Brief
Snow dusted the rooftops of ordinary houses along the empty residential street. The faint glow of streetlamps cast long shadows across the pavement. Rose Bernstein stood there, arms crossed tightly, chin lifted in defiance. "You intend to fight the Bernstein family? Do you truly believe such a thing is possible?"
The man met her glare without flinching, fists clenched at his sides. "Even if I am powerless, I will fight. I have the strength to resist that kind of oppression!"
Rose's lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, anger flickered in her crimson eyes—then dissolved into something weary. "Listening to you... it makes getting angry feel foolish."
"That is because it is the truth." A faint, self-deprecating smile crossed his face. "The truth is usually embarrassing."
She turned away, blonde hair catching the lamplight. "This time... can you truly make my brother proud?" "Of course."
"Then..." Her voice softened, almost imperceptibly. "I will believe you. Since I am placing my faith in you—" she glanced back over her shoulder, gaze sharp as a blade, "—come and claim it, even if it costs you your life."
From the shadows between two houses, Adelheid Bernstein stepped forward. He had been waiting for his sister, listening to every word in silence.
"...Adelheid."
"You wish to face me again?" His tone was calm, almost resigned. He tilted his head slightly, studying the man before him. That guy dropped to one knee, head bowed low. "Please. I beg you."
Adelheid's expression tightened—a flicker of discomfort crossing his noble features. "Stop that. I am not angry with you."
"What?"
"Our actions as siblings have often become a source of oppression for those around us." He exhaled slowly, a white breath dissolving into the cold air. "It is we who were wrong for involving a friend in our affairs."
"No, that is not—"
"I failed as a brother. I could not stop my sister's selfishness." Adelheid's jaw set, his gaze dropping to the snow-dusted ground. "I am sorry for dragging you into this, my friend."
Rose lowered her head, fingers twisting at her dress. "I am sorry. All this time, I have spoken nothing but selfishness. I have caused you trouble, brother." Her voice wavered "I have ignored your true feelings... all this time."
Adelheid's brow lifted slightly. He had not expected such words from her lips. "...I did not think I would hear something so sensible from Rose."
"W-well, even I can reflect on my actions!" Her cheeks flushed crimson, indignant.
Adelheid turned to his friend. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "I will not hold back." He raised his blade, steel catching the lamplight. "Then... the match resumes."
"Fine by me. Hate me or not, I am ready." Steel clashed against steel in the empty street. He gritted his teeth, parrying a heavy downward strike. "...Your blows are heavier than before."
"We are not using wooden swords." Adelheid's red eyes narrowed, reading every movement. "You are gauging my range."
"So you noticed." A fierce grin split the companion's face. "I was going all out from the start. That is more interesting!"
Rose's fists clenched at her sides. "If you lose, I will not forgive you! Fight as if your life depends on it!"
The man groaned between clashes. "Rose... could you cheer in a less terrifying way?"
Adelheid's lips curved almost imperceptibly. "What a clumsy sister. Just like me..."
"Adelheid—" The guy lunged forward, "—you have no room to smile!" A sharp ring of steel. Adelheid's sword spun from his grip, landing in the snow with a muted thud. Rose's hands flew to her mouth, then shot into the air. "He did it! You defeated brother!"
Both men froze. Adelheid looked down at his empty hand, then up at that guy. A genuine smile crossed his austere features.
"Congratulations. It was magnificent."
His friend lowered his blade, breathless. "Adelheid... you did not hold back on purpose, did you?"
"It was your strength." Adelheid clasped his shoulder. "Accept it with pride."
"...Thank you." He exhaled, relief washing over him. "So... I can be with Rose now?"
Rose turned away abruptly, arms crossed once more. "A promise is a promise. I have no choice."
Adelheid shook his head, amused. "Honestly. I apologize for my stubborn sister. You will have your hands full from now on."
"Eh? Well..." The guy rubbed the back of his neck. "It is the same as always. I love Rose the way she is." Rose's ears turned pink. "O-of course! I am already a perfected human being, after all."
Adelheid smiled with a warm expression. "I am counting on you. Take care of my sister." He turned to retrieve his fallen sword.
As he bent to lift it from the snow, something caught his attention. A figure stood at the corner of the street, half-hidden in shadow, watching everything unfold.
Rose and her companion's voices grew fainter as they moved forward.
Adelheid straightened slowly, red eyes fixing on User.
His voice cut through the winter night, calm and measured. "You see ahead without a doubt, but miss what is around you."
