Lucius looked at Julius with the intensity of a predator fixating on its prey, his gaze sharp and menacing.
Even breathing became hard for the boy as the tension suffocated him.
After a moment of oppressive silence, Lucius finally released the pressure he was emitting using his mana as a smile stretched on his lip.
"So, you never met him? Hahaha, sorry, boy. I had to be sure about it," he said apologetically.
However, he had miscalculated his test's effects on the boy and his big brother.
As a seven-year-old kid who grew up protected by his loving family. How could he endure such an intimidating scene with limited life experience?
So, he did what was expected of a kid his age as soon as the pressure receded.
"Waaah. Mama, I'm scared. Big brother, help me, waaah," he fell on his bottom, warm tears rolling down his cheeks as he hugged his legs, and his body uncontrollably shivered.
Adam watched the scene with gritted teeth, doing his best to stay cool-headed.
"It's over. You endured well. Breathe slowly and calm down." He patted the kid's back comfortingly, yet his words lacked the expected gentle tone. Instead, they resonated with a fury he had never experienced before.
He glared at the approaching man with gritted teeth. After a moment, he took a deep breath, his anger subsiding as Lucius extended a handkerchief with a guilt-ridden face and said gently, "I'm really sorry, but I had to verify you had no relation with that man. I hope you can forgive me."
Upon hearing the words and being soothed by his big brother, Julius gradually calmed down until he recovered enough to make coherent sentences.
"I can forgive you, but I know my big brother. He won't let the matter rest before he takes revenge," he warned, drying his tears and standing up. As far as he could remember, he had never seen anyone take advantage of his family without paying a price.
"That's fine. If he ever comes for revenge, I'll be waiting," Lucius replied casually, unconcerned by an imaginary threat. Unaware that his detached demeanor only fueled the hate-filled glare directed at him.
'You dare to bully my body? Let's see how well you sleep when a mage's hand slaps you in the middle of the night.' Adam thought with a cunning smile.
After Julius totally recovered, they moved to the dining room to have a meal with the rest of the family.
As they sat down for dinner, Alina couldn't help but notice that her son's mood was off. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder, silently offering the comfort only a mother's touch could bring before recounting her day in the manor, mixing humour and exaggerated reactions to make him feel better.
Then, Eleanor praised him for his intelligence and concentration during their study session, while Lucius ordered the chef to cook sweets to reward the boy's efforts.
As the meal concluded, Julius felt everyone was paying attention to his well-being. His heart warmed, and his mood recovered as he sensed their caring gazes linger on him.
After laughing with everyone and devouring the delicious sweets, a bright smile tugged at his lips as he returned to his room, humming a light tone.
Yet, someone else's mood was far from bright or light.
"You almost messed up," Adam said as soon as the door closed. He had explained many times not to mention or give any information about him. Yet, he did it in front of the worst possible person by mistake. His existence had to remain secret for as long as possible, or they would be hunted down.
"I'm sorry, big bro... He caught me off guard by asking about that so suddenly." Julius answered with his head lowered in guilt.
"Sigh... We are lucky he believes I'm your imaginary friend because of Alina's questions, but don't speak about me again. Make them think I don't exist anymore. That I disappeared one morning." Adam said seriously, unwilling to take any risks with the baron.
Lucius' actions were unmistakable. He was checking their backgrounds extensively, wary of someone's involvement. So, what would his reaction be after learning a ghost accompanied the boy?
"It's going to be hard," Julius muttered, a feeling of sadness gripping his heart. He really loved and was proud of his big brother. Despite his weirdness, he wanted to introduce him to his mother and the others and tell them how amazing he was.
Sadly, only he could see or hear him. Sadness momentarily covered his features as he wondered how his big brother could endure this lonesome life.
"Don't you feel lonely sometimes?" He asked, his voice low and his hands trembling.
However, the answer didn't make him feel better as Adam's sharp words cut through the air. "Lonely? Why would I? I'm already extremely displeased because I have to interact with an idiot like you, and you want to add more to the mix? No, thank you."
However, he knew him enough to read between the lines. He was trying to avoid the question so as not to expose his feelings and vulnerability. With a silent gaze of compassion, he nodded and acted as if he didn't understand the attempt.
"Anyway, it should be seven by now. Rest for an hour or two before training your mana control and new mana breathing technique for an hour each." Adam said confidently, yet his glowing eyes were dim, and his hands trembling.
"I hate mana control training, and you are already good with it. Can't I stop and focus on my body?" He answered, trying to ease the mood by following the flow.
"Nope. You have to improve your mana as well. Ask Lucius how to develop your reservoir tomorrow." Adam replied. Focusing on his body in a magic world didn't sound good to him. The boy's progress would be too limited, and he wanted him to have strong mana when he turned thirteen.
"Pff. Okay..." he said, pouting, before sitting on his bed, his mind racing as Adam silently floated to a corner of the room.
'Don't worry, big bro. One day, I'll find a solution and help you become normal again, I promise.' Julius thought while looking in his direction, hope and determination brimming in his eyes.
Then, he focused on his training, aiming to improve to support him in the future.
Reading the booklet, he discovered the breathing technique fortified the muscles by infusing mana directly into the bloodstream through specialised rhythmic breathing. As a result, the heart, lungs and muscles gradually improved as they adapted to the energy.
After using it and fumbling with mana control for two hours, his eyes closed as he tiredly fell asleep under Adam's frowning gaze.
'Six more years... In six years, I'll walk on my own two legs, speak with whoever and go wherever I want.' He chaotically thought, madness lighting his eyes as he put a tight lid on his heart, sealing the useless emotions that could compromise his future.