《Gardenia of Blooming Desire》 First Character Information First Character Information Hi everyone! This is ForeverPupa ^w^)/ Thank you for checking this story, I am going to give you key character list that would appear in first and second volume, and then it will be updated inter volumes, hehe~ (This is their initial age, because they aged throughout the story~) House of Arlingdon, Grand Duchy of Stormhill Aster Di Arlingdon, Main Character, (15) Young Lord of Stormhill -- Harion Di Arlingdon, (40) Grand Duke of Stormhill -- Camille Anna Di Arlingdon, (38) Maiden name: Camille Anna Camellia Grand Duchess of Stormhill, Golden Princess of Golden Camellia (EX) -- Ramuja, Main Lead, (17) Aster''s ve, Love interest, ??? Royal Family of Golden Camellia Empire Ludwig Audric Camellia, (37) Emperor of Golden Camellia Empire (Title: Emperor Audric IV) -- Beatrice Camellia, (38) Empress of Golden Camellia (Title: Empress Cecilia) Maiden name: Beatrice Wildbrush -- Charles Audric Camellia, (19) Crown Prince of Golden Camellia -- Rosalie Anna Camellia (17) Golden Princess of Golden Camellia ***Volume 5 Character List Update*** ***Volume 5 Character List Update*** Hi! ForeverPupa here! ^u^)/ It seems to be toote for me to write this for our fifth volume, but here I am, hehe. I will update the character sheet because in the fifth volume, there are a lot of changes! :D Please don''t read this until you''ve read thetest chapter, chapter 210. Because this character sheet contains a lot of spoilerrr!!!! I will list their current status and their age until the end of the volume~ #SPOILER ALERT#SPOILER ALERT#SPOILER ALERT# House of Arlingdon, Grand Duchy of Stormhill Harion Di Arlingdon, (41-42) Grand Duke of Stormhill (EX) --- Camille Anna Di Arlingdon, (Deceased) Maiden name: Camille Anna Camellia Grand Duchess of Stormhill (EX), Golden Princess of Golden Camellia (EX) --- Aster Di Arlingdon, Main Character, (18-19) Young Lord of Stormhill (EX), Grand Duke of Stormhill --- Aster'' Subordinates: Ramuja, Main Lead, (20-21) ve (EX), Love interest, Guard Medal Subordinate, (Real identity: Crown Prince Rama from the ??? Kingdom) --- Jain Teh, (Deceased) Servant, Skilled Assassin, Guard Medal Subordinate --- Irion Swordheart, (19-20) Guard Medal Subordinate, ??? --- Royal Family of Golden Camellia Empire Ludwig Audric Camellia, (40-41) Emperor of Golden Camellia Empire (Title: Emperor Audric IV) --- Beatrice Camellia, (Deceased) Empress of Golden Camellia (Title: Empress Cecilia) Maiden name: Beatrice Wildbrush --- Charles Audric Camellia, (22-23) Crown Prince of Golden Camellia, (Soon-to-be Emperor Audric V) --- Rosalie Anna Camellia, (19-20) Golden Princess of Golden Camellia --- House of Viete Florentino Viete, (21-22) Marquis of Viete, ??? --- House of Thana, Duchy of Arion Wirgard Thana, (Comatose) Duke of Arion, Honored General of Golden Camellia --- Merse Thana, (41-42) Duchess of Arion, Mistress of the Legendary Arion Soldiers Maiden Name: Merse Wildbrush House of Cresthold, Vassal Kingdom Rhea Gamasiel Cresthold, (Comatose) King of Rhea (EX) --- Gaum Cresthold, (25-26) King of Rhea --- Great Kingdom Arctyr Tuskan Hessel Signe (19-20) Great King of Arctyr Mariette Hessel Signe (19-20) Great Princess of Arctyr --- Wood Family Merry Wood, (18-19) The Miraculous Singer of Dionde Jon Wood, (21-22) Lisa Wood, (41) Chapter 1: Prologue: First Sight Chapter 1: Prologue: First Sight ~Two buds grew together in a garden of desire In a life where they bonded together Even though the soil was dire They promised to bloom as a pair of lover~ The sun was halfway through its peak. The summer hadn''t been kind to Aster and his skin. He already wore arge felt hat and gloves to protect the area that might get exposed to direct sunlight. Maybe because the gloves were white and thin, he could feel his hand burning. He checked the red spots on the back of his hand, the spots started getting itchy, but it would be painful if he scratched it. He took one step behind to stay under the shade of his tall dad. He was against the idea of visiting the summer market, but his dad insisted, he said they would find him a birthday gift. The bustling market flooded with people who waited for the yearly trade. Everyone stood on the side of the road like him and his dad, waiting for the wagons that''d arrive soon. Every mid-summer, wagons in various sizes woulde, bringing the goods and valuable items, such valuable items appeared mostly on the shape of diamonds, exotic ingredients, rare animals, or the one that his father tried to find, ve. "Watch the wagons, we might find it," his dad said. The wagons of vesmonly shaped like those for farm animals. However, while the farm animals were usually fat, healthy, and delicious looking, the wagon for ves was overstuffed, smelt pungent, and the ves were never delicious looking. "Can we just buy a pet and go home, dad?" "I told you already. You need your own ve, you are fifteen now," said his dad firmly. Aster knew the answer already, but he never understood why would he need a personal ve. They had maids and butlers ready inside the mansion, besides, he never liked having someone followed him everywhere; he could just get a dog if he wanted it. However, they said buying a ve was the sign of early adulthood for a teenager such as Aster, for those who could afford it. Since the kingdom set a high price to own a ve, those who could afford them were mostly nobles and conglomerates. Charles, his older cousin, was once taunting him for not owning a ve. Heughed and told him that having a ve was necessary because ves were useful when you were mad. Aster didn''t understand why, but he came to realization when Charles demonstrated what you could do to it. He kicked his ve''s back until he fell on the floor. The ve stood again after a while,pletely silent as if that kick never happened. ''Was it necessary?'' Aster asked himself. His dad always told him not to hurt anyone who did not or intend to hurt you. But they said ves were not human, young Aster wondered, if they were not human, why did they act and sounded like regr people. He asked Charles'' ve about his name, but he just closed his eyes, his body tensed and he clenched his fist as if he was expecting something. He did not say anything and squeaked when Aster drew near him. "You''re not supposed to touch them, Aster. They''re dirty," said Charles when Aster asked what happened to his ve. That answer didn''t satiate his question, if it was because the ve was dirty, he could shower until his dirt peeled off his skin, thus, they could have the same skin color as everyone. Aster had many questions about this, but he refrained from asking too many questions. Last time he asked his dad about Uncle Thomas who married a dirty-skinned woman, hadn''t visited their mansion for more than two years, he was scolded for asking an adult question. Which was a shame, since Aster liked chatting with Uncle Thomas'' wife. She treated Aster as a friend than a nephew since their age gap wasn''t big after all. "It''s here!" Aster snapped out of his daydream when someone from the crowd shouted. People turned their heads to the eastern gate, bunch of wagons in various sizes, lined up with their goods to sell. It was like a parade, shy, but the luxury went downhill after few lines of wagons. Aster realized that the wagons had always been lined up in the same position every year. The expensive, luxurious items such as gemstone, exotic ingredients, rare animals, and shiny apparels were always in front. They would open the parade with their shy items inside their big, metal wagons, then following behind would be the less luxurious ones, harvested food, regr tunic and linen, farm animals, and the one at the end of the tail, ve wagon with its dirty, pungent stench. The royal guard always inspected the wagons, and then they would lead the wagons to the wide field designated for the yearly market. Aster and his dad followed the parade, just like everybody on the side of the road. Aster was not a short teen, he was in fact tall enough, sporting around 170 cm at the ages of fifteen. However, his dad, who was tall enough to tower him, grabbed his arm in fear that Aster would be stomped by the crowd. The parade ended after they reached the field. Many of those merchants set up a tent quickly, due to the summer heat. Although, Aster doubted that ve and farm animal wagons cared about setting up a tent. The sun was in its peak just now, summer heat produced stench out of the farm animal and wagon ve, who was ced on the furthest end of the field. Aster found the stench horrible, nothing in the mansion smelt like this. He always came to the market every year, but he never came to realize, how unbearable the smell in this section of the market. They''d alwayse to the jewels, apparel, and his dad''s personal favorite, weaponry. His dad had a peculiar taste of weaponry, des, and knives and he favored those who came from the easternnd. His dad had his special room, full of des and knives, neatly hanged with its sharpness reflecting the light. Despite that, his dad didn''t have the skill to use it. He might appear scary, tall, and scary. But, he was not by any means a violent dad, at least to Aster. Aster thought they would go to the weaponry wagon first, but they went straight to the ve wagon. He covered his nose out of reflect, this horrible stench, he might need to throw his clothes after this. He couldn''t describe the smell, but it was something he''d never touch. He followed his dad to the only ve wagon this year. He saw the ves were lined up like a statue, and then the costumers would inspect one they might buy. He counted the amount of ves who were put on sale today; it was twenty, mostly men and a lot older than him. They were only covered with dirty rough pants from their waist below. The ve wagon was not crowded with only around twelve people surrounded the wagon, some were few familiar faces that Aster recognized as his dad''s business colleagues. He noticed that most people who surrounded the ve wagon were wearing gloves, thick leather gloves. They inspected the ve''s body, but often doing it with no remorse. Aster recognized Mr. Deaconn, a colleague of his dad''s logging business. He saw Mr. Deaconn grabbed a ve''s head as if he was grabbing a ball. He also grabbed the arm, with sour face, he pushed the ve away after inspecting. Aster nced at the merchant who did nothing butugh as if it was funny. "Dad, Mr. Deaconn is not very nice to that ve," Aster said. He thought his dad would agree with him, but he justughed it off. "They''re ve, you don''t need to be nice to them." Aster went silent after that. He looked around the ves, who lined up, battered, tired, and probably starving. However, he must ensure himself that they were not human. They might have the same feature as him and everyone around him. But they were not human. It was what his dad and his family said. While his dad approached his business partner for small talks, Aster was tasked to pick his own ve. Dad gave him his leather gloves, so his hand wouldn''t be dirty. Aster joined the crowd of costumers who inspected the ves. There were five female ves and fifteen male ves. Aster looked at their face, but couldn''t do it after one of the ves looked back at him. Their eyes were pitiful, he might not have the heart to push them around. He nned to pick one that wasn''t old, or too young. He also didn''t want a female ve, because she might die if Charles or Adder, his violent cousins kicked her. He was not impressed, none of the ves were good enough in his eyes. They were older than he expected, they might be on the same age as his uncles and aunts. Maybe this was the reason why Mr. Deaconn face went sour. But he still disapproved Mr. Deaconn''s rudeness. Aster wanted to leave now, he couldn''t handle the unbearable stench and he wasn''t keen on having a ve, to begin with. Before Aster stepped out of the crowd, he noticed a boy with heavily tanned skin, that his skin glistened by the sun. He stood behind them, near the tent of the ve merchant. He was around his age, scrawny but not dying. He had a scar in his left cheek, but the most perplexing feature he had was his look. He had short, messy ck hair, thick eyebrows, deep ck eyes, and nose sharper and smaller than Asther''s. His thin lips calmly shut, as if he expected anything that would be done to