The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed through the dimly lit corridor as Julius and Gilbert made their way toward Cassian's chamber, accompanied by the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl. After receiving news that his younger brother had awakened, Julius promptly set out to visit him.
When they finally arrived, Ezio and Wilheim's escort knight stood guard at the door, bowing respectfully upon seeing him. Before he could step forward, the door creaked open, revealing Wilheim and Sanchez emerging from the room, bringing him and Gilbert to a halt.
Wilheim's icy eyes fell on him. "Your Highness," he greeted flatly.
Holding his gaze steadily, Julius returned the gesture. "Your Grace."
"Prince Cassian is currently resting. You may visit him by the morning."
Julius regarded the man before him in silence. 'He wasted no time in kicking me out, huh?' But then again, Wilheim had a point—Cassian needed to rest.
"How is Ian faring?" Even if he couldn't see his brother, Julius at least wanted to know his condition.
"His Highness is well," Wilheim answered curtly.
Julius clenched his jaw as his mood soured. He was well aware of the animosity between their families, but Wilheim wasn't making things any easier. He hoped for more details about Cassian's condition. Instead, he met with a stone wall.
Exhaling deeply to alleviate his rage, Julius whirled around his heel. "Good night."
"Good night." Wilheim's voice followed behind him.
"Stubborn old man," Julius muttered under his breath.
"Your Highness, we are still in Prince Cassian's quarters," Gilbert reminded him.
Julius rolled his eyes and relented. "Fine." As another thought crossed his mind, he glanced at Gilbert. "Any news?"
Gilbert shook his head. "I'm afraid not yet."
Julius exhaled sharply, his frustration mounting. "We're running out of time."
After fifteen minutes of walking, they reached Julian's chamber. Stepping inside, their attention was drawn to an eagle perched on the balcony railing, basking under the moonlight. Its sharp eyes locked onto them—the messenger. Julius couldn't help but sigh in relief when a sense of catharsis washed over him.
"It's here," Gideon remarked.
Julius nodded. "Yes."
While Gilbert approached the bird, Julius loosened his cravat and sank onto the couch. A moment later, he returned and handed him a letter. Breaking the magic seal, Julius unfolded it and read its contents:
« Approximately eight hours after Your Highness and His Grace's convoy passed through the forest, a group arrived and camped along the route that will be used tomorrow—just as you predicted. After confirming they spoke fluent Zerounian, we eliminated them and disposed of their bodies as per your orders. »
A small magic circle flared atop his hand, reducing the letter to ashes. "It's been taken care of."
"I trust Your Highness' plan is complete?" Gilbert asked.
Julius nodded. "Yes, but until Cassian reaches the capital safely, it's not over."
In the previous timeline, Cassian was ambushed by Zerounix forces on his way back to the capital and gravely injured. At that time, Gideon was furious beyond measure and immediately waged war against the Zerounix kingdom in retaliation.
Truthfully, Julius didn't care whether war broke out again—his sole priority was preventing Cassian from suffering the same fate. To that end, he devised two plans.
The first was securing a place on the escort team. Using the excuse that the Vazquez family might stage an ambush, he baited Gideon into allowing him to join and even ordered Wilheim to accompany the escort for added security—a welcome change in case something unexpected happened.
The second was deploying his high-ranking mercenaries to scout the route and eliminate any Zerounix forces. Now that the threat had been neutralized, his preparations were complete.
Julius tapped his fingers against the armrest. Still, even with everything falling into place, he couldn't afford to let his guard down. Turning to his knight, Julius ordered. "Send words for them to continue patrolling the area."
Gilbert inclined his head. "As you wish."
Julius gazed toward the window, his indifferent reflection staring back at him against the darkened sky. His fist clenched.
'This time, I will protect you. No matter what.'
.
.
.
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the corridor as Julius and Gideon made their way toward the courtyard. The crisp morning air carried the cheerful songs of birds. Earlier this morning, Sanchez informed him they would return to the capital as scheduled.
Of course, the news caught him off guard—Cassian had collapsed just yesterday. When he asked for an explanation, Sanchez stated it was his brother's decision, which made him furrow his brows. Just… what in the world was running through the little imp's head?"
Descending a flight of stairs, Julius spotted Cassian standing beside Ezio, observing as the butlers and maids loaded supplies into the carriages. Upon noticing his arrival, they whirled around in unison and bowed, greeting him. "Good morning, Your Highness."
Julius arched a brow. "I believe I've told you to drop formalities around me."
Cassian straightened his posture and looked at him insouciantly. "I'm afraid people are watching."
Julius rolled his eyes in boredom. "Why cares? You can speak comfortably with me."
Cassian nodded, deadpanned. "I'll keep that in mind."
Staring into the cold cerulean eyes before him, Julius' chest panged. Before Cassian lost his memories, he would greet him with a bright smile, calling him 'Brother' without hesitation, and even let him ruffle his hair. But now… all that warmth was gone.
Shaking off the thought, Julius offered him a smug smirk, "That didn't sound like a convincing promise."
Yet, Cassian remained impassively, unfazed by his teasing. "Then I shall work on making it more so."
And just like that, the conversation ended. An awkward silence stretched between them as they stood, facing each other.
