I walked into my room, but I didn't know what to do…I was completely lost in thought, as if the decision I'd made had left me hollow.What do I do now? Is this really what I wanted?
That's when I decided to call Lilia.
"Hey, Lilia. How are you?"
Liliana: "Ugh, why are you calling so late? (Why are you interrupting me in the middle of something so good?)"
"It's just… I was wondering, Lilia… would you love me even if I weren't a Dreifus?"
Liliana: "You're an idiot. Of course I would… if your family left you, I'd gladly support you."
"I didn't mean it like that, Lilia. I mean… why do you love me?"
Liliana: "What are you trying to say? (Is he doubting now?)"
"You're so amazing, beautiful, and talented… It makes me wonder, what do you even see in me? Anyone would say I'm a failure."
Liliana: "What do you think? That I'm perfect? Of course not, Brian… I get how you feel because I've been there too. But do you know who inspired me to keep going?"
"I don't."
Liliana: "It was you. Remember when we met during that stream… There were moments I'd ask myself, why is this idiot, so bad at video games, constantly challenging me?"
"But what I discovered over time was your passion and determination despite your illness…I was going through a rough time back then, and suddenly you showed up—and you inspired me to keep going."
"Because even though you're terrible at the thing you love most, that never stopped your dream. You kept chasing it, even when it seemed impossible.You inspire me, and that's what I love most about you."
"I-I'm speechless… T-thank you, Lilia. I love you so much."
Liliana: "And I love you… so stop thinking nonsense and go back to being you.The guy I love doesn't sulk and wait to die. (That should snap him out of it.)"
"You're right. I've never given up. Thank you… I really needed that. And again, thank you."
Liliana: "Sleep well, babe. You know I'm always here for you."
"I know… g-goodnight."
It's true. Even if my family abandons me, I still have Lilia, Alice, Marcus… and the rest.
The next morning…
My father had stayed the night in my penthouse, and I quickly insisted he let me take the War of Kingdoms gear with me.
"Father, please—if you take the equipment now, I won't be able to monopolize the game. I told you it was an investment. I swear I'll earn the money back and return it to you." (It'll be hard to get another one.)
Zack: "I understand your ambitions… and since the announcement about your disinheritance is coming soon, I'll allow you to take the gear with you.You'll stay at the temple for a year—no more, no less. After that, you better be a fully independent adult.UNDERSTOOD?!"
"Yes, Father."
Zack: "Bernard, pack the equipment, load it into the car, and help with the rest—you know what to do. Brian can go on his own."
Bernard: "Understood, sir. That's been clear for a while now."
After packing up… I saw Bernard placing the gear and headset into the car trunk.
At that moment, I got into the back seat, and as I looked out the window, I silently said goodbye to my father. Then suddenly, I got a call from Alice.
Alice: "Hello, hi, hey! How's my giant idiot doing?"
"I'm good. Just hearing your voice lifts me, Liz."
Alice: "Cut the crap. Where are you?"
"I'm catching a flight to Japan—heading back to Kyoto. I'll probably be there for at least a year."
Alice: "Okay, what did you do now, Brian? Why are they sending you there?"
"Liz… in all these years you've known me, every time I got punished—what was the reason?"
Alice: "Let me see… Fights, insulting teachers, flirting with female professors, making an entire school hate you, or just doing something incredibly dumb."
"Jeez, I didn't ask for a list. Anyway… it was the last one.Now my brothers will take the chance to humiliate and curse me."
Alice: "Can you blame them? Your stupidity comes at a very high price. What'd you do this time?"
"Whose side are you on, Liz?!Ah, relax… it was nothing. Just around 10.6 billion dollars."
Alice: "Wow. Damn. No wonder your brothers want your head. That's like what Lilia made on her last Asia tour. Actually, I think it's more than all you've spent since being announced as a Dreifus."
"I don't know why… but it feels like every cent was worth it."
Alice: "Why do you say that?"
"You know what ideal I follow, right?"
Alice: "Yeah, yeah… that live-without-regrets thing."
"Not exactly. It's living without lament. Being fully conscious of everything."
Alice: "I still don't get what you mean."
"I know. That's why you're my best friend."
Alice: "Hey… wait a second. Don't tell me… was all that money spent on the game we talked about with Marcus the other day at the Palace?"
"Damn, Liz, you'd make an amazing detective!"
Alice: "I had a feeling you'd pull a stunt like that."
"And why's that?"
Alice: "Because I've known you since we were six."
"Okay, okay, I get it.Tell me, Liz—what are you up to?"
Alice: "Right now? I'm talking to an idiot outside my house."
"Oh, finally going on a date? Send him my regards."
Alice: "You're the idiot, moron."
"Ah… heh."
Alice: "Anyway, I'll come visit you in Japan. I-it's also been a while since I saw Obasan.Well, goodbye… and happy punishment."
"See you, my dear and great friend. I'll call you once I land."
Alice: "You better, Brian. I'll be mad if you don't. Byeee~"
(It's true… even if my family abandons me… I still have Lilia, Alice, Marcus, and the rest.)