"...Don't tell me what?"

Even without turning, Lovino knew. His face was rigid, his hands went cold. The sudden gush of emotions made him so fragile right now. All the anger, frustration, shame and betrayal were taking over even if he did miss his old man.

The king raised an eyebrow, a kind but hesitant smile on his face. So, he's finally seen Lovino. After all these years. Romulus wouldn't lie, he would want to hug him and smother him with love. But obviously, that wouldn't be what the younger would wish for. It was rather too late for him now, actually. A number of years too late.

An obviously startled jump occurred before Feliciano turned to see Romulus, smiling brightly as always, and hugging him happily. "Oh...! H-hi papa! I didn't even see you there! You kind of scared me!" He smiled, a little awkwardly, laughing it off a bit.

"Feli," He returned the quick hug, then pulling out to ruffle his hair. It was painful for Romulus to turn his head and see Lovino up front, but at the same time he felt grateful to have the chance to see him more than anything else tonight so far. "Lovino..." He breathed out.

Worry reflected in Feliciano's face, his eyes seemed to be pleading for his brother not to go as he looked at him. He knew this was probably a rather uncomfortable situation for Lovino to be in... Possibly for his father as well.

Why couldn't Lovino just stay..? Everything would be easier if he would, but... He couldn't make Lovino do anything really.

If he could just... stay.

Lovino met Feliciano's gaze for a second, and he returned it with a furrow of his brows and a frown before looking away again. God fucking dammit, Lovino, He thought. Don't fucking cry. Don't you dare fucking cry in front of this old jeezer.

Ancient auburn eyes scanned the older Vitus brother from head to toe. "My, my. You've grown..." Romulus's anxiety was building, but he managed to suppress it and pull the prodigal son into his arms with rusty movements.

"O-Of course," Lovino replied rather quietly, still not looking Romulus in the eye. What he didn't expect though, albeit awkwardly and stiffly, was Romulus pulling him into a hug, which elicited a small gasp from him.

"L-Let go," Lovino hissed, struggling to push away the king's rather big frame from him. "Romulus, stop it...!" So close to crying, so close to venting out his anger again. He wanted to punch his father in the face, but he knew he'd end up with broken knuckles instead.

Oh, Romulus knew he was about to cry. It made him shake off his remorse and paint a smile on his face to realize that the old man still has an affect on him. Maybe he doesn't hate him, after all. Or maybe it wasn't just as intense as he thought it would be. Still, he remained oblivious to whatever it was and decided to let the sun shine down on him.

The king hugged him even tighter, practically already lifting him off the ground with his embrace. "Don't you dare cry! You know I'll cry next!" He wept. "I missed you too."

"Who m-missed who?! I didn't say I missed you, y-you old fart!" Lovino retorted, still in the midst of struggling in his clingy father's embrace. All his punches were in vain; the king might be old, but his strength was one that was still unbeatable. And the fact that Lovino was quite a weakling himself even if he acts so tough and hostile. "Damn, put me down! This is embarrassing...!"

But more than the embarrassment that drew almost everyone's attention to their place, it was Romulus's words that finally pushed him to tears. "God fucking dammit, don't cry, you old jeezer...!" He sniffed, covering his face with a gloved hand and the other still trying to push the other man away. He wouldn't dare face anyone now with this kind of image.

What kind of idiot was Romulus?! Wasn't he supposed to be angry at him because he ran away and disappeared for almost four years?! Wasn't he supposed to confront him with all the bullshit he told him before he left?!

"Romulus, p-put me down and stop sobbing like a little baby...!" Said the son who was not sobbing like a little baby himself. He could not help it. He cried. He cried until his eyes were hurting, until his cheeks and neck were burning.

"I-I'm sorry-" The older man sniffed, neglecting Lovino's complaints and thrashing easily because he was obviously stronger. "S-stop crying first!"

Lovino kept his hand on his face. His glove was soaked with tears. "W-Why... Why... aren't you... mad... at me..."

"I haven't seen you for years, how can I be mad?!"

Romulus's strain and hurt just melted away into the radiance of his sun that always managed to glow despite the darkest times. With one last squeeze, he finally placed his son to the ground and removed his embrace, but clasped his hands on his shoulders. "You thought I was angry?! At whom? You?" He cried, sniffing and laughing.

