099. The Blackened Village -1 (Part One)

Ruppel pleaded with me.

The sole wish he had was not to keep his life, but to meet his mother as her son. He kept repeating that to me over and over again.

I could sense the desperation from both his voice and expression.

The first and quite likely the very last request made by my older brother while even resorting to bending his pride...

To such a request, I only had one thing to say.

"I refuse."

Yup, I said no.

Ruppel flinched grandly and stared at me. "W-what?"

I smiled refreshingly and responded, "It's truly unfortunate, but I lack the sufficient strength to help you, brother. I'm sure you already know this, too. Both First Imperial Prince Luan and our father White have stepped up. And well, what can I say? Their stubborn streaks are second to none, aren't they?"

"B-but, can't you stop them if it's you?"

Sure, I might be able to stop them.