"No!" Ren said quickly, realizing the problem. "Wait, yes I have a secret, but the secret isn't about anything romantic."
The three brothers exchanged glances, silent communication passing between them.
His mana showed it was true. Completely true. No deception, no half-truths, just straightforward honesty.
Julius closed his eyes briefly, something like relief crossing his face. The tension that had been coiled in his shoulders released slightly. Victor completely loosened his grip on Ren's shoulder, giving him an almost friendly pat instead.
Arturo opened his mouth, clearly wanting to ask more about that "secret" and what it implied exactly. His curiosity was evident, political instincts wanting to understand what Ren was hiding.
"It's enough," Julius stopped him with a gesture, his hand raised again. "We already interrogated, said what we thought and... made our points clear."
He stood, approaching Ren. The interrogator becoming the advisor.
