The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Desmond paused, settling himself on the floor and patiently waiting for Alice to regain her composure. Several minutes passed until Alice finally calmed down, her gaze meeting Desmond's. "I'm sorry about earlier, brother," she murmured, her voice tinged with remorse.

Alice realized the weight of her actions and grappled with guilt. Despite initially viewing Desmond as a devil or cold-blooded villain, her recollection of the harrowing kidnapping incident reminded her that he had been the only one there to offer help. Her perception of Desmond shifted once more, no longer seeing him as a hero but as someone who deeply cared for their family.

Drawing strength from Desmond's words, Alice gradually embraced the harsh reality before her. Her eyes locked with Desmond's, witnessing the seriousness etched upon his face.

Filled with newfound determination, Alice took tentative steps toward one of the demons. Chanting an incantation, the blood of the fallen creature coalesced into an icy sword within her grasp. She turned to Desmond, seeking his affirmation, and found him nodding in approval.

Raising the sword, Alice closed her eyes and swung it downward, slashing the demon from above. A sickening sound punctuated the moment as her face became splattered with blood. Opening her eyes, she discovered her sword lodged in the demon's mouth, unable to cleave it in half.

"Aaaah!" Alice dropped the sword, collapsing to the ground, and let out a piercing scream. The reality of having taken another's life flashed vividly through her mind.

Observing Alice, who had managed to vanquish the demon, Desmond expressed satisfaction, nodding repeatedly. 'Not bad, not bad. At least she mustered the courage to act. The first step is always the most daunting.'

Approaching Alice, Desmond gently cradled her cheek. "It's okay, sis. This is the way of the world. The weak inevitably become food for the strong." He uttered an incantation, summoning water that he used to dampen his clothes. Slowly, he tenderly wiped away the blood staining Alice's face.

Alice, still in a state of shock, instinctively enveloped Desmond in a tight embrace, her tears flowing freely.

*hiks*

*hiks*

Without uttering a single word, she sobbed while clutching Desmond tightly, seeking solace in his presence. Desmond, in turn, caressed Alice's hair, offering comfort in the midst of her emotional turmoil. "Remember, sis, from now on, don't hesitate to take a life. But always abide by the rules. If you must end someone's life, do it with utmost discretion."

Alice's cries grew louder, her anguish echoing through the alleyway. Unbeknownst to her, a slight chill permeated the air, shrouding the surroundings in an ethereal mist.

After several minutes of inconsolable sobbing, Alice gradually regained her composure. Her flushed face betrayed a hint of suspicion as she peered at Desmond. "Tell me, brother, since when?"

Amidst Alice's inquiry, Desmond chuckled. "Haha, I used to be just like you... shedding tears after my first kill." His gaze turned skyward, drifting into the depths of his memories.

Alice's confusion deepened. Since when? How long has my younger brother been accustomed to killing? How can he remain so composed now? A flurry of questions swirled within her mind, shrouding Desmond in an enigmatic aura.

Suddenly, it dawned on Alice. I see! My brother must have concealed his tears and carried this burden alone. And here I am, an oblivious elder sister who failed to offer comfort. Letting out a sigh, Alice grasped Desmond's hand firmly. "Don't worry, brother!

This time, I will protect you."

Caught off guard by Alice's resolute gaze, Desmond felt a pang of awkwardness. Why is it like this? I thought she would rely on me more.

Shaking his head, Desmond tightened his grip on Alice's hand. "Don't fret, sis. I've managed just fine all this time. It's your safety that concerns me." His gaze drifted back to the vast expanse of the cerulean sky, once again delving into the depths of his past.

Unbeknownst to Desmond, when Alice caught a glimpse of his wistful expression, her determination to protect her brother grew even stronger. Desmond shifted his gaze, meeting Alice's unwavering eyes. "So, sis, what's this important matter you wanted to discuss?"

"Ah, yes! I wanted to tell you that Mother shared a secret technique with me."

A technique? Perhaps?

"Did Mother reveal the secret she mentioned to you?"

Perplexed, Alice furrowed her brow. "What secret are you talking about? Mother merely bestowed upon me a technique... for something," she playfully teased, nearly revealing the details of the technique she had acquired.

Desmond rolled his eyes, irked by Alice's evasive behavior. "Well, sis, if you don't wish to discuss it, then don't."

Annoyance flickered within Desmond, realizing how Alice had grown increasingly elusive over the years. But what could he do when the other party refused to divulge? Interrogation was out of the question, as his love for Alice prevented such harsh measures.

This vulnerability was Desmond's Achilles' heel, a testament to his reliance on forceful methods to extract information in his former world.

Observing Desmond's waning interest, Alice concealed a silent chuckle within her heart. Just wait until the King's party, my dear brother. Then you'll see!

-Present Time-

The reason behind Alice's newfound killing aura and the subtle transformation in her demeanor became clear to Desmond. He had been taken aback by the surge of energy Alice displayed during her confrontation with Clementine.

Desmond had learned the intricate details of their conversation directly from Clementine's own lips, who even had the audacity to demand compensation if he were to visit her home. The revelation had left him astonished.

Who would have imagined that the technique bestowed upon Alice by their mother would prove to be so invaluable in every situation? Desmond understood that Alice's mastery of the technique surpassed mere showmanship. Had he not commanded the system to scan Alice's status, he might have believed that she was already nearing the pinnacle of the 1st Class.

Observing Alice as she issued orders to several servants, coordinating the transportation of goods, Desmond couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness for the years ahead. After a few minutes, the task was completed, and Alice approached Desmond with a bittersweet smile. "I'll see you at the academy, brother. I'll miss you." She enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"Take care of yourself. Remember the words I've spoken," Desmond replied with a hint of melancholy.

"Okay, goodbye, brother," she whispered, placing a gentle kiss on Desmond's cheek. With swift strides, Alice hurriedly made her way to the awaiting horse carriage. Desmond remained in a state of shock as he watched the mercenary guards approach him.

"Hello, thank you for entrusting us with this task. We'll ensure your sister's safety at all costs," one of the guards spoke, her voice imbued with confidence and professionalism.

Desmond snapped back to reality, his gaze fixed on a strikingly beautiful pink-haired woman before him. "As long as you can guarantee my sister's safety, that's all that matters." His eyes briefly scanned the other mercenaries accompanying her, noting that they were all women.

Amused by Desmond's curiosity, the pink-haired woman chuckled. "I am Veronica, the leader of the Mercenaries Steel Legion," she introduced herself, extending her arms in greeting.

After assessing each member of the mercenary group through a quick analysis, Desmond turned his attention back to Veronica and shook her hand. "Desmond."

The system initiated a scan of Veronica.

[Scanning the target...]

[Scan Complete!]

[

-Status-

Name: Veronica

Gender: Female

Age: 26

Race: Human

Class: 3rd Class Swordsman

Occupation: Leader of Mercenaries Steel Legion

Unique Energy: 9.52

Strength: 67.35

Agility: 62.35

Stamina: 1.35

Trait Effect:

Stubborn (Uncommon)

- Increases strength by 2.00.

]

Ah, she's not a Witch after all. That explains why the system was able to scan her Trait Effect. Thankfully, Weston had kept his promise. Although... Desmond had expected him to assign personal bodyguards, not an entire party of mercenaries.

Lost in thought, Desmond watched as the mercenaries and the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance. Through the carriage window, Alice appeared, waving enthusiastically at him. "Ah, silly girl."

Returning her wave, Desmond stood there, patiently waiting until they were out of sight. With a 3rd Class swordsman escorting Alice's carriage, a sense of calm washed over him. At least Alice would be safer on her journey.