Nowadays, Salvador would discuss matters concerning his sons with Rafael,


    especially since he often taught them in the evenings. After finishing his lessons, he woulde over to apany Salvador during his needle treatment


    sessions.


    As the brothers talked more, the barriers between them lessened, as did the suspicion.


    Of course, this varied from person to person. Rafael spoke sincerely and rarely held back, as long as the topic didn''t involve Carissa.


    Up close, Salvador could always see things clearly. Any issues between them were now discussed openly, unlike before when they relied solely on assumptions.


    Salvador credited this change to Carissa''s sharp words. It was as if she had shaken him awake, making him see things differently. Now, he could see Rafael as a brother, not just as a subject under his rule.


    After Sebastian finished his needle treatment, he excused himself to rest. Rafael helped Salvador up and walked with him, with Derek trailing behind at a distance. The royal garden at night was softly lit by borately craftedmps, their gentle, ethereal light casting a delicate glow that softened the features of those who passed beneath them.


    Rafael listened to Salvador speak, but made no immediatement. He knew that the king had his own n and understanding of the situation, so he refrained from offering further advice.


    As Salvador finished speaking, a wry smile crossed his face. "She''s not foolish. After all, he is my eldest son, borne by the queen of the kingdom. There''s always hope for him."


    Rafael gave a quiet hum in response, supporting his brother as they walked slowly together.


    "How has his attitude been these past few days?" Salvador asked, as he did every day.


    "It''s not aplete transformation, but he''s certainly working harder than before," Rafael replied.


    This was no exaggeration. Since the Verdant Hunt, Connor had changed as if he had suddenly gained insight. He realized his natural talents werecking and began to put in real effort.


    Moreover, he worked harder each day, truly taking Carissa''s words to heart and striving to improve himself every single day.


    Salvador was pleased with that answer. Although he received the same response daily, it was exactly what he wanted to hear.


    "And how is he getting along with Ryan?" Salvador asked further.


    "Quite well. They''re helping each other."


    The king''s gaze grew distant, as he silently wished that his son''s generation might


    be able to renew the friendship he once had with Nathan.


    "And with his younger brothers?" Salvador queried.


    Rafael''s lips curled into a subtle smile. "He''s learning to care for his younger brothers now. Today, Prince Cecil fell from his horse and Prince Connor rushed over to catch him."


    Salvador exhaled softly, a small


    relief in his chest. "As brothers from the royal family, they must support and care for each other, at least in their younger years. If they don''t, the bond will fade as they grow older, and there will be little left to hold onto."


    The king had also learned a thing or two about that, especially after Sebastian entered the pce. Constantly being treated as a patient, Salvador''s heart softened. Sometimes, when he thought about the past, he even found his own actions absurd.


    How could he have ever thought that way? This younger brother of his had always been his shadow since childhood.


    "I remember you used to love honeyed cake when you were little. Every time brought it to you, you''d be so happy that you''d smile for


    hours, Salvador mused, remin


    like an elderly patient, recalling random fragments of the past as they came to mind.


    Rafael chuckled softly. "In truth, I didn''t actually like honeyed cake that much back then. I found the scent too strong. I only started to enjoy it after eating it a few times."


    Salvador raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You didn''t like it? But when you ate it, your cheeks puffed up and you chewed it so eagerly. How could it not be delicious?"


    "That''s because it was from you, Your Majesty," Rafael replied steadily. "I thought, if it''s something you enjoy, then it must be good. So, I slowly learned to like it— and eventually, I did."


    Salvador let out a quiet, amused


    like


    Salvador sighed, reflecting on how an unremarkable beginning had eventually


    turned into something beautiful.