The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 91. Perfect Siblings

Chapter 91: 91. Perfect Siblings

Leo’s heart warmed as Vivien’s small arms wrapped tightly around him, her hug shining bright in the darkness of his mind. Her innocence reminds him of another little girl from his old life, a sweet, gentle child whom he’d protected, only to have her die from a reckless accident.

That loss had ignited his brutal way, and looking at Vivien, so similar to her in spirit. For a moment, he saw another life, where Chloe lived, their unborn child growing up content and safe. The thought of that child, dead even before even being born because of him, hit him like a truck, and he flinched, his smile faltering.

Vivien pulled back, her crimson eyes wide with concern. "Brother, what’s wrong?"

Leo summoned a soft smile, pushing the pain down. "Just some old thoughts, Vivi. I’m fine."

She frowned,then reached up, her small hands awkwardly smoothing his hair.. "Don’t be sad brother," she said, her voice small but genuine. "When sad memories arrive, think of happy things instead!"

Her sweetness cracked his heart, and Leo laughed, scooping her up in one smooth motion. She squealed, giggling as he held her high. "You’re too wise for me, little shadow. How about we grab some sweets to cheer us up?"

Vivien’s face lit up, but she hesitated, glancing down. "Mother says I shouldn’t eat too many..."

Leo grinned. "Mother’s not here. I’ve got your back." He looked to Vivien’s maid, who hovered nearby with a fond smile. "Bring sweets and coffee to Lucian’s room," he said, his tone easy but firm.

The maid bowed. "Right away, Young Master." She hurried off, and Leo carried Vivien down the hallway.

Lucian’s room was bathed in morning light, the tall windows casting golden rays across a polished oak table. He sat in his wheelchair, a letter from Velmira in his hands, his lips curved in a quiet smile as her words warmed him. A knock at the door broke his moment. "Come in," he called, folding the letter carefully.

The door opened, and Leo walked in, Vivien perched in his arms, her face glowing with excitement.

Lucian’s eyes widened, his once distant brother, who’d barely acknowledged Vivien before, was now carrying her like a doting sibling. His surprise melted into a warm smile. "Good morning, Elder Brother."

Leo set Vivien down, his tone light but teasing. "Morning, Lucian. Not crashing anything important, am I?"

Lucian chuckled, shaking his head. "Hardly. Just passing the time."

Vivien towards Lucian, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Brother! Elder brother says we’re having sweets together, all three of us!"

Lucian’s heart lifted at her joy. "Sounds perfect, Vivi. I’m tired of being cooped up in here anyway."

Moments later, the three were sitting around the table, a tray of delicate pastries and steaming coffee set before them. Vivien nibbled happily on a sugar-dusted bun, her cheeks puffed with delight.

Leo sipped his coffee, leaning back in his chair. "So, Lucian, how’s Velmira? I owe her for patching me up after that mess. She’s the reason I’m still standing."

Lucian’s expression softened, but a shadow crossed his face. He glanced at Vivien, choosing his words carefully. "She’s... still rattled from it all. You know how bad it was." He kept his tone vague, shielding Vivien from the grim details of death and battle. "She’s getting better, though."

Leo nodded, his eyes flickering with understanding. He knew the trauma of hunting cage, but he let the topic drop, glancing at Vivien as she munched happily on a pastry.

Lucian set his cup down, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Oh, Brother, about my birthday celebration..."

Leo cut in, grinning. "Yeah, I know. Already got a gift in mind for you."

Lucian shook his head, chuckling. "Not that. Do you have a partner to bring?"

Leo blinked, confused. "Partner? It’s just a birthday party, isn’t it?"

Lucian leaned forward, his tone teasing. "Father’s turning it into a big event for some reason. Everyone’s expected to show up with a partner."

Leo frowned, folding his arms. "A partner, huh? That’s gonna be a pain."

Lucian laughed, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Come on, Brother, plenty of girls would jump at the chance to go with you. Besides... you’ve already invited someone."

Leo raised a brow. "Who?"

"Senior Rin, obviously," Lucian said, smirking.

"Rin?" Leo echoed, genuinely puzzled.

Vivien, her mouth full of cake, piped up.

Leo glanced at her, his tone casual. "Just a classmate."

Vivien’s eyes widened, and she let out a dramatic "Ooooh!" before diving back into her pastry.

Lucian, unimpressed, leaned forward. "Just a classmate?"

Vivien mimicked him. "Just a classmate?"

Leo shrugged, unfazed. "Yeah, she’s a good friend too. What’s the big deal?"

Lucian sighed, shaking his head at his brother’s denseness. "Fine. What about your outfit? Got some attire ready for the party?"

Leo thought for a moment. "I’ve got a decent suit. Should be fine."

"Pass," Lucian said instantly, making Leo blink in confusion. "Our family’s designer already took your order before you got back. Go to the boutique, get measured, or I’m not letting you into my party."

Leo groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Seriously?" Vivien giggled at his exasperation, her laughter filling the room.

After a pause, Vivien’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Brother, I saw you fight this morning! You were so awesome! That last kick was the best! I wanna fight like you!"

Leo and Lucian erupted in laughter at her excitement. Leo mussed her hair, smiling. "Sure you can, Vivi. I’ll teach you when you’re grown."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?!"

He smiled, his nod reassuring. "Promise."

Four days later, at the Valarune estate, Rin sitting in her chamber, drinking tea. A maid appeared, holding a sealed letter."For you, Lady Rin," she said with a knowing smile.

Rin glanced at the envelope. "From where?"

"House Caulem," the maid replied.

Rin’s snatched the letter with lightning speed. Her fingers shaking as she opened the letter, her violet eyes reading the words.

With every line, her cheeks blushed deeper, her breath stopping. The words, penned in Leo’s unmistakable blunt but honest tone, invited her to Lucian’s birthday celebration as his partner. Her mind froze, her heart racing, the letter slipping slightly in her hands as a shy smile spread across her face.