5 You're Not My Sister (Edited)

"Come out!"

"Who?"

I inquired of my new companion.

[I don't know, Edward.]

"What? Don't you possess some kind of X-ray vision to see through walls?"

[I was only recently created, so it will take time for updates.]

"Your utterly useless creator must be twiddling his thumbs; tell him to hurry up."

[I can't contact him.]

"Quite the handy assistant you are."

[At least I'm not overweight.]

"B*stard!"

-Knock! -Knock!

"Hey!"

Once again, the grating voice echoed. I knew exactly who it was, thereby enhancing my disinclination to open the blasted door.

"Curse that family."

Summoning whatever energy remained in me, I hoisted myself up from the bed. It felt as if I expended fifty percent of my strength just to lift my bulk.

I unlatched the door, revealing the expected figure.

Elona Falkrona, my supposed sister.

She had inherited our mother's black hair and our father's gray eyes.

"Scan her."

"What?"

Elona questioned, clearly puzzled. Yet, I ignored her; my words weren't directed at her to begin with.

[Understood.]

"Then?"

[She likely resides in the third ascension much like yourself, but she may surpass you by a considerable margin in terms of strength. She has also achieved the third wing of the Falkrona Bloodline.]

"You're certain?"

[I cannot fully ascertain someone's strength, but I can provide an estimation. It is highly probable that she's in the Third Ascension like yourself.]

"Third wing..."

My teeth ground together in frustration.

I had been moderately fortunate to be born with the renowned Falkrona bloodline, yet I hadn't even managed to awaken my first wing. Meanwhile, here was my slightly younger sister, who had already accessed her third.

Shouldn't an elder brother be stronger than a younger sister? Nonetheless, given the current circumstances, she wasn't truly my sister, and that accursed man was probably convulsing with laughter at my predicament.

"What do you want?"  I asked coldly.

Elona seemed taken aback by my unusually icy tone. While Edward would occasionally act inconsiderately with his sister, he had never adopted such coldness in his interactions. Admittedly, he hadn't been capable of it, as he was, at heart, a coward who envied Elona's prowess. At most, he would jest and nudge her with a smirk.

"Here!"

Elona swiftly regained her composure and dragged along a maid, a girl likely in her late teens. She was rather attractive, but presently, her tear-stained visage was downturned. Avoiding me, she seemed apprehensive.

"What is this?"

I queried, oblivious to her intent. This was the first instance I had encountered this particular maid.

Wait, don't tell me...

"What's this? You ask?!" Elona's voice trembled with anger. "You molested her this morning while she was cleaning your filthy room!"

So, my intuition was accurate.

"Alright then."

I closed the door, leaving a bewildered Elona on the other side.

"Hey!"

-Knock! -Knock!

Disregarding her, I returned to my bed.

"This is the very reason Aurora called off the engagement!"

I couldn't have cared less about that engagement.

"You're nothing more than a beast, preying on innocent girls for your own pleasure!"

I wasn't the one responsible.

I merely shrugged.

"I detest you! Father detests you! Simon detests you! Mother would have detested you as well!"

Inexplicably, her mention of my mother from this world, Oryanna Falkrona, triggered a surge of anger within me.

Elona's gaze bore into me. Frustration-laden tears coursed down her cheeks.

"Why are you like this...? My broth--"

"I am not your brother."

I severed her sentence. Her behavior was rapidly wearing on my patience.

Since Ephera's passing, I had endured ceaseless insults from everyone, despite my inaction.

"And you're not my sister."

Elona stood motionless at my declaration.

"So, go away."

I waved my hand dismissively.

The maid who bore witness to this awkward interaction hastily retreated. While she might have previously trembled due to my status, she was likely more anxious now owing to my current disposition.

"Y-Yes, understood."

Elona wiped her tears and cast another glare my way.

"I'd rather die than have a brother like you!"

"You can die for all I care."

My response came promptly, lacking any hint of hesitation. A twisted grin, almost sadistic, had etched itself onto my face.

