Common Sense of a Warrior

"... brother"

Returning from the tower to the mansion, I headed to your brother's room.

Somehow, I felt like talking to your brother.

Your brother was playing board games alone.

I'm sure you're 'exposing' the game to Uncle Romel by yourself.

"I'm just taking a break. Don't hesitate."

"Yes......"

"... that's unusual. Mary's coming here."

"Was it?

I lean my neck and think back to what I've been doing.

To be sure, I've only been here once or twice since I came to the King's Capital.

"So, what's up?

"May I speak to you, sir?

"Of course. That's why you're here, isn't it?

"Yes.... Um, why did your brother want to learn the sword?

That being said, your brother laughed.

"Ask strange things. What would a man of the Anderson Marquis family, who is responsible for the tip of the Tasmerian kingdom's martial arts, do without mending some martial arts?

"That's right..."

Cotton cotton, and stop moving the pawn. Your brother meets me.

"... Merry. If you want to ask me something, just ask me frankly. Now it's just me and you. No need to shy away from your family."

To your brother's words, for a moment I stop.

... Speaking of which, when has it been the first time I've talked to your brother like this?

No, it's not just your brother.

Both your father and the day after tomorrow.

Only the minimal conversation I needed, I never came as a family.

Or talk about revenge.

So for a moment I'm confused.

But without prompting me to continue, your brother just stared at me.

"... Has your brother ever wished to take your mother's revenge?

Your brother, for a moment, wrinkled between his brows to contemplate.

"If you answer honestly, there is. I'm going to beat the hell out of you with this hand without leaving a man who made your mother a dead man."

"... now?

To my inquiry, your brother smiled pathetically.

"Even now, I think so. When the opportunity comes around, I don't hesitate to move into action. I... I'm not going to forgive those who have taken away our family's precious"

"Good..."

I'm relieved by the answer.

"But, Mary. Meanwhile, I'm worried about you."

"What does that mean"

"Revenge is everything, you said. But that means... you've turned away from the present time and only seen it in the past. I don't want happiness...... but how can I be relieved to see you pursue all the happiness of the past that you will never return to?

Your brother asked slowly, as if to teach.

But the words fall beautifully into Ston's and mine.

… I made a choice.

If you abandon the gentle 'what if' world and follow the path of Tsutsu, down the bloody road.

So we need to look back on the past.

... but I thought I would be the kindest past to chase.

Those warm days of the past you won't return to.

But I'm not allowed.

'Cause that day...... my endeavor began when your mother broke up with your father and tried to return to the realm first.

If I hadn't asked you to celebrate on my birthday, etc... I would have come home with your father and your mother might have arrived safely at the mansion.

... Most importantly, I won't allow it.

Take away all your loved ones from me.

And I can't afford not to have had this passion.

Take me on the road. But this fierce desire for revenge.

"... you may be satisfied with that. But my father and I want you to be happy. Because I love you as a family, that's why. That's why I'm so sad and worried about you."

I think so, but your brother blamed me with soft eyes. That kindness hurts me now.

"Brother..."

"When I heard you were attacked by a burglar, blood drew. And I was sincerely angry at my silliness additions and subtractions.... Your mother's case is a priority for me. Hoping to beat them to hell is not a lie"

With that said, your brother reaches out to me.

"Though... you are alive. He's alive...!

That hand, bigger than mine, held my hand tight. As if… to confirm the existence of me.

"I... turn away from the important things in this hand right now, and I don't want to regret it later"

Your brother's words, which were increasingly feverish in tone, pierced my chest.

I thought you had a rich emotional expression here lately, like when your brother was a little boy.

Just like your father.

Though I thought it was because of my uncle... Was it different?

"... your brother says I'm wrong?

"No. A man's heart belongs to that man. There are no right or wrong answers. If your heart doesn't deny your wishes, I guess that's the right answer for you. So what I said... it's my ego"

When your brother let go of my hand, he strokes his head.

"I will not deny that I will accomplish revenge. No, I can't...? You just do what you want. But don't forget. that we wish you happiness."

Kind, it was a wish.

But it is the comfort of that warm gentle heart that permeates this frozen heart, and the ice itself will not melt.

Why are you pursuing happiness?

... the same happiness as then, even though I won't go back.

Why do you wish me happiness?

... even though you can't see the same sight as then.

No matter how much you wish, it won't come true to restore the happiness that was taken from you then.

... I don't know.

Guru, when questions arise, they disappear.

That night, I didn't go to bed right away for a long time. I got stuck thinking.

All the while exposed to the night breeze blowing in through open windows.