Meeting the branch family

Morning arrived, and I woke up to find my sister sleeping beside me. "Guess she was tired from the auction. I wonder what she brought yesterday?"

I went ahead and took a shower, changing my clothes. "How was the auction, sister?"

My sister, rubbing her eyes just after waking up, replied, "Yeah, it was fun. I bought a few storage rings and some other stuff. Want one?"

"Nah, keep it. I already have a storage ring," I said, showing it off.

"When did you get that?"

"Oh! While I was roaming around the market, I found it in one of those old shops for cheap."

"Does it even work, brother? Leave that aside and take this one."

"Can't argue with your highness!" I took it and wore it on my finger.

"Today, the branch family has invited us to dinner, so be ready."

"Fine, but I'll come directly to the venue in the evening. Just give me the address."

"Where are you going?"

"Oh! I just wanted to explore the city."

"Won't you take your dear sister with you?" she asked with sparkling eyes.

'No, that won't work on me.' "No, sister. Wherever you go, you'll attract a lot of attention. Instead, it's better for me to go solo and stay anonymous."

"Oh! Kids these days sure become big so fast. I remember it was just yesterday when I used to wipe your butt when you had diarrhea."

"Shut up, sister! And why are you acting like an old woman? You're just two years older than me."

"Huh, arguing with an old woman won't do any good, Orion. I guess you'll kick me out of my house after you get married to a rich household like in one of those novels," she teared up.

'No point in arguing. I told her not to read those spicy family novels, but no, she doesn't even take my advice. Now she has become a *DRAMA QUEEN*.' I slammed the door in anger, left the room, and raced back to the cave.

Evening,

"Huh, huh, the attacks are relentless. No matter what I do, I will get hit. Maybe I will just grab one of the weapons and kick the old man in his face. Yeah, a great idea!"

Orion was attacked with swords and spears continually at a rapid speed by the old man. Unlike the previous day, he was able to reduce the intensity of wounds by cushioning the pressure of the pointed tips and sharp edges.

"Good, keep it up. Now I'm going to speed it up a bit."

The barrage of weapons continued to harm Orion, and small wounds started accumulating all over his body.

'One opening. One opening, that's all I need.'

After taking in so many attacks, finally, he saw an opening amongst the barrage and leaped forward, doing a flip, but...

BAM! BAM! BAM!

'What hit me? Was that an enemy attack?' and I became unconscious.

"Brat, get up. It's almost dusk. How long are you going to sleep?"

I woke up to see the old man in front of me. "What happened?"

"Oh, you were trying to attack me when I had an opening, so I gave you an opening and kicked you in the head. Now get out of here; you are in my way of research."

'Did I just fall into his trap? Oh, shit, it's evening; better get back soon.'

Back in front of a huge mansion at the central part of the town, a carriage came with the flag with the symbol of the Nightshade family, a river made of crimson blood.

And out of it came a beautiful, cute maiden, wearing a black top and robe and black high heels with pitch-black hair and eyes, looking like a fallen angel from heaven.

"We welcome Evangelion Nightshades," the maids and guards saluted and greeted her with respect.

'Oh, she's the prodigy of the Nightshades family, D rank at such an age,' the patriarch of the branch family thought. Behind him was a small girl with green hair and eyes, wearing goggles and having two ponytails, who was stunned to see Evangelion Nightshades in person.

Drums rolling in the background and hero entry.

Bam!

"Yo, sister, am I late?"

All the members were startled by my appearance. Not many knew about my existence as the second heir to the Nightshades, as my mother's death was more eventful.

"Who are you, intruder?" One of the guards pointed his spear at me, and then it came; a punch and...

Bam! He flew all the way and embedded into the wall.

'She's become more powerful and ruthless. I have a saying in this matter: *Remember, boys, never anger a strong woman unless your balls have the endurance to handle their strong feet, or else you'll lose your manhood. *'

"He's my brother, Orion Nightshades."

'Oh! Nice. When did my tsundere sister become so cool? Guess I have to up my game, or I am going to lose the battle of coolness.'

'So, he is the cursed child, responsible for the death of the madam of the house. According to the news from the spies, the patriarch Nightshades doesn't seem to like him; perhaps he will use him as a pawn for a political marriage.'

'But Evangelion, on the other hand, is very talented. Having connections with her may help me in the future, and it looks like she likes her brother very much; might as well curry favor with him.'

"I am displeased by this behavior from the guard. Do you want me to serve his head as an apology, Heir Nightshade?"

'Bootlicking me for favor won't do any help, mister.'

"No need. Let's go have some dinner instead," I quickly diverted the topic and went ahead.

'And who do we have here, Olivia? Fancy seeing her here.'