Chapter 235
The unexpected news stopped all work. Any postponed tasks could wait, but leaving a madman unchecked could lead to irreversible chaos.
“Did he really say that?”
“Yeah…”
“Are you sure you didn’t mishear?”
“I wish that were the case.”
I double-checked just to be sure, but my soon-to-be brother-in-law kept repeating the unwelcome answer.
I absentmindedly rubbed my temples. Rather than thinking about how this disaster came to be, it felt more like the inevitable had finally reared its ugly head.
‘This is driving me insane.’
It’s a terrible situation, but not one I could have never imagined. He’s been a hot mess since he was 17 and hit adulthood. Quite frankly, it wouldn’t have been strange if he had lost it much earlier.
Besides, didn’t I already uncover decay in his psyche come summer? I thought he’d gotten his act together, but it turns out he was going bonkers quietly out of sight.
‘What a time to be away.’
I’ve got a headache. If only I had been nearby, but of course, he had to break down when I was far away.
A malfunctioning magical instrument usually fixes itself after a solid whack or two. That’s an official emergency protocol from the Duke as well.
So if push comes to shove, maybe giving him a few good whacks could solve the problem. Healing a mental breakdown with magic and divine power is tricky, but perhaps a good ol’ physical exorcism might help.
“Keep it quiet.”
After brief contemplation, I reached a conclusion.
Suddenly, if the Minister of Finance calls in the Executive Manager, gossip would spread like wildfire. That would expose just how mad he’d become.
But I can’t just head over to the Academy right now. I’ll have to wait till after their schedule wraps up.
“Is that alright? There’s still more than ten days till the ceremony.”
“What can I do? Leaving him alone during that time could be a strategy as well.”
The prospective brother-in-law nodded, seemingly convinced, but frankly, it’s just wishful thinking.
Sure, leaving him alone could lead to recovery. He went nuts due to excessive work and a confession he never saw coming. If left alone, perhaps he could regain his sanity.
The worst-case scenario is that things worsen over time. If that’s the case, summoning him right away might be the better choice.
‘Guess it’s in the hands of fate.’
I’m worried that leaving him alone will lead to further madness, but calling him in could provoke a meltdown.
‘Damn it all.’
A sigh escaped my lips. It’s not just my friend’s plea or my brother’s wellbeing at stake; the family’s fate hangs in the balance.
But there can be no hesitation. If I flee and give up, who will face him?
“Brother.”
“What? Did you arrive already?”
I took a deep breath and opened the club room door quickly. I didn’t want to dilly-dally and lose my nerve.
“Just taking a break. I’m pretty worn out from all the running around.”
And once again, I inhaled deeply. Now, how was I supposed to carry this conversation forward?
‘Should I probe him?’
That’s too risky. I’m not savvy at probing, and besides, he’s definitely more skilled at that than I am.
‘Should I just wait it out?’
That’s also too much to ask. Didn’t Luise get fed up with waiting and ask for my help?
‘Should I be straightforward?’
…That might just be the best approach. If things are as serious as I suspect, there’s no time to beat around the bush.
“Come to think of it, Luise is worried about you.”
“Oh.”
His expression shifted with a sheepish smile at my comment.
That reaction confirmed I was headed in the right direction. There was no point in beating around the bush; this method made sense.
“What’s going on?”
As he rubbed his chin, he seemed to be calculating whether it was okay to share or not.
But his contemplation was short-lived. After a few chin rubs, he nodded and opened his mouth with a serious gaze. He was channeling all the authority of a priest delivering a sermon.
…And as his words dragged on, I began to realize why Luise pulled me into this discussion.
“Are you… losing it?”
To my surprise, my brother stiffened at my question.
Wait, what? Why is he reacting like that?
Does he expect a different response after admitting he’s gone insane?
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