SSS Hypnosis: I Made the Heroines Beg for Forgiveness-Chapter 20: Kyroz Veritas

The wrought iron gates creaked open, allowing Benedict to step into the courtyard of the grand mansion.

Torchlight flickered along the stone path, guiding him toward the main entrance.

Beside an intricately carved fountain, a luxurious carriage stood parked. Midnight-black horses were still hitched, calmly chewing grass beneath the moonlight.

Benedict's gaze landed on the side of the carriage, where an emblem of a white dove was elegantly engraved above the family crest.

His chest tightened slightly. That symbol, he knew it well.

It was the crest of House Aurelia. Which meant... Marisol Aurelia, his fiancée, was already here.

A visit he hadn't expected. And frankly, one he didn't want right now.

He felt the real Benedict stir within him. A subtle clash of emotion.

He shook it off and kept walking, pushing past thoughts of Marisol as he entered the towering mansion doors.

The scent of beeswax candles, expensive wood, and floral perfume filled the air. The hallways were wide, draped in thick carpets, lined with noble portraits and marble statues.

Candlelight along the walls cast long shadows that danced with every step.

Benedict pressed forward, down the seemingly endless halls. Every step drained what little strength he had left.

The brutal battle with the wolves, the toll of hypnosis, the two near-death experiences—his body was screaming for rest. His legs trembled. His head swam.

He reached out to lean on the wall, needing support.

But in that instant, reality struck like a whip. He'd forgotten, his left arm was gone.

His empty sleeve passed through the air.

With no support to catch himself.

THUD!

He collapsed onto the cold marble floor, the sound echoing sharply down the silent corridor.

Then a deep, familiar voice broke the stillness.

"Benedict."

It was his older brother, Kyroz Veritas.

Benedict slowly turned his head.

There stood Kyroz, arms crossed, black hair and crimson eyes catching the candlelight. A smile stretched across his lips.

"Where have you been, little brother? Lost a whole arm out there?" Kyroz asked, his eyes flicking to Benedict's missing limb. Somehow, that smile widened.

[SSS Hypnosis Active – Target: Benedict Veritas]

"Stand," Benedict muttered.

A soft pink glow lit his eyes. Instantly, his body straightened.

"What do you want, Kyroz?" Benedict's voice dropped cold, and firm. His gaze locked with his brother's.

"Nothing much. Just worried about my precious little brother," Kyroz replied smoothly.

"Oh? Worried enough to spread fake rumors about him?" Benedict narrowed his eyes.

"Fake rumors?" Kyroz tilted his head, pretending innocence.

Then came a loud, exaggerated "Ohhh" as if something just clicked in his head. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"You mean the rumors saying you're a pervert, useless, trash, and a vermin?"

Kyroz stepped closer.

"Those came from the maids, didn't they? Said they saw your behavior firsthand. Can't say I know much about them myself."

You lying, calculating piece of shit. You're the one who started them.

"But don't worry, brother," Kyroz added with a smirk. "Even if those rumors were true, I'd still believe in you."

Benedict had enough.

He turned on his heel, ready to head straight to his room. He was already planning how to remove this man from his life permanently.

"Wait a second, Benedict."

He clicked his tongue in annoyance, pausing to glance back.

"Go to the parlor. Your fiancée, Marisol Aurelia, is waiting. She wants to talk."

Benedict swore under his breath.

Of course she's here.

He turned and began walking toward the parlor. As he passed Kyroz, his brother leaned in and whispered.

"Marisol plans to break off the engagement."

Benedict's eyes widened.

A strange emotion—one that might've belonged to the real Benedict—rose inside him. Something indescribable.

"If that happens," Kyroz murmured, "you'll have no one left on your side."

They locked eyes. Just a meter apart.

"So," Kyroz continued, "why don't you bow your head to me, little brother? Let's make House Veritas a harmonious family again."

A threat. Clear and simple.

Without Marisol as his shield, Kyroz could erase him at any moment.

They stared each other down. Kyroz grinned. Benedict narrowed his eyes.

Now he understood what Rafaela meant by a 'slimy smile.' Kyroz's grin made Benedict's skin crawl.

Kyroz patted his shoulder. "Good night, Benedict. Think it over. And go see your fiancée."

Then he shoved him lightly and walked off.

From a distance, Kyroz stretched and waved lazily over his shoulder.

He stopped once more, turning around. "Oh, and don't forget to heal that arm at the Holy Church!"

Benedict ignored him.

He couldn't. No, he didn't have the money to heal it.

The price was outrageous. Enough to buy ten epic shards.

He'd rather wait for Phoenix Rebirth's cooldown.

With a sigh, Benedict turned toward the parlor.

His steps grew heavier. His heart pounded. The real Benedict's emotions were surfacing again.

Each footfall stirred memories of a younger version of himself.

Back when Marisol visited, and the og Benedict would greet her with a flower in hand.

They used to be friends. Just simple friends.

Until the rumors began. Until her image of him changed. She started pulling away... all because of those damn lies.

Because of that bastard brother.

Benedict stopped in front of a tall, ornate door.

He reached out to push it open, then hesitated.

He needed to do something first.

[SSS Hypnosis Activated – Target: Benedict Veritas]

"Don't flinch. Don't show emotion. Don't be afraid."

And then, slowly, Benedict pushed the door open.