Lucas's POV

Around the same time Isabella and Devin ran into each other, Lucas was being introduced to Bellacrest.

He walked beside Elliot through Bellacrest, feeling the lively energy of the town wash over him. Lucas couldn't help but notice how well dressed most people here were.

In my village, the clothes people wore were almost always in a bad shape, torn here and there.

The morning sun bathed everything in a warm glow, and the fresh scent of summer flowers mingled with the distant aroma of baked goods. As they moved, the cobblestones beneath their feet seemed to hum with the activity around them.

It's almost hard to believe this town and my village are in the same kingdom. I wonder how other places in the Cryilld Kingdom look.

He cast a sideways glance at Elliot, his enthusiasm a stark contrast to Lucas's own subdued mood.

"I'm so happy you agreed to let me show you around, Lucas! I'm sure you'll love this place!" Elliot's voice was bright and full of joy.

"...T-Thank you for offering to show me around, if anything." Lucas replied, managing a small smile.

And honestly it made for a pretty good excuse to be away from Devereaux Hall for a little bit...

Earlier that morning, breakfast with the Duchess Seraphina had been a strained affair on Lucas. The table had felt too large, the silence too heavy. Lucas felt very out of place.

The Duchess, Lady Seraphina...My stepmother. I can see now where Isabella got that beauty. Still, that was the most awkward breakfast in my life! I really don't want to be in Devereaux Hall right now. I don't think even she wants me to be in Devereaux Hall right now.

Lucas's thoughts drifted, but Elliot's voice quickly brought him back to the present.

"Look, Lucas! That's the oldest building in all of Bellacrest." Elliot said, pointing towards a charming, ivy-covered stone structure with a sign that read "The Old Bell Inn." His eyes sparkled with the delight of sharing what he knew of this place with his brother.

Lucas nodded, trying to absorb the information. "It's beautiful." he replied, though his thoughts were still partly lingering on the morning's unease.

Elliot is a friendly boy, but why? Why is he nice to me?

"I once snuck into that inn! I made friends with everyone who worked there! Though father was so angry when he found out..." Elliot's eyes danced with mischief as he recounted his tale.

"Snuck in? Why did you do such a thing?"

"Why? It's simple, really. I was so bored, haha!" Elliot laughed, a lighthearted sound that could capture anyone's heart.

Behind them, Walter and Clarisse kept a respectful distance, their presence both a reassurance and a reminder of the formality that still shadowed Lucas's new life. Walter, ever the vigilant butler, scanned the crowd with a practiced eye, while Clarisse seemed more relaxed, enjoying the town's vibrant atmosphere.

"It's really a beautiful day." Clarisse commented, looking up at the clear blue sky.

"It sure is." Walter agreed, his eyes never leaving the boys. Despite being in his early 60s, Walter's sharpness and capability were ever evident.

As they walked, Walter stepped forward slightly, addressing Lucas with his usual calm demeanor. "Is there anything you need, Master Lucas? Perhaps something for your room or any personal items? You need but to ask."

Lucas hesitated, looking around at the various shops lining the street. There were bookstores with charming window displays, a tailor's shop showcasing elegant suits, and a bakery emitting tantalizing aromas that made his stomach rumble. Despite his initial reluctance to engage, the idea of finding something to make his new quarters feel more like home was appealing.

"Well..." He began. "Maybe a book? I don't own any."

There were never enough books to share around back in my village...I know the elder always had some, but they were so complicated, I could never get myself to read them.

Elliot's eyes lit up. "Oh, you'll love Mortimer's Bookshop then! It's just around the corner. While our library has a bigger collection of books, they tend to have the latest novels."

"A library? Oh, right. That thing Clarisse explained to me yesterday..."

"Yes, Master Lucas." Clarisse joined the conversation. "I assume you haven't been there yet?"

"Not yet, no."

Something tells me it'll take a while for me to see everything Devereaux hall has to offer...

"Well, let's go then!" Elliot spoke he grabbed Lucas's hand and started leading the way, his steps quickening with excitement.

Lucas followed along, feeling a spark of anticipation.

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As they turned the corner, the quaint facade of Mortimer's Bookshop came into view. Its wooden sign creaked slightly in the breeze, and through the large windows, Lucas could see rows of bookshelves packed with volumes of all shapes and sizes.

The group entered the shop, greeted by the scent of paper. Elliot began pointing out the various sections—history, fiction, poetry.

Lucas drifted towards the shelves, running his fingers lightly over the spines of the books.

