Su Han raised an eyebrow. He had not expected Lumine to ask this question at this moment, so after a brief silence, he asked in return, "You saw traces of him?"
"Mm. Because of an accident, I touched something and saw a brief image of my brother, but he was surrounded by Abyssal monsters. I really don't understand it."
If she had not seen it with her own eyes, Lumine would never have believed that her brother had any connection to the Abyss. It was precisely because it was too unbelievable that she had been uneasy for an entire day, distracted to the point she had nearly been injured several times.
Lumine did not know much about the Abyss, but after spending time in this world, she understood that the Abyss Order was a corrupt force that opposed the world itself. Their goal was to destroy it.
Su Han stood up and poured each of them a cup of tea, then said, "The answer is already very obvious. You just don't want to believe it."
Lumine clenched her fists, her emotions surging. "But he's not that kind of person! How could my brother be with the Abyss Order? He has always been good to me. He's always protected me."
"Aether is your blood relative, so it's normal that you can't accept it. But time will prove everything. Even if you refuse to believe it, the answer won't change."
"You know my brother?"
Lumine caught something wrong in his words. She had never spoken Aether's name in front of Su Han, yet he had said it directly. That meant he definitely knew her brother or had at least heard of him.
Seeing her gradually tense expression, Su Han sighed. "Since you noticed, I'll tell you what you can know for now. Just try to stay calm."
"Please say it. I will do my best."
"At first, I didn't know you were Aether's sister. I only realized after hearing your description. But from observing you, I saw that you were unaware, so I didn't mention anything. I wanted you to discover it yourself. Also, I've been hunted by your brother's subordinates this whole time. Strictly speaking, the Abyss Order is hunting me on his behalf."
Lumine's shock was written all over her face. Her brother could command the Abyss Order? How was that possible? And why would he want Su Han dead? What grudge existed between them?
Su Han paused before continuing, "As for why your brother wants me dead, the only known reason is that I can use the Golden Light Mantra. This power can fight the Abyss. That is probably the reason. As for more detailed information, I don't have it yet. You're free to suspect I'm lying, but the more you experience, the clearer the truth will become."
"No. I believe you wouldn't lie to me about something like this."
Lumine could tell. If Su Han wanted to deceive her, he would not choose this matter. She would eventually learn more about her brother, and any lie would collapse on its own.
Even so, Lumine still felt miserable. She had traveled this entire world just to find her blood relative, only to discover that he might be a villain. How was she supposed to accept that? The more she thought, the more wronged she felt, and tears began to fall.
Seeing her break down, Su Han sighed softly. He pulled her into his arms and said, "Cry if you need to. You'll feel better after. And everyone makes mistakes. Just like I wrote in my comic, knowing one's mistakes and correcting them is the greatest virtue. Even though Aether can command the Abyss Order, there must be some misunderstanding or trick behind it. As long as you work hard and grow stronger, you'll definitely be able to bring him back to the right path someday."
"Really? But my power is so weak. I can't even beat ordinary Abyss monsters."
Lumine raised her small tear-streaked face.
Su Han wiped her tears and encouraged her with a smile. "It's fine. I can help you. I told you already, the Golden Light Mantra can resist the Abyss. Your own power isn't afraid of the Abyss either, and after you cultivate this method, you should become even stronger."
"Mm. Thank you."
With Su Han's encouragement, Lumine finally smiled through her tears.
She had been too pessimistic earlier. After calming down, she realized Su Han was right.
No matter what Aether had become, if she grew strong enough, she could defeat the Abyss and pull him back. Even if he had to atone, they could face it together as siblings.
Su Han laughed heartily. "What is there to thank? We're friends."
Seeing his bright smile, Lumine was affected as well. Only then did she notice his arm around her waist. The moment she realized it, she felt a jolt run through her, her face turned red, and she immediately pulled away.
Seeing her reaction, Su Han quickly explained, "I— I didn't mean anything by it. You were just too sad, so I…"
"I understand. You don't have to explain."
Lumine pushed the door open and fled. Even after returning to her room, she still had not calmed down. Her heart was pounding wildly.
Because of Paimon's influence, Lumine had read many comics, but she had never understood why characters would get so flustered when they kissed or touched someone of the opposite sex.
Until now.
This kind of contact was completely different from how she interacted with her brother. It was overwhelmingly stimulating.
Only after a long time did Lumine finally settle down.
Meanwhile.
After watching Lumine run away, Su Han wore a satisfied look. Originally, he just wanted to smear Aether a bit, but he ended up with an unexpected bonus.
"At this rate, it seems I really have no choice but to call you brother-in-law, Aether."
He rested for a moment before heading to Jean's room. He had left too quickly earlier and had not checked on her condition.
Inside the room.
Lisa was sipping black tea while reading an alchemy book. When she saw Su Han return, the Rose Witch smiled. "How were things over there?"
"I made it in time. No casualties. How's Jean?"
"She woke for a moment earlier, then fell asleep again. She'll probably wake completely tonight. I suddenly remembered I have work at the library, so since you're back, help me watch her."
Seeing Lisa stand to leave, Su Han was shocked. "Wait, you mean I'm the one taking care of Jean?"
"Who else? Should I have you manage the library? If someone asked to borrow a book, could you find the right one?"
"Of course not, but I meant… she's a woman and I'm a man. Isn't it inappropriate?"
Hearing that, Lisa leaned closer and lowered her voice. "But when I lifted the blanket, Jean was completely bare. Whether you see her once or ten times, it's the same. You're not planning to pretend that didn't happen, are you? Jean has never had intimate contact with a man, you know."
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