"Yeah, I'm doing all right. I can't say everything is perfect, but the professors are going out of their way to look after me."
"Well, that’s a relief... but I'm sorry. This is all because of me."
"There’s no need for you to apologize, Big Brother. If it weren't for your heroics, none of us would even be here today."
Fee offered these comforting words to his brother, who sounded both drained and dejected over the communication device.
In truth, if Yugo hadn't defeated Abyss, they wouldn't be attending classes safely now. While they were currently entangled in various troublesome situations, Fee didn't blame his brother in the slightest.
However, regardless of Fee's feelings, various factions were hatching schemes in the shadows. As an older brother, Yugo felt a deep sense of guilt for involving his younger sibling in such political maneuvering.
"Even if you say that, it must be exhausting, right? I've heard quite a bit from Professor Castle."
"Yeah... but they see me as a way to get to you. In other words, I've become your weakness. I feel more like I’m the one who should be apologizing."
Though Fee was unaware of it, there was a proverb from the world Yugo once lived in: "To shoot the rider, first shoot the horse."
Applied to their current situation, it meant that anyone hoping to ensnare Yugo would first try to win over his younger brother.
Yugo’s reputation for doting on Fee was legendary at the academy; stories of their close bond had spread far and wide. Naturally, those who wanted to corner Yugo had no intention of ignoring such valuable information. Consequently, Fee was being targeted as well, receiving recruitment offers that were every bit as aggressive as those directed at his brother.
Whether it was grown adults groveling to get into Yugo’s good graces, sending mature older sisters to try and seduce a young boy, or those who looked at Yugo’s future potential and decided they could reap the rewards by cozying up to Fee instead... he, too, was having a difficult time.
"Most of them are driven away by the professors. As for the strange advances, I think I’ve built up an immunity thanks to Ann-san... plus, Yui is keeping a close watch. She’s been a huge help."
"I'm glad to hear that... wait, no. Being like Ann isn't a 'good' thing. It might be helpful in this specific case, but it's definitely not good."
Fee giggled as he heard his brother's reaction—a mix of relief at his report followed by a self-deprecating jab. Grateful for the brother who cared so much for him, Fee spoke with sincerity.
"It’s true that things are tough right now... but I’m just so happy that everyone is finally recognizing you. Even if you aren't a member of the House of Clay anymore, you’ve earned a glory that no family name could ever provide. You are a true hero to everyone, Big Brother... especially to me."
"Fee...!"
Yugo’s voice caught in his throat, deeply moved by his brother's praise. When he had first arrived in this world, everyone had mocked him as "trash." Fee was the only one who had remained his ally.
Yugo believed he had only survived that painful period because Fee had supported him and given him the Blaster. He felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to express his gratitude to his beloved brother once more.
"That's all thanks to you. You gave me the Blaster, and you’ve stayed in my corner from the very beginning. I only worked this hard because I wanted to be the kind of proud older brother you deserved. It’s caused a lot of trouble, but... without you, I wouldn't be the man I am today. Truly, thank you, Fee."
"Big Brother..."
Tears welled in Fee's eyes as his voice, too, became choked with emotion.
The brother he respected so much was thanking him with such intensity. Overjoyed to hear that Yugo's current success and the adoration he received were credited to him, Fee responded, his voice pitching higher with a mix of excitement and embarrassment.
"I only did for you what you did for me first. When you stood up for me back at that house, you opened a new path for my life. Knowing that I’m the reason you work so hard... makes me incredibly happy."
"Heh! I'm happy to hear you say that, too. It makes me feel like all the effort was worth it."
The two brothers, bound by mutual gratitude and affection, shared a laugh over the line. Despite the chaos of becoming a celebrity hero, both were genuinely glad to be closer to the future they had dreamed of. However, Fee had picked up a piece of information that made it impossible to remain entirely optimistic.
"But Big Brother, please be careful. Things are starting to get chaotic within the House of Clay."
"Wait... really? But I was disinherited. I shouldn't have anything to do with their family feuds anymore."
"Because of what happened on the island, there are rumors that Father might revoke your disinheritance and restore you to the Seat of the Next Head of the House. The other succession candidates are already starting to scramble. They might try to move against you... so please, be on your guard."
"Ugh, are you serious...? I couldn't care less about that seat."
Yugo groaned in genuine annoyance. While the House of Clay’s current instability was technically his own fault (or rather, the fault of the original Yugo), he knew he had to handle it carefully to avoid further turmoil. Realizing the time, Fee moved to end the call.
"Well, I'll let you go for today. It’s a lot to deal with, but let’s do our best together."
"Yeah. Get some rest. If anything happens, make sure to talk to me or the others."
"I will. Goodnight, Big Brother."
With that, the call ended. Though the two had shared a heartwarming moment in the midst of the storm, the crisis Fee feared was already looming on the horizon.