Yali’s Revelation

“Of course, if the living corpses could spread from person to person, things would become quite troublesome.”

The other three unanimously agreed with Yodel’s assessment.

“Currently, the Society of Eternal Life has captured the attention of the Hymn Church headquarters, and the State Religion has also dispatched personnel to inquire about the situation; our allies will only continue to grow in number.”

“Phew, Miss Yelica, you finally have some good news…”

Lauren let out a significant sigh of relief. While a living corpse outbreak wouldn’t pose a problem for him and Collins to escape, fleeing would undoubtedly mean the loss of Minkton’s hard-won foundation in Landen City.

The four continued to discuss intelligence regarding the Society of Eternal Life, finally adjourning the meeting at noon.

Emerging from the Hymn Church, Yodel suddenly found himself with nothing to do for a while.

“Hmm… I’ll heed Miss Thanatos’s advice. I shouldn’t keep myself too tense. I’ll take the afternoon off, go home to spend time with Yali, and then visit the various factions tomorrow.”

Instead of hailing a cab, Yodel chose to wander the streets, clearing his mind and allowing himself to fully relax.

Looking around, Yodel realized that throughout the three weeks since his transmigration, he had viewed this world solely through a utilitarian lens.

Everything had served the purpose of completing the assassination, with his sole focus being the efficient and streamlined acquisition of information, never truly settling down to observe the otherworldly nation he now inhabited.

By his estimation, this place was roughly equivalent to the British Empire just after the Victorian era had drawn to a close.

Old-fashioned buildings stood with solemn dignity, while modern high-rises towered majestically. Red brick walls, intricately carved window frames, and exquisite wrought-iron railings all underscored the unique elegance, solemnity, wealth, and prosperity characteristic of this era.

Gentlemen, impeccably dressed in suits and top hats, moved with hurried yet unhurried strides; ladies, adorned in elegant dresses, carried colorful parasols, their skirts swaying gently with the breeze.

Yet, this represented only one facet of the Three-Island Kingdom. As Yodel continued walking, venturing beyond the bustling central district where the Hymn Church stood, the once vibrant and bright atmosphere gradually cooled.

The crowds remained bustling, and buildings still rose like a dense forest, but everything seemed to have been cast under a gray filter. Passersby wore plainer clothes, no longer gleaming, and their smiles were fewer, with some even appearing visibly distressed.

Further ahead lay the Westin District, Landen City’s largest slum. Yodel, however, did not continue onward; he had arrived home.

With his hand resting on the doorknob, Yodel hesitated to open the door.

He stood at the entrance, gazing toward the Westin District, and for a fleeting moment, he seemed to behold countless phantoms.

“Ah…”

Yodel pushed the door open and soon found Yali in the living room.

As usual, she was engrossed in a book, holding it delicately.

Usually preoccupied with missions, Yodel rarely had time to spend with Yali, to the extent that he didn’t even know the title of the book she so often read.

‘I vowed to be a good older brother, yet as soon as I got busy, I left Yali by herself. What a dereliction of duty on my part.’

Stealthily approaching Yali, he spoke in a voice loud enough to be heard but gentle enough not to startle his sister:

“Do you truly enjoy this book? If so, I can buy you many more of the same genre.”

“Brother! Why are you home so early today?”

That single address of “Brother” melted Yodel’s heart. After constantly clashing with cults outside, wouldn’t it be far more delightful to spend quality time with his adorable sister?

“Yes, my work has temporarily concluded. I’m free for the rest of the afternoon. Is there anywhere you’d like to go?”

“Hmm…” Yali bit her finger, lost in thought.

Yodel seized the opportunity to glimpse the title of the book in Yali’s hands: *Chronicles*.

How to put it? It certainly matched Yali’s serene demeanor as a beautiful young girl.

After a moment, Yali replied, “I’d like to visit Leicester University, if that’s alright?”

Yodel was puzzled; why would she wish to visit a university for fun?

“Of course, you can, but… never mind, I’ll take you.”

This outing was unusual. Yali donned the new dress Yodel had bought her and carried a small bag before hastily following her brother into the carriage.

Leicester University, much like the Hymn Church, was situated in Landen City’s central district. It was a prestigious institution with a rich history and a strong aristocratic air.

It was only when the siblings arrived near the university that Yodel noticed something unusual about the school today.

It wasn’t that he was seeing visions of death, but rather that the university entrance was lined with all sorts of carriages, and even a few rare automobiles.

The constant flow of people and vehicles made it seem entirely unlike a university on summer break.

Yodel held Yali’s hand to prevent her from getting lost in the crowd, but upon reaching the entrance, they were stopped by a gatekeeper.

“I apologize, but Leicester University is not open to the public today.”

“Hmm? Not open today?”

“That’s correct. Today is Freshmen Registration Day. To maintain order and facilitate management, only new students and their parents are permitted entry. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The gatekeeper, clad in a blue uniform, showed no intention of stepping aside.

Yodel glanced at the impatient crowd building up behind them, then turned to Yali, offering reassurance:

“It’s alright. If not today, we can always come back tomorrow.”

Yali rummaged through her small bag, then carefully handed something to the gatekeeper:

“This is my admission letter.”

“Oh? Oh! You’re a student here! You should have presented this earlier… Uh, Miss Yali Miller, correct? Leicester University, Department of History… Alright, please, come right in.”

Yali took Yodel’s hand and gave his arm a playful shake:

“Brother, Brother? What’s wrong? We should go; the people behind us are waiting.”

Even after Yali led him for dozens of meters, Yodel remained utterly dumbfounded.

‘My dear sister, why didn’t you tell me you were such a brilliant student?’

“When did you get accepted?”

“I was accepted before I even met you, Brother.”

“Before you met me?”

Yodel suddenly recalled that Yali had, in fact, mentioned attending university to him before.

It was during their very first encounter, when she had confided in him about wanting to end her life:

“I remember, when I was ten, I told him I wanted to go to university, to study history. Heh, rather naive, rather headstrong, wasn’t it? But his reply was: ‘Alright, no matter what you wish to pursue, I will support you.'”

Restarting his muddled brain, Yodel offered a wry, self-deprecating remark:

“My dearest sister, you should have told me about this sooner! If I hadn’t come home early today, wouldn’t you have missed registration?”

“If I missed it, I missed it. I wasn’t going to attend school here anyway, was I?”

“Hmm? Why not? You’ve already been accepted.”

“If I came to study here, who would look after you, Brother? Of course, while I am truly regretful about not being able to attend university, you are more important. Just being able to enter the university and see it has already made me quite content!”

Yali’s innocent smile pierced Yodel’s heart.

He embraced his sister by her shoulders, turning her to face him directly, and then spoke, word by word:

“Yali, you must understand, gaining admission to a good university was a dream that your brother, in his previous life… *cough, cough*, that I could never fulfill in my entire life. Now, I entrust this dream to you!

“Your university education is supported by both of your older brothers. Do not disappoint our expectations!”