As soon as he stepped into the bedroom, Leon lightly frowned.
Despite Leon's insistence that Cesare remain in bed and rest, Cesare was clearly seated on the sofa, waiting for him.
"It seems the Duke won't even obey an imperial command. I told you to rest…" Leon grumbled, taking a seat across from him. Cesare responded with a faint, fleeting smile, which Leon mirrored without realizing it.
"Where's Eileen?"
"I asked for her understanding. I wanted to speak to you alone."
"I thought Lady Farbellini was also coming."
"I sent her away too—for the sake of our brotherly time," Leon quipped with a shrug, his tone light. Cesare didn't press further, leaving Leon to gaze at him pensively.
"How's your shoulder?"
"It's fine."
The brief response darkened Leon's expression. He let out a long sigh.
"So, you ruined your shoulder taking down Count Bonaparte. Did you at least get what you wanted?"
