Cleaver Of Sin

Chapter 442: I Hope So Too

The sound of footsteps approaching from the side pulled Asher out of his thoughts. His eyes shifted instinctively in that direction, and he soon spotted Finch and William walking toward him and Rachael. Almost immediately, Rachael’s attention snapped to the side as well, her gemlike blue eyes locking onto Finch the moment she saw him. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, her voice ringing with excitement as she spoke.

"Big brother, how was I? Did you see my progress?" she asked enthusiastically, barely able to contain herself.

Finch bent down slightly as he responded, his tone warm and genuine. "I did," he said, then let out a small sigh as though the thought carried weight. "And I have to say, very soon, you will awaken and overtake big brother." The way he spoke made it sound as though he truly believed his own words.

Rachael’s eyes sparkled even brighter at that. "When I awaken, Big Brother and I can spar for real," she said eagerly, "with Astra energy and our abilities." She spoke as though she could already see the future unfolding before her eyes, the image vivid and unquestionable in her mind.

"I’m also looking forward to it," Finch replied, a smile forming naturally on his lips. After a brief pause, his tone shifted slightly as he continued, "Go change, then return to your room and take a bath. Rest up a bit and come back." His voice carried a gentle authority, laced with unmistakable affection.

"Okay, Big Brother," Rachael replied obediently, nodding her head. She then turned toward Asher and William, smiling brightly as she added, "I will be back in a while, Brother Asher, Brother William."

"Go ahead, we’ll meet up with you later," William replied, giving her a playful wink.

With that, Rachael turned and headed back to the room where she had earlier changed from her blue gown into a blue combat jumpsuit. However, she didn’t bother changing again. Instead, she simply picked up her gown and walked out with it in hand.

"See you later, Big Brother, Brother William, Brother Asher," she called out cheerfully as she waved, breaking into a light run across the training chamber toward the exit. As she reached the door, it creaked open on its own before she could even touch it. One of the Whale family’s butlers was already standing there, having anticipated her arrival. He bowed respectfully in her direction, but Rachael barely noticed, already skipping down the hallway with a bright smile as she headed toward her room.

Watching her disappear, Finch spoke with a hint of amusement, his black eyes shifting toward Asher. "If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to snatch my sister from me."

"Maybe I am," Asher replied calmly, a playful smile resting on his face.

"Tsk. Is that why you were showing off your ridiculous Astra energy control?" Finch asked, his tone laced with mock frustration.

Asher simply shrugged. "Aren’t you her strongest big brother?" he replied casually. "I’m sure you can do what I did, and even eclipse it."

Finch fell silent for a moment before breaking into laughter, clearly unable to come up with a retort. William joined in from the side, laughing openly as he watched the exchange unfold without adding a single word. Sometimes, simply watching was far more entertaining in situations like this.

After a moment, Asher spoke again. "But tell me something," he said, his tone shifting slightly. "You have to be adopted... right?"

The moment the words left his mouth, William burst into uncontrollable laughter, clutching his stomach as he nearly doubled over. "I literally said the same thing the first time I met Rachael! Hahahaha!" he exclaimed, barely managing to stay upright.

"Why would you even say that?" Finch asked, pointedly ignoring William’s laughter.

"Do I need to bring a mirror over here?" Asher replied, arching an eyebrow. "I mean, look at you. Average face, fat body. There’s no way you’re related to such a cute little girl by blood. I refuse to believe it."

William laughed even harder, tears forming at the corners of his eyes. Of course, Asher wasn’t truly insulting Finch. They were friends, and this was nothing more than harmless banter between them.

"Whatever," Finch replied, clicking his tongue as he turned away. He began walking toward the door, which was already open.

William wiped the tears from his eyes as he followed behind, still chuckling. Asher shook his head lightly as he walked after them. Though Finch might have looked annoyed, he wasn’t truly upset. It was all part of their usual back-and-forth.

The moment they stepped out of the training chamber, all three paused. They had sensed a familiar presence approaching from the side. Turning their heads, they spotted the Whale family’s head butler walking toward them.

Upon reaching them, the elderly man bowed respectfully. "I apologize for the inconvenience, Young Master, Young Lord Canestane, Tenth Sun," he said in a calm and respectful tone. "But the Baron requires your presence."

"I wonder what Father wants," Finch replied with a sigh. After a brief pause, he continued, "Very well. But let me check on Rachael first."

With that, they moved toward Rachael’s room. Upon arriving, Finch gestured for William and Asher to wait outside before entering alone. He didn’t bother knocking.

Inside, he found Rachael already asleep on her bed, still wearing her combat jumpsuit. ’She didn’t even take it off,’ Finch thought quietly as he stepped closer. He gently pulled a duvet over her, careful not to wake her. ’She must be exhausted from the spar,’ he mused. As he turned to leave, another thought crossed his mind. ’No matter how talented she is, she’s still just a little girl... for now.’

Stepping back outside, Finch spoke in a low voice. "She’s sleeping. We’ll come back later when she wakes up."

"She must really be exhausted from pushing herself harder than usual," William added quietly.

Asher said nothing, remaining silent as he followed along.

"Let’s go," Finch instructed the butler, who nodded and led them toward the Baron’s visitor room. As they left, a maid quietly took position outside Rachael’s door, ready in case she needed anything.

As they walked, William spoke with a tone that was half playful, half serious. "Since we’ve met each other’s families, I hope our third mission leads us to my own family."

"Well, now that you mention it," Asher replied thoughtfully, his mind drifting back to his first visit to the Canestane Barony and the day he first met William, "I hope so too."