him. He looked calm, with two men inspecting him. But every time they touched the boy with their leather gloves, he gritted his teeth and trembled. Aster approached the boy after the two men were done inspecting. The boy, who was bowing his head down the whole time, finally raised his head. A sharp, but calm gaze pierced through Asther''s guts. He felt weak suddenly, but not out of fear. He couldn''t fathom what he was experiencing, he slowly drew near the boy until their gap thinned. They exchanged gaze, a minute-long gaze that made Aster nervous, yet assured. He was assured, he chose this boy without hesitation. Chapter 2: Young Lord of Grand Duchy Chapter 2: Young Lord of Grand Duchy "You want this boy?" Dad asked with doubt. Aster, who had assured himself nodded once, which made his dad even more confused. "This boy is not a regr ve, Aster. He is for--" "I want him," Aster said. He was sure since the moment their eyes met, he knew this one was for him. It was rare for Aster to be this assured, but he had a feeling that he''d lose something if they didn''t buy this ve. Dad finally agreed to buy this boy, but with one requisite. ''You must never share your bed with him.'' That was the requisite whispered to his ear by his dad. Aster didn''t understand what he meant by that. Of course, he wouldn''t share his bed with a ve. They were dirty and might have dangerous diseases. Aster nod. That was an easy requisite. Dad sighed but finally agreed to buy this ve for him. Aster followed his dad to approach the merchant whose name was quite hard to spell, at least for Aster. He was smoking with a weird, curved pipe on his left hand and holding a whip with his right hand. He had a long, groomed beard apanied with a thick whisker that was quite intimidating. He also wore a small red hat with a tassel on top of it. "Can I help you sir?" said the merchant. Aster realized that the merchant had a thick ent. "How much is that boy?" dad asked while pointing at the boy. The merchant smirked as if he knew something. "Good sir, I don''t know that you need him to relieve your stress. Was your wife too sloppy? Or you just wanted a new thing?" the merchant asked. Aster found him to be rude, but his dad stayed calm. "How much is that boy?" "He is a new addition, my good sir. He is new and young. I would say seventy gold coin for him," ''SEVENTY GOLD COIN?!'' Aster''s eyes widened. He could buy two very expensive horses with that. He looked at his dad, as he was afraid that his dad would never spend that much. "How many times has he used?" dad asked firmly. "Sir, he is pure. I wouldn''t--" "No, I know he wasn''t pure anymore, I had one myself." "Ah, you''re a keen one," said the merchant, he looked disappointed. "I don''t know how many times he was used before, but I can assure you he was clean. I checked it." "You''re licensed by the kingdom, right?" "I am. This is my license," the merchant pulled out a scroll from his bag and then gave it to dad. Aster wanted to peek on that scroll, but his dad was very tall, it made him impossible to peek. Dad read it for a minute before he nodded and gave the scroll back to the merchant. Dad stared at the boy who stole nces from time to time. He got caught ncing at us, he gulped and then cast his eyes down. "Forty gold for him," dad said. The Merchant looked displeased, but he raised it to fifty gold. Which dad finally agreed, the deal was sealed. The merchant handed the license of the ownership and unlocked the cuffs on the boy''s hand. "He is yours." Aster approached the boy again, now with his dad pondering whether the ve cost was worth the price. They exchanged gaze for the second time, but this time, the boy smiled. Aster was bewildered for a moment because the boy''s smile was very perplexing that it stunned him. "So, this is the boy that cost me fifty gold coins," Dad said. He didn''t look happy, but he promised Aster a gift. The boy nodded, then he puts his head down again. Aster expected so, since his dad''s appearance wasn''t the kindest. "Let''s just buy some flowers for your mom and go home." Aster walked beside his dad, while his new ve followed from behind. They bought some freesia and gardenia, his mother''s favorite, and went back home with their horse carriage. The new ve sat beside their coachman. Aster nced at his dad, before casting his eyes onto the scenery of the Storm Hill. Although he enjoyed the view, he wanted to express his gratitude toward his dad. Before he could say anything, dad called his name. "Are you happy, Aster?" dad asked suddenly. If what he meant as happy was because he bought him a ve, then he would say yes. So, Aster nodded. Then it was silence again. Dad checked his pocket watch, before shouting at the whip to be faster. Aster closed his eyes and mesmerized himself to the evening breeze that hit his golden-wavy hair. Their mansion was quite far from the city. Although, not far enough to be called a secluded area. It was close to the nearest vige, with one hour''s worth of travel by carriage. The mansion was located on the top of the storm hill, a hill whose area was owned by his dad. It was the wish of his mom to build a house on the top of the storm hill. The sun was always shining, showering every nt to grow fast and healthy. The rain was always enough to keep them watered, but not flooded. It was the perfect ce for his mom. As for Aster himself, he enjoyed it most of the time. He loved ying in the garden with his mom. He loved seeing his dad sharpening a knife or a de himself. He enjoyed following Sir Douss managing all the business and meeting for his dad. Even though, Sir Douss always ended up scolding Aster for pestering on his work. He enjoyed chatting with the maids and butlers when they were not busy. He enjoyed it all. However, he wouldn''t say there was no drawback. He hated the silence of the mansion. The maids and butlers always kept their mouth shut, quietly doing their tasks, and then left to the pantry or backyard to talk with each other. They were acutely aware of their speech manner to him or his parents. Aster couldn''t just go to the nearby vige and y with other kids or teen his age. He had an unknown illness that made him unable to stand the sun, both its ray and heat. He would get rashes thatsted for the whole day after he stayed under the sun for an hour without protection. Sometimes, when the rash was severe, his skin started burning and red blisters filled with blood would appear under his skin. He couldn''t stand the heat, especially during summer, as he would feel nauseous if it was strong. He was unable to go out from 8 in the morning up to dusk. He could, like today, walk under the heat of summer. However, he''d need to wear a hat, gloves, high boots, jacket, and applied a very thick lotion, which supposed to let him survive for a few hours before the rash appeared. To think about it again, he looked funny from head to toe with hisyers of protection. He looked out of ce. Maybe that was why he refused to go out to the school. There was time when he entered the school for a week when he was a kid, but his ssmates were terrified when red blisters appeared underneath his skin. Then, his skin started oozing out blood. Aster should''ve med his dad after he forced him to enter the school at the beginning of summer. After that, Aster never went to school. He was then, homeschooled with few tutors who visited the mansion during their schedule. He remembered tomorrow''s schedule, Wednesday. Sir Douss taught English Literature, as he had free time every Wednesday. "Have you selected the preferred candidates from that vige?" dad broke the silence, pointing at a vige east from the carriage. "Not yet, dad. Should we follow the schedule, it''d be around three days to do so," Aster replied. He sighed, even at the supposed weekend, his dad still found a way to talk about work. There was a vige near the mansion, whose vigers would usually sell their farm goods to his mansion before selling it to the market in the city. Aster did approach to them once, but they were no different than the servants, their mouth was filled with candy, their words were sweet and soft. But, Aster knew they didn''t speak like that, he heard them talking to each other. They were crude, vulgar, but it looked like they had fun, unlike him. "This. I entrust you with this, I suppose you could do the task well." "Yes, dad," Aster replied to himzily. He closed his eyes. With his eyes closed, his dad stopped yapping and he could ponder in his imagination about living in that vige he visited few times. Aster opened his eyes after the horse neighed. They had arrived at the mansion. He lived inside thisrge estate since he was five years old. The mansion wasn''t built from scratch. It was his dad who bought it from a bankrupt conglomerate. While his dad was always fond of changing and decorating, his mom loved the way the mansion looked at her first sight. The mansion looked simr to that of an old castle, the wall was a pile of white stones stacked carefully with mortar between each gap. The roof was dark blue, with four towers on each corner of the mansion. The west tower was used for the watchers. Aster couldn''t remember the name of the watchers, but there were four of them. Two would stay on the front tower, and the other two would watch on the back tower. They would sit on the top of the tower, then watching the surrounding area with binocr. The back east tower was for his mom. The tower was directly facing the flower garden, where she would stay and stare for hours. She also knitted in the tower while watching the garden. She was keen on knitting, she often knitted shawl for Aster. He hated it, bright red shawl embroiled with white lily flowers as a motive, purple white-stripped sweater with a big heart in the middle of it, not to mention the infamous knitted gloves with ''Aster and mum'' on it. The front east tower was for Aster. It was Aster''s wish to had the front tower as his room. The mansion wasrge, with many empty rooms that Aster thought unnecessary. He had explored every empty room in this mansion and wandered about the use of it. Since they never had arge number of staying guests. He counted seventeen empty rooms supposedly for guests, whilst including all rooms for his family, servants, and Sir Douss''. He hated it, the hollowness of this mansion. He could scream for only an echo that would answer him. He stepped out of the carriage with his dad. Anne, one of the maids greeted them on the front gate before telling them that dinner was ready and mom was waiting. "Uh-- Excuse me" Just before Aster and his dad walked to the main hall, a hesitant voice interrupted them. The ve they bought looked scared. Dad sighed, "Take care of his body, clean, and feed him. Present him tomorrow morning, after breakfast." "Yes, Milord. Please excuse us." Anne dragged the new ve, they walked from the side of the mansion, probably went to the worker''s hut for him to stay. Aster nced at the new ve before the maid dragged him. Their eyes met again for the third time today. He couldn''t help but something entranced him after seeing those pair of deep, dark eyes. Aster shook his head. He shouldn''t be bewitched by that ridiculous thing. He would meet that ve again tomorrow, then. ''Then, what would I do?'' Aster went to silence. He never nned to that extent. He picked the ve out of instinct. As if he knew that was the only chance he could get him. He didn''t even want a ve. Aster shook his head once again. He straightened his posture and followed his dad to the main hall. It was useless to ponder about something trivial. That was what his dad always said. The main hall was always bright, with four golden chandeliers hanging high up on the ceiling. The wide red carpet embroiled with golden silk covered the floor, the marble staircase with balcony at the center to greet guests during the party, and the golden embroiled crest of a camellia flower with two crossing swords beneath it hanging just above the balcony. Which was the crest of his mom''s noble family. "Wee back, Milord, Lady Camille is waiting," Sir Douss greeted dad in the main hall. He bowed his head. Dad just nodded and left Aster with Sir Douss as he went to the family hall. "Wee back, Young Lord," Sir Douss bowed his head to Aster. While Aster thought it was rude to ignore a greeting, he also thought his dad was a stern man that