Chapter 6 - II -

 

Oh, good lord!  This is salvation!

 

Though my eyes were initially blinded by the outside light, it eventually adjusted and settled down.  Indeed, as I earlier expected, I was in the dungeon under the manor.  Then, those two brats freed me and brought me to the adjacent room, where they made me sit on a bare wooden chair and table.

 

We were just staring at each other.  They looked at me like I’m some sort of oddity.

 

Well, this is getting awkward.

 

“So…” it was the boy who broke the ice, “You’re the commoner called Kuro, right?”

 

“Indeed, that’s my name.” I nodded.

 

“Great.  Our big sister asked us to free you.” he clapped his hands, “Our father caused you trouble and had you thrown in there.”

 

“Yep.  For some odd reason, your family is a kind of weird and rude in welcoming your guests.  You even accuse me of doing perverted things.” I meant that as sarcasm.  I couldn’t help it, especially after that rough treatment I received.

 

“Well, we will not apologize for it.  You don’t know your proper place, commoner.”

 

Now I’m getting super pissed.  So what if I’m a commoner?  You nobles are just arrogant, entitled assholes!

 

“So, can I go back to my room where my things are?” I asked, not wanting to create further trouble.  I just wanted this whole affair to end soon and go back to the palatial gardens.

 

“Hmm…not yet.  We’ve got to talk.” the boy reiterated.

 

I didn’t like the way this conversation was heading, “What do you want from me?”

 

“I’m ordering you to fight for our big sister.”

 

I thought I’m hearing things; I leaned for a bit and asked, “Excuse me?”

 

“I said, I’m ordering you to fight for our sister.  Are you perhaps, deaf?”

 

“I certainly am not.”  My dignity was offended by this young asshole, so naturally, I’ll defend myself, “And you can’t order me to do something for you; I’m not your slave.”

 

The boy was visibly taken aback by my words.  I guess it must’ve been his first time that someone said ‘NO’ to him that way.  The girl was quiet while watching me beside him.

 

“Then, what must I do to gain your cooperation?”

 

“My what?”

 

“Your cooperation.  Do you need money?”

 

“You know, before you ask me to do something for you, maybe you ought to explain why you’re asking me such favors?”

 

The brat suddenly became silent.  From the looks of it, they seemed to have some problems with something.  Though the boy might not want to tell me those, I won’t give in unless he told me what he’s trying to get me involved with.  

 

It’s for my safety, you know…

 

“Our big sister…”

 

“So, this is about the Saint?”

 

The girl was the one who nodded.

 

“She’s getting married.” the boy dropped.

 

“…”

 

“Yep.  She’s getting married to someone else!”

 

Huh?  What the heck?

 

I guess that’s the biggest surprise I have ever had in my life since coming here.

 

 

“The Human Saint is getting married?” I asked, in shock.

 

“Yes.  Our too-happy-of-a-father decided to call for a Tri-Skill Tournament to celebrate Her Holiness’ return to our household.” the boy explained, “And whoever is the winner will be given our sister’s hand in marriage.”

 

What the actual fuck am I hearing?  Did Her Holiness agree to this?

 

“…”

 

Well, it’s not my problem.  It’s their family’s private affair, so I guess I shouldn’t stick my head into this.  But hey, why is this boy asking me to fight for her?

 

“That’s why I’m ordering you to fight for her!”

 

“Ha?  Where did that come from?” I was surprised by the boy’s statement, “You’re asking me, a commoner, to fight for your sister and marry her?”

 

“I think you’re misunderstanding something, Mister Kuro.”

 

“So, what did I misunderstand?”

 

“We did not ask you to marry our big sister.” the girl was the one who spoke this time, and I could feel the pressure she’s exerting on me just from her voice alone, “My brother here is only ordering you to fight for her so that when you win, my father won’t allow the marriage to happen.  Thus, she remains our big sister!”

 

Uh…

 

“So, are we getting a yes, or a no?” the girl asked with a heavy, pressuring gaze.

 

“Nope.  Not happening.” I replied, shaking my head and waving my hands to reinforce my answer, “Hey, what happens with you and your big sister, as well as your father, is your family’s problem.  I don’t think I should involve myself, since I’m an outsider here.  Throw me again in the dungeon if you like, but I doubt there won’t be a change in my decision.”

 

“…”

 

The two brats stared at each other silently.  Then, as if in agreement, they both nodded.  I heard the boy whispered to his sister, “I guess I should use my trump card.”

 

Hoh?  And what can this ‘trump card’ be?  Order his guards to beat me up into submission?  Come at me then, you bastards!

 

The boy and the girl both stood up.  I could see the steeled resolution in their eyes, as they glared at me.  They held hands and, gritting their teeth, the brats then bowed and asked in a loud voice, “Please, Mister Kuro!  Help us!  We beg you!”

 

“!!!”  I couldn’t say anything in return.

 

“Please!” the girl desperately pleaded; she even went as far as kneeling.

 

“Err…I…n-no…” God, I’m having difficulty in refusing such a request…

 

They remained in their humble position, even though I already refused them.  Their guards were also unnerved by the sight, and one of them was trying to straighten them up.

 

After all, no noble should bow their head before a commoner…

 

“U…uu…uwaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!”

 

“!!!”

 

The girl suddenly bawled like a spoiled toddler.  Her cries pierced my ears, and it’s downright annoying.

 

“Come on, dude, you’re so heartless!” a guard was trying to appeal to my conscience, “They are only kids, and you make them bow to you!  You even made our cute duchess cry!  Do you even call yourself a man!?”

 

Err…why do you make me appear like I’m the one abusing them?  Isn’t it they are the ones who did something bad on me?  I took a deep breath before deciding.  I let the girl cry for a few more moments before asking, “Damn it, so what do you want me to do?”

 

“S-so, you’ll f-finally l-l-listen to us?” the girl asked in between her sobs.

 

“Yes, yes.  Just tell me what do I have to do?”

 

“Really, really?”

 

“Really, really, really.”

 

“Really, really, really, really?”

 

“Really times 100 million.” I quickly countered; I want no more explanations, “Now tell me, what do I have to do so we can get this stupid business over with.”

 

“Ah, right!  Just like what our big sister says, crying always works like a charm!” the girl quickly stopped crying and went back to her usual, business-like manner.  

 

What are you teaching your siblings, Your Holiness?

 

“Anyway, Mister Kuro, first things first.  My name is Sophia Ashley Rubinforth, and this is my brother, William Alexander Rubinforth.  We’re the younger siblings of Her Holiness Madelaine Ann Rubinforth, though of a different mother.  A pleasure to make your acquaintance!”

 

“…” I took their handshakes.  They may have somewhat accepted me, but I still had a question ringing from the back of my head…

 

Oh, good lord, what did I just get into?