The Full Story of an Incomplete Divorce - Chapter 37

Linert Valentin and Lucius Valentin. The only thing similar about the two was their appearance; their relationship was far from the strong fraternal affection or bond one might expect of brothers. A single word defined their relationship: ‘indifference.’

Given that their personalities and hobbies were polar opposites, this mutual indifference could perhaps be seen as natural. However, even during their childhood, when Lucius suffered abuse and neglect close to abandonment from their parents, Linert never paid any attention to his younger brother. Naturally, Lucius never relied on such an older brother either, leading an even more isolated life.

A change came only after Charlotte entered their daily lives.

Linert did not think much of Charlotte. To him, the existence of a fiancée chosen by the family, regardless of his own wishes, was merely annoying and bothersome. So, Linert often foisted the task of dealing with Charlotte onto Lucius.

As time passed, the relationship between his fiancée and his younger brother grew noticeably closer, but Linert thought little of it. He remained unaware that the feelings blossoming between them were different from simple familiarity, and unaware of what consequences this might bring.
“The problem with women from good families is that. They put on airs, going on about family honor and such. Last time, she got incredibly angry just over a little kiss. Says she has to remain pure until marriage or something.”
“Hmm, but everyone around seems envious that you’re marrying the daughter of the Rosewood family, Linert.”
“Envious? Just thinking about spending my whole life with that haughty woman makes me yawn already. She’s bound to be boring in bed too.”
“Couldn’t you just pretend to go along with it in bed and relieve your pent-up desires with the maid servants? It’s not like you aren’t doing that already anyway.”
“Well, that’s true. If it really doesn’t work out, I suppose I’ll just have to take a mistress later.”

The sound of Linert’s voice coming from outside the window made Lucius’s hand, which had been turning a page, stop. This wasn’t the first time Linert had disparaged and humiliated Charlotte in front of his acquaintances.

To Lucius, Charlotte was more precious than anything else in the world. Though they were brothers by blood, he could not understand—no, he did not want to understand—how Linert could treat Charlotte with such disrespect instead of cherishing her.

The paper in his hand was crumpled ruthlessly. A vivid anger washed over him as he realized his own powerlessness, his inability to do anything.

If he were Charlotte’s fiancé instead of Linert.

If he were the eldest son of the Valentin family.

If it weren’t for Linert Valentin.
A twisted desire had taken root within the boy who, for the first time, had come to yearn for something.
Then came a certain day. It was a day that seemed no different from any other, except for the fact that the wedding was now just one month away.
Bored with his sparring session with a servant, Linert suddenly suggested a match to Lucius. Lucius, who normally would have refused, hesitated for a moment before accepting the real sword Linert offered him.
Around that time, for some change of heart, Lucius had begun learning swordsmanship. The real sword, which he was holding for the first time, felt completely foreign compared to the wooden practice swords he was used to. Its weight traveled up to his fingertips, and the cold, blue steel sharpened all his senses to a razor’s edge.
With the signal to begin, their swords clashed. Lucius deftly blocked Linert’s attacks while seizing opportunities to counter. For someone who had just started learning, he showed considerable talent.
Of course, that didn’t mean he was anywhere near Linert’s level. Had Linert been serious, he would have easily won. But Linert was careless; he made the mistake of overlooking what might be in his younger brother’s heart when he accepted the challenge.

Thud.

A sharp sword cut through the air with a fierce speed and pierced his heart. It all happened in an instant. All Lucius remembered was a fleeting moment, a flash of sudden hatred so intense it was nearly murderous intent.