Chapter 40 [Side Maia Bright] Target Of Assassination
"This fool!"
"Ah...!"
--Smack!
I was slapped across the face, rolling on the marble floor.
A moment later, the pain started to rise from my cheek.
"Don't go giving alms to beggars. I don't recall raising you to be so spineless, Maia!"
"..."
My brother, Largo Bright, looked down at me and spoke in a cold voice.
He appeared visibly angry, his usual calm facade slipping away.
During the day, I provided that man with food and clothing.
"If you have any excuses, then speak up, Maia."
"...I don't understand why you're angry, Largo-niisama."
"What...?"
I unintentionally let out my true feelings.
Angering Largo-niisama, I was slapped repeatedly.
"Maia, it seems you still lack the awareness of being born into an assassin's family."
"...I don't want to become like Largo-niisama, who kills innocent people just because born into an assassin family."
"Shut up! I won't forgive anyone who insults our family!"
The Bright family I was born into made a living by killing people for money.
Since I can remember, I've been taught combat skills for assassination, and I have memories of going through tough times.
When I was granted the job of an "Assassin" by God, my father and Largo-niisama were very happy.
They thought they had gained a valuable asset.
Even though I don't want to kill people.
Lately, I've been going to the capital city Ridale more often with Largo-niisama.
He told me to watch people carefully and see how they move.
I understood without being told that it was essentially "practice" for killing people.
But I couldn't stand it.
Instead of being tainted by the predetermined profession, I want to walk a different path.
I want to live admiring cute things like a typical girl.
And I want to be someone who can be kind to others.
Is it an impossible wish?
"You're just intoxicated with yourself. You want to believe you're a kind person by showing kindness to those weaker than you. It's just self-satisfaction."
"... "
"Listen, Maia. It's the duty of the strong to use the weak and eliminate those who can't be used. That's how it has always been. Just like how humans once eliminated the demon race and built the prosperity we have now."
"But--"
"That's enough, Largo."
It was my father who interrupted my attempt to argue against Largo-niisama's point.
"It's pointless to say more."
"However, Father,"
"Maia. There is indeed a softness within you. But I believe it's because you haven't experienced killing yet."
My father spoke with a cold gaze directed at me.
And the next words he uttered were difficult for me to accept.
"I have arranged a suitable opponent for you. If you kill one person, that softness will disappear."
"... Huh?"
Father said, taking out a piece of paper.
It was a familiar sight, a paper our family used to confirm assassination targets.
"Just to make sure, Maia, you're a girl. So, is there a way to use that to your advantage?"
"No, thanks. I can't dedicate myself to someone I haven't decided on in my heart..."
"Then there's only one thing to do. Understand?"
Saying that, Father handed me the paper with the assassination target written on it.
It meant to kill the person written there, and if I refused, as a woman, I would be used as a tool for the family...
"What kind of target is suitable for Maia to assassinate, Father?"
"You'll know when you see it."
"Oh... Let me see."
Largo-niisama took the paper from Father, looked at the face of the likely assassination target drawn there.
Then, after a moment of surprise, he opened his eyes wide and burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! This is good. Indeed, a perfect opponent to break your sweetness."
"What do you mean by that..."
Largo-niisama's handed me a paper that falls in front of me.
When I see the person drawn on it, I gasp.
"This person is..."
"That person is an exile. Therefore, no one will mourn if you kill that person."
On the paper I picked up, the person I gave food and a coat to was drawn.
"Adel Vandale. The seventh prince. Well, former prince. He was expelled from the royal family a few months ago. Furthermore, it seems that he doesn't have a Job Ability. It should be suitable for your first mission."
"Yes, exactly as you say, Father."
Even though Father and Largo-niisama are talking, I can't quite make out what they're saying.
And then...
"Kill Adel Vandale, Maia. Only then will you truly become a member of this family."
Largo-niisama's voice echoed from above me as I knelt.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)