2.5

Footsteps on the grass were made with each step the man took and a good mood was expressed on his face. Brandon was walking towards where the knights would train in the morning while he didn't have to go to work yet. He knew Phillip wouldn't be there at the moment, as he'd gone out with Johannes again this time, and he had no idea where, but that didn't mean he didn't mind a little.

The redhead passed through the stone corridors with few decorations and arrived in the area where there were some knights of the Miller family training. There weren't that many, as it was still early and not everyone would have to be there, as they had their own shifts.

Your gaze wanders across the stone field with sweaty men engaged in sword fights or simply moving the great iron instruments, looking for something specific. At some point, he lets himself go for a few moments when he observes two men sweating during the combat they were having on themselves, soon recovering from the trance and feeling a little embarrassed by their behavior.

He finds what he's looking for a little closer to the corner.

The knight he was looking for was moving his sword up and down, performing the basic sword movements, as if it were a part of his arm, of his own body, as natural as the act of breathing. Too focused on his actions to notice that Brandon was approaching and looking at him.

The man wore light leather armor and bracers that aided defense during the sparring session, gripping the hilt of the sword tightly with his fingers and callused hands, the result of his hard work and effort with the art of swordsmanship. It was noticeable by his hands how hard he trained, so much so that if he looked he would see new blisters spread across them.

Her dark brown hair was swaying with the movement and her brows furrowed along her brow. The heavy breathing was happening in his chest that rose and fell with vigor. Her torso muscles weren't visible because of the armor, but her arms were defined and looked firm to the eye. For a rider younger than Brandon, he was in good shape.

Brandon was watching next to him, unwilling to break his concentration and willingness to accomplish this every morning. He didn't know if he did when he didn't go to the training ground, but he had gone many times to surprise him and found him like this.

In no way did Brandon dislike waiting for him to finish and watching him train. He liked that. It was good to see someone doing his best in what he liked, like many other gentlemen who were in that same place. All of them were training, with different or the same purposes, but the redhead saw how they moved their bodies and the relaxed expressions they had with all that physical exertion.

It also reminded him a little of the past.

The sword was brought down with a thin movement and landed on the ground with its metallic tip. It was catching the sunlight and the grip on its handle was loosened. The knight took a deep breath, trying to regulate his breathing and feeling the fatigue in his body. A good and familiar feeling for those who performed exercises and for him it was no different. A crooked smile crept onto his face as he was content to finish yet another morning's training session.

He turned to go put his sword away and have to change his clothes again before the start of the day, but he found the familiar figure who came to visit him.

His eyes widened with surprise to see the red mane and green eyes directed at him. A smile widened on his face revealing his teeth and his eyes narrowed into a half moon. The knight was glad to see him, after some time he had not come.

"You came." Her red lips moved and her whiskey colored eyes sparkled. "You should have let me know you'd arrived. I wouldn't keep you waiting."

"You know I wouldn't do that." Brandon shook his head. "And it doesn't bother me one bit to watch."

"It's still a waste of time, because you always leave quickly."

"We all have work."

Brandon shrugged and laughed a little. He felt light talking to someone his own age, even a year younger, and who isn't a superior or doesn't involve work. There was nothing that could be an obstacle or a power relationship between the two, who formed a friendship. It was something relaxed, no charges.

When he talked to James it was comfortable, but still he tended to be a little polite, after all, he was still his employers' son. With Phillip it was the same way, but with some freedom too. And he didn't have enough contact yet with Ferion for them to be able to have a normal conversation, even though they're getting closer because of work.

But nothing beats someone he could have a one-to-one conversation with.

Brandon had known Nott a year ago, once the knight had managed to pass the knightly test and qualified as one of the county. Both ended up meeting by accident and Nott brought up a conversation with the redhead, asking a few questions and clarifying his doubts. He was the more outgoing and sociable of the two, as Brandon didn't talk much to strangers. It was almost as if he were shy, Nott thought.

"But have you been waiting a long time? If so, I must apologize. I'm very focused when I'm training."

"Everything is fine. It hasn't been long since I arrived anyway."

"Right…"

Nott said stabilizing his breathing. Her face showed a little tiredness and embarrassment for what had happened, again. Brandon saw the face his friend was making and chuckled to himself.

"I heard that the young masters who were away have returned home. Is that why you didn't come anymore? He must have been busy, because you're not one to do that."

"I'm sorry. I was reassigned to help Ferion get used to the documents and matters he missed when he was away for three years."

Brandon told a half-truth. It was a fact that he had to work with Ferion because of the earl, but he hadn't gone to see him because he'd forgotten about that, given the shock he'd had upon seeing Phillip again. He was ashamed and afraid to say that and Nott would be upset with him. So he kept it to himself and said something plausible. Well-told lies always have a grain of truth. And this time it would be no different.

