Caring Remedy

"Wow, little brother, it seems I should indeed look at you with new eyes if you even know about this!" Alaric couldn't help but express his newfound respect for Magnus, confirming that the item in question, the Ice Spirit Rose, was indeed capable of concocting the Jade Pill.

Magnus, realizing the immense value of the Ice Spirit Rose, was astonished. "Second brother, the Jade Pill can elevate a warrior at the peak of the Innate Stage directly to the Myster Stage. This rose is the main ingredient; isn't it too valuable to give to me?"

Alaric casually dismissed the concern, "Indeed, it's a priceless treasure, but to me, it's just another rare herb. Without a capable alchemist in our kingdom to process it into the Jade Pill, it's not of much use to keep. Giving it to you can at least strengthen your constitution and improve your physical health."

Understanding the enormous worth and the difficulty Alaric must have faced in acquiring the Ice Spirit Rose, Magnus knew it wasn't easy. Alaric had braved the perilous journey through the icy forests of the northern border and fought numerous fierce beasts to obtain it. However, Alaric chose not to burden Magnus with the tale of his hardships.

Seeing his brother's willingness to make such sacrifices without seeking anything in return, Magnus felt a profound sense of appreciation. He accepted the brocade box without further objection, his gaze lingering on Alaric, filled with gratitude.

"Don't give me that look; I'm a straight man! Don't even think about repaying me with your body or anything cheesy like that," Alaric joked, wrapping his arms around himself defensively, misinterpreting Magnus's intense stare.

This exchange deepened the bond between the two brothers, with Magnus feeling an immense sense of gratitude and respect towards Alaric for his selfless love and support.

....

Facing Alaric, Magnus spoke with a calm tone, expressing his gratitude and determination not to be a burden anymore. "Second brother, thank you. I won't let you worry about me from now on."

Alaric was taken aback by Magnus's sudden, mature declaration. He remembered the last time they met, Magnus, then a frivolous youth, boasted confidently about having his "big brother" to back him up against any challengers. The contrast to the present, where Magnus vowed to stand on his own, left Alaric both surprised and touched, recognizing that his younger brother had truly grown up.

Alaric patted Magnus's shoulder firmly, "Kid, it's good you think that way. But remember, I'm your brother. Your problems are my problems. It's hard for me not to worry."

Though Alaric's pat was strong enough to make Magnus's shoulder tingle, the warmth and brotherly love behind the gesture filled Magnus with a sense of warmth he'd never experienced, having grown up as an orphan in his previous life.

Curious, Magnus cheekily inquired what Alaric had been reading before his arrival. Caught off guard, Alaric stumbled over his words before claiming he was just perusing some "unofficial histories for entertainment."

Magnus, with a mischievous grin, approached the armchair Alaric had been sitting in and felt the cushion. Alaric quickly sat back down in an attempt to hide whatever he had been looking at.

"You're not being honest, second brother," Magnus teased, aware of Alaric's guilty behavior.

Alaric's attempt to deflect only made Magnus laugh harder, playfully accusing him of viewing risqué materials. Alaric's shocked reaction to being caught red-handed made it clear to Magnus that his knowledge of such matters was indeed thorough, boasting about his expertise in all things related to romance and seduction.

This lighthearted exchange highlighted the deep bond between the brothers, mixing humor and sincerity in their interactions, and showcased the transformation in their relationship, with Magnus stepping up as a mature individual while maintaining their close, teasing rapport.

Caught off-guard by Magnus's knowledge and teasing, Alaric found himself at a loss for words, marveling at his younger brother's extensive understanding of romantic affairs. 

Despite his initial embarrassment, Alaric admitted to having stumbled upon the outdated erotic collection by chance, given his lack of access to such materials while stationed with the military.

Understanding his brother's situation, Magnus jokingly empathized, likening soldiers' lowered standards to finding even a sow as appealing as Diao Chan, a legendary beauty.

 Curious, Alaric inquired about Diao Chan, to which Magnus simply replied, "A great beauty."

Seizing the moment to surprise his brother with a special gift, Magnus carefully closed Alaric's door before revealing a thick, pink book with a subtle fragrance. 

Handing it over with a mischievous smile, the book titled "Intimate Remedies" piqued Alaric's curiosity, leading him to wonder if it was a medicinal text by a renowned alchemist.

As Alaric flipped open the book, his reaction was priceless—a mix of shock and fascination that left him speechless, his eyes glued to the pages, captivated by the contents that far surpassed any expectations set by the misleading title.

Magnus, thoroughly amused by his brother's reaction, couldn't help but ask, "So, second brother, how do you like the gift I've brought you?" 

His satisfaction evident as he delivered a modern twist on the classic erotic literature, tailored to surprise and entertain his battle-hardened brother.

"Absolutely satisfied!" Alaric, thoroughly engrossed in the book, managed to respond to Magnus while his eyes remained glued to its pages.

Seeing his brother so captivated, Magnus couldn't help but tease, "Second brother, the book has 365 pages. You can take your time with it; you won't finish it now."

Realizing his eagerness, Alaric reluctantly set the book aside, his gaze lingering on a particularly enchanting illustration before finally looking up. "Where did you get such an exquisite thing? Its quality surpasses the Bao Xian'er album by far—it's incomparable!"

Indeed, what Magnus had given Alaric was a unique erotic album, based on the famous courtesans of Silverwood City, illustrated by top artists and color specialists. It was a prototype for an upcoming release, making the copy in Alaric's hands the only one of its kind.

Amazed, Alaric exclaimed, "So, this is the latest masterpiece from Silverwood City, featuring real-life inspirations? That means the women in this album... we could actually meet them in Silverwood City?"

"Exactly!" Magnus confirmed with pride, sharing that the illustrated courtesans were indeed based on real individuals from Silverwood City's renowned brothels.

"Wow, I wonder who the genius behind the publication of such a fine album is," Alaric exclaimed genuinely impressed.

Hearing this, Magnus's expression turned slightly awkward. In truth, the mastermind behind the "Intimate Remedies" album was none other than himself. Despite some reservations about the former young master's unconventional projects, he couldn't help but admire the business acumen involved.

The idea to promote City's businesses across the northwest continent through the publication of a real-life erotic album was indeed his.

Not only did it promise significant profits from the album sales, but it also served as a unique advertisement for the courtesans of Qin Feng City, drawing admirers and thereby boosting the city's economy.

Such a marketing strategy, even by modern standards, was exceptionally clever. Magnus, now in the shoes of the original young master, found himself torn between pride and embarrassment over these ventures.

As the brothers continued to discuss the album, Magnus assured Alaric that he would be the first to receive any new publications, delighting Alaric immensely.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the forceful opening of the room's door.

"Alaric! I heard you've made some more progress with your strength?" boomed a robust voice, filling the room like thunder.