I Became the Older Brother of a Villainess - Chapter 5.1
No matter how much he’s the older brother of the villainess, isn’t he not just slightly on the wrong side but completely a villain? And his profession is a sorcerer, completely fitting the role of a villain.
At best, I expected something modest and definite, like a fire mage or an ice mage. I was ruthlessly betrayed.
It looked like a decent profession, but it wasn’t something to brag about.
‘… Stepped on crap. This is practically no different from trash. The only usable thing seems to be…’
Upon closely examining the status window, there were at least several skills. Some were simple techniques that could be used like an ordinary mage without revealing the fact that he was a sorcerer.
Perhaps the original Cierra was treated as a mage because of these things. He probably didn’t want to be stamped as a complete incompetent unable to use even basic magic.
‘But how do I use this… Ah, is it this?’
When playing the game, he activated skills using various button combinations. The system still seemed to be effective. The trajectory of the body movements to activate the skill was kindly drawn on the status window.
It’s a bit confusing still, but thinking of my body as a joystick and moving might work.
“In the name of the goddess, I pray for the eternal peace of the duchess.”
While lost in my thoughts, the bishop’s lengthy sermon came to an end. The opportunity to try out a skill came faster than expected.
“Cierra Glutoni Duke. Before sending off the Duchess of Glutoni, please give your final farewell.”
Coincidentally, I found the perfect skill.
Among the skills I could use, there was one called ‘Fireworks.’ It involved drawing a small circle with both hands and then making a large bursting motion to activate the skill. Perhaps there would be an effect resembling fireworks exploding.
‘Fireworks, fireworks… Huh? It seems like I know how to use it, even though no one taught me.’
Even though no one had taught me, the results of activating the skill were vividly depicted in my mind. I could also anticipate that the size of the gesture and subtle movements would affect the outcome.
‘It’s easier than I thought!’
Am I perhaps a genius magician? What if everyone is astonished and worships me as the emperor? Maybe I can see the ending of this game sooner than I thought. …Is this why the status screen calls me arrogant?
“Bishop, thank you for giving me the time to greet my mother.”
Even though she was my mother, I stood in front of a coffin that belonged to someone other than her. The casket was open, as in a Western-style funeral. While looking at the unfamiliar woman’s body, I expressed my condolences, if only briefly. About 0.3 seconds.
‘Hmm, she’s indeed a stranger.’
I considered immersing myself in the atmosphere, but there was no special feeling. Instead of pretending to be moved, I immediately began to make a gesture. As I moved my hands, a sensation like electric shocks crawled up my body, something that couldn’t exactly be called electricity.
‘Fireworks.’
I shouted the skill name in my mind. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself by shouting it out loud.
Boom! A bright light burst out like fireworks following my hand gesture. The altar momentarily appeared white. The bishop’s bald head reflected the light, shining like the sun, and petals of sparkling white light spread in all directions.
Even to me, it was a beautiful sight, although I was the one who did it. Is it allowed for a sorcerer to use such a pretty spell?
Fireworks were not a sorcery but a simple beginner’s magic. I expected it not to be mediocre, but it exceeded my expectations. The effects were more dazzling and twinkling than I had imagined.
“…”
I turned around, leaning on the coffin, and put on a confident expression. Hearts above people’s heads were changing rapidly. Most red hearts had risen by more than one square. It seemed that I showed enough showmanship. Everyone seemed satisfied.
Unfortunately, the hearts of the royal family members remained unchanged. It’s fortunate that they didn’t get worse. It would have been okay if they did.
My mood improved considerably. It felt like I was starting something truly spectacular.
Even though I started in this world without parents, somehow, it felt good. This time, it seemed okay.
And Daria…
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Name: Daria Glutoni
Personality: Hope – Anticipates a positive future. Receives a constant increase in magical power.
Occupation: None
Characteristic: Coloring – Can decorate the world as she pleases.
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Zero hearts. It was a state where she neither liked nor disliked me. It seemed that Cierra and Daria were not very close siblings.
Nevertheless, Daria’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me. She wasn’t smiling, but somehow, I could tell. Daria’s mood had also greatly improved. Well, with those chick-like shoes on, the little feet were bouncing and swaying.
The funeral director clapped loudly once again. The people who had been bewitched followed suit. Thanks to this, the favorability of the people increased slightly.
Perhaps because they thought others liked Duke Cierra, they also found themselves feeling a bit more favorable.
It’s fascinating how easily people’s hearts can be swayed. Even in a funeral parlor like this.
***
Having observed the coffin being lowered into the tomb, I concluded the funeral. People approached me before leaving, offering greetings. Some even knelt down, shaking hands with Daria.
I checked their favorability and status screens one by one, but there was no one noteworthy, except for one.
“Alberto, I’d like to make a donation before leaving.”
“How much would you like to prepare?”
“Gold coins? Bring as much as you have, divided into two bundles of different sizes.”
After instructing the butler to collect the cash, I sought out the bishop. The bishop, bidding farewell to the people with a kind smile, was approached by me. Holding the cash discreetly, I led him to a place where the church building’s shadow could sufficiently conceal us.
