Embers of the Holy War [BEING REVISED]

Good Apple, Bad Apple

Over the muffled chugging of the train, Guang asked, "Were you the one who shot Sui?"

"...yeah, I was." Short. Straight to the point.

A sharp inhale followed Jin's confession. Guang's lips parted, but was later pursed.

"I see."

"I thought you knew."

Guang didn't. A part of him wished he didn't, because now all he wanted to do was to punch Jin for hurting Sui, but the more rational part of him knew that it was a very reasonable thing for Jin to do in the situation. He could only rein in the fuming beast and pray he wouldn't do anything impulsive. After all, he couldn't scold Jin for wanting to protect him.

The rest of the journey was uneventful. Either they have lost the Black Lotus or they have simply chosen to not pursue them, but their journey to Rhinestone Palace was uninterrupted. Valerie was all the more happy to welcome them from returning from a successful mission. In Valerie's office, Guang stood aside, leaning against the wall as Jin handed a proud Valerie the ruby that they recovered.

"Thank you for your hard work, Jin and Mr. Long," Valerie praised from behind his desk. Gesturing for Jin to sit, he continued, "because of your efforts, there will be another peaceful day for the nation of Alca."

With the orange rays of dusk illuminating half of his face, the office and Valerie himself was washed in a warm, fuzzy glow. Even Guang who wouldn't listen to unnecessary politeness felt drawn to Valerie's gratefulness.

Awkwardly, Guang said, "You can just call me Guang."

Valerie chuckled, "Alright then, Guang. Might I ask what had happened? It seems like the mission had not been an...easy one."

When Guang noticed Valerie's troubled look at his injuries, he crossed his arms and asserted, "It's nothing serious."

However, Jin seemed to have other plans as he interrupted, "If you require a report on what has happened, I can convey it to you as detailed as I can, sir."

Why is this kid so obedient to Valerie, like a dog wagging its tail at its owner?

"Jin!" Guang hissed.

Valerie laughed. "You guys are adorable. It appears that Guang here is not very comfortable with talking about it, so let's talk about it on another occasion."

Like a soldier, Jin immediately said, "Yes, sir."

Guang was beyond perplexed by Jin's oddly agreeable behaviour. Was this even his brother?

"Now then, enough of the serious talk. After that tiring battle, you guys must be starving, yes?"

"No," Guang said flatly. However, his stomach insisted otherwise, giving a loud, audible growl. To be betrayed by his own body!

Valerie sent him a knowing smile, like a father placating his child. In a louder, yet stable voice, Valerie ordered, "Bring in the food."

Guang jumped as the large double doors behind him rumbled open. A few people trotted in, two holding a rectangular table between them and three carrying chairs. Once they set down the table and chairs in the centre of the office, a maid came in and threw a white table cloth into the air. The table cloth fluttered like angelic wings, eventually settling neatly over the table. Five butlers came in afterwards, carrying a variety of dishes and setting it on the table.

With a wave of Valerie's hands, the servants bowed and promptly left without a word.

Guang gave a whistle in awe. He felt like he had witnessed a top-tier performance. The quickness and efficiency the servants displayed had impressed him to the core. The food looked extremely appetising too. He can even see the steam wafting off the food - they must have been freshly cooked.

"Please, help yourselves," Valerie invited warmly. "I've had the chefs prepare a feast specially for you two in light of your efforts. Consider this Alca's thanks for preventing a disaster."

Guang bit his lips. No! He must stay strong and not be swayed by such trivial things! He pouted and crossed his arms, diverting his gaze away from the tantalising food.

"I don't need your thanks," Guang huffed.

Without looking at him, Jin pointed out, "Brother, there's drool running down your chin."

Guang refused to tear his gaze away from a pen on Valerie's table. "No, there isn't."

In a voice more monotonous than a robot, Jin stated, "Wow. Look. There's kung pao chicken."

Instantly, Guang whipped around, eyes alight and drooling like a baby. "Kung pao chicken?!"

As Guang enthusiastically took a seat, Jin shook his head. Despite that, a small smile still flitted onto his face. He had noticed Guang's sour mood since he had admitted to Guang that he was the one who had shot Sui. Even so, he couldn't comfort Guang, for he knew he was only going to make it worse. Even if it was because of food, he was glad that Guang returned to his normal upbeat self.

A brooding look doesn't suit you at all, brother. It's better if you smiled instead.