The moment the meeting ended, word spread through the Zenin estate faster than fire through dry grass. Servants whispered in hallways, clan members spoke of it with pride, and the elders practically looked ready to celebrate already, as if sending a fourteen-year-old heir to fight a Special Grade curse was some brilliant strategic move instead of borderline insanity.
By the time I returned to my room, I already knew who would be waiting for me.
The door slid open before I even touched it.
"Maki—Mai—"
I didn't even get to finish.
Both of them were standing there, and from the look on their faces, I immediately knew this wasn't going to be a peaceful conversation. Maki's fists were clenched so tightly her knuckles had gone white, while Mai's eyes were already red, like she had either been crying or was about two seconds away from doing so.
"Tell me it's not true," Maki said, her voice low and sharp. "Tell me those old idiots aren't actually sending you to fight a special grade."
I let out a small sigh and stepped into the room. "Unfortunately, they are."
Mai took a step forward immediately. "And you agreed?!" she shouted, her voice cracking halfway through. "Are you stupid?! You're still injured!"
I looked down at my bandaged arms and shoulders. The pain had lessened over the week, but they weren't wrong. My body wasn't at one hundred percent yet. Still, I had the Reverse Cursed Technique now. Even if I couldn't fully spam it yet, recovery wasn't the issue anymore.
"I'm not fighting it tomorrow," I said calmly as I sat down near the edge of the bed. "I only need to fight after I'm fully healed. The clan is assigning a jujutsu healer to speed up the process."
"That's not the point!" Maki snapped as she marched up to me. "Special grade means death! I don't care if you're healed or not. Going alone is suicidal."
Mai nodded aggressively. "That's why we're coming too."
I looked at both of them. "No."
The word came out flat. It was firm and absolute, unlike the tone I usually use.
For a second, neither of them moved, like they were trying to process what I had just said. Then Maki's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"What?"
"I said no."
Mai stepped closer. "You can't decide that by yourself."
"Yes, I can."
Maki grabbed my sleeve. "Then we'll follow you anyway."
I slowly stood up, towering just slightly over both of them now thanks to the recent growth spurt my body seemed determined to have. Then I looked directly into both their eyes.
"No."
This time, I put cursed energy behind my voice, not enough to hurt them, just enough to make the air feel heavier to pressure them. The room went silent and Both of them froze in the pressure.
Then… their faces crumbled.
Damn it.
The first tear rolled down Mai's cheek, and then another. Maki's lower lip started trembling, and before I knew it, both of them were crying.
I immediately regretted using that tone.
"…Ah, crap."
I sighed and crouched down to their level before gently patting both of their heads. Maki tried to turn away stubbornly but didn't stop me. Mai outright grabbed my sleeve and buried her face into my shoulder.
"Idiot…" Mai mumbled between sniffles. "You always do stupid things."
Maki wiped her eyes aggressively, clearly annoyed at herself for crying. "You almost died against a grade one. And now special grade?"
I stayed silent for a moment before speaking honestly.
"I know."
That made both of them pause. I gently continued stroking their hair as I spoke. "I know it's dangerous. I know I might lose. I know this isn't smart."
"Then don't go," Mai whispered.
I smiled faintly. "If I refuse, the clan will just send someone else… or force me later anyway. At least if I prepare properly, my odds are better."
Neither of them answered. So I gave them the part that would calm them down. "And I'm not going alone."
That got their attention immediately.
Maki looked up first. "What do you mean?"
"I'm hiring Mei Mei."
Both of them blinked.
"Mei Mei?" Mai asked.
I nodded. "She's Grade One. Even though she is greedy, she is one of the experienced sorcerers in this society, and if I pay enough, she'll make sure I come back alive."
A small laugh escaped Maki despite herself.
"That's… weirdly convincing."
"It's Mei Mei," I said with a shrug. "Give her some change and I got myself a bodyguard."
Mai sniffled before tightening her grip on hume of dress"…You better come back."
Maki nodded firmly, eyes still red. "Or we'll kill you ourselves."
I smiled and patted both their heads again.
"Fair enough. But you need to call me 'brother' then."
"No" ✕2
Damn it.
~~~
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