The sun cast a gentle glow over the gardens of the Dukedom of Rosetta, its warmth touching the leaves and reflecting softly on the cobblestones. In the courtyard, Alex moved with quiet purpose, adjusting the cushions by the small fountain where Young Louis sat, wrapped in a light blanket. The boy's cheeks were rosy, a sign that the worst of his illness had passed, and his small hands reached for a simple wooden toy, spinning it between his fingers with careful curiosity.
Alex knelt beside him, smiling softly. "Careful, Louis. We don't want it rolling into the fountain."
Louis giggled, a sound that seemed to ease the tension lingering from recent events. "It's okay, Alex! I can catch it!"
"Of course you can," Alex replied warmly, gently guiding the toy back into Louis's hands. His eyes softened as he watched his younger brother's cautious yet excited movements. Despite the danger that had passed only hours ago, Louis's innocence remained untouched.
Nearby, Kael observed quietly, standing at ease but ready to assist if needed. He caught Alex's gaze and offered a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they shared—not just as mentor and pupil, but as loyal allies.
Inside the manor, the Duke of Rosetta moved with a newfound attentiveness, checking in on Louis and occasionally offering a word of reassurance to Alex. "I was… neglectful," he admitted quietly, his voice steady but sincere. "You deserved more guidance, more recognition. I promise you… I will do better."
Alex met his father's eyes calmly. "I understand, Father. If I were in your position, I might have acted the same way. What matters is what we do now."
The Duke's shoulders relaxed, a weight lifted. He gently ruffled Louis's hair and smiled at his sons. "We'll move forward—together, as a family."
The rest of the day passed in quiet routines. Alex oversaw Louis's light cultivation exercises, guiding his small hands as he channeled tiny bursts of mana into his toys, letting the child's imagination and discipline flourish together. Kael assisted, offering encouragement and instruction, ensuring that even play became a lesson in focus and control.
Later, Alex retired to his study, letting the afternoon sun warm his face. Sir Luke Anderson, ever-watchful and fatherly, delivered the day's reports with calm precision. Even the staff, sensing the renewed peace within the household, moved with a gentleness that mirrored the calm Alex now embodied.
As evening settled, Alex allowed himself a quiet moment of reflection. The past weeks had been filled with tension, danger, and challenge—but now, there was space for healing, for strategy, and for quiet growth. His gaze lingered on Louis, laughing freely as he spun his toy, and Alex felt a surge of determination. He would protect his family, guide those loyal to him, and face whatever trials awaited—with calm, precision, and unwavering resolve.
For now, peace reigned in the Dukedom of Rosetta, a fragile yet steadfast calm after the storm.