"So tell me," Otto grumbled, sloppily molding the metal in his hand around a diamond. The result was a horrendous-looking gold bracelet as if handcrafted by a toddler using mud instead of gold. "Why do you make each piece by hand and not just use magic to duplicate them into multiples?"

"Because," Holly began, using that tone Robin recognized as her attempt to stay patient and professional despite the evident frustration on her face, "when you duplicate something—unless you're highly specialized in duplication magic—there's always something off. The size might not be quite right, or the way it shines will differ... You have to master crafting each element with magic. That often takes more effort than just doing it by hand."

"Hm," Otto hummed, setting down his haphazard bracelet. "Who cares if it's not perfect? The customers won't know."

"I care," Holly muttered. "It's my work, after all."

Robin sighed as he chopped vegetables at the sink. Over the past week and a half, Holly had patiently taught Otto her jewelry-making magic. To her surprise—and evident distaste—Otto was a fast learner.

But Otto loved to needle her. Whenever he struggled with something, he would downplay the value of what she was teaching, dismissing it as unimportant until he figured it out himself—only to try to one-up her. Robin made it a point to be nearby during these lessons, ready to step in whenever Otto crossed the line. He couldn't deny that part of him was also jealous; he didn't like the idea of his brother being alone with Holly.

The longer Otto stayed, the more Robin wished he would leave. Otto's treatment of Holly was humiliating, and he was a terrible houseguest. While Robin continued doing his share of the chores, Otto refused to help out, even asking Robin to do his laundry. Now Robin understood why his brother was always on the move. He pitied anyone who had hosted him before.

"So," Otto said, twirling the bracelet on the table, "with this magic, I can merge any stone or metal together?"

"Yes," Holly replied, eyeing his crude work. "If you control the temperature properly, you can merge almost anything."

"Well, isn't that neat," Otto said, handing Holly the bracelet. "Not that hard once you get the hang of it."

"Sure," Holly said with a heavy sigh, glancing at his sloppy creation.

"I bet even Robin could get it if he put his mind to it," Otto said jokingly, turning to his brother. 

"Good one," Robin replied, making sure his tone of voice told his brother otherwise.

Otto just snorted in reply, shaking his head.

"Well, now that I've got that down," Otto leaned back in his chair, "I think I need a break before learning another jewelry trick. How about a duel as a change of pace?"

"Hah, nice try," Holly laughed, packing their supplies. 

"Just a small duel. No kill shots."

"No, thank you."

"Come on, Holly. What? Got rusty in retirement?" Otto scoffed. I could help you get back to your old skill level."

Holly shook her head, but Otto persisted, his voice growing more insistent. "Or maybe you're just scared I'll pick up on your stronger magic. Is that why you won't fight me?"

"No," Holly said, standing with the supplies in her arms, "it's because you're annoying, and the last thing I want is to give you what you want. I don't enjoy play-fighting with children."

"Ohh," Otto cooed. "Okay, Sweetie, how about you go easy on me then?"

"Otto, she doesn't want to," Robin interjected, glaring at his brother, hoping he'd drop it.

"Of course she does, Robin. It's what she used to live for." Otto sneered. "Maybe she's just scared she'll lose in front of her boyfriend. Wouldn't want to break the spell she's got over y—"

"Fine." Holly slammed the supplies onto the table, her patience snapping. Let's go to the back pasture. It's about time you were put in your place for once in your life, " she said before stomping to the mud room to grab her coat off its hook. Angrily, she threw it on before slamming the back door as she left the house.

Otto glanced at Robin, his eyebrows raised in amusement, clearly pleased with himself.

Robin only glared back, resisting the urge to give his brother the reaction he was looking for, and followed suit to quickly grab his coat and follow Holly out to the pasture at Sunshine Acres.