such trivial greeting was irrelevant. Aster also nodded and walked away, such act might raise his credibility in front of Sir Douss. "Young Lord. It is rude to ignore a greeting. You ought to watch your mannerism, as I taught you since you were young." Aster stopped, turned his head to Sir Douss, and sneered, "Pardon my impertinence, Sir." Aster walked faster as his mind grumbled. He never understood what made Sir Douss a very strict man. If he let dad did such thing, why did Aster must follow all the rules and mannerisms? Sometimes being a noble was annoying. Aster climbed the wooden spiral staircase leading to his room. The room he resided was quiterge. It had no corner, as his room was inside the east tower. Although, it was mostly empty, with only arge bed in the middle, a huge wooden wardrobe, a desk for him to write, and a sofa directly facing therge window. There were a firece and a red rug that he used during winter. But the balcony was his favorite spot because it had roof to protect him from the sun and rain. He would sit for hours, while reading a book or just watching the hill at dusk. Otherwise, he had nothing else. He did not have a particr interest like his parents. Aster sat on the sofa. There was a book on the sofa, the one he requested to the butler before he went with his dad to the market. It was The Eulogy of the Prince, written by histe granduncle before he passed away, a story of a prince on his journey of bing the king. It was Sir Douss'' rmendation, but he thought it would be interesting to read the legacy of his bloodline. Aster lit the candle in his desk and started reading the book to pass time and to ignore the trivial matter his brain kept sticking around. Chapter 3: Eulogy of the Prince I Chapter 3: Eulogy of the Prince I The maid who led me to the house behind the mansion looked uninviting. She wasn''t young, maybe on her end thirties. But, her steps were steady, each step had proper timing and rhythm, and her maid dress was clean without any stench on it. I wanted to ask a few things, but her gaze was sharp and cold, it swallowed my guts. We walked past many rooms in this hut. The lord of the mansion might say it as a hut, but it was the same size as the house of my second owner. There was a wide living room with chairs and a firece and a kitchen when I entered the hut. The maid led me to a corridor with many doors on its left and right. There were about twenty of them. While I was curious, I did not dare to stick my head around. The maid mumbled about something I didn''t understand before we stopped at one room near the end of the corridor. "This is your room," said the maid. "Oi, it''s Anne!" While I stood behind Anne, I heard people inside the room scurrying around, since I heard creaked beds. ''Wait, Beds?'' If this ce actually gave bedding to ves, that''d be pleasant. I wanted to sleep in bed, with proper clothes and position, of course. My old master didn''t even bother to give me a proper cloth before. I followed Anne who entered the room first. It was more than I expected, maybe I should praise the lord for this blessing. There were two bunk beds, and a small wardrobe with a hanging candle to light the room. There were two men standing nervously in front of Anne. They wore regr tunic, but it was not brownish or yellow with horrible stench on it. It was a clean tunic. I expected people who were in the same condition like me, but I was the only one who looked dirty. "Jean. Dirk. This is the new ve," Anne tapped the floor. It was the subtle order that I realized immediately. I stepped beside her. "This one is different, he is a gift for Young Lord. Don''t do anything precarious to him." "Yes, ma''am." Said one of the guys. They looked nervous, was Anne that scary? Did I need to fear her? She might look stern, but I still didn''t understand why two healthy men would be nervous and scared around a woman who was not even beautiful. Anne turned his attention towards me and pointed at the wardrobe, "Your clothes are there, take a bath and rest. You will meet Young Lord as a proper ve," she said. Although I already knew all the formalities, I never knew that I would get proper bed and tunic on my first day. "Yes, ma''am." I said, imitating what the guys said before. Anne left without saying any words. I can hear her footsteps slowly disappearing, and I heard a loud breath of relief from the guys in front of me. They sat on their bed with relieved expression, as if they just escaped death. "Man, I thought we were done for." "That woman is a death sentence." While they were busy talking to each other, I stood there nervously. It was my first time to have a proper room with other people. They stopped talking after a while and stared at me. One of them shook their head and opened the wardrobe. He threw a clean tunic and a towel at me. "Take a bath, we had soap and a toothbrush in the bathroom." "The bath is empty now, use one of the tubs. God, you stink." I nodded. Although they were not friendly enough, at least they didn''t stomp me. It was more than enough. I went out and entered the bathroom. I thought the bathroom would be a small area consisting of murky water in a tub and a hole as a toilet. But it bewildered me when it exceeded my expectations. It was beyond what I could portrait in mind. It was a huge bathhouse with arge pool in the middle. There were also around twenty tubs for bathing and the water was clean as morning dew. As much as I wanted to jump in the pool, I turned the faucet to fill a tub. I flinched a bit since the water wasn''t warm. But it was summer, so I wouldn''t die freezing. I wash my hair and body with soap, then use the toothbrush and let myself be immersed in this bathtub. It had been a while since myst bath. The merchant wasn''t a kind man. He didn''t even feed me properly. I stared at the high ceiling in this bathhouse. Even the bathhouse had proper roof. The owner must be a wealthy conglomerate to throw fifty gold coins just to buy me. But this was beyond his expectation. The master gave everyone bedding, personal clothing, a huge bathhouse, firece, all that just for ves and workers. ''When will they sell me again? A year? A month? A week?'' I wasn''t sure if I was enough to satisfy the lord. He had everything. He could buy a younger toy, or beautiful concubines if that was what he wanted. I might be assigned to the workers. That scared me the most. I was afraid that they''d sell me again using me over and over until after I''m tattered, permanently broken. I shook my head. It was no use to ponder over such inevitable fate. What he needed to do was to follow the order and do what he was assigned to. ''Maybe, they actually mean it. Maybe I will be assigned to the young lord.'' It might be wishful thinking. However, I would be more than happy to assign the young lord. The young lord that picked me at the market was a fascinating man. Though, I couldn''t see him clearly, since he was fully covered. His sharp blue eyes pierced me when our eyes met and I couldn''t take my eyes off him. I thought beauty was a trait solely for few women. But he was beautiful. Beautiful might be an understatement. ''I wonder if the young lord would be interested in me.'' I shook my head again and left the tub. Staying inside the bathtub might give me weird imagination. I dried myself with a towel and wore a clean tunic. The sensation of clean tunic touched my skin. It was such a pleasant feeling. I went to my room to find those two guys before already sleeping soundly. I climbed one of the beds and again, and immersed myself with this feeling of soft bedding. Thest time I actually slept on a bed was six months ago. Before my previous owner sold me after he went bankrupt. I was d when he went bankrupt. He was such a bad master. However, my time sleeping with other ves on a haystack, little to no food, and getting whipped. I didn''t want to experience that again. I close my eyes, half smiling. This was the best. The mostfortable bed I could ever sleep on. I woke up when the guy below me creaked the bunk bed. It might be a habit when I was on the market, I would wake up faster before the merchant whipped those who slept for too long. I climbed down from my bed, followed these two guys to the bathhouse to wash our face. So far, they had yet to speak to me. I didn''t even know their name, which one was Jean or Dirk. "You. What is your name?" I looked to my left after washing my face. One of the guys, a man shorter than me, with brown hair and stubbles on his cheek, and a scar under his chin finally asked my name. I paused a bit. I didn''t know which name he preferred, my ve name or real name. "Your real name," before I could answer it, the other guy, a bald man with a crooked nose preferred my real name. It was a relief that they knew ves used either their real name or ve name. "I am Ramuja." "Ramuja? That''s a strange name. I''m Dirk," said the shorter man. "I''m Jean," said the tall one with a crooked nose. I nodded. I never knew how to continue a conversation though. I never talked to people more than my name and which master owned me. "No need to be shy. Most of us are serfs here," Dirkughed. He tapped my shoulder, "Follow us, breakfast will be ready soon." I tailed them to the front door. The sun was rising, but everyone had lined up to arge table with stacks of bread that could feed an entire vige for a day or two. There were five maids standing behind the table. Everyone looked happy, talking andughing. This was such a strange atmosphere for me. Everyone looked well fed, and none of them were scrawny like me. ''Are they really serfs?'' That question lingered in my head. They looked healthy, happy, and none of them were pushing their way through to get some food. I wondered if there would be a whip or club to hit people, but there were none. It was very strange, almost unreal to me. I stood behind Jean and Dirk. They talked about where they would be ced during autumn. I didn''t really understand what they were talking about, but from what I heard, the lord had wheat and a vineyard farm around the hill. Everyone stood silent when Anne came out from the mansion. "Oi, Ramuja, be careful around Anne," said Dirk. "She is bad news," added Jean. "Bad news?" "Well, she is in charge of us in this area. She has control over our contract. She could throw you away from this ce. She is a merciless beast." Dirk lowered his voice. He nced at Anne a few times, just to make sure that Anne didn''t hear him. "Just be careful, will you?" said Jean with an even lower voice. I nodded. The line started moving after Anne stood behind the table. The maids gave two pieces of palm-sized bread. The serfs then scooped the fresh drinking water with their tankards. They ate while sitting on the green grass, waiting for the dawn to end. I couldn''t count on how many people were here, but it took me a while until it was my turn. The maid gave me two pieces of bread, but Anne approached the maid and she suddenly became tense. "Give this one a new tankard and two more breads. He is the new ve of Young Lord," Anne ordered the maid. "Yes, ma''am." I ended up carrying four breads and a tankard. I was surprised my palm touched the bread. It was warm bread, warm bread for serfs. Was this a normal thing, or a special feast? I rarely ate good food unless my old masters wanted me to serve him, or during special asions. I sat beside Dirk and Jean who called me. I was afraid that they''d be angry because I got more bread, but they seemed not to mind it. The warm bread filled my stomach with joy. I would love to eat this food everyday for the rest of my life. It was warm, with a bit of salt that made it delicious and filling. I could shed tears just from this. "You, Young Lord''s ve,e here," one of the maid called me after I finished eating. I immediately stood and followed her. She led me to Anne, who stood under a tree with a cloth in her hand. She peered at me, without any mercy, she smacked me with her words. "Why did Young Lord pick such a scrawny looking ve? Did he get into an argument with Milord and then pick a random ve?" said Anne. Is this what Jean said about merciless? I felt even more nervous than before. She handed me the cloth she held, a blue tunic. Strangely, the tunic has a very soft, almost slippery feeling in it. Just by feeling it, I could tell it was expensive. "Wear this. For each day, you