Building The Strongest Family

Chapter 424: Arthur And Liz

The Sanctum had settled into the peaceful embrace of night. The festivities had ended hours earlier, but the remnants of laughter hung in the air, gently stirred by the soft breeze.

Most family members had drifted back to their villas scattered throughout the grounds, lulled into sleep with full bellies and even fuller hearts.

In the garden, lanterns flickered with a warm glow, seemingly hesitant to let the evening slip away. Yet Arthur didn’t head toward his study, the grand hall, or any space marked by power or strategy.

Instead, he walked alongside Liz.

Her petite hand swung playfully at her side, her steps light and bouncy as if she were still riding the high from earlier celebrations. The pathway leading to the entertainment wing shimmered with soft blue lights, guiding them through the quiet corridors.

Large windows opened up to a tranquil night scene,the fountains shimmered silver beneath the moonlight, air-drones glided silently over neatly trimmed rooftops, and in the background, the Sanctum Main Palace gleamed like a slumbering giant.

As they walked, Liz frequently stole glances at Arthur; every time their eyes met, she’d quickly turn away, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

It was as if she was trying to reconcile the reality that her older brother, who had been so distant for years, was now by her side... smiling gently... so relaxed.

She let out a soft giggle. "I can’t believe you hugged me like that back there."

Arthur raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "It was just a hug, Liz. Nothing unusual about it."

She shook her head adamantly. "Not from you! You used to hug like a robot! Like you had no idea how to wrap your arms around someone!"

Arthur paused, genuinely contemplating her words. "...You have a point."

Liz erupted into laughter, her joy echoing beautifully through the hallway.

---

The doors opened with a gentle hiss, revealing a vast entertainment area,high ceilings bathed in warm light, luxurious couches shaped like rolling waves, and rows of gaming stations lined up like futuristic capsules.

At the center, an enormous holographic screen arched like a giant planet, reaching almost from floor to ceiling.

Liz’s eyes glimmered with excitement. "Yesss! We have to start with Nebula Kart!"

Arthur smirked. "I figured you’d choose something easier. Remember, you get upset when you lose at that one."

Liz gasped in mock outrage. "You...! That was ages ago!"

"You were fourteen," he reminded her with a teasing smile.

"Doesn’t matter!" she huffed.

He chuckled,an unusual but genuine laugh that felt right on his lips. Liz almost sprinted to the console and summoned the holographic controls with a sweeping gesture; bright neon lights danced into place.

"Sit down," she ordered playfully.

Arthur raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise. "When did you start bossing me around?"

"Five minutes ago," she declared proudly.

He shook his head but settled into the chair next to her.

The first race began,a cosmic track illuminated by glowing asteroids and swirling star clusters.

Liz picked her favorite character, a small winged creature with large expressive eyes, while Arthur chose the most basic spaceship pilot available.

She nudged him playfully. "At least try to show some personality."

"My personality is efficiency," he replied dryly.

Then the countdown started.

3...

2...

1...

The game surged to life.

Liz’s character shot ahead recklessly, crashing into walls, bouncing off meteorites, and uncoordinatedly boosting at the worst moments,all the while laughing like mad.

In contrast, Arthur glided through with precise elegance, effortlessly taking each turn, drifting smoothly, and navigating corners as if he were strategizing for battle.

"You’re such a perfectionist!" Liz exclaimed as she careened into another asteroid.

Arthur didn’t reply; he simply shot her a raised eyebrow while smoothly sailing past her.

She narrowed her gaze at him. "Don’t you dare win."

"I’m not planning on losing," he shot back.

"That’s basically the same thing!"

He stayed quiet, which only made her glare sharper. As they hit the final lap, Liz leaned forward, determination shining in her eyes. "I swear, if you beat me by even a meter..."

Arthur stole a quick glance at her before intentionally easing off,just enough to let her take the lead.

Liz gasped in exaggerated disbelief. "You’re letting me win!"

"Prove it."

"I WILL!"

And she did,not with finesse, but with a wild determination that turned the finish line into a spectacle. Her car crashed sideways across the line, sparks flying everywhere, yet somehow, the game crowned her the winner.

Liz shot up onto her knees on the seat, roaring triumphantly.

"I WON! I WON! I BEAT YOU! ME!"

Arthur looked at her with a mix of amusement and disbelief. "You crashed into the finish line."

"That’s called STYLE!" She pointed at him with triumph. "Admit it. You let me win."

Arthur relaxed back in his seat, a casual air about him. "No proof."

Liz groaned dramatically. "Ugh! You’re impossible!" Yet her face glowed with happiness,bright eyes and warm cheeks radiated her joy.

And Arthur... he was smiling...a real, soft smile that felt genuine.

After several rounds,some chaotic, some neck-and-neck, and others deliberately sabotaged by Arthur,they finally paused for a break. Liz flopped onto a large bean-shaped sofa, stretching out as Arthur perched on the edge, hands loosely clasped.

The holographic screen faded to a calming soft blue light that surrounded them gently.

Liz watched him in silence for a moment before gathering the courage to ask a question that had weighed on her heart for years.

"Arthur... are you happy now?"

He didn’t answer immediately, instead looking at her,the little sister he once carried through storms, the girl who held onto him during tough family times, the one who cried hardest when he began to pull away emotionally.

He gazed at her and nodded,"You can say that."

Liz felt a lump in her throat.

His voice remained low yet steady. "Back then... everything was happening so fast. Danger felt everywhere. If I let myself feel anything, I was scared it would all fall apart. Scared I would break."

Her expression softened. "Did you... break?"

Arthur took a slow breath. "Not completely. But close enough."

She moved closer, wrapping her arms around his and resting her head softly on his shoulder. This time, he didn’t stiffen; he leaned a little toward her.

A quiet sigh escaped him, tender and vulnerable, overflowing with emotions long buried.

"Thank you, Liz."

They sat together like that,brother and sister, surrounded by the gentle buzz of the entertainment space, warm light enveloping them as distant fountains murmured softly in the background.

For once, there was no empire. No system. No responsibilities. No crushing weight of billions of lives on their shoulders.

Just a brother rediscovering how to feel and a sister who had never stopped waiting for him.