Chapter 4 – Join Us, Our Brother

In the far east of the sprawling capital, beyond the tangled streets and crumbling ruins lies the Children’s Village -- a haven tucked away from the prying eyes of the city -- a place where misfits and orphans find a Family.

Leader strides through the intricate alleyways, Omine’s present, his new crimson scarf, proudly flows around his shoulders. He knows these streets like the back of his hand now. Three months have passed, and this place is a second home.

His heart feels lighter here, away from the pressure of his studies and the weight of his parents’ ambitions.

Leader’s mother and father were presently trying to climb the ranks of the aristocracy, working as servants of nobles. Even though it has been quite a struggle for them, Leader’s parents keep on putting in their full effort. Therefore, Leader also vowed to do his part as a diligent student, while also taking some time off to hang out with his new close friends.

Indeed, these last weeks, Leader has never been happier. And to see a smile on their son’s face also made Leader’s parents content.

“Hey, hey, hey!” From the corner of the square, he bellows, brash and confident. “Leader! Took you long enough! What were you up to, mapping the entire city?”

I hop down from the remains of an old wagon, grinning wide as I land in front of him, hands on my hips and chest puffed out like I own the place. “You’re late, and I’ve been holding the Village together in your absence. Can’t keep the Brawler Family boss waiting, you know!”

Leader chuckles, shaking his head. “You’re not actually the head of anything.”

“Not yet,” I shoot back. “But someday, Leader. Someday, this whole world’s gonna know the name Brawler.”

“Sure, sure. Just make sure Omine doesn’t hear you slacking off. You’ve been waiting for your epic arrival and leaving all the work for her, haven’t you?”

At the mention of her name, my grin grows wider. “Omine? She knows I’m the strongest one here.”

We stroll toward the action. Kids are running, dancing, and shouting, and the whole square feels alive. But Leader’s gaze lingers on Omine, who’s reading aloud with two of the younger kids.

I follow his line of sight and smirk. “Hey, Leader. You’re staring again.”

Leader jolts, his face reddening. “W-What? No, I wasn’t!”

“Sure you weren’t.” I nudge him playfully. “What’s the matter? You got a thing for her or something?”

“It’s not like that!” he protests, but his voice cracks, betraying him.

I laugh, throwing an arm around his shoulder. “Relax. It’s fine to admire her. Omine’s incredible, isn’t she? She’s like the big sister everyone wishes they had.”

Leader sighs, his shoulders relaxing. “Yeah. She’s amazing. This whole place… it’s like a family.”

“Damn right, it is. And you’re one of us now. Doesn’t matter where you came from or what you’ve been through. You’re here, and that makes you our brother.”

Leader smiles, his countenance softening. “Thanks, Brawler.”

“Don’t mention it. Besides, with me around, you’ll never have to worry about anything. The Brawler Family’s got your back!”

“Still no members in your so-called Family?”

“Don’t sweat the details,” I wave him off. “The Brawler Family is destined for greatness. We just need a little time to recruit. Speaking of which -- You’re officially on the team. Congratulations!”

“What? I never agreed to that!”

“Too late! No take-backs!”

Omine steps closer, her movements so radiant it feels like they could light up the entire village. “Are you two done bickering yet? Leader, I need you for something important.”

“Me?” Leader blinks, caught off guard.

“Yes, you,” she says, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the circle of children nearby. “The kids have been asking me all kinds of questions -- about maps, numbers, and chemistry. You’re the smartest one here, so you’re teaching them. Right now.”

Leader stammers, “I don’t know if I--”

The kids are already crowding around him, their faces lit up with curiosity. One of the littlest ones tugs on his sleeve. “Mister Leader, can you tell us about the stars? Omine said you know all the stories!”

Omine nods. “And maybe a little about the Labyrinth too. Just the safe parts.”

Leader looks at her, and something in her steady gaze seems to calm him. “Alright,” he says, his voice gaining confidence as he kneels down. “Let’s start with mathematics.”

He starts to listless students. I take his side. “Yes! This formula! It was important for that one guy lost at sea!”

Leader picks up and launches into a tale about ancient explorers who followed the constellations, weaving their journeys with the importance of algebra. The kids listen, drawing oohs and ahhs. Omine is even giving him a captivated look.

I lean against a tree, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. “Huh. Not bad,” I mutter under my breath.

Omine glances at me, raising interest. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” I add quickly. “He’s lucky I’m here to keep his ego in check.”

Omine laughs softly, her eyes never leaving Leader. “You’re not as tough as you pretend to be, you know. Beneath all that bluster, you care more than you let on.”

