“I just--” he interrupted me by putting his hand on my shoulder again. 
“Everything happens for a reason. And I know everything is a blur to you right now. But I’m certain that something will be able to fill the gap that Lady left in your heart,” he continued with a reassuring smile. “Who knows? It can even surpass her in your life. Never lose hope for a brighter future. And keep your eyes straight and your feet forward.” 
I looked at him and we shared a smile. I put my arm on shoulder and gave him a bit of a shake. “Thank you, brother. I’m grateful to have you in my life.” 
“It is our duty to guide one another. And besides, I’m your only brother. I have to bear with you,” he teased as he gave a slight push. 
That was true. When we encounter moments such as this, we directly consult each other for support. Benjamin had his fair share of depressive moments. He never forgot to reach out to me when he needed someone to lean on. It was only me who hesitated. 
I grew up with the mindset that I don’t want to burden anyone with my troubles. But whenever he received news about something that happened to me, he would immediately head here. He would use the Heavenly Portal to quicker travel, just to make sure that I have somebody I can talk to. It’s absolutely rare to find someone to trust in this world. It’s a beautiful blessing from the Heavens. 
“Anyways, that’s not the only reason why I’m here,” he said. A big grin appeared on his face. “I also came here to ask for your help.” 
“Anything you need,” I smiled. 
“You see, I met this woman and she’s just phenomenal. I need some help in picking the perfect flower bouquet for her. I plan to win her heart today,” he explained. 
“What are the flowers for?” my brows furrowed. “Just show her your true self. There’s no doubt that you - yourself alone - would be enough to give you her heart,” I continued as I held onto his shoulder. I shook him slightly in assurance. 
“Being myself won’t be of any help,” he shook his head. His lips turned into a firm line. 
“How can you be so sure of that?” 
He sighed, shrugging. “Her eyes, her heart, is already set on somebody else. And I would want for her to choose me.” 
My heart stopped for a moment. He spoke as if he were Mallory. Concern rose within me. Should he walk down this path, it could hurt him if things don’t go his way. “She told you that?” I asked. 
“Her actions speak for her,” he said. 
“Benjamin, you can’t simply rely on actions. You need a direct answer from her. Otherwise, you will only get your heart broken if she doesn’t feel the same as you,” I scolded him. 
Benjamin has never exerted any effort for a woman. Women chase him and they’re the ones who make the steps to be with him. For my brother to be this invested meant he truly was smitten by this woman. However, if feelings weren’t mutual from the beginning, it will not have a happy end. 
He sighed as he looked up. His hands on the back of his neck. “She would argue when I do something for her. She never found my jokes to be funny. She never showed interest with the stories I told her,” he complained, absolutely frustrated. “And during my last visit, she wasn’t pleased that I was around.” 
I put my hand in front of him, bringing us into a halt. We faced each other and I asked, “Then why are you still pursuing her? You’re the heir to the kingdom of Eastern Sun. Dozens of women at court are begging for your affections. Why not choose one of them instead?” 
“I want her to see that I’m the one for her as she’s the one for me. I would sail the Perilous Seven if I have to prove myself to her,” he said in desperation. 
The Perilous Seven are the most dangerous waters within our realm. They’re said to be oceans that have their own minds. Many have tried and braved their brutal currents. But all attempts ended in casualties. Ships were sunk. Some were stranded on a mysterious island. Most died as their ships were eaten by the water. For us Immortals, the Perilous Seven is an absolute end for us. And for Benjamin to say that, that’s a daring and foolish feat just to get a woman’s heart. A woman who doesn’t even care for him. 
“Benjamin, I have something to tell you and I hope you don’t take this the wrong way. You’re my brother and I love you too much. I don’t want to see you hurt all because of a woman,” I replied, deeply worried for his sake. “Isn’t it better if you find someone who is as interested as you?” 
“Robert,” he puts his hands on my shoulders. His eyes widened as he stared at me. “She fit the requirements of what I want for a bride. And I won’t let anyone take her from me,” he continued, a bit frantic. 
“Benjamin, you’re a true gentleman,” I grabbed hold of his arms in an attempt to calm him down. “Amongst the heirs to different kingdoms, you’re the ideal groom for reasons that almost all women are aware of,” I continued as I looked deeply into his eyes, trying to get the message across. “If you can’t have her, you don’t have to force yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself. A man such as you can have any woman he wants.”
He sighed before a groan escaped his lips. He threw his head back, eyes closed. “Robert, please, just help me with this,” he said, almost in tears. “You’re the only one I can trust in regards to this.”