In A Corner Of The World

A Friendship Starts

The hero was stunned. Not just because his seat mate had actually talked to him nor because of his unusual style of speech, but because of the last name. Erdmann, the border county with infamous monster sons and completely control over the border's protection.

They were said to be on par with renowned parties in the world like the Seven Saints of the Holistic Church, the Four Dukes of the Empire, and the International Hunter's Association.

Their first son, Ainsley Erdmann, is the undisputed 'God of Combat'. The only person crazy enough to experiment with magic and swordsmanship and actually succeed. It was said he mastered all possible weapons and magic combinations and overcame the Royal Order for the title of 'Strongest in the Kingdom'.

Their youngest son, Rodrick Erdmann was also a skilled combatant with monstrous talent. The youngest ever person to master elemental magic with enough destructive force to completely wipe out a country in one spell. The speed of his casting could be compared with no other person in history, the so-called 'Youngest Sage'.

Those two of the Erdmann family were the most famous in recent years, but how come he didn't know of a third son? He'd never heard a single rumor about 'Caelus Erdmann'.

"Big brotherrrrr!!!!"

Rodrick came from nowhere as he tackled his older brother with a hug. His hair was a slightly lighter brown compared to Caelus and a distinctive mole under his left eye. He was dressed in a blue, sleeveless cardigan along with a white uniform and a loose blue tie for first years with a black shirt underneath.

His seat mate just took the brunt of the display of affection with a blank face as Rodrick rambled on until he noticed the other person by his brother's side. His expression immediately changed into a serious one as he realized who it was.

"Why're you eating lunch with the hero, big brother?"

He turned his attention to his brother again as he questioned him. His gaze was sharp until he noticed a small oddity about his brother.

"W-where's your diary? No. Where's your notebook, big brother?"

"Report. We were in a hurry. I couldn't take it with me."

The negative feelings towards the hero rose in Rodrick's heart.

His precious brother, who has avoided talking to him all these years, finally talked to someone that wasn't even from his own family? Not only that, it was because he was practically forced to!

The clouds overhead seemed to react to Rodrick's intense reaction as they rolled up. Thunder threatened to strike down as time went on. Caelus looked blankly at the sudden change in scenery as everything happened. The magic genius eventually calmed down and the thunder clouds rolling in cleared.

"It's great that you're talking again big brother! Let's keep it a secret from Ain...we don't want him all over you again..."

Caelus nodded at the last part considering he almost got coddled by Ainsley the last time they saw each other. Kallian simply stayed quiet as he observed from the background the two's strange, out-of-context conversation.

"Exc-"

"Well big brother! Me and the hero have something to talk about. Feel free to eat all the food prepared."

"Acknowledged."

Rodrick pulled Kallian aside as quickly as he could out of earshot of his brother. He'd wanted this unpleasant talk to be over as soon as possible so he could go back to his brother's side.

"So, Mister 'Hero', why'd you lay your hands on big brother? If you didn't know, me and Ain aren't going to stand by if you intend to use him against us. If you want to use big brother you might as well make us your enemies."