“Don’t get any ideas,” I snap, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks as her eyes eventually never leave me. “I’m just making sure Leader knows how to lead. Besides, I’ve been inspired too. Haven’t put down my studies -- I’ve got my sights set on bigger things now. A friend, a rival, pushing each other for the Brawler Family’s future. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?”

“Where does that leave me?” she asks, leaning closer, light and teasing.

“Reconsidering the Conqueror path, obviously. The Omine Family will be absorbed by mine.”

“See, all crude yet kind. Offering everyone to journey with you.”

“I’m not offering it, I’m awarding it.”

“Taken another way, it’s like you’re asking to start a Family with me.”

“Idiot, that’s not it at all! I simply know everyone deserves me! And well… they deserve you too.”

“They all deserve a big sis, do they… You too, you make so much trouble, getting Leader into your antics lately. I should round everyone to instruct you on the importance of listening to me.”

“That’s right. Admit you can’t keep up.”

“Oh, I can keep up. The real question is, can a Family boss handle me?”

After a few sessions of teaching, it isn’t before long that the sun starts to set and my Kyōdai form a classroom snoozefest, that is, until, Conrad shows up.

We join the others, blending into the chaos of the square. Conrad’s music picks up pace, and the kids whirl and jump, their laughter ringing through the air. Omine grabs my hand and Leader’s, pulling us into the dance.

“Let’s go!” she says, her energy contagious.

For a while, it’s just pure fun. The three of us laugh and dance, spinning and twirling with the others. But then Omine stumbles, nearly falling. Leader is quick to catch her, their hands lingering a moment too long.

“Are you alright?” he asks, his voice soft.

Omine smiles, her cheeks a little pink. “Yes… Thank you.”

They lock eyes for a moment and something unspoken passes between them. My chest tightens, and before I know it, Martin, one of the younger kids, pipes up from beside me.

“Ewww,” he says, sticking out his tongue.

I huff. “Yeah, definitely ‘eww.’”

Leader glances at me, his brow furrowing, but I look away, pretending to focus on Conrad’s music. I’m not about to let him see how much it bugs me.

The night carries on, filled with music, laughter, and the warmth of family. But deep down, I can’t help but wonder… am I still hot and cold?

…

At early nightfall, by the time the children start going off to bed, Leader approaches Conrad as he is leaving. Conrad still acts shy around Leader, but he opens up more to him each day.

“Hey Conrad, do you want to come over to my house next week? I’m inviting the entire Omine Family for lunch. My parents are actually pretty eager to meet everyone.”

“Is that so…? Sure, I’d be honored to attend a fellow noble’s estate.”

“Estate? I wish. Our Family just owns a small hut.”

“Oh, s-sorry… Force of habit. But count me in.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Will there be other people there too? I’m not good with big crowds… Should I bring my lute with me? Wait, do I have enough calling cards printed…??”

“You’re overthinking it! It’s only lunch. No need to bring anything but yourself.”

“Ohhhh~…! That’s reassuring… Okay, until then.”

Leader invites the entire Omine Family over at his house, a small residence located past Central Street in the southwest region of Rosebell. Everyone thinks Leader would be living in a larger house than this one, especially Conrad, but there’s nothing wrong with a tiny, cozy house.

The house is small, its plaster walls cracked and weathered, possibly due to those strange recurring earthquakes, but it exudes a warmth that larger estates can never hope to match. The table, though too small to seat everyone, is laden with steaming bowls of stew and fresh bread. The smell of rosemary and garlic fills the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and the clatter of dishes.

Leader’s parents are enjoyable, and they even tease Leader about Omine being ‘that one girl’ that Leader has mentioned before, making the both of them a little embarrassed.

While the younger children play outside, Leader brings Brawler, Conrad, and Omine to his room, which has nothing too fancy except for a bookshelf lined with a large collection of textbooks and novels, as expected from a diligent academy student with an interest in adventures.

“There’s something I want to show you.” Leader walks along the rows of books, takes out a small one off the shelf, and hands it over to me.

“I found this notebook inside one of the pockets of a second-hand bookbag I recently bought. Lucky for me, the bazaar shopkeeper didn’t notice this notebook had been left there.”

I feel my eyes widen as I turn to the first page, noticing the diagrams and reading the small, feminine handwriting. “This is…? No way…!”

“Yup, it must have belonged to someone who explored the Labyrinth.”

More than half of the notebook is left blank, but some detailed notes are inscribed in the first couple of pages. It’s a collection of notes on the First Circle of the Labyrinth, the maze that lies past the Auralis Gate.

The small maps are drawn in extreme detail, outlining coordinates and passageways through some areas of the First Circle. And that’s not all. There are drawings of the fabled creatures that roam within the Labyrinth, the Beasts, along with descriptions of their anatomy and nature. There are even some notes on the unique botanical life that can be found. Memories I spent with Sensei come flooding back to me as if I’ve opened a pop picture book lost to my early childhood.

