Chapter 265

When they arrived at Ryan's room, Pearl greeted them. Ryan lay in bed, awaiting painkillers. He'd decided against taking any risks—he wanted to heal himself. He noticed everyone's worried expressions. They wanted to comfort him, but Ryan offered an encouraging, determined look instead.

The sight of the seven-year-old boy trying to be strong in such a vulnerable moment ached everyone's hearts. He was at an age when children were pampered and showered with affection.

Just as Sebastian was about to begin treatment, Rafael arrived. The Klein family, knowing Rafael was Ryan's savior, intended to express their gratitude. They hadn't expected to see him and hurried to offer their thanks.

Rafael waved dismissively and smiled. "It was merely chance; no need for thanks. I'm here to accompany him through treatment. Let's not discuss anything else. We should focus on the treatment."

The Klein family had initially worried that, after Ryan went to Hell Monarch Estate with Carissa, Rafael might grow weary of him. But seeing Rafael's attentiveness, those concerns seemed unfounded.

Rafael addressed Carissa and the Klein family. "I will stay with Ryan inside. You should remain outside; men's matters are best handled without you."

He turned to Ryan with a reassuring smile. "Right, Ryan?"

Ryan nodded vigorously. He preferred his aunt and grandparents not be there; it meant pretending to be strong and comforting them.

He liked having Rafael by his side. Rafael was a warrior, a man like his grandfather, and he believed Rafael could give him strength. He could endure with Rafael's support.

Carissa understood Rafael's intentions and saw Ryan agreed.

"Alright, then."

She went to Ryan, gently stroking his head, and whispered, "We'll be right outside. Ryan, stay strong."

Ryan nodded and wrote two large words in the air with his finger: Not afraid! The words were large and clear enough for everyone to understand. They all offered tender smiles, their hearts aching for him.

"Alright, clear the room!" Sebastian instructed.

With reluctant glances at Ryan, everyone slowly withdrew.

Chapter 265 (continued)

Rowan brought in the painkillers, which Ryan gulped down. Rafael sat beside the bed, holding Ryan's hand. His gaze was steady and reassuring. "I'm here, Ryan. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Despite Rafael's words, Ryan's hand trembled slightly. He was scared.

Sebastian joked, "Since His Highness is here, how about leaving the bone-breaking to him?"

A seasoned warrior like Rafael knew exactly how to carefully break crooked bones. For him, it was a simple task. So, Rafael agreed.

He gently felt along Ryan's leg, locating the misaligned bone. Ryan tensed, and Rafael gave him a reassuring smile.

"I have a secret to share with you, Ryan. But you mustn't tell anyone, especially not your aunt. It's about her."

Ryan's curiosity was piqued. A secret about his aunt?

"Back when your aunt had just started practicing martial arts, there was a tall tree in Meadow Ridge. Every evening, many birds gathered on the tree, and your aunt would climb it trying to catch them."

Ryan's eyes widened. Was his aunt really that mischievous?

After Carissa returned from Meadow Ridge, Melanie had insisted she follow proper manners—speaking correctly, walking properly, and behaving with decorum. Ryan had never seen her as a troublemaker.

"She could climb the tree, but it startled the birds. At that time, she'd just started practicing her Lightfoot Skill. She thought she could chase the birds, but didn't realize she would fall when she leaped. She fell and broke her leg…"

Rafael concentrated his inner force on his fingertips to carefully break the misaligned bone, his touch firm yet precise.

Ryan cried out in pain, his whole body shaking, his face scrunched up in agony, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Rafael immediately wrapped his arms around the trembling boy and turned to Sebastian. "It's your turn."

The changes involved correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation; removing unnecessary repetition; and improving sentence flow and clarity. The use of em dashes was also standardized for consistency.