Chapter 23 - Back to Home (2) (1/2)

The pair of siblings finally calmed after a few minutes. Claire blushed slightly after her emotions calmed down, but at the end, she continued hugging Aleen.

Such level of skinship was common between them. And though she was slightly embarrassed, she endured the embarrassment happily.

But after a time, she put a worried expression once more.

"Brother, that game, do you have to go again?"

Aleen hesitated slightly before answering with a nod.

"Unfortunately, I have. I must satisfy certain requirements if I want to leave."

"I see." Claire made a doubtful expression before nodding with a concerned expression. It was obvious that she was worried about Aleen wellbeing.

"Then, when is the next game?"

"I don't know the exact date, but it's around ten days later. I was told that I will receive a message two days before the game begins."

Seeing Claire's distressed expression, Aleen smiled slightly before comforting her.

"Don't worry so much, I will be fine. After all, I have to look after you. Besides, not everything is bad. I was told that it's possible to receive rewards after every game. Did you see the sword I brought? I got it as my reward for winning this time. I even was told that it's possible to get a cure for your sickness! Can you believe it!? We finally can cure your sickness."

Aleen stroked Claire and continued speaking excitedly. But when she heard it, the expression of Claire changed immediately.

Her expression changed to one of wrath and pain; but before Aleen could notice something wrong, she calmed down.

"… Brother, you are probably hungry, right? I will prepare something to eat."

Aleen nodded slightly, curious from Claire's lack of reaction to the news that she could be cured.

Claire stood up and walked towards the kitchen; but before leaving the living room, she stopped.

Without looking back, Claire asked hesitantly.

"Brother, do you truly have to go to that place again?"

"I told you, I will be fine." Aleen smiled slightly.

"That was not my question, brother!" Said Claire before asking again, this time more certain of her conjecture. "Are you truly forced to participate in that game again!?"

For a moment, Aleen was unable to answer.

But finally, he nodded with a serious expression.

Seeing it, Claire made a depressed face before leaving the living room.

But before leaving, the last sentence she said reached to Aleen's ears.

"Do you know, brother? You are a terrible liar."

Once outside the living room, a tear left Claire's eyes.