Julius cleared his throat. "How are you faring?"
"I am well," Cassian replied curtly.
Julius tilted his head. "Are you really? I don't know why you're rushing back, but you could've postponed the trip and recovered properly. Father would understand."
Cassian shook his head. "No, I'm quite alright. I'll be sitting in the carriage all day anyway. It's no different from staying in my room."
Julius exhaled slowly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "It is different. At least in your room, you're not being jostled around on uneven roads for hours."
Cassian's expression didn't waver. "I appreciate your concern, but my mother will worry if I delay."
Julius studied him for a moment before sighing. "You always were considerate, huh?" His reasoning made sense—Roseanne would undoubtedly be anxious if he stayed behind.
Cassian inclined his head slightly. "Yes."
Another silence stretched between them, and for once, Julius found himself scrambling for something—anything—to say.
"…Your birthday is coming up," his brain was finally working. "Is there something you want?"
"I'd be overjoyed with whatever you gift me," Cassian answered flatly.
Again, their conversation died for the third time. Every exchange felt like walking on thin ice—distant and painfully dry. Frustration curled in Julius's chest as he racked his brain for another topic, only to meet Cassian's unwavering, indifferent stare. It was infuriating.
Before he could try again, the cadence of footsteps drew their attention, showing Wilheim and his escort approaching. Halting before them, the old man inclined his head. "Your Highnesses, preparations are complete."
Julius glanced at Cassian, who gave a small nod of agreement. With that, they bid their farewells to Sanchez and the others.
The moment Cassian boarded the carriage, Julius peeked over his shoulder and saw Wilheim conversing with Sanchez. Taking the chance, he quickly followed Cassian inside and settled across from him.
Cassian, already retrieving a book from his magical ring, furrowing his brows. "…You're riding with me?"
Julius tilted his head and grinned "Why? Surprised?"
Cassian regarded him with a long, unreadable expression before exhaling softly. "A little." Without another word, he flipped open his book and began reading.
His brother's discontent was palpable—he was supposed to be in another carriage. Understandable. But once they returned to the capital, opportunities like this would be rare. Julius thought this was the perfect chance to improve their strained relationship.
"Your Highness, what's the meaning of this?" A sharp voice thundered, drawing Julius's attention to the carriage door. Wilheim stood outside, his expression grim, irritation simmering in his eyes.
Unbothered, Julius crossed his legs and folded his arms, flashing a smug smile. "This seat is mine now."
The old man's face darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "I'm warning you, Your Highness. Return to your assigned carriage at once."
Julius widened his eyes in mock astonishment, pressing a hand to his chest as if scandalized. "Sir Wilheim, are you truly arguing with a younger man over something as trivial as a carriage seat?" His lips curled into a slow, taunting smirk. "Perhaps I'll reconsider—if you're truly that afraid of sitting alone."
Wilheim's jaw tightened, the vein at his temple pulsing as he spoke in a low, dangerous tone. "If you try anything, you'll regret it."
Julius chuckled, thoroughly amused. "Oh, I fully intend to do something. After all, I can't let my little brother get bored, can I?"
Wilheim's fists trembled at his sides—his restraint visibly fraying. Before he could fire back, the coachman's voice cut through the tension. "Sir Wilheim, we are awaiting your order."
Wilheim glared at him with contempt, and after a tense beat, slammed the carriage door shut, and stormed off. Julius watched him go in satisfaction, before shifting his sight to Cassian—only to find him staring. He shook his head in disbelief and returned to his book.
Julius leaned back, resting his chin against his knuckles, amusement still dancing in his face. "I didn't know your grandfather was so emotional."
Cassian didn't look up. "He isn't."
Julius chuckled, tapping a finger against his chin. "Could've fooled me. He looked ready to strangle me to death."
Yet, Cassian merely turned the page. "You provoked him."
"I wouldn't call it provoking, though." Cassian finally lifted his head to meet his eyes, and Julius smiled benignly. "I'd call it testing limits."
Cassian held his stare for a moment before sighing and returning to his book.
Julius smirked. "You should count how many times you sigh."
However, Cassian didn't react this time, blatantly ignoring his bait. Clicking his tongue in mild annoyance, Julius glanced sideways beyond the window. No matter how hard he tried, Cassian seemed distant—his walls firmly in place. Was there no hope for their relationship? Was their bond irretrievably… beyond repair?
Before long, the carriage rumbled forward. Silence stretched between them, broken only by the rhythmic creak of the wheels and the soft rustle of paper. Hours passed yet Cassian never spoke. Though the carriage was spacious, the air felt suffocating.
Dragging his gaze away from the blur of trees outside, Julius studied Cassian, who remained engrossed in his book. "Most people would at least attempt conversation," Julius chimed in.
"I am reading," Cassian replied curtly.
Julius exhaled through his nose. "Somehow, you never change—" Cassian finally spared him a glance. "—you love books."
"Do I?" A flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
Just as Julius was about to speak, a sharp whistle cut through the air, and an arrow pierced Cassian's head, splattering blood on his face and clothes. Julius' breath hitched and his eyes widened as Cassian's lifeless body slumped down to his feet.
'What… just happened?'