As Seraphina walked down the hallway, she glanced at the butler and asked calmly,"Where is Jonathan?"
The butler bowed slightly and replied,"He's sitting in the garden, my lady. He… refused to eat breakfast."
Before Seraphina could respond, Walter, who was nearby with Bertram, perked up."Don't worry, Mother! I'll take care of it," he said cheerfully, flashing his cutest smile.
Seraphina gave a faint, approving nod."Alright. Go ahead."
In the peaceful garden, Jonathan sat alone on a bench under the shade of a flowering tree, his eyes blank and distant.
Walter arrived with Bertram, who pushed a trolley filled with tea, cakes, juice, and a hot plate of pasta. Bertram glanced at the tray, silently questioning the odd breakfast combination.What kind of breakfast contrast is this? he thought, shaking his head. But who am I to question his preferences…
Walter climbed up beside Jonathan on the bench and smiled sweetly."Let's eat together! I didn't eat breakfast either," he said as he took a bite of pasta.
Jonathan didn't respond at first. His eyes flickered to Walter, but he remained silent.
Walter looked at him and added gently,"If you're not going to eat… then I won't either."
Jonathan let out a quiet breath. "…Fine."
Bertram handed both of them a plate of pasta. They began to eat quietly, but after just a few bites, something felt off.
Jonathan's hand began to tremble.
"Master Jonathan, are you feeling unwell?" Bertram asked, concern flashing across his face.
Before anyone could react further, Jonathan's body went limp and he collapsed onto the ground.
"Jonathan!" Walter shouted, panicked.
Bertram rushed forward and lifted the Jonathan in his arms, carrying him quickly back into the house. Walter followed close behind, eyes wide with worry.
Inside the Room
Bertram laid Jonathan carefully onto the bed, his forehead drenched in sweat, his breathing uneven.
"Call the doctor, now!" Bertram ordered.
Walter stood beside the bed, staring anxiously at his older brother.
Charles arrived moments later, his face pale with worry. He knelt beside the bed and placed a hand on Jonathan's forehead.
"He's burning up…"
Bertram nodded. "Yes, sir. I've already called for the doctor."
Soon, the doctor arrived and quickly began examining Jonathan. After a tense few minutes, he turned to Charles and Bertram.
"His fever has climbed to 103°F… and he's having a panic attack."
Charles' brows furrowed deeply."A panic attack…?"
He looked down Jonathan, now unconscious and trembling, as confusion and dread began to stir in his heart.
"The fever is high," the doctor said gently as he adjusted the blanket over Jonathan. "Let him rest for now."
Charles gave a silent nod, his jaw tight. He turned toward the door, motioning for Walter to follow. Once they were out in the hallway, Charles suddenly stopped. He knelt in front of Walter, placing a firm hand on his small shoulder.
"You're only six," he said softly, pulling Walter into a warm hug. "But you're a good boy, my boy. Please... take care of him."
Walter froze in place. His heart thudded.
Take care of him? But why me…?
Before he could ask, Charles stood up again, gave him one last glance, and walked away in silence.
Walter remained frozen, his eyes staring at the hallway ahead.
What's happening to Jonathan…? And where is Julian? Why… why is Jonathan here?
Bertram approached quietly and placed a hand on Walter's shoulder. "Lord Walter, your tutor will be arriving soon. You should head to the library."
Walter blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Right… okay."
The Library
Walter pushed open the large wooden door of the library. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the shelves. He glanced around. Empty.
He wandered between the shelves, fingertips brushing the spines of old books, pretending to search—though his mind was far away.
Just then, a calm voice broke the silence."Lord Walter, are you looking for something?"
Walter turned to see Master Lennox, his tutor, standing by the door with a soft smile.
Walter hesitated before walking up to him."Master Lennox… I need your help."
Lennox raised an eyebrow, amused. "What is it?"
Walter looked up at him seriously."Can you teach me how to love?"
Lennox blinked, taken aback. "But… Lord Walter, you're still too young for—"
"I'm not a kid anymore," Walter interrupted, his voice steady, his eyes firm. "I can handle it."
There was a strange maturity in his gaze—something far beyond his age.
Lennox exhaled slowly. "Alright… I'll teach you. But may I ask—why do you want to learn about love?"
Walter's eyes darkened, his voice quiet but filled with resolve."Because I'm going to take care of Jonathan."
Lennox fell silent, observing the boy with new eyes.
He's changing, he thought. Something's happened… Should I really teach him this?
Still, he gave a soft nod. "Very well. After we finish studying, I'll teach you about love."
Walter sat down, picking up a book as Lennox took the seat across from him. The day's lesson began, but both of them had heavier thoughts lingering in the quiet between the turning pages.