Second Choice Noble Son: Apparently I’m Stronger Than the Summoned Heroes

Chapter 80.5 : Sister’s Vigil

Elara’s POV

I had come back early from training, sweat still clinging to my neck, when I saw it.

My little brother stood by the tree, palms pressed to its trunk. And then—

Water.

Dozens of shining orbs floated in the air, circling him in slow perfection. They caught the sunlight, bending it, weaving a crown of brilliance around his small body.

And at his side… the little green-haired girl, the one I always thought was just some odd guardian. She laughed, clapping her hands.

“Yes, Rooga! That’s how you feed me! This is how you feed a goddess!”

The words froze me.

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Goddess.

The realization struck like lightning. The guardian wasn’t just some spirit — she was the goddess of the tree herself. And my brother, my little brother, was her caretaker.

My chest tightened. My hands shook around the hilt of my wooden sword.

Rooga… just what are you becoming?

Then, movement in the corner of my eye.

Seris.

Her eyes were wide, mouth parted, gaze locked on Rooga as though she had stumbled into a legend. I saw the awe on her face, the flush of realization.

And I knew.

If she saw this, if she told anyone… Rooga’s secret would spread like wildfire. The empire would come for him.

My body moved before thought.

I lunged, wooden sword in hand, striking her down with the flat edge. She crumpled before she could scream.

Rooga didn’t even notice — too focused on the goddess and the water orbs.

I rushed to Seris, dragging her back into the shade, my chest pounding.

“Forgive me, Seris,” I whispered, staring down at her unconscious form. “But no one — no one — is allowed to take him away.”

I turned my eyes back to Rooga.

He smiled, so happy, as the water orbs fell into the tree’s roots, the goddess clapping at his side. He didn’t even know how dangerous he was becoming.

I bit my lip.

And I swore, again, that I would protect him — even from those who called themselves our friends.