𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞’𝐬 “𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧”
“Geh. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Albero had come to the main school building to deliver documents to the staff room.
Then. . . . . .he happened to meet Esterize and Rashild.
He could have ignored them, but he met eyes with Esterize, and felt like he’d lose if he looked away, so he kept staring.
Esterize snorted.
It’s the first time Albero has seen her since the demon subjugation.
ㅤ
“It’s rare to see you in the main school building.”
“Not really. . . . . .I just came to deliver something to the staff room.”
“Oh? The baron seems busy.”
“. . . . . .You knew?”
“Of course. Baron Albero Rushout Isavel. . . . . .Hmph, never thought you’d attain nobility.”
ㅤ
Esterize said dismissively.
Rashild gritted his teeth in silence. Albero didn’t realize it, but it was inappropriate behavior for Rashild, the eldest son of the Count family without a title, to address Albero, a noble, informally.
ㅤ
“But don’t forget. Your title is just in name. It’s just for show until you come of age in three years.”
“I know that. What’s your deal? Stop bothering me.”
“I can’t do that. You are still my younger brother.”
ㅤ
Esterize moved closer to Albero, stroking his cheek.
Her slender, beautiful fingers touched Albero. He couldn’t grab her hand as his hands were occupied with the documents.
Esterize brought her face close to Albero’s. Their hair and eyes, even their features, looked very similar.
ㅤ
“You are my beloved 『brother』. No matter how much you deny it, even if you gain a title or distance yourself from the family. . . . . .the bond of blood cannot be severed. Your achievements will be a blessing for the Rushout family.”
“. . . . . .You really never change. Is the Rushout family that important to you?”
“Of course. Being born into nobility, one must prioritize their lineage above all.”
ㅤ
It seemed Esterize had decided to use Albero rather than exclude him.
Not being hostile or ignoring him. Talking to him whenever they met. Like an elder sister to her younger brother. But to Albero, it felt disturbing.
What Esterize said was true. The bond of blood can never be severed.
Even if Albero were to subjugate a demon, it would be said that 『Rushout’s』 Albero did it. That wouldn’t change even if he became independent.
After all, his parents, who gained their status thanks to Albero, wouldn’t let him go. Even if he became independent and achieved great things, they would undoubtedly tell everyone 『our son did this~』.
ㅤ
“Sigh. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Albero let out a sigh.
He had already given up.
He had past scores to settle with Esterize and Rashild from a mock battle.
He wasn’t interested in Prince Sanbalt at all, and Oswald’s family had been ruined and he was now doing forced labor in the mines until he died. The quarrels between the S-class and A-class had settled, and he was finally starting to live a normal school life.
ㅤ
“Just do what you want. I’m not interested in achievements. If what I do benefits the Rushout family, feel free.”
“A commendable attitude.”
“But if you threaten my life, I won’t show any mercy.”
ㅤ
Suddenly, Albero’s right eye changed.
The white of his eye turned red, and the pupil became golden. His Barol activated due to intense emotion.
ㅤ
“I live my own life. I decline any affairs related to the Rushout family or stupid tea parties.”
“Apparently, I’ve received numerous marriage proposals.”
“Why should I care? Deal with the guy behind me or Fugil-niisan first.”
ㅤ
The person behind him refers to Rashild.
Annoyed by the way it was put, Rashild spoke up.
ㅤ
“I already have a fiancée. Naturally, so does Fugil.”
“What?! Fugil-niisan is engaged? Really?!”
“She’s of the same age as Fugil, from the Baron family in the royal capital.”
“Really? When did they get engaged?”
“When he enrolled in the academy. One and a half years ago.”
“Oh. . . . . .When’s the wedding?”
“When he turns eighteen. The ceremony will be in the royal capital, and Fugil will then join the Baron family.”
“I see. . . . . .Ah.”
ㅤ
Albero realized something.
Fugil’s wedding is connected to the Rushout family’s circumstances.
Certainly, he can’t ignore this. Fugil is almost seventeen. He will graduate in about two years. The wedding will be at least two years from now. . . . . .
ㅤ
“What’s wrong? You look pale.”
“. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Esterize is smirking. Rashild is puzzled, but it seems Esterize has caught on.
Albero admires Fugil. As long as Fugil is involved, Albero can’t ignore the Rushout family’s affairs.
Even if Fugil joins the Baron family, he will still be involved in the Rushout family’s matters. If Fugil asks, Albero will act. For Albero, Fugil is like a 『brother』. Albero can’t neglect his brother’s requests.
ㅤ
“. . . . . .That’s disgusting.”
“What are you talking about? By the way, I’m hosting a tea party…”
“. . . . . .”
“I’ve prepared an invitation. Oh, I’ll have it delivered to Fugil. If he doesn’t accept, the deliverer will have to take responsibility. . . . . .Huh? Albero, what’s wrong?”
“You really are the worst, you wicked woman.”
“Fufu, I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, lend it to me.”
“Ah.”
ㅤ
Esterize snatched the documents from Albero.
ㅤ
“I’ll submit this for you. Let’s go, Rashild.”
“Yes. . . . . .um, I don’t quite understand, what’s going on?”
“You should study more. Well then Albero, excuse us.”
“. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Without a doubt, Esterize had the upper hand.
Albero sighed and was troubled by the invitation to the pointless tea party.
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- The Post-Webnovel Blues: When Your Brain Craves More Than Just a Happy Ending – Beat the Meat
- Goku Goes Yandere: A Dragon Ball Z Nightmare
- Guts Needs a Therapist: The Berserk of Mental Health
- Do Your Gym Bros Think You’re a Weirdo? (Secret Signs You’re the Gym Oddball)
- From Page to Screen: The Grim Reality of Novel to Netflix Adaptation
Leave a Reply