“This is amazing…!”

On the way to Leader’s house, we stopped to admire the dagger again. I almost have enough money saved up. The armor Sensei gave me is still a tad too big, but no -- With this in hand, with everything coming together as one, the loose-fitting almost doesn’t matter! The world is calling out to me!

Conrad shifts uneasily, his fingers tapping against the side of the bookshelf. “Hey… guys,” he whispers, but his voice trembles.

Omine: “Mmm, are those real drawings? Those animals look pretty fantastical to me. And are those maps for finding your way through the Labyrinth?”

Brawler: “Yeah, these notes look authentic… I’ve rarely seen other documents like these before. No matter how otherworldly this stuff seems, the adventures of the Labyrinth witnessed these things firsthand. We could all see it for ourselves if we just break through the Auralis Gate.”

Conrad’s voice cracks like a whip, silencing the room. His face is pale, his hands clenched into fists. “Stop! You shouldn’t… you shouldn’t talk about them so lightly!”

A stagnant silence hangs in the room. But Conrad is quick to apologize. “……I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to.”

Leader places a reassuring hand on Conrad’s shoulder. “…No, you’re right, Conrad. Sorry about that. I should’ve been more careful.”

It’s no good at all. Brace yourself. The truth is coming for you.

“Wait, Conrad. Conquerors and the Labyrinth aren’t particularly illegal to talk about.”

“But… But it’s still a taboo topic.”

“That’s because people here are prejudiced against them. At least, that’s what I learned from a Conqueror who thought that Rosebell’s attitudes are cruelly traditional. Outdated.”

“That--” It appears as though he bites back on his rebuttal, pausing for a moment before pushing back. “…That might be a little true. Only a little. There are Auralis Gates all over the world, and Maltrex is the only kingdom that hasn’t focused on the Labyrinth’s exploration. But people here… they fear the Labyrinth. They hate it. And Conquerors… -- Our king sees them as reckless, dangerous. You don’t understand what it means to even mention it. As the son of high nobles, I have those traditions ingrained in me. I ask that you respect them, for your own safety. Prejudiced or not, I know we shouldn’t bring up unmentionables so easily in conversation.”

I don’t want to argue with my friend when neither side is willing to budge. And… this is the most accepted conclusion. But there’s resignation in Conrad’s counter, like someone who has rehearsed this a thousand times. It’s the kind of defeat that makes my blood boil.

I slam my fist against my chest. “Oh yeah?! Well, you’re best friends with a Conqueror -- me! That hasn’t stopped you in the slightest before, has it? So why the cold feet now, huh?”

Conrad’s eyes widen, his mouth opening to protest, but I don’t give him the chance. “The great Brawler, the greatest Conqueror there ever was, doesn’t tiptoe around fear or tradition! You think I care if dusty old nobles or even a king thinks I’m reckless? I live reckless! And you’re standing here like you don’t even know me! Have a little faith, Conrad! --” However, to my side, “But, Omine, it’s not like we’re doing anything wrong just by talking about it--”

Omine raises a hand, her smile kind yet firm, her voice wrapping around my chaotic energy and calming it. “I know you mean well, Brawler. And you’re not entirely wrong. But there’s more to this than just rules or tradition. Conrad has a point. Sometimes, the weight of history and fear isn’t something you can brush off with logic. It’s something you need to navigate with care. For everyone’s sake.”

Her words carry an implicit wisdom, a depth that silences any rebuttal. I open my mouth, ready to counter her, but something about her gaze stops me. It isn’t that I’m giving in; I’m… recalibrating. For her. For Conrad. For the group.

Conrad is right. We can talk openly about becoming Conquerors because we have each other. If we were to have this same conversation in front of the Royal Guard Guild, we’d be taken in for questioning.

Conrad exhales, his posture relaxing slightly. “…Thanks, Omine. I… appreciate that.”

Omine gives him a reassuring pat on the arm, her smile softening. “Don’t mention it. We all have things we hold close, things we’re trying to protect, right?”

The room feels lighter, the tension dissipating like mist under the morning sun. “Now,” Omine continues, clapping her hands gently to shift the mood, “Leader, it looks like your parents are getting lunch ready. How about we go help out before they think we’ve vanished?”

“Oh hell yeah, grub!” “Wait, it needs more prep!” “Wait up, guys!” There are things men can agree on immediately.

Omine stands dumbfounded in the Leader’s room, taking a quick last spinning peek around for nobody but herself before going to follow.

At lunchtime at Leader’s house, everyone sits on the floor because there aren’t enough seats for everyone at the small dining table. It feels a little strange sitting together in a tight circle and eating, but there’s also a cozy homeliness to it.

