Theo stood alone outside under the sunlight. The place was extremely quiet and gloomy. Matthew had left a while ago without waiting for Theo to speak, as if it was something unimportant, as if he didn't even need to hear his response—because the decision was never his to begin with.
After a few minutes, Theo lifted his head and looked up at the sky and the white clouds. All the bad feelings he had felt before had vanished, and the only thing left in his mind was one question: What should I do now? He was lost, and he felt that his life was meaningless and colorless. His vision became vague and empty, as if he no longer cared about anything in this world.
"I knew he never considered me like a brother. This was bound to happen sooner or later. I was just avoiding thinking about it... I guess all I can do now is go with the flow."
Six months ago, the old Theo lost his memory. He didn't just lose all his precious memories, but he also lost himself and everything he had learned since birth. He didn't know how to walk, how to speak, how to write—everything was like a new blank page. And so, the new Theo was introduced to the world. He relearned all these things, and he learned them at an astonishing speed. His teacher was Matthew, the brother who never accepted him.
---
In the living room, Matthew sat across from Martin and looked at him. He wasn't happy about letting them go without punishment. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he was forced to do it—otherwise, one day, he would share the same fate as Henry and Lord Edmund. Everything was possible in this world, and the only guarantee a person could rely on was their own strength. Matthew needed power, and he wouldn't rest until he obtained it. Without power, a person had no value. Power determines how much influence and change you can bring to the world. Gain power, and then you can be as righteous as you want, punishing all the evildoers in the world—or be weak and righteous and pay the price for it, punishing only yourself.
The door to the room opened, and Colonel Austin stepped out, followed by Oliver. He looked less tense and was no longer as absent-minded as before.
On his way out, Colonel Austin nodded at Matthew, hinting that everything had gone well.
Matthew had agreed with Colonel Austin to send his brother to the Guardians' Academy, to keep him away from this chaos for a while and give him a chance to become strong and protect himself. This was an opportunity Matthew never had, and it was impossible for Theo to get it under normal circumstances. This was the most Matthew could offer Theo, and his conscience was at ease after doing so.
The door to the room opened again, and Colonel Austin stepped out. He nodded at Matthew, informing him that everything had gone smoothly. Matthew looked at Oliver and noticed that he no longer showed signs of tension as before; his face looked much better now.
"I'll be leaving. Stay here and make sure the area remains safe until I return."
Colonel Austin didn't need to say much or inform the others of his investigation results. Although the rest of the guards who had come with him for the investigation were confused and didn't understand anything, they didn't dare ask him questions. The only thing they could do was follow orders.
The standard protocol in such cases was to investigate the incident, determine its cause, assess whether it would affect the surrounding areas, evaluate the level of risk and damage, then write a report and submit it. After that, a new official would be assigned to the area. The final step could take some time, as it depended on whether a suitable official was available. Until then, the colonel remained in charge of the investigation until the new official arrived.
After Colonel Austin left, Director Oliver Jones and his deputy, Martin, quickly followed him. Oliver was not particularly fond of talking to Matthew, so they left Matthew and Theo alone with the guards.
Matthew didn't know how long it would take Colonel Austin to return, so he directed the guards to rooms where they could stay and followed Theo, who had already gone ahead to the cabin.
He found Theo sitting outside the door in his usual chair, staring absentmindedly at the Painter's Tree.
"I agreed with Colonel Austin to have you go with him to the Guardians' Academy. When he returns, you need to be ready," Matthew said in a neutral tone.
Theo's vacant gaze lingered for a few seconds before his eyes sparkled.
"What...?"
"I said you need to get ready. Colonel Austin will take you with him to the Guardians' Academy when he returns."
"No, I mean... Karin Valos, the one who made this, was also a Seed Host... wasn't he?" Theo pointed at the Painter's Tree and looked at Matthew expectantly.
Matthew frowned slightly before answering:
"Yes, he was the first."
"I see..."
Theo's heart began to race, and he couldn't stop a smile from forming on his lips.
"Thank you."