21 Lovestruck Brother

The following six months flowed smoothly, bringing a sense of healing and renewal to our lives. Our family grew closer, and the wounds of the past seemed to fade away.

Laughter reverberated through our home, shared meals became a cherished routine, and heartfelt conversations deepened our bonds.

During this time, an opportunity arose for me to approach a subject that was close to my heart.

One morning, I made my way to the front yard where my father was immersed in his sword practice, his movements a graceful dance of precision and skill.

"Dad, I have something important I'd like to discuss," I began, my voice determined.

He paused mid-swing, turning to face me with an intrigued expression. "Of course, Reine. What's on your mind?"

Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts before speaking. "I want to learn the North God Style."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he regarded me thoughtfully. "The North God Style? That's quite an ambitious request. Are you sure about this?"

I nodded eagerly. "Yes, Dad. I've been thinking about it, and it seems like a powerful and versatile sword style. I believe it could enhance my skills and make me a more effective swordswoman."

He leaned on his sword, a contemplative look in his eyes. "The North God Style is indeed a formidable sword style, known for its unique and unconventional tactics. But it's important to understand that some of its techniques can be considered... unorthodox."

"Unorthodox?" I repeated, my curiosity piqued.

He sighed, choosing his words carefully. "It involves strategies that may not align with the principles of honorable combat. While effective, they can be seen as bending the rules of fair play."

I furrowed my brow, absorbing his words. "But if these techniques can give me an advantage and help me protect others, shouldn't I be willing to learn them?"

He smiled faintly, a mixture of pride and caution in his gaze. "You're eager to grow stronger, Reine. However, keep in mind that there's a fine line between innovation and exploiting vulnerabilities. Some of the techniques might not be well-received in honorable duels."

I considered his perspective, then voiced my thoughts. "I understand the importance of honor, Dad. But in real battles, when lives are at stake, shouldn't we use every tool at our disposal?"

His expression softened, and he ruffled my hair affectionately. "Your determination is commendable. If you're truly set on learning the North God Style, I won't stand in your way."

Excitement bubbled within me, and I grinned. "Really? You'll teach me?"

He nodded, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Yes, I will. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Promise me that you'll use these techniques judiciously and only when necessary."

"I promise, Dad," I affirmed, a surge of gratitude welling up within me.

And so, under his expert guidance, I embarked on a journey to master the North God Style. With each training session, I honed my skills in tracking, stealth, and the art of precision sword throwing.

The techniques were indeed unconventional, yet their effectiveness was undeniable, equipping me with a unique advantage in various combat scenarios.

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As I delved deeper into mastering the North God Style, I couldn't help but notice a shift in my brother Rudeus's behavior.

Our close bond as siblings, combined with our interactions with Sylphiette, seemed to be leading to some unexpected changes in his demeanor.

At first, it appeared natural for him to be protective of her, especially in the face of bullies. He displayed an overwhelming kindness towards her that extended beyond mere friendship.

While on the surface, this could be seen as a typical reaction to a friend in need, there were subtle hints that indicated something more.

As the days went by, I couldn't help but observe a faint blush on Rudeus's cheeks whenever Sylphiette was nearby. It was both suspicious and interesting at the same time.

His interactions with her carried a gentleness and consideration that went beyond what was necessary. Their conversations held an underlying warmth, a connection that seemed to deepen with each passing day.

While I wanted to support my brother's happiness, I couldn't ignore the memory of his past promise with Roxy. It gnawed at me, casting a shadow of doubt over the growing intimacy between him and Sylphiette.

I knew I had to address this matter before things progressed further. One evening, as the sun set and cast a warm glow over our surroundings, I found a quiet moment to sit down with Rudeus.

"Hey, brother," I began, my tone gentle yet serious. "Can we talk about something important?"

He looked up from the book he was reading, his expression curious. "Of course, Reine. What's on your mind?"

I took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "I've noticed that you've been getting really close to Sylphy lately. It's clear that you care about her a lot."

A faint blush crept onto his cheeks, but he met my gaze without hesitation. "Yes, she is a wonderful friend. She's been through a lot, and I want to make sure she feels safe and supported."

I nodded, acknowledging his genuine intentions. "I can see that, brother. But there's something I need to bring up."

He tilted his head slightly, a quizzical look on his face. "And what's that?"

I took a deep breath before addressing the topic that was bothering me. "Do you remember your promise to Roxy?"

His expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and realization crossing his features. "Roxy? How is she involved in this subject? Also, what promise are you talking about?"

"Well, I remember that time when you told her 'I love you' and agreed to say it again to her after ten years," I explained, my gaze steady on his face.