There is so much to see here...I'm a little overwhelmed.

As Lucas looked around, he saw many books. Some were about the Valtoria Dynasty, the royal family which rule the Cryilld Kingdom, while another section was about 'Summoners', though Lucas had no idea what that's about.

Walter and Clarisse stood by the door, giving Lucas and Elliot space to explore. Walter's eyes met Lucas's briefly, offering a silent nod of encouragement.

As Lucas browsed, a small, leather-bound volume caught his eye, titled 'Tears of Layla'. It was a collection of poetry, its cover embossed with gold lettering. He picked it up and flipped through the pages, finding solace in the rhythm and cadence of the words.

Elliot appeared at his side, having finished looking around himself. "Found something interesting?" He asked, glancing at the book in Lucas's hands.

Lucas nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yes, this is...a poetry book by Ajlos Beregi?"

"Ajlos Beregi? That's a well known author here in the Kingdom! Mother is a fan of his, she collects his books."

"Oh...I see."

Lucas wished Elliot didn't mention the Duchess. He would rather not have her in his mind right now. He would rather not be reminded of her cold stare.

Elliot smiled warmly as he looked around the shop. "Anything else you want? We have plenty of time."

Lucas considered, then shook his head. "I think this book will be good enough for now. Let's keep exploring. I'd like to see more of the town."

"Of course! Let's be on our way then!"

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Their next stop was a small, family-owned bakery with a sign reading "The Honeyed Crust." The inviting smell of freshly baked bread and pastries wafted out as they approached, and Elliot's eyes sparkled with mischief. "We have to get some of their cinnamon rolls! They're the best in town!"

Lucas couldn't help but smile at Elliot's infectious enthusiasm. "Alright, lead the way!"

As Walter and Clarisse waited outside, the brothers went Inside, the bakery was warm and welcoming, with shelves filled with an array of delicious treats. The baker, a jovial man with flour-dusted hands, greeted them with a broad smile.

"Ah, Master Elliot! It's so good to see you." The baker exclaimed, his flour-dusted hands clapping together in delight. He then turned his gaze onto Lucas, a curious look in his eyes. "And who's this with you? Never seen him around before."

"This is my brother, Lucas! I'm showing him around Bellacrest." Elliot introduced, beaming with joy. "We're here for your delicious cinnamon rolls."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The baker's eyes widened in surprise as he gasped, clearly taken aback by Elliot's introduction. He didn't expect that answer from the young boy.

Meanwhile Lucas himself was also very surprised, for different reasons. He had never had someone call him their brother.

Elliot introduced me as his brother. Does he really think of me as such? Isn't this too fast? I haven't even been here for two whole days yet... So why? I don't get it.

Lucas stared at the friendly baker, but his thoughts spiraled inward, drowning out the bustling warmth of the bakery.

I don't understand. I don't understand.

I doubt I'd be anywhere near as accepting as Elliot if I was in his place and suddenly a sibling of mine showed up out of nowhere, If anything I'd be put off. They would be a complete stranger to me.

The unease gnawed at him, twisting his stomach into knots.

Since mother died, I had accepted I no longer have any family out there, and now all of the sudden I'm someone's brother? How am I suppose to feel about that? Should I just accept it with a smile on my face?! I already made my peace I don't have anymore family!

His vision blurred as his emotions churned.

Mother did always tell me I have a father out there, but I never thought much of him. Why would I? He clearly never gave mother and I much thought, so I did the same!

As long as I had mother, I would had been happy just fine! I didn't need him to be happy!

I didn't need him! I didn't need Elliot! I only needed mother! So why am I here now?!

The baker handed over the cinnamon rolls, but Lucas hardly noticed. The cheerful chatter of Elliot and the baker was a distant murmur against the roar of his thoughts.

Why is this happening? Why did you have to leave me, mother?! I don't belong here, not in this town, not with these people, not as someone's brother.

"Lucas? Are you alright?" Elliot's concerned voice cut through his turmoil, snapping him back to the present.

Lucas turned to Elliot, his frustration boiling over. "Why are you being so nice to me!? Why do you even care? You don't know me! We're not really brothers!" His voice was sharper than he intended, but the words had already spilled out.

Elliot's face fell, his eyes widening in surprise and hurt.

Ah...Why did I say that?

Lucas felt guilty, there was a beat of tense silence, then Elliot reached out and grabbed Lucas's hand, a determined look replacing the shock.

"Come on." Elliot said firmly, pulling Lucas towards the back of the bakery.

