vrcanaries Chapter 150 Warm Home
Chapter 150 Warm Home
They walked in silence, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing on the empty road.
Rhine followed Arthur's back, keeping a certain distance at all times.
His eyes were deep in thought, and a fierce struggle was raging within him.
He was not the real Rhine, even though he had inherited all of Rhine's memories, they were not his own.
His soul, his thoughts, his emotions—these are all unique, things he himself cannot part with.
He was afraid that he might accidentally give himself away and let Arthur notice something was wrong.
Therefore, he must be cautious and even more careful.
Rhine kept silently reminding himself to minimize his interactions with Arthur, lest he say something that might lead to a mistake.
He wanted to observe in silence, to learn in silence, and to learn how to become a better "Rhine".
He plans to start with the smallest details, gradually adjusting his behavior to be closer to the real Rhine, and then slowly make changes.
He knew that this was a long process that required immense patience and perseverance.
But he had no choice; to survive and to keep his secret from being exposed, he had to do it.
As for magic, I must seize any opportunity to explore that mysterious realm and master its power.
...
Led by Arthur, Rhine walked through the bustling streets and arrived at an old apartment building on the edge of the city.
This apartment building bears witness to the brothers' arduous journey. When their parents passed away, they left nothing to the two of them, and it was Arthur who shouldered the burden of the family with his young shoulders.
This dilapidated apartment, though simple, was a warm haven for Rhine.
The landlady was a kind old woman who, knowing of Arthur and Rhine's plight, took pity on them and rented the house to them at a low price.
Otherwise, it would be quite difficult for Arthur to support Rhine's schooling and the two of them to live on his meager salary.
Pushing open the door, a faint musty smell wafted out. The room was dimly lit, and the paint on the walls had peeled off, revealing mottled cement underneath.
The simple furniture was arranged neatly, and although the furnishings were simple, they conveyed a warm atmosphere.
This is the home that the two brothers built together, and it's filled with the feeling of home.
Rhine stepped into the little house filled with memories. Everything inside seemed so familiar, each item as if carrying fragments of the past.
He took a deep breath, letting that familiar scent fill his chest, and felt a long-lost tranquility.
The restlessness in his heart, like ripples being smoothed out, gradually subsided into calm, as if this little house possessed a magical power that could soothe all his weariness and unease.
"You rest for a while, I'll go cook."
Arthur's voice came from behind him, brief yet concerned. After speaking, he turned and walked towards the kitchen, beginning to busy himself with preparing lunch.
After a morning of running around, Rhine was indeed feeling quite tired. Only then did he realize that his stomach was rumbling in protest; it was time for lunch.
It wasn't the weekend, and Arthur should have been busy at work, but he must have been urgently summoned by law enforcement, which is why he had to put down his work.
Rhine walked into his room, a space that wasn't spacious, but was enough to make him feel at ease.
The room was simply furnished, with a comfortable bed occupying a corner, which was his resting place, accompanying him into his dreams every night.
On the other side was a desk, with books and miscellaneous items neatly arranged on it.
Apart from that, there were no other decorations or furniture in the room.
Although it seemed somewhat simple, Rhine never felt dissatisfied. He understood that he and Arthur weren't well-off, and having such a room of their own was already a very fortunate thing.
He lay gently on the bed, the soft mattress enveloping his body, bringing a long-lost sense of comfort.
He closed his eyes, letting his weary soul rest for a moment. He dared not stay outside for too long; Arthur's concern and inquiries might overwhelm him.
Therefore, temporarily escaping and finding peace in this small room is the best option at the moment.
However, he knew in his heart that this escape was only temporary. He and Arthur lived under the same roof, and daily interactions were unavoidable.
Whether it's a morning greeting or a casual chat at dinner, they always find moments where their paths cross.
However, if possible, he wanted to postpone this communication as much as possible.
He wasn't mentally prepared to face Arthur and the complex and subtle emotions between them.
Perhaps he really is running away, running away from the fact that he cannot easily face.
"Rhine, come down for dinner."
Arthur's voice came from outside the room, breaking Rhine's reverie.
The voice was gentle yet firm, carrying an air of unyielding authority. Rhine took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and tried to recall his signature style.
He opened the door, went out, and sat down at the dining table.
The food on the table was simple, but it was their daily diet: just a few slices of bread and some vegetables.
Rhine picked up the piece of bread, mechanically put it in his mouth, and began to chew slowly.
The bread rolled around in his mouth, each bite seemingly carrying an indescribable heaviness.
He wasn't used to this food; its texture and taste felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable to him.
However, he also understood that this was the lunch he and Arthur could afford at the moment, and he could neither be picky nor complain.
Arthur sat opposite him, quietly observing Rhine. He noticed Rhine's demeanor; his furrowed brow and slightly distorted expression revealed his dislike for the food.
Arthur himself didn't like this kind of food, but he had gotten used to it.
He couldn't provide Rhine with a better life. As her older brother, he felt incompetent and a failure. This sense of powerlessness pained him, but he was powerless to change the situation.
He had figured it out: if Rhine really didn't want to go out to work, he should just stay at home.
If he liked it that way, then Arthur wouldn't force him. Arthur knew that since his parents left, Rhine had closed himself off, unwilling to experience anything new, to meet new people or make new friends.
The once lively and cheerful Rhine has disappeared, replaced by this taciturn and preoccupied young man.