Chapter 15: Celebration and Silent Conspiracy
In the afternoon, while the two families were in the hall holding a celebration, each of Kyle's siblings enjoyed conversations with the other members of the Heinz clan. Even Rush couldn't have a conversation with Kyle because he was surrounded by Gosho and other clan members. Kyle was alone in a corner of the hall, thinking about how to enter the library and said to himself: "I need to win the clan tournament that will be held a week from now, but... I have to show some of my skills and I don't want that... the only way is to get in through someone... but who?" Kyle looked at Rush. "Rush can't be that person since he's not from the clan..." He looked at Alex. "Alex is a 6th circle user and it's dangerous to mess with him..."
Suddenly, Alex stopped in front of Kyle and said, "Hey Kyle, what are you doing here alone?" Kyle was surprised and thought to himself: What's wrong with him? He never treated me like this in my past life; in fact, I only saw him once during the great war... What's going on? Kyle regained his composure and said with a smile: "I don't like socializing much with people..."
Alex observed Kyle, an eyebrow slightly arched. "You don't like socializing, huh?" Alex said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But a moment ago you were... very animated in the duel. And before that, with the Patriarch, you said you felt 'strange things'. It seems like there's a lot on your mind for someone who doesn't like socializing."
Alex sat down next to Kyle. "Besides, the Patriarch asked me to help you train. So, whether you like it or not, we're going to spend more time together." He paused, his gaze becoming a little more serious. "And that 'feeling strange things'... Are you referring to premonitions? Like what happened at dinner, with the poison."
Kyle felt a chill. "Yes, brother," Kyle replied, lowering his voice. "Premonitions. It's like... sometimes, I see a dark light when something bad is going to happen. Or a shiver. And in the clan library, aren't there books about these kinds of 'sensations' or intuitions?" He tried to sound casual, but the urgency in his voice was subtly palpable. "Perhaps if I investigate, I can understand what's happening to me. And if it can help prevent... well, bad things from happening to the family." He looked at Alex with wide, innocent eyes.
Alex became thoughtful. "The library isn't for just anyone, Kyle," Alex said, his voice softer now. "It has restricted sections. But..." He turned to look at Kyle. "If you think it will help you with what you're feeling, I can talk to Father. You could access the basic books on intuitive abilities or sensitive mana. Who knows, maybe you have a hidden talent no one expected. But I don't promise you the restricted sections; those are only for those who show great potential on the battlefield."
"Thank you, Brother Alex," Kyle said, his voice sounding genuinely grateful. "That would be a great help. Anything to protect the family."
Alex clapped him on the shoulder, something he never would have done in his past life. "Alright. I'll talk to the Patriarch tomorrow morning. For now, come, there's a special dessert they just brought. And I don't want you to be alone." He stood up, indicating for Kyle to follow. "Besides, we should talk more about your training. You have some strange tricks for a kid who 'doesn't know martial arts', huh?" A mischievous smile formed on Alex's lips.
Kyle felt a bit nervous and decided to change the subject slightly, saying with a neutral tone: "You said there's good food, so shall we go?"
Alex let out a laugh. "Well, well, so the little philosopher also has a stomach," Alex joked. "Yes, let's go. And don't worry, I won't ask you any more questions for now. Although I still think you're more than you seem, little brother."
"Well, maybe I'm tired of being sick all the time," Kyle replied, shrugging. "And about the tripping... it's just that swords are very big, you know? And my feet are small."
Alex just smiled. "Sure, sure. But seriously, if you ever need anything, or if that 'intuition' tells you something important, don't hesitate to tell me. I'm your older brother, remember? We're here to protect each other. Even the small and 'sickly' ones like you." He added a wink. They arrived at the dessert table. Alex pushed a plate towards him. "Go ahead, eat what you want. Today is a day to celebrate, don't you think? After your... impressive victory."
While Kyle was eating, he said to himself: "Mmm, what a delight! I haven't eaten sweets in a long time..." Suddenly, Rush approached and greeted Alex: "Greetings to the first heir of the Zujesh clan." Alex smiled and said: "You don't need to be so formal, you're Rush, aren't you? I saw your duel; it was impressive." Rush returned the smile: "Thank you for the compliment." Rush then greeted Kyle: "Ah, Kyle, how are you?" Alex was surprised and said: "Do you two know each other?" Kyle said nervously: "Yes, I met him this morning when we were in the main hall."
"In the main hall?" Alex inquired, his gaze alternating between Kyle and Rush. "I don't remember seeing you interact much with our guests, little one."
Rush, sensing the tension, intervened with a charming smile that seemed naive. "Yes, Sir Alex. He was alone in a corner, and I went over to say hello. We introduced ourselves. It was a very brief encounter, but Kyle seemed... interesting."
Alex frowned slightly, still not entirely convinced. "Interesting, huh? Well, Kyle has a peculiar way about him..." He looked at Kyle with a mix of amusement and persistent suspicion. "I'm glad you found someone to talk to, even briefly. It seems you're not as antisocial as you like to appear."
Suddenly, Errol, a member of the Heinz clan, approached and put his hand on Rush's shoulder and said, "Hey, brother, you'd better stay away from that bastard, he's useless." Rush was surprised to hear that and thought to himself: Bastard? They call the one who killed me in my past life a bastard...? Haha, what a joke... Kyle used a mana technique to speak with Rush telepathically; this technique required high concentration and mentality, plus a lot of mana. Kyle told Rush through his thoughts: "You see, friend, I'm a bastard." Rush was surprised and replied to Kyle through his thoughts: "Haha... I never thought you'd be treated like this, huh? Strongest man in the world... haha."
Errol, oblivious to the mental conversation, continued speaking. "Seriously, Rush, why bother with this Zujesh? He's a nobody. You should be with people of our caliber."
Rush maintained his forced smile, while telepathically replying to Kyle: "This guy is unbearable. But he's right, the 'bastard' reputation is quite effective for hiding your true power. Is it part of your plan?"
Kyle mentally responded to Rush: "More or less. I need them to underestimate me. It allows me to move more freely. Besides, your help has been crucial so far. No one would expect the 'weak' Kyle to have an ally like you."
Errol grew impatient. "Rush, are you listening to me? I'm telling you something important."
Rush blinked, turning his attention back to Errol. "Yes, yes, I hear you. I was just thinking about the very... interesting... conversation I had with Kyle a moment ago. He seems to be more than he appears." He said this last part aloud, with an enigmatic look towards Kyle.
Alex, sensing the tension, decided to intervene. "Errol, I think that's enough. The young ones are enjoying themselves. There's no need to spoil the party." Errol grumbled but withdrew, dragging Rush with him. Rush, before leaving, shot Kyle a quick, knowing glance.