Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

"What do you mean?"

"...I will tell you about that when the time comes," Adrian muttered. "Let me explain the reason for my actions that day."

"...Um..." Though curious, she chose to believe in her brother and nodded.

"Honestly, I was scared at that time. Because I didn't have any affinity, the plans I prepared crumbled. The plan to free you, remember? But your master's appearance and them taking you as her disciple changed everything but it also gave me an idea. An idea to fully free you from all those chains is known as arranged marriage or family responsibility."

"That's why I expelled you from the family and annulled the engagement between you and the crown prince, Aurelius at that moment. I thought I set you free but I now think it might have been unnecessary to annul the engagement between you and Aurelius... You like him, don't you?"

Aurelia's cheeks turned a bright shade of red, and she stuttered, "W-What are you talking about, Adrian? That's not... I mean..."

Adrian laughed, a warm and genuine sound that seemed to lighten the mood. "You look adorable when you're flustered, you know that?"

Aurelia's blush deepened, and she muttered something under her breath, avoiding his gaze. Adrian's laughter died down, but a soft smile remained on his face. "But I still think I did the right thing. At the time, who knows if Aurelius would have turned out to be a good guy or not?"

Aurelia nodded slowly, understanding his reasoning. "I understand why you did it, brother. But that doesn't explain why you didn't agree when I asked you to come with us. Why did you say those things? Why did you try to make me dislike you?"

Adrian's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Aurelia, at that time, I thought it was the best way to protect you. I thought that if you hated me, if you believed I had rejected you, it would make it easier for you to move on and embrace your new life. I wanted to give you a fresh start, free from the burdens of our family and my failure."

"But brother..." Aurelia said, her voice trembling with emotion, "You didn't have to do it! We could have faced it together. I didn't need a fresh start without you. I needed you."

"Yeah, and that's exactly why I did it." Adrian chuckled wryly. "I thought you would worry about me all the time, and I would cause trouble for you. Since I am affintyless, I thought I wouldn't be able to fit in here and protect you."

"...But, you are here, brother! And you are the strongest freshman too!" Aurelia's eyes sparkled with both confusion and pride. She couldn't understand why her brother, who had proven his strength, had doubted himself so much.

Adrian sighed, feeling the weight of his past fears and decisions. "Yes, I'm here now, and I've worked hard to become stronger. But back then, I didn't have the confidence or the power I have today. I didn't want to hold you back. But..."

"We have to confront the truth." Adrian's expression became solemn. "We both know that I can't go higher than the Nebula Tier. I can't advance to the Lunar Tier since I don't have an affinity. And I already come to terms with it. If I can't find a solution or a miracle doesn't happen, I will leave the academy after the first year. Well, I will be expelled even if I don't drop out by myself anyway."

"..." Aurelia silently listened to her brother, her fists clenched. She wanted to say something, to refute his words, but she couldn't find the right ones. Instead, she just stared at him, a mixture of determination and sorrow in her eyes.

Adrian saw the pain in his sister's gaze and sighed deeply. "Aurelia, it's okay. I've accepted my limitations. But that doesn't mean I've given up. I'm still searching for a way to surpass my current limits, and who knows? Maybe I'll find a solution."

Aurelia shook her head, her voice trembling with emotion. "Brother, you can't just give up like that! There has to be a way. We'll find it together. You're not alone in this. I won't let you go through this by yourself."

Adrian smiled gently at her fierce determination. "Thank you, Aurelia. Your support means everything to me. But right now, let's focus on the present. You have your own battles to fight, and I don't want my situation to be a burden on you."

She looked at him, her eyes shining with tears. "You're not a burden! You're my brother. We'll face everything together, just like you said."

Adrian reached out and gently ruffled her hair, a gesture that felt both nostalgic and comforting. "Alright, my crybaby little sis... We'll face it together."

Aurelia managed a small, tearful smile. "You haven't called me that in ages."

"I guess some things never change," Adrian said with a chuckle.

"..." The two looked at each and a blissful smile spread across their faces. They hugged once more, Aurelia hugging him tightly as if she didn't want to let him go.

"Hey, less tight, little sis, I am here." Adrian chuckled rubbing her head and hair.

"...Aurelia. Do you remember what our parents said when we were little?" Adrian asked, his eyes looking at the horizon.

"...They told us to always take care of each other..." Aurelia answered feeling nostalgic.

"Right... Then Mother took you away and Father took me." Adrian continued remembering those distant yet near memories.

[Adrian, there may come a time when we are not here. If that day arrives, you must promise to protect your sister. She is your family, your sibling...] Said his father

[I promise, Father,] He replied that time.

[Listen carefully, Adrian. In this world, trust is a fragile thing. Promise me that you will not trust anyone, aside from your mother and me. And even more so, never trust the Royal Family. Understood?]

He asked why and... His father replied...