If there was one person he was mad at, then it was at his own self for being a failure as a father. Not at all at Lovino. What kind of father would resent his son, anyway?

"That's s-stupid...!" Lovino wailed, pounding him on the back one last time weakly before the king put him down, his knees actually trembling as his feet touched the pavement. Do you mean Romulus didn't have any sort of grudge in all these years he left the palace?!

His face went beet red again and he couldn't stop himself from shouting now, really. "Why aren't you mad at me y-you old fucking fart?!" The older son demanded.

Many of the bystanders had come to seek what was happening. However, Ulrich and Ludwig had arrived, shielding the family and urged to the people to stay away. Feliciano tried to usher his father and brother to the corner of the hall, away from curious eyes.

The three of them shuffled awkwardly to the side, close to the huge draperies that hung by the tall, intimidating stained windows of the grand hall. All of their eyes were red. The sniffling had not stopped.

"Stop being silly," Romulus then wiped the tears off Lovino's face before pulling him once again in a hug, and grabbing Feliciano in an embrace next.

"I'm not silly; you're the one being-" He wasn't even done speaking when Romulus trapped him and Feliciano in another embrace, drowning all the complaints coming from his own trash mouth. "...I hate you... I h-hate all of you..."

The king neglected his pleas and knew that the kid never meant that he hated him. Not while he's crying his heart out as he did. "We love you too." He laughed.

Once caught up in the hug of their father, and in Lovino's constant struggling and being stubborn, Feliciano laughed a little. Lovino said he hated them, which meant he loved them! So that definitely brought a smile to the youngest Vitus's face. He enjoyed this little group hug, it was a little family reunion, which made him happier than anyone could ever know.

"My boys..." He laughed loudly, little streams of tears on the corner of his eyes. It was as if the presence of his wife and their mother is so close now. So close that he could feel her warmth.

God, if only this could last a little longer. Forever. He just wanted his sons here with him by his side. In their home, together.

Romulus finally decided to let go. The king was fortunate enough to be much stronger than either of them. But then again he wouldn't be a king if he wasn't. "My queen would be so proud," he breathed out. His smile much, much sincere this time than ever tonight though little tears brimmed in the corner of his eyes.

"If mother were still alive, she wouldn't let me feel the need to run away..." Lovino grumbled in a low tone, unsure whether anyone heard it.

Stumbling back as soon as Romulus released them, Lovino wiped off the snot and tears on his face and gave a groan. Looking at these two men, he asked himself why he didn't inherit that sort of cheerfulness. Then again, that's what made them idiotic and stupid, so he's partly thankful for being the rude bastard he was.

Feliciano looked up at his brother, this time his amber eyes more hopeful, cheerful. "Lovi, you should really stay now! Please? See! We all miss you!" He gave a smile, this time, he was really sure that Lovino would want to stay. Of course he would, why wouldn't he want to stay after this? He had to!

"I'm... not... ugh, no." The older Vitus argued with Feliciano's plea of staying here, straightening himself up. He took a deep breath before looking over his small family again. "I don't want to... stay."

He didn't have a place in the kingdom. He knew that. "I'm... The world outside the castle has more use for me than in here." He explained rather quietly now, careful not to slip out a word of his new profile as a smooth-talking thief amongst the townspeople. "Outside of these premises, I'm simply just... Lovino. With no ties to any of you."

His head hung low with the next thing he was about to say. "B-but... I-I... Even if I don't wanna live here... a-anymore... C-Can... I visit sometimes...?" Because he certainly, unquestionably, did not miss these two fools. Nor the beautiful maidens serving them. Certainly not.

"Pfft, this is your home, you can come here anytime." Romulus motioned his hand by flicking his wrist at Lovino. However, his energy visibly lowered, with the frown on his face and the dulling of his bright, auburn eyes. "You could have told us everything before... It would have saved me from worry."

Of course, having a son leave your nest wouldn't be the greatest. But if Lovino would have notified him of what was going on instead of just running away, then it would at least lessen the king's wary. It wasn't at all hard to envision his son leaving for an adventure to find himself and pay visits every now and then instead of waking up one morning, learning that his eldest had left without knowing when he'll see him again.

The king sent his people to find him. But when he knew that Lovino ran away with his own wishes, he decided to take a step back and have him guarded from afar instead. He figured that the lad would even resent him even more if he forced him to return in the castle. And to what? Lock him in his room until he would get tired of sneaking out?