Clare: “Look, a big crack on the wall. Just like the old houses.” Omine gives seven-year-old Clare a light karate chop on the head. “Hey, don’t say something so rude.”

Leader’s Father’s face bent into a broad smile, as if he found the gesture endearing. It was the kind of smile that would make anyone smile back. “That? Gahaha~, it’s quite alright. These nighttime tremors have been a doozy -- our shabby brick house simply didn’t handle the last one very well.”

Leader’s mother passes around the large lunch bowl.

Leader’s Mother: “About the tremors, have you heard the new rumor? Apparently, they’re happening at Burrya and the Yandex Theocracy too.”

Brawler: “Oh yeah. Just the other day, the article in the newspaper mentioned something like that.”

Leader’s Mother: “You follow the news at your age? Color me surprised.”

Brawler: “Sort of. I sell newspapers and glance over the articles from time to time. That one just happened to catch my attention because of the title they used. It was ‘Tremors of War.’”

Leader’s mother frowns at her husband. “It’s mostly sensationalist stuff, you see, honey? I think it would be better to save that money you spend on newspapers and hobbies and fix the broken wall.”

Leader’s Father: “But that way, a young man like Brawler wouldn’t get paid, now would he? Gahaha~.”

Leader’s Mother: “Well… I suppose there’s nothing wrong with some sensationalist news as long as we know what’s currently going on in the world. But if the wall collapses, you’re going to have to be the one to rebuild it using your newspapers.”

Leader’s Father: “Haaahh… I concede.”

Everyone gives a chuckle, except for the youngest of the girls, Emily, who has yet to touch her food. Maria, the eldest girl of the Family right before Omine, whispers to her.

Maria: “Are you not hungry?”

Emily: “Hmm…”

Maria: “It’s delicious~. Try to eat, even if it’s just a little.”

Emily: “Hmmmm…”

But by the time everyone has finished cleaning their plates, Emily has only eaten a single spoonful of the delectable meal.

When it’s time to leave and everyone steps outside of the house, Emily opens her arms to Leader’s parents for an embrace. Leader’s parents are somewhat startled, but then they smile kindly as they kneel to the ground and open their arms in return.

Emily charges at them, and she begins weeping even before they hug. The youngest of the kids of the Omine Family also starts tearing up and flies to embrace Leader’s parents.

Leader, Omine, Conrad, and I all stand a few meters away, watching the scene develop. I hang my head towards the ground, trying to drive my eyes away from the scene. It takes a moment for Leader to realize what’s happening, but when he does, his fists tremble at his side with guilt. “What… is this…?” It gnaws at him. What have I done? I invited them to see a life they’ve lost…

But then, as he looks closer, he sees something more in their tears. Among the sadness is something warm -- gratitude, maybe even joy. The children cling tightly to his parents, their small faces buried in the embrace of a comfort they have only dreamed of.

Omine steps closer, her hand light on Leader’s arm. “It’s okay,” she says softly, her voice carrying an unshakable calm. “Those tears… They’re not just from sorrow. They’ve found something they thought they could never have again. Even if it’s fleeting, even if it’s not real, it’s precious.”

Leader turns to her, his eyes searching hers for confirmation. Omine nods, her lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile. “You gave them something none of us could, Leader. You didn’t take anything away. You gave them a moment of happiness. That’s more than enough.”

He exhales deeply, the weight of guilt easing from his chest. For the first time since the invitation, he allows himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, he has done something good.

The group stands in silence for a moment, watching the youngest Omine children nestled in the embrace of Leader’s parents. The sight is simple yet profound, stirring something unspoken in each of them.

As the sun dips low on the horizon, the Omine Family begins to say their goodbyes. Emily, still sniffling, clutches Leader’s mother’s hand one last time before being gently guided back to her siblings. The eldest, Maria, smiles and bows deeply to express their gratitude.

Leader’s parents, still kneeling from their final hugs, exchange a glance filled with unspoken understanding. His father places a reassuring hand on Leader’s shoulder as the Family departs. “You’ve got good instincts, son,” he says gruffly. “Never doubt that.”

The journey back to the orphanage is quieter than usual. The children, worn out from the emotional day, cling to one another with a new kind of closeness. Leader, walking at the rear of the group, notices Omine lingering behind him.

“You know,” she says, breaking the silence, “you have a habit of underestimating yourself.”

Leader raises an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Omine laughs lightly. “You think too much about what could go wrong. You worry about hurting people, but you don’t see how much good you’re capable of. It’s frustrating sometimes.”

“I guess I just don’t want to make things worse.”

