[Nie Huaisang doesn't pull away from the embrace, instead he savors it. It's been a long time since anyone's offered him genuine comfort. All he's had for ten years has been Lan Xichen's meaningless platitudes and Jin Guangyao's handling which has been forever tainted by his betrayal. This is very new to him but it's not unwelcome, not at all.]
Thank you, Lorenz. It's... Well, the situation just got more complicated. I think it might help me to talk about it. I don't think keeping silent about it has done me any good.
[His situation is just so messy, especially now with his brother in the resort.]
One of the criminal's victims was my older brother. My predecessor. He never married or produced children so I was forced to inherit in his stead since there was no one else. Jin Guangyao murdered him right in front of me a decade ago, through a poison that drove him mad. My brother went berserk and turned on his own men that, even turned on me. He didn't recognize us. It wasn't until after Dage attacked me that he came to his senses. I could have died with the rest of them that day.
[It's not a pleasant story, one he's kept silent on for so many years. Yet somehow telling it to Lorenz is easier than he thought it'd be even if he feels a little bad about dumping this on him so early into their relationship.]
Recently, my brother arrived here, much like he'd been before the madness had taken a hold of him. This should have been a happy occasion. Our final days together were filled with arguments. I've longed to talk to him again and have him recognize me again and he does but.... I found out that he's become lovers with the man who'd killed him, the man I put my own life on hold for ten years so I could get my brother justice-
[At this point, Nie Huaisang's eyes fill with tears, his frustration and grief over the whole situation surfacing for once.]
Ten years. For ten years I sacrificed everything for my filial duty, told myself day after day I was doing the right thing, the honorable thing, the thing my brother and our ancestors would demand of me in my position. And now... it feels like it was all for nothing. I know it's not. I kept another war from breaking out and Dage apologized, told me he thought he'd never see me again, and I understand but... it still hurts. He did the same thing when our father was murdered and yet...
[This is so much and he doesn't want to burden Lorenz too much with his troubles but he'd offered an ear. And honestly, just speaking about it for once is proving cathartic. It feels a little like draining a wound that's festered for far too long.]
no subject
Thank you, Lorenz. It's... Well, the situation just got more complicated. I think it might help me to talk about it. I don't think keeping silent about it has done me any good.
[His situation is just so messy, especially now with his brother in the resort.]
One of the criminal's victims was my older brother. My predecessor. He never married or produced children so I was forced to inherit in his stead since there was no one else. Jin Guangyao murdered him right in front of me a decade ago, through a poison that drove him mad. My brother went berserk and turned on his own men that, even turned on me. He didn't recognize us. It wasn't until after Dage attacked me that he came to his senses. I could have died with the rest of them that day.
[It's not a pleasant story, one he's kept silent on for so many years. Yet somehow telling it to Lorenz is easier than he thought it'd be even if he feels a little bad about dumping this on him so early into their relationship.]
Recently, my brother arrived here, much like he'd been before the madness had taken a hold of him. This should have been a happy occasion. Our final days together were filled with arguments. I've longed to talk to him again and have him recognize me again and he does but.... I found out that he's become lovers with the man who'd killed him, the man I put my own life on hold for ten years so I could get my brother justice-
[At this point, Nie Huaisang's eyes fill with tears, his frustration and grief over the whole situation surfacing for once.]
Ten years. For ten years I sacrificed everything for my filial duty, told myself day after day I was doing the right thing, the honorable thing, the thing my brother and our ancestors would demand of me in my position. And now... it feels like it was all for nothing. I know it's not. I kept another war from breaking out and Dage apologized, told me he thought he'd never see me again, and I understand but... it still hurts. He did the same thing when our father was murdered and yet...
[This is so much and he doesn't want to burden Lorenz too much with his troubles but he'd offered an ear. And honestly, just speaking about it for once is proving cathartic. It feels a little like draining a wound that's festered for far too long.]
I'm sorry. I know this is a lot to take in.