Romulus valued free will the most before anything else, the entire five realm knew this fact surely. Generally, because he despised being caged himself. Chaining his own sons would be the most horrific thing that he can do towards them.

"Alas, what's done is done," he sighed, shaking off the slight disappointment. "You can come by and have dinner with us anytime. Or, ask the kitchen for some meat and wine to last you for a month. Whatever you need- food, wool, cloaks, whatever!"

Lovino's entire 'rebellion' didn't exactly make sense if he was to rely on the castle's supply of reliefs, but Romulus didn't mind at all. Better to know that one of his own kin isn't starving off to some cold corner to help him sleep at night.

The older Vitus son could only shake his head at his father's sentiments. His heart hurt. The emotions could not stop, he could not hold back all the pain and frustration. It was far too harrowing for him to keep it all in after tonight's events.

"Home, you say... You should've at least let me feel like it was." He grumbled again, rubbing the back of his neck as he rocked his heels uncomfortably. He looked at Romulus with stern eyes, a frown on his face again. "It wouldn't have made a difference," He replied, a lot more easier now after crying his eyes out.

"What, you expect me to tell you, 'Hey ya old jeezer I'm leaving this place once and for all because you're obviously being unfair to me'? Nothing would have changed, right?" For a moment his gaze lingered on Feliciano, pained and dejected, before turning to his father again.

"'Nothing would have changed'?" Romulus' smile became stern, but still it remained. When it comes to killing the mood, he has to give it to his son. "You should have thought about that before coming here tonight."

"I... just wanted... to check up on... Feli." He motioned his head to his younger brother, a slight blush rising to his cheeks.

It was true that Lovino resembled his father more than Feliciano, but... Nothing. The similarity absolutely meant nothing at all. There was nothing for him here. He had years of growing up and watching his siblings- even those who were his father's bastards- become more respectable people. A heir to the throne, a bureaucrat, an admiral, a lord of other houses... where was his place?

Lovino was convinced that if he stayed again here, all the insecurities and inferiority he's tried so hard to ignore will come crashing again.

Romulus clenched his fists, but hid them behind his back before the boys could even see. Despite being a person of bliss and sunshine, there's still a hard part to every man that no one would want to cross. And he found that no matter how much love he poured out to Lovino long before, it still wasn't enough to reach him.

Though Romulus did have a flaw- that one single flaw that was enough to ruined him as a father. And that's his favoritism of Feliciano.

The king is well aware of that, but was it enough to degrade him like one of the worst in the history that made him appear like he couldn't even moderate his own kin? And what more on ruling a kingdom? Clearly, whatever misunderstandings he had with Lovino wasn't of something he was glad about. If for a split second, the younger would think that it never costs him anything; not only emotionally, as well as raising the questions of authorities about his ruling, then boy would it stir the wrath in him.

In any way, Romulus knew he did not mistreat him. He knew well that he cared too little or rather loved too much to even mistreat even a single soul of those outside his own home. He thought of all those reports that he heard in the small council- how a father of those in the bottom of the social class would make their own sons and daughters do labor. Worse, sell them to the slaver's bay. Still, he refrained on pointing this, having not the intention to spark a fight.

He drew in a deep breath, trying his best not to worsen whatever kind of crease this is. "I know I have my flaws as a father, I apologize. Truly." His tone was sincere, but still with the hint of authority a father would have.

'I may have not given you the same attention and praises as I did with Feliciano, but was that even reasonable enough to cause a scene? Was it enough to deem me as the worst father in the realm in your eyes?' How he wanted to say these thoughts in his mind, but kept them for himself instead.

Lovino's eyes locked on his old man's face, and bitterly thought of the time he chose Feliciano over him for the throne. That was, perhaps, the trigger that set him to leave the palace. That time in his younger years, he had hoped that maybe his father would still help him get his shit together and tell him he could be better than he was. Something their mother would have done if she were still alive.

Romulus hung his head low. "If one day, you would decide that I am worthy enough of being your father, you would know where to find me."

Afraid of burning everything, Romulus decided it was best if he was the first to keep distance. There was a bitterness in the words he have left him, hopefully enough to make the younger understand the situation his father was in instead of focusing on his own intentions.

The king's apology though certainly made Lovino snap up from his suffocating thoughts, rendering him completely speechless. He blinked, the surprise in his face too obvious. At the bitter end of his response, it almost made Lovino break into tears again but tried to steel himself.

