I'll Live a Long Life to Dote on My Favorite Stepbrother! Episode 12: Episode 12

The episode opens with Alba, a young boy with an endearing smile, caught in a vivid daydream of his beloved older brother, Orusisu. He imagines a future where he lives long to adore him, a fleeting image of hope. Yet, despite his outward cheerfulness and devotion, Alba holds a secret worry, a quiet fear that he is nothing more than a burden to his adoptive family. This internal conflict between his desire to live and his feeling of inadequacy shadows his early moments.

Orusisu offers Alba tender words, assuring him that his worth is immutable, regardless of his talents or lack thereof. This simple declaration of unconditional love momentarily lifts Alba's spirits, a brief respite from his self-doubt. Meanwhile, Bruno calls Orusisu away for a private discussion, leaving Alba momentarily alone with his thoughts. The brothers' easy affection for each other is evident, even in these small interactions.

Left alone, Alba occupies himself by sketching, his mind drifting back to a past life where he was a popular fan artist. He acknowledges that he hasn't drawn since arriving in this new world, perhaps too consumed by his immediate circumstances and affections for Orusisu. As his hand moves across the paper, a darker thought emerges: he wonders if he might be better off following the tragic fate originally intended for him, believing himself a burden to the Duke's family. He almost succumbs to this wave of negativity, falling asleep on his drawing.

Alba jolts awake from his doze, his eyes snapping open with a renewed sense of purpose. He scolds himself for his gloomy thoughts, recognizing the self-defeating nature of his resignation. He shakes off the despair, declaring to himself that such negativity will not do. This sudden shift marks a turning point, a decision to actively fight for his life, no longer content to simply drift towards a predetermined end.

Bruno and Orusisu return, finding Alba awake and apologize for leaving him. Alba reassures them, explaining he was busy drawing. When Bruno asks to see his work, both brothers are visibly impressed by Alba's sketch, which depicts older versions of themselves. Alba explains that he drew them because he wanted to see what they would look like grown up, a quiet, hopeful admission of his desire for a future with them. The drawing reveals his hidden yearning to experience a long life alongside his brothers.

Deeply moved by Alba's drawing and his unspoken wish, Bruno and Orusisu spontaneously embrace their younger brother. Alba is momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden surge of affection. During the hug, Bruno earnestly promises to work hard, ensuring Alba can grow up with them. Orusisu echoes this resolve, his expression firm with determination, effectively erasing Alba's earlier fears of being a burden.

Tears well in Alba's eyes, a mix of relief and profound gratitude, as he acknowledges their love. He admits he "failed" in his attempt to embrace resignation, now fully committing to life. In a powerful internal monologue, Alba declares his intention to live shamelessly, to cling to life with stubborn will. He resolves to spend every possible second with Orusisu, his beloved, embracing a "selfish" desire to simply exist alongside him.

A year passes swiftly, depicted through a montage of Alba, Orusisu, Bruno, and other researchers collaborating tirelessly in the lab. Clocks tick by, signifying the relentless passage of time and their focused dedication. The team works together, combining science and magic, their efforts united by the common goal of extending Alba's life. This period is marked by hopeful progress, a testament to their collective commitment.

Bruno proudly presents a newly developed green candy to Alba, exclaiming that it's finished. He explains the complexities behind its creation, detailing how they used his growth-promoting magic and Orusisu's ice magic to preserve the active ingredients. This intricate process was necessary because the raw fruit's effects were too temporary. Bruno clarifies that while the candy can alleviate symptoms, it is not a full cure.

Alba holds the green candy in his palm, his expression one of profound gratitude. Despite the candy not being a complete cure, he declares it "the best medicine" because everyone worked so hard for him. Orusisu affirms this, telling Alba they all put in their best effort. Alba is overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he thanks his brothers and the researchers.

Orusisu, ever gentle, playfully chastises Alba, suggesting his tears might mess up his clothes, though he understands Alba's joy. Alba, still weeping, insists his tears are purely from happiness. Orusisu then tenderly cups Alba's face, explaining they made the candy sweet for ease of consumption and instructs him to take it during 'attacks.' In a heartfelt group hug, Alba, Bruno, and Orusisu solidify their bond. Alba, now smiling brightly through his remaining tears, confidently declares, "Everyone! I will live."

The episode concludes with a hopeful illustration of an older Alba, Orusisu, and two other adult figures, presumably Bruno and a female character, smiling together in a serene garden. This final image reinforces Alba's promise to live and the successful outcome of the brothers' combined efforts. It offers a glimpse into a future where Alba has indeed grown up, surrounded by his loved ones.