Chapter 186: Are You In Love With Someone?

It was a joyful day and that joy began to spread out from the walls of the manor. From the small orphanages where Lady Maxiel spends time to look after to the gatekeepers that guarded the City gates, the news of the kind Lady brought a smile to their faces. 

The Fraunces Manor was more joyous, filled with life within the cold city. 

A few days later, within Lady Maxiel's room, the lady herself was shocked about the news of her illness. At first, she thought she had only slept for a day. She did recall feeling unwell but she didn't realize that she was almost unconscious for almost a whole month! 

She thanked the gods for their mercy and even scheduled a visit to the city temple. However, her husband told her that the city was under great precaution because of the Kron. The temple was temporarily closed and protected people were advised to stay safe and be aware of the dreadful illness that attacks the soul and body. Reluctantly, Lady Maxiel only conceded and turned to indulge in the care of her husband and her sons. 

"Mother, you must rest. Colahn and the doctor had advised you to stay on your bed for a short while as they proceed to examine your health for a few days." Moulin placed a tray of fruits on the table as he sits on the chair beside his mother's bed. He looked vibrant and cheerful. The rosiness in his cheeks made him look youthful and exceptionally beauteous. 

Taking an apple and a knife, Moulin began to peel the skin of the fruit, slanting the blade with ease and skill on the surface of the apple. His mother's attendant wanted to do it herself, afraid that the youth would accidentally cut himself. However, she stopped when she watched Moulin do skin the fruit skillfully.

Maxiel leaned her back in her pillow and sighed at her son's pretty profile. Before, she was surprised when she realized that her youngest son had returned home for her. Longing for her son instantly exploded inside her chest and she began to look for Moulin frequently to tend her. 

The youth was happy to spend time with his mother. Although he had to 'convince' a particular lion waiting for him in his room. 

"You must have been worried, Moulin. Did it trouble you to return so soon? How did your Lord accept it so easily?" Lady Maxiel asked her son with a worried expression. She knew very well who was her son's master and the guild he joined. Rumors about the Hercullian Lion made her curious and fearful. She was worried if her son was having a hard time being a sentinel.

A smile appeared on Moulin's face. He restrained the urge to curse Hadrian's name in front of his mother.  "My Lord was quite understanding. He even prepared the trip for me..."

"Oh!" Lady Maxiel's eyes widened in surprise. "Did he really? W-We must thank him!"

Moulin chuckled and he shook his head. "I already express my gratitude to his excellency, Mother. Don't worry." 

Yes, that man is now especially enjoying my bod-gratitude to the fullest. Moulin resisted the urge to scoff. 

"Oh, I see..." Lady Maxiel blinked thoughtfully. Her flustered expression quickly relaxed. "Your Guild Lord must be very kind and understanding. He's strangely different from what the rumors speak about him. I'm pleased he allowed your leave."

Moulin smiled and he lifted his gaze. His bright silver eyes shimmered with delight. "Yes, he is a good person and a benevolent leader as well."

Lady Maxiel paused as she took in the warmth of her son's eyes and the softness of Moulin's tone when he talked about the lord.

...

"You must be happy to follow him..."

Moulin nodded. "I am..."

A warm smile adorned the Lady's expression. She leaned forward as Moulin began to feed her small slices of the apple he personally peeled and slice. Not long after, Colahn entered the room with Maxille and his Father. Moulin stood up from his seat and greeted his brother and father with a smile. 

Lord Dontae embraced his third son and then approached his wife.

Before the seer, Colahn would start the examination he requested for the others, aside from the Lord, to vacate the room. He was going to conduct a very thorough search of the Lady's spirit and nothing must disturb the procedure. Lord Fraunces nodded and gently told his sons and his wife's attendant to leave the room.

With a smile, Maxille led his brother towards the doors. Moulin furrowed his brows and glanced at his mother behind him who only waved at him with warm eyes. 

When the doors closed behind them, Moulin sighed. Worry filled his eyes but he mentally convinced himself that nothing wrong was going to happen to his mother. Colahn is a very trustworthy seer. He will immediately notify them when something is amiss. 

"Moulin..."

The youth lifted his gaze and noticed his eldest brother's gentle gray eyes. The young lord stroked Moulin's head gently. "Stop worrying. Mother will be alright..."

Moulin furrowed his eyebrows and nodded. "Okay..."

Maxille smiled. He released a sigh and then spoke as he looked ahead. "Come and join me for a stroll."

