ATHO Chapter 18

Kissing

Posted by April Fox, ? Views, Released on September 10, 2025

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Telegram

Chapter 18 – Kissing

Chapter 2: The Truth No One Knows, Part 4

Novel Title: 嫌われ者の俺はやり直しの世界で義弟達にごまをする (As the Hated One, I Flatter My Stepbrothers in a World Where I Get a Second Chance)

Author：赤牙 (Akakiba)

Art：古澤エノ (Furusawa Eno)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: シャルル (Charles -MC), リエン (Lien -ML1) & ジェイド (Jade -ML2)

*Please read at freenovels.net, the original site of translation. TQ*

֍֍֍

In my first life, Uncle had claimed success in his ventures and lived lavishly. But now that I think about it, as his lifestyle became more extravagant, the estate’s finances had gradually worsened.

The final blow was the mining investment he introduced.

――― “I’m sorry, Charles. I’ve tried to gather the funds, but it’s been tough. However, this business is bound to succeed! We’ll need to use this estate as collateral, but trust me—it’ll work out.”

――― “I’m so sorry to trouble you with all of this, Uncle…”

――― “Don’t worry about it. We’re family, after all. Now, just sign here, and we’ll be back to living like before.”

That was the last conversation I had with Uncle.

In the end, the business failed, and I lost the estate—along with all of our family’s memories. Uncle never appeared before me again.

I later learned that the mining venture was a scheme orchestrated by Jade and Lien. Could it be that all three of them were conspiring behind my back in my first life? Was I just a pawn in Uncle’s plans?

The thought left a sharp pain in my chest.

Uncle had been my rock, his words my guide.

I had trusted him so deeply…

―――But now…

―――I feel betrayed.

That realization filled my heart with a dark void.

Someone I cherished. Someone I considered my only family…

The anger and sadness welling up inside felt unbearable.

Unable to suppress the frustration, I clenched my fists tightly on my knees.

I am… I am… I am…

“…C-Charles? Charles Nii-sama?”

I raised my head to see Lien standing nearby, his expression concerned.

“Lien…”

“What’s wrong, Nii-sama? Why… why are you crying?”

Lien sat beside me, placing his hand over my clenched fists.

But the memory of how Lien had betrayed me in my first life made my body tremble.

―――No, this Lien is different from the one in my first life.

Even so, the trembling didn’t stop.

“You’re shaking. Are you okay, Nii-sama? Did something happen?”

Lien’s worried gaze pierced me, but I couldn’t form the words to respond.

As I stayed silent, Lien gently wiped the tears from my face.

“Don’t cry, Nii-sama,” he said with a comforting smile.

That kind, reassuring expression was nothing like the Lien from my first life. Slowly, the tension in my chest began to ease.

See? He’s not the same as before.

I swore to make Lien happy, so why am I making him worry like this?

“I’m sorry, Lien…”

“No, don’t worry about me, Nii-sama,” Lien replied with a soft smile.

His gentle touch around my hand brought a sense of relief.

“Thank you… I feel a little better now.”

“I’m glad. Oh, Nii-sama, should I cast a little charm to make you feel even better?”

“Charm? Oh, you mean that…”

I recalled the ‘charm’ Lien always performed whenever I was feeling down.

“This time, it’s even more amazing! It’ll help you forget all the bad stuff!”

Lien puffed out his chest with pride, looking so endearing that I couldn’t help but feel my heart lighten.

“Alright, I guess I’ll let you do it.”

“Okay, Nii-sama, close your eyes!”

“Alright…”

As I closed my eyes, just like always, I felt Lien’s hands gently cup my cheeks. Soft kisses landed on my forehead, then on my cheeks.

Cheek kisses always felt special.

I smiled at his adorable gestures, but then, something soft brushed against my lips. Startled, I opened my eyes and found Lien’s face mere inches from mine, his amethyst eyes meeting my own.

Slowly, his lips moved away.

“Did that cheer you up, Nii-sama?”

“W-W-Wait, why did you…?”

“See? You’ve already forgotten the bad stuff!”

Lien laughed cheerfully, his usual cute grin on display, while I sat there flustered. My face grew hotter by the second.

He was just trying to cheer me up, right?

Surely Lien now understood what a kiss on the lips meant… or did he genuinely think it was just part of the ‘charm’?

“L-Lien. A kiss on the lips is…-“

“-If you’re ever feeling down again, I’ll perform the charm for you anytime!”

Lien sealed his words with another kiss on my cheek before skipping off. Left alone, I stared blankly at the spot where he had been.

Somehow, my thoughts were now filled with Lien. The anger and confusion I’d felt over Uncle Lyle had completely vanished.

Because of that, my head had cooled off considerably.

True, I could never forgive what Uncle Lyle did in the first life, but this wasn’t something the present Uncle Lyle had done.

There’s no use dwelling on the past…

I touched my lips, where the sensation still lingered, deciding to set aside thoughts of Uncle Lyle for now.

The real issue now was Lien.

I needed to have a proper talk with him about what a kiss on the lips really meant.

Lost in thought, I returned to my room, only to find Jade standing at the door. His expression was unusually dark.

“Jade? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Nii-san… can we talk inside your room?”

“Of course. Come on in.”

The moment we stepped inside, Jade grabbed my arm and pulled me close.

“Nii-san, what were you doing with Lien in the courtyard earlier?”

His icy gaze pierced through me, making me flinch.

What did he mean? Was he talking about the kiss?

Recalling the kiss with Lien made my face burn with embarrassment.

“I-It’s nothing…”

“Why are you lying? Please, tell me the truth.”

Jade pressed closer, and I instinctively backed away until my back hit the wall. His cold eyes bore into me, and I couldn’t meet his gaze.

Why was he so angry?

Maybe I shouldn’t have lied about the kiss…

With a sigh, I decided to come clean.

“I… kissed Lien.”

“And why would you do that? Why did you kiss Lien?”

“Why? I… I was feeling down, and Lien wanted to cheer me up. He said it was a ‘charm’ and kissed me. I didn’t mean to lie—it’s just… I feel embarrassed about kissing my own brother…”

I tried to laugh it off, but Jade’s face came even closer.

“J-Jade?”

“So… a ‘charm,’ you say. Then, allow me to cast one as well to cheer you up.”

“Wha—?”

Before I could react, Jade leaned in, pressing his lips against mine. My eyes widened in shock as his cool gaze softened into something gentler.

When our lips parted after a few seconds, his cold demeanor melted into a warm smile.

“Nii-san, do you feel better now?”

“Uh… yeah…”

Still dazed, I nodded, and Jade’s expression brightened.

“From now on, I’ll always be the one to cheer you up. If you’re ever anxious or upset, you can rely on me, Charles Nii-san.”

He gently stroked my cheek before leaving the room, his satisfaction evident.

Once again, I was left alone.

Why… why was I kissed by my brothers?

I mulled over it for some time, but no clear answer came to mind.

At dinner that evening, I found myself nervous, unsure how to face either of them. Yet, both Lien and Jade behaved as if nothing had happened.

Completely bewildered, I could only follow their lead, caught in their whirlwind as usual.

֍֍֍

*Translator’s Note: You’re going to be ‘eaten’ at this rate, Charles. -K

*P/S: I’ve also started a new translation, ‘The Beasts Intertwine This Way‘. To be honest, this story is hot and it’s from my fav author working with my fav illustrator. You guys can give it a try. If it’s not your cup of tea, it’s fine as well. Just forewarning you, it’ll get darker as it progresses.

*GLOSSARY: