Chapter 5

Following tradition, a duel was to take place.

I returned to my room and lodged a complaint with my sister, the one who had proposed the duel.

"Eren, why do you have to make things so difficult for me?"

"It's because I want to be with you, Brother."

She said this and threw herself into my chest.

The scent of flowers tickled my nostrils.

While stroking her black hair, I placed both hands on her shoulders and pulled away.

"Hey, that's not proper."

"It's not improper. It's just a touch between siblings."

"Your hugs are too suggestive."

"It's said that incest was common in the old Esterque family long ago."

"That was a long time ago. It should be forbidden by the family rules now."

I recited the family rules from memory.

"Esterque Family Rules, Article 45, Amendment 7, Written in Holy Year 699: Strictly prohibit marriage between second-degree relatives."

"Well, I didn't know such a rule existed."

She feigned innocence, which was cute, but I tapped her on the head.

"It hurts, Brother."

"It's a punishment."

"Just hugging me and it's so harsh. If you really want to punish me, I'd prefer a sensual punishment, like in a romance novel."

"Come on, punish me sensually and intensely, please," Eren said, lying on my bed in a spread-eagle position. I gave her another punishment, this time tapping her head with my knuckles.

"It hurts, Brother. Please, have mercy."

Seeing her with tears in her eyes, I felt sorry for her and decided to stop the punishment, but I gave her a warning.

"I won't say it now because it's in the past, but I don't approve of forging 'family rules' to make me duel."

Eren's expression froze, as if the sound effect "Giku!" was about to escape.

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean exactly that. While it's true that the Esterque family rules do have a clause about duels and exile, it doesn't apply to illegitimate children."

"..."

"How could you lie so boldly in that situation? You have some nerve."

"It's to protect you, Brother."

"I appreciate your feelings, but I don't want my sister to lie."

With that, I hugged Eren. It was a family hug, a hug between brother and sister.

"That's unfair. Being so kind at a time like this."

"If I do this, you won't do anything strange again."

"...Yes. By the way, how did you know I was lying?"

"When you lie, you wiggle your nose."

Eren quickly pressed her nose, her face turning red, but the smart girl soon realized it was a lie.

"Riht, Brother!" she pouted, and I revealed the truth.

"Your nose was a joke. I remember all the Esterque family rules."

"Really!?"

My sister was astonished.

"I know Brother has a genius memory, but you remember all of this thick old document?"

"Yes."

"I can't believe it."

"Then I'll recite it for you. Esterque Family Rules, Article 8, Amendment 7, Written in Holy Year 711: Members of the Esterque family must repay debts. Repeat, members of the Esterque family must absolutely repay debts."

"..."

My sister was silent. Since I recited it word for word, Eren was speechless.

"Indeed, Brother. Your memory is the best in the three countries. Your deductive skills are also impressive."

"Thank you."

"Then you should understand my intentions. I want to challenge Brother Markus and decide the matter of exile through a duel."

"I understand that. I also understand why you want to do this."

"Because I want to be with you, Brother."

"I appreciate your feelings."

"But there's a problem. We have to win the duel."

"That's difficult. After all, I'm an incompetent illegitimate child."

"That's a lie. Brother isn't incompetent. You could defeat Brother Markus with one hand."

"You're overestimating me."

"Is that an overestimation? I know that Brother can draw the divine sword."

"..."

"The only problem is whether Brother is determined to win. I feel like you might choose exile on purpose."

"..."

Eren said this with a sad tone.

Since her observation was perfect and correct, I could only answer with silence.

I hugged my sister again as a family, and waited for the sound of the clock tower. The noon bell rang. The duel would start at one in the afternoon, so I needed to prepare.

Eren didn't say anything more and helped me prepare for the duel.

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