"I have received this from Hianshu," Soren said, holding out the parchment.
The Emperor and Empress exchanged a sharp glance.
The kingdom that had blamed dragons for every misfortune that fell on the country. It began with the Temple’s prophecy, followed by humans who began to use it as an excuse to throw rocks at half-humans, despite which races they came from.
Hadn’t the Emperor decided to leave the country, it would have been complete bloodshed by now. After all, half-humans were much stronger than pure-blood ones.
And demons, vampires—the pure-blooded ones could have wiped them out in a single blow. If it weren’t for the dragon king’s words: I have protected them for centuries. Do not kill them. Not as long as I breathe.
However, it was only his foolishness. The very humans he had been protecting were the ones who took his life two centuries ago. That was when Revhara had already become an empire with the Emperor’s efforts. Hence, they had been at war against each other, until recently.
"Should we have signed the peace treaty?" the Empress whispered.
The Emperor didn’t answer. He, himself, was unsure.
A minister handed the parchment to the Emperor, who slammed his fist against the armrest once he read the contents.
"Hianshu declares they will send a delegation in a week!"
The ministers didn’t speak, but their complexion turned pale.
The Empress’s eyes flashed. "We’ve been holding back your engagement all this time because they said they would, but..."
Just then, the court erupted.
"Now, of all times?!"
Whispers swelled until the Emperor clapped his hand once, silencing the hall.
"Pardon me, but... had they not been delaying this for years now?" one advisor ventured.
"I agree," another said. "Because of them, the Crown Prince’s engagement has been stalled—just in case war broke out upon their arrival."
"They have been doing this. However, this time, it is confirmed," Soren sighed. "The men I have sent have confirmed it."
"Men?" The Emperor narrowed his gaze.
"Yes. I have sent a few to make sure Hianshu didn’t try to start another war. And they would not dare. Not after almost losing."
"Now, that’s my son!" the Emperor exclaimed proudly.
"However... If they are coming, we need Za—the Imperial General to be present in case things go astray. And I will get to meet my grandson."
"Is that so? You have not met him even when he was abducted five years ago," the Empress said.
"I shall meet him this time then," the Emperor grinned.
Ren had nothing to do that afternoon. Most days, Zayden would summon him for tea, forcing him to sit at his side, constantly staring at him. But after their argument that morning, the General hadn’t called for him once. Read complete version only at Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
"Is he sulking? So childish..." he mumbled to himself. Then shook his head. "Why am I even thinking about him? None of this matters." He nodded in agreement with his own statement.
With a rag, Ren rubbed the blue-flowered vase, polishing it cleaner than it already was.
Quick footsteps echoed in the corridor. He turned just as Eiran rushed in.
"Papa!" the boy panted.
"Calm down," Ren smiled softly.
Eiran inhaled deeply, steadying his breathing.
"Why are you here at this hour? Is your training over?" Ren asked, gently wiping off the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
When he learned that the child was his, he was delighted. However, he had to read countless books to learn how to be a good parent.
At first, while serving Eiran, he didn’t care about such things. But he needed to be a good father to his son. Zayden strangely pulled off the parent role with ease, as if it were nothing difficult despite having no parental experience.
"Maybe because he knows his parents. Unlike me," Ren told himself. He had never seen his parents.
When Ren tried to be affectionate, Eiran would freak out during the first few months, wondering if he was sick.
He couldn’t understand why the child was so shocked until Hannah told him that he shouldn’t suddenly change his behavior. Rather, it would be better if he took one step at a time, gradually letting the child feel at ease with the affection since he hadn’t received any since he was born.
"I heard... the people from Hianshu are coming."
His mind clouded, then his vision blurred. His chest tightened and he couldn’t breathe causing the vase to slip from his hand and crash to the floor, shattering. However, Ren didn’t notice. Trembling, he pulled Eiran into his arms, clutching him tightly.
Eiran tilted his head, confused, before glancing at the broken vase.
"Don’t worry, Papa. Dad won’t scold you. I’ll protect you."
But Ren’s body wouldn’t stop shaking. The boy hugged him back, whispering promises that he’d take the blame if Zayden grew angry. Nothing worked. Ren kept trembling, his hands gripping his son as though letting go meant losing everything.
"W-Where did you hear that?" Ren’s voice shook despite himself. He broke the embrace, kneeling down to look his son in the eyes.
Eiran blinked, trying to understand if his Papa was truly alright.
"Tell me," Ren pressed, impatient now.
If Hianshu came to Revhara, didn’t it mean they hadn’t given up? That they were still searching for him? His muscles tensed. Just when he had begun to live a life away from them. The very freedom he had always craved.
"I-I heard from Dad," Eiran lowered his gaze.
"He told you?" Ren frowned. This—was not something a child should know.
Eiran shut his eyes tight, then opened one, looking up at Ren.
"He told me not to tell you. Because you’d get mad. And he was right..."
"The General said that?"
Did he know Ren that well? To assume what would upset him, and what wouldn’t? Or did he simply not care?
"Yes," Eiran nodded. "He will leave in a week. And..." he paused.
"I am going too." His big green eyes glimmered.
"No." Ren’s voice was firm, his gaze sharp as he held Eiran’s hands tightly. "You are not going anywhere."
His fingers trembled at the thought. If the Temple saw Eiran—if they recognized him—they would never let him go. He couldn’t let that happen!