It took a while to calm Ley down.
I had to explain Hela's circumstances (after receiving her permission) and the fact that I could somehow suppress her curse and stop it from affecting her surroundings.
When Ley finished listening to my explanation, she narrowed her eyes.
"I see. But you don't need to hold her hand to suppress her curse, right?"
… My dear sister, was that what you paid attention to?
And Hela, you don't need to hold my hand tighter. I won't let go.
These two together are more tiring than I expected.
Suppressing the tired sigh that wanted to escape my lips, I told Ley about my plans.
"Hela is very talented, and I should be able to help her control her curse, so I was planning to include her in our group. What do you think?"
Ley looked at me deeply before sighing.
"Another girl?"
I let out a cough of embarrassment.
"This was not my intention. She is just the most suitable, I think."
"Brother, when did you become such a womanizer."
"Pleased, just stop."
I swear, this was not my intention.
Things just happened like this.
Ley clicked her tongue and looked at Hela.
"I'm not sure, brother. Let me think first." She then stared straight into Hela's eyes.
Hela returned her gaze expressionlessly.
They stared at each other for several seconds. Somehow, I got the feeling they were talking to each other.
Eventually, Ley smiled.
"Mm, I agree."
"Are you sure?" I was surprised by her sudden change of attitude.
"Yeah. Actually, I think we are going to get along."
Hela tilted her head.
I put on an expression of confusion.
What in the hell just happened?
Well, it doesn't matter as long as the result is good.
With this, Hela's inclusion in our group should be a done deal.
I still need to ask Sylvia, but knowing her, she will surely agree.
"Welcome to our group, Hela. Let's work hard together."
Hela looked back at me and nodded.
"Mm."
Somehow, her expressionless face seemed to be smiling.
"Good. Now that we are done with that, it's time to go back to the previous matter. Hela, how long are you going to hold my brother's hand?"
"… Jealous?"
"This little..." Ley gritted her teeth and grabbed my other hand. "Brother, say something!"
I put on a helpless expression.
"Hela, can you let go now?"
"No."
"Shameless." Ley was extremely angry. She held my other hand tightly and growled, like a kitten protecting her food.
Hela, on the other hand, looked away and ignored her, still holding my hand.
As for me, I could only watch as the two of them fought while holding my hands.
In the end, none of them let go of me during the entire night.
…
Past midnight, the hospital was mostly silent.
Most of the lights had been turned off, giving the place an oppressive atmosphere.
In one of the rooms, three people were sleeping.
An auburn-haired girl was lying on the hospital bed, holding the hand of the black-haired young man seated beside the bed. On the other side of the young man, a black-haired girl was asleep while leaning her head on the boy's shoulder.
Just then, the girl on the bed opened her eyes.
"It looks like big brother finally fell asleep," Ley muttered softly before glaring at the other girl. "Stop feigning, I know you are awake."
The other girl opened her eyes and lowered her gaze.
"We need to talk, Hela."
"Mm."
"Let me ask you something. What do you think of my brother?"
"He… He is a good person."
"I know. But what I want to know is if you think of him romantically."
Hela was startled. She furrowed her brows and thought for a moment, before shaking her head.
Jane was a good person. He was someone who did not mind holding her hand despite knowing about her curse, and he was her hope amid her nightmarish life.
Her hope to escape from this curse.
But she did not think she liked him.
She barely knew him.
What was 'like' anyway? She had never experienced it.
Plus, she did not think someone as gloomy as she was worthy of someone as bright as him.
Ley stared at her deeply, as though she could understand her thoughts.
"I understand." She nodded. "I won't oppose you becoming close to my brother, but I have a condition."
"What?" Hela asked.
"Swear to me that you will be loyal to him," Ley said as her eyes shone brightly, a sign that her mental energy was being released. "Swear to me that you will never betray him. In exchange for my brother freeing you from your curse, you will dedicate your life to him."
Hela fell silent.
However, her silence did not last long.
"I swear." She said, her emotionless voice carrying a weighty determination.
Ley stared deep into her eyes before nodding.
"Remember it. If one day you betray my brother, I'll make you pay."
"Understood."
"Mm. Don't tell my brother about this. He doesn't need to know."
After seeing Hela nod, Ley closed her eyes, this time planning to sleep for real.
'With this, brother will have a capable helper.'
Ley was not sure what Jane was involved with, but she had a feeling it was dangerous.
Although she did not like the idea of her brother being close to other women, her brother could need their help.
Of course, ideally, she should be the one helping him.
However, she could not be always by his side.
Just like the two times he fell into a dungeon, or the last incident, when she lost control.
Thus, she decided it was a good idea to find trustworthy people who could support him.
Hela was a great candidate.
After the last incident, Ley's abilities had grown considerably. Now, she could use her abilities to catch some of the outermost thoughts of people.
Hela's thoughts were particularly easy to see.
Jane was Hela's hope. Right now, he was the most important person in her life.
She admired him, she needed him, so she wouldn't betray him easily.
And if she does...
As Jane's sister, Ley will make her pay.