At the hospital where Nox, Ron, and the twins were being treated, Lena handled the administrative procedures. After settling the payments with a diligent hand, she headed straight to Room 404, where the Eosvile brothers were recovering.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  "Yes, come in," Ron’s voice called out, steady despite the circumstances.

  Lena opened the door and stepped inside. "How are you feeling, Sir Ron, Sir Nox?"

  Nox offered no response. He remained still, his gaze fixed on the window as if searching for something in the distance.

  "Better," Ron answered for both of them.

  Lena looked at Ron, her expression softening. "I see..."

  "And the two of them?" Ron asked, his voice laced with concern.

  "Still unconscious," Lena whispered.

  Nox’s hand tightened, bunching the hospital blanket into a frustrated knot. Ron lowered his head, a heavy silence settling between them.

  "Do you need anything, Sir Ron? Sir Nox?"

  Ron shook his head.

  Nox turned. His face was a map of bruises and cuts, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.

  "Why aren't you angry, Lena?" Nox asked, staring at Lena.

  Ron looked up, startled by Nox's words.

  Lena didn't flinch. "Would my anger make anything better?"

  Nox exhaled a long, shaky breath. "Lena... what do you think of Lian?"

  Lena walked toward the window. Outside, the city was being swallowed by a deep orange-red sunset, a fleeting beauty before the dark. "Master Lian... I do—don't know."

  "Why stop there?" Ron pressed.

  Lena turned back, a faint, melancholic smile playing on her lips. "I really… don't wish to repeat the mistakes I made back at Restaurant Olatte."

  Ron fell silent, bowing his head once more. Beside him, Nox clenched his fists so hard his knuckles turned white.

  Lena closed her eyes for a brief moment, then clapped her hands together once to break the tension. "Sir Nox, Sir Ron—instead of drowning in regret, wouldn't it be better if we focused on making amends?"

  The brothers blinked.

  "Easier said than done," Nox muttered.

  "Perhaps, Sir Nox. But we must try. You and Sir Ron still have a powerful bond of brotherhood—that is your greatest strength, a blessing many would envy."

  Ron smiled. Rhea was right about Lena.

  Nox nodded, a faint smile touching his mouth. "You certainly have a way of putting things."

  "Since the moment I met you both, the aura of your brotherhood has been so strong," Lena admitted. "It actually makes me a bit envious."

  "Envious?" Nox blurted out.

  "Mmm-hmm," Lena hummed playfully.

  "You're still hiding something, aren't you?" Ron noted, his lips twitching into a small smirk.

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  "Sir Ron, a woman must have a secret or two to keep things interesting."

  Nox clicked his tongue. "Excuses."

  "Well, it seems you both are feeling much better now," Lena observed.

  The air in the room, once stifling and heavy, now felt lighter—warmed by a flicker of hope.

  "Lena," Ron spoke up, "could you buy us some fresh clothes?"

  "Ah... you haven't changed yet, have you?"

  "Don't remind us," Nox groaned.

  "I’m sorry, I forgot! So many things happened that I..."

  "It’s fine. Can you get them for us now?" Ron interrupted with a gentle tone.

  "Of course."

  Lena pulled her phone from her skirt pocket and opened an online shopping app. After entering her credentials, she handed the device to Ron.

  "Here you go, Sir Ron! Everything is ready! You can pick the shirts, trousers, and even the undergarments right here. Just tap away!"

  "Online shopping technology isn't so different from Syntax, it seems," Ron murmured.

  He moved his finger, selecting a pair of plain long-sleeved shirts in black and white, two pairs each of denim jeans and formal trousers, several short-sleeved shirts, and seven sets of undergarments.

  "Lena, is this too much?" Ron asked, handing the phone back.

  Lena scanned the cart. "Actually, it's less than I expected. Is this really enough for you?"

  "Yes, it will do for now."

  "Alright. Your turn, Sir Nox."

  "Ron, you choose for me," Nox said, leaning back.

  "Lena, please double the order for every item," Ron instructed.

  "Are you sure you don't want to pick something yourself, Sir Nox?" Lena asked.

  "I prefer shopping in person," Nox replied.

