Brothers Agony

Chapter 36

In an isolated place; An isolated forest. Where some only enter to hunt wild animals to sell or to eat. A villa is at the end of the forest. It was far from the center of the woodland, full of creatures and untamed beasts lingering around. The villa itself has an enchanted atmosphere surrounding it. Some villagers roamed past there. It was a mixed feeling concerning fascination and fear. People said it was like they are continuously bewitched by the villa. And was stared by at inside the mansion. A hair-rising house they also labeled as. Inside of that unknown villa is where six people gather.

The villa is a three-story mansion. The third floor of the villa possesses a spacious study and library. Fit for someone who likes to study. It contains eight rooms on the second floor. Two rooms, a kitchen, a rounded staircase, a living room area on the first floor. Moreover, a dungeon and secret rooms are located in the basement of the villa that shouldn't be entered. Lastly, the balcony where the master's bedroom is located is also the center view outside the mansion.

The six people had their meeting in the study. There is a long table with ten seats. Four out of six we're sitting at the study. The middle seat was empty. It happened to be they are waiting for someone. "When will we take appearance?" A man along with a familiar voice questioned started the meeting. The confidential voice began to find himself his cigarette case. It was in his pocket's bag. One cigarette wasn't enough, he decided not to put the cigarette case back in his bag. After all, he needs more than one. Raising his cigarette. Tapping the table two times. A fire then appeared in the tobacco. It was a motion for him to take time to inhale the smoke then blow it out. He was beside a small height man that was wearing glasses.

"Soon." A cold and husky deep voice perceive from the shadows he walked out on. He walked to the glass window. Their awaited person has come. Seems like he is their lord. That man had a body and face to boast. A tall well-toned white pale skinned body. His muscles were visible in his fitted sleeveless top and sweatpants. That cold man appeared to have acquaintance. It was a little kid. The kid had a unique hair color. His hair was like the full moon it was pure bright white. The kid stayed at his position where his lord left him standing.

"The exact time is right ahead of us. We have done numerous crimes towards that person! Why can't we go see that person now? " A regretful voice stands from his seat. Their companion shouted, his yelp was accompanied with his hand slapping the table making a loud bang. The table trembled because of it. "Be patient. We made those sins, we are not in the position to see that person." Their other associate who was sitting near the middle chair stated. His eyes were closed, his arms were crossed, and he was cradling the chair on which he is sitting. Leaning his back at the chair his cradling. "He is right. The day will come that we will go to see that person again. By no means to beg for that person's mercy or intimacy. And to be accepted or rather not by that person again. We have no right to embrace that person's devotion. That person will need us to sacrifice ourselves. That is our method to compensate to that person." The man with glasses voiced as he fixed his eyeglasses.

"All of each one of us can't change anything to the past. We can only alter what is now. Our outrage will never be corrected. Forgiveness will never be granted. Faults until now cannot be modified. In this life, let's not make that person suffer more. Help that person in silent trek the hardships that person is walking now. We must not let that person die again." They are wordless at what their lord remark. The study includes an immense glass window. The lord stood there viewing the outside of the villa. "My lord, when do you think will be the right time to see that person." The bright white-haired boy query. Their lord was unmoving. "If that person calls upon me. Leave, keep an eye on that person. Our conversation is over. Make sure, that person won't be in danger. Remember, don't reveal your identity if either one of you comes across to that person." Though their lord was motionless and was only seeking the view outside. He is thinking quietly about what next move will he do. He was planning something. The four-man who was nearby at the table. Accepted the words their lord released and agreed to wait. The four-man and the kid snap their fingers as they disappeared. They left first to leave their lord alone. Leaving no trace of them at the study.

Their lord was left in the study. Mourning to that person he recalled. The lord was crying, yes, crying. However, why was he crying? Is that person precious to him? Other people would have thought and questioned him that. That person wasn't just a cherished human he took care of. The cold lord loved and endlessly continued loving that person until now.

