Chapter 29: Life choices
[Kevin’s POV:]
I was rushing back home
It was already dawn and I am still an hour away from Westmere.
I took a few hours to rest and recover so I could travel back home at once.
Thankfully, I was able to save the children...but sadly, many people died in the town.
Well, I couldn’t save them all. And fortunately, the one who became the reason for me to visit the town also returned back safely.
When people asked her how she got back, she said, ’My savior saved me...’ She didn’t say anything after that and returned to her house.
I couldn’t stay there for long to console her since the soldiers working under Viscount and my uncle started marching inside the town.
I didn’t want to get caught by them so I made a hasty exit.
’Her parents were killed...will she be able to recover from that?’ I wanted to save her parents, too, so that she doesn’t get traumatized and can continue to live a peaceful life.
However, I failed.
’At least she won’t be sold to the trader and won’t get tormented...’ I didn’t know who saved her but I am thankful that a child was saved from being traumatized for life.
Entering Westmere I rushed toward my house
The sun was already up, and if I am not wrong, Arthur must be already out there training.
’What will I tell him if he asks about my condition?’ my left arm was burned and I have received a few cuts.
When those goons swung their blades aimlessly, I got hit by a few of them. Although these wounds would heal with time...I didn’t know how I would convince Arthur not to say anything about this to our parents.
’If Mom finds out that I went out and got injured when she asked me to remain at the house...she definitely will get upset.’
I shouldn’t have stayed there for long. I am regretting things now.
Regardless of what happened, I entered the house and slowly walked in.
The house was dark and silent.
I didn’t find Art before the house and the kitchen was empty too.
A flicker of hope appeared on the horizon as I approached the room of my little brother.
I locked it yesterday, and it was still locked...wait... does that mean?
*Click*
I slowly opened the door, and much to my shock, I found Arthur sleeping on the bed. I could see his chest heaving slowly and his expression was calm.
I slowly approached him. My brows were slightly tense...was he sick?
As I drew closer, I rested my hand on his head, and much to my shock, he grabbed my hand.
"Eiiik!" I shrieked and tried to get away instinctively, but his grip was too strong.
"Where did you go?" He asked as he rested his head on his palm and his elbow pressed on the pillow.
"A-Art..." I tried hiding my burned hand behind. It was still quite hot.
"Show it to me." He demanded; the frown on his face made it clear what he would do if I didn’t listen to him.
I slowly offered him my hand.
"You got into a fight, huh? That’s why you were so eager to send Mom and Dad away? So you can go out there and play gangster?"
I wryly smiled...I hope he misunderstands and doesn’t ask me anything. Lying to Mom and Dad was one thing...but trying to lie to Art? He can be a real interrogator, Dad says.
He used his spell and covered my arm with cool liquid which slightly turned condensed and remained wrapped around my whole arm.
"Don’t touch it and don’t move it much. If you follow those words, it will heal before our parents arrive."
Saying so he got up and told me, "Sit down."
I did.
I shouldn’t offend him right now. Although Arthur respects me generally as an elder brother, when it comes to our safety and health, he can even reprimand Mom.
Imagine Mom getting scolded. Yes, I saw it when she went out in the rain—she loved to play in the rain—and got seriously sick the next day.
Soon, Arthur returned with the medical box and a bucket in his hand.
He rested the bucket before the bed and told me to rest my legs in it.
Once I did he washed my wounds with his spell...he controls it so well...and cleaned it using antiseptic.
"These are the wounds of blades. You used your training to fight against people?" He asked, and I couldn’t hide anymore.
"Some people were taking away the children, intending to sell them. I was out hunting when I spotted them. So...I couldn’t stop myself."
Arthur hummed before asking, "So you acted based on your emotions." Looking up he asked, "While I understand that you are taught such values that you can’t stand injustice...but you should know that risking your life to save people can never be an ideal option."
Looking me dead in the eye, he said quietly, "If you fail to protect a hundred to save your life, then save a thousand next time to get rid of the guilt. But just give yourself more importance."
His tone was calm, but the weight behind his words hit harder than any scream.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry. His expression was so serious... so steady... it made me forget for a second that I was talking to a ten-year-old boy.
Sometimes, I genuinely can’t tell if Arthur is just a kid—or someone who’s walked through lifetimes of pain.
Out of curiosity—maybe even concern—I tried asking the system about him once. About who he truly is.
But it gave me nothing.
No answers.
Only silence.
After a pause, I asked, "Wouldn’t you risk your life to save innocent people, Art?"
He flinched.
It was subtle, but I saw it.
His body didn’t move much, but his eyes—his eyes trembled, even if only for a second.
Almost like a flashback hit him... one he couldn’t stop even if he wanted to.
But the moment passed, and with a scoff, he shrugged, "I’ll never risk my life for people I don’t even know. That’s something only an idiot would do."
His voice was casual—almost dismissive.
But I didn’t buy it.
The words fell from his lips like a shield, not a truth. Hollow. Detached. Like a line he had to repeat to convince himself.
I don’t know everything about Arthur, even though he’s my little brother. There’s a part of him that remains sealed away, buried deep beneath layers of smiles and sarcasm.
But I do know this much—
He’s my family.
And I’ll protect him.
No matter what it costs me.
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