Hm?
The first thing that appeared in his view was silky bonde hair. Hair? What the...?
It was then he finally noticed that it was someone who had snuggled into his embrace. And in the whole settlement, the only person bold enough to do so was...
"Cassie."
The girl squirmed, pretending to be asleep while holding him tightly.
"I know you're awake."
Leon's voice sounded helpless but he didn't push her away. Slowly, the girl raised her head, gazing at him with her dazzling blue eyes.
Seeing this, Leon smirked. "Aren't you being too clingy for your age?"
Cassie couldn't help but turn red with a pout on her face. However, she shook her head to compose herself, then glared at him.
"You... Anyway, I wanted to talk to you."
"Hmn, hmn. You have a good way of talking."
"Ugh. Just listen."
"Fine, fine. I've heard you."
"Why are you treating Anna specially? Don't get me wrong, I'm not jealous. However, I don't see why you're so invested in her." She paused, then adopted a skeptical expression. "Or could it be... that you like her?"
Instead of outright denying or explaining, Leon only stared at her expressionlessly. He didn't say a word, making the new adult uncomfortable under his gaze. Finally, he said.
"Do you feel it is unfair?"
"Huh?" She was caught off guard by his question, her expression faltering.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you feel like I value Anna above you?" He clarified his question.
Cassie's eyes went wide as she hurriedly shook her head. "O-of course not! I don't."
"You do."
Leon's blunt claim silenced her protest, making her gulp.
Why is brother so scary...?
The intensity in his purple eyes were unnerving, making her shrink under his gaze. Ignoring her discomfort, he continued.
"In a world like this, do you think anyone would value you above her?" His words cut at her heart mercilessly. "In skills and ability, she far surpasses you. In a world where strength is important, do you think you're any better?"
"Uh.." Her expression turned ugly from the blunt insult, still unable to believe her teasing brother had suddenly become... this.
"Cassie. Clear your foolish thoughts. Being jealous of your friend is normal. However, hiding jealousy is stupidity. Do you think because you sulk, I'll treat you better? Confronting your feelings will make you evolve beyond your past self. How can you not see this?"
Sighing in disappointment, he stood up from the bed and left the girl in the room. Cassie remained in bed, her thoughts on disarray. What Leon had said made her almost cry.
Why did he have to be so direct? Why did it hurt so much?
She didn't know, but tears streamed down her face.
...
Meanwhile, Leon stepped out of the room without a single ripple in his eyes. He believed what he said was the best for Cassie. Harboring darkness in her heart could be dangerous if left unchecked. Instead of comforting her and giving her preferential treatment, it was better to directly confront her. Although it might be a cold-hearted approach, he believed in a logical decision.
Now, only two outcomes were possible. The first was that Cassie's heart turn entirely dark while she had deep hatred for Anna in her heart. This would fuel her resolve, but make her a ticking time bomb.
The second was that her heart generated displeasure towards Anna, but she becomes unable to act on it because of her frail heart. Because of this, her entire focus would be on seeking her brother's approval, ignoring the displeasure she had towards her friend.
'The second option it is. Cassie is weak-hearted after all.'
His eyes glowed inhumanly as he took his bath and changed into comfortable clothes, then went to the living room.
Standing before the glass walls, he looked down at the construction below. The workers appeared tiny, reinforcing the thought that humans remained mediocre.
"Hmm. A few more days, perhaps a week, and they'd start appearing."
He muttered to himself, reminiscing about the first appearance of dungeons all around the world. It was an event that was both rewarding and consequential.
Unconsciously, a smile appeared on his lips as he thought about the rewards he'd reap.
....
Inside the room, Cassie heard the door open, expecting Leon to enter, probably to apologize or something.
However, it was Anna who appeared instead. Seeing her eyes swollen, Anna frowned in worry.
"Cassie. Are you alright?"
She asked hurriedly. Before strangers and even Old Pipe's group, she always acted cold. Only in the presence of Leon or Cassie would she express her true emotions.
"Yh, I'm good." Cassie nodded, though her voice quivered.
Anna held her hands and stopped her from leaving the room. Cassie averted her gaze, unable to look at her object of jealousy.
"Cassie." Anna said without smiling. "Do you remember the time you used to protect me in school?"
The question caught her off guard. She nodded weakly.
"From Victoria and her group whenever they tried bullying me."
A wistful smile appeared on her lips as she remembered those dark times for her.
"You were always so bold and strong, then. Even daring to slap Victoria back when she slapped me. I was always in awe of you then. When the apocalypse arrived, you came out of your own room to find me despite the dangers. Then you helped me with your provisions and all. Your brother even came to save us. Do you know what I thought of when I saw him?"
Cassie raised her head, curious.
"I thought, 'As expected of Cassie's brother. He's brave just like her.' Haha. It was a silly thought back then. By then, I was unable to hold back this feeling any longer."
"W-what feeling?" Cassie asked, her cheeks red. She could already guess where Anna's confe—
"Envy."
"Ah?!" Her eyes snapped wide open in shock. It wasn't a confession—at least it wasn't the kind she was expecting. She looked at her friend again, noting the girl's face was dark.
Today, she would know the true feelings of her very best friend.