Chapter 139: Brother’s United Once More
Bruno's life had become slightly different from his normal days ever since becoming an adult, marrying his wife, and starting his own family. For the first time in a very long time, he was forced to return to his parents' home. Not out of any form of economic crisis which saw him evicted.
Nor a natural disaster that saw his family's home destroyed. No, Bruno was simply waiting for his new estate to be built, and had gone out of his way to provoke some powerful forces which now wanted him dead, and had already tried on one occasion to kill him.
Because of this provocation, he had decided to move into his parents' estate, which had its own security, security which had been vastly increased and improved since Bruno's arrival. His father, being a former military officer, and currently one of the highest-ranking politicians in the Reich, was naturally aware of why his son was temporarily moving back in with him. Even if he didn't tell the boy's mother about it.
Since this was the case, Burno found himself being doted on by two women rather than the one that normally did. His wife had always been very attentive to whatever Bruno needed, so much so that she was there to help him, even when he didn't realize he required it.
But when it came to doting on Bruno, his mother took it to the extra mile. Having not really seen her son outside of family gatherings since he moved out for the academy, she was more than happy to have the youngest, and most favorite, son temporarily return to his childhood home.
And because of this, she was not only doting on Bruno, but his wife and children as well. After all, Elsa had as much love for Bruno's children as she did him. And he was the only one of her sons who had actually named one of his daughters after her.
Just adding to the woman's affection for her youngest son. And in doing so cement his place as her favorite. Because of this, Elsa was running around the house, looking after her grandchildren, all the while making sure Bruno was nice and comfortable.
But today was a day that Elsa was honestly dreading, and that was because it was the day that one of her other sons and his family were scheduled to visit. Seeing how Bruno had troubles with his older brothers while growing up, Elsa was fearful that the two siblings would not get along.
Especially since Bruno had always been quiet and aloof at the annual family gatherings. So, you can indeed imagine the woman's shock and surprise when Ludwig came home and hugged his younger brother, as if he had been waiting to see the man for over twenty years. Ludwig had initially been the brother, who was perhaps the vilest to Bruno in their youth. But having lowered his head in humility, and asked to serve beneath Bruno's command. The man had actually formed an unbreakable bond with his younger brother, and unwavering respect for the man after their time together in Russia.
And of course, Ludwig was the one who the war had taken its toll on the most, having been sent home early in order to avoid developing a severe mental illness, one which the man would never recover from.