46 Trees, Fish, and Mermaids

Al's life was hell.

From the moment he was born, he'd always been compared with his sister.

No matter where he went-

He was just a shadow of his sister.

They even claimed that his sister should succeed the title. The title of Blademaster.

Even though Al was trying so hard-

No one paid attention to him.

No one cared.

Not his father-

Not his mother-

And certainly not his genius sister.

Fueled by hatred Al ended up challenging his sister evening for the succession.

Twelve at the time, Al's sister was fourteen, scheduled to enter school in the neighboring city's academy, one of the best in the country.

"What is the meaning of this, Alfred?" Training garb and her training shortsword.

Evening-

The sun was about to set-

Most of the people had either gone home or were off to their quarters…

Empty.

Yet- Alfred stood there, sword drawn- in their courtyard; the sun in front him.

Earlier the day, Alfred had left a note in her bedroom.