Chapter 33. Elder Brother
Lucian stood still, staring at his big brother—Leo—looking strong and fine, like yesterday's rough fight never happened. More than that, his body was different: once thin and weak, now full of hard muscle, like a fighter. And when Leo said 'little brother, it hit Lucian hard—something he never thought Leonhardt would call him.
Leo saw the surprise on Lucian's face—and his butler's too—grabbing a towel and wiping sweat off his neck, crimson eyes shining with a small, playful grin. "Why the funny face?" he asked.
Lucian's words shook a little. "You're exercising? I saw you get hurt badly yesterday."
Leo laughed, a low, happy sound, tossing the towel away. "Just little bruises. I'm good—better than good. But I can't leave until the main healer permit."
Liana's cheeks went red, and she hurried over, holding his shirt tight. "Young Master, put this on! You can't stay like that!" she said, half mad, half shy.
Leo smiled, pulling the shirt on easily, letting it fit over his strong chest.
He walked to Lucian, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Let's sit and talk," he said, going to the bed and dropping down with a thud, legs stretched out. Lucian waited a second, then sat on a stool close by, hands fidgeting.
Leo looked at him, his eyes soft but strong, thinking of old memories—Leonhardt's memories. There wasn't real hate there, just a quiet anger. When Lucian got his resonance weapon, everyone turned to him, cheering loud, and forgot Leonhardt, even making fun of him. That's what changed him back then.
Lucian didn't know what to say. "I... brought you some things," he said quiet, nodding to the butler. Liana took the basket—full of shiny apples, a jar of honey, a little wooden horse by Vivien, and a soft blue scarf—and put it on the table.