"By Ferion, I mean the First Young Master? The heir?" The knight nodded, remembering whose name it was. "So that was it. I thought something had happened or I was too busy, as I said before. Next time, let me know if you're going to disappear like that."

"I'm sorry to worry you. And I will, yes."

"With that face of yours, you don't even look like you're sorry."

Nott watches him, watching his expression say that. He was a little disbelieving to hear that from someone with an almost good-natured face that didn't show the slightest bit of remorse.

The knight brings his hand to his forehead and wipes the sweat from it, with the hand not occupied with the sword. The training schedule would continue for some time and the riders who were there would continue their morning training session, but he couldn't stay there talking to Brandon, it would be uncomfortable as time went by to talk standing up.

Nott starts walking towards a side where the swords were on a support to hold side by side made of wood. He put the sword he was using and approached some chairs that were nearby and sat down, being followed by Brandon who did the same at his side.

"What happened while I didn't come? Something interesting?" Brandon questioned.

"No. Nothing special happened. The returning forces settled in and the shifts were split. Now I have more free time, not much to do, until the hours get back to normal. I usually stay here, training…"

Nott watched his teammates struggle as hard as he did. They sweat and fight and bleed for their own reasons. Screams of metal meeting were signs of his arduous combat with the other knights.

A crooked smile grew on the right side of his mouth, in recognition of the efforts they make, along with a small twinkle in his eyes. Also because he feels comfortable with such an environment.

"The Second Young Master was also introduced to us by the commander and captain when he arrived. I admit that I was curious to know about him, given what the seniors said. But, I don't know… Didn't he impress me too much? He didn't seem very strong to me."

Brandon listened to Nott's words with curiosity. The other talked about Phillip as if he were weak, which Brandon knew he wasn't, as he always assisted him during his lessons and fencing matches.

"Maybe it's just my rambling…" Nott turned around, to find Brandon looking directly at him. He quickly rushed to apologize. "Of course this must be a mistake. So don't tell him anything, please."

"I will not." Brandon shook it off, laughing at his expression.

"Serious?"

"Yes, then relax."

"Thanks, Brandon."

A sigh was made by Nott. It would be a situation to be concerned about if such a comment was made in a stricter noble house and if the person in question heard it, as it could come across as offensive, even if it wasn't meant to be. The Millers were not such cruel people as to punish simply for such a comment.

And such speech by Nott was not incoherent. A knight, like a swordsman, would be curious about those who have a certain fame, about what their honor, character and swordsmanship are like. In Phillip's case, he didn't impress Nott, who was curious about him, because of the stories of the older knights.

There are idols and people of renown in any area, and for the knights of the county, Second Young Master was one of them, because he was their lord and someone who had some talent with a sword. Besides, Brandon wasn't even talking to Phillip, even if he was, he wouldn't, so there was nothing to worry about, though Nott didn't know that.

"And how was your week? You didn't come here just to listen to me and then leave, did you?"

"Was good."

Brandon hesitated for a moment and smiled as he said it. It was a fake smile, as his week was filled with sadness, anger and tears, but there were good things that happened in the midst of his reaction to the news of his ex-lover's engagement. He didn't have the heart to tell Nott about it, so he opted to tell a half-truth, omitting details that weren't necessary for him to know.

The other didn't seem to notice his momentary pause, so Brandon continued as if he hadn't done anything.

"James learned and showed me a new magic. It was beautiful. There were many drops of water around and suspended in the air, looking like mirrors. And when the sun's rays hit them, it was as if stars had descended from the sky and were beside me."

A gleam appeared in the green eyes as he spoke of the purple haired boy. The young master with whom he had an almost brotherly relationship was something he liked to talk about with gusto, mainly because he spent so much of his time with him, and a sense of pride fills him whenever he thinks of James' progress in his studies.

Nott saw how Brandon got excited when talking about things he liked and admired, it was different from when he talked about something trivial or something he feels uncomfortable with. The expression that seemed indifferent when speaking, lightened a little and it was noticeable his change of mood and expression.

"Whenever I hear about Little Master's achievements, I'm always amazed at how skilled he is."

"I totally agree. I don't think I'm even surprised anymore that he shows me something new." Brandon agreed with his words.

James was always showing off new spells he had learned in Mr. Below for him. And he said he practiced before he did it, but Brandon never saw him practice his new spells or heard any servants talk about it. It was nearly impossible to hide his training sessions in a mansion full of people, but the boy managed to pull it off, surprisingly not getting caught. Almost like he was doing something wrong.

