◈ Episode 160 Children and Adults (2)
“… … I am.”
Hearing all of Ludger’s words, Hans put on a dazed expression, then relaxed his shoulders and let out a laugh.
“Your real brother seems to really like children.”
“I mean?”
“Are you going to pretend that that is not the case? My older brother says that you shouldn’t reveal your identity, but what you do always catches people’s attention.”
It wasn’t that Hans didn’t know either.
The various moves that Rudger has shown so far sometimes seem different from his purpose.
People who would hide their identity would reveal their abilities, take on dangerous tasks, or teach important magic at will.
It was mostly when I was involved with students.
“Isn’t being a teacher just a vocation, despite being forced to? Well, it’s me, I’ve known from before that older brother cares for the children very much.”
“It’s not that I like kids. It is only my duty to do this.”
Rudger couldn’t do what he wanted to do in his previous life.
It was because his mother’s teachings and the path he wanted to take were completely different.
Even so, he did not break his stubbornness until the end, but the end was not good.
It was difficult even in the present life.
I couldn’t even imagine enjoying something in this life as much as I couldn’t achieve in my previous life.
At an age when, like other children, he should be at peace, he had to contend with death.
I’ve lived such a life
I’ve been down that road
Rudger just didn’t want anyone else to follow the same path as he did.
Hans, who knew at least some of Ludger’s past, looked at him with a pitiful gaze and said,
“… … You may not know it, but he thinks of it like a duty, and it’s great that he knows how to think of others. Because there are more people in the world who haven’t.”
“Isn’t it funny to see someone who can’t do that and settle down, relieved that he’s better than that person?”
“Still, everyone is like that.”
“okay. Everyone does it. But I don’t.”
“From my point of view, my older brother is just a teacher by nature. He probably would have gone somewhere to teach his children if he had lived without hiding his identity.”
Hans shook his head, thinking that Rudger was stubborn in this area.
Then, as if he suddenly realized something, he raised his head.
“No, but isn’t it a bit ridiculous to call the students here children?”
“What do you mean?”
“Students attending here, honestly, considering their age, there is nothing strange about being treated as adults.”
Hans’ point was valid.
The average age of students entering Seorn is 18 years old.
Considering that in this world, people over 17 are considered adults, in fact, I couldn’t just see them as children.
There were definitely students younger than that, but considering that they would be almost 20 years old after 3rd grade, it might be rude to treat them like children.
“Aren’t you younger than us though?”
“older brother. Don’t you know that there’s not much difference in age between the 5th grader and me here?”
“what? Hans, how old are you?”
At Ludger’s question, Hans let out a laugh as if it was absurd.
“Didn’t I tell you? I am 24 this year.”
“… … .”
Rudgar widened his eyes as if he was shocked for the first time.
“Oh, is it real?”
“No, why are you so surprised? older brother. Do you know that the expression on his face right now is like someone who has seen the invisible?”
“No, I just… … hmm.”
“Don’t apologize.”
“sorry.”
“Don’t apologize!”
Rudger stared at Hans with a pitiful gaze.
To be honest, when I saw Hans, I thought he was in his mid-30s, even if he wasn’t in his 40s.
but younger than you
‘Come to think of it, I’ve been calling him hyung-nim, hyung-nim ever since we first met.’
At that time, I thought he was just stronger than himself, so I thought he was calling me older brother out of courtesy.
If you live on this floor, regardless of age, you will divide your brothers and sisters according to your skills.
I thought it was like that, but I never thought I’d call you hyungnim because I was really young.
Ludger comforted Hans.
“I understand. If a person lives a rough life, he may lose a lot.”
“Did you know that when you say that, you get even more heated? Even though I didn’t eat it!”
In hindsight, it was.
Rudger lived 10 times more harshly than Hans, but there was a big difference in appearance.
From Hans’ point of view, it was just a shame and he felt like dying.
It’s normal for Rudger to be a coffin when he’s old enough, but that person still has good skin and has a beautiful face.
Did I mention that noble ladies diligently take care of their skin to prevent the passage of time?
Hans was acutely aware of how meaningless those words were.
‘What is the importance of management? After all, it’s all innate.’
A person with strong human nature does not grow old easily even when he or she goes through hardships.
That the world was full of such unfair absurdities.
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Hans couldn’t help but groan inwardly.
“Hans. More than that, is things going well outside?”
“It wasn’t because I wanted to grow old like this… … What did you just say?”
Hans, mumbling to himself, realized belatedly that Ludger had called him.
“I asked if things were going well outside.”
“ah. That’s pretty straightforward. First of all, the magazine is getting more and more popular now, so the prospects are bright, and the musical also held its first demonstration, and the response was enthusiastic.”
that day.
Rudger planted several seeds in a dark, damp back alley where people don’t go looking.
The seed of possibility that is not yet in this world, but will inevitably come out someday.
Circus, which was mainly a circus, drew a good response from people after a successful first performance through a musical.
The magazine business run by Old Kids was progressing smoothly and gradually recording a large number of copies sold.
“What about the others?”
“With the ladies of the black rose at the forefront, they renovated an entire street and turned it into a street for artists. The trash and filth were removed and the whole building was overturned.”
“I’m glad it looks smooth.”
“The only thing to be careful of is that other commercial districts, which were closely watching our movements, started checking us.”
At first, people in the surrounding commercial districts were busy snoring at the actions of the lower classes in the back alleys.
I thought that if they tried to do something, it would end up wasting money and time.
But it didn’t take long for the sneer on their faces to turn to anxiety.
The business of the poor, which they had ignored, began to expand with unusual momentum, and they felt a sense of crisis.
Magazines quickly sold out and started to gain popularity, and musicals that were ridiculed for failure hit the jackpot from the first performance.
It was clear that the fashion street that would be opened later would be successful if it continued as it is.
“They are trying to keep us in check by giving back money to the city and the police. Anything is fine, so I’m sure you’ll just ask me to shake it off.”
“Did you respond well?”
“Of course. Because I expected it to be like this from the beginning. When I showed her the permit, she kept her mouth shut. It was a good idea to spend a lot of money and lobby in advance.”
Just, Hans continued.
“Looking at how quiet it has been since then, it seems like they’re plotting something more. They’re not the kind of people who can stay still with just one stab.”
“Just in case, warn others to be careful.”
“You know. Ah, brother. And finally, this one.”
Hans took out a bottle of bright red reagent from his pocket and handed it to Rudger.
Rudger accepted it naturally.
No one around noticed the secret exchange.
“This.”
“About the medicine that older brother brought during the werewolf incident. The analysis is complete.”
An experimental drug obtained after wiping out all the underground factories of the Shamsus School during the Werewolf Incident.
This drug, which turns humans into monsters even when diluted and administered in small doses, was the product of the collaboration between the Black Dawn and the Shamsus School.
“Bella Luna had a hard time recognizing her. Anyway, in the end, it was successful.”
“What is the result of the analysis?”
“Among the magic reagents with all kinds of black magic, there was one that stood out. They used a narcotic hallucinogen derived from the peluma plant.”
Peluma is a herb that has been used medicinally in the past because of its strong analgesic properties.
Nowadays, it is a material that is virtually banned due to its high toxicity and high risk due to its hallucinogenic effect.
“As you know, this Feluma has a famous feature known to those who know it.”
“The place to grow is very limited.”
“Right. And there is only one place in the Exsilion Empire where you can collect this Feluma. A forest of thorns adjacent to the city of Baltanung. It is a plant that only grows there.”
Baltanung was a nearby town adjoining Ledervelk.
Rudger nodded.
“If you investigate there, you’ll be able to catch the tail of a secret branch of the Black Dawn. If you’re lucky, you might find something like a hidden base nearby.”
“Once the current project settles into a stable zone, then I will go check it out.”
“okay. It’s not a busy job.”
Above all, the urgent fire that had to be extinguished immediately was nearby.
“I heard that you have found out the identity of First Order Esmeralda.”
“okay. I figured it out. I didn’t mean to, but I mean.”
“I have to ask how you feel, but looking at your brother’s expression, don’t you think it’s a very pleasant thing?”
