When they entered, Cedric and Julius were already seated. Julius’s long strawberry-blonde hair was now neatly brushed, though the dark bags under his eyes remained, and his shoulders still drooped with the weight of sleepless nights spent buried in ancient text. Cedric smiled warmly as Marcelia and Rellia joined them.

“Ah, there’s my girls,” Cedric said, motioning for them to sit. His tone was cheerful, but Marcelia noticed tension in his gaze as he glanced at Julius.

Lunch was served, and they began to eat. The food was delicious, as always-herbed potatoes, roasted chicken, and thick slices of warm bread with butter. Yet the air was thick with unspoken worry.

Marcelia, unable to bear the silence any longer, gently prodded Julius. “So, Julius, how's the work going? You've been so engrossed in it we hardly get to see you.”

Julius sigh, poking at his food. “The deadline for this translation is the end of next week,” he muttered. “If I don't finish it on time, I'll be demoted.”

Cedric brow furrowed. He set his fork do with a little more force than necessary. “Demoted?! That's ridiculous. They've been taking credit for your work for years. It's no surprise they've grown to rely on you for everything.”

“I don't let them take credit for everything,” Julius said quietly, voice laced with weariness. “Some of the knowledge I uncover… it's too dangerous to be in their hands.”

“Then why work for them at all? Rellia asked softly, concern evident in her voice. “Surely, you could find something safer then the Magic Magistrate. A place where you're respected for who you are.”

Julius’s lips tightened into a thin line. He looked down at his plate. “No one else would hire someone like me.”

There was a heavy silence around the table. Marcelia felt her heart sink. She knew what he meant, and the pain behind his words cut deeper than he would ever admit.

Cedric's eyes softened. “Julius, there is nothing wrong with you. You are brilliant, compassionate, and brave. One day, you'll find someone who loves you just as much as we do. You'll find a husband who sees you for who you truly are.”

Julius’s expression hardened. He pushed his plate away, his voice bitter, “And what if Father Theo was still alive? Would he be proud of the faggot son he left behind?!”

The room grew still. Marcelia felt her breath catch. Rellia's face paled, her eyes filled with hurt, but it was Cedric who broke the silence.

Cedric’s chair scraped against the floor as he stood abruptly. He walked over to Julius and placed both hands firmly on his shoulders. “Don't you ever say that again,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Theo would have loved you exactly as you are. He was proud of you from the moment you were born, and nothing-nothing- would have changed that.”

Julius looked down, blinking away tears. “I… I'm sorry. It's just… hard to believe sometimes.”

Cedric knelt in front of him, softening his tone. “I know it's hard. I know this world can make you doubt yourself. But you are not a burden, Julius. Not to us. We're your family. And we love you, always”

Marcelia reached across the table, taking Julius’s hand in her's. “We're here for you. Always.”

Rellia stood up and joined the embrace, wrapping her arms around Julius from behind, whispering softly, “You're never alone, my boy. Never.”

Julius, eyes still downcast, nodded slowly. The weight of the conversation lingered in the room, heavy but necessary. Cedric stood and kissed the top of Julius’s head, his touch filled with parental affection.

Marcelia knew her brother carried wounds they couldn't always see, wounds of the heart and mind that ran deep. She also knew that the love of their family was the only thing holding him together at this point, and he wasn't going to heal till he took the necessary steps to learn to love himself, the way they love him.

She cleared her throat, trying to lighten the mood before she left. “Besides, Julius, you're way too brilliant to get demoted. They need you more than you need them.”

Julius chuckled softly, a ghost of a smile crossing his face. “Thanks, Marcie.”

As the meal ended, Marcelia prepared to leave. Cedric, Rellia, and Julius walked her to the door, seeing her off with hugs and well wishes.

“Take care of yourself out there, Marcelia,” Julius said quietly. “And come back soon.”

“I will,” she promised. “And when I do, you better have taken a proper break.”

With that, she stepped out into the chilly spring air, the scent of fresh earth and blooming life all around her. The warmth of her family’s love still lingered in her heart, even as she prepared for the journey ahead.