I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Who Gets Killed Midway Through the Story but It Looks Like I’ll Be Executed as a Traitor if I Try to Do Good Deeds

40: Sister and Brother

I’ve been challenged to a duel by my sister Camilla. For now, it’s not a life-or-death atmosphere, which is fortunate. However, her eyes are serious. If I’m careless, I might get stabbed.

As for me, I don’t really want to fight that much. However, Camilla is serious, so I can’t take it lightly. She’s an important person, so I want to prioritize her feelings.

If fighting can reduce the possibility of her falling into darkness, then it’s a cheap price to pay.

Camilla is pointing her sword at me, her strong will hidden in her black eyes, which are the same as mine. She’s always had a strong sense of winning, but now it’s even stronger.

“Rex, get ready. You’re no match for your sister, and I’ll make sure you remember that.”

This feeling won’t lead to a catastrophe, at least not a bloody one. Even if I lose, I’ll just be ridiculed. If I’m treated harshly, I’ll be used as a pawn, but that’s about it. So, I might as well fight normally.

“I understand, sis. But I’m going to win. I’m the one who’s going to become the strongest.”

“You’re not even close to being the strongest, and you’re better off under my wing. If you admit defeat, I’ll pamper you to my heart’s content.”

I don’t think “pamper” means physical violence, but that’s the only thing that’s unsettling. Still, Camilla still treasures the sword I gave her, even though she’s pointing it at me. I can sense familial affection, so I’m not too worried.

However, I don’t want to admit defeat easily. I think I have talent, and I’ve put in the effort. That’s why I don’t want to belittle my own strength.

“No way. Why the sudden rush? We’ve got plenty of opportunities.”

“I’m going to Astral Academy soon, and I want to settle this before I go.”

I see. It’s that time already. Then, I’ve got only a year left before the original story begins. I should make the most of it. I don’t know how far my plan will progress in a year, but I won’t regret it.

For now, I’ve got to focus on Camilla in front of me. I’ll try to make it as painless as possible and have a light spar. If she realizes the difference in our power, she might not challenge me again.

“Bring it on, then!”

“No need to tell me! Bolt Spark!”

Camilla charges at me with incredible speed, making it hard to track her with my eyes. But I’ve prepared for this kind of technique. Even if I’m caught off guard, I’ll be fine. My Darkwear is always on thin standby. A simple sword technique like this shouldn’t be a problem, even if I’m asleep.

However, Camilla’s technique is no ordinary swordplay. I’ll defend seriously, just in case.

“Darkwear!”

I use Darkwear to deflect Camilla’s initial attack, then try to defend with my sword. But it doesn’t go as planned. She’s too fast. I have to enhance my eyes with magic to even see her.

Master Elina has guaranteed that I can easily beat any ordinary swordsman, but Camilla’s sword slips past my defense. If I didn’t have Darkwear, I’d have lost already.

This is incredibly useful. My technique of combining swordplay and magic is unmatched. She’s accelerating herself with lightning, then incorporating it into her swordplay.

If I were just an ordinary swordsman, I might have lost to Camilla. The fact that I didn’t is a relief, but I knew my limits as a swordsman without magic. It’s within acceptable bounds.

However, it seems we’re both frustrated. Camilla’s face is twisted in anger and frustration. She’s unhappy that her speed isn’t working against me.

“Damn it, I’m hitting you, but you’re not even trying to keep up with my speed!”

It seems my decision to prioritize defense when learning magic was correct. I can’t afford to be complacent and think I won’t get attacked. I’ve got to create a technique that can respond to unexpected attacks.

“That’s exactly why I developed this technique. I just need a moment to activate it.”

“Then, bring it on! Burn all my magic if you have to! I’ll show you my true Bolt Spark!”

Camilla’s magic is illuminating her entire body. She’s concentrating a massive amount of magic. This is a phenomenon I’ve never seen before, not even in the original story. To be precise, the protagonist did something similar with his null magic, but this is the first time I’ve seen it with attributed magic.

She’s charging at me with incredible speed, even with my enhanced vision. Darkwear is taking a heavy toll. If I’m not careful, it’ll be like when I blocked Filis’s Chain Blade.

But I managed to endure. I’ve improved my defense since then, so I’m within a manageable range.

“… Ha, it seems my defense didn’t break. Sis, it’s over. Silent Kill!”

I use the technique Master Elina taught me, aiming for Camilla’s neck. She raises both hands in response.

“Damn it, you’re holding back! You’re making a fool of me!”

Camilla’s face is red with anger. I’m a bit worried, but I can’t afford to break character.

“I’m not trying to make a fool of you. I just don’t want to hurt you, sis.”

“You idiot brother! That’s exactly what you’re doing! You’re challenging me suddenly, and then holding back?”

“I understand. If I were to attack you seriously, you’d be left with nothing but a faint trace.”

“Then, show me your power! Make me acknowledge it!”

She says, and I’m tempted to show her my technique. It’s incomplete, but its power is unmatched.

Just then, I spot a Mithril-made armor. It’s said to be impossible to cut with ordinary iron, and even magic users can’t penetrate it. The only downside is its high cost. I might get scolded by Father later, but Camilla takes priority.

“Here goes. Silent Blade!”

It’s a combination of Master Elina’s sword technique, Silent Kill, and the fatal blade technique I stole from Filis. I infuse my sword with dark magic, then slice through her defense with speed, rendering all magic defenses useless.

Even now, I can easily cut through Mithril armor. However, if I combine Silent Kill and Fatal Blade, it might be more useful in group battles, at least.

However, hope was in sight. If I could accelerate with magic like Camila, I could also cut through a wide range.

“What, what is this…? The Mithril armor is like paper…?”

Camila was stunned. That’s right. If it hit a human, it would be a fatal blow.

“I understand, sis. I don’t want to use this on you either.”

For an instant, she looked at me with a beast-like gaze, and I felt a little hurt. But Camila quickly shook her head and barked.

“Then… then! I’ll become even stronger! I’ll surpass your techniques and take you down head-on! So, I won’t lose until then!”

I was thrilled to see Camila seriously trying to counter me. Her eyes now held a strong determination. So, I believed we could get along from now on.

“Of course. I’ll become the strongest. I won’t lose to you, Phyllis, Mia, Lina, Felicia, or anyone else.”

“I’ll teach you defeat. And it’s not someone else, but your sister who will do it. Look forward to that time.”

Camila had a very calm smile. Seeing her, I felt extremely relieved. She left just like that, and I was left alone to think.

“Camila has become quite strong. I also need to work hard to not lose. I was born with dark magic, so I won’t be swayed by it. And there are others with dark attributes too.”

I have the best sister. When I’m about to get careless, she gives me a boost. Today was a tougher fight than I thought. So, I should be able to become even stronger.

“I’ll absolutely gain the power to protect everyone. Camila, the maids, the teachers, and all my acquaintances. Camila was stronger than the original, so I can too!”