On the other side of the carriage—Norax and Celstia stood quietly Velyra was kneeling beside them, hands raised straight above her head—clearly being punished.
All three of them were watching the reunion.Norax glanced sideways.
"…Where did you get popcorn, Celstia?"
Celstia calmly handed him some.
"I'm always prepared, Master."
Norax stared "Prepared for what?…Drama?"
He looked ahead again.
Where's the drama queen Elsie?
Oh. She's sleeping right now >he thought
Norax nodded in satisfaction.
Meanwhile—Velyra slowly lowered one hand and grabbed popcorn Norax's eyes snapped toward her.
"…Hands up."
Velyra obediently raised both hands again.Still chewing popcorn.
Alxie gently stroked Eirys' hair.
"I'm glad you're safe.But you're too thin."
"That bastard… did something to you, didn't he?"
Eirys clenched her fingers.
She avoided his face.
"Brother… I'm asking this because i always think that so please don't get angry and answer me brother "
"Why did you leave me alone in the Duke's mansion? Did you… hate me that much?"
Alxie froze because of an unexpected question why his sister was saying why?
"…What? Wait eryis What do you mean?"
Eirys raised her head she can see but he used her senses and lifted up her head to look at her brother
"Look at me.Tell me, brother."
"I'm asking you."
Alxie shook his head.with trembled hand holding her
"I never thought that—"
She shouted. Before he says more words
"Then why did you leave me there alone?!"
Her hands pushed against his chest.
"Why?"
Alxie stumbled back slightly, shocked.
"Wait—Eirys, listen to me.Who told you that?"
She didn't answer.
Instead—Her voice broke.
"Uncle said you ran away because of me.Aunt said you didn't want a burden like me."
"They treated me like trash.in Duke Mansion i always locked alone in my room and No one helped me."
"No one listened."She spoke everything.Everything she had swallowed for years.
Alxie bit his lip hard Blood formed his lips He was barely holding back.
Eirys stepped closer.
"Answer me Don't stay silent!!!! BROTHER"
She punched his chest again and again.
Each hit weak But full of pain.
Suddenly—She stepped back.
Norax caught her wrist from behind.
" LADY Eirys."
"It's not good to run away without hearing your brother's side.you can't runaway after making bets with underworld people like me?"
She shook her head.
She didn't answer.
Norax spoke calmly.
"You can't see it. Right now"
"But your brother is crying right now."
Eirys froze Slowly—
She raised her hands Touched his cheeks.
Her fingers trembled.
"…You're crying."
Alxie turned his face slightly.and wipe out with little sob
"I'm not…It's just."
"I never thought you believed that no I'm sorry.its my fault i hide everything from you"
"I never wanted to leave."
Eirys swallowed with anger
"Then explain I'm not a child anymore."
"You can tell me I promise I won't cry. Explain to me why you leave me and cry now for me "
Alxie stayed silent.
Norax sighed He grabbed Alxie's collar.
"Are you really not going to tell her? She has the right to know."
"Don't act like a kid You're mature."
"The heir The son of Duke Valestria And her brother."
Alxie grabbed Norax's wrist and gently pushed it away.
"…You're not wrong.buy kid like you didn't need to teach me "He exhaled.
"That man—He wasn't our uncle."
"He killed our parents."
"And used you as my weakness.To steal the Duke's position.i don't want to reveal this because you were a kid and already struggling from your blindness"
Eirys' breath hitched.
"WAIT…What? they killed Father and Mother…?"
"Weren't they die in an accident?"
She clung to him instinctively.
Norax stepped aside.
Alxie continued.
"The Duke threatened me If I stayed—he'd use your blindness."
"He told me he'd kill you i already lost our parents and the situation was a mess i don't have any option to leave house"
"I knew that after our parents died he did something with us I hated them."
"So I focused on taking back the house but he found out and told me to leave you alone "
"But…I neglected you is the truth I'm sorry sorry sorry They used that."
His fists trembled.
"I didn't want you trapped in politics.when you were a kid and already suffering from blindness "
Eirys shook.
"Why…?"
"Why didn't you tell me? I thought you hated me I thought Father and Mother died because of me. That Day WHY "
Norax pushed Alxie forward.
"Say it. Answer her idiot"
Alxie pulled her into his arms.
"How could I say that…? To my pure little sister?"
"When I was supposed to protect you?"
"I couldn't lose you after our parents."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm really sorry."
Eirys broke and clingy to his brother's chest
She cried.With her whole heart.
For the first time—She closed her eyes.
Forgot colors.
Forgot emotions.
Forgot pain.
She just cried in her brother's arms.
Alxie cried too Silently.
No sound.
Norax looked away.
"…Yeah."
"This was needed."
Celstia quietly wiped her eyes.
Velyra sniffed.
Still kneeling
Still holding popcorn above her head.