"W-What? Where are we going?" Lucas stumbled along, confusion mixing with his lingering anger.

"Just trust me!" Elliot replied, not looking back as he led Lucas through a narrow side door and into a shaded alley. The warm bakery was quickly replaced by the cool, quiet alleyway, their footsteps echoing softly.

They slipped through the town, leaving behind Walter and Clarisse, who were still chatting at the front of the bakery. They didn't notice the boys' swift exit until it was too late.

They, to keep a long story short, weren't so happy once they found out what took place. The baker couldn't stop apologizing as Walter and Clarisse glared at him.

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Elliot led Lucas through winding paths and dense patches of trees until they emerged at a serene riverbank right outside Bellacrest. The water glistened under the midday sun, flowing gently over smooth stones, and wildflowers dotted the banks with splashes of color.

"W-Where are we?" Lucas asked as he looked around.

Elliot finally released Lucas's hand and turned to face him, his expression softening. "I wanted to bring you here." He said quietly. "It's a place I come to sometimes. It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Lucas looked around, taking in the tranquil scene. The tension in his chest eased slightly. "It is beautiful." He admitted, his voice calmer.

Elliot sat down on the grass, gesturing for Lucas to join him. "Whenever I'm feeling down or confused, I come here. It's quiet, and hardly anyone come here. I thought it might help you too."

Lucas hesitated before sitting down next to Elliot. The soft rustle of the breeze in the leaves and the gentle sound of the river were soothing. "Why did you bring me here?" He asked, still puzzled by Elliot's kindness.

I can't read this boy.

Elliot smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Because you looked like you needed a break. And... because I want us to be friends, Lucas. Maybe even brothers one day, if you'll let me."

Lucas stared at the river, the words sinking in slowly. "It's just... hard for me to accept all of this." He admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's been only my mother and I for so long, and now that's she's gone...I don't know how to be part of a family."

Elliot nodded. "I'm sorry, Lucas. I was just so happy to meet you, I didn't even take a minute to think how you must feel about all of this."

Lucas glanced at Elliot, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. The anger and confusion ebbed away.

"Why? Why were you looking forward to meet me?" Lucas asked the question he held in his heart all day.

Elliot's smile faltered, and he looked away, a touch of sadness returning. "Well... it's a bit hard to explain. I suppose you could say that sometimes, I feel very, very lonely." He said, his voice tinged with a melancholy that surprised Lucas.

Lucas wasn't used to seeing Elliot sad.

"Huh?" Lucas blinked, taken aback by the admission.

"I don't have many friends." Elliot began as Lucas looked at him, his gaze drifting to the gentle flow of the river. "And the few I do have are scattered across the kingdom. I never get to see them when I want too."

I suppose I know how that feels somewhat....I had many friends back in the village, though I doubt I'll be seeing them again anytime soon...

"You at least have Isabella, right?" Lucas offered, trying to find a silver lining.

"Isabella....Well, we can't be together forever. My dear, beautiful sister doesn't belong to me, Lucas, no matter how much I wish otherwise. One day, I'm sure, a man will capture her heart. Even she will one day leave me behind." Elliot spoke, a wistful look crossing his face

Lucas wanted to say 'That's not true' but the words caught in his throat. He knew there was a truth to what Elliot was saying, he of all people would know.

"So, when I learned about you, I was overjoyed." Elliot continued, his voice brightening with a hopeful note. "Maybe it's silly, but with you here, I feel like I won't feel lonely again. I'm sorry."

"....No Elliot, I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you, I-" Before Lucas could finish talking, Elliot stood up.

"It's all okay! Let's start as friends and put all of this behind us!"

"Okay." Lucas said softly, a smile on his face. "Friends."

Elliot's smile brightened. "Good! Now, do you like to swim?" He asked, his tone lighter.

"Swim?" Lucas echoed, surprised by the change in topic.

"Yes! This river is perfect for swimming!" Elliot explained enthusiastically. "It's refreshing and fun. Want to give it a try?"

Lucas looked at the clear, inviting water, feeling a flutter of apprehension. "I-I'm not very good at swimming, Elliot. Maybe another time."

Elliot's face fell slightly, but only for a moment. "Aw... Well, you can stay here then! It's not every day I get to come here, so I'll use this chance!" He said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he began to take his clothes off.

"E-Elliot, wait!" Lucas exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise. But before he could protest further, Elliot was already on his way to the river.

