Chapter 50: A Cold Reunion in Elanmia

The sky had already darkened, yet for Elanmia, this hour marked the peak of its vibrancy.

Throngs of people surged through the commercial district, while shops, one after another, illuminated their golden lights, making the streets appear even brighter than they were in daylight.

Inside a historically renowned luxury restaurant in the city center, Wendy sat silently in her chair, her expression utterly devoid of emotion.

This establishment, accustomed to hosting only individuals of distinguished status, saw its patrons carry themselves with refined elegance and don meticulously chosen attire; in stark contrast, Wendy was simply draped in a minimalist coat.

Though her appearance seemed utterly out of place, her striking beauty and exceptional demeanor ensured that no one would dare question her suitability for such an esteemed setting.

Occasional glances fell upon her, a phenomenon Wendy had long grown accustomed to and utterly disregarded, her gaze fixed instead, chillingly, on the man seated opposite her.

Lucas Rhine.

He was the second son of the Rhine family, and Wendy’s elder brother.

He, too, possessed the family’s distinctive azure long hair, and from his features, a certain resemblance to Wendy was discernible.

However, he entirely lacked Wendy’s cool, aloof sense of detachment; his handsome face perpetually bore a gentle smile, a warmth cultivated through years of training.

While initially appearing amicable, prolonged observation would reveal a subtle, almost deliberate artificiality to it.

“It’s been a long time, little sister Wendy, perhaps over a decade now… Do you know, all of us have missed you terribly these past years.”

A hint of obsequiousness laced Lucas’s voice, yet Wendy remained utterly impervious to it.

“Let’s dispense with the superfluous pleasantries. What exactly does Father want by sending you here? You might as well just say it.”

The familial address, when uttered by her, was imbued with a coldness that rendered it akin to a stranger’s greeting.

Lucas raised an eyebrow; though rumors had reached him, his sister, it seemed, was even more unyielding than he had anticipated.

“Here is your order, please enjoy your meal.”

A waiter approached, pushing a dining cart.

With deferential grace, he uncorked a costly red wine, poured it into the crystal stemware, and presented it before them, before meticulously arranging the delicate appetizers from the cart onto the table.

“Thank you for your trouble.”

Lucas offered a gentle smile, nodded elegantly in thanks, then lifted his glass and took a sip.

The rich, mellow aroma of the wine unfurled on his palate, bringing a faint blush to his cheeks, which only made him appear more approachable.

Wendy, however, remained in her identical posture, utterly unmoved by the lavish spread before her, not even bothering to lift a hand.

“Do you remember, when we were children, we used to have snowball fights in the back garden? The two of us would team up against our eldest brother Arno, and yet he would still overpower us completely…”

Lucas chuckled softly, seemingly lost in the warmth of cherished memories.

“It truly astounds me how, in the blink of an eye, so many years have already passed.”

“Hmph…”

Wendy also let out a laugh, though it was nothing more than a cold scoff.

‘She was all too familiar with this tedious aristocratic ritual of pleasantries.’

‘First, they would ramble aimlessly, exchanging empty praises until both feigned closeness, the atmosphere gradually warming, before seizing the opportune moment to incrementally steer the conversation towards the actual agenda.’

‘She wondered how long Lucas would continue his performance before finding the right moment.’

‘But it mattered little; she had allocated ample time for today and could afford to wait patiently.’

Lucas parted his lips, as if intending to say more, but upon witnessing Wendy’s unyielding demeanor, he ultimately let out a helpless sigh.

“Very well, I’ll be direct then. Sister, come home with me.”

“Home? My home is right here in Elanmia; there’s no need for me to return.”

Lucas paused, his smile fading, and spoke with a heavy tone, “I know you were wronged back then, but so many years have passed; can’t you just let it go?

Though Father was strict, he genuinely regretted things after you left and even reflected on his actions. You’re old enough now, shouldn’t you show a little understanding?”

‘Wendy felt a surge of ironic amusement.’

‘Regret? Reflection?’

‘In what parallel universe could that possibly be true?’

“If that’s the case, why didn’t the esteemed elder come himself?”

“Father has not been feeling well recently, making it inconvenient for him to travel…”

“Inconvenient? I heard he’s about to host a grand banquet for his sixtieth birthday, quite preoccupied with preparations, wouldn’t you say?”

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Lucas’s expression.

‘The Northern Territory and Elanmia were separated by thousands of kilometers; he hadn’t expected the news to reach Wendy so swiftly.’

“Alright, Father does indeed have plans to host a banquet.” Lucas steeled himself, no longer attempting to conceal the truth.

“Sister, wouldn’t it be perfect if we seized this opportunity to return home?

You are now a professor at Arcadia Academy, an honor to our Rhine family. Father and eldest brother are both incredibly proud of you; if you were to return, everyone would undoubtedly be overjoyed…”

Confronted by Lucas’s incessant pleas, Wendy felt nothing but a profound disgust.

‘Family, honor.’

‘Upon hearing those words, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of nausea.’

“The Rhine family is abundant with talent; they hardly lack for a mere professor like me.”

“Don’t be so heartless. Even though you haven’t been home, we’ve always considered you family all these years.

Look, I traveled for two full days by airship just to see you, the journey so turbulent I barely slept… Sister, please, if only for your brother’s sake…”

“How truly arduous for you, second brother.”

Wendy cut him off, her tone chilling.

“To think you’d forgo preparing for the banquet with Father and eldest brother, and instead specifically journey to such a remote place—it truly touches my heart.”

Lucas’s smile froze on his face, his eyes gradually darkening with a somber intensity.

‘He, of course, understood the cutting sarcasm in Wendy’s words.’

‘Father had entirely groomed their eldest brother as the heir, entrusting him with all major family affairs, while he, the second brother, had been utterly excluded.’

‘This humiliation, now openly exposed by his sister, nearly caused the resentment he had long harbored within to erupt uncontrollably.’

“Wendy, you are going too far. You are a member of the Rhine family! As your elder brother, I deem it necessary to remind you not to forget the honor and dignity of our family.”

Lucas’s voice was laced with anger, the implicit menace undeniable, yet Wendy paid it no heed whatsoever.

“Now you resort to using your status as my brother to pressure me? Unfortunately, I don’t fall for such tactics.

Your concern for the family’s honor is your own affair and has nothing to do with me. I severed all ties with the Rhine family long ago.”

‘The nightmare of those years had utterly shattered Wendy’s illusions about her family, leaving not a shred of attachment behind.’

Seeing Wendy utterly unyielding and dismissive of him, Lucas finally erupted in full fury, unable to maintain his former composure, his expression twisting into a grotesque mask.

“Wendy, don’t imagine that becoming a professor at the academy makes you so extraordinary!

Without the Rhine family’s upbringing, would you be where you are today?

One must never forget their roots. You are a Rhine, and that will never change, no matter what happens!”

Wendy shook her head, realizing there was nothing left to say to her second brother.

“Please convey my regards to Father, and inform him to cease interfering in my affairs. You may leave now.”

She tossed a few banknotes onto the table and departed without a backward glance.