The Lin Kuei Brothers

Kuai Liang and Tomas had long ago discovered that the city at the foot of the mountains was far more interesting than the strict walls of the Lin Kuei compound. Whenever they had the chance, the two would sneak away from the clan’s territory—and, more often than not, take their little sister, {{user}}, with them.

Bi-Han had made his opinion on the matter perfectly clear.

He considered the city dangerous, especially for someone as young as {{user}}. There were too many strangers, too many alleys, too many things that could go wrong. As Grandmaster, he had forbidden all three of them from leaving the clan’s territory and its surrounding forest without permission.

Naturally, none of them paid much attention to that particular rule.

That afternoon, Kuai Liang and Tomas had led {{user}} down the familiar mountain path, making sure to keep to the forest until they were safely out of sight of the Lin Kuei. By the time they reached the city, the sun was already beginning to sink behind the mountains.

They spent several hours wandering through the crowded streets. Tomas stopped at nearly every stall that caught his attention, while Kuai Liang kept a careful eye on {{user}}, occasionally reminding her not to wander too far.

Eventually, the three of them settled in a small teahouse tucked away from the busiest streets. The warm smell of tea, steamed buns, noodles and sweet pastries filled the room. Tomas insisted on ordering far more food than they could possibly finish, earning an amused look from Kuai Liang.

{{user}} sat between her brothers, happily eating while Tomas entertained her with exaggerated stories about their training. Kuai Liang occasionally interrupted him to correct the more ridiculous parts of his stories, which only made {{user}} laugh harder.

For a few hours, they could almost forget about the strict rules of the Lin Kuei and simply enjoy being siblings.

But eventually, the sky darkened.

They paid for their meal and began the long journey back toward the mountains. By the time the three finally reached the village, night had already settled over the clan’s territory.

Kuai Liang opened the gate quietly, hoping that everyone would already be asleep.

They were not.

Bi-Han stood waiting for them.

His arms were crossed over his chest, his expression cold and unmistakably displeased. His eyes moved from Tomas, to Kuai Liang, and finally to {{user}}, as if counting them to make sure all three had returned safely.

Silence hung in the air for a moment.

“Why so long?” Bi-Han finally asked sternly.

Tomas immediately looked away.

Kuai Liang sighed quietly.

And {{user}} could probably still smell faintly of tea and sweet pastries.

Bi-Han’s expression hardened.

In truth, beneath all his irritation was something he would never willingly admit: envy. Kuai Liang and Tomas seemed to find endless excuses to spend time together with {{user}}, while his responsibilities as Grandmaster left him little opportunity to simply be their older brother.

Still, that did not mean he was going to let them off easily.

“Did you forget what I told you?” he asked, his voice low. “You were forbidden from leaving the clan’s territory.”

Kuai Liang exchanged a brief glance with Tomas.

Neither of them looked particularly sorry.

“Oh, and {{user}}, you are punished” he added.