With a joyous whoop, Elliot leapt into the river, slicing through the surface. Lucas hurried to the water's edge, heart pounding with a mix of worry and fascination. The river churned briefly before settling back into its gentle flow, and soon Elliot's head broke the surface, his hair plastered against his forehead.

"Gosh, you scared me!" Lucas shouted, but his voice was tinged with relief.

Elliot laughed, a carefree sound that echoed across the tranquil landscape. "Haha, sorry, Lucas! The water feels great!"

"You really like this place, don't you?" Lucas observed, marveling at the serene expression on Elliot's face.

"When I'm swimming here, I feel free. I feel like I could do anything. There is nothing that can hold me back." Elliot spoke, floating on his back. "I feel like I could even embrace the sky."

Lucas watched in silent awe, feeling as if he had stepped into a scene from a fairy tale. As Elliot swam, the sunlight played on his skin, making him look almost ethereal.

His laughter, pure and unbridled, mixed with the soft murmurs of the river. For a moment, Lucas felt as if he were witnessing a glimpse of another realm, where worries and sorrow had no place.

There was something so captivating about how Elliot embraced life, his joy and warmth radiating outward like the sun's rays. Lucas couldn't look away, it was as if Elliot casted a spell on him.

Soon after, Elliot swam back to the bank and pulled himself out of the water with a fluid motion, droplets sparkling like jewels on his skin. He shook his head, sending a spray of water into the air, and grinned at Lucas, his green eyes gleaming with delight. "You should really try it sometime! There's nothing like it."

Lucas smiled softly, feeling a warmth he hadn't expected. "Maybe I will." He said, though he wasn't quite sure when he'd gather the courage. "Maybe next time."

Elliot nodded, as if sealing a promise between them. "Next time, then..." He said, sitting down beside Lucas, still dripping with river water but completely at ease.

"Elliot, thank you for bringing me here." Lucas began hesitantly, feeling a surge of gratitude. "And also...."

"And also?"

"...And also, you should really wear something, you know!" Lucas reminded Elliot. It felt a little too awkward on Lucas to talk to Elliot while he was undressed.

Elliot looked down at himself and laughed, a bright, carefree sound that echoed through the trees. "Oh, right!" He said, quickly pulling on his clothes, though they clung wetly to his skin.

Just as the boys settled into a comfortable silence, the tranquility was abruptly shattered by the distant sound of hurried footsteps. Lucas turned to see Walter and Clarisse rushing towards them, their faces a mix of relief and frustration.

"There you are!" Clarisse exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly as she caught her breath. "We've been looking everywhere for you two! What were you thinking, running off like that? You almost gave me a heart attack!"

Walter, normally composed, looked stern. "I should have guessed you two would be here! You both gave us quite a scare. It's not safe to wander off without telling anyone where you're going."

Elliot, looking genuinely remorseful, stood up. "I'm sorry, Walter. I just wanted to show Lucas the river. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Lucas, feeling guilty, added, "I'm sorry too. I didn't realize we'd worry you so much."

Clarisse sighed, her expression softening a bit. "That's the second time today you went missing on me, Lucas. Please be careful from now on."

Lucas nodded, feeling guilty for causing her such concern. "I will. I promise."

Walter, his features relaxing slightly, said, "As long as you both understand. Now, let's get you two back home. And let's not make a habit of disappearing, alright?"

As they began the walk back to town, the boys were handed their previously acquired cinnamon rolls from the bakery, still warm and fragrant. The sweet, sticky pastries provided a comforting distraction, and they munched in contented silence for a while.

On their way back, Lucas's thoughts wandered to the breakfast he had shared with the Duchess, and the empty chair at the head of the table. Gathering his courage, he turned to Walter. "Walter, can I ask you something?" Clarisse and Elliot were walking ahead together, so they won't be able to hear them.

"Of course, Master Lucas." Walter replied, his tone gentle.

"Where was the Duke this morning? He wasn't at breakfast today...."

Walter's expression grew somber. "Duke Aldridge is a very busy man. He has many responsibilities, especially now. He's away from Bellacrest at the moment. I fear you won't be meeting him anytime soon."

"Oh..., I see."

"I'm sorry, Master Lucas."

Lucas looked ahead, feeling a little sad. It was then he saw Elliot's smiling face as he walked next to Clarisse, who was laughing. It seems Elliot told her some kind of joke.

Lucas smiled.

Well, at least until then, until the day I can finally meet that man, I'll have Elliot to spend time with, so it'll be alright.