Ashlyn's POV

I entered the golden walls beside Alejandro with me. We walk down the long stairs. The staircase was in a golden color. I often go here with the two princes since two or three years ago. Alas, who would have guessed this would happen to me? That they'll get along with me. It was just a thought before that this will take place. They are truthful to me. And I should act like that as well. These two princes don't deserve my unfeigned attitude. Killing me in two of my reincarnations by using execution without a reason to tell. Alejandro and Claude aren't people I need to goodwill. But their mother is kind to me. I want to repay it with an act of kindness. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean I'll devote myself to them. I was foolish in the past to do that hoping they will accept me. This time that will never happen again.

Even before, I was on good terms with the empress however before she was not open like now. In particular; The empress, butler Asher, uncle Philip, uncle Hunter, and the assassination family my dad built were the people who were only nice to me because of what I am.

I didn't realize we have reached the down area of the passage. A paradise is beneath the passage. This land itself is like an illusion. A mirage that is easy to be deceived. It's beautiful. A vast grassland. Unique and unnamed flowers are gathering around. Trees are mystical like the particular flowers I have seen here. Here many long-lasting phoenixes are staying around more than other animals. Wild beasts are not present here except tamable animals. At this moment, we are near the small cottage we often rest at. Outside the cottage has a wooden swing decorated with flowers. Two lounge benches are not too close to each other. And a rounded table. This land is part of many secrets places of the Lobelia Palace. What I found amusing is the ground connects two palaces; The Imperial Palace and the Lobelia Palace. Both castles are attached beneath the bases. Alejandro told me the real legend of the hidden places of the two palaces. The imperial and Lobelia palace was built by the God of Sun who blessed the Lune Continent. Since the two palaces were built hundreds of years ago. The castles no longer got rebuilt. All the features of the palaces are still in its original state like how it was built by the God. Others may know another hidden route, but those tracks are only ordinary tracks used for evacuation, hiding spots, cells, or torture chambers. That's why this passage is the easiest and occult way to go to the imperial palace faster. The only disadvantage of it is that the only person or people who can open the passageways are the imperial family members who carry royal blood within them. Illegitimate or legitimate. Born out of wedlock or not. A child produced by a commoner or rather a noble is still a child born into royal.

Alejandro's POV

We got near the cottage. Seeing brother's whereby I'm happy what he's happy about. Brother was dusting off hardy any dirt on the lounge bench. He let Lyn sit first before him. While he was also sitting he said a few words, "Alejandro, take as many wasters you can. After you return, you'll help me bring the steel rapiers." I nodded. Wasters are wooden swords for training. Practice swords.

Entering the cottage, many portrayals of generation to generation royal families who ruled the entire continent scattered around. An interior of rooms filled with all the things that reminisce them. The cottage may seem like a small house outside. Inside of it has a trait of a castle. A phantasm is seen on the outside view of the cottage. I hurriedly run to the arsenal where many rapier, swords, katana, cutlasses, and other weaponry are stored. Getting there. I saw a sight worth coming for. Military armament that some are passed down by our ancestors or just limited weapons they brought. I opened a cabinet where the wooden swords are. I took dozen. Coming back, I hear my brother reciting a poem through our special bond. And also because my position was in front of the entrance of the cottage. The door was wide open though they can't see me. This is fascinating. My brother doesn't even utter a critique he made. But telling a poem he made just for lyn. Only for Lyn. His poem was only centering Lyn. Lyn is the luckiest person to listen to his poem.

"I like you." He confessed. The three words he said were part of his poem. Woah, that was a great idea of him to confess in the last line of his poem. I gave my brother a thumbs-up without him seeing. "I'll refuse that confession, Claude. You're good, I know but I know there's better than me. I'm sorry." Lyn was straightforward in saying those words. My cute sincere older brother got rejected. "I know you'll say that. I intend to confess to you although you are going to reject me. To let you know that you are someone special to me." Brother said. Lyn was quiet she was speechless. Sometimes I feel I'm not ten years old, I'm like some teen or what. I felt a sting in my heart. This is my brother's pain from getting rejected. Brother Claude and Lyn are now in deep silence. I need to stop it. Wait, why did my head suddenly hurt a bit. I took my gaze to my brother. He is supporting his head. He said he got dizzy for a while.