"I'm..." He croaked out. "I... n-nevermind. Just... I'm... sorry to be such a f-failure, father."

He wasn't prepared to tell him in detail how sorry he was for being a spoiled brat, an insensitive jerk for making the king feel that he failed as a father. So, to apologize for being a failure of a son was the simplest and easiest he could do.

"I... I'm sorry, Feli." Lovino mumbled, before letting himself wander someplace else where he could just think his life over. He can't do this now. He... can't.

The king stopped on his heels after hearing his son's apology. He bowed his head, hiding the torment on his face.

"Why would I think of you as a failure?" He said, calling out to Lovino in hopes his words will help him from thinking that way. The boy stopped in his tracks to listen to what else the king has to say. "You're surviving entirely on your own. How is that counted as a failure?"

Self-reliance may be one of the most important thing a man or woman born of a high family could never know. And here he is in a pilgrimage entirely on his own, without a squire or a handmaiden. That did count as something important to Romulus' eyes. Not everything is about wealth or authority after all.

"You're my son. I'd never think of you as one." Romulus called to his behind one last time.

Lovino never bothered to turn around, hot tears pooling at the corners of his eyes yet again. Shaking his head, Lovino fled the castle, pushing by curious spectators who murmured amongst themselves.

Feliciano watched helplessly as his brother Lovino left, a hand reached out to make an attempt to stop him, but he quickly withdrew his hand, knowing full well there was no point. With everything that had just occurred here, Lovino probably just wanted to be left alone for now, and Feliciano could understand that.

His wistful gaze went back and forth between Lovino and his father, until his brother had fully left the halls with no trace.

He was so sure that for a moment, he had succeeded in persuading Lovino to stay, but it seemed all of that went up in smoke. Not only was he sad that their family couldn't enjoy a few moments of being reunited, but he was worried too. They had lived such a comfortable life growing up in the safety of their kingdom. How could Lovino thrive in those dangerous streets out there?

It worried the little brother greatly, but he can't help but feel a little angry as well with the decisions Lovino has made.

Feliciano sighed. Now he was left alone standing by the window. Tired, hazel eyes peered through the stained glass, watching the stars in the dark sky. Ludwig would approach his friend from behind, however, he could not help but feel somber at tonight's events. He observed Feliciano longingly looking at the heavens outside.

Mama...

The town square was a place busy, lively and grand in the day especially, but with the grand ball held at the castle, it was empty and quiet tonight. Just right for Lovino at the moment; he needed some time out.

Somehow, he was relieved to have seen his family once more. But with how things ended up, he partly regretted going to the ball.

"Why would I think of you as a failure?"

'Why would you not, Romulus? If you knew the truth...' The Vitus runaway thought, walking slowly, dazed. The short journey from the palace to the square he spent on letting his tears out once more after that last response from the king. If he knew that by being useful outside the castle was an occupation as a pickpocket, Lovino was sure his old man would be very disappointed. As if all his failures were not enough.

He took his place at the edge of the fountain, burying his face in his hands between his knees. In the quietness of the square, Lovino's frustrated wails broke the silence.

Nothing he did was ever right.

Nothing he did was ever good.

He was pathetic. He was useless. He was... he was lost. His hazel eyes desperately sought guidance from the stars above. Tears would not cease to stream from them. Lovino searched through the endless ocean of stars for answers, for comfort, for... love.

Mama... Are you watching? What... What do I do?

At the same time at the grand hall, the king rushed to find comfort in isolation to refresh his mind. It was more of a conflict, but the man took it as another rejection to his face. He's the father, after all. It was his responsibility to straighten things up. That was his chance! Finally, Lovino has been the one to appear willingly around his presence, and yet he screwed it up. Part of him wanted to get out of here and find the kid, but the other half wanted to drink the night away.

And so, he filled his goblet with wine and chugged it down. The warmth of the finest of Viresi wine reaching his veins that awakened his soul to drink another.

Romulus was just about to walk to the dais before seeing Ulrich in a conversation with his own sons. Roderich has arrived, apparently. It made him stop for a moment to realize that at least he has been able to reconnect with his family. A lazy smile crept to his face while watching them- glad for Ulrich's sake, before it diminished to a frown, remembering how he finished his own conversation with Lovino. He returned to the dais, watching the guests mingle about absentmindedly with the goblet of wine in hand.

