cento, who had distinguished herself in the recent defense of the Masujung Mine, came to request an extended leave from me.
Diana had learned much from her encounters with the Largol people. She claimed that the most pressing matter now was the liberation of the Largol Colony’s inhabitants, and she boldly demanded not only the leave but also personnel and funds from me, this young master.
So I gave her everything. I ordered her to tour Largol and return, assuring her I wouldn’t spare my support. Then Diana asked me: surely the great young master couldn’t be so foolish as to see nothing ahead, and wasn’t I afraid of how she might grow?
Of course I was afraid. She was already a monster of a girl, and the changes Diana would bring upon her return, having gained diverse experiences, were terrifying from the perspective of nobility. But while Diana grows, would I simply sit idle with my hands folded? I am a flexible person. No matter how the times change, I was confident I could maintain my current wealth and power.
By the time you return, I will have become someone worthy of your utmost devotion and service.
At my response, Diana laughed heartily, said she looked forward to it, and took her leave with a fist salute.
That girl will never abandon the fist salute, no matter how old she gets. Where on earth did she learn that from?
I simply organized the schedule for discussions regarding the Zoraab Church and ordered the people in my office to disperse. Of course, I had important matters to attend to afterward, so I spoke to Glen.
“Glen, you stay. The rest of you may go.”
Jack, Luke, Violet, and Lily all seemed to sense something and hastily excused themselves with awkward coughs and hurried exits. Of course, Leon tried to remain in the office until the end, so Jack dragged him out.
Sigh… I had prepared myself, but now that the moment came, I was nervous. Everyone had left, the office held only Glen and me, and the young master was fidgeting in front of my desk. All I had to do was open my mouth. Yet it wasn’t easy.
“That is… Glen. Didn’t you say I had something to tell you when I returned?”
“Yes, yes!”
Why was he so frozen? I should be the nervous one, but Glen’s stiffness made me even more anxious. My mouth had gone dry. There was a chance he might refuse. But if not now, there would be no opportunity to broach this subject.
Now was the time. This was the only moment. If I let this pass, I would regret it for the rest of my life.
I took two more sips of coffee and retrieved documents from the safe. It was the marriage contract Glen had brought long ago.
“You are now the master of the Hofen Territory, are you not? You hold the rank of Baron. You are a dignified noble capable of protecting your family without my protection.”
“Yes… that is so…”
“So here’s the thing.”
I placed the marriage contract between Glen and me into the shredder. The machine whirred to life, reducing the contract to fine strips of paper.
There… Now came the important part. Originally, our betrothal and marriage had been largely for the purpose of placing Glen under my protection. But now? Even without my strength, Glen could protect his mother and sister, and Benjamin respected him.
Without my pressure, neither Benjamin nor Uncle Louis would dare harm Glen’s mother and sister. To be blunt, I had become unnecessary to Glen.
“If you are so inclined, then perhaps we could…”
“…Hic.”
Hic? What? A sob? Why was he crying? Why was Glen crying? Why was the young master suddenly crying?!
As Glen collapsed and began to weep, I jumped from my seat and rushed to him. Following the Rocksburg manual, I held him and patted his back, but the man’s tears would not cease.
“I apologize for showing such a pathetic side, hic, but please… reconsider.”
“Reconsider? No! I’ve already made up my mind!”
“…!”
Why do you keep crying!
Glen’s shoulders trembled as he wept, and my heart ached watching him. Could it be that living with me was truly so unbearable? Unbearable enough to cry over? No… even so, I won’t let you go! Just give up yourself! I refuse to give up, so you surrender instead!
“Forgive me. Call me selfish if you wish. No matter how much you refuse, I….”
“I hate it. Please. Just let me stay by your side. I love you. I love you, Rosalite.”
“….”
“….”
“Well… I love you too.”
“Pardon?”
I confessed without thinking, and Glen’s head snapped up in surprise. His eyes were red from crying, making him look adorably like a rabbit. I smiled and kissed away his tears, pressing my lips softly against the corners of his eyes.
