Chapter 105
Chapter 105
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 105
Chapter Title: Reason for Existence (3)
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Yustina rose with hollow eyes and gazed up at the sky.
She wasn't entirely convinced by the way of life her big brother had described. After all, the duties assigned to her seemed unmistakably those of a Lebedev daughter and Julius's little sister—no matter how she thought about it—and wasting time on things that felt trivial didn't fit the bill.
Of course, she was aware that this mindset had created a rift between her and her brother. But changing over twenty years of ingrained habits wasn't easy.
She just scratched her head vigorously in her gloomy mood and let out a sigh.
"...I'm so depressed."
In the end, despite her best efforts—helping people, visiting the orphanage her brother frequented, mingling casually with those of lower status—the only response was puzzled stares like, What the hell is she doing?
Her father didn't even try to understand her feelings; he just kept asking if she was behaving properly, which was utterly frustrating.
Feeling lost about what to do, she had holed up in her room, her dark circles practically a permanent fixture now.
Despite the clear sky, a creeping fatigue and melancholy washed over her, and as she flopped back onto the bed, her communication orb began to glow.
The world might feel hateful, and she might want to shut herself away and sleep, but the world kept turning. No matter how rotten she felt, as a Lebedev, she answered the call.
"...This is Yustina Lebedev."
In the short time it took, Yustina steadied her voice and composed herself. But upon hearing the message through the communication, her eyes widened, and she bolted upright, rushing into the bathroom.
The servant who witnessed her unusually energetic movement for the first time in ages tilted their head in confusion. Desperation was etched plainly on Yustina's face.
**
In the end, I showed up at the Academy before the weekend even arrived. I'd decided to act decisively, so I couldn't put it off any longer, but I also had no desire to face my damn father. Through Yustina, I arranged things in advance and visited via Karin.
Karin wanted to tag along on the way there, but I didn't have the guts to parade her around the Academy on a leash like a pet, so I turned her down.
She said she was fine with it, but I wasn't.
I timed it for class hours to avoid crowds as much as possible, and since I'd notified the Academy in advance, I moved without running into anyone.
Even though I'd distanced myself from the family, the Academy accommodated me—maybe because they assumed I'd return eventually, or perhaps out of guilt for not doing anything during the chain of events that drove me away. Either way, it made things convenient for now.
"Same as ever, huh."
Even after Danil trashed the place on his way out, they'd restored it impressively. It was admirable, but at the same time, it was heartbreaking how they brushed off the deaths of students—young adults who were still just kids—with a simple It can't be helped.
Not a single bloodstain remained; the Academy grounds were as quiet and pristine as always.
With a somewhat bitter feeling, I crossed the courtyard and entered the main building. Opening the meeting room door, there she was—Yustina, not quite the same as before, but obviously hiding her dark circles under makeup.
"Tired lately?"
"Ah, no, Big Brother. What do you mean?"
"If you don't wanna talk about it, don't."
"...Honestly, it's been a bit tough."
"Yeah, I've heard you've been putting in some effort. Don't overdo it."
"Ahem. I don't know who told you, but... I've been trying, in my own way."
As Karin had hinted, she was attempting various changes, and the backlash had left her utterly exhausted.
She might be a bit of a brat, but her hard work and the skills that came with it were genuine. If she started resembling her original self from the story, it'd be perfect.
She didn't seem displeased, at least. Clearing her throat, Yustina asked about my business.
"Big Brother, what brings you here so suddenly? I thought I wouldn't see you for a while, so I was gonna... uh, no. I mean, I figured you were busy."
"...Well, yeah. Busy as hell. But there's something I wanted to discuss."
"Discuss? With me?"
The corners of Yustina's mouth twitched upward.
Come to think of it, I'd never really asked her for a favor or consulted her before.
Whatever it was, the mere fact that I was asking seemed to brighten her face instantly.
It didn't feel like she'd refuse unless it was something ridiculous, so I got straight to it.
"I need materials on the demon race. Especially on ones that have survived a long time."
"Has a demon appeared?"
Yustina's expression turned grave in an instant, sweeping away the slightly unhinged vibe from moments ago.
We tacitly agreed it wasn't time for silly chit-chat, so I explained Karin's situation as discreetly as possible.
Of course, the moment Svetlana's name came up, anyone would guess the curse involved, but that didn't mean I could blab carelessly.
After hearing me out, Yustina looked momentarily flustered before regaining her composure.
"That's definitely serious. Do you have any idea why it showed up?"
This was the trickiest part. Should I bring up the labyrinth, the demon god, and the goddess? If I asked if she could keep a secret, she'd say yes—she was loyal to the family and the kingdom, not just me, so I couldn't guarantee she wouldn't spill critical secrets.
"Big Brother."
"Sigh. Alright."
"I won't tell anyone about this conversation. Not even Father, no Lebedev relatives, not even His Majesty the King."
This time, I was genuinely surprised—no holds barred, straight from the heart. Hearing those words from her mouth.
The girl who always put family first was saying this with resolute determination. For once, maybe I could trust her a little.
It was the first expression like that I'd seen on my little sister's face since she was born.
I almost told her to swear on Gias, but I held back. Mentioning something like that now would just offend her after she'd opened up.
As I decided and opened my mouth to speak—
"Big Brother, after you left those harsh words, I've been thinking a lot. What should I do? What was my biggest problem? And the conclusion I reached was... to think for myself."
"Why?"
"Because up until now, I've only followed behind you and Father's will. So I thought, I'll do things my way, what I think is right, remembering what you've shown me all this time, and try it my own way..."
"Unexpected."
"Was that... wrong?"
"No. I'm sincerely saying it's a good idea. Ideally, in a way that helps others."
At my words, Yustina stared blankly for a moment before covering her eyes, as if tears were welling up. When she lowered her hand, her eyes and cheeks slightly flushed, she spoke like she was making excuses.
"No, it's just... it's been so long since you praised me."
"Have I been stingy with praise?"
"No! When I was training, you'd always come encourage me. When I messed up and Father scolded me, you'd comfort me by playing with me. And whenever there was an important event, you'd bring me along to give me experience."
"...That was ages ago."
"I'm who I am today because of that help back then. I believe you're doing the right thing this time too."
When she was really little, I'd taken her everywhere with me. As she grew and started taking after Father's personality, we drifted apart.
Unbeknownst to me, her reliance on me must have formed from childhood memories, amplified when I started shining in high society during my teens.
Now realizing her feelings, I quietly pulled out the cookies I'd brought from my bag. After our relationship soured—more precisely, after I pulled away—she hadn't tasted my cooking.
Even if she'd done things that annoyed me, had I been too petty toward my own sister?
As a sort of apology to that sister, and a gift for her promise to keep quiet and share the info, I handed over the whole bag of homemade foods.
"What's this...?"
"Snacks and drinks from my hobby cooking... well, professional now. Stuff that keeps well and is easy to eat."
"Oh."
For some reason, tears burst from her eyes as she clutched the bag I'd handed over, hugging it tight like someone might snatch it away, tears streaming down.
"Hey, it's not that big a deal. Calm down."
"I've been so... upset... over this."
"Why? Who made you upset?"
"Rias said... you hate me... so you'd never give me any."
"Argh, why the hell did she say that? Anyway, don't feel inferior anymore. Ignore whatever she says. Got it?"
Nod, nod.
I wondered if I should leave her crying, so I lingered awkwardly in the meeting room. In the end, I piggybacked the sniffling Yustina to the dorms before anyone could see.
I was confused whether she'd gotten one over on me or if this was just what family was like, even after a falling out.