Mobuseka:Leon's Adventure

Returning home on his airship, Leon made several stops to buy gifts for Colin. He wanted to make up for not being able to spend time with his brother. These small tokens might cheer Colin up, especially as an apology. On the way, Leon thought about what they could do together, since he had promised to play something fun or engage in a shared activity as soon as he returned from the capital. To find the best solution, he decided to share his thoughts with Luxion.

After a few minutes of discussion, Luxion unexpectedly suggested:

"How about conquering a dungeon? After all, that's the essence of life for most people in this country."

Leon paused for a moment but soon smiled and replied:

"You're right, Luxion. The founders of Holfort were adventurers, and I like your idea. Let's do it."

When Leon returned home, he was met with an unexpected surprise. In the living room, he saw his brother Nicks, who was rarely home because of his studies at the academy.

"Little brother, what are you doing here?" Leon asked as he approached him.

Nicks, noticing Leon, gave a faint smile and replied:

"I decided to take a week's break. I wanted to get away from the academy for a bit."

Leon frowned and asked for clarification:

"Did something happen?"

Nicks let out a deep sigh and then spoke with evident irritation:

"Women..." He shook his head, repeating the word as if he couldn't believe it himself. "The women at the academy are unbearable. To them, nobles from baronial families are not people but slaves. And the situation with viscounts isn't much better. From the very first day, they seemed to dislike me, and they make me do all sorts of unpleasant things."

Nicks's face remained emotionless, but his voice carried a bitterness that was hard to ignore. Luxion, hovering nearby, interjected:

"It's probably because of your brother."

Nicks nodded:

"You're right. These women think Leon is trying to dismantle the de facto matriarchy, and because of that, they treat me with disdain, as if I'm trash. However, thanks to his reputation, they don't cross the line, especially now that he's a hero. On the contrary, they've started pretending to be kind and even try to be pleasant."

Nicks let out a resigned sigh, throwing up his hands:

"They're not people but snakes. Sadists who stop acting like brutes only if you're rich or influential."

Seeing his brother's despair, Leon placed a reassuring hand on Nicks's shoulder and patted his back a few times, trying to comfort him. At that moment, an idea came to him.

"Brother..." Leon said, looking at him with a smile. "How about conquering a dungeon?"

"Conquering a dungeon?" Nicks repeated thoughtfully, glancing to the side as if weighing the suggestion. "Hmm... That doesn't sound bad."

Leon immediately broke into a satisfied grin and, patting his brother on the shoulder, enthusiastically added:

"Let's do it!"

With those words, he stood up with determination, dusting off his clothes.

"All right, let's meet tomorrow. We need to prepare. Meanwhile, I'll gather the others."

"The others?" Nicks asked in surprise, watching as Leon hurriedly walked away.

But Leon said nothing in reply, disappearing around the nearest corner.

Meanwhile, Leon headed toward Colin's room. Rushing to the door, he swung it open, and an unusual scene unfolded before him. Inside the room, his younger sister Finley was loudly scolding Colin.

"Do it!" she nearly shouted.

"But that's your responsibility," Colin replied, lowering his gaze.

Leon frowned at the argument and stepped inside.

"What's going on here?" he asked, cutting off Finley's tirade.

Both siblings immediately fell silent and turned to him in unison.

"Big brother Leon!" Colin exclaimed joyfully, running toward him and wrapping his arms around him.

"Sister wants me to do her chores, even though Mom assigned them to her," he added, hiding behind Leon.

"Tch, tattletale," Finley muttered irritably, clicking her tongue. "I was just asking him to help as a brother. Is that so wrong?" she said with a tone that suggested she thought she was in the right.

Leon let out a heavy sigh, reached out his hand, and gave his sister a flick on the head.

"Ow!" she yelped, rubbing her head. "What was that for?!"

"You know exactly why," Leon replied sternly. Then, taking Colin by the hand, he added: "If you don't start doing at least the minimal tasks Mom assigns to you, I'll tell her to make you work with the maids over the weekend."

Finley instantly turned pale. Her face showed fear as she began to apologize:

"Fine, fine, I'll do everything! I promise!"

Their mother had once made her help the maids temporarily, and Finley was determined not to endure that nightmare again.

Once Leon and Colin were away from the room, the older brother turned to the younger one:

"Remember, I promised you something?"

Colin's face immediately lit up with joy.

"Of course, I remember!" he replied, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"Then here you go," Leon said, handing him a set of adventurer's gear.

Colin accepted the gift with reverence. Though he was incredibly happy, he couldn't help but ask:

"What's this for, big brother?"

Leon smiled slightly:

"We're going to a dungeon."

Colin cried out in excitement, immediately putting on the new outfit right there in the hallway. His overflowing enthusiasm was understandable: his room was filled with books about adventurers' exploits. He loved those stories and dreamed of becoming like the heroes in his favorite tales.

Leon, watching him, couldn't hold back a laugh:

"Don't rush, Colin. You're not going without a sword."

With that, he pulled a sword from behind his back. Colin was astonished at how his older brother had managed to hide it all this time. The weapon was stunning, with a gleaming blade made of strong yet lightweight metal.

"Is this mine? Really?" Colin asked, unable to believe his eyes.

"It is," Leon confirmed, placing the sword in his brother's hands.

Colin gazed at the weapon in awe before setting it aside to give his brother a tight hug.

"Thank you!" he said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Leon ruffled his hair and smiled:

"Well, get ready. Tomorrow, we head out."