Not-So an Extra

In the middle of a vast lush greenery, stood a white gazebo surrounded by a riot of colorful blooms. Within, Adrian and Nathaniel were seated across from each other, enjoying their afternoon tea. A three-tiered stand held an array of culinary delights arranged neatly on the round table before them.

The sweet scent of freshly baked goods blended with the rosy fragrance filled the air, creating a delightful, heady aroma. As they sipped their tea, the sound of water flowing from the nearby fountain provided a tranquil and shooting atmosphere.

Despite the serene backdrop, Adrian couldn't shake the heavy, suffocating atmosphere that hung between them. It was irksome, but what annoyed him the most was his brother's persistent stare, who had been silently watching him for over ten minutes!

Frustrated, Adrian removed the teacup from his lips and met Nathaniel's eyes, "Do you have something to say?"

"Ah, yeah," Nathaniel's gaze fell to his hands resting under the table. After a fleeting moment, he returned his attention to him, "Somehow... staying in this garden brings back our memories."

Adrian arched an eyebrow, "What memories?"

A small, nostalgic smile tugged at the corners of Nathaniel's lips, and he chuckled softly. "We used to play tag here. Do you remember? You used to get tired easily, so I would have to carry you on my back."

"…" Adrian stared at Nathaniel for a moment before looking down at the tea in his hand, which reflected his indifferent expression. To be honest, he didn't know how to respond as that was not his memories, but the original Adrian's.

After a brief silence, Adrian bore his gaze to his brother and smiled faintly, "I'm sorry, I haven't recovered my memories, but I appreciate you sharing this memory. It… means a lot."

Nathaniel couldn't help but curse inside. How could he have forgotten that Adrian suffered memory loss? Thanks to him, now the atmosphere was even more and more heavy with uneasiness. "I'm... so sorry. I should have remembered."

Adrian shook his head, "No, it's alright, don't worry about it. I also hope to get my memories back as soon as possible." Adrian smiled and sipped his tea. But he was pretty sure that when it happened, he would no longer be here.

The tension was palpable in the air. Although Adrian was smiling, it was not enough to cover the underlying sadness. Nathaniel cleared his throat nervously, "Ahem, so, how has your day been here?"

Adrian took the teacup away from his mouth. "Nothing much. I spent most of my time on training. How about you?"

Nathaniel shrugged. "Same goes with me. Not much has happened in the past two years, it's been relatively quiet--I mean, the cult," he lifted his teacup and drank it.

Adrian furrowed his brow. He didn't expect that Nathaniel would disclose information about the cult after their strained relationship. Nevertheless, he responded anyway, "I see. But isn't it unusual for them to quiet down like this?"

Given that the cult had been wreaking havoc here and there almost every year, it was so unlike them.

Nathaniel settled the teacup and nodded, "Yeah, that's what I thought too. They must be planning something big." However, Nathaniel creased his forehead, "Wait, what is that sound?"

"?" Adrian heightened his hearing and a faint sound of sword clashing mixed with shouting entered his ears. Laid his teacup on the table, he took out his pocket watch, showing 11 a.m. "It's a duel session for the knight at the training ground."

"Ah, I see." Guess, he was worried for nothing. Nathaniel leaned against his chair and as a thought kicked in, his lips curled up. "Hey, let's have a duel too!"

However, Adrian shook his head as he placed a finger sandwich onto his plate, "Sorry, I'm not in the mood at the moment."

Nathaniel clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Ah, my brother is such a bore."

Adrian's eyes darted at his brother, who had now shoved a scone into his mouth, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily. 'As expected of my dear brother, he always finds a way to graze my gut.' Shaking his head in disbelief, Adrian took a bite of his food.

Nathaniel shifted his sight from the refreshments to his brother, "Speaking of knights, what happened to those poor squires whose clothes we stole?"

With a slight pause, Adrian swallowed his food and locked his eyes with him, "They still continue as squires, but they are currently stationed at the Western Border."

But upon he noticed how Nathaniel's mood taking a strange turn, he knew that his brother had some ridiculous idea playing in his head.

With a wicked smile on his lips, Nathaniel declared his plan in enthusiasm, "Let's visit the Western Border and have a hunting contest at the Forest of Death!"

Adrian stared at his brother in a daze, 'Yeah, exactly as I expected.' Ignoring his ever-so-excited brother, Adrian savored the rest of his finger sandwich and his mind whisked away.

Since Nathaniel's arrival, their interactions had been awkward and stiff. He couldn't understand why Nathaniel was so eager to spend time together. But, perhaps... just perhaps, it was his brother's way of trying to mend their strained relationship.

Nathaniel had cautiously extended an olive branch; should he reciprocate? He didn't want their strained relationship to linger forever. 'I think... this is the time to set aside my ego and break the invisible wall between us.' Eventually, Adrian gave his answer, "Sounds interesting."

Nathaniel's face beamed, "I know, right?"

Patrolling the Forest of Death for monsters was a daily duty for the Knights stationed on the Western Border. It had been a while since his last visit, so maybe now was the right time to bid farewell to his uncle and the others before heading back to Agatha. Moreover, with the breeding season behind them, the Forest of Death should be relatively calm.

Adrian lifted the napkin dan dabbed his mouth before casting a gaze at Nathaniel, "But are you okay with it?"

He titled his head, "Huh?"

Adrian put the napkin away, "Are you sure about visiting the Western Border? You literally just arrived a few hours ago."

Nathaniel shrugged nonchalantly, "Oh, I don't have a problem with it."

"I see," Adrian nodded, "Then I'll notify my grandfather."

With their decision made, they concluded their afternoon tea and headed toward Graham's office. Upon their arrival, Graham permitted them to go to the Western Border, under the condition that they would be accompanied by Mathias, and several knights, which they had no problem with.

Before departing, Graham insisted they partake in a hearty lunch, which both brothers gladly accepted. As the final morsels disappeared from their plates, Adrian and Nathaniel bid their farewells to Graham and Sarah, thus setting off towards the Western Border.

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