Chapter 2
1109 Words
It didn’t take long for Wilheim to get to Sapolis City. Despite the island existing far away from the continent, Wilheim was allowed to use a secret portal that normal folks didn’t know about.
The existence of magic in the world was kept a secret because there wasn’t much research done. Also, it was fairly recent. Magic only appeared in the last century.
Since Wilheim could use it, he was forced to go through painful procedures to seal his mana core. He was willing to go through it because he really desired a normal life.
Wilheim spent his day walking around, getting familiar once again with his surroundings before he boarded a bus. He still remembered where his parents’ home was. He was dying for a shower and a good warm bed.
But once he got off the bus at Sapolis bus station, a familiar face greeted him. With his bowl cut brown hair, a man in a brand new suit hugged him warmly. Wilheim smiled and reciprocated the gesture.
It has been years since he has seen him.
“You’re finally out, brother!” the man said, holding back tears. “I can’t believe you’re finally back home. I’ve been waiting for this for years.”
Rodrick Roberts was Wilheim’s big brother.
A long time ago, before Wilheim left for military, their family wasn’t doing good. At the time, Wilheim was arrogant and reckless. He thought he had a way to make more money and help his family but instead, he only successfully managed to acquire a huge debt, which ultimately led to the ruin of the Roberts family.
His parents were mad at him but they didn’t abandon him. They tried to help. So one day, as his parents were on a trip to discuss a business deal, an accident occurred and they never returned home.
For the brothers, it was like adding salt to the wounds. It devastated them. Everything they owned had to be sold, except for a small apartment Rodrick managed to save, where they lived for a while.
Under great pressure, Rodrick had no choice but to send his brother to the military.
For eight years, Wilheim hung his head in shame and has been living in guilt. There was nothing he could do to mediate the situation. And right now, seeing his brother’s warm face, he couldn’t help but admire his resilience and toughness.
This time, he certainly had to repay his brother correctly and fix his mistakes!
“I told you on the phone to not pick me up, Rod.”
When the leader handed him a new phone, Wilheim was perplexed. It turned out it was his brother calling and the leader felt free to send Rod Wilheim’s number.
It was unlike the leader to do such thing.
Rodrick punched Wilheim in the chest playfully and said with a hint of disappointment.
“You little brat! It’s awkward to say that to your big brother.”
They locked eyes for a moment, exchanging words they couldn’t get out of their mouths. Wilheim wanted to apologize for the situation he put his brother into and Rod wanted to do two things at once. He wanted to blame his brother for what happened to him and yet, he felt it wasn’t needed and what Wilheim went through was worse than his life.
After the long stare, the two of them got into an Audi Q5 and Rod was driving.
With a smile, Rod said: “We must drink to our hearts’ desire and return home only when we’re drunk and fully wasted.”
After Wilheim was imprisoned, Rodrick tried so many methods to see his brother but no one allowed him to. He was ready to make the dangerous trip. Alas, no one wanted to tell him anything.
He didn’t see him since he sent him eight years ago.
Wilheim forgot the last time he truly got drunk and relaxed.
“Sure! We can do that.”
After eight years, Wilheim felt bitter. It seemed that Rod has been living the luxurious life, driving a fancy car and wearing decent clothes. When was the last time he lived like that?
It seemed that the debt was paid years ago.
Before long, the car entered a luxurious residential area and stopped in front of a big villa. Rod got out first of the car and rushed to the trunk. He pulled out two bottles of wine as Wilheim scanned the area around him. The latter was doing secret calculations about how much everything cost.
They both walked inside, passing through a mesmerizing garden, looking forward to drinking. But Wilheim’s face took a stunned twist when he saw what awaited him.
The inside of the villa was not the only thing that surprised him. On a red sofa, a beautiful woman was lounged, as if waiting for them. Her hand slowly reached to a plate full of strawberries and brought one to her lips, not moving her stare away for one second.
She scrutinized them coldly.
Wilheim was the first to break away from her stare and look at a young figure on the ground, a huge mess of colors and papers in front of her. A child that bore resemblance to his brother was drawing with a smile. It didn’t seem like she noticed them yet.
Was she his wife and was that his child?
His big brother was already married and Wilheim didn’t know. He felt slightly betrayed.
On the other hand, Rodrick’s body stiffened. A mixture of emotions passed through his gaze before showing a shaky smile.
“Karen…?” he started, his voice slightly trembling, which attracted the attention of his brother. “Weren’t you supposed to be on a business trip?”
Wilheim found it ridiculous that his brother was like this. Submissive to a woman. It was always the other way around. Rodrick was kind but he had a sense of pride that let him keep his head held high. It seemed Wilheim wasn’t the only one who shed a part of his personality during these long eight years.
To ease his brother and move out from the woman’s impolite stare, Wilheim strode to Karen and extended a hand. Even if his brother didn’t tell him about the marriage, he didn’t want to leave a bad impression.
“Hello, Karen! I’m Wilheim Roberts, Rodrick’s young brother. Nice to meet you!”
He intended to move to his niece and check on her but as soon as the words left his mouth, his brother’s wife spoke harshly.
“I don’t welcome you here, criminal! Get out of here!”
- Writer