will be supplied with new or clean clothes. Young Lord is a very picky and clean person. He hated something dirty," said Anne. "Yes, Ma''am." Anne checked me a bit and clicked her tongue, "Go change your clothes and went to the garden at the east of the mansion. Introduce yourself to Young Lord." I nodded and walked straight to the hut and changed my clothes. As I thought, this was such expensive clothes, more than anything I ever wore. But I had no time pondering about this, Young Lord was waiting in the garden. Introducing myself before formal introduction might ease my tension a bit. I walked around the mansion until I found a trail of blooming flowers. Petals that I never knew existed, colors that were strange to me, scent that tickles my nose but kept getting stronger. I followed the trail of scattered petals to the garden of ravishing flowers graced by the dawn. In the middle, a golden flower stood silent radiating the garden with its presence. I was left in awe. I approached him slowly. On this flower bed, I approached a beautiful man with golden wavy hair that was hidden under a hat when I met him. He had a pale skin, as pale as untouched white linen. He wore a loose white robe that exposed his shoulder. As I drew near, I could picture his pink thin lips and small nose. He noticed me, as his piercing eyes met mine, a pair of deep blue eyes with mole under his left eyes. His gaze pierced me as my feet became weak, as I realized that I was hasty. I immediately kneeled. I casted my eyes down to the flowerbed under my feet as I became nervous, I never expected my new master to be like this. I could feel his eyes looking down on me. I wanted to introduce this servant to a new master. But my mouth felt numb, it refused to utter anything. "How improper, for a new servant to ignore its introduction and greeting." I tensed up when he talked, he sounded sharp, "I--This one is foolish, master. Pardon this one" Before I could finish my sentence, I heard a chuckle. I looked up, and found his thin lips perked up. "I''m just joking, no need to be nervous," he said. I just looked up to him. That luscious smile eased me up. I smiled without thinking. Seeing him smiling made my lips bloomed spontaneously. "Yes, master." "My name is Aster, but you will call me Master or Young Lord anyway, right?" he said. I''m not sure if it was another joke, so I just nodded. I wanted to ask him about my ve name here, but he cut me, "Now, if you are here to apany me. I''m afraid it''s toote, since the sun is rising already. Let''s meet againter." He smiled and walked to the mansion. I followed his back slowly getting further away. He entered the corridor and used the stairs to the tower. Even after his back vanished out of my sight, my eyes still lingered to the tower he went to. There was a realisation that finally sprouted inside my mind after minutes of awe and bewilderment. ''My new master is such a beautiful man.'' The graceful one awaken me from deep slumber Led by the path of flower and I fell like a timber The prince smiled at me, in this breeze of summer In this flowerbed I kneeled So for me to see you smiled So for you to see me graced In this flowerbed, I turned fever red Chapter 4: His Name Chapter 4: His Name Aster shook his head. Something must''ve gone awry with his mind. He climbed the staircase quicker than usual, as his mind produced weird thoughts. He locked his room after he dismissed the maid. He finally met his new servant. He thought he could act indifferent, just like what he did to everyone. But when their eyes met, he couldn''t help but his nerves started tingling and he felt agitated for unknown reason. He knew he could stay for at least an hour more in the garden before the sun started hurting, but he cut it short because he was strangely nervous. When he saw that servant''s gaze, he felt numb, as if he couldn''t move his eyes out of that numbness. "Maybe because I rarely talk to anyone new, that must be it," he said to himself. He must''ve gone crazy for talking to no one. Aster took a deep breath. He needed to clear his head with a bath. The maid had prepared his bathtub with sandalwood extract as fragrance, just like what he ordered for the butler to purchase during the yearly market yesterday. He took off his loose robe and walked to his bathroom. The smell of the sandalwood tingled his nose. He clenched his teeth as he entered the cold bathtub. This was his daily activity during spring and summer, especially summer. The heat is unbearable and his skin will burn even if he is inside the mansion. He took a deep breath, and then released it as he cleared his mind. He was strangely bewildered for no reason. Aster''s morning bath was never long, he hated cold baths, but he preferred having this every morning rather than dying because of the heat. After a while, he took the bath towel and dried himself with it. The maid had prepared his apparel today. A blue sleeveless doublet and white tunic made from silk, there was also a girdle and pants made from the same material as the tunic. He wore it like usual, since he had thinner body frame, he fitted in most clothing without any problem. He wished for a bigger body though. Aster applied a bit of perfume,bed his wavy hair and finally went to the dining hall for breakfast. He met a few maids and butlers along the way to the dining hall, they bowed their head but Aster ignored them like usual. It was usual for him to do it. It was what Sir Douss taught him about manners. You shall not be affectionate to servants. You shall not be abusive to servants. That was what Sir Douss taught him before about servants. He went straight to the dining hall, his dad was out in the morning to do his job, but his mom always waited for him in the dining hall for breakfast. "Good morning, mother," Aster said. He sat directly facing his mom and wipes his hand with a kerchief before touching the silverware. "Good morning, my DEAR son," she started the day with such a pressing tone. She put emphasis on that word, as if it was a big problem. "It seems like you have yet to love your mom. It''s been five years since thest time you called me mom, don''t you think it is vile." Aster sighed in his heart. This was not the first time she talked nonsense. She kept insisting on such trivial matters, what was the difference between calling her mom or mother. "It''s not a problem, dear mother." "I forbid you to raise the fork until you called me mom." "Mother, that''s ridicu--" "Mom." "But, mother, I--" "Mom." "Mothe--" "Mom." Aster brows twitched, his mother was surely a strange one. He just didn''t call her mom anymore because it was weird after he found out about how his cousins, Charles and Rosalie called their parents. He still called his father as dad, but that was because his dad knew the boundaries of intimacy in front of the public. But his mom, she just called me ''Dear Aster'' or ''Dear son'' in front of everyone, even at formal parties. "Yes, mom." Aster said, almost whispering. "Ah, my dear, beautiful son finally called me mom," mom''s stern voice disappeared. She squealed and started randomly rambling, almost like Rosalie when she saw that young marquis of the Viete house. Mom''s face brightened up and her famed looks finally showed. She was the famous noble woman holding the title of ''Golden Camellia''. Aster always heard people calling him the second Golden Camille because most of his facial features were inherited from his mother. She had bright golden wavy hair, which shone under the sun. Her eyes were almond shaped, with bright blue eyes with pure ck pupils, and golden rings circling around the pupil, the trademark of the Royal Family. Her features were exactly the same with him, small nose, thin lips and delicate eyebrows. The only difference was their eye shape. "Aw, my lovely son, don''t re at your mom," Mother giggled, then her giggle stopped and the trace of loveliness vanished, "It is annoying that your eyes resemble your father''s more." Aster stopped chewing for a mere second, his nape shivered. He was yet ustomed with his mother''s behavior throughout the years. He could take it as a joke, but she sounded hostile enough for him to feel nervous. As if she actually hated it. Aster ate in silence, while his mother kept talking to him. They finished after a while, and one of the butlers approached them, "Mdy, will this be the proper time to introduce Young Lord''s personal servant?" Mother''s smiling eyes vanished when she looked at the butler, "Yes, bring him here, check whether he is clean or not." The butler returned with a boy behind him, his head lowered, he walked funny, maybe because of nervousness. He wore a knee-length, blue silk tunic and loose ck pants. He kneeled when the butler stopped, eyes still casted down and his breathing became heavier. The butler excused himself and silence went for a while. Aster nced at his mother, her eyes showed displeasure, but it was understandable. Aster knew his mother always has this eye to everyone but him and dad. "You. How old are you?" asked mother. She spoke as if she would chew this new servant, Aster sighed at his heart. This wouldn''t end well. The boy opened his mouth, but no voice came, his fingers slightly raised up and down. Before mother lost herposure, he finally spoke. "T--This servant, um sixteen years old, your excellency." Aster chuckled. ''I thought he was mute. Was he counting his own age?'' "I know what kind of servant you are. Shed your previous identity, you''re not going to serve my son for his pleasure," said mother. Her face grew even more displeased. "You''re filthy, but because my son favors you, then I will allow you. You shall not touch him, don''t get too close to him, as he might contact an unknown illness from you. Understand?" Aster gulped. No touching? Not even speaking closer? Then what was the difference between a personal servant and regr butler? "Mom, Isn''t it excessive?" "What do you mean by excessive, dear son," Mother shifted her attention to Aster, "I merely instruct him not to harm you with filth. You''re a precious gem to me, I don''t want the shine of my gem dimmed because there is a dirty coal beside him." "This servant understands your excellency," a faint voice stopped Aster''s protest. The boy dared not to raise his head, but answered without uncertainty. Aster sighed. He thought he could finally be closer to someone, but that didn''t seem to be the case here. "Good. About your new name, let Young Lord give it to you," Mother stood from the chair and left Aster and his new servant with few maids cleaning the table. Awkward silence passed with the boy still kneeling, dare not to look at Aster''s eye. "What is your previous name?" asked Aster. "This servant was named" The boy seemed ufortable. He paused, seemingly waiting for Aster to interrupt him, but Aster sat silently, " Slut. This servant was named Slut by the previous master, Young Lord." The sound of falling utensils, followed by collected gasps filled the dining hall. The maids apologize to Aster before leaving the dining hall, leaving Aster and his new servant alone. Aster did not budge, he observed the boy and then said, "What is your original name?" "Original name?" the boy paused, "Pardon this one''s ignorance. This servant does not understand, Young Lord." "Your name, before you were sold as a ve," said Aster lightly. Despite his young age, he was an overseer of a few gardens and businesses, employing ves andmoners to work diligently. He hated giving names, thus, he would order them to use their real name, as it was more proper. Again, the boy stayed silent, until he muttered, "Ramuja. This servant''s original name is Ramuja, Young Lord." "Then, your name is Ramuja now." Aster stood after giving, or returning, his new servant''s real name. He walked out of the dining hall, as he had ss with Sir Douss soon. Before he walked to the corridor, his new servant finally talked, but his voice slightly trembled, "This--This servant is truly grateful, thank you for your grace, Young Lord!" Aster nodded and walked through the corridor quicker than before. His face was slightly red. He thought he looked cool and majestic in front of his new servant. Such manner would definitely make his new servant admire him, and then wanting to be his friend, just like other noble kids. Finally, for the first time, he felt grateful that Sir Douss