Chapter 5: Friends

As usual, Leonel was busy with his daily routine. His morning started with fencing practice—he was perfecting his strikes, focusing on the precision of his movements and speed. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but he continued, determined to make every motion flawless. Once he finished, he wiped his forehead with a towel and headed to the garden, where his younger sister, Mira, was already waiting for him.

The ten-year-old girl sat at a small table set with elegant dishes. A basket of pastries rested nearby, and an aromatic tea brewed in a teapot. When she saw her brother, Mira smiled cheerfully.

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“You're late,” she said with a slight reproach, pouring tea for him.

“Sorry, I trained longer than usual,” Leonel replied, sitting across from her.

They talked about everyday things until, unexpectedly, the butler appeared in the garden. His posture was as impeccable as always, and his voice remained calm, yet it carried a note of formality.

“Sir, you have visitors.”

Leonel raised an eyebrow in surprise. He wasn’t expecting anyone, but setting his teacup aside, he still asked:

“Who exactly?”

“They introduced themselves as Stan and Ethan,” the butler stated concisely.

Hearing these names, Leonel was truly shocked. He couldn’t understand how they had ended up here. Without hesitation, he quickly made his way to the guest hall, leaving Mira to finish her

pastries in peace.