43 Wherever you he goes I go (1/2)
When Clarise saw Daniel running towards her she used [light step] and appeared in front of him. Both Daniel and Lux were surprised by the sudden move, but before they could say anything Clarise hugged Daniel.
”I was worried about you. I'm so glad that you're safe.” Clarise hugged her younger brother as tight as she could without hurting him. The moment she saw her brother all the anxiety she built up flowed out of her. She didn't want to let go scared that the moment she loosens her grip her younger brother would disappear again. Daniel was surprised, though he couldn't see his sister's face he could hear the sound of someone sobbing. His sister who was ever proud, whose will was as sharp as her sword was actually crying?!
Even Lux was surprised to see the demonic woman could actually shed tears. If he told anyone that knew her that Clarise the maiden of steel the iron lady had shed a tear, they would've thought he was crazy.
After hugging her brother for a moment Clarise wiped the tears that fell from her face and looked at her brother.
”Are you alright?”
”Yes, I am. I'm sorry for making you worry big sis.” Daniel knew that his sister always worries about him, but this was the first time he had ever seen her cry.
”I see, that's good. Alright then let's go back home.” Clarise held onto Daniel's hand but he let go and shook his head.
”No big sis, I'm staying here.”
”Huh? Is it because of him? Is he forcing you to stay here against your will?” Clarise pointed at Raymond who was watching the show at the side.
”No, it's not because of the Guild Master. I'm staying because I want to stay.” Daniel who was usually timid and weak, especially in front of his sister was showing great resolve today. Ever since he joined the Eternal Guild, he knew that his sister would come for him at some point. He kept of thinking what to do when it happens, and after the feast, he finally came to a decision.
'If I go back with big sis, I will forever be under her shadow. I will never be able to break free, and I will always be her coward of a brother.'
”Why?” Clarise looked at her brother and was confused by his sudden change. The always timid brother that needed her protection was showing such resolve, it confused her.
”I wanted to change, I wanted to have more courage. I was always being compared to you. I was always being looked at as if I was a loser. I could tell what everyone was thinking. Is that kid really the younger brother of Clarise the youngest knight commander? I wanted to say something, I wanted to fight back, but I lacked the courage to do so... Guild Master Raymond had granted me that courage. With him and this Guild, I want to grow stronger, strong enough to be able to tell everyone proudly that I am the younger brother of Clarise the Maiden of steel!”
Clarise looked at her brother shocked. Was this boy, no was this man really her brother? She hasn't seen him for only a few days, but it seems like he's a totally different person. Clarise then closed her eyes and spoke to Daniel.