CHAPTER 166: WHAT AN INTERESTING MORNING!

The morning sun stretched lazily over the capital, painting the roofs gold and warming the mist that still clung to the air. In the Vortellion estate, the light filtered through the tall windows of Lucien’s chamber.

He stood by the window, fastening the buttons of his coat when a soft knock came from the balcony door. He didn’t turn... he already knew who it was.

"Sasha?" he said, his voice calm but commanding.

The door creaked open. Sasha stepped inside, dressed neatly as always. In his hand was a folded letter, sealed with a red mark... Rin’s mark.

Lucien’s eyes flickered with quiet amusement as he took it.

"From him?"

Sasha nodded. "He told me to hand it over personally."

Lucien broke the seal carefully and unfolded the letter. The scent of faint perfume... light, almost sweet... floated up. He immediately knew Rin had written it early in the morning. The handwriting was neat but slightly rushed, as if Rin had written between yawns.

As Lucien read, a small smile appeared on his lips.

’What’s up, Lucy,

I won’t be able to visit today. I’m sorry. I know you’ll be busy with the war council anyway, so don’t worry about me. I met my little brother... his name is Winter. He’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He looks a bit like me but smaller and brighter. He smiles a lot. You’d like him, I think.

I plan to spend the day with him. Maybe show him around the city, buy him sweets, and get him clothes that don’t look like they were stolen off a drunk guard. He deserves better.

Take care of yourself, and don’t fall sick. I’ll visit you soon.

—Rin’

Lucien’s eyes softened. He ran a thumb slowly across Rin’s name at the bottom. For someone who always acted cold, Rin’s words were unexpectedly warm... almost tender.

Sasha stood quietly, watching him.

Lucien folded the letter carefully and slipped it into his pocket.

"You may go," he said.

Sasha bowed but hesitated. "My lord, before I leave... may I ask something?"

Lucien arched a brow. "You already are."

Sasha’s tone grew serious.

"How do you truly feel about Rin?"

Lucien turned his gaze toward him, his face unreadable. "Why do you ask?"

"I owe him my life," Sasha said plainly. "He’s reckless but kind. I’ve sworn to protect him, no matter what it costs me. But I see the way you look at him. I just want to know if you intend to hurt him."

Lucien smirked faintly, though his eyes didn’t match the expression.

"Hurt him? No. But if anyone else tries, I won’t hesitate to destroy them."

Sasha frowned. "That wasn’t an answer."

Lucien stepped closer, his voice low but steady. "You care too much for your master’s affairs. Do your job... keep him safe. Leave the rest to me."

Sasha’s jaw tightened. For a moment, the air between them grew tense. But finally, Sasha exhaled sharply and bowed again.

"Understood."

When he left, Lucien rubbed his chin, eyes fixed on the letter again.

"That boy," he murmured. "He keeps attracting trouble like a flame draws moths."

A soft laugh escaped him, but it didn’t reach his eyes. "I’ll have to make sure none of them takes him away from me."

He adjusted his coat, grabbed his sword, and stepped out of his room. His destination: the royal palace.

.

.

By the time Rin woke up for the second time, the sun was already climbing high above the city walls. He groaned and sat up, pressing a hand to his forehead.

"Ugh... that’s what I get for drinking too much," he muttered.

The soft sound of breathing came from beside him. He turned and saw Winter curled up on the bed, hugging the pillow like a tiny animal. Rin’s frown softened instantly.

"Well," he whispered with a small smile, "he makes the hangover worth it."

He took a quick shower and wore the first shirt he could find. It didn’t match his pants, but he didn’t care. He brushed through his damp hair with his fingers and left the room.

When he entered his mother’s room, Elyria was sitting on the bed, massaging her temples. Her hair was messy, and the faint smell of alcohol still lingered around her.

"Good morning," Rin said, walking in.

She looked up and smiled faintly. "If this is morning, then yes."

He sat beside her. "You should rest today. You look like death."

Elyria chuckled softly. "And you look exactly like your father when you frown like that."

Rin blinked, caught off guard. He quickly looked away. "Don’t compare me to someone I don’t remember."

"I know," she said gently. "So, what brings you here?"

"I’m taking Winter out," Rin replied. "I just came to let you know."

Elyria smiled. "You don’t need my permission, Rin. He’s your brother."

"I know," Rin smirked. "But I wanted to sound polite."

She laughed, shaking her head. "You haven’t changed at all."

Rin stood and straightened his shirt.

"I’ll get you something nice while we’re out."

"You don’t have to..."

"I want to," he cut in. "And don’t say no. I already promised."

Before she could argue, he left. Elyria watched the door close, her smile fading slightly. She lay back on the bed, whispering to herself,

"I forgot to ask him about Asmodeus... maybe later."

.

.

When Rin returned to his room, Winter was already awake, sitting quietly on the bed with the dog curled beside him.

"Morning," Rin said, kneeling beside him. "You ready to see the world of sweets?"

Winter nodded shyly, rubbing his eyes.

After cleaning him up and fixing his hair, Rin took his hand, and they headed outside. Sasha was already waiting by the door.