“You won’t. Not with the kind of heart you have. You gave my Family something I couldn’t. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”

Leader looks away, a faint blush creeping to his cheeks. “Thanks, Omine. That… means a lot.”

The preciousness of finding a place where you belong…

2 – Princess’s Speech

The Princess of Maltrex, Princess Glace II, is precious and respected by all of her subjects. The nobles are honorable, and the capital is at peace. And although King Clovis is bedridden and Queen Minerva has also become weakened by her old age, the order of Rosebell has slowly and successfully been passed onto the hands of the Princess.

Today, she is to give a public address to the massive crowds gathered at the Big Plaza, an open square located to the far north of Central Street.

The entire Omine Family gathers to view the spectacle, as it isn’t often that the adored princess speaks directly to the populace.

Princess Glace II takes the stairs, her red, purple, and white cape trailing behind her like the tail of a comet. Her golden hair glows in the afternoon sunlight, a jeweled tiara perched atop her head, its gems catching the light and refracting it like tiny stars. Around her, cheers erupt throughout the Plaza and become exponentially jovial as she emerges at center stage. But strangely enough, in addition to the cheering of the crowd, a few murmurs are being passed around. “Who’s that new guy standing close to the Princess?” “A Nation Elite?” “Personal bodyguard?” “What’s a Nation Elite soldier doing, accompanying her?”

The murmurs grow louder, feeding on themselves, but they die as Princess Glace raises a single hand, commanding silence. The trumpets and drums fall still, and all eyes turn to her -- the lone beacon of authority on the grand stage.

Princess Glace: “My people! Word has reached the royal chambers that there have been troublesome rumors spread around our glorious capital. Rumors of ‘Tremors of War.’ I call these rumors because that is exactly what they are! Nothing more than false predication! With the crown that I carry, I assure you, the peace of Maltrex shall forever stand strong against the testament of time! Our neighbors know our power! Our neighbors fear our tremendous strength! These pitiful rumors are born of that fear, calculated insults against us, our country, our families! After the battles during my boundless father’s golden reign, the kingdom of Burrya has become so weakened they can only curse at us from afar! It breaks my heart. I almost pity them for fearing us so!”

The crowd laughs and booms in approval. “We love you, princess!” “Marry me!” “Hail Maltrex!”

The Princess confidently raises her hand to make everyone quiet down. She gestures over to the Nation Elite soldier who stands beside her. “These false rumors have, however, caused an upset with our dear friends, the Nation Elite. As I do, just as my mother and father do, the Nation Elite also do not wish to see another outbreak of war. Celebrate, for we see things the same, even the whole world is on our side. Let this be the hour when we stand by our Nation Elite brethren in the front for a common cause, the retainment of peace!”

Her address goes on for a while, on the wellbeing of Maltrex, as well as the news of growing camaraderie between the Nation Elite and the royal family, the crowd roaring in praise.

…

Brawler and Leader sit on the cracked stone of an old courtyard, their textbooks sprawled haphazardly around them. Geometry, alchemy, astronomy, business, and even a few mystery novels, all pilfered from Leader’s bookshelf and making the place look like the two have founded their own academy in the middle of the Children’s Village.

Leader has his nose buried in a tome on aristocratic etiquette, while Brawler flips through a book on Labyrinth stratagems, his expression somewhere between focus and annoyance.

“I’m telling you,” Brawler grumbles, snapping the book shut, “this Labyrinth theory junk is just common sense. You don’t need a book to tell you, ‘Don’t fight monsters bigger than your face.’”

Leader smirks, his eyes not leaving his page. “And yet somehow, you’re still learning from it. Admit it, you like the challenge.”

“Like it? Ha! I live for it.” Brawler jabs his thumb into his chest. “No way I’m letting you outshine me, Leader. If you’re going to be a brainiac, I’m gonna be a genius if nothing else.”

“Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

After a while, they both close their books for the day. The hum of the village surrounds them -- children laughing, Conrad’s lute strumming softly in the distance, and the occasional cheerful shout or insistent reprimanding from Omine.

Leader fidgets with his hands, twiddling his thumbs in small circles. After a moment of hesitation, he breaks the silence.

“…Hey, Brawler. Is it okay if I ask out Omine?”

“PFFFF!!”

It’s said that if you tell someone else, you might be able to digest information better. Who knew it could work the opposite for the receiver?

Brawler chokes on the water he’s been sipping, nearly spraying it all over the books. He coughs and wipes his mouth. “W-WHAT?! You--You want to ask her out?”

Leader rubs the back of his neck, his cheeks reddening. “Yeah, I do. I just… felt like I should ask you first.”

“Ask me?” Brawler repeats, his voice pitching up incredulously. Then, a sly grin creeps onto his face. “Wait a minute… You’re asking for my permission? Like I’m her big brother or something?”

