Chapter 8: Forbidden

The Glastieve Dukedom has two promising sons. One who is excellent at swordmanship and one who excels at magic.

The second son who was famous for his high knowledge in the field of magic. A man who was best described as someone who use a 'mask' attitude.

He's jolly and vigorous. An attitude that people saw which was a mask. Just what's the purpose of a mask anyway? What's to keep? What to hide?

It was.....

His self.

What's with him? Why need to hide his self? He's a troubled man. But he finds salvation through his fake acts.

Covered by unspeakable regrets and nightmares from the ghosts who sleep inside his head that's how the second son of the Glastieve live his life.

Isolated from the truth where lies was the one build him up from pieces.

It was the thing that the novel never mentioned. For the second son of Glastieve was an side character who died in the rebellion of aristocrats who hated the duke of Glastieve.

It happened not long after the Evyterr in the novel escaped in the count's manor. He died on under the wrath of winter. It was cold like how his body was who found dead when the duke search in the garden pinned by sharp glazing icicles.

Blood dripped at the edge of the icicles. He is dead. He can't be revive anymore.

The novel didn't emphasize the real scenario of his death. That man was a member of Iris. He was a dear friend to everyone. Even though they know his attitude is like that they still accept him. Unfortunately, his life will end there.

The novel stated that along with his body there was bracelet whom he held so much. He hold the bracelet so tightly until his last breath.

That bracelet has a blue gemstone shaped-like an elegant gothic letter 'R' with threads of flowers.

***

A gentle breeze engulfed the place where was Evyterr was lying. He suffered a light fever after they were rescued.

The magic Raffael left was strong enough to trace them faster. They were on the side on the cliff, Evyterr was completely unconscious and Raffael fainted right after they came.

Before it all happened Raffaelo the together with Theseus where on their way to check on Evyterr. They knew Raffael was there but it took him long.

He usually never stayed longer for a visit. So, they have to check. It started rain so hard. It was only the sound of rain hitting the ground can be heard when they saw that the place was empty.

The bed was messy and both Evyterr and Raffael are nowhere to be found. The only thing noticeable was the traces of magic left leading on the forest far away.

It was Raffael's.

"Theseus, go. We need to catch the traces up."

"I have already informed the Raid Knights. They'll going the to follow us in a moment."

Theseus has the ability of Bilocation. Means he can be in a two place at the same time. There's another him who informed the knights and another him who was with Raffelo.

Raffaelo ruffled his hair upwards in distress. He knows that something really bad happened. And both of his brothers are involved. He decided to stay calm and think what he should do.

But first things first they're father should not hear anything from this incident. The duke was away to subjugate the unusual activity that happening in the Teranotch.

Teranotch is a big town located in northeast. The criminality rate there is average which is not alarming. But these days a lot of strange cases of kidnapping arises in that peaceful town.

The duke who was tasked by the order of the king was mandated to investigate the kidnapping cases in Teranotch.

It didn't last for a few minutes before the Raid Knights came, there were seven of them.

The Raid Knights are talented knights the duke appointed to serve the Glastieve family privately. They were different from other knights, and they're position is respected by the dukedom.

"Your Grace, we have arrived."

"We need to go."

With a short conversation they move on to follow the magic traces in a very fast movement. Raffaelo knew he can't waste any time. They have to them find quickly.

The rain won't stop. And it will be harder to find when the rain pours hard. He can't afford to be careless.

It's been fifteen minutes still they haven't find them. The magic Raffael left is getting fainter because of rain downpour. Raffaelo sighed with the situation.

He can't give up now.

A spark of light hits Raffael's eyes. It was small but he didn't miss it. It was hidden behind the bushes so he didn't see at first. He saw another one again few meters away.

His eyes followed where it could lead. And he saw a cliff at the end. He called Theseus and Raid Knights to come over. After they arrive at the cliff they no longer see a trail left.

Raffaelo search his eyes around knowing that they could be here, it didn't took him long to find them.

He saw Raffael and Evyterr beside the dead tree. Raffael was leaning to Evyterr while he hold him to his embrace.

Raffaelo's worries cease in that moment.

"Young Master!" Theseus came running to them. And so did the eldest son.

He came to Raffael and hold his shoulders. Raffael's tired eyes opened, he was trying to speak but he ended up falling unconscious too. He was barely to stay conscious while they were searching for them and it exhaust him physically.

"Theseus, take Evyterr."

"Yes,"

Raffaelo glances at the acting leader of Raid Knights.

"Sir Elohim, take my brother. We have to go back to the estate immediately to stabilize their condition. Everyone you have work hard."

"It was nothing much, your grace."

As they head back three doctors are already waiting in each rooms. Theseus called them using bilocation while waiting for the Raid Knights to come.

Raffaelo check first the condition of Evyterr after he changed his soaked clothes.

The doctors was busy checking Evyterr. Therefore, it took them a moment to realize his presence in the room.

"Apologies, your grace. We didn't notice."

"How's my younger brother?"

"The young master has a light fever. However, we would consider to not let the young master do activities that will exhaust him out in a slightest. His body could not able to hold if we made the young master stressed since his body is not yet completely healed both physically and spiritually."

Raffaelo stared at his brother's sleeping face as his head is filled with chaotic thoughts.

"Is there something you could suggest, doctor? Something that could help him regain his strength little by little?"