The redhead thought that if he was a spoiled child who hid because he didn't want something or didn't have it, they couldn't find him if the boy wanted to.

"I also went out with the lady and James. We bought James new clothes, he looked lovely, and then we had lunch at a restaurant. There wasn't much else after that, but James got the countess a ring and he gave me a fox he got in a tent."

"A fox?"

"Yeah. You know, the stuffed ones." Brandon answered.

"Oh, yes."

"Besides, everything that happened was work."

Brandon finished talking about his week. That wasn't all that had happened, but as he intended to omit most of the relevant details, there was nothing more to say. Nott turned and looked at him; he'd expected something about celebrating the return of the lord's sons or about Brandon's relationship with the two of them, but everything he'd said was no different than usual, about James, Countess Miller, and work.

"Weren't you working with Ferion?"

"Yes, I am. There's not much to say. We checked county files and new documents. We went out too, but that's about it. Brandon shrugged. It wasn't an impressive thing to talk about in conversation, so he didn't see the importance. "Because?"

"Because I expected you to talk about the First and Second Young Master." Nott paused for a moment. "They came back a while ago and you haven't said much about them. I thought I had a good relationship with them."

"Why do you think that?"

Brandon frowned. His expression looked intimidating, but only to those who didn't know him. For Nott, it was something that had no effect and that made his friend more charming, similar to the indifferent face he usually puts on. However, he was being a little careful about it.

"Because you have a good relationship with all the Millers. You are the Lord's helper. You are someone who likes you. And you live with the little master. Isn't it natural for me to think you got along with all of them?"

"Yes, you're right."

Nott's line was correct and Brandon couldn't disagree with that, so he agreed. It was impossible to refute him, because they were facts that he and everyone who worked on the estate knew, so it was not wrong to assume such conclusions. But after saying that, he was quiet, because explaining his failed relationship with Phillip was a different matter, whereas with Ferion, it was a little embarrassing to say that he was a little scared of him when he was younger.

'But it's not like you think...'

For some reason, he didn't want to voice his thoughts about it and appear weak to Nott. The boy was younger than he was, and from what he knew of him, he was someone who struggled in life, so his motives could be considered small or insignificant, even if Brandon himself is sure the knight wouldn't think so. Perhaps it was a reflection of the relationship Brandon has with James, it would explain why he didn't want to do this.

A sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath afterwards. There wasn't a single ounce of willingness to tell about her relationship with either Miller, though about Ferion he could sum it up, but about Phillip he couldn't even that. Maybe he could tell a lie, just in case, but Brandon wasn't someone who liked lying to those he was close to.

"With Ferion, we are not very close. As for Phillip, it's complicated."

Brandon spoke, looking away and a little uncomfortable. Nott noticed this. He was surprised by his friend's indifferent face expressing more than usual and the excitement of talking about James. It was unusual to see Brandon uncomfortable, so he didn't know how to react to it, but Nott knew it was a sign for him not to continue.

"I understand."

A silence settled over the two. Nott and Brandon were facing forward, watching the rays of the morning sun hit the entire field and the riders' breathing hard from the exertion. Sounds of metal meeting and light groans made by those who made strong movements or who were hit were heard by the two, who didn't look at each other anymore.

They both watched the scene in front of them without saying a single word. They didn't know how to continue the subject, as Brandon didn't want to continue with it and Nott had no idea what to bring up the subject, so they both stayed quiet and kept their mouths shut.

Brandon's lips straightened and he stood up, drawing Nott's gaze to him. The whiskey eyes looked at him with curiosity at first, but then they took a little sadness, realizing what he was going to do.

"Well, I think it's time for me to go, Nott."

Brandon said and Nott looked down and sighed. His assumption was right, the redhead would go away even if he spent little time with him. It wasn't something he could control, but he was a little unsatisfied.

"Already? You barely arrived." he said, even though Brandon had been there for almost twenty minutes.

"I still have work to do."

"It is still early." Nott snapped.

"I'm sure Ferion is in the office waiting for me or has even started work." Brandon said and smiled. "Don't be disgruntled, we'll see you soon."

"I hope it doesn't take a week again."

The brown growled in a low murmur, but Brandon still heard it and ignored it. His friend wasn't wrong to be like that because he didn't come to see him, although he was glad he did. The truth was, he too regretted having to leave early, but he had work to do.

"Will not."

"Then okay. See you later."

"Up until."

Brandon shook his head at him and walked off the same path he'd taken earlier. Nott sat there, watching his back get farther and farther away, before letting out another sigh and getting up, heading straight for his dorm. His shift would start soon anyway, not giving him time to train a little more now that he's rested.