Chapter 220 - The Ark Of Sibling Anger

"Zip it, White Rat!"

"Says the sewer rat!" shouted Minwoo, getting closer to Ashley.

Ashley stood up, causing Mavislin to grip tightly on his clothes. The Mages knew that this wasn't going to be their usual sibling squabbles.

"I'm only a sewer rat because of you!" roared Ashley.

"It wasn't because of me, it was because you were too weak! You fell into the wrong company by your choice, not mine!"

"Weak?! On what basis do you have to call me weak?! Especially when you were loved by the country, Silver Tongue!"

"I told you before! I had that silver spoon shoved down my throat, I did not take it myself! I didn't want it!" roared Minwoo as he slammed his fist onto the rock table.

"Didn't want it?! Don't give me such crap! And I don't care, you were still being loved by all! Leaving me to fend for myself in the dark!"

The two brothers' fight caused the Mages in the room to stay silent as the two brothers sort their anger out. With the only concern being Mavislin was still hanging onto Ashley's clothes, still trying her best not to cry.

"Where were you when the bullies came, huh?! Where the hell did you go when the mob came through the backyard?! Where were you when I needed you?! When I was all alone, you were doused with Mom and Dad's praise and love. And what did I get in return?! Kicked out!"

Minwoo stayed silent as he looked away.

"You can't even look me in the eye, because that's the truth! You are more loved than me!" yelled Ashley, at the top of his lungs.

"I didn't want to go. I didn't want to be a sewer rat. They tossed me out! You think I want to be thrown out! The fact that I'm still standing here makes me the stronger one because despite what hardsh.i.p.s I went through, I'm still here! And I did it all alone!"

"So why are you angry at me?!"

"Because you are supposed to be my elder brother!"

Ashley took another breath as he used his long arms to hug Mavislin into his chest.

"So tell me, on what basis do you have to call me weak when you have no clue about the pain that I had to go through?!"

"All of us go through pain, it's just so petty to compare your pain to mine!"

"I'm not comparing my pain to yours. And frankly, I don't give a damn about yours either."

"So what are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying that you had the choice to save me. To be with me. But no, you turned your back towards me and sided with my parents. And I'm angry at that point. Because you think that I'm weak but in truth, you were the one who was supposed to be by my side."

"Because no matter what..."

Ashley looked at Mavislin as he smoothed out her hair. And smiled sadly. His body shook ever so slightly when Mavislin looked at him with worried eyes. He then slumped down onto the chair.

"I'd hoped one day. Just one day, that you'll eventually know that I was hurting and that you would stand up for me. Or just, be there for me. Like when we were toddlers. I don't even know whether you remembered. Or if it's just some useless memory to you," said Ashley, sadly.

"Toddlers?" asked Minwoo, softly.

"You were always there to comfort me when I cried. When I couldn't figure out a puzzle or when I was just cranky. You were still by my side. It was the only time that I saw you as my brother and best friend. Until the announcement was made to designate you to be the head of the house."

"Then am I not your bother anymore after that?"

"I could ask you the same question. You left me behind. When I realized it, I refused to see myself as having a family anymore. Brother is nothing more than a title. It holds no meaning to me. Neither do I see my parents as people. I count them as nothing. And I hate them more than Mages."

Minwoo looked conflicted as he tried finding the words to counter that. But alas, he couldn't find any. Ashley was right, he couldn't deny that. But it wasn't without reason that he abandoned his little brother.

"I wanted to be by your side too, Ash. I really did. But Mom and Dad didn't allow it. They said only one could be at the top. And I..."

"What a load of bull roar that is," boomed Ysabeau, shocking everyone in the room.

"What do you mean, M'lady?" asked Minwoo, visibly shaken at Ysabeau's darkened eyes.