taught him on how to act as a Young Lord. He was afraid that his act would make his new servant scared, but that didn''t seem to be the case. Aster left out a small chuckle. ''Ramuja. That''s unique.'' Aster''s mind pondered, as he thought about his new servant. He looked timid. Although their height was simr, the new servant had a slightlyrger build despite being a ve. He also wondered about his new servant''s previous name. The maid was surprised upon hearing his name, was it shocking? Aster sat in the study room, waiting for Sir Douss, as he ought to arrive fifteen minutes from now. Aster wouldn''t dare toete at Sir Douss'' sses. Sir Douss would fileints that he was tardy to dad, and then they would scold him together, and add an extra homework to do. "Good morning, Young Lord," Sir Douss entered the room. He was a middle-aged man, around the same age as his dad. He was well dressed with a suit, Wrinkled, but clean-shaven, ck hair with strands of whitebed with wax and a pair of downturned hazel eyes. He always looked indifferent and serious, only with Aster and his dad he''d sometimes smiled. Aster replied his greeting before they started English literature ss. Although it was a literature ss, it was simr to discussion regarding literature and other things. This was the reason why Aster liked the ss, since it was far more rxed than other sses he attended. "Young Lord, have you read a new book?" Sir Douss inquired about his weekly progress. "Yes. I am currently reading ''Eulogy of the Prince'', written by my predecessor." Sir Douss fell silent for a few seconds, then he said: "Yes, Young Lord. Shall we have a discussion about it?" Aster nodded, but before they started he wanted to ask about his new servant. "Sir, may I ask you a question?" Seeing Sir Douss smiled and nodded, Aster asked: "What is slut?" Chapter 5: Eulogy of the Prince 2 Chapter 5: Eulogy of the Prince 2 Young Lord left the room after giving me a new name. No, returning my real identity. ''Ramuja.'' It was strange. Since the first time I became a ve, I had given names, sometimes number, I was called ''Eight'' as I was the eighth boy that entered that old master''s chamber. I was ''Coal'', as my skin gradually became darker than my original brownplexion. I was ''Dumpster'', because it was my identity as a reliever for the workers. Then, I was ''Slut'', the personal name that my previous master gave before I was sold again. Now I am Ramuja. The real name my parents gave me before I was sold into that ship. My chest felt stuffy. Joy and resentment filled my mind, unable to blend. I was well prepared for another given name, because my identity was a pleasure ve. I didn''t mind another wretched name, and I didn''t mind ''Slut'', ''Dumpster'', ''Bitch'' or anything at all. But I was not prepared for ''Ramuja''. "How long will you kneel here," a tip of ck shoe lightly nudged my hand, I looked up and saw the butler who took me in earlier. Just like everyone else, his face showed displeasure, "Go follow Young Lord. Young Lord''s ssroom is at the end of the corridor." After giving me an instruction, he turned his back, took a handkerchief and wiped the tip of his shoe. I walked out of the dining hall, and followed the corridor to Young Lord''s ss. The corridor got narrower until I saw a single door at the end of the corridor. I almost knocked the door, but I heard chatter inside the room. Young Lord was in his study right now. So, I stood silent in the corridor, waiting until Young Lord finished his ss and gave me a task. I faintly heard Young Lord speaking with someone called ''Sir Douss'' inside. I know it was audacious for a ve to eavesdrop his master''s matter. But hearing Young Lord being rxed eased me. The image of him smiling in the garden appeared in my eyes. His shining golden hair, deep eyes and thin lips smiled at me. It was beautiful. Unconsciously, my lips curled up. I closed my eyes, while eavesdropping, I Imagined Young Lord talked to me with a nonchnt attitude and smiled. "What is slut?" I opened my eyes immediately, the beautiful image dissipated as I heard the question Young Lord just asked. "Young Lord, that-- where did you know that word?" "My new servant, ''Slut'' was his previous name. The maid was stupefied when they heard it. Was it something unpleasant?" I felt the chill stroking my body. I thought Young Lord knew my identity and decided to ept me. I thought my previous name was no big matter for him. So, I was happy when he took me from the ve trader. I gulped, my throat felt dry suddenly. ''Will I be returned to that despicable merchant?'' Image of me sitting in a dirty cart with other starved ves, waiting months until someone took me, used me and then left me alone until I was half-dead shed through my mind. I swallowed my saliva again and again to no avail. My breathing grew heavier; it felt suffocating even in this luxurious castle. "It is something unpleasant, Young Lord," The teacher called Sir Douss finally spoke after he stayed silent a while ago. I closed my eyes and rubbed the cold sweat in my palm. "It is a humiliating word to call someone, an insultmoner had created. It--It is certainly not a word for you to fuss about, Young Lord." "I see" Young Lord was about to continue asking before Sir Douss quickly switched the topic. I took a deep breath. I thought Sir Douss would outright tell Young Lord about the meaning of my previous name. It was relieving to know that I wouldn''t be kicked sooner than I predicted. However, as I waited for Young Lord, I couldn''t create the image of him nonchntly speaking to me and smiled brightly in my mind. The light smile on my face turned into a bitter smile. Because I realized that imagination would shatter if Young Lord knew my identity. The door opened after 2 hours, I straightened my posture when I saw Young Lord opened the door. He was surprised when I stood in front of him. I kneeled, "This servant is waiting for order, Young Lord." "Follow me." Said Young Lord. I was surprised at how indifferent his tone was. He was eager and chuckling inside the ssroom, why did he suddenly be cold? I gulped once again, and then followed him from behind. He was a few centimeters shorter than me, smaller frame, and his golden hair waved whenever he moved. He smelled like sandalwood, and when I drew closer, I could smell a sweet aroma from his hair, like flower nectar. Which intoxicated me even further. ''Young Lord smells sweet.'' I shook my head before my mind went too far. Young Lord would feel disgusted if he could read my mind. We walked in silence to the east tower, the one where Young Lord climbed the stairs this morning. I silently followed him in this spiral staircase until we reached the peak of the east tower. A maid stood still in front of a door. She was surprised when she saw me, but looked away and opened the door for Young Lord. As I entered the room, the maid closed the door and I felt a familiar feeling of me doing my job again. This situation, private room, closed door, alone with Young Lord It was not my first time. I had lost count on how many times I did it. But I felt strangely nervous "Young Lord, May I ask--" "Silence." He cut me short and I fell silent. I watched his image seep into my eyes. He hadn''t moved a finger. He just stared at the flower garden outside, where we met this morning. The strange thought in my head slowly dissipated, reced by Young Lord''s piercing eyes. He looked sad and then he closed his eyes. He dozed off not long after. ''Eh, sleeping? What is the point of taking me here then?'' ''Was Young Lord always this oblivious? Did he really not realize my true nature?'' If Young Lord bought me as a regr ve, then I would not need to serve his urges. The idea of me not being used as a pleasure ve excited me. If I became a regr ve, that meant I would be able to stay until I got old. So long I had a ce to stay, even as abor ve, it would be the best reward for me. "Mmm" the sound of Young Lord''s mumble was funny. Tempted by the sight of Young Lord sleeping, I carefully approached him. My eyes were locked in his beautiful face, his long eyshes fluttered and his bright golden hair waved as the summer breeze passed the balcony. I didn''t dare to touch his skin, but watching him sleeping made me content. ''Young Lord really is a gorgeous man.'' I remembered the appearance of the Grand Duchess. Young Lord was really an exact replica of his mother. However, Young Lord''s eyes were deep and piercing, like his dad that I saw yesterday. I didn''t find it scary. I preferred his eyes rather than Duchess''. Because the Duchess had a condescending gaze on everyone, including me. It felt like her eyes stabbed my guts, crippled my strength, forcing me to kneel in front of her. While Young Lord''s gaze, while sharp and indifferent, it always had a calm aura in it. It was as if I was seeing a blue moon on a dark sky. When I was caught within his deep eyes, I was instantly drawn and enticed. I wanted to draw closer to submerge into his deep eyes. If the Duchess'' gaze cut your guts and made you kneel, Young Lord''s made you submit not by force, but by devotion of intoxication. I locked my gaze to Young Lord and waited for hours without moving an inch until his eyshes trembled. I took a few steps back and looked straight to the balcony. If Young Lord realized that I''ve been watching him like this, I could lose my head right now. Young Lord yawned, stretched his body before turning his head on me. He looked indifferent for a few seconds before he was suddenly taken aback. "Were you here when I was asleep?" asked Young Lord. He lost hisposure. For once, his eyes widened and the sharpness vanished, turned his eyes into such a big eye, much like a puppy. I chuckled at heart, but answered with a slight nod, "Yes, Young Lord." Young Lord''s expression was funny. He looked stupefied, and then his face became beet red. He opened his mouth, but pursed his lips before saying anything. He turned away and said; "You can go now." He resumed his usual indifference in his words. I wanted to giggle. If this was the way on how Young Lord showed his dominance, then he failed miserably. "Pardon me, Young Lord. But what should this servant do next?" "I allowed you to study the mansion," said Young Lord. He took a silver bell and ringed it. "Yes, Young Lord." The maid who guarded the door entered the room. She nced at me with disdain, but said nothing. "Christie, take this servant of mine to a butler. He needs to know the mansion," ordered Young Lord. The maid, Christie nodded and permitted herself out. "Pardon this servant, Young Lord." I turned my back, following the maid before my step was stopped by a hurried call from my behind, "You--" I turned again and smiled at Young Lord, "Yes, Young Lord." "Tomorrow, I ordered you to apany me from dawn. I expect you toe earlier," Young lord''s voice got softer and his face turned beet red again, "Wait for me in the east garden." "This servant will wait for you in the garden before dawn Young Lord," I replied, then excused myself. I couldn''t hold my smile. Young Lord was very cute. His beet red face hinted embarrassment thatpletely erased his supposedly domineering attitude. His stupefied look reced his cold, indifference attitude when I saw him before. I was more than satisfied to know that Young Lord was not a ruthless man. It was enough to ensure my safety for now, at least. He even asked me to apany him to the garden tomorrow morning. I had his favor already, wasn''t it more than enough? I followed the maid who passed me over to a butler. Although the butler also showed contempt, he did not say anything degrading. He did his job strolling me around and giving exnations on what was inside the mansion. The sun was setting when the butler finished touring me around. We stopped at the east garden where I met Young Lord today. The waft of various flowers swayed me as I remembered the smell of Young Lord''s hair. It was simr to this garden, fresh, sweet, but not overly sweet that would disgust you. I closed my eyes, imagining the presence of Young Lord here. But, before I imagined even further, I shook my head and pped my own cheek. ''No, this is wrong. I shouldn''t get myself charmed.'' I p my cheek again. I realized how deadly Young Lord could charm me just with two meetings. However, having Young Lord''s favor as personal servant and not being