Is That My Alter Ego

Chapter 78 – Master

Together with Kali, I arrived at the grandest mansion in the upper echelons of Espilia, the Ael Mansion.

Its size could rival that of a football field, and the elegance and dignity of the estate seemed to embody nobility itself.

‘…I’ve felt this way for a while, but is this really a home?’

The fence blocking intruders loomed high, as if it could not be scaled even by several of me standing on each other’s shoulders, and on top of that, a magical barrier was cast over it.

The guards stationed to protect the mansion stood vigilant, each in their place, scanning the surroundings without a hint of relaxation.

Even if it was a noble’s house, was there really a need for such thorough security?

“Kali. Is this the right place?”

“….Yeah.”

Kali answered, her gaze fixed on the ground, her spirit dampened. Perhaps it was the memory of that day when her sister was taken, or maybe it was simply the discomfort of being in a place that rejected her, casting only negative glances.

For some reason, Kali appeared so fragile. And a surge of anger rose within me towards Ronan Ael, the one who had created such a situation.

Yet, I must not let my emotions run wild and ruin everything. In times like this, one must remain calm and collected.

I led Kali towards the firmly closed front gate of the Ael Mansion.

“Stop. Identify yourself.”

“You cannot enter without revealing your identity.”

The guards, who had been staring at me blankly, blocked my path as I reached the front gate.

Their demeanor was chillingly cold, and if I were to disregard their warning, I felt they would pierce me with their sharp spears in an instant, their eyes as frigid as ice.

“I am Venice. I have business with the master of this mansion.”

“….Please wait a moment.”

“Yes. Understood.”

One of the guards turned briefly, retrieving something from within his cloak and muttering to himself. It resembled a communication device used by bodyguards.

“Excuse me. Are you Venice Raul?”

“Yes. That is correct.”

At the entrance of my mansion, the name ‘Raul Ga’ loomed large, etched in bold letters. Knowing it to be the name of my lineage, I answered the guard’s inquiry affirmatively.

“Please wait a moment.”

After acknowledging the guard, who treated me with a bit more courtesy, I began to wait in place.

Tremble, tremble…

Behind me, Kali’s body started to shake. Was it due to the weight of her past, the helplessness that had once bound her, or perhaps the fury she felt towards Ronan Ael?

I held tightly to Kali’s hand, gazing into her eyes.

‘It’s alright.’

“………”

A nod.

As I formed the words with my lips, her eyes widened in surprise, and she nodded in response. The tremors began to subside gradually.

The calluses on Kali’s hands spoke of her struggles, a testament to the harsh life she had been forced to endure.

It felt as if her sorrow, the sorrow of one who had no choice but to be strong, seeped into my very being. I gripped her hand even tighter.

I hoped that even a fraction of my warmth would reach her, granting her a sliver of comfort.

Moments later, from the distant grand mansion, someone emerged. The way he walked exuded arrogance; it was unmistakable—this was Ronan Ael.

At last, he stood before me, the grand gate separating us. His well-groomed blue hair and strikingly handsome features were evident.

“You called for me… I am pleased to meet you. Ronan Ael, at your service?”

“….Yes. Pleased to meet you. I am Venice.”

“Ugh…”

Though he radiated the poise of nobility, an unsettling aura clung to him. The moment I laid eyes on him, Kali’s breath quickened.

Once more, I tightened my grip on her hand, and thankfully, she began to calm.

“What brings you here… Oh. I see an unexpected guest?”

As soon as he caught sight of Kali behind me, Ronan Ael began to smile, as if intrigued. His handsome face, though striking, felt like the deceptive grin of a demon, unsettling in its charm.

I shook off the rising unease and met Ronan Ael’s gaze, speaking firmly.

“This is my friend, Kali.”

“….A friend who is a beastfolk? Ha ha… how amusing, truly amusing.”

“My friend’s sister—”

“No, no. I believe I understand what you’re trying to say. ‘Return the sister you took.’ Am I right?”

Ronan interrupted me, quickly grasping the situation, a smile spreading across his face. He seemed anything but ordinary; I had never encountered someone so perceptive.

“Ah… yes. How many gold coins did I offer back then?”

“50 gold. Is that right? I shall provide it.”

“Really… You would pay such a sum for that beast? Do you not know how many times a beast has betrayed its master? One day, the beast standing beside you will—”

“Mind your words. Kali is my dear friend. And I trust my friend.”

“………!”

A gasp of surprise escaped Kali. At the same moment, Ronan’s eyes widened, and he doubled over in laughter, clutching his belly.

“Ha… ha… ha! Oh, how amusing. Yes, I understand. Hey, bring that beast here.”

“…What? But…”

“Enough chatter. Our amusing noble lord desires it, does he not?”

“…Understood.”

Ronan spoke to the man who appeared to be his butler, and the butler hurried into the mansion.

Moments later, the butler returned, a small beast-woman cradled in his arms. Her appearance was unmistakably that of Kali’s sister.

The only differences were her long hair and the innocent sparkle in her eyes, making her a cute child.

“….Kalea!!”

“Um… sister?”

“This beast is indeed her, yes? Then… let us settle the payment.”

