A shout came from behind.

Serina! Come here right now!

Mikhail yelled at me, hanging from the railing upstairs and running towards me.

Instead of fleeing, I chose to check what was happening behind me.

And I doubted my eyesight

What is that?

I stumbled back.

Dark magic leaked out of Alastairs body.

The magical power that circulated around him shook and created a fierce storm.

What the hell

Theres nothing to be surprised about. At your age, kids infrequently run like that in the process of growing their magical power.

Mother?

As I was distracted by Alastair, I didnt even notice the Duke approaching me.

She brushed my shoulder and passed by.

Duke Melford walked towards Alastair through the fiercely swirling black magic.

Reaching Alastair, she made a sword with her magical power.

I blinked my eyes, not knowing what she was going to do.

The next moment I almost screamed in surprise.

Duke Melford stabbed Alastair with the sword.

Then, the whirlwind, which was swirling quickly, became stronger.

The Duke frowned as if embarrassed and then smiled brightly when her eyes found me. It was an unpleasant laugh.

Seri, come here.

.

Hurry.

I hesitated for a moment, but I could do nothing but obey, so I followed her command.

I gulped, nervous.

As I approached her, she grabbed my hand in her and made me come a little closer.

Would you like to make a sword?

As she urged me and squeezed my hand, I was forced to create a sword with magical power.

Good job. Now then, stab him.

What?

What did I just hear?

I told you to stab him.

.

Its unavoidable. Theres only one way to stop Alastair from losing control.

You whisper in a sad tone, but why do I feel like you look happy?

I cant.

Why?

What can I do? When my mother wasnt able to do it?

No. Its possible because its you, Seri.

Why is she so insistent? I cant believe anything she says.

Serina, hurry.

My hand holding the sword quivered.

The boys small body entered my vision.

Why me?

So why is it you?

She muttered as if talking to herself.

It was difficult to understand.

Lets stop talking now.

As my grip became more assertive, her hand left mine.

I gave strength to my hand that held the sword.

They say this is the only way to solve it.

I have to.

If I do this will he not get hurt?

I cant guarantee that. Maybe hell die. But if you leave it like this, hell definitely die.

.

He might die anyway, wouldnt it be better to choose the one with the slightest possibility of survival?

Ah.

I do not want to do this. Im scared.

But if I dont do it, he might die.

No, he could die even if I carry through with this.

Possibility.

I reluctantly lifted my sword high.

Lets finish this quickly. Hopefully, it will be less painful.

It hurts.

Alastair groaned in agony.

I hesitated for a moment, but I closed my eyes tightly.

It cant be helped. Really.

***

Swing!

When the carriage door suddenly opened, I awoke from my thoughts.

Weve arrived, miss.

As I stepped out of the carriage, a familiar landscape unfolded after a long time.

I finally arrived home.

I stared blankly at the mansion instead of entering right away.

I quietly closed my eyes.

The day I stabbed Alastair, he almost died again.

Alastair woke up after a long time in a coma.

Overwhelmed with guilt, when he woke up, I didnt avoid him or push him away.

It was due to pure guilt that made me get close to him.

Then I got more and more friendly.

Maybe its because, on some level, I think I deserve to die if Alastair tries to kill me.

It is for similar reasons that I am striving to erase his brainwashing.

Guilt and affection.

I opened my closed eyes.

And I step into the mansion.

* * *

As I entered the house through the terrifying sunlight, cool air broke through my collar.

The cool breeze blowing from the inside blew past me when the doors opened.

So youve finally arrived?

The man, looking straight at me with his arms folded in the middle of the hall, said crookedly.

Yes, Ive arrived.

I replied, annoyed, and I tried to walk past him.

If only he hadnt grabbed my wrist.

Thats all you have to say?

Then you have more to say?

Serina!

All of the servants eyes were eyeing us. When Mikhail sent a fierce gaze to them, they quickly turned away.

Follow me.

Mikhail pulled me along.

Its better than talking here.

Mikhail grabbed my arm and walked forward, striding forward, where he led me to was none other than my room.

He closed the door carefully and soon opened his mouth:

You, why did you ask me to tell you when mother is away?

I cant tell you that right now.

What? Theres something else to hide!

Sorry.

You will find out someday.

On the day when Alastairs brainwashing is released.

On that day, what kind of expression will people greet me with?

What about my brother in front of me?

Only

Will you curse me?

I suddenly wondered.

Brother, I actually have one more favor to ask of you.

What?

Please be on the lookout and let me know when mother comes.