disposed was more than enough. I shouldn''t chase over the moon. I scurried to the barrack, as the dinnertime for the serfs was about to start. I needed to eat, rest and wake up early tomorrow. Since Young Lord expected me toe earlier to the garden. My lips twitched and I curled up a bit. Imagining Young Lord standing in the garden made me somewhat happy. As the moon glinted on the sky A night felt like days Essence of impatience slowly formed And I, we, waited Chapter 6: An Awkward Prince Chapter 6: An Awkward Prince ''Damn.'' Aster cursed himself over and over after his new servant saw him sleeping peacefully. He thought that with his new servant observing him in his cool, indifferent and domineering demeanor, his servant would like him. At least his servant would see him as a master who needed to be taken seriously. ''I''m not sleep talking right? Did I snore?'' Aster felt it was strange for him to stress over something as trivial as a servant. But he was a new servant, a personal one that was. This was his first time having a chance to have a genuine friend other than his cousins, Charles and Rosalie. He had ''friends'', those noble kids who came to the grand ball and tried to pamper him with sweet words. He might be young, but his parents taught him to be careful around other nobles. They had dozens of ns on how to overthrow or leech on the Arlingdon family. However, a personal servant was different. They had no rtions with other aristocratic families. Aster was certain that his new servant had no connection with other nobles. At least, when a ve was sold, they cut their contact with their previous master. ''Alright, half an hour before dawn.'' Aster checked the clock a few times to make sure that he had the perfect time to go to the garden. He woke up 2 hours earlier as he was anxious about meeting his new servant today. He peeked at the garden from the balcony, a silhouette was standing on the garden, seemingly lost in thought. ''Whoa, he is even earlier than I expected.'' ''Should I go now?'' ''But that''d make me look too eager right?'' Aster felt jittery as he looked at the mirror. He made sure that he didn''t mess his hair. Hebed some of his wavy hair strands. He had washed his face, thus, he had the best ''just woke-up'' appearance right now. When the sun started rising, Aster rushed his footsteps on the staircase. But before he stepped on thest stair, he abruptly stopped and took a deep breath. He needed to look cold andposed. He messed up yesterday when he didn''t know what to do when he met his servant at the garden, he just blurted some words and smiled like an imbecile. He also messed up when he fell asleep. This time, he''d make sure that his new servant would see him as a reliable and domineering master. So he''d ept his job as a personal servant not only because of contract, but also because Aster was a master worth following. After that, he could try to be closer with his new servant and then be a good friend. Aster had thought about his n for the whole night, it should be executed well. ''Sir Douss said so, I hope his teaching really works for now.'' Aster walked to the flower garden with his piercing eyes. He looked at his new servant who waited silently in the garden. Their gaze met, but none was trying to avert their eyes. When Aster drew closer, his new servant finally bowed and kneeled in front of him. Aster, still with his cold eyes, said nothing and stared at his new servant. "This servant greeted Young Lord." "You dared staring at me with equal eyes, I see," said Aster coldly. "This--This Servant does not dare! It''s just" ''Eh, but I just wanted to praise you. You should be bold enough to stare at me as an equal, so we can be closer,'' Aster was surprised at his heart, but did not show any emotion in his eye. He looked cold. "This servant was just thinking that Young Lord is mesmerizing even though Young Lord had just woken up. This servant was-- astonished by Young Lord''s appearance," said his new servant slowly. Aster felt his heartbeat stopped for a second after that. He felt his face growing hot and turned around, "Such cheap ttery will not falter me. It is useless to induce me with sweet words." "This servant is telling the truth, Young Lord." Aster''s heart started beating faster. He gulped to swallow his nervousness. He never got any praise from a servant or ve before. Thus, this effect was potent for him. He wanted to say thank you and smiled earnestly, but that''d make him lose his attitude as a Young Lord. "Enough. Rather than throwing meaningless ttery, you should follow me," said Aster. He walked first and he heard his servant''s footstep behind, quietly following him strolling around the garden. They walked in silence until they were near the center of the garden. The sunrise showered the flowers with its shine, creating a golden shimmer on their petals. Aster looked at the flowers attentively. A smile rose in his lips, he crouched and caressed a white petunia. "The garden is beautiful when the sun is rising. The flower shimmered with warm, golden colors and the warmth of the sun that I wanted to feel. If only the sun is not hurting," said Aster. He had always said this line whenever the sun was rising. Since no one would hear his voice, he unconsciously blurted it. He expected no answer, but then, a voice came from behind. "I liked the golden shimmer scattered on your hair. You look delicate, Young Lord," his servant''s unexpected reply sounded soft, but serious. Aster was astonished. Aster immediately turned around, his face was beet red but he red at his servant. He was embarrassed because he did momentarily forget about the presence of his new servant and blurted without any worry. But his servant''s answer somehow made him feel even more ashamed. "What did you say?" asked Aster, while he sounded calm, a seed of hostility nted within his words. Delicate, soft, beautiful, such unscrupulous words to bootlick, Aster felt nothing but disgust. The dazed servant recovered his senses and got bewildered before kneeling. He trembled and stuttered before he was able to deliver a sentence, "P--Pardon this servant''s idiocy. This servant was out of his mind, this servant deserves punishment!" said his servant. He trembled and his eyes nailed to the ground. Aster was ashamed, indeed. But he wouldn''t go as far as punishing his new servant, since he did not offend him in any means. At least, he knew his servant did not mean to bootlick as Aster saw his dazed expression before. He took a deep breath and said; "I will forgive you for your impudence." "Thanking Young Lord." "However, once again you dared to make such degradingments about me," Aster held his breath, then lowered his voice, "I will return you to that ve merchant." The new servant raised his head to stare at Aster''s eyes, his eyes unfocused, mouth trembled as his body drooped. He gripped Aster''s ankle. Aster could feel his servant''s hand sweating terribly. He was startled because he didn''t realize how frightening his threat was. Although, he had to admit that he never threatened a servant or worker unless they made a grievous mistake. ''Was I too harsh?'' The servant, still holding his ankle stammered; "T--This servant this servant pardon this ve This lowly ve has offended Young Lord. I--This ve" Aster paled. He never wanted his servant to be frightened to the bone. Ultimately, he was just a Young Lord and his power was limited. Whether it was disbanding workers or returning ves, the decision was still in his parents'' hand. He hesitated as guilt rose up in his heart. He wanted to apologize, but he never apologized to a ve before. He didn''t know how to apologize properly to such status disparity. He waited momentarily until his servant''s hand stopped trembling. However, the silence made his servant even more worried as his head dropped even lower, nting his face on the stone pavement. Aster took a deep breath and said; "Get up, I will not return you to that merchant." His new servant slowly loosened his grip and stood in front of him. He still lowered his head and his body still trembled. "Thanking Young Lord''s grace. This servant will not repeat one''s impudence," he answered without stuttering, but he sounded hoarse. Aster observed his new servant. The feeling of guilt swirled in his heart. He realized he was just throwing a childish tantrum. He urged to hold his servant''s hand to calm his trembling, but that sounded crazy for him, as someone who almost never touched anyone but his family and very few nobles, touching a servant''s hand sounded outrageous. He decided to rub his servant''s head. The servant''s body stiffened, but gradually rxed after a moment. The prickly hair tickled Aster''s palm, but he ignored it and patted his servant''s head a few times. "I will not return you," said Aster. ''And sorry.'' Aster couldn''t say his apology out loud, thus, he said it in silence. His servant nodded slowly. "This servant is not educated, Young Lord," said his servant. "This lowly servant deserves punishment for one''s offense." Aster pondered a bit, he didn''t want to punish his new servant. He was not wrong. He thought about a light punishment, but he still couldn''t deliver it, because he was the one who threw a childish tantrum. "Your punishment" Aster sighed, "This impudence will be forgiven. As for now, you must see Anne and ask for a new set of apparel. You still wear yesterday''s clothes." "Young Lord, this servant''s shirt is still clean. It will be expensive to change clothes everyday," said his servant meekly. Aster chuckled, and then coldly said; "You''re not allowed to use the same clothes everyday. You look filthy." He screened his servant''s clothes then continued: "As Young Grand Duke, I do notck money for such trivial things. Icked tolerance to filth," He nced at his servant who made a stupefied look, then turned his back. He walked away from the garden even though it was still early. Periodically, Aster hurried his steps to the east tower until he climbed the stairs in a rush. He went to the balcony in his room, and then peeked at the man standing in the east garden. The servant, still stupefied, hadn''t moved an inch from his original position. Aster wondered if hisst line made his servant astonished by his virtue. He indirectly told his servant that he could livefortably without ever worrying about money, as his new master was the only son of Grand Duchy of Stormhill. He also indirectly told him that he was no filth, since he let his servant apany him to the garden. That should be enough, right? However, Aster felt inescapably restless. He did threaten his servant, but he didn''t know the effect would be potent. He''d be lying if he didn''t feel guilty, since he intended to leave a good impression to his new servant. What he said was merely an impulse. "Why did he say that?" Aster never liked those bootlickers, they fawned over him or his parents to gain favour, and in the end, and all they wanted was more benefit to their own household. Thus, when his servant said the same thing to him, he instantly blurted that threat out of fleeting annoyance. Although, when Aster saw his servant''s dazed expression, he realized that he didn''t fawn him intentionally. ''Why is he dazed anyway, am I too boring?'' Aster''s shoulder dropped as he left the balcony and closed the balcony door. Chapter 7: Eulogy of the Prince 3 Chapter 7: Eulogy of the Prince 3 ''Filth.'' That word lingered in my head, as I stood idle in this garden. I was both petrified and frightened at the same time. The words of a noble, especially a noble whose existence was as important as half of the country, the word of Young Lord meant either heaven or hell, as he could make you an evesting saint bestowed with beautiful gifts. He could also give u suffering worse than torture. And this was the first time I had experienced the power of Young Grand Duke''s words. I never thought he would threaten me right away. I did make a blunder, but I was merely praising him, even though I was purely in daze. He looked delicate, his golden hair showered by morning sun made it bedazzling. He was crouching with his feet slightly tiptoed. He smiled as he caressed the white petunia with his slim fingers and I could barely hear his soft voice, but it was like a tickle to my ear. He was almost like an oil painting that I could only watch while imagining