52. Your Big Brother is My Little Brother
There was no need to think about “timing,” “position,” or anything like that. To prevent misunderstandings that hadn’t been clarified yet, the conflict between Reyti and the nobles of the Rosia Empire had already escalated, and my only choice was to stop it!
In my line of sight were mostly the middle-aged man and woman who were Reyef’s parents. Although they appeared to be surrounded by a group of ill-intentioned thugs, they showed no signs of fear or begging for mercy. Rather, what I saw in their eyes was only “endurance” and “impatience.” How could the high-ranking oligarchs of the Rosia Empire be so defenseless in their own home!? So it seemed that Reyef’s parents wanted to “investigate” something.
Then I absolutely couldn’t let this “misunderstanding” become a reality! Because I was the only one who knew how to resolve it!
“Extraski, Extranov!”
While glancing at the script, I barged into the already tense atmosphere of the hall with the loudest demeanor! Then, without bothering to explain anything, I directly exposed the true identities of this group to Reyef’s parents!
“Under the guise of ‘investigating nobles’ to extort money at the academy was one thing, but now you’ve gotten bold enough to target the families of noble children!?”
Though I said “stop,” I wasn’t lying; after all, these people were never any “officials of the Rosia Empire,” but merely a bunch of opportunistic extras taking advantage of the chaos! I hadn’t expected that after being schooled by the academy, they wouldn’t just back off, but instead, emboldened by recent events, had the audacity to shake down noble families!
Don’t make my life any harder!
Kephiel followed me into the hall, and compared to our appearance as “strangers,” the real shock for these extras was the “big truth” I had just revealed!
“You… How did you get in here!? Nonsense! We clearly represent the Rosia Empire to collect…”
“Representing your X-ed-out Russian Empire!” In a moment of desperation, I let loose a stream of colorful language, too tired to mince words. “You’re just a bunch of opportunistic Russian ghostfire youths, from the search warrants to your own IDs, all processed in that shady shop around the corner! And you think you can play the part of Russian investigators? Just because you’ve got a little insider knowledge about what’s been happening in the Russian Empire lately doesn’t mean you can fish in these murky waters.”
While I was supposedly exposing their secrets, my gaze was actually fixed on Leyef’s parents. After all, I had no expectation that this motley crew would turn over a new leaf. My goal was to make Leyef’s parents understand: Reti hadn’t sent anyone to eliminate them yet. However, this approach was a bit risky, as just when the script finally introduced the line [Leyef’s parents realize the situation], this frantic group of extras naturally turned their attention to me.
[Ogilvy was stabbed to death by the extra Skis!]
[Ogilvy was beaten to death by the extra Nov!]
In an instant, the death script predictably unfolded, likely triggered by Leyef’s parents sensing something amiss, and they pretended to be authoritative as they directed their words at me, hoping to give me a reason to make a run for it.
[Leyef’s parents urged Ogilvy to leave!]
“Are you two students from the Lubyanka Academy? This is private territory for nobles; it’s none of your business what we do here. Hurry up and leave!”
Sigh… Setting aside whether these extras would actually let me go, there was another issue…
This was very much related to me.
“Stupid brat! Who let you cause trouble here? Take them away for questioning…”
“I’ll question you with a hammer!”
After throwing out a harsh retort and flipping them the bird, the moment they charged at me in a frenzy, I… simply took a step back.
Having had my fun with the verbal sparring, it was time for the protagonist to step in and show off—what a relief!
Kephiel immediately drew her sword, positioning it squarely against the chest of the first extra—Skis. Then, as he trembled in fear, she swiftly struck him aside with the flat of her blade. The other extras, witnessing that we were actually “getting physical,” stood frozen in shock, having never seen such a scene before.
This, of course, left the only one who had dared to act against us, “Skis,” feeling utterly humiliated after a few pitiful cries!
“What are you staring at!? Just standing there like idiots!?”
Compared to his flustered rage, the other extras were much more composed, each starting to back away. “B-but this woman is someone who can even hit Leyef in the academy…”
“Then you’re scared!? Stupid brat!”
As he spoke, he seemed to lose his own confidence.
However, he clearly still had some “trump card” up his sleeve, as he chose not to flee. Instead, after cursing and with the help of his companions, he stood up, his expression dark yet smug as he glared at us.
“You’re finished! Not only do you question the identity of our Russian Empire investigators, but you even dare to strike me! Looks like you want to directly offend our big brother!?”
Here it comes! The classic “I have a big brother” routine!
Initially, I couldn’t be bothered to engage, but at this point, I was even more curious: who was protecting this bunch of useless troublemakers, stirring up discord between the Russian Empire and the nobles?
“Hey?” I leaned closer to Kephiel. “Why don’t you tell me who your big brother is? I’d love to know.”
“Hmph! You’ll be scared to death when I tell you!”
The villain puffed up his chest. “Captain Goryachov from the Bear Knights! He’s someone of status under Lord Rasputin…”
I immediately pressed my hands to my ears, activating the contract communication.
Then, after this extra Skis finished his lengthy tirade of flattery and threats, I lowered my hands. Sounds were already coming from outside, and Skis’s attitude grew even more smug!
“Hmph, let’s see if you can still dance now!?”
As he spoke, he joyfully welcomed the incoming presence. “Brother Goryachov, these two academy students are colluding with these nobles…”
[Bang!]
With a stern face, Heluxia threw a punch, and the extra actor immediately lost all breath. Following him were more real muscular men from the Russian Empire, who kicked over the remaining extras, who were already scared silly, one by one like they were small children, and swiftly took them away as if they were carrying little chicks.
As they walked away, Heluxia kept nodding and bowing in apology to me.
“Sorry, big brother. It’s my fault for not teaching properly; I can’t believe there were such rascals in the ranks. They’ll be sent to Siberia next, never to return! I apologize to the noble lords as well! We, the Russian Empire, had no knowledge of this! We will investigate and inform you later!”
Saying this, Heluxia jogged off, dragging the bystander away, and in the blink of an eye, the hall fell silent, leaving only Leyef’s parents, who stared at me in a daze.
Don’t look at me like that, uncle and aunt; haven’t you ever seen someone with connections? In fact, I am the biggest connection in the Russian Empire.
“Leyef’s father and mother.”
I reined in the irritation I had just felt from the troublesome extras, and now I could finally get to the point.
“It seems you both know a bit of the situation. We came today to inquire, as acquaintances of your daughter Leyef… where is Leyef now?”
“This… is truly a question for your daughter, for Leyti, and even for the Russian Empire.”
——
The monthly ticket lottery will be held at midnight on June 1st. I suddenly realized that May has 31 days!