“50 gold… correct.”

“No. I will only take 30 gold. You have made me smile… It has been so long since I have smiled like this.”

What could she be thinking? I had expected some trickery, yet contrary to my thoughts, she had willingly brought Kali’s sister and even asked for less money.

“Kalea… Kalea…!”

“Sister….”

The grand door that had separated their bloodline swung open, and at last, the sisters embraced, tears streaming down their faces.

It was a truly touching moment, yet I could only gaze at Ronan with a lingering unease. Ronan met my gaze in return.

“Ah… what a lovely scene, isn’t it?”

“……..”

Is he mad? The very one who had obstructed their reunion speaks such words?

I glared silently at Ronan, but he merely chuckled, finding amusement in my discomfort, and turned to walk away.

“How delightful to witness such a spectacle after so long. I hope to see it again. Mr. ‘Venice Raul.'”

With that, Ronan vanished into the mansion, as if he had no lingering attachment.

“Sniff… I’m sorry, sister….”

“Sister…”

It was a hollow affair, yet it ended so simply. A feeling of unease lingered, but…

“…Hah.”

Well, good things are good, I suppose. I quietly waited for the sisters, reunited in tears.

*

“Ha… how amusing, truly amusing.”

Ronan Ail gazed at the beastkin sisters and a nobleman before entering the grand mansion.

His lips spoke of amusement, yet his expression remained a cold, unreadable mask.

“……..”

The servants, butlers, and maids of the mansion, witnessing his demeanor, all turned their heads away.

As if they had seen nothing at all. Silently resigned.

*

After the tearful reunion, Kali stood before me, hesitating, her younger sister’s hand tightly clasped in hers.

With one hand, she twirled a strand of hair, unable to meet my gaze. I waited quietly, hoping to give Kali the courage she needed.

“Um… over there…”

“Yes.”

“Th… thank you. Truly…”

“Thank you….”

The beastkin sisters expressed their gratitude to me. Seeing them like this, it struck me how much they resembled each other.

The younger sister’s name was… Kalea, was it? Her cute, innocent demeanor made me smile without realizing it.

“Ugh… ugh.”

‘Oh, please.’

“Hi… hick…!”

“It’s alright, Kalea. You can really trust that person. Your sister believes in him, right?”

“Uh… uh-huh…”

Kalea, frightened, hid behind Kali, but with Kali’s warm smile and gentle reassurances, her misunderstanding of me quickly faded.

“I’m glad. That you two could meet again.”

“It’s all… thanks to you. Really… thank you, master. I will never forget this kindness… for a lifetime.”

“I merely did what I had to do. Don’t hold it too close to your heart.”

“….Hah. You are… truly a madman. A wonderfully strange one…! Come here, master!”

Kali dashed toward me with a speed that left me no time to react, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

She seemed to embrace me lightly, but for my frail self, it was a different tale.

“Cough… cough…!”

Help… help me…!

Breath eluded me. At this rate… I would die…!

“Uh… uh?! I-I’m sorry!”

Kali jumped back in shock, releasing me. I gasped for air, my lungs finally beginning to work again as I coughed violently.

“Cough, cough… I nearly met my end.”

“I-I’m sorry… Master…”

Kali looked down at the ground, dejected, like a pet that had just received a harsh scolding.

She wore a cute expression, as if she knew she had erred, and without realizing it, mischief sparked within me.

“Oh really? You’re truly sorry?”

“Uh… yes…”

“Then call me Master just once.”

It was true that it irked me a bit that Kali, who usually didn’t even call me ‘Master’ but rather ‘Master scoundrel,’ would act so cheekily. Yet, I didn’t mind it too much; I spoke playfully.

Perhaps this would lighten the weight of responsibility she might feel because of my actions.

Of course, Kali must have known it was all in jest. She would likely brush it off with a joke, as usual…

“…Y-yes. Thank you… Master…”

“…..Huh?”

“Master… thank you…”

…What? Did I hear that wrong? I began to doubt my ears, the fear I felt in that moment almost dizzying.

Tilting my head.

“Master…?”

At that moment, Kalea, who had been watching Kali’s face turn a shade of crimson, tilted her head in confusion.

“Master…! Thank you…!”

And from that small frame, she shouted with a voice so loud it seemed impossible for such a tiny body to produce. It was a volume that could have been heard by every resident of the upper echelons of Espilia.

Ah… no.

I glanced around, anxiety swelling within me.

No, please… I hope no one heard…

-…What’s that? That person…

-Calling him Master…?

– Ugh… How disgusting.

– You made that little child… call you “Master”?

“Ah.”

When the citizens of the upper tier, passing by, were startled by Kalea’s outcry and turned to look at me, their faces twisted in disgust, I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me.

“Master! Master!”

“…Master…!”

Kali and Kalea continued to shout, seemingly oblivious to my turmoil.

Thanks to them, I came to understand the feeling of wanting to crawl into a rat hole, and I hurriedly grabbed their hands, dashing toward my home.

The gazes and whispers of those who witnessed my actions only intensified, and with tears brimming in my eyes, I could do nothing but pretend not to see.