Hearing this, his face turned red in embarrassment and he looked away. "Oh, that... Yeah, I remember."

I leaned forward, my voice gentle yet firm. "Brother, I just want to make sure that you're being fair to both Sylphy and yourself. Your feelings are important, and if you're developing a deeper connection with her, you should address your past promises honestly."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he ran a hand through his hair. "Reine, I care about Sylphy a lot, but I'm also aware of the promise I made to Roxy. It's just... things are complicated."

Hearing his response, I couldn't help but feel conflicted about how I should respond to his indecisiveness. I'm sorry, Miss Roxy, but I'm doing this for my brother.

"I understand that, brother. But keeping someone in the dark about your feelings can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings," I pointed out gently.

He nodded, a conflicted expression on his face. "You're right. I should discuss this matter to Sylphy and be honest about my feelings. I think it's the right thing to do."

I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know it's not an easy conversation to have, but it's important for everyone involved. Just remember, I'm here to support you, no matter what."

A small smile tugged at his lips as he met my gaze. "Thanks, Reine. I appreciate your advice. I'll talk to her tomorrow and sort things out."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a sense of understanding and solidarity settled between us.

The unexpected intimacy that had woven its way into our lives was now a bridge to deeper connections and open conversations, a testament to the strength of our family bonds.

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On the next day, Rudeus and I found ourselves at our usual hill, the place where we often spent time together.

As we waited for Sylphiette to join us, I couldn't help but notice that he seemed unusually nervous. His usual confident demeanor was replaced with an air of uncertainty, as if he didn't quite know how to broach the subject that was weighing on his mind.

With a gentle giggle, I decided to offer him some advice. "Hey brother, you seem a bit on edge. Is everything alright?"

He glanced at me, a mixture of apprehension and gratitude in his eyes. "Honestly, Reine, I'm not quite sure how to bring this up with Sylphy. It's just... it's not an easy topic to discuss."

I patted his shoulder reassuringly. "I understand, brother. It's natural to feel nervous, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. But remember, honesty and open communication are key."

He sighed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I understand. However, it's just that... I don't want to shock her or complicate things."

"I get it. But keeping your feelings hidden can lead to misunderstandings too. It's better to address things sooner rather than later," I advised him.

He ran a hand through his hair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You're absolutely right, Reine. I appreciate your advice. I just hope I can find the right words."

"Confessing your feelings can be nerve-wracking, but it's also a brave step to take," I reassured him. "Start by letting her know that you value your friendship and want to be honest about your emotions."

Rudeus looked at me with a mixture of determination and uncertainty. "And what if she doesn't feel the same way?"

I offered him a reassuring smile. "Well, that's a possibility, and you should be prepared for it. But remember, the most important thing is that you've been honest with her and yourself. Whatever her response, it won't change the bond you share."

He nodded, a newfound sense of resolve in his eyes. "I see. I need to take that chance and have an open conversation with her."

Just then, we saw Sylphiette approaching the hill, her presence a calming influence in the midst of our conversation. Rudeus took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving her.

"This is your moment, brother," I whispered, giving his shoulder a supportive squeeze.

Rudeus nodded, his nerves evident but his determination unwavering. As Sylphiette joined us, he cleared his throat and began to speak, his voice a mix of sincerity and vulnerability.

"Sylphy, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. You're an important friend to me, and I value our time together. But lately, I've been feeling something more than friendship... something I can't ignore."

There was a moment of silence as Sylphiette absorbed his words. But then her entire face turned red, and her ears were twitching rapidly.

"Rudy, I..." she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I like you too."

A smile spread across Rudeus's face, a mixture of relief and joy evident in his expression. "You do?"

Sylphiette nodded, her eyes bright with emotion. "Yes, I've been feeling the same way."

In that moment, an atmosphere of happiness and understanding enveloped us. The two of them had taken a courageous step, opening their hearts to each other and embracing the unexpected connection that had blossomed between them.

As I watched their interaction, a surge of warmth filled my heart. But alongside the happiness, a pang of doubt crept in. Did I do enough as a sister? Did I offer the right advice? Should I have intervened more?

I couldn't help but question myself, wondering if my role as a sister was truly fulfilling. It was a mixture of pride for my brother and a slight twinge of insecurity that I hadn't done enough to guide him.

Yet, as I continued to observe their joyful exchange, I reminded myself that their happiness was a testament to the bonds we shared as siblings.

In the end, I realized that being a sister wasn't about having all the answers or controlling every situation. It was about offering support, understanding, and love, even when faced with uncertainty.

As I contemplated this, a small smile tugged at my lips, and I allowed myself to fully embrace the role I played in their lives.