Chapter 489 You Can Be My Little Brother

“Oh…”

Rain’s eyes instantly lost their spark. Even his white hair seemed to droop, showing just how downcast he felt.

Seeing this, Tilda quietly sighed and reached out to gently poke Rain on the head. “Don’t look so disappointed, Rain. If you want, I can treat you like a little brother.

“If you’re free on any holiday–Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving–I’d love for you to come over. I could introduce you to my seniors.

“Haha, actually, I’m the youngest one in my group. If I could have a little brother like you, that would be pretty nice.”

“R–Really?”

Rain sounded like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He lifted his crimson eyes, which sparkled with stars. There was longing, hesitation, hope, and fear in his gaze. It was as if he was afraid that this rare bit of warmth would turn out to be a dream. He worried that, in the next moment, he’d be left alone again.

He was worried that he would end up like years ago, when his family had driven his loving mother, the only person who ever loved him, to her death. Besides, they also forced him to kill his dearest friend and his own brother.

If a ray of light can’t pierce the darkness, then even that light becomes part of the darkness. It’s only because we once had something that losing it hurts so much. If that’s the case… maybe it’s better never to have made any promises in the first place.

It’s far less painful to never have something than to lose it after having it. Sensing the emotions hidden in Rain’s eyes, Tilda took a deep breath. She reached out and hugged Rain like a big sister would hug her little brother.

Rain smelled clean and fresh, like the scent of sunlight. There wasn’t a hint of that nauseating scent of blood on him, even though he was the leader of an assassin guild. That was who Rain really was.

“Of course it’s true. I always keep my promises. Have I ever lied to you?

“Unless… you think I’m too lame to be your big sister and don’t want me.” She put on a dramatic pout. “If that’s the case, I’d be heartbroken, Rain.”

Tilda spoke with a steady, gentle voice. She meant every word. She even threw in a playful joke at the end to lighten the mood.

“No! Queen, I–I’d love that! As long as you don’t mind having me!” Afraid Tilda would get the wrong idea, Rain rushed to explain, stumbling over his words. His rare blush made his adorable face almost too cute to handle.

“That’s perfect! Rain, from now on, you’re officially my little brother! You’re so cute!” Tilda’s radiant smile was completely genuine. Her joy warmed Rain’s fragile, cold heart. This wasn’t fake. This warmth was real. It wasn’t a fleeting warmth that would vanish in a blink. This was real–genuine affection from the girl Rain admired.

For the first time in ages, he no longer felt like a walking corpse, lost in the darkness after his mother’s death. He wasn’t alone anymore. He finally had a real bond with someone–something worth protecting.

Rain’s eyes softened. He melted into Tilda’s warm embrace. His voice rang out, clear and strong. “That’s a promise, Queen… My sister!”

Sister…

Being her little brother sounded just fine. Even if that was all they’d ever be. As long as he could stay by Tilda’s side, that was enough. He was more than content to stay by the side of the woman who brought meaning and color to his world.

Tilda’s scent made him feel safe and at peace. It felt like a warm bubble wrapping him up, making him never want to leave. He couldn’t bear to let go of this warmth. He would rather stay lost in it for a lifetime, never waking up again.

Let me stay in this extravagant dream forever…

“I know, Rain. You never once tried to look up my background, even though we’ve gotten so close. You’ve always respected our boundaries and kept your promises.

“Now, let me properly introduce myself. I’m Tilda Jensen. I’m from Slosa, and I’m a sophomore at Orica University’s School of Computer Science.

“From now on, just call me Tilda. Rain, having such an awesome little brother like you is something I’m proud of!” Tilda ruffled Rain’s white hair. Yeah. This feeling never gets old–no matter how many times I do it. I could do this forever and never get tired of it.

“Okay! Tilda, you’re my big sister from now on!” Rain replied sweetly and obediently. A huge smile broke out across his face.