“Not permission!” Leader protests, his voice cracking slightly. “It’s just… you’re the closest to her, and I thought--well--you might… you know…”

Brawler crosses his arms. “You thought I might like her? Is that what this is about?”

Leader glances away, mumbling, “Maybe…”

Brawler sighs, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. “Listen, Leader. Omine’s her own person. As long as she’s happy, it’s not my place to interfere.”

Leader hesitates, then presses further. “But… do you? Like her, I mean.”

There’s a beat of silence. Brawler scratches his head, avoiding Leader’s gaze for once and focusing on the girl in question. “Do I… like her? I don’t know how to answer that.”

Leader looks at him expectantly in bated breath.

“Alright, fine,” Brawler says, sitting up straighter. “Here’s the thing. Omine’s incredible. She’s the heart of this whole place, the big sister to all my little ones. When I see her happy, I feel like the whole world’s brighter. But…” He shrugs, his grin returning. “For me, it’s not like what you’re talking about. I’m more like… ‘Let’s protect this place, make it a blast, and laugh together.’ Y’know?”

Leader’s shoulders relax a little. “So… you’re okay with it?”

Is it okay?

Am I?

Am I okay with it?

I grin, leaning back and throwing my arms behind my head like it’s no big deal. “Of course I am! You’ve got my full support, Leader. But man, you’re braver than I thought. Way to make the rest of us look bad.”

Leader’s face softens, and his voice dips into something quieter, more serious. “I just… I had to. I couldn’t keep it bottled up anymore.”

He takes a deep breath, then plunges ahead like a guy diving off a cliff. “When Omine smiles at me, it’s like… this warmth starts in my chest and spreads everywhere. It’s this feeling that tells me, ‘This is the girl you like.’ No, she doesn’t even have to smile, just being with her is great. And no matter what happens, I want to tell her. Even if she doesn’t feel the same… I’d be okay. Just saying it would be enough.”

I blink, taken aback by Leader’s sincerity. For a moment, I’m silent and just stare at him. Wow, Leader. That’s… actually kinda amazing.

Sensei once told me, “A Conqueror’s gotta follow their heart, no matter where it leads. And you? You’ve got a good one.”

Then I laugh, loud and full of energy, like that’s exactly what I expected from him all along. “That’s what I like to hear, Leader! No matter what happens, I know one thing for sure: The vice honcho of the Brawler Family has got guts!”

Leader tilts his head, startled by my outburst. “Uh… thanks? I just… I had to. I wanted to get it off my chest.”

Leader eases, the tension in his posture melting away.

I stand up, stretching dramatically. This conversation hasn’t gotten to me at all. In fact, it’s lit a fire. “But seriously, if you’re gonna confess, don’t wait too long. Omine’s a dummy, but not that much. She’s probably been waiting for you to figure it out yourself.”

His eyes widen, lighting up with something that looks a lot like hope. “You really think so?”

“Think so? I know so! But hey, even if she turns you down -- fat chance, by the way -- you’ll still have me, your ever-loyal sworn brother. We’ve got each other’s backs, right?”

Leader’s grin spreads, bright and unshakable. “Right. Sworn brothers.”

We clasp hands, our grip firm and full of unspoken promises. Across the clearing, Omine’s laughter drifted over from where she sat with Conrad.

I glance her way, my grin softening for a second before snapping back into full force. “Go get her, Romeo,” I say with a wink. “But if she turns you down, don’t worry. You’ll still have me. Sworn brothers, remember?”

Leader grins back, full of energy and confidence. “Yeah. Sworn brothers.”

…

It’s nighttime, and I had just helped Omine carry our Kyōdai to bed. As I exit the nonexistent front door, Omine calls out to me from behind.

“Leader asked me out.”

“Oh, did he? Isn’t that great?”

“What do you think?”

“What?”

What do I think? I’ll tell you what I think! Th-They’re treating me like I own everything already. Maybe announcing myself as a Conqueror has gone overboard! This is awesome! But there’s something else to my emotions too. Leader once told me about this horrible thing I’ve been lucky enough to never have encountered -- where you ask Mom and then she says go ask Dad and the cycle becomes endless. Omine and Leader are both a year older than me, but maybe this is what it feels like. Talk about a pain in the butt.

“I think Leader’s a cool dude. I’m sure he’d make you happy.”

“But what do you think?”

She wavers her gaze and taps her shoes on the ground. She looks down a bit.

“Brawler…”

I feel my face burn up a little. It was something about the way she said it, it was just that unexpected. “H-Hah? Just follow your heart, Omine.”

“That’s what I’m trying to do. You make this place feel like home. Like we’re all part of something bigger than ourselves.”

