Although his appearance could be described as handsome, the youth's expression was as cold as rime, and his lips were pressed tightly together like a blade.
Contrary to the warm and lively temperament of the hero, the cold atmosphere surrounding him was almost tangible, like a cold and angular inorganic object, nearly painful to the eyes of those who looked directly at him.
"I thought it was someone from some family who got the time wrong, blocking the entrance early in the morning..."
The young man, who was also the hero's elder brother, walked to the door.
His voice was deep as he looked down at the hero, who flinched for a moment, from the inside of the doorway.
3. Incompetent fellow
10. Great Success/Extreme Failure
[Brother's attitude (original Extreme Failure-50, hero's strength +30, 20- results in conflict)]
[Brother's malice (non-hostile -30, 50+ will stimulate the curse)]
[Brother's perception]
D201+50=d201(93)+50=143
The elder brother's deep emerald eyes scanned over everyone present.
He looked from the hero's somewhat anxious but still radiant, as if loved by light, face; from the Fourteenth Princess's elegantly standing, noble blood signifying pink hair and eyes; from the Demon Hunter's downcast countenance, yet fully prepared stance that made one's brow prick in response to her counterattack posture...
His inquisitive gaze moved away from them and landed on the middle-aged man further away, who exuded a strong magic power and resembled their father to some extent.
Then, those deep emerald-hued pupils subtly contracted. If he weren't sure that his father had no brothers, he might have suspected that this was one of his uncles.
The Gleaming Scale Serpent also quietly observed this side, showing an unusually calm expression on a normally elegant demeanor, with a slight coldness.
Their gazes briefly intersected, touching and parting like a probing exchange.
Eventually, the brother's gaze locked onto the hero's face.
The seven-year older youth gazed intently at his sister, as if seeing her for the first time, until her cheeks turned slightly pale, causing her to retreat her head again.
Feeling a sort of heart-piercing sensation flash by under his brother's stare, the hero could not help but murmur softly.
Hearing this, the youth suddenly curved his lips slightly, letting out a light chuckle.
Seeing the hero's eyes widen in disbelief, the youth couldn't help but suppress a grin, with a hint of mockery creeping onto his face, causing the Fourteenth Princess beside him to furrow her brows and adopt a serious expression.
She clearly noticed that there was no trace of a smile in this legendary mage's eyes.
"Unexpectedly, the rumors are actually true, such a thing indeed exists," he said softly, his tone carrying an indistinct emotion.
Noticing the Fourteenth Princess's displeased gaze, the smile on his face instantly vanished, like a fire spark thrown into an icy sea, disappearing without a trace.
He then bent forward, bowing with impeccable noble etiquette towards the Fourteenth Princess.
"Welcome to our humble abode, Princess. I apologize for our maid making you wait, it's truly a disgrace to not have greeted you properly."
Without casting even a single glance at the maid who instantly turned pale, he straightened himself and gave a half-smile as he looked at the hero.
"And welcome back, my foolish sister."
[Brother activates skill: Seeking Pupil]
With observation, increase understanding of the target, inquire into components, analyze information, derive structure, and gain various benefits based on the amount of information obtained.
Perception is 143, reaching the inquiry threshold. When analysis exceeds 143, a special skill can be activated: Future Calculation
[Fourteenth Princess's negotiation (royal authority +30, special type negotiation, success if higher than the opponent's level 62)]
D80+30=d80(80)+30=110