Help, I'm in Another World and All the Men Are Are So Dangerous! [BL]-Chapter 326: The Scolding, the Tears, and the Twist

"What?! A marriage contract? Rocco signed one too?!"

As expected, the atmosphere around Di Malvento’s faction started to crackle ominously.

Rocco teared up with a helpless little squeak.

He had honestly thought this would turn into a happy celebration—but it was feeling more and more like a bloodbath was about to break out.

This was terrifying.

He was seriously going to cry.

"C’mon now. The marriage is already decided, there’s no need to get so worked up about it."

Even Rocco, who had endured a lot already, went pale at the sheer blatant provocation.

And then—just as Laxus said those words with a relaxed, almost lazy grin—Rocco could almost hear the moment Di Malvento’s side reached the breaking point.

The oppressive atmosphere that had been looming for so long finally snapped.

...

"Ugh, I’m sorry! Please forgive me!"

Rocco was currently enduring a spanking punishment from Sylas after he snatched him away from Laxus’s embrace.

Getting spanked in front of everyone was like a public execution; it was too much.

It was unbearably embarrassing.

The lack of mercy was so intense that Rocco felt tears welling up.

While burying his face in the couch cushions, he was crying while begging for mercy.

Normally, just a single tear from Rocco would trigger Sylas’s soft and comforting mode, but this time, Sylas was completely merciless.

Even as Rocco cried and resisted, Sylas never loosened his hold, he continue to spank him with a stoic expression.

The spanks weren’t too painful, as Sylas had toned it down, but it was his cold attitude that made Rocco’s tears flow even more.

As Rocco sobbed uncontrollably, Laxus gently placed his hand on Sylas’s shoulder and spoke up.

"Sylas, stop. It’s my fault. I’m the one to blame. I’m really sorry."

Even Laxus, who had been so confident and smiling just moments ago, now spoke with a serious tone, trying to stop Sylas.

Laxus had probably thought that marrying Rocco would be a huge victory, a "take that!" moment, but he must’ve panicked when he saw how furious Di Malvento was.

Of course Di Malvento would be angry, but Laxus had been so clueless.

He should’ve anticipated this.

Poor Rocco couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed.

At Laxus’s words, Sylas immediately stopped.

Just when Rocco thought the spanking was finally over, the next thing he knew, smack—another sharp spank landed.

He whimpered and a moment of relief was followed by more torment.

Sylas’s mercilessness was unbearable.

"What do you think you’re saying?" Sylas’s voice was cold. "Don’t think I need to tell you, but you’re going to die anyway, so stay quiet and wait, you scum. Right now, it’s Rocco’s punishment. You decided to get married without telling me, so you’re being punished for being a bad child."

As Sylas scolded him while continuing the spanking, Rocco’s mental state was crumbling.

Normally, Sylas would pat him gently, calling him "good boy," but now he was glaring at Rocco and calling him a "bad boy."

The words pierced Rocco’s heart, and his cheeks were soon wet with tears again.

"Bweh! I’m sorry! Please don’t hate me! Big brother!"

Rocco sobbed and screamed, overwhelmed with emotion.

In the brief moment when Sylas’s large hand left his bottom, Rocco quickly dashed forward and clung to Sylas.

Rocco buried his face in Sylas’s chest, crying out desperately.

Clinging to him, he pleaded not to be hated or abandoned, and eventually, Sylas sighed in resignation.

"...Sigh."

A deep, heavy sigh fell from Sylas, causing Rocco to freeze in place.

He shivered, thinking he had truly been hated.

But then, unexpectedly, Sylas scooped him up and hugged him tightly.

"Eh...?"

Rocco, with his tear-streaked, pitiful face, looked up slowly.

When their eyes met, Sylas’s expression was a stark contrast to his earlier coldness; it was now filled with warm, loving affection.

Although Sylas had been furious just moments ago, why was he acting like this now?

Rocco blinked his eyes in confusion as Sylas gently wiped the tears off his cheeks and whispered softly.

"Rocco, have you reflected on your actions?"

Rocco gasped and froze as he locked eyes with Sylas, who was looking at him with a slightly pressured gaze.

He nodded vigorously, repeatedly, while clinging to Sylas as he was held in a koala-like embrace.

"Y-Yes! I’ve reflected! I’m really sorry!"

Rocco bowed his head deeply at lightning speed, and Sylas who is looking satisfied, patted his head.

With a relaxed expression, Sylas briefly glanced at Marcus, who had been quietly observing the scene, then turned back to Rocco.

As Rocco raised his face, Sylas said something completely unexpected.

"Now then, Father. Since Rocco seems to have reflected on his actions, let’s end the scolding here and proceed with the annulment of the engagement."

"...What?"

Rocco jumped up in complete shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.

What was going on?

As he anxiously looked back, he saw Laxus, who was wearing an exasperated expression as if to say, "I knew it."

Was this part of the plan all along?

Was Sylas’s shocking statement part of the plan?!

"Eh, wait, big brother... didn’t you forgive me...?"

Rocco tugged at Sylas’s sleeve, confusion written all over his face.

Sylas, with a puzzled look, responded.

"...? The scolding is over. Rocco isn’t a bad boy. What do you mean by ’forgive’?"

"What... what do you mean...? Since the scolding is over, you’ll forgive the marriage, right...?"

"Huh?"

"P-Peh!"

Rocco shook in fear as Sylas suddenly switched to "mafia mode."

Looking down at Rocco, Sylas wore a terrifying, emotionless expression.

Why? Why did he suddenly get mad?! Had he said something wrong?!

Shivering and stepping back cautiously, Rocco noticed that Sylas had spotted him trying to escape to Laxus’s side.

Sylas’s face twisted into a scowl of anger, and upon seeing this, Rocco couldn’t help but tear up even more.

Laxus who is lifting the sobbing Rocco into his arms, began to gently patting him as he spoke with an exasperated tone.

"Don’t you think it’s time to stop being so stubborn? Respect Rocco’s feelings. You’re his older brother, but you’re acting a little too selfish, don’t you think?"