Rudger nodded.
Hans and Rudgar stood side by side, staring at the children chattering and playing with the mini golems.
In that state, Ludger told Hans the truth he had found out.
Everything about Esmeralda’s identity and how she came to be.
“her.”
After hearing the whole story, Hans let out a sigh.
“I can’t believe I’ve been hiding my identity in that way. Aren’t you glad you found out now?”
“Because it is better to know than not to know.”
“So, how is your brother?”
“What do you think?”
“I was asking if you were prepared.”
Even at Hans’ point, Ludger couldn’t answer hastily.
“… … older brother. I’m asking just in case, are you seriously thinking about it?”
“… … .”
“Whoa. I fully understand your position. wouldn’t mind I might have to kill a fellow teacher I’ve been friends with.”
Turning his head, Hans caught sight of a peaceful festival.
Seeing the people happily enjoying the festival under the light, Hans looked up at the sky.
The sky was f*cking sunny, as if they didn’t notice their situation.
“You know, though. Otherwise, my brother could die.”
“yes.”
“Innocent victims always have to come out. Of course, I’m not trying to justify that. It’s a pity. But your brother has been through it too. Even if we are careful about cancer, there will be victims.”
And even if you struggle, you can’t save everyone.
At Hans’ words, scenes from the past were overlaid on Ludger’s retinas.
I could see a boy bleeding to death beneath the children playing.
He slowly approached and raised the boy’s upper body with both hands.
The boy’s lifeless body was as cold as ice.
– Mr. Moriarty. My brother, please.
After saying that, the child closed his eyes.
The dream of believing in oneself and following oneself and becoming a great scholar one day was blown away by the wind.
Only red blood, which proved that he was once alive, was dripping from his hands.
“older brother?”
Hans’ voice called Rudger to reality.
Rudger looked at his hands. His hands were not red, and his blood was not on them.
“older brother. Are you okay?”
“… … okay.”
“Anyway, what I mean is this. If it’s something you have to do, don’t hesitate. You know my brother. Like the unwritten rules of the people living on this floor.”
“We live in a world of violence, and we always have this in mind.”
“It’s bittersweet, but that’s the reality. kill or die Then I have no choice but to kill him.”
Hans was about to say something to Ludger.
Although this nobleman always looked strong on the outside, he was actually more sensitive than anyone else.
He is a man who behaves like a human butcher when dealing with bad guys, but cares too much about innocent people.
‘what. All the members of our organization, including me, see the human side of him and follow him.’
Still, watching Rudger fall into trouble just like that, it wasn’t comfortable either.
Hans gave him words of encouragement to cheer him up.
“haha! What are you afraid of? Anyway, brother, you’ll do just as well as you’ve always done!”
Was it too much to be excited about?
Hans punched Ludger in the shoulder with the palm of his hand.
Tapping on the shoulder is too much force.
“ah.”
The atmosphere quickly turned cold.
“… … .”
“Uh, um. I-I didn’t mean to do that, I just… … I tried to help my older brother because he seemed weak… … That’s it.”
Hans was speechless.
Rudger eventually burst out laughing at the sight of Hans, who was so frightened that he couldn’t speak properly whenever he was riding the momentum.
“Know.”
“ha ha ha. Is it too? I believed that my older brother wouldn’t take this and keep it inside!”
“Hans rather than that.”
“yes?”
“Here in Seorn, there is also a small animal sanctuary that collects endangered species. Why don’t you stop by there?”
At those words, Hans broke out in a cold sweat.
It’s a bummer not to put it inside.
* * *
The third day of the festival was bright.
Rudger couldn’t do it even though it was normally time to go on patrol.
‘How did I come here?’
Tables and chairs with white tablecloths spread out in a spacious outdoor area.
A dinner full of tables.
Even people of noble status sharing a drink here and there.
The place he was at was an outdoor banquet hall where only those with permission could enter during the festival.
“Heh heh heh. Drinking from daytime is also good.”
Heyback Kadatushan chuckled beside Rudgar.
‘And why does this person keep clinging to me?’
This is why I don’t like festivals very much.
