Elijah was somewhat surprised. He touched the boy's forehead with his cool hand, brushing aside the messy hair. His voice was gentle and elegant as he spoke.
"There's not much to say about my life... just the same old boring and tedious work."
Then he seemed to remember something.
"By the way, do you remember that potion you modified?"
"Its sales are excellent. Even with an exorbitant price, nobles still flock to it. Not only did we recoup our initial investment in acquiring the Moonshadow Orchid, but the profit margin was also 30% higher than expected."
This topic was effective; almost the instant he heard the specific data, Willie immediately felt drowsy.
"Perhaps you can take charge of the relevant work later. After we leave the castle... apart from the necessary profit distribution and further research and development, the rest of the profits will be transferred to your account."
Vili gave a small yawn and turned his head away as he listened to Elijah's words.
He doesn't want to work... but having money to buy more gems is nice.
"The outside world is developing very fast, almost changing every day... Humans also have their cleverness. Sometimes when I return to the castle and see those candles, I feel a little uncomfortable."
"Of course, that's understandable... After all, His Highness is quite old. Since Prince Lysen came to the castle, he probably hasn't left for hundreds of years."
In the dim light, a slight smile seemed to appear on Elijah's lips as he reached out and tucked the blanket around Vili.
"My work is almost over. When that time comes, your brother will take you out to play, okay?"
When he described their future, his eyes seemed to sparkle with longing and anticipation.
"……Um."
Vili was already a little confused, and his replies were muffled and nasal.
Noticing that her younger brother's breathing was gradually becoming calmer, Elijah lowered her voice even further.
"Then it's a deal."
If he survives by then.
The brief moment of leisure felt like it had been stolen from a crack in time, but it brought Elijah a sense of relief. He pressed his hand to his chest and let out a deep breath.
His life of revenge was like walking a tightrope; he went further and further with each step, as if treading on thin ice. Countless hands reached up, trying to touch and grab him, only to rip him off and smash him to pieces.
He carried the bloodied souls of seventy-one dead on his back, leaving a glaring trail with every step he took.
But Vili was his wing.
No matter how far he flies, they are together.
Although it was initially done at Willy's request, it instead stirred up his own sorrows.
Elijah chuckled self-deprecatingly.
Perhaps this is for the best...
If he ultimately fails, Prince Zephyr will be able to protect Vili.
But he was still worried.
How could he possibly feel at ease?
Elijah took off his shoes, quietly climbed into bed, and hugged Vili through the blankets, curling up slightly. He rested his chin on Vili's soft head and then closed his eyes.
He imagined...
In the very beginning of life, the two of them were in the same place, in the same posture.
Warm, nostalgic, and reassuring...
My younger brother...
My one and only.
Outside the door, Scarlett glanced at the time, took a deep breath, and looked at Zephyr beside him with a cold smile.
"Your good housekeeper, hmm?"
The latter was much calmer than him.
"They are brothers, so it's normal for them to sleep together."
Scarlett was somewhat surprised: "Isn't he your adopted child?"
Having known Zeffiril for so long, he could naturally tell that there was no blood relation between him and Vili.
"Before I adopted him, his last name was Hughes."
“Is that so…” Scarlett’s voice lowered as he stroked his chin, “But the way I looked at that kid Elijah wasn’t that simple.”
"You've raised a wolf cub with care."
This was the first time in many years that the two of them had been able to sit down and have a calm and peaceful conversation.
Zephyr was unusually dazed and remained silent for a long time before speaking.
“Lesson, you know him.”
"Vampires and werewolves are natural enemies."
"ha."
Scarlett couldn't help but cover her face, but tacitly accepted this gesture of goodwill during the conversation.
"Zeferi, you still love telling corny jokes."
After another period of silence, Scarlett stood up.
"I don't want to stand outside the room like an idiot."
However, before he turned to leave, Zephyr suddenly spoke up.
"...Do you regret it?"
"Regret what?"
Scarlett stopped moving, the smile on his lips vanished, and his cold gaze swept over, only to find that the person who spoke was not looking at him.
Do you regret not seeing through your wolfish ambitions sooner?
"Isn't it great to become the only prince and stand at the pinnacle of power?"
You know perfectly well that's not what I meant.
Over the years, such dialogues and debates have been repeated countless times, and Zephyri had thought this time would be different.
He stood up as well, and the two former friends, now enemies, faced each other.
"I never imagined things would turn out this way."
“If you can control your emotions and instead vent your hatred on innocent people, I don’t mind giving you this position.”
"'let?'"
Scarlett repeated the word, and he laughed, but there was no smile in his eyes.
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