"Brother, I have brought what we need~" I sweetly shouted. I need to act as if nothing happen. And I did not heard them. Their talk. Their conversation. Their attention was stolen by me. I smiled at my brother, he replied with a smile. 'Thank you.' Brother said in our connection. 'Your welcome, brother.' Older brother walked towards me, "Lyn, wait for us, we'll get the steel rapiers." Lyn nodded, a substitute for her answer. Brother was smiling saying that phrase. He didn't look at Lyn. Brother directly came to me.

As we walk to the arsenal. He was silent. "Brother, are you okay?" I asked. "Don't worry. Let's talk after we spend time with Lyn." Brother speak. "Hmm, mm." I groaned.

Claude's POV

I got back to Lyn with my brother. The play that I was talking about is practicing with swords. We started doing this since Lyn showed us her swordsmanship skill. Both of us, brothers we're amazed at her skill. Lyn is one year older than Alejandro and I'm four years older than her. She's skilled more than I. Her talent in swordsmanship is much greater than the duke himself and the royal captain of the guards.

Currently speaking we sparred with her many times. Though she's a young girl wearing a dress she holds the steel rapier lightly like the weight of the iron is nothing at her. Yet none of us brothers can't beat her. It's like Lyn is a warrior who fought in many battles. I stopped because my head suddenly hurt when I saw Lyn. Ugh, this pain again. Since I confess to Lyn a while ago I've been feeling heavy and stuffy. Alejandro is also feeling this I know. I am worried that both of us will fall into illness at what I'm feeling. I don't know who'll I'll blame with what we are perceiving now. It was sudden. Every time I look at Lyn now, I can't see her young look anymore. I see someone else. Who I don't know. A woman, she was beautiful but lifeless. She has pure white skin like the snow in winter. Eyes had an aura of spring. And...

"Claude," "Brother," "OLDER BROTHER/CLAUDE!" Lyn and Alejandro shouted. I was in a haze for a moment noticing their wail shaken me. "Claude, are you okay?" Lyn asked. "I..." I couldn't say I was okay nor say I was feeling down. Again, I saw another person on Lyn. Looking up, I combed my blue hair. "This is frustrating." I blurted. I gape at the two. Alejandro's jaw dropped. "Claude, if you're not alright. It's better to train another time." Lyn said. Once again, I can't see Lyn's original young look. "Sorry, Lyn, you're right we should practice another time. I'm sorry we'll just see you off. Alejandro and I have been feeling sick. That's why we're not in the spirit to have the energy to train. Again, I'm sorry." Lyn patted my shoulder, "It's okay. Rest well, Claude" How can I move on? When you're acting like this towards me.

I send her off with the grand duke himself. I was alone when I see her off, Alejandro wanted to come but I said I'll be fine.

Now, I'm walking back to the imperial palace. To my room to be exact. I crave to cool off by resting a bit. Wandering there I encountered my younger brother sitting right in front of my door. "Have you been waiting there?" Hearing my voice. Alejandro sprung to hug me. "Bro, are you all right?" He asked. I shrugged while messing with his hair. "No, it occurs we are getting sick for some reason." Alejandro nodded slowly. "Brother do you want to talk about what happened to you and Lyn?" I look back at him. Opening the door I signaled him to come in. We both sat at the lounge chair outside my balcony. It happened to be night already. It appears we have overdone our practice. I look down at the ground while Alejandro looks above. We are silently enjoying the breeze. Though that stop when I spoke,

"If someday you'll love someone. Remember to accept those pain and rejection. Never put your selfishness, willful desires, and reckless thoughts of forcing someone you will love. Like how I act to I did to Lyn. Always put in your mind that the girl you like is someone who needs you to understand her. Protect, care, make her see that you are worth every devotion you will make just for her. Only and lastly for her. And only love the girl you will see your new world at." Alejandro was astonished but chose to carelessly nod.

For some reason, I had cried. The weird thing is I'm crying for another reason I don't exactly point at. And so was my brother. Alejandro is feeling my agony of being rejected. Geez, why can we have this kind of power? I'm not regretting nor rueful for what the god of our family gave. I am only questionable. Don't get me wrong our power is very helpful for us. But there is sometimes that we both get hurt eventually