Rika's POV
I arrived at the mansion.
The maids immediately bowed.
I stepped out of the car and handed my bag to Aunt Ming.
Aunt Ming: "Young Miss, welcome back."
She bowed politely and took my bag.
I gave her a short nod, fixing my uniform as I glanced toward the door.
Rika: "Are they inside?"
Aunt Ming: "Yes, Young Miss. They're waiting for you."
I sighed and nodded before stepping in.
Inside, my father sat smirking, while my mother sipped tea like she always does—calm, controlled, cold.
I bowed out of respect.
Rika: "Good afternoon, Father. Mother. Sorry for being late."
My voice was flat. My face unreadable.
Father looked at me proudly, leaning into the sofa.
Father: "You really are perfect."
Mother gave a knowing smirk and gently placed her teacup on the table.
Mother: "Of course she is. More responsible than that traitor ever was."
Father: (chuckling) "Yeah. But don't bother thinking about him. Our Rika here is the real heir—unlike that trash. So don't waste your thoughts on useless things."
I kept my head low, clenching my jaw. But I didn't show it.
I lifted my head again, cold and steady.
Rika: "You summoned me, Mother?"
She nodded and slid a black envelope across the table with a finger.
Mother: "A little gift from the Crow. For you, my sweet child."
She sipped her tea again, as if this was just a casual afternoon.
I stared at the envelope for a second, then picked it up.
Father's eyes watched my every move.
Father: "That's right... Don't hesitate, my child."
He stood up and patted my shoulder with pride.
Father: "You really are my daughter. Keep making me proud."
Rika: "If that's all... please excuse me."
I bowed again and walked away, climbing the stairs to my room.
—
Inside my room, I closed the door and tossed the envelope on the nightstand without opening it.
I stripped out of my uniform and changed into my training clothes.
Then I opened the drawer filled with the weapons I often use.
Knives. Blades. Cold steel.
I reached for one—my brother Shinji's old knife. I held it for a long second.
The words from earlier echoed in my mind.
"Trash."
"Traitor."
"Useless."
That's what they always said about Shinji. But never why.
Never said what he did.
I shut my eyes and whispered softly.
Rika: "Do what we do. Don't let emotions control you."
I opened my eyes, sheathed the knife at my waist, and walked out.
---
Downstairs — Training Hall
I spotted Marlon, my cousin, leaning against the doorframe of the training hall, glaring at me.
I ignored him and reached for the door—until he spoke.
Marlon: "Oh, look who's acting high and mighty now."
I turned around slowly, my face as blank as ever.
Marlon: "Don't think too highly of yourself. If Shinji were still here, you'd just be his shadow."
I stared at him and sighed.
Rika: "Are you done?"
He gritted his teeth, then pulled out a knife and pointed it at my throat.
I didn't even blink.
Rika: "You really want to go there?"
Marlon: "You're turning into a monster. Just like them!"
I gave him a dry smirk and grabbed his wrist, leaning in.
Rika: "Wanna see it?"
His expression shifted, then suddenly he slammed me against the door.
But even then, I stayed calm. Emotionless.
Marlon: "You feel nothing, huh? No shame? That's why you did that to your own brother!"
I broke free of his grip in one swift move and twisted his arm behind his back.
Rika: "What do you mean by that?"
He struggled—but before he could answer, we heard a voice.
Mother: "Hmm? Playing inside the house?"
I let go and turned as my mother stepped closer, her tone soft but mocking.
Marlon fixed his clothes and bowed.
Marlon: "Nothing, Auntie. Just making sure your heir stays sharp."
Mother: (chuckling) "No need to worry. Your cousin is ready to lead this family."
Marlon didn't reply. He walked away but deliberately bumped my shoulder on the way out.
Mother: "Still can't control his emotions. Don't mind him. He's just jealous. You're the chosen one."
Rika: "I don't waste time on him."
I turned and entered the training hall. My fists crashed into the punching bag again and again.
What did he mean?
What did I do to Shinji?
What really happened?
My hits got sharper. Harder.
Faster.
Trash. Traitor. Why?
What did he do? Or... what did I do?
Each punch landed with a heavy thud, until finally-
"That's bad, little sis. Don't let your emotions mess with your training."
My brother's voice echoed in my head. I froze.
I stepped back, panting.
The punching bag had torn open.
Sand spilled across the floor.
I looked down at my bruised hands but I didn't feel pain.
Aunt Ming rushed over with a towel, her eyes full of worry.
Aunt Ming: "Young Miss, you overdid it again."
I took the towel and wrapped it around my knuckles.
Rika: "Please clean this up."
Without another word, I left and went back upstairs.
I wiped my sweat and opened the dresser for clean clothes then paused.
My eyes caught an old photo.
Me and Shinji.
Smiling.
I reached for it and traced his face.
Rika: "What really happened, Shinji...? Why did you disappear...? And what did I do... that day?"
---