After a few minutes, Celstia carefully helped Eirys into her brother's carriage. Velyra stayed behind for a few seconds, standing guard, before leaving them alone.
Alxie and Norax stepped aside, away from the carriage, the silence heavy between them.
Alxie narrowed his eyes and was swollen by crying, crossing his arms.
"You wanted to talk. Is this about some reward? Don't waste your time and open that shity mouth of yours," he said coldly.
Norax met his gaze steadily.
"I don't want any reward. In my eyes, your sister is a burden."
Alxie's expression darkened. He grabbed Norax by the collar, his voice dangerous.
"Watch your mouth. I haven't forgotten you dared touch my sister."
Norax stayed calm, still holding Alxie's gaze.
"Even if I'm from the underworld, I'm not a mere person you can threaten."
For a moment, the tension was thick enough to split the air. A fight could break out at any second.
Norax spoke first.
"Relax. If I wanted your sister, she wouldn't be sitting in your carriage right now. Use your brain, Alxie Valestria."
Alxie's jaw tightened.
"Tch. Then why are you talking to me if you didn't want any reward?"
Norax straightened his clothes, shoulders relaxed.
"Because whether you like it or not—you owe me."
Alxie laughed darkly.
"Owe you? For saving her? Don't misunderstand. I would've torn this city apart to find her myself."
Norax nodded.
"I know. That's why I brought her to you instead of keeping her. I'm not interested in your sister. I have my own problems."
Alxie narrowed his eyes.
"…Then get to the point, idiot. You're annoying me."
Norax's expression turned serious.
"i just want to warn you There are people after your sister," he said.
Alxie's frown deepened.
"What do you mean? Isn't she kidnapped by someone from the capital? I thought those people were just planning to trade her with us. There were witnesses!"
Norax shook his head.
"She told me she was kidnapped… in her bedroom. Do you understand what that means?"
Alxie paused, slammed his hand on a nearby tree.
"Are you saying… the Duke sold her? That bastard…"
Norax shrugged lightly.
"Probably got a good deal. But let's forget that. The reason I called you here personally… If the Duke finds out she is alright she became a target again, someone else will try to take her. I don't want to rescue her twice."
Alxie rubbed his temples.
"You know you're smart, but you don't know how to talk like an adult."
Norax gave a small nod.
"I've said what I needed to. Informing you now—your sister is under my protection right now but not When she leaves my side so protect your adorable sister alxie. You can leave."
Alxie's eyes narrowed.
"Norax Duskgale, leader of Blue Crescent… this conversation isn't over. I have one thing I want from you."
Norax turned back silently Did he background check about me before coming here he thought
Alxie continued, voice lower but firm.
"Even if I take her to my home… it isn't safe. If what you say is true, I can't bring her myself. Let's make a contract. I know underworld people do everything for money and support from nobles."
Norax raised an eyebrow.
"I hear you. But it's up to me what I choose."
Alxie's tone softened slightly.
"Take my sister for one year under your care. I'll give you my support. I'm already planning to retake the Duke's position. In one year, I'll do that safely. Just protect her for that period."
Norax groaned inwardly.
He stepped closer to Alxie.
"Are you out of your mind? The underworld isn't a place for girls like your sister didn't you say that she was pure and naive. I already have my own problems."
Alxie shook his head.
"I'm on my right mind. The underworld is the only place she can stay safe. You don't want anything from her also, so how about this? Exchange support in return for her protection."
Norax crossed his arms.
"I refuse."
Alxie pressed on.
"I give you twice. Money isn't the problem. You can protect her, even with all your troublesome work. And… looking at your companion—the dark elf—is strong."
Norax gave a small nod.
"Yes. Velyra is strong. But still making weaknesses for me is not the right decision for me . In the underworld, age doesn't matter. Don't treat me like a kid just because I'm same age as your sister."
Alxie's gaze softened.
"I understand. But… I can't bring her myself. You're the only choice for me now."
Norax sighed, finally.
"Fine. I have a better deal if you're desperate."
Alxie perked up.
"I hear you."
After a few minutes, both carriages moved in different directions.
Eirys peeked outside, noticing the black-and-white merged colors vanish slowly. She settled back, holding her brother's hand.
"Brother… can I meet him again?" she asked softly.
Alxie smiled faintly.
"He's busy… but you will, soon. If he wants that too"
Eirys leaned against him
'What they both talked about alone will i see him again i will do. I at least know his name we will meet again soon' she thought
hugging his brother's arm. She felt sleepy after all the crying. Slowly, she drifted off on his lap.
Alxie exhaled.
'In return for my deal, he offers something like that was unexpected he really was different than other 'he thought
He leaned against the window, muttering quietly.
"Norax Duskgale… let's meet again, if possible."
In the end, there was no formal contract—just a promise between men.
Norax had won.
Alxie had kept his word.
And Eirys was safe.