the moment when I could touch the golden boy inside the painting, caressing his hair and smooth cheek. So I was unconsciously praising him and his beauty, and I still had no regret about it. But, Young Lord found it offensive and red at me. I snapped out of my daze and saw his re for the first time. He was still beautiful even when he red. I even saw his face blushed clearly. He looked like a kitten trying to unsheathe his ws. But I didn''t want trouble, so I apologized, thinking that Young Lord would just turn away. But he actually threatened me. ''I will return you to that ve merchant.'' I was petrified and frightened when I heard ''return'' and ''merchant''. I remembered a few days ago, when I was still in his cart, I only ate musty fruits and stale bread that nobody knew when that bread was made. I only drank water once a day, while traveling under the scorching hot sun. I saw many adults and kids die out of hunger and thirst. I didn''t want to be like that. Not after I experienced a few days of luxury like this. I was frightened to my bone, and then I remembered that Young Lord was still the Lord of the Grand Duchy. He might look soft, but he was powerful, at least to my life. I couldn''t be yful, thinking that he would ept my praise and then joked with me, or eased up to me. I realized that I just crossed my boundary for once. The anger was real, the threat who came out from someone as beautiful as Young Lord felt real, and I was in real panic. I kneeled and nted my face to the stone pave. I realized my boundary as a ve who had spoken too much. Surprisingly, Young Lord forgave me without punishment. I thought, for a second, Young Lord did care about me to some extent. Since my life was as worthless as a crippled horse. It gave me the illusion of a Young Lord who cared for me and thought of me more than a discardable servant. Then the hope was smashed when that sentence came out from his mouth. ''As Young Grand Duke, I do notck money. Icked tolerance to filth.'' Yes, he was the powerful Young Grand Duke whom I reminisced hold major power to some of the business who employed the people inside the workers hut ording to Jean and Dirk. To him, I was also the ve employed by him, which was more than enough grace for me. But I was filthy. Maybe that was why he said he didn''t let me wear the same clothes everyday, it would make me look filthier than I already was. Maybe that was also the reason why he distanced himself and why he always looked cold to me whenever he was conscious about my presence. I expected it, but it did hurt. Down casted, I walked out of the garden to get my breakfast and took my new clothes. Anne said: "Young Lord had bestowed you thirty sets of clothes. You need to change everyday, he hated when someone wore the same clothes in front of him for more than a day." I was stupefied and asked: "Even you? Mrs. Anne?" She rolled her eyes, "Clearly, all the maids and butlers have twenty sets of uniform that was always clean. You had to wash your own clothester." ". Yes ma''am." I replied. When Young Lord said he didn''tck money, I never thought he was this rich, more than all of my previous masters'' wealthbined and he was clearly younger than me. I shuddered; it was true that I should not make another blunder. It was dangerous to offend him. I followed the schedule given by Mrs. Anne everyday. First, I greeted Young Lord in the garden if he allowed it. Second, I stood near the dining hall and waited for him for breakfast. Third, I stood near his ssroom and waited for him until he finished. Then I needed to follow his demand, while also reminding him to eat lunch as he often forgot his lunch. That was easy. Well, it should be easy. When I saw Young Lord walking in the corridor to the dining hall, I greeted him, "Good morning, Young Lord. Her excellency Grand Duchess is waiting in the dining hall." Young Lord stopped his stride and nced at me with such cold eyes, which made me shivered. I lowered my head. We stayed like this for a while until Young Lord left me. I took a deep sigh. ''I guess he really does not like me.'' Young Lord mostly ate in silence, it was the Grand Duchess who was chattering to him dotingly. If I did not see Grand Duchess'' condescending gaze yesterday, I would think that Grand Duchess was an amiable person. She was almost like a different person to Young Lord. "How is your new servant? Is heing to your liking?" asked the Grand Duchess. I tensed up, since I was outside the dining hall, I could only eavesdrop while anxiously waiting for Young Lord''s answer. I remembered this morning''s ident and felt bad premonition was near. Young Lord did not answer it hastily, instead, there was a moment of silence until I heard his soft voice say, "He is fine." I sighed in relief, at least, today, I did not lose my head. "He is, however, a bit rough and foul mouthed, he offended me once. He was not pleasant to look at," said Young Lord. I tensed up and the fright that was dissipating entered my body once more. Young Lord really hated me. He boldly told suchint to Grand Duchess. I gulped, my body felt cold, especially around the neck. I couldn''t imagine what kind of punishment I would get, fired, whipped, burned, or guillotine? Either way, they were all frightening. ''No, I don''t want to die. I don''t'' I remembered the moment when my parents threw me to the ship when I was around six or seven years old. The only word they said to me was ''Live''. That was the reason why I persevered. To let my life end because Young Lord was dissatisfied, I left out a bitter smile. ''If I am going to die like this, what was the point of giving me hope in the first ce? Why did he smile when I met him for the first time.'' I remembered the first day I met him in the garden. That bright, golden shine and beautiful smile had blinded me, as if I saw an Angel who graced me with his presence. And now, will this angel be my death? "I see," I heard Grand Duchess finally said, "I will dispatch the butler to purchase a new servant. I will personally punish him for his offense," said Grand Duchess lightly. She chuckled and continued, "Do not worry, my beautiful son. I will give him the punishment he deserves for offending you." My feet went soft as I leaned to the wall. Grand Duchess said it as if my life was worth nothing. She spoke lightly, but the malice she bore within her words sounded like a death sentence. "Punishing him would be sufficient, mothe-- mom," Young Lord responded quickly, "But I would punish him personally. I hope mom will not be concerned by my method of punishment." "My dear son wanted to personally punish him? Then, your mom will be overjoyed," said Grand Duchess. I wiped the cold sweat on my forehead. I believe Young Lord would not be as cruel as Grand Duchess. I did not know how scary Young Lord could be, but Grand Duchess'' aura was bone shattering, her sentence felt like a death sentence, I could never imagine someone would be more frightening than her. Young Lord went to his ssroom without looking back at me, thus, I followed him in silence. He entered the ss while ignoring me. I stood in front of his ss in the same position as yesterday and waited until he finished the ss. I knew I had imprinted in my mind that I could not be closer to Young Lord if I did not want to lose my head. But the thought of being a stranger made my heart feel stuffy. That stuffy feeling that was almost alien to me finally resurfaced. It was the same feeling when my parents threw me on the ship, I did not cry, but my heart felt stuffy. It was also the same feeling when my first master abandoned me, even though he was the one who treated me humanely. When this feeling finally resurfaced and started hurting, I bit my lower lips, holding out the pain inside my chest. ''Did I really hit the bottom line?'' I waited until Young Lord finished his ss and followed him quietly, dared not breath heavily, nor raised my head. Young Lord stopped in front of his room before speaking coldly, "You should be grateful because I saved you this morning," he said with his back facing me. I bit my lip, he must be joking. Even though I was stupid, but no idiot would be grateful to be punished and possibly decapitated by his own master. But I had no power here, I could only abide to Young Lord''s words, "This servant thank Young Lord for--" "Who allowed you to speak just now?" I shut my mouth before lowering my head again. Young Lord nced at me and said, "I can cut your throat for this offense, but I am an amiable person. I will let you to apany me, but you are a mute unless I allow you. That is your punishment, understand?" "Yes, Young Lord, this servant--" "I cannot be bothered by your voice," said Young Lord. He opened the door and ordered me one more thing before closing the door, "Every four in the morning, you will wait for me in the garden. You''re dismissed today." I nodded and left the east tower with dread. Young Lord had prevented me from speaking. It was not long before he would be mute for real. ''Cut my throat? Burn my mouth so I cannot speak?'' My body was chilled by the possibility. Realizing how harsh Young Lord could be, I had to push this strange feeling back. I shall not bber, I knew that already. But even if I became a mute, I was not sure how long I could survive in this grand duchy before losing my head. Even worse, Young Lord might be the one that sentenced me to death. I did not care how low I need to be, no family, became a ve, used and sold again and again. I did not care. Since I was thrown into that ship, I only had one thing in my mind. Survive, I need to survive. Young Lord was the only key to me surviving this ce. As long as he was happy, I could live. Thus, I made a resolution to myself, the first act that would ensure my safety. ''Young Lord must know my importance.'' Chapter 8: An Awkward Prince II Chapter 8: An Awkward Prince II ''Did it work?'' Aster had rehearsed the line in his head a few times while keeping his silence. He wanted a small talk with his servant, but he had to keep his cold face, or else the watcher would notice them. He needed that perfect air to create an imposing Young Lord. At least, that was what Sir Douss said before. He was worried about his servant, mainly after the watcher noticed his anger from the incident this morning. Aster saw his mother''s unpleasant eyes and realized that the watchers had notified his mother. He knew nothing good came from any notification from the watchers. Aster noticed a watcher with thin build who often sat on top of his room, the east tower. Despite the tower was not assigned as a watcher tower. The watcher was never assigned as his daily diary for his mother either. This might be a direct order under the right of Grand Duchess. He feared the worst might happen to his servant, he remembered that one servant whose fingers were cut off because she brushed his hair during his afternoon nap. The following day, she left the mansion fingerless with pension money from his mother. Well, Aster did not have slightest care about that servant. She served for six month and Aster still hadn''t recognized her face. Forgettable. But this servant did offend him, but he was unwilling to punish this servant. His mother was not so amiable to spare a ve who had only work for two days. There was no logic to forgive such stupid offense. ''I mean, I remembered his face'' After a few maids and butlers got punished by his mother, Aster had thought on how to protect some of them whenever they made blunder. But this was the first time he actually acted on it. ''Did he feel grateful? Worship? Well he should be! I am saving him.'' Aster sighed, he had to give his servant a punishment, or else, his mother would start questioning him. Aster asked Sir Douss about this matter during his ss today. "Teach, do I need to punish him? I think my mother was too much." Sir Douss answered, "A sovereign should give proper punishment to any offense, whether the offense is ignorable or not." Aster hesitated and murmured, "But I do not really want to cut his head" "No, Young Lord. You can give him light punishment. Such as, don''t feed him for a day, five whips with a regr whip," said Sir Douss, he smiled and continued, "Young Lord, you are in control of whenever he has to speak, you can order him to be mute. Thus, he will not be annoying." Thest advice gave an idea to Aster for his servant''s