Chapter 5 C5

"Alright, understood, my Lord. By the way, I've managed to contact Mr. Kavotzki, the CEO of KNVel Trading in Italy, who was also involved in laundering millions from your company. How should I proceed with him?"

A cold smile spread across his face. "What else? Show him the graciousness of Count Knight Velasquez. Be hospitable and polite, Cloud."

"Of course, my Lord. I'll use my katana to demonstrate just how hospitable my Lord can be."

"Thanks, Cloud." He ended the call and put on a smile before turning to Midnight. "I've canceled my flight. What would you like to do?"

Midnight's face instantly brightened. "Really? Yes!" His reaction resembled that of a child who had just won a victory and beamed with joy. "Ice cream, then billiards and tennis."

He chuckled and approached, carefully placing an arm around him. "If that's what you want, then that's what we'll do."

Midnight looked at him. "Won't Papa get angry? He forbade me from eating ice cream for a month as part of my punishment."

He playfully tousled Midnight's hair and then messaged Cloud to arrange transportation. "I'll take care of it. Trust me, okay?"

Midnight nodded, wearing a genuinely happy smile. Not a forced one. That was reassuring.

"Shall we go out, Big Brother?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"Wouldn't Papa be upset?"

"There's no ice cream here in the palace. How can you have some?" He inquired. "We'll go out, but we won't be seen by others. We'll stay in the car. Cloud will drive us."

Midnight grinned. "Can't wait."

He laughed and ruffled his brother's hair. "You can enjoy all the ice cream you want, but no takeaway, alright? We don't want you getting punished again. I hate seeing you in pain."

Midnight nodded. "Okay."

"Good."

They walked together towards their secret passage to exit the palace. They couldn't pass through the main entrance, as the guards would stop them.

Upon leaving the palace, Cloud was already waiting. The car was ready, as he had instructed via text.

He gestured for Midnight to get in ahead of him.

"Where to?" Cloud inquired.

"Ice Cream Parlour," he responded, bending slightly to peer at the passenger seat from the back. "Buckle up, Midnight," he instructed, adjusting his brother's collar. "Why is your hair all messy? Fix it."

"I'm not going out," Midnight defended.

"Even so, fix your collar."

Cloud let out a sigh before helping Midnight straighten his collar. "There. Anything else, my Lord?"

"All set." He then turned to his brother. "Which ice cream parlor? Los Alpes or La Romana? You decide."

"La Romana," Midnight promptly replied with an excited smile.

"La Romana it is," Cloud confirmed before starting the car.

Once they arrived at the ice cream parlor, Cloud was the one to go in and buy for Midnight. He returned with three different flavors and handed them all to his brother.

Before Cloud drove away, he glanced back at Knight in the backseat. "Where to next, my Lord?"

"Just drive around while he enjoys his ice cream. No specific destination."

"Understood, my Lord," Cloud acknowledged before starting the car's engine.

"Brother, are your friends nice?" Midnight suddenly asked. "Will you introduce me to them?"

Knight took a deep breath. "When the time is right."

"Can I call them 'Kuya' too?"

He smiled. "Of course. It's Kuya Val and Kuya Shun. They're good friends of mine."

Midnight glanced at him from the front seat. "Do you think they'll like me? Won't they find it strange that we look so much alike despite not being twins?"

"I'm sure they'll welcome you."

Midnight smiled. "That would be wonderful." He looked distant for a moment. "Aside from you and Kuya Cloud, no one in the palace talks to me. It would be nice to have conversations with other people from time to time."

"It will happen, don't worry."

Midnight smiled again. "Okay." He then returned his focus to his ice cream, resuming his enjoyment.

For about an hour, they drove around aimlessly before coming to a stop in front of their secret passageway within the palace. They needed to return, as staying out longer risked getting caught by their father and led to further punishment for Midnight.

Midnight appeared saddened as he gazed at the entrance. "Back again..." he whispered.

Knight gave his brother's hand a reassuring squeeze. "We have to. There's no use in hiding or running away. They'll find us eventually."

Midnight nodded, then proceeded into the secret passage first.