With her black hair and Emerald Eye like her brother, his voice was utterly cold, and his eyes also bore no trace of warmth, inheriting this directly from their father, with a nine out of ten resemblance.
He, too, inherited the handsome features from their parents, yet his cold gaze was more akin to that of a serpent than his own transformed self.
Hero dared not meet his gaze, only lowering her head, trembling as she awaited his Judgment.
The brother was a stronger, more valuable being than herself.
The girl had never been taught such explicitly, but living in this household every day, this rule was constantly underscored, such that she had come to understand it on her own, deeply imprinted in her heart.
Even now, as a Hero, she never questioned this rule.
"Let her return to the countryside; she no longer fits in here."
Thus, when the brother issued such a verdict, Hero could barely open her mouth, let alone speak.
"Oh? And why is that?" Father withdrew his hand, looking towards the brother.
"Innate Profession, Innate Sorcerer...although many Nobles might covet her abilities, it's too burdensome to educate her to meet the standards necessary for marriage.
"After all, if she had the slightest sense of decency, she wouldn't be wandering in the wilderness and in the city in such a state, even crawling into sewers..."
Disgust flickered in the brother's indifferent eyes.
Taking paths through forests, trails, and bushes, and adding the sewers, Hero's face still bore traces of grime, and though the odd scent was not too strong, it was particularly pungent in the cleaner air of the grand hall.
"Although just investing some time to groom her and then sending her off could be profitable, it is an unnecessary social interaction for us, and no other measures are necessary.
"As Mage Nobles and Battle Mages, insulting the weak would tarnish our reputation. Moreover, she is, after all, my blood relative."
The brother's words were tinged with icy rationality, excluding Hero from the 'us,' and the label of kinship merely indicated a blood relationship, devoid of any affection.
"So, just send her away, so we won't have to see her here anymore."
"It seems you're quite dissatisfied with your sister."
Father commented indifferently on the relationship between his two children.
"Just a rational analysis. Having her remain in this household would only stain the Family name."
The brother responded calmly.
"A blot on the Family name, that's indeed a reason." Hearing this, their father nodded in agreement, raised no objections.
"Right, since she's keen on frolicking with Goblins in the wild, just let her do as she pleases."
With father's agreement, the brother curled his lips into a contemptuous smile for the first time.
"If she continues to demean herself, even if she's dragged into a Goblin's den, it won't be our responsibility."
Completely ignoring Hero who was present, nor seeking her opinion, the two conversed and made their decision.
"Then let's proceed as you suggested."
"The Hero seeking revenge on Goblins... Ha, if it weren't my own daughter, this could actually make for an interesting story."
He laughed without emotion, then stood up and left without taking another glance at Hero.
The brother turned away without a second thought, as if he could hardly bear another second here.
Only the mother remained in the hall.
Hero finally dared to lift her pale face, but her mother simply shook her head lightly.
"Have the Maid help you pack your belongings, take a bath, and get some rest before leaving. Before you depart tomorrow, I will provide you with enough Traveling Expenses."
Mother raised her hand, seemingly wanting to touch Hero's head but, looking at her dusty, disheveled hair, emotions indecipherable flowed through her pupils, and ultimately she lowered her hand.
Then, Hero was left alone in the room.
[Are the grandparents still alive?]
3. Only one remains ♛
[The one who is still alive is]