punishment, by controlling his voice, it would prevent him from bbering such offensive words. Aster could also save his servant from another punishment. "He should be grateful to have such a kind master," Aster said to himself. The following day, it became such quiet morning. Aster nced at his servant a few times, but he had yet to initiate any talk. As a lord, initiating a conversation with a servant sounded low, as if it will downy his own dignity. The servant himself only casted his eyes to the ground and said nothing. He looked sad and pitiful. Aster wondered about it, why did his servant look sad? Did mother scare his wits yesterday? Aster felt ufortable being tailed by a servant but said no word. He thought he was used to it, after all, he got followed everyday by servants and nobles alike. But, somehow, he felt awkward today. ''Should I start talking now? What kind of talk?'' Aster had never initiated any conversation in his whole life. People would flock to him and start courting or yapping. ''Why should I be the one who court him anyway? He is a ve!'' The more he thought about it, the more he got peeved. Aster left the garden without saying any word. For two weeks straight, they spoke nothing. Only silently meeting every morning at the garden and walking around the garden. The servant always had his eyes down, dared not looking at his master. Aster finally got used to his servant attending every morning routine in the garden, but the silence had irritated him, boiled his patience to the reaching point. He was the one who gave muteness as his servant''s punishment, but it actually vexed him. Unable to stand the silence any longer, Aster stopped and side-nced his servant, "Speak, why did you always drop your head. I allowed a ve to apany me, not a donkey," Aster said coldly. The servant was taken aback, drooped his shoulder and answered, "This servant thank Young Lord. This servant was d to finally speak again. This servant had not spoken since this servant''s punishment from two weeks ago." Aster raised his eyebrow, before he opened his mouth, his servant hurriedly answered, "T--this servant answering Young Lord, this servant is afraid of offending Young Lord. This servant dared not staring at Young Lord, feared its stupid tongue would offend Young Lord again." Aster hesitated after hearing the servant''s answer. Was he that scary? Did he intimidate and frighten his servant to the point that this servant could not raise his head? And, did this servant really not speak to anyone for two weeks? Aster did not have habit of torture. "You keep your silence for two weeks?" asked Aster. "Yes, Young Lord. It is what Young Lord ordered me to." Aster always wanted to be a posing figure that would be taken seriously, but he disliked this. He did not have intention to torture someone, especially to the person he supposed to befriend with, "I was not a ruthless man, so long as you did not speak unnecessary matter." "This servant feared that its tongue would speak unnecessary matter. Young Lord, this servant is stupid. If he saw Young Lord, he could not help but be bewitched." "Bewitched?" asked Aster. Not intimidated, but bewitched? The servant quickly lowered his head, in a low voice, he muttered, "Young Lord is dazzling, this servant could not help." Aster was bewildered, but quickly turned his back, he started walking again with a faster tempo. The garden was beautiful, bird chirping, the flower he had waited to bloom finally showed its color, but it all felt a bit hazy in his mind. ''Dazzling'' Aster had never heard that word directed towards him. He was used to that pure-beautiful-softpliment. But, dazzling ''Did he mean it? He is just a ve anyway, courting my favor will not help, unlike those nobles'' ''Should I punish him for his impertinence? Would that be necessary?'' "Young Lord?" the servant raised his head hesitantly. Aster snapped out of his pondering and stopped in front of the center of the garden. "You may go now," said Aster with his back facing his servant. "P--pardon this servant''s inability to understand! This servant--" "Go now, I do not need you to attend me today," said Aster once more. "You shall meet me tomorrow morning here." "Pardon this servant inability, this servant excused itself," the servant hesitated before leaving Aster alone. Aster could feel his servant slowly walking away. ''I should not be too cold, he might think I''m punishing him again.'' Aster had never thought that making a friend would be this hard. If this person was not a ve, Aster might have a way for it. Since he remembered how the noble young masters ttered him until he felt ufortable. But this servant, his ttery did not feel repugnant. ''Was it because he is just a ve? He will forever be a ve, ttering me to gain favor will not give him status.'' ''How did people do this anyway? Did people just instantly be intimate and friendly to each other?'' Aster had his thoughts jumbled as piles of questions kept appearing. He shook his head and left the garden. Chapter 9: A Smile Chapter 9: A Smile Days passed and Aster had grown ustomed to his servant''s presence around him. He still forbade his servant to talk unnecessarily, but he still let him talk when needed and let his servant praise him sometimes. Well, Aster thought it was nice, since he didn''t feel repulsed with his ttery. It felt genuine and modest. In fact, he was eager to hear this weird servant open his mouth. Sometimes he spoke such ridiculous things. "Young Lord, this servant had never tasted a spiced grilledmb. This servant did not understand Young Lord''s preference," said the servant with his head lowered. Aster wanted tough, his lips curled up a bit, but he pinched his own thigh to hold hisugh. Sometimes his servant gave him few amusements, simr to this one. To say someone never tasted a spicedmb? Ridiculous, this servant''s lie was obvious. There were many spicedmbs every start of autumn feast, also winter feast. The Grand Duchy of Stormhill, Aster''s duchy, had always held a feast for nobilities every autumn and winter. Spicedmb was one of the foods provided during the feast. It was the food that Aster liked, but only ate moderately because he needed to keep his stomach for the dessert and sometimes, drinks. Almost all nobles were not keen to eat a lot, thus, many of these leftovers were just thrown away to the garbage. Aster had seen the duchy''s serfs rummaging the leftover food in the garbage just to eat the leftovers. Even though they had their own te provided by the duchy. Even the cooks served such meat if Aster requested it right away. And this servant said that he never tasted suchmon food? That was a funny joke. A foolish joke, but still funny for Aster. ''He can be entertaining sometimes.'' Aster turned his back and a smile shed on his face, the more he spent his time with this servant, he became somewhat bearable to Aster. They walked around the garden in silence. Aster turned his head at his back from times to times, to check whether his servant was still following him. He saw his servant look at him in awe, but when their eyes met, he immediately casted his eyes down. ''Weird, I don''t think I use an intimidating face. Why is he avoiding my eyes?'' Aster had thought on how to be closer to this servant. He looked like a good person to befriend with, at least the one without hidden intention. Granted, the master-ve rtionship would still exist between them, but casual friendship would be nice. He hadn''t lifted the speaking ban, but it was necessary as this servant''s foul mouth might trigger his mother''s displeasure again. Aster had considered it, wouldn''t his servant be grateful if this ban was lifted? "You, I had considered lifting your punishment," said Aster. He nced and saw his servant''s eyes shed a surprise, Aster felt a slight joy in his heart. "This servant is very grateful for Young Lord''s kindness!" "However, I do not give it for free," said Aster, still with his cold voice. He finally turned and faced his servant, "You will have to apany me again, after breakfast until I allowed you to leave." His servant was taken aback and actually kneeled to him and said, "Young Lord, this servant this servant is speechless. This servant is finally able to serve Young Lord again. This servant is truly grateful!" Aster felt ufortable to see his servant actually kneeled on something very light. Was serving him actually gave this servant a pleasure? He hesitated. This servant action was very genuine that it felt surreal for Aster. He had expected everyone around him to have a hidden agenda behind their kindness. But this time, he couldn''t sense it inside this servant. ''Was he, truly genuine?'' Aster red at his servant as he tried to probe this person''s intention. He felt erratic as he kept missing any trace of maliciousness within this servant. This was too unreal. ''It couldn''t be, no one would be genuine to me.'' "I don''t need your exaggeration. It was not an important matter," said Aster coldly. Even though he was not sure if his voice was still as stern. "How could it be? Young Lord, serving you gave me the greatest pleasure!" His servant looked determined with his eyes sharply stared at Aster unwaveringly. Aster swallowed his saliva as he was bewildered by this servant''s bold im. Aster had prided himself for his skill to read people''s intention, it had be a survival skill as it was an essential lesson taught by his mother. But now, he couldn''t sense anything. Strange. Aster kept his silence while his gaze grew uglier, he hated obliviousness, and he felt like he was oblivious now. His servant looked up to him, but instead of showing fear, he actually smiled and said: "Young Lord, this servant is truly grateful. Because Young Lord had bought me, this servant can live." Aster''s heart skipped a bit, this servant''s smile made him lose his sense for a moment, but he tried to maintain his expression, "Whether I bought you or not, you will live. Someone will buy you either way," said Aster. "N--no, Young Lord. This servant is an expired ve, if Young Lord hadn''t bought this servant, he would be killed," replied his servant hurriedly. "Killed?" "Yes, this servant will be killed because no one would buy this servant," said his servant, his grip around Aster''s leg tightened, "This servant only wants to live, Young Lord." Aster paused, his gaze finally softened even though he did not say anything. Aster brushed off his servant''s hand from his leg and said: "You will need to attend me after this, and I do not favor a tardy person." "Yes! This servant will attend Young Lord immediately!" his servant smiled again and again, Aster''s heart skipped a bit. Aster walked to the tower in a hurry. He was still unsure about the intention of his servant, but his servant looked really grateful to him. If that was really true, then this servant was genuine to him, to Young lord of Grand Duchy of Stormhill. Aster saw the maid finished preparing his bath and then excused herself, leaving him alone in his room. He hurriedly took off his clothes and jumped to the bathtub, maybe a bath would cool down his heartbeat. His heart actually skipped twice when his servant smiled. ''Maybe because it was rare for a servant to smile at me, most of them showed fear. That must be it.'' ''Anyway, if he was really genuine, that means we can be a friend.'' Aster was joyous. Atst, there was some progress about this servant. He could finally have a friend, apanion that was genuine to him. Unaware, his lips curled up and Aster smiled deeply. **** A woman looked at the scenery, her white dress swept the floor as she sat silently in the balcony. She gazed at the west garden, but her bright eyes looked bored. She sipped her tea, bitter, with a hint of ginger like usual. She nced at her pocket watch, which she opened and put on the table. ''Two minuteste.'' She had woken up earlier to wait for the information, but these watchers were bold enough to have her waiting. She had thought about discarding some of them and recruiting new ones, but it was such a hassle to train a new one. ''Maybe a punishment would fix it.'' A watcher silhouette emerged and a watcher jumped from the roof. He immediately kneeled to her, Grand Duchess of Stormhill, Camille Anna Camellia. "This servant begs Your Majesty''s forgiveness for his tardiness," the watcher said. Though he sounded bold, everyone