“Omine, listen--”

“Brawler.” She cuts me off, her tenor resolute. “You’ve always been so sure of yourself, so fearless. But you’re also kind, and thoughtful in ways you don’t even realize. You see the best in everyone, and that’s why this place feels like home to so many of us. It’s why… it’s why I.” She stops.

My heart is pounding so loud -- I’m sure she can hear it.

“You’ve always talked about building something bigger than yourself,” she continues, her voice softer now. “Something worth fighting for. And I realized… you’ve already done that. You’ve built it right here. With us. With me.”

The wind bellows around me, and with the earthquake starting up, it’s as if sails are being set for a new ruler of this kingdom.

But I… I want to rule the world.

I want everyone to know my name, to praise it. I want to explore the world, the whole of the Labyrinth. These are all things that Conquerors seek to achieve. But within me, I feel something greater that I believe only a few possess. I have a determination to change the world.

Why? The man who painstakingly raised me, my grandfather, was a Conqueror. The one who saved my life and gave me all the more reason to live was a Conqueror. I have endless reasons, but I don’t even need one. That’s how much faith I have in what I want to do. I want to do everything a Conqueror dreams of, while also reshaping the world’s perception of them.

Sensei is an outlier. All I’ve heard since returning to Maltrex is animosity towards Conquerors. But I know the truth -- I know that they can be much, much greater than your run-of-the-mill outlaw. They have the potential to inspire the whole of humanity.

I have heard about such Families, even the occasional Deities, while selling my newspapers and keeping all five senses open. It seems so fantastic to me, that Deities from legends really are here. I probably need to see it, meet more, with my own eyes before it fully sinks. I want to see the whole world.

But such a change in attitude -- convincing someone that the dishonorable is actually honorable -- would be like convincing that same person that pigs can fly. And to convince not only a single person but the whole world? ‘I am great. I am a Conqueror. And you better believe you will know just how great I am.’ Such a feat…

To be completely honest, for a moment, I thought would let my dreams rest. Even I am self-aware enough to know that such tasks cannot be done by the hands of one person. I was alone again in this city and I was almost about to put my goals on the backburner. As much as I saved up money and idolized that Fang Of Eborus dagger and shared secrets with my customers about my ambitions, I was alone. I needed at least one other person, a friend, a best mate. That was when I met my Kyōdai of the Omine Family. That was when I met this girl before me. That was when I met Omine.

And her adoration for the Nation Elite.

“That’s the future Vice Conqueror of the Brawler Family who asked you out! And to think someone who admires the Nation Elite can fall for a Conqueror after all, huh?”

“Yes. Yes, I can.” Her unhesitant response contains nothing but the truth. As if they have the power to move her heart, almost as if she’s the one who has been arrested.

I hear my buddy from the clearing. I ask him to go ahead, turning my back to her, still with a smile over my shoulder.

“Conard’s calling me. I’ve got nothing else to say. For the first time, I think saying nothing is what would make me happiest.”

“Is that true?” She takes a deep breath, as if drawing encouragement from the damp evening air, and then nods. “Thank you, Brawler. I… cherish this sincerity of yours.”

I feel her presence behind me.

I’m such a jerk.

They showed me their hearts and told me something really scary. I know better than anyone. It takes a hell of a lot of courage to confess to that special someone you love. They don’t deserve to be lied to and played. There are lines that should never be crossed man! If she’s trying to tell you something special then shouldn’t you give her courage to say it? Leader was honest with his feelings and now she’s trying to be honest with hers. And I? I should be honest with mine. And never stray!

I clench my fists. My request comes out hoarse but steady. “Omine. Please slap me.”

Her mouth opens and closes a few times, and then her brows furrow. “No! I won’t slap you! What kind of person just asks to get hit?”

“This kind of person!” I gesture to myself dramatically. Sensei taught me after my Bladeback battle, on the topic of why I even let the Beast get close to me… “Sometimes, when a man steps out of line, they need someone else to slap logic into them. They shouldn’t do it themselves. So please,”

“I-I can’t…” she protests weakly, but there’s a flicker of something in her eyes--annoyance, maybe?

“Slap me, or I’ll give you a reason toooo!!’

Her face turns an even deeper shade of red. “Kyaa!”

SMACK.

The sound echoes through the Village, and my glasses fly off, spinning through the air before landing with a clatter. My cheek stings, but I can’t help the grin spreading across my face.

“Oh no! Your glasses!” Omine gasps, her hands flying to her mouth. “I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to--”

“Don’t worry about it.” I pick up the glasses and inspect them, holding them up to the light for her to see. “These things are indestructible. You got me good, though. That’s exactly what I needed. Yup, that wracked my brains enough to remember.”