Ulrich excused himself from his sons, returning to Romulus' side. Stern blue eyes centered on his face. The despondence of the king also caught the attention of Matilda Vita, Romulus' daughter and the kingdom's brilliant bureaucrat.

"Your frown might cause worry amongst the people," Ulrich spoke when he approached his king. Matilda nodded in agreement.

"Your highness, is something troubling you? It is not often you choose to distance yourself in such a gathering as this." She said in her polite, soft tone.

Cut from his inattentive gaze and deep train of thoughts, the king looked up to see Ulrich and Matilda reach to him on the dais. For a second, his auburn eyes blinked at the both of them to process what they were planning before shaking his head.

"Oh. Sorry," He chuckled. "I'm doing well, I appreciate both of your kindness. Especially you, my sweetling." Romulus smiled at his daughter. It was enough of a notion to calm himself knowing that the two somehow cared. "I hope the both of you are enjoying! I'd be disappointed if not..."

"Hmmmm..." Matilda hummed, not entirely convinced on his father's well-being, but far be it for her to decide how he felt. "Of course. I'm quietly enjoying myself, as is usual." She answered, smiling sweetly back at him. "It is quite an impressive gathering, after all."

Romulus expression brightened, even just a little. "Spectacular!" He cheered. A grin forming his lips sooner, slowly gearing his mood to positive without much of his notice. The joy of a short attention span... "I hope it helps divert your thoughts from your stressful work, as how it was intended to be."

The Lord of Adlerhorst stood by the two, his attention turned to the conversation they had. He didn't have any intentions in interrupting, it was more than clear that his word would not suit in something the two of them talked about. Not that it was that rare for him to be quiet anyway.

The king watched the party unfold, before realizing something that hardened his bright features. Matilda's work- it was enough to garner information within the Capitol, was it not?

"Can I ask of you a favor, my dear?" His sincere eyes found hers, but without the warm smile on his face whether it was a fake or not.

The young Vita lady raised a curious brow. This was intriguing. Even Ulrich had his curiosity on the matter. "What favor would that be?"

Romulus glanced at Ulrich for a moment and smiled at him before returning to Matilda. The three were at the dais, confirming that no one else is within earshot to eavesdrop. "It's not as complicated as your job, I assure. But it's important to me..." He began. "Can you keep an eye on Lovino? Possibly report what has he been up to?"

Unfortunately for him, he had no idea that his son was a thief. A very good and stealthy one, even. May this be a step on the right way or a disastrous one, he did not know.

"Yes, of course. However... Is something the matter with Lovino now? I did see him earlier..." Matilda was certain she had offered her services during the earlier times of Lovino's disappearance... So why now?

"Thank you," Romulus flashed a smile to Matilda before turning to his other companion. The Lord of Adlerhorst already had his eyes glaring at him.

"Don't tell me-" Romulus shook his head at Ulrich as if to stop him before saying anything else in disapproval. "I'm doing this as his father, before anything else."

Ulrich understood that the King was worried about his son, but spying on him might not result in being the best move to make. He could understand him, though. Perhaps it was because he was a father that was separated from members of his family too, or maybe it was just easy to understand the meaning behind the brunet's actions.

"I know you are, and it's not in my right to stop you. However, I hope you do realize it might not end so well, especially if he wants to keep his actions hidden from you." The blond man warned. He didn't know Lovino that much, but he could imagine the young Vitus would not like it if he was to find out his father was more or less spying on him.

"Is there another option for me to take? ... Unless it included me completely forgetting that I had a son." He frowned. But then remembered to liven up, so he sighed and forced a mask. He has to focus on the greater things, the happier side of matters.

A soft, nostalgic chuckle left his lips. Ulrich and Matilda would share a look of confusion as the king went on a small ramble. "Lovi... He's grown up so much in the years. He's become so self-reliant, and... the way he speaks that he's found a role that outside of the castle, without my aid or using the Vitus name..."

Romulus paused, auburn eyes looking out at the open doors of the grand hall beyond the merry crowd. He could see the dark horizon outside, dotted with bright, twinkling stars. A softer, gentler smile graced his lips. He remembered telling his sons several years ago that their mother was up there in the heavens, fondly watching over them.

His beloved wife would surely be guiding and protecting their son. She has always been.

"...I'm proud of him."