“Let me finish speaking. I wanted to ask if you could continue our married life with me even without a contract.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m asking you formally now. Please, spend your entire life with me.”
I considered all the persuasive arguments—the benefits Glen would gain by staying at my side, my promise to cherish him forever, and the disadvantages, threats, and social ruin that would follow if he refused.
Yet the moment Glen stopped crying and smiled radiantly, my mind went completely blank.
“Of course, absolutely, I’m the one asking for your kindness, Rosalite.”
Glen spoke urgently, leaving no room for hesitation, and I quickly kissed him in return. How could such an adorable, lovely creature exist in this world?
As I deepened the kiss, Glen’s breath caught and he tapped my back frantically. His mouth was suddenly blocked, stealing his breath. But I still had composure, so I continued. Tears welled up again in Glen’s eyes.
“Gasp, huff, wait. Please wait. Not here… this isn’t appropriate.”
“Why? This is practically my room anyway.”
“This is a workplace!”
Tsk, time is of the essence and he’s worried about propriety. I covered Glen’s mouth once more and withdrew my hand.
“…?”
Wait. Could this possibly be…? No, hold on. I’ve joked about being a home-wrecker before, but this is… rather…
“Glen.”
“Yes, yes?”
“I’m deeply sorry and regretful to bring this up even now, given how things have developed…”
If I proceed with this, I’ll truly be ruined. It seems I need considerable preparation for this. Not just preparation—I can’t handle this situation alone, so I’ll need advice as well.
“I don’t think you can… handle me. Would it be alright if I prepared first and tried again later…?”
“Sob!”
I’m sorry, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. As I apologized and kissed him apologetically, the office door suddenly burst open and people rushed in.
“Young Lady, I was wrong about you! How could you refuse such a prepared table!”
“Mother! My disappointment aside, this is unforgivable to Father!”
Why are you all barging in? More importantly, have you been eavesdropping this whole time? Do you want to die? Do all of you want to die by my hand?
As I considered what punishment to inflict, Jack, Luke, Violet, and Lily all sighed softly.
“Ah….”
“Oh….”
“Ah….”
“Ahh….”
Yes. I understand now. Setting aside the eavesdropping, you all know what was in my heart when I made that decision.
“This is… we can’t say the Young Lady was wrong…”
“If you give the order, I’ll gather those who can help and prepare for the meeting, Mother.”
“Stay strong, Young Master.”
“Don’t lose heart, Young Master.”
Yes… Thank you, all of you. You’re all getting salary cuts and mandatory overtime.
I dumped tomorrow’s work on everyone gathered in the Office, waited for Glen to regain his composure, then supported him as we walked.
We had countless days ahead of us facing each other, so what did it matter if our plans were delayed a little? As Glen and I climbed the Staircase together, I rambled nervously about things he hadn’t even asked, feeling awkward.
“Rosalite.”
Hmm? Why—did I really talk too much? I felt embarrassed and scratched my cheek, when Glen gripped the staircase railing and made a strange sound.
“Do you remember what happened back then?”
“What do you mean?”
Not understanding, I simply tilted my head, and the man smiled softly before speaking.
“Now I know that you respect me, Rosalite. Generally speaking, even if the method was a bit unconventional… I can understand it.”
“Unconventional? I only did what was—”
“Yes. That must have been the best choice. I can understand that now as well.”
What was he trying to say? Unable to comprehend, I furrowed my brow and groaned, and Glen laughed aloud.
“It means love. Thank you for deciding to spend a lifetime together with me.”
In that moment, moonlight breaking through the clouds illuminated Glen, and I kissed him as if enchanted.
I was happy. This overwhelming emotion was utterly unfamiliar. I would never return to being sixteen again. From now on, I would grow old alongside Glen for the rest of my life. Even if wrinkles appeared on our beautiful faces, even if we sometimes quarreled and grew distant, I would never let go of this hand.
I leaned against Glen’s embrace and closed my eyes. I would continue to live.
At last, it felt real.

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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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