Her mouth opens slightly in surprise, and for a moment, she just stares at me. Then, slowly, a smile tugs at her lips. She blinks, her hands lowering slowly.

I take a deep breath, meeting her gaze squarely. “I’ve liked you ever since I met you.”

Her eyes widen, her breath catching.

“Depending on who you like more you might be wanting us to fight for your heart but I can’t do that to Leader. I respect him too much. You know, he’s a step ahead.”

“I don’t know if--”

“No, he is. When it comes to confessions, when it comes to a lot of things. When I found out about his achievements at the Academy I dove into my studies like no tomorrow. And if I had half the courage he has I would’ve confessed to you way earlier. So consider his feelings. I’m sure if he was in my position he would ask the same. Going forward I can only offer you this -- I am going to be a better man. And not something stupid like being better than Leader! Me! I’m going to be better than me! With you, with any girl! Hot and cold as I am, I’m gonna try to be a bit more honest with my feelings.”

Omine’s lips tremble, her eyes shimmering. “Then can I be clear with mine?”

“You’re damn right.”

She steps closer, her cheeks flushed, and before I can react, she leans in, pressing a soft kiss against my lips.

When she pulls back, her expression is shy but determined. “That was for hitting you. No, I just had to at least once. Before my knight takes me away from my king.”

“Y-You can’t choose now of all times to be greedy. But if this was your momentary relief… I guess I’ll allow it.”

“You too, Brawler. ‘Go out and live exactly how you want to!’” She laughs softly, a sound like bells in the evening breeze. My chest feels warm, I can’t help but feel proud.

“Tch. You idiot,” I say, stepping forward with a grin that’s equal parts cocky and wild. “If you’re gonna do something, don’t half-ass it!”

I grab her wrist and pull her closer, my other hand finding the small of her back. There’s no hesitation as I kiss her with the boldness she always accuses me of. This time, it’s not about letting her have her moment -- it’s about showing her I’m in this just as much as she is.

She gasps softly against my lips, but then her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer. Her response is equal parts tender and fierce, and for a moment, the world fades. It’s just the two of us -- no kingdom, no rules, no fears.

When we finally pull apart, both of us are breathing hard. I smirk, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand like the cocky idiot she claims I am. “If this is gonna be the last time, then what’s a few more?”

Omine’s eyes widen for a moment before she bursts into laughter, the sound rich and unrestrained. Her hand cups my cheek, and she shakes her head, her gaze filled with something deep and warm. “You’re hopeless.”

“Right,” I reply, my grin widening. “But you love me for it.”

She smiles, her fingers brushing lightly against me. “Maybe I do.”

The way she feels pressed against me, the way her eyes glimmer say more than her words ever could. For once, I don’t need to tease her about it. I just smile back.

Because Omine’s found her courage. And so have I.

“You think you’re being bold, don’t you? Grabbing your supposed big sis like this, holding me like you’ve already won. But the truth is… I like it. This one is for the courage of confessing first.”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

“Then let’s make it for driving me crazy. Now you know how it feels.”

“Kissing like I belong to you when you’re supposed to go with him…”

“I am driving you crazy, aren’t I? It’s the same for me. It feels like you’re already trying to steal me…”

“You’re so beautiful, Omine. I’m going to make sure you never forget. I want you to wish every day I would. More… Remember my taste too, the taste of the man who surpasses himself for you.”

Feeling like this. Pressing like this. More.

What I want is at hand. And I’m just gonna give her up?

I won’t let anyone touch her this way.

Don’t run. I’ve learned. When faced with multiple outcomes I should protect what I want to protect.

“Turn him down lightly.”

“Give me more of you.”

It echoes my attack with the Bladeback. I felt I wasn’t ready. No, as I am now, I know I’m not ready. I have faltered once. I’m gonna fight with everything I have for her. To fight with everything I have I need to retrace my steps and prepare myself.

“If Leader wants to fight for you after, then I’ll fight because I respect him. Not run away because I respect him.”

“You’re finally making sense. Brawler, this is the truest you I know. I think my slap might've had the opposite effect. Next time just ask for a kiss.”

“Y-You know I can’t do that. It’s embarrassing.”

“This is all so embarrassing but I can’t help it. Brawler. Why, Brawler.”

“Next time, I’ll take all of you. Omine.”

…

Everything is going so well. Sure, there were some minor upsets, but everything up until how has reborn wonderfully, just as it should. …… Right…? ……Right…??

Brawler: “………”

Oh… That’s right…

Nobody’s here……

Even if someone were in this room with me, they wouldn’t be able to hear my voice. All they would hear is a silence that can only be cut by eerie jingles if I somehow manage to shift just a little…

Brawler: “…………………”

Damn it all to hell……

These shackles…………