Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 75

"Brother!"

　At the sound of the voice, I turned around. There stood a familiar young girl, crying uncontrollably, reaching out toward me. Despite being held back by servants and restrained by our parents, she continued to gaze at me with tearful eyes, screaming and desperately reaching out, pleading.

　"......"

　"Family is truly dear to you, isn't it?"

　A young man beside me says to me as I stared at my sister's pitiful state. I look up at him. He, on the other hand, smiles and looks at me with a pair of eyes of different colors, mystic eyes. They scrutinized me, testing me.

　"...No, I've already made up my mind."

　I denied the man's words. I asserted. All the contracts had already been made. Nothing could be undone. The contract, made by putting a curse on my body, cannot be broken for one-sided reasons.

　Therefore, I deny it. With a smile that contained a sense of resignation, but also a clear understanding.

　Yes, this is for the best. It was the right choice. My family will probably not starve to death now. It's just... I hadn't expected my sister to cry so much over it.

　"Let's go. I know you've done your duty. Then I must fulfill mine."

　"Even if the path ahead is filled with thorns?"

　"Even if the path ahead is hell itself, I will go."

　I look at him. We look at each other. The man narrows his eyes. Then he closes his... eyes and sighs.

　"All right, I understand. If that's the case, then I won't give you any mercy either. I'll make sure you do the job you're paid for."

　He said, gripping my hand firmly. His hand was strong, but at the same time, I could still feel a warmth in it. ...And so, without resisting, I followed his lead and moved forward.

　"Brother!? No! Don't go, don't go, Brother! Brother...! No, nooo...!"

　My younger sister called out to me desperately, her voice resembling that of a wounded animal, a desperate cry. And I twist my mouth in frustration. But I couldn't turn around. I couldn't afford to waver in my determination. That was the one thing I couldn't allow.

　So I didn't look back. I didn't turn around. All I could do was just shake that voice off without regret, and then... and then...!!

　'Oh. What a pitiful child you are.'

　"Huh...?"

　Suddenly, the world stops. Colors faded from the world. At the same time, I notice a presence.

　"Huh...?"

　I turn around, and before I can say anything, something soft envelops me from behind. Its lush, green scent reminiscent of plants tickled my nostrils. It was a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that seemed to go on forever. At the same time, two loving hands embraced my head tightly, enveloping me. My mind began to drift into a drowsy state, and my thoughts stagnated like sticky mud...