Help! Get Me Out of My Sister's Chapter 199: ’Give Her Time’

Augustus gestured toward a small, run-down house, its wooden fra warped from years of exposure to the elents. The roof sagged slightly, its edges frayed like an old, tattered cloak, and the door, barely clinging to its hinges, looked like it had endured one too many storms.

The entire structure exuded an air of abandonnt, as if it had been left to wither alongside the mories of those who once called it ho.

"The owners sadly passed away a few months ago," Augustus explained, his voice tinged with quiet sorrow. "It has been empty ever since."

He hesitated, eyes briefly flickering toward Florian, gauging his reaction. "I know it must be a downgrade from what you’re used to in the Diamond Palace... but this is the best we can offer on such short notice."

Florian attempted a smile, but the effort felt hollow. It wasn’t the state of the house that unsettled him—he had lived in luxury, yes, but that was never sothing he had deeply cared for. No, what gnawed at him now was the bitter aftertaste of his own words, spoken in anger, words he could not take back.

’And because...’

"Is this house... for and Anastasius to share?"

His gaze flitted across the small village, searching for any other vacant hos, any alternative. But there were none. This was it. A single, tiny dwelling that was smaller than his own bedroom back at the palace. A space barely enough for one, yet ant for two.

’aning he and Heinz would be in close proximity. Unavoidably so.’

"Yes. I’m sure you don’t mind, right?" Augustus said, his tone light, almost teasing. "You’re both n, anyway."

Florian’s stomach twisted. ’As if that was the concern.’

Augustus adjusted his grip on his cane before offering them a small, knowing smile. "Make yourselves at ho. I’ll return once I receive word from Leila. She’s been feeling worse than usual. I imagine she’s still upset since Levi left without warning."

Florian exhaled slowly. ’I want to say no, but we’ve intruded enough as it is.’

Reluctantly, he nodded. "Thank you, Chief Augustus."

"It is my pleasure. Rest well."

Augustus turned, his steps slow and deliberate as he made his way down the dirt path. But just as he was about to disappear from sight, he hesitated, then glanced back over his shoulder.

’Oh? Does he have more to say?’

"One more thing." His voice was softer now, but there was sothing weighted in it. "Most of the villagers are still wary of you—as you know. So if so are... less than welcoming, try to understand. We’ve been through a lot this past year."

Florian resisted the urge to shoot Heinz a pointed ’See? I told you’ look.

Because, just like that, he rembered why he was mad again.

"We understand, Chief," Florian said, quieter now. "Thank you for letting us wait for Leila. I really hope... she’ll speak to us."

"She will." Augustus gave a knowing smile. "Just give her ti."

And with that, the old man was gone, leaving only Florian, Heinz, and the small dragon perched on Florian’s shoulder.

A long silence followed.

Florian didn’t speak.

Heinz didn’t speak.

Azure, however, let out a small, sad croak, pressing his snout against Florian’s ear, his tiny way of offering comfort.

"Are you tired?" Florian murmured, still refusing to et Heinz’s gaze. He reached up to stroke Azure absentmindedly. "I’m feeling kind of tired."

Heinz was staring at him. Florian could feel it. But there was no anger in his gaze, no sharpness that suggested he was about to start an argunt. And that ant Florian could get away with his behavior.

’For now.’

He wanted to say sothing—wanted to let the anger spill out, to lash Heinz with words sharper than blades, to make him understand. But exhaustion dragged at him like chains.

Right now, all he wanted to do was lie down.

"Let’s check out the house, mhm?" Florian continued addressing Azure, who nodded, though his little body still drooped with the weight of the tension between his two humans.

’Is he sad that I’m arguing with his master?’

Florian sighed and gently ran a finger over Azure’s head. The little dragon let out a soft, pleased chirp, eyes half-lidding in contentnt.

Still, Heinz said nothing.

Instead, he silently followed as Florian stepped forward, placing his hand on the brittle wooden door. The handle was cold beneath his fingertips, rough and splintered with age.

The mont he pushed it open, dust billowed out in thick clouds, swirling in the dim light, making the stale air inside even heavier. It slled of neglect, of wood left too long in damp air, of sothing almost forgotten.

’Shit.’

Florian coughed and stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning the interior. The house was even smaller than it had appeared from the outside. Two hay-stuffed beds were pressed against the walls, their covers worn and thin. A small kitchen sat in the far corner, complete with a rusted sink and what looked like an ancient stove.

A single door led to what Florian could only assu was the bathroom—though, given the state of everything else, he wasn’t exactly eager to check.

A narrow shelf sat against the opposite wall, lined with old books whose pages were yellowed with age. A small window let in a sliver of weak sunlight, its glass clouded with dust. It was clear no one had touched this place in months.

’And worst of all?’

Heinz would be living here too.

Florian clenched his jaw, his irritation simring beneath his exhaustion.

’Tch. Why should I care? This is good for him. Let him see how hard these people lived because of him.’

Behind him, Heinz stepped inside, the door closing softly behind him. The quiet click of the latch sent an odd shiver down Florian’s spine—an awareness that they were now confined to this space together.

Florian reached up, lowering his hood. His fingers hesitated over his glasses. They were uncomfortable anyway, and Heinz had already removed his, so what was the point of keeping them on?

As soon as Heinz’s disguise fell away, his long black hair tumbled down his back, and his deep red eyes glead once more. Florian followed suit, slipping off his glasses. His pale lavender hair and bright green eyes were exposed in an instant.

Azure perked up at the sight. His tiny wings fluttered, and he let out a delighted chirp. "Chi!"

Florian found himself smiling, just a little.

’I’ll just ignore Heinz and rest. It seems he doesn’t plan on talking to either...so this is fine...’

Right?