"For now, your grace, rest is enough. He needs to build up his rigil to help him balance he's mana and later on will recover his health. It won't be easy but it will help him somehow. Just let the young master have a plenty of rest and a peace of mind."

"You may go."

"Yes, your grace."

Raffaelo walks forward to Evyterr and sat beside the mattress. He's sleeping face brings unknown tranquility to him which was nostalgic.

But whenever he gaze to long he was brought back by his negligence to him. He remembered the years he ignored the child. It was painful in his head when we think everything about.

He also blames his self. It was laughable to think that he was a servant of justice. Truly hilarious as he admitted.

It was unworthy of him to think he could be a servant of justice for everything he did. Neglecting his brother while suffering from another's house, adding to what they're attitudes towards him, and for misunderstanding him.

He was a fool all along. He was unable to protect his brother younger than him. He was the eldest and even giving a slightest attention to him is the thing he couldn't give. If he were to pay attention back then, will things be different? He might not suffering.

Raffaelo gritted his teeth. It was frustrating. The more he think the more it brings him penitence. His mind is more chaotic than it is. The agony he brought himself consumed him.

"I am truly pathetic."

Those words he said cause him to remember some memories. It wasn't a happy memories as he recalled them.

The overwhelming he feels right now is.........

Helplessness.

***

After Raffaelo's visit to Evyterr he goes next to check his brother. When he arrives there the doctors already left.

He saw his brother's arm tied with bandages and it seems he caught a fever too. A divine magic could healed him but as he says they can't afford to be careless. Calling a priest is risky.

A chances that their father might know is higher. He needs to be calm in this problem.

He sat on a chair facing his brother. Yet again a lingering guiltiness surrounds him.

'Even him'

His face turns dark. He doesn't want his brother to see his face right now looking like that after he wakes up.

Raffaelo gently caress his brother's hair praising him. "You did great." His eyes could be seen soften.

It was not easy to be an example especially that there's looking up to you. He was the eldest and it was his responsibility to watch them over.

But he failed to do that.

Being the eldest son to the family carries a lot of pressure and burden. People hates someone who isn't worthy. They don't accept flaws and mistakes.

Raffaelo being the big brother also pressures him a lot. It was not a duty but a responsibility to protect those who are weaker than him.

He can't be a man with flaws or they will look down on him. That is what he learned over the years of his youth. He doesn't want to see someone suffer the same thing again.

That's why with all his might he tried to be a good example of a perfect brother and to the public.

He study hard and made learn at lot of things. Which eventually made him excel at swordmanship.

Having a tough face in order to protect your loved ones is tiring.

Because he must let the enemies know that he's a Glastieve, no one will dare to get in his way.

But what he also did is unforgivable too. People might make fun of him or curse and mock for what he did.

However, he knows better than anyone else that he made a mistake and that's unchangeable.

Regrets and fears entered in his thoughts.

Just like what happened years ago.....

He thought.

He was not able to do anything because of his stupid principles and pride. And look where it lead.

It increases the cracks of their hearts. The misery will never let them go. And it is up to them to choose another path or walk straight ahead.

How can you mend a broken soul if you're broken too?

It's just like how can you love someone if you can't love yourself.

It will surely brings pain. And darkness will crush them if they turn into a blind eye it once again.

Raffaelo knew what circumstances they have in their family. It will be hard to keep going on knowing that there's no hope for them if they didn't know how to pay attention at each other and see how everything hurts right now.

No one would think this is family of Glastieve looks like. They may judge but Raffaelo knew what he did and he regretted it.

How can you blame a man who hasn't overcome his scars of his past?

How can you blame a man who never knew what love was lost someone he cherishes?

Can you blame that man who only knew was to keep strong not even shedding a tear or complaining when it already hurts?

How about this man who always wear a facade smile because that's the only thing he could do to protect itself?

Isn't painful? Having a family like that?

But, no matter how painful and hard it is. We cannot do things alone. Nothing will get solved if you keep yourself distant.

It is okay to be careful. But never hold a grudge for too long because it doesn't help you achieve freedom and happiness.

Learn from mistakes. Maybe someday you'll know how to accept yourself.

***

"Brother," Raffael called.

"You're awake. I was about to head out. Go back to sleep, Raffael."

"..."

"You're mouth still sore, so don't talk to much."

"I...... I'm glad I was..........able to save him."

"You did well."

Raffael was about to speak again about Evyterr but Raffaelo knew what he was about to say so he insisted to talk first.

"Evyterr's fine. Just a light fever. He didn't suffer any major injuries also. You're the one to talk."

"I'm fine since........

.........he's also fine."

***

(｡ﾉω＼｡)Boys, you know I love you. Just bare it a little bit and I'll work on everything. So, family matters comes first!(ㆁωㆁ) Evyterr, love, your body is a my big priority! Therefore, don't do rash things again!!

Well, greetings to everyone! Another chapter is up! I hope everyone enjoyed!

I forget to include here the right pronunciation of Evyterr. It pronounces as E - vi - ter. (To pronounce the 'E' it sounds like 'E' in 'Envy')

Just like that!

Fun Fact: (I kinda forgot to put this so I'm sorry for being late.)

Revenge.

Is the meaning of bird's-foot trefoil in the language of flowers (◠‿◕)

Have a great day everyone!!

~Lovelots(~￣³￣)~