  "And the sizes? Are they the same as Sir Ron’s?"

  "Ron and I are nearly the same size."

  "I see... Do you two swap clothes often?"

  "Never!" Nox snapped.

  Ron shared a knowing smile with Lena.

  "Buying it all now," Lena said, tapping the screen.

  "You're surprisingly rich, aren't you?" Nox remarked.

  "It's not that, Sir Nox. After our discussion in the drawing room, Lady Rhea instructed me to handle your wardrobe after I finished preparing food for Master Lian."

  The room went quiet at the mention of her name.

  "Rhea... she must be so disappointed in us," Ron whispered.

  Lena let out a small, soft laugh. "Oh, that reminds me. Sir Ron, may I ask one thing?"

  "What is it?"

  "How is it that Lady Rhea calls you by your name, omitting all honorifics?"

  Nox’s eyes traced the sharp line of Ron’s ears, which had turned a bright, undeniable crimson, prompting him to let out a long, teasing whistle.

  "Nox!" Ron barked.

  Something definitely happened between them, Lena thought, stifling a grin.

  "Why so tense?" Nox teased.

  "You're annoying," Ron grumbled.

  "I think it's time for me to leave you two to it," Lena said, making a quick exit.

  "Hey! Don't run away, Lena!" Nox shouted, but she was already closing the door behind her.

  "Damn. She drops a bomb and then leaves," Nox muttered.

  Ron stood up from his bed, clutching his IV pole for support. He walked slowly toward Nox.

  "Ron... you're not actually mad, are you?"

  Ron stood before him, his hand reaching out to gently touch Nox’s temple. "You never even got hurt like this back in the ring."

  "Ron..."

  Ron lowered his hand and sat beside his brother. "I’m sorry, Nox. I couldn't protect you."

  Nox shook his head. "It wasn't your fault."

  "No, I know that troublemaker Vashil must have said something to you."

  Nox remained silent, his hands tightening into fists.

  "You've always been like this. Silent when it matters most."

  "Then why do you keep asking?"

  Ron sighed. "Nox, I have lost so much. I don't want to lose you too."

  Nox bowed his head, letting his gaze fall to the blanket. "Ron... if I tell you... will you be angry?"

  Ron placed a firm hand on Nox’s shoulder. "Just say it."

  "The bruise on my chin... Lian hit me."

  Ron nodded. "And?"

  "On the pedestrian overpass... Lian tried to jump."

  Ron’s eyes widened as it struck him like a bolt from the blue, the color draining from his face.

  Nox stared at his own palms. "He made me choose. He asked if he should jump... or if he should erase Echo."

  Ron’s hand slipped from Nox’s shoulder. "What did you say?"

  "Neither."

  "And then?"

  "He said... I..."

  Nox began to tremble.

  Ron patted his brother’s back. "Nox... if it’s too hard to say, don't force it."

  Ron stood up and walked toward the window. The orange light bathed his silhouette. "Nox... do you think we are a burden to Lian?"

  "Isn't that just a fact?"

  "If I hadn't forced my way into following him... you wouldn't be hurt like this."

  "Ron, we would have been fired and punished if we stayed in Syntax."

  "Maybe I deserved to be punished," Ron whispered, his voice cracking. "You saw me shoot him, Nox."

  "Ron! The bullets didn't even hurt him!"

  Tears began to track down Ron's cheeks. "Maybe not physically... but what about the rest?"

  "Ron..."

  Nox tried to stand, sweat breaking out on his forehead as he struggled for breath. Ron turned instantly. "Nox! What are you doing?"

  Ron rushed to his side, his own steps unsteady, and gripped Nox’s shoulders. "Calm down."

  "How can I? You're hurting more than I am."

  Ron reached out to ruffle Nox’s hair, his vision blurring as tears finally broke through. "Nox... thank you."

  He stopped, lingering for a moment as if wanting to say more, before wiping his eyes. Without another word, he turned away, retreating to the quiet of his own bed.

  Nox stayed silent, watching his brother. Ron, you've always protected me more than you realize. I won't let anyone hurt you again—not even Lian.

  To be continued...