Outside the city near the city gate, a newly temporary hut was erected.

Near to it you can see a young man swinging his sword diligently. He swung his sword not because he was training a sword technique nor sparring with someone. He was swinging it to cut the grass. That's right, this young man is Julius.

His regal clothes are nowhere to be seen. He wore simple white brown clothes. He is not idiot enough to wear his noble clothes for this dirty work just to keep his regal and dignified appearance. His noble clothes cost money and simple dirt could ruin it.

Azrael specifically ordered him not to stay in Greenhill estate or any inn inside the City. He was also forbidden to ask his peers so he could stay in their homes. His cruel '2 weeks' master ordered him to create a hut to stay.

**Huff** **Huff**

He caught his breath as he rested after swinging his sword for hours. He woke up so early in the morning to start his task.

**Clap** **Clap** **Clap**

Three crisp claps caught his attention. He turned his head and saw the culprit of his situation, Azrael.

"Looks like you are doing great." Nonchalant voice of Azrael traveled in the air.

Instead of ranting, Julius only asked, "How's my sister?"

There's a bit of worry in his eyes. Although he was a scum, he is still a brother. Although he wasn't expressive with his care about his sister anymore unlike when they were children, she is still his little sister.

"Don't worry, she is fine and currently happy serving Lian."

Julius sighed in relief at the very least she was not serving this young man. It is safe to assume she is safe from any dubious harassment.

Though he doubted that his sister would be happy serving Lian as maid given her jealousy towards Lian.

"What are you doing here?" Julius asked vigilantly.

"Of course I am here to check upon my faithful servant. And don't be cold towards me, maybe this task would be your greatest opportunity."

[Greatest opportunity? It's nothing but to humiliate me.] He thought as he scoffed. But what can he do, he brought this upon himself. Plus, he doesn't really want to antagonize this man and could only be honest now. He should reflect on his past actions this time.

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"Then I should be going now." Azrael waved his hand and left him.

Julius was left looking at the back of Azrael. After a while he looked at the grass. With another swing of his sword, he cut another set of grass.

He contemplated for a moment, he looked back with his past actions. When did he become such an arrogant young master? From what he knew he wasn't originally this kind of man. He was a loving child and protective big brother. Then what are the reasons for his change? Is it because of his peers' influence? No, that's not right. Is it because being arrogant is his true core? Not also. Then why?

***

"Mother, I painted this portrait of our family." A boy happily said while looking up at the beautiful lady that wore a gentle smile, a smile that would comfort him every time he looked at it.

The beautiful lady patted him. The boy giggled as he basked with the lady's pats and caresses.

"Who bullied my little sister?" A boy's angry voice scared multiple children as he stormed at them.

"Little sister don't cry I am here, I am always here for you." The boy comforted his crying little sister that he was carrying on his back.

"Mother! Don't leave us! **Sob** **Sob**" the boy sobbed.

The former healthy and beautiful lady now laid on the bed. Her countenance became sickly, and her smooth arms now became frail and thinner. She lifted her frail and trembling arms to wipe the boy's tears and caress his cheek.

"Don't cry my son, this is nothing but temporary parting. I would just go first to prepare our home and cook a lot of food in heaven so when you join me someday everything will be ready. And I promised that I will shower you two lot of love. For the time being you must protect your little sister, I love you." She comforted weakly and lifted her other arm to caress her daughter's hair. She looked at the two with loving eyes as tears formed at the edge of her eyes. She was already doing her best to prevent herself crying because of this inevitable parting.

"Un" the boy nodded, promising he will protect his little sister.

She then turned her eyes towards a dignified man standing behind her children. She looked at his red eyes, she clearly knew that this man was only acting strong. "Dear, I love you." She sweetly said.

"Un, I love you too." Contrary to his dignified pose, his trembling voice betrayed his act.

A smile blossomed on the face of the beautiful sick lady.

[I wouldn't even see my son bring different kinds of girls, I wouldn't even see my daughter be wedded to a gentleman and see my grandchildren.] She lamented. She regretted that she would leave her children early.

These were her last thoughts before she breathed her last. Her two lifeless arms fell.

The two children bawled and the boy grabbed his mothers hand and turned his head towards his father, seeking help.

Alas, god, his father wasn't, he couldn't miraculously bring his dead wife to life no matter how he wanted it. He could only mourn silently without even letting out a sound of grief, hiding his devastated self inside his chest. Acting like a strong man in front of his children.

***

This fragmented and blurry scene played in Julius' mind. Maybe since his mother's death, he started to get along with his arrogant peers. Maybe it was to escape from the reality that his mother wasn't here anymore. He hid his despair and the fact that he was devastated by losing his mother using the fake act of an arrogant young master until it became his nature and even influenced his little sister that he ought to protect.

His eyes couldn't help but moist, he took a deep breath and looked up in the sky as if it could help to prevent his tears from falling.