(POV of Leonis & Reinhardt von Rosenfeld)
LEONIS VON ROSENFELD (Second Brother, Age 11)
—The One Born Perfect
Leonis gripped the marble balcony rail tightly, his small hands trembling.
Kel's duel replayed in his mind.
That can't be him…
He's… just the cursed brother.
He had always been the child praised in comparison.
"Leonis, learn from your second brother, not the first."
"Leonis, you have talent unlike Kel."
He looked at his father. No visible reaction.
His heartbeat raced.
If Kel becomes strong… then what am I?
Even at eleven, he understood something cruel:
Strength did not simply belong to those born with it.
It belonged to those who refused to die without earning it.
Leonis lowered his eyes.
For the first time, jealousy… turned into pressure.
He shouldn't be someone I compare against.
He's someone I must catch up to.
He didn't say it aloud.
But the thought carved itself deep within him…
"I won't let him stand ahead of me."
Not as brother—
As rival.
REINHARDT VON ROSENFELD (Third Brother, Age 9)
—The One Who Still Hoped
Reinhardt's hands hung loosely at his sides.
He wasn't jealous.
His expression held no shock.
He just… stared at Kel.
Big brother…
Unlike Leonis, he remembered Kel before the curse worsened.
Back when Kel would help him hold a wooden sword.
Back when he smiled softly, even as his body weakened.
When Kel collapsed in training years ago…
Reinhardt cried.
Tonight, he did not.
But something inside him shook.
He didn't collapse.
He fought.
He looked up at their father.
Still no reaction.
Reinhardt clenched his small fists.
T-they don't see it… but I do.
He felt pride swelling in his chest—raw, unfiltered.
Big brother… even if no one believes in you…
A tiny, quiet smile formed.
I will.
Balcony – Simultaneous Reaction
Leonis turned away—shoulders tense.
Reinhardt remained, watching Kel below.
Their mother stood between them.
And though she showed no reaction,
She noticed:
Leonis's tension.
Reinhardt's resolve.
And for the first time tonight…
A storm began brewing not only between nobles—
But within the Rosenfeld heirs themselves.