Elona's eyes widened as she gaped at me. It was as if she were observing a stranger rather than a brother. The words I had spoken were unprecedented; Edward had never addressed her in such a manner. However, I wasn't Edward.

I snorted dismissively and sealed the door behind her.

"At last, some peace."

I breathed a sigh of relief.

[As expected of a Major Antagonist.]

"Shut up."

[You should've seen your own expression when you said that. It bore an uncanny resemblance to Edward Falkrona from the Second Game, when he obliterated an entire town along with its inhabitants.]

"What, you've played the games?"  I asked, a chuckle escaping me.

[Angry?]

Angry? 

Of course I am!

"What?! Should I have allowed that unknown girl to disparage me? She's oblivious to my family! They all cherished me - my mother, my father, my sister! Had it not been for that blasted, drunken wretch, I might have been content!"

[...]

Yes, don't talk!

Given my current predicament, I'm incapable of responding, and I'm already worn out!

***

Within an expansive, square room, several individuals were gathered. Among them, the most prominent were seated around a table, in the midst of their dinner. The opulent furnishings and surroundings bore evidence of their wealth, and indeed, they were the royal family, the Celesta Royals.

A few maids hovered attentively, offering flawless service to their masters. Guards were stationed nearby, though they kept their distance.

For a short interval, the only sounds were the clinking of utensils, resonating throughout the royal dining hall.

"You may withdraw."

The sole male at the table commanded. Possessing blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes, he was undeniably handsome. Looking at his face, one would never deduce him to be a father. Resting atop his head was a radiant golden crown adorned with intricate decorations, and his royal tunic proclaimed his status without question – he was the King of the Celesta Kingdom.

The maids and guards respectfully bowed and left the hall, leaving only the individuals clustered around the table.

The table was surrounded by six chairs. Presently, two of these seats were vacant, while two others were occupied by the royal couple. The last was taken by a woman with golden hair, Aurora Celesta.

"Aurora, I've been apprised of your actions."

Her father's words caused Aurora to halt the progress of her fork, which was en route to her mouth. She placed the utensil down and met her father's gaze with an apologetic expression.

"Father, I..."

"I understand, dear. While I granted you the choice, I didn't anticipate such a swift resolution."

"I-I'm sorry."

Aurora lowered her head in shame. The betrothal between her and Edward Falkrona had always been a political alliance, aimed at fortifying the alliance between their families. Moreover, Charles Celesta, the king, desired the military prowess of the Falkrona family. Undoubtedly, of all the dukedoms, the Falkrona Dukedom commanded the most potent military forces.

"What transpired, Aurora?"

Her mother, Queen Edith, dabbed her lips with a napkin before inquiring of her daughter. While she appeared unfazed by Aurora's decision, her curiosity was evident.

"That is..."

Aurora struggled to find the words, her expression morphing into one of deep resentment.

"A week ago, I proposed deepening our connection. We ventured outside, but Edward paid me no respect. Instead, he made advances towards and harassed women at every store and location..."

Recalling that incident left Aurora mortified. She was officially his betrothed, the fiancée of the royal princess. Nonetheless, Edward's behavior during that time was atrocious, marking him as one of the worst specimens to be found in Celesta society. She still remembered the pitying looks directed at her from onlookers. Her nature was gentle, yet she held the pride of a royal princess.

Aurora felt ashamed to be near Edwward at that time. She was officially his fiancee. He was the fiance of the Royal Princess but Edward was acting like the worst human that could be found in Celesta. She could still remember the looks of pity given to her by the spectators. She had a kind heart but she nonetheless had the pride of a royal Princess.

"Sigh…"

Charles sighed before smiling gently at his daughter.

"I already talked to Thomen, don't worry anymore."

"Thank you, father."

Aurora felt relieved upon hearing that Edward's father, Thomen, didn't refuse. But one thing she was sure. He must be very angry at his son for that…