LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 5: Reunion
Susan folded her arms tightly, her stance unyielding as she watched the scene unfold. "You've got a long way to go, Master Junior. But I'll give you this much credit,you sound different today. Just don't make the mistake of thinking words alone will erase what you've done."
Junior nodded firmly, his jaw clenching as he shifted his gaze to Rebecca. His voice softened, as if he feared the weight of his own words. "I don't expect forgiveness overnight. I just… I want to start fixing things. Can you give me a chance?"
Rebecca hesitated, her eyes darting nervously toward Susan. Susan met her gaze, offering a subtle nod of reassurance. With slow, careful steps, Rebecca emerged from behind her maid, her small hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress. She stopped a few steps away from Junior, her head lowered.
"Okay," she murmured, her voice trembling but audible. "I'll listen… for now."
The room seemed to breathe again, the tension loosening its grip. Junior allowed himself a faint, sincere smile. It was tentative, like the first fragile blossom of spring, but it was something.
Rebecca's voice broke the silence again, soft and uncertain. "Hmm… Brother, would you want to have tea with me? I've always wished to have tea with you." Her eyes darted to the side, unable to meet his, and her thumbs nervously pressed against each other.
Junior's expression softened further as he looked at her. His smile grew, this time warmer, more genuine. "I would be grateful to have tea with you, Rebecca," he said, his voice steady as he began to move toward her.
Each step he took felt heavy, not with fear, but with the weight of the past. Susan, ever protective, tensed instinctively, her body ready to act if the old Junior emerged. Her eyes flicked between the siblings, her concern evident.
When Junior finally reached Rebecca, he paused. Slowly, he raised a hand toward her. The movement made Rebecca flinch, her eyes shutting tightly as her body shook. Memories of torment bubbled to the surface, and her breath hitched in fear.
But the touch that followed wasn't cruel. It was gentle, a light pat on her forehead. Junior's voice carried a surprising tenderness. "Don't worry, little sister. I'll protect you from now on, and I won't let anything happen to you or this kingdom." His smile lit up his face, a rare and unexpected sight.
Rebecca's eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking on her brother's face. For a moment, she just stared, as if searching for some hidden truth. Then, tears welled up, spilling over as she stepped forward and threw her arms around him, her cries breaking the silence.
"Brother, I've always wished for us to talk again," she sobbed, her words tumbling out between gasps for air. "I'm sorry… I didn't know what to say when your mother died. I didn't know how to help you. Please forgive me."
Susan, witnessing the heartfelt reunion, felt her own walls begin to crumble. The rigid grip she'd kept on her emotions loosened. Quietly, in her mind, she allowed a sliver of hope to take root. I hope Master Junior truly has changed… and that he can cherish his sister like he used to.
Junior stood frozen for a moment, Rebecca clinging to him as her sobs racked her small frame. He didn't know how to react,maybe because this body wasn't truly his.
The memories of his previous life as an orphan in another world, abandoned and betrayed, felt like a distant nightmare. But something about this moment, this connection, stirred an ache in his chest. Perhaps, in this life, he could find what he had always longed for.
Kneeling down to match his sister's height, Junior gently patted her head. He took a deep breath, replaying countless scenarios in his mind before finally choosing his words. "I'm back, little sister," he said softly, his voice steady and full of warmth. "Can we become close again, like we were when we were younger? I love you, little sis."
Rebecca's sobs grew louder, but they no longer carried the weight of fear. Instead, they were filled with relief, hope, and a warmth she hadn't felt in years. She clung to Junior tightly, as if holding onto a lifeline. Between her trembling breaths, she managed to speak, her voice muffled against his chest.
"I love you too, Brother," she whispered, the words raw but heartfelt.
Junior froze for a moment, her words piercing through the layers of guilt and regret that weighed on him. Slowly, a genuine smile spread across his face, softer than any he'd worn in years. He wrapped his arms around her fully, holding her close as if silently promising to never let her down again.
Rebecca had cried herself to exhaustion, her small frame leaning heavily against Junior's shoulder. The steady rhythm of her breathing soon softened into the telltale signs of sleep. Junior gazed down at her peaceful expression, her tear-streaked face now relaxed, and a gentle smile formed on his lips.
"So this is what having a little sister feels like," he thought to himself, a quiet warmth spreading in his chest. Carefully, he adjusted his hold on her, cradling her in his arms as though she were the most delicate thing in the world.
Looking up, he turned his attention to Susan, who stood a short distance away, her sharp eyes never leaving him. "Isn't she cute when she sleeps?" Junior said softly, his tone light as his fingers brushed through Rebecca's hair with a gentle, soothing motion.
"Yes, she is," Susan replied, though her voice carried a hint of reservation. Her gaze stayed fixed on Junior, her expression guarded as if she were trying to peer into the depths of his soul.
A moment of silence passed before Susan spoke again, her tone firm but measured. "Master Junior, may I ask you a question?"
Junior glanced up at her, his face calm. "Of course. You're free to ask anything."
Susan took a step closer, her brows furrowed slightly as she fixed him with a piercing stare. "Are you really Junior? And what made you decide to change?" Her words were direct, leaving no room for evasion.
The question struck Junior like a jolt, and for a moment, he felt caught off guard. His grip on Rebecca tightened slightly, his mind racing. "She's sharper than I gave her credit for." He hesitated, his thoughts swirling. Then, his eyes fell on Rebecca's sleeping face, serene and vulnerable, and a sense of purpose anchored him.
Turning back to Susan, he gave her a soft, disarming smile. "No reason, really," he said, his voice steady but light. "I just decided to move forward."
Susan studied him carefully, her expression unreadable. The simplicity of his answer left her unsatisfied, but the sincerity in his demeanor gave her pause. She crossed her arms, her gaze flicking to Rebecca before returning to Junior.
"Moving forward, huh?" she said at last, her tone neutral but thoughtful. "Well, I suppose time will tell if those words mean anything."
Junior didn't reply immediately, his attention returning to the sleeping Rebecca. He stroked her hair once more, his smile lingering. "That's all I can do," he murmured, almost to himself, before falling silent.
Susan watched him for a few more moments, her mind conflicted. There was something about him that felt different, foreign even,but also genuine. She didn't fully trust him, not yet. But as she observed the way he held Rebecca, his movements careful and full of an almost unfamiliar tenderness, she allowed herself a sliver of hope.
"I'll hold you to that, Master Junior," Susan finally said, her voice steady but softened. She walked over to where Rebecca rested, carefully scooping the sleeping girl into her arms as though cradling a delicate treasure. Rebecca stirred slightly but didn't wake, her face remaining peaceful against Susan's shoulder.
Susan turned toward Junior, pausing at the doorway. Her gaze met his, and for the first time, there was a faint glimmer of something other than suspicion in her eyes,perhaps understanding, perhaps hope. "Take care of yourself, Master Junior," she said, her tone carrying an air of quiet authority. "I'm taking Rebecca to her room."
Junior nodded, his expression calm but thoughtful. "Thank you, Susan."
Without another word, Susan stepped out of the room, her movements steady as she carried Rebecca down the corridor. The soft sound of her footsteps faded into the distance, leaving Junior alone in his room.