Yes, that's who he is—Kevin knows it very well.
As Cu Chulainn spoke with unwavering certainty, Kevin's gaze didn't waver, but his voice, casual and almost indifferent, carried a sharpness that cut through the silence: "Really? In that case, after you leave, I'll make sure to send all those who killed you to join you. Don't worry."
Cu Chulainn's smile faltered for a moment, and Scathach, who had been quietly observing, furrowed her brows.
"There may be gods among those people!" Scathach warned, her tone carrying a rare note of seriousness.
Kevin turned to her, his smile calm yet confident. "It's fine. I'll become stronger. Besides... like master, like apprentice, right?"
At first, Scathach tilted her head, not fully grasping his meaning. Then, as realization struck, her eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?!"
Her voice carried a mix of astonishment and suspicion.
It was the first time Kevin had seen Scathach so visibly shaken. Even Cu Chulainn, who was no stranger to her composure, was caught off guard.
Kevin merely smiled in response, offering no explanation. He redirected his attention to Cu Chulainn. "Do what you need to do boldly. After all... who knows? I don't have a destiny, remember?"
"...Yes." Cu Chulainn's voice was steady, his smile faint but understanding. He glanced at Scathach, whose gaze still lingered on Kevin, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "There's no point in saying more. Let's go."
In their hearts, both Kevin and Cu Chulainn knew the truth: changing destiny was not a simple feat.
The future many had foreseen, including gods themselves, seemed almost immutable. Even if Kevin's actions altered Cu Chulainn's path, forces beyond their comprehension might intervene to ensure the prophecy's fulfillment.
After all, gods themselves might step forward to enforce destiny.
Yet, while Cu Chulainn accepted this as inevitable, Kevin had made his choice as well.
Neither would persuade the other to turn away. They were brothers.
Scathach, observing their silent exchange, sighed inwardly. Her gaze lingered on Kevin's back as he walked ahead.
For years, she had suspected Kevin held secrets he kept even from her.
As someone untouched by the threads of fate, Kevin was an enigma. Neither gods nor mortals could pierce the veil surrounding his past, present, or future. Even Scathach's own efforts had yielded nothing.
Could he truly achieve what he claims? Could he surpass even me... by killing gods?
The thought lingered in her mind as she followed Kevin and Cu Chulainn. The golden sunlight bathed their figures, stretching their shadows across the earth.
The day of the banquet arrived.
King Conchieber's grand feast had been meticulously planned. Nobles adorned in their finest garments filled the castle's halls, accompanied by elegant women and gallant men, each vying to make an impression.
In addition to the invited nobles of Ulster, many rulers from neighboring kingdoms attended, drawn by the tales of the legendary "Sons of Light."
King Conchieber greeted them warmly, hosting with grandeur befitting the occasion.
From Kevin's perspective, the banquet was charmingly archaic compared to the celebrations he imagined in his "future." Yet, he found a certain appeal in its raw simplicity.
Dressed in a finely tailored outfit, Kevin stood out effortlessly. His long black braids swayed gently, accentuating his youthful yet commanding presence.
At sixteen, Kevin had shed his boyish image. Though he lacked the brute physicality of some of Ulster's warriors, his confidence and sharp gaze made him undeniably captivating.
"Mr. Kevin, may I have the honor of a dance?"
Kevin, seated in a corner of the hall, looked up at the hopeful blonde girl. Her expression brimmed with anticipation.
"No, beautiful lady," he said with a polite smile, his refusal gentle but firm.
The rejection marked the eleventh time that night.
Despite his efforts to remain inconspicuous, Kevin couldn't escape the attention drawn by his reputation.
"I can't dance," he added, his gaze shifting mischievously toward Cu Chulainn. "But my brother Cu Chulainn is an excellent partner."
Without hesitation, Kevin led the girl toward Cu Chulainn, who was already encircled by a flock of admirers.
As Kevin retreated, he smirked inwardly, curious whether Cu Chulainn could resist temptation tonight.
After all, Cu Chulainn's impending marriage to Emer was known to both of them. Any misstep tonight could reach Emer's ears, sowing chaos.
While Kevin told himself this was payback for Cu Chulainn's teasing about Scathach, he knew it wasn't entirely altruistic.
"Kevin," Scathach's voice broke through his thoughts as he returned to his seat.
Her veil concealed her expression, but her eyes glimmered with curiosity. "I don't recall ever hearing you talk about liking anyone. You're an adult now—have you never considered marriage?"
Kevin raised an eyebrow at her.
"Master," he said dryly, "would you like to dance with me instead?"
Scathach waved a hand dismissively. "No. That would draw too much attention."
Nearby, Cu Chulainn caught their exchange and shot Kevin a teasing look.
Kevin sighed in exasperation, feeling the weight of the evening settle heavier on his shoulders.
…
The banquet's atmosphere shifted abruptly as murmurs rippled through the crowd.
All eyes turned toward the entrance as Queen Maeve of Connacht stepped gracefully into the hall, accompanied by her entourage.
Her arrival silenced the room.
Connor, standing near King Conchieber, stiffened. "The Queen of Connacht? What is she doing here?"
Maeve's voice, melodic and dripping with confidence, answered before anyone could speak.
"I heard this banquet honors the Sons of Light," she said with a dazzling smile. "As children of the Sun God Ruger, it seemed only appropriate that I attend."
Her charm, almost magical in its allure, captivated the room. Even Kevin found himself momentarily dazed before shaking it off.
Scathach muttered, "Born with charm magic."
Kaisba coughed discreetly, dispelling the enchantment's effects on the crowd.
King Conchieber's expression darkened. "If this is a gesture of goodwill, you are welcome. But if it is something else..."
Before he could finish, Maeve's guards stepped forward, only to be intercepted by Connor.
Unfazed, Maeve waved them aside and strode through the hall, her gaze sweeping across the crowd.
Her eyes lingered on Cu Chulainn briefly before settling on Kevin.
She smiled, her tone bright and teasing. "I smell the scent of a good man."
Maeve's words sent ripples of confusion and unease through the room.
When her eyes met Kevin's, he frowned. "Charm magic again..."
Cu Chulainn, unaffected by her enchantment thanks to his demigod heritage, approached her.
"You want me?" he asked, amusement lacing his voice.
Maeve's smile widened. "Yes. You're a fine man. Be my warrior."
Cu Chulainn laughed, placing a hand on her head. "Grow a little older, then we'll talk."
Maeve's smile didn't falter. "You reject me?"
"You're not my type," Cu Chulainn said. He turned to Kevin. "What about you?"
"No," Kevin replied flatly.
Maeve's laughter rang out, unbothered by their rejections. "It doesn't matter. Refuse all you like. In the end, you will both belong to me."
Turning to King Conchieber, she declared, "I want these two men. And the Sacred Bull. I'll take them all."
"What if I refuse?" Conchieber's voice was cold, his patience worn thin.
Maeve's smile brightened, her tone as sweet as ever. "Then I'll destroy your kingdom and take everything myself."
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto