Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Return
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Arc is returning to Mikanda. A few days after receiving that message, a figure stood at the entrance of the first city, waiting all day for Arc.
“Minerva-sama, you don’t have to come out of the city just to greet Arc-sama. When he appears, we’ll call you, so please rest at the mansion.” (Servant)
“But he’s supposed to come over the mountain today, right? I’ve finished all my work. I’ll wait for Onii-sama here.” (Minerva)
The servants, worried about Minerva’s fatigue, tried to urge her back, but she stubbornly refused to listen. She was determined to wait here until Arc showed up.
After a few more hours, as the sun was setting and Minerva’s legs began trembling from waiting since dawn…
“Look, isn’t that him?” (Servant)
One of the maids spotted a figure at the base of the mountain.
“Oh, Minerva-sama!” (Maid)
Before the maid even finished speaking, Minerva was already riding off on her horse.
Meanwhile, Arc and Yulia, exhausted, finally descended the mountain and took a deep breath.
“We’ve finally arrived.” (Yulia)
“Honestly, every time I go beyond our territory, I have to cross this enormous mountain range. It’s beyond troublesome. Well, I’ll just have to endure it until the port in the fourth city is ready.” (Arc)
Yulia, looking toward the city, was the first to notice something. Arc noticed a little later.
“Is that… coming from over there?” (Arc)
“Minerva, huh.” (Arc)
“Onii-sama—!” (Minerva)
Hearing his sister’s voice after so long, Arc’s fatigue vanished, and he waved as he walked toward Minerva. Minerva jumped off her horse and, without slowing down, threw herself at Arc, clinging to him. With such force, Arc tumbled backward, still embracing her, and they ended up on the grass, with Minerva pinning Arc down.
“Onii-sama! Onii-sama! I’m so relieved you’re safe, so relieved!” (Minerva)
“Ah, I’m home, Minerva.” (Arc)
Minerva continued to cling to him without letting go, her face buried in his chest, her voice slightly muffled. She was likely crying, and Arc gently ruffled her hair.
“There’s no need to cry like that.” (Arc)
“No, no.” (Minerva)
Minerva pressed her head even harder against Arc’s chest, her voice now nasal.
“I was so worried about you. Taken away by that cruel Leo, you faced the entire kingdom as your enemy, fighting desperately, enduring that loneliness all on your own, didn’t you? And I couldn’t do anything as your sister, leaving you in such danger.” (Minerva)
Indeed, Minerva was the one most worried when Arc decided to confront Leo. When they were younger, there was a time when only Arc remained by Minerva’s side after Yanna and Tyr became independent. This made Arc and Minerva the closest among the siblings. Minerva always adored her older brother, following him around, and Arc cherished the younger sister who loved him so much. Their bond remains strong even now, with Minerva becoming what one might call a “severe brother complex.”
Seeing his sister cry tears of joy at his safe return, Arc felt a pang of guilt for making her worry. So, he tried to lighten the mood.
“Minerva, you kept things secure here while I was gone. It’s because of you, I could leave Mikanda with peace of mind. So, stop crying already. I’ve come all this way—won’t you welcome me back happily?” (Arc)
In truth, Minerva had done an admirable job supporting Mikanda in Arc’s absence. When Arc joined Leo’s faction, it caused a stir among university students, with some, especially from noble families, considering leaving. However, Minerva addressed the students by publishing a paper on the “neutrality of educational institutions,” officially declaring that the university was not aligned with any faction.
According to Tyr, Minerva’s paper received widespread praise from scholars and university teachers throughout the kingdom, calming the students. Preventing chaos through her own writing was something Arc could never have managed.
“So put on a smile. I’ll say it again—I’m home, Minerva.” (Arc)
At Arc’s words, Minerva lifted her face. Though her eyes were wet with tears, she was smiling brightly.
“Yes. Welcome home, Onii-sama!” (Minerva)
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