After I died, Everything Changed - Chapter 75

“My mother committed terrible crimes… and my brother disappeared. If you were in my place, wouldn’t you be like this too?”

So, he still had enough spirit to talk back.

Good. That was more like him.

“If you’re willing to work for this house, then you’re still part of Mergen. That hasn’t changed.”

“Do you… really think so?”

“Can you do it?”

At my question, Nehrzhu’s eyes wavered.

But then, he clenched his fists tightly and gave a firm nod.

“What if that means pointing a sword at your brother?”

I looked at him, my voice neutral, my eyes cold.

He didn’t answer right away this time.

His hands opened and closed again and again, palms clearly sweating.

Really, I have such bad taste.

“If you freeze up over something like this, how are you supposed to protect anything?”

I sighed.

“Someone’s going to ask you that question someday. When that time comes, don’t hesitate—just say yes.”

“Huh…?”

“The truth doesn’t matter as much as how you respond. If you believe you’re part of Mergen, then make it so.”

“…You don’t… hate me?”

Nehrzhu’s voice trembled.

“Hate you?”

Did I even have enough emotional investment in him to feel hatred?

He’d always been annoying, arrogant, and selfish. Just a kid who couldn’t see past his own feelings.

“Don’t flatter yourself. You’re too insignificant to be worth hating.”

His shoulders slumped at my blunt answer.

“And if anything, you’re the one who probably hates me.”

“…”

“Do you want revenge for your mother?”

“…”

He stayed silent.

He was likely more worried about being cast out of the house, but I was sure resentment lingered somewhere in that chest of his—resentment for what had become of his mother.

“You once said you wanted to become a hero like Abel.”

“W-what?”

“One day, I’ll give you that chance. I promise.”

Nehrzhu tilted his head, not fully understanding.

“So, train hard. If you want revenge on me, you’ll need to at least catch up to my heels.”

He stayed silent for a while, thinking.

“If you’re going to walk around calling yourself a Mergen, try straightening your back at least.”

I pointed out his hunched shoulders, and he quickly sat up straight.

His eyes now looked clearer, more focused, as he spoke again.

“But… didn’t the Lord tell you to throw me out…?”

“A child like you? Please. Whether it’s lucky or unfortunate, you were never even on his radar.”

He was probably used to Grandfather’s coldness by now.

So, not much would change.

“If you prove yourself, he’ll accept you. He acts cold, but he’s not as heartless as he looks.”

It seemed my words gave him some comfort, because Nehrzhu gave a strong nod.

“You wanted to stay in Mergen, didn’t you?”

He didn’t answer out loud, but his eyes seemed to ask, How did you know?

It was obvious.

Even if he wasn’t yet of age, there was no way Chloe hadn’t left him some inheritance.

And yet, after her death, he chose to stay in the mansion.

Even under the weight of judgmental eyes, he refused to leave.

There could only be one reason.

He wanted to belong here.

Whether that desire came from something pure or not—it didn’t matter.

“Just be yourself. Make noise, be arrogant, cause a little trouble. It’ll bring some life to this gloomy house. Oh, and one more thing…”

When I paused, Nehrzhu straightened up nervously, waiting.

“As your older sister, and the future head of Mergen, could you start speaking more politely?”

I smiled sweetly and demanded a little respect.

“Uh… wha…?”

Yeah. That wasn’t going to change overnight.

“Forget it.”

I shook my head, amused.

Then suddenly, Nehrzhu jumped to his feet.

Whoa—he startled me.

I looked up at him, trying to keep my expression calm.

Then he bowed, a full 90 degrees, full of resolve.

“Thank you!”

…Well. Maybe he wasn’t entirely without manners.

“…S-sister.”

Was that a bit… cute?

My neck suddenly felt warm and ticklish.

“For letting me stay… and for putting Mother’s grave beside Father’s…”

Was that really enough to heal his anger?

Maybe… I’d end up envying him for that.

“Hmph. While I’m away, if anyone bothers you, let me know.”

He straightened and nodded vigorously.

He was so—pure.

So clear, transparent, and honest that it was almost blinding.

Maybe that’s why… I wanted to keep watching him a little longer.

Preparations for the campaign were complete.

“Have you been practicing your riding?”

The imposing Duke Lahan rode up on a strong black stallion, calling out to me.

“I poured all my spare time into it.”

“You definitely look the part.”

Lahan gave me a slow once-over.

So I returned the gesture and looked him up and down as well.

Black, form-fitting leather armor, an ivory-decorated belt, gloves and boots—every piece polished and perfectly tailored. Not a single detail lacked flair.

“For someone about to go into battle, you’ve clearly put a lot of effort into your hair,” I said, staring pointedly at his slicked-back style.

“Well, technically we’re not marching to war. With monsters popping up who-knows-where, this campaign’s more like a traveling circus, isn’t it? Gotta look good for the people.”

He had a point.

It wasn’t a war with clear battle lines and enemy camps. We were assembling and disbanding again and again, traveling from town to town like emissaries—or performers.

“I’m sure half the women who see you will fall for you.”

“Haha, now that would be a problem.”

He said it was a problem, but the smug curl of his lips said otherwise.

“Try focusing on the monster subjugation instead.”

I cut in coldly. Lahan responded with a curious smile.

“…Is that jealousy I hear?”

I should’ve stayed quiet.

“His Highness, the Crown Prince, approaches!”

Saved by timing. I was almost thankful for Matthias’ entrance.

“We move out,” the Crown Prince announced.

Today, we were headed toward a village near the Telpar coast—one of the areas reporting the highest frequency of monster sightings recently.

It was near a place I used to visit for vacation as a child.

“It’s a long ride. Want to ride with me?”

“Spare me your tricks.”

At my firm refusal, Lahan pouted.

Does he even feel nervous about what’s ahead?

“By the way, I sold a ton of our weapons for this expedition. Gave the palace a special rate.”

He held up three fingers.

Triple the price.

“Well, that’s good news.”

Even during wartime, the man never missed a business opportunity.

He really was something.

“His Highness approaches!”

As the Crown Prince drew closer, the soldiers quickly fell into formation.

“Everyone in good shape?”

“Yes, sir.”

“As always—flawless.”

Lahan and I responded as the Crown Prince surveyed the assembled troops.

“Let’s depart.”

With that, the horns blew.

The campaign had officially begun.

Our first mission was to clear monsters from four villages.

Starting with Telpar by the sea, then Akayel, Sirole, and finally Colonia—we moved from place to place, and every battle was a success.

The people praised the Imperial family, Mergen, and Bahel.

As demand for weapons rose and orders increased, the coffers of Mergen and Bahel steadily filled.

Of course, we spent plenty of money too—but the results were worth it.

With minimal losses, we were subjugating monsters more and more efficiently.

Crown Prince Matthias, having led troops before, handled the campaign with ease.

Everything seemed to be going well.

No—everything was going perfectly.

“Looks like today’s job went smoothly too.”

The subjugation of Colonia marked the end of our first expedition.

It meant we’d finally be heading home for a while.

Instead of staying in those dreadful camps again, we set up quarters in the village for the night.

“It’s been, what, about two weeks since we left home?”

“Yes, about that.”

Considering we’d traveled through four towns, it hadn’t been that long.

It just showed how hard everyone had been working.

“Then how about a toast tonight?”

“For the past two weeks, Your Grace has thrown drinking parties with the soldiers every single night. Neither I nor the Crown Prince has joined you once.”

“Which is exactly why tonight should be different!”

Lahan raised his voice in mock frustration.

“You act like this campaign is some kind of nationwide party tour.”

“Do you have any idea how much my lively energy boosts morale? I’m telling you, I contribute a lot to this subjugation team.”

“…Well, I suppose that kind of contribution does count.”

He nodded proudly.

“The whole village feels like a festival. They’re welcoming us.”

Lahan leaned against the terrace railing on the second floor, looking out.

He was right.

Outside, music filled the streets. It was as festive as any holiday.

“They’re grateful. We came to protect them.”

“Isn’t this the reward for doing something good? If you turn me down again, I’ll just go convince the Crown Prince.”

“His Highness said he’s feeling under the weather tonight.”

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