"Okay..."

...............

The manor's domed greenhouse is one of the most extravagant places within the estate. A collection of the rarest of the plant species was taken care of within the indoor garden. Gorgeous flowers of different colors, oozing with the tempting ambiance of rich mana, one would be tempted to steal. However, it is guarded by a vicious plant guardian much similar to the ancient barrier that protected the City of Thundralln. Thorny vine-like branches emerged from the ground and coiled around the delicate crystal glass walls of the greenhouse. 

The Guardian was a gift from the mage elf, Phaelona. 

As the vines curled away to grant entrance to its respected masters, Moulin and Maxille walked through the opening. The fresh ambiance of mana directly gently caressed Moulin's entire being. A gasp of wonder and amazement escaped Moulin's lips as he took in the magnificent scene the moment he steps foot inside. 

Hanging golden vines glimmered against the bright daylight. It almost filled the roof like a sky of golden curls. An aqueduct brought pure water to the plants arranged in rows in a staircase-like arrangement. What was most eye-catching was the huge tree that sits at the center of the vast area. Dazzling gem-like leaves decorated their leaves. It looked especially breathtaking. 

A chuckle sounded beside Moulin. Maxille adored the look on Moulin's face. With a brief laugh, he spoke. "Your expression never changes whenever you visit inside the greenhouse."

Moulin snapped out from his trance and closed his gaping mouth. An embarrassed flush painted his cheeks and he lowered his gaze hastily. "I-It's been a long time since I've visited here..."

Maxille smiled amusingly at his little brother's reaction. For a moment, Moulin doubted if this man beside him was infected by Hadrian's personality. Shaking the thought off, Moulin brightly roamed his eyes all over the area as he walked with his eldest brother. 

Honestly, all these plants. They could make a fortune from this! 

Their footsteps elegantly clicked on the stoned ground. Maxille observed his brother intently. How he missed Moulin's presence and his brightness. He recalled when their mother was unconscious and the estate was doused with the heaviness of despair. Moulin wasn't present by then. However, Moulin returned and brought hope. Their lucky star. Their light. Their hope. Maxille never felt such happiness and contentment. 

Moulin who was busy admiring a diamond-like rose was unaware of his brother's worshipping thoughts of him. Liveliness filled his eyes when flower bells pleasantly rang as he brushed them with a fingertip. 

"Moulin..." Maxille called. He continued when Moulin gazed at him with an innocent look. "How do the people of your guild treat you? Did you encounter dangerous things during your mission?"

Moulin froze. What was this sudden interrogation?

With helpless eyes, Moulin replied. "They are very kind to me, elder brother. I have also made a few friends in the guild. And the seniors... they teach me many things. Regarding the mission, it was very dangerous indeed." Moulin teased.

Maxille froze. 

Moulin playfully chuckled. 

Maxille cleared his throat when he realized that he had fallen for his younger brother's teasing words. A crease appeared between his brows. 

Moulin turned his head and continued to chuckle. His laugh sounded like sweet ringing bells. It made Maxille feel slightly blessed to hear his brother's gentle laugh. "It was all well, eldest brother. I came back safely, didn't I? It was nothing too difficult to handle." There was pride in Moulin's voice. He wanted to appear valiant and heroic. However, In Maxille's eyes, Moulin looked like a little child wanting to be praised for his achievements.

A smile crossed the young lord's amused expression. "Of course. My precious little brother is the strongest of all. No one would dare challenge him."

"You make it sound unbelievable." Moulin frowned.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare to." Maxille grinned. "However, if you truly want to prove me your strength, I will be honored to accept the third young master's challenge."

With a smirk on his lips and with narrowed silver eyes, Moulin responded. "How confident. I hope you wouldn't regret your choice, brother."

Maxille gave a doting smile, "Emlen told me of your feats during the recruitment trials. I will not go easy on you..."

Both of them laughed heartily. Moulin's eyes glistened brightly as he looked at his eldest brother. He felt happy and lucky to spend this time with Maxille. 

When they finally arrived at the garden table before the towering magnificent tree, Maxille offered his brother his chair and they both sat under the shade of the glistening leaves with a smile on their faces. 

"So tell me, youngest brother..." Maxille started as he slightly tilted his head. "Have you found someone of interest in mind?"

...

Moulin froze. It took him a couple of seconds to translate the man's word into "Are you dating anyone?", "Did you find your significant other?", or " Are you in love with someone?"

Moulin swallowed.