Chapter 140 - My Uppercut for Your Sake (8) (1/2)

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“Kunpei! Wait! Where are you going? Come back, Kunpei!”

Without listening to Mom, I ran out of the apartment room barefoot.

I was hurt by the meaning of the words I had said, but my childish stubbornness got in the way and I was afraid of getting angry even though I could have just apologized.

I would get caught if I waited for the elevator, so I ran down the emergency staircase, crossed the entrance lobby, and just ran without a destination in the pouring rain.

“Aaah! Aaahhhh!”

I was shivering partly due to the freezing rain, but it was also because I was crying without caring about being seen, with regret welling up inside my chest and a sense of disappointment in myself that exceeds that.

It’s not that I don’t like her.

I love my mom.

I admired my father.

I cared about my brother more than anyone else.

The one who was most surprised by the words of rejection that came out of my mouth was, of course, me.

I was so worried that I might have hurt my mother with those words that I couldn’t stand it.

For the first time in my life, I escaped from reality. I couldn’t stay in the room like that.

So I just kept running, looking for a place to escape.

There was no such place.

My family is all I have, my family is my world.

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“… Your Highness?”

With her eyes wide open, Kayone was staring straight at Prince Atol.

It seems that she did not understand the meaning of my words and has not yet caught up with her thoughts.

Utai, who was standing next to her, closed her mouth tightly and looked at Kayone with concern.

“U-um, the interval is over?”

The minute between rounds had already passed.

The Paradise siblings were the witnesses of this duel. Nanairo-san, who was the judge referee, asked me with hesitation.

“I’m sorry, Nanairo-san. Can you wait just a little longer?”

I replied without turning around.

“Ah, I don’t mind, though?”

“Aneki, this is where you be quiet.”

“Ah, un.”

She nodded her head in agreement with Gasara and stepped back to the rope.

“I’m sorry, Gasara. I might cause you trouble.”

I looked at Gasara and saw that he had crossed his arms while holding the drumstick.

“… Well, I was afraid it wouldn’t end well. It’s just like Makio said it would be.”

“Makio?”

What did Makio, who had been asked to refrain from coming today because it would be rough, say?

“He said, ‘Kunepi-kun, doesn’t seem to think when he gets fired up, so please stop him.’ He was really spot on.”

“Guh.”

I couldn’t say anything because I felt like he saw right through me.

I mean, I’ve been told similar things by Shouhei, Aoi and Mikuma, haven’t I?

I usually try to keep my cool.

“My brother and I are standing by to make sure nothing happens to you. No one is going to complain or make you complain about how you ruined this duel that you had no choice in the first place. Do what you want. Right, Aniki?”

“Leave. it. to. me.”

Seijitsu-san nodded and spoke slowly as Gasara spoke to him.

Oh, you were awake? I thought you were asleep because you didn’t move at all.

These fluffy brothers are really dependable.

“Ah, I’m counting on you. Thanks.”

I smiled and bowed slightly.

“Don’t worry about it.”

I’m really glad you said that.

“I’m sorry, Dad. You’ve come all this way to be my second, but maybe we’ll just end up in a fist fight.”

When I looked at my father, he crossed his arms and did not look amused.

Well, that’s expected.

If it was a sport that followed rules and formality, he can understand it.

I’ve never had a fight in front of my dad, no matter how unfilial I am.

“… Is this for Jaja and Nana?”

“Uh, no. This is…”

This duel has nothing to do with Jaja and Nana. I don’t want them to be involved.

It’s going to be a very violent and barbaric reason, simply because I’m pissed off at the prince.

I don’t think I can take much more of this.

“… No. It’s because of my beliefs and my will.”

So I answered like that.

“… Okay. I’ll overlook it this time.”

He let out a deep sigh and shook his head.

I’m really sorry for being such a stupid son. One day, I’ll be the eldest son that my father can proudly show off.

Without fail.

“Kunpei-san…”

“Are you going to continue the duel?”

Aoi and Mikuma looked at me with concern.

“I’m really sorry, okay? I’m going to go teach that stupid prince a lesson.”

I wonder how many times I have to make these two look at me like this.

Aoi and Mikuma looked down, swallowing the words they were about to say.

The pain in my heart constricted my chest. But I can’t stop now.

It’s just my nature, I was born this way. Someday, you may be disgusted with me.