I was Reincarnated as the Villainess's Older Brother, but it seems My Sister is Obsessed With Me. And for Some Reason, the Male Love Interests are also Doting On Me.(BL) - Chapter 17

“See you, Finn.”

Due to the unexpected appearance of an advanced monster like the Dullahan on the lowest level, the dungeon was temporarily closed for investigation.

That also meant I had to say goodbye to Finn. He must have been feeling just as reluctant to part, as he kept nudging my chest with his horn.

“You’re getting attacked again.”

“Stefan, this isn’t an attack—it’s tsun! He’s just poking me because he doesn’t want us to be apart!”

“No, that looks more like he’s drilling into you…”

“Master Clive…”

For some reason, both Stefan Raveles and Louis were looking at me like I was a pitiable fool, but I chose to ignore it.

The dungeon had been thrilling, but it had also been a harsh reminder of its dangers. In a game, if you die, you just reload your last save. Reality, however, was far less forgiving. There was no room for failure.

I had been arrogant about my swordsmanship, thinking I was strong. But against the Dullahan, I had been completely powerless.

I had been determined to train more, to gain experience, to level up—but now, with the dungeon off-limits, I had no choice but to wait.

If Fiona were ever in danger, I couldn’t afford to be helpless. I needed to become stronger.

“Come now, Master Clive, Master Stefan—it’s time to leave.”

Louis urged us forward, and though I was reluctant, I turned away from Finn and followed.

Unaware that, behind us, Finn had started running after me.

◇◇◇◇

“Welcome home, Brother-in-law.”

“I’m back! Oh, Fiona, I missed you! You’re as soothing as ever. So cute. I just want to stay like this forever.”

“My, Brother-in-law, you flatter me so.”

The moment I stepped inside, I wrapped Fiona in a hug, seeking comfort.

“Master Clive, this is improper. Lady Fiona is engaged now.”

“Just for a little bit! Or are you offering to comfort me instead, Louis?”

Louis tried to pry me away, but I clung to Fiona. The truth was, I had been terrified. The battle was one thing, but I still couldn’t get the image of that headless knight carrying around a severed head out of my mind.

I hated horror. Even a horror movie was enough to keep me up at night, too afraid to even use the bathroom alone.

A hug between siblings shouldn’t be that big of a deal!

“If you insist, Master Clive, come here.”

Louis suddenly spread his arms wide, his smile dazzling. For some reason, the air around him sparkled with imaginary flowers.

“—!”

Why… Why did I feel the sudden urge to run into his arms?

Back in the dungeon, it had been instinct, but now… No! Respect aside, he was a man! I couldn’t let myself be swayed!

Just as my brain was short-circuiting, Fiona gently patted my back, grounding me.

“Louis, enough. You’re troubling my brother-in-law.”

“Fiona, you’re the best.”

I thought I heard Louis murmur “What a shame…”, but I chose to ignore it.

“Brother-in-law, what is that?”

Fiona pointed at something near my belongings.

“What…?”

I turned to look, but nothing seemed out of place. Even Louis looked confused. But then—

My bag moved.

“What the…?”

For a brief second, my mind conjured the horrifying image of the severed head from the Dullahan. Forget about it, Clive!

I shook my head violently, trying to banish the thought.

Then, a small horn poked out from my bag.

“Master Clive, could it be…?”

“It has to be…”

A moment later, a familiar furry body leapt out.

“Finn!”

The same Finn I had just said goodbye to—he had somehow snuck into my bag and followed me home! Overcome with joy, I scooped him up and buried my face in his soft fur.

“Brother-in-law? What exactly is that?”

“This is Finn, a Horned Rabbit! Isn’t he cute? So adorable. You love me that much, huh? I love you too—”

As I showered Finn with affection, Fiona’s face turned bright red. Her hands trembled, and for a moment, I could swear I saw a vein pop on her forehead.

“Brother-in-law, you idiot!”

Then, she spun around and stormed off to her room, slamming the door behind her.

“Wait… Does Fiona not like rabbits? Did I upset her?”

“Master Clive, Lady Fiona is… No, never mind.”

Louis started to say something but trailed off. I was curious, but at the moment, I was more concerned about Finn.

“Louis, aren’t monsters supposed to die without ambient mana?”

“That is correct.”

“Then isn’t Finn struggling right now?”

Finn simply sniffed the air and looked perfectly fine.

“Perhaps… Finn has become your familiar, Master Clive.”

“A familiar? But don’t those require contracts?”

And weren’t familiars usually stronger monsters?

“Normally, yes. But that would explain why he isn’t suffering from mana depletion.”

“Really?”

“Familiar bonds allow the creature to sustain itself on its master’s mana.”

“So basically, my magic is his food. I guess we’re stuck together now.”

“Just… don’t say that in front of Lady Fiona.”

Louis mumbled something under his breath, but I didn’t quite catch it.

And so, Finn became my familiar.