Chapter 181: Ch 180: Making use of others

"Don’t give me that look, younger brother. You’ll break my heart. Here, let your elder brother help you up."

Adrian extended his hand toward Kael, and that made Kael realize that he was panting and that his legs had given out some time ago.

But he had no intention of accepting help from Adrian of all people.

"Hmm, you are just as uptight as ever. Can’t you learn to relax a little? I promise I won’t bite you...I just want to help you."

Adrian promised, but the glint of mischief in his eyes begged to differ.

Still, he had dragged Kael back to safety, so maybe he could give the elder the benefit of the doubt.

’I am the older one between the two of us mentally, so I need to act mature. Let’s take a deep breath and look at this situation rationally.’

Kael repeated these words in his mind as he forced himself back onto his feet. This time, he was able to steady himself, and the pain he had been feeling earlier also subsided.

"It looks like you are feeling much better now. We had both a doctor and a magician examine your injuries, and they both advised you not to wander around until you are fully healed. But knowing you, you wouldn’t listen to their advice. And it turns out we were right."

Adrian pointed out with a smile on his face, making Kael feel like he had been read like an open book.

So he chose not to say anything, letting Adrian continue speaking.

"Since you are in such poor condition, Father has decided that you will stay with us until he deems you well enough to venture out on your own. Until then, welcome back to the family. Now, I believe there is one person you are not familiar with. Come, I’ll introduce you to our youngest brother."

Adrian took control of the situation, refusing to give Kael any chance to get a word in—not that Kael had any intention of interrupting him anyway.

That was how Kael was dragged toward the training grounds, where he had an awkward reunion with his elder sister and his youngest brother. But the atmosphere remained awkward.

__________

"This is...our brother? Are you sure? Do you think he can even hold a sword properly? It feels like he would collapse after running a single lap. Ugh, I don’t think this weakling and I will get along."

Those were the first words Nathan Mikailias, his youngest brother, had ever said to him in both his lives.

Kael had never been close to his family before, and he only recalled seeing them once or twice during conferences. But the atmosphere between them had never eased beyond this tension.

He did not expect anything to change because of his current circumstances, and he was glad to see that he was right.

Emma, his older sister, decided to smack Nathan on the head for his rude comment, but her expression looked amused rather than annoyed.

"Don’t say such things. Kael has a delicate body and mind, and he’s currently sick as well. Let’s not burden him any more than we need to."

Emma pointed out, and Kael tried his best to keep a straight face. Otherwise, he was afraid he might punch her for those comments.

Nathan let out a sound of understanding.

"I see. So he’s physically weak? Then I’d better control my strength so I don’t hurt him."

Kael felt like he was not even part of the conversation, even though it was about him. That also made him want to hit the two of them, but he was a civilized person and would not resort to violence...just yet.

Thankfully, Adrian had some tact and stepped in as soon as he realized the jokes were getting out of hand and Kael was becoming annoyed.

cough

"Well, since Kael is here, we should celebrate. Father has told us we can hold a feast in his honor, but too many people might stress Kael out in his current condition. So let’s keep the dinner small. We can invite the family and our important vassals to reintroduce Kael to them. Many of them might have forgotten him by now."

Adrian pointed out, and everyone else nodded at his words.

"Yeah, we can do that. I have a feeling a lot of vassals would want to meet him."

Kael had no intention of playing around or socializing with his family’s vassals. But he had to admit that staying inside the barrier was making him feel much better. It was also aiding his recovery, which convinced him that this was the right thing to do.

For 1 year and 8 months, he would have to stay with his family and endure this torture. But if he did, he would be able to make a full recovery.

It was a hard pill for him to swallow, but the decision had already been made.

However, he started regretting that decision as soon as dinner began. Everyone looked at him with both curiosity and annoyance.

Some vassals looked happy to see him because they believed they could make use of him, while others looked annoyed that he was occupying a position they wanted one of their own to fill.

Kael had long grown used to political power struggles after dealing with the temple and the Noble Council. These vassals did not bother him in the slightest.

But his brother apparently found them annoying enough to interfere.

"Everyone, please direct your attention to the front. I have an important announcement to make. I’m sure you all remember Kael Mikailias, but it has been quite some time since he was last home. So allow me to reintroduce him to all of you."

Adrian’s voice was clear, and people clapped when they heard him speak. But their eyes kept drifting toward Kael, silently urging him to say something as well.

Perhaps they wanted to use him to stir up trouble within this otherwise peaceful family.

But unfortunately for them, he had no intention of giving them what they wanted.