"Did you deliver the letter?" Rin asked.

"Yes," Sasha said. "He read it immediately."

Rin smiled slightly. "Good."

They started their walk through the busy streets. The city was alive again... vendors shouting, children running, the scent of bread and roasted meat floating through the air.

Their first stop was Madam Boutique, the famous clothing shop near the plaza. When Rin stepped inside, Madam herself almost dropped her scissors.

"Rin!" she gasped. "And who’s this adorable little one? Oh heavens, he looks like you shrunk yourself!"

Rin laughed. "That’s my brother, Winter."

"Your brother?" She looked between them, astonished. "No wonder! You two could be twins if not for the height."

Winter hid behind Rin’s arm shyly, and Rin gently patted his head.

"We need some clothes for him. Something nice. Cute, maybe."

Madam Boutique clapped her hands. "Leave it to me! I’ll make him look like a prince."

They spent almost an hour there, with Madam pulling out outfits and fussing over fabrics. Winter blushed at every compliment, and Rin just kept grinning.

When they finally left, Rin’s arms were full of parcels. "If you grow up spoiled, it’s her fault, not mine," Rin teased.

Winter giggled, clutching his new hat.

They walked through the market, buying roasted meat, sweet rolls, and even a few colourful candies. Winter’s eyes lit up at everything.

"How’s it?" Rin asked.

"Sweet," Winter replied, with his mouth full.

Rin couldn’t help smiling as he watched him.

"You really haven’t seen much of the world, huh?"

Winter shook his head.

"Mother didn’t let me go out much."

"Then we’ll change that," Rin said firmly. "You’re with me now."

They stopped near an ice cream shop, the large windows gleaming under the sun. A guard stood by the door, arms crossed.

"Let’s go in," Rin said.

But when he tried, the guard stopped him.

"Only nobles are allowed here."

Rin frowned. "It’s just ice cream. Everyone can have ice cream, right?"

"Rules are rules," the guard said flatly.

Winter looked up at Rin with sad eyes. Rin sighed, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a few gold coins. "Rules can be flexible, right?"

The guard’s expression changed immediately. "Ah, of course, sir. Please, go right in."

Rin rolled his eyes. "Pathetic."

They entered and found a quiet corner. Sasha stood nearby, but Rin waved him to sit.

"I’ll pass," Sasha said.

"Sit," Rin ordered. "You’re making me nervous."

Reluctantly, Sasha sat down. Rin grabbed the menu, humming softly as he scanned the options. "Let’s see... vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and... oh! There’s even honey almond. Let’s get all of them."

"All of them?" Sasha repeated.

"Obviously," Rin said, smirking. "We’re celebrating my brother’s first day of freedom."

When the waiter brought the ice cream, the table was filled with colour... white, pink, gold, and brown scoops in tall glasses.

Winter’s eyes widened. "It looks so pretty."

"Wait until you taste it," Rin said.

Winter scooped a spoonful and gasped as it melted in his mouth.

"It’s sweet! And cold!"

Rin chuckled. "That’s ice cream for you."

As they laughed, Rin’s thoughts drifted briefly to Ezra... the first person who’d ever introduced him to ice cream in this world. The memory stung a little, and he quickly brushed it away.

"Focus, Rin," he told himself quietly. "You’re living a different life now."

Winter tried again, but the spoon slipped. The ice cream flew... landing right on the gown of a woman walking past.

"Oh no!" Rin exclaimed, standing up immediately. "I’m so sorry..."

The woman’s maid gasped loudly.

"You ruined my lady’s dress! Do you know how expensive this is?"

The lady turned with a calm smile. Her voice was soft, almost too gentle.

"It’s fine. It’s just an accident."

"But my lady, that’s pure silk..."

"It’s fine," she repeated, still smiling sweetly.

Rin bowed slightly. "My apologies. I’ll compensate for the damage."

She tilted her head. "You don’t need to. Truly."

Her smile was kind, but her eyes flickered briefly over him and Winter. When she turned away, her maid leaned close and whispered something.

The lady froze mid-step. Then she smiled again... but this time, her lips curved differently.

"That boy?" she whispered. "The concubine Lucien favours?"

"Yes, my lady," the maid murmured.

The woman’s smile sharpened.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier?"

"My lady, I thought..."

"Never mind." Her tone changed, sweet and venomous. "A commoner in a noble’s restaurant? How scandalous."

She turned slightly, her silk gown brushing against Rin’s table. Her eyes lingered on him, soft and dangerous.

"Guards," she said smoothly, her voice carrying across the room. "Bring him to me."

"Understood!" They chorused loudly as they marched towards Rin’s table.

The waiters froze. The air thickened as all attention diverted to Rin.

Rin looked up, confused, meeting her gaze for the first time.

Her lips curved into a flawless smile. "Well, well," she said softly. "What an interesting morning."

Sasha’s hand was already on his sword as he sprang up. Winter grabbed Rin’s sleeve, frightened at her grin.

Rin sighed, eyes narrowing slightly. "Great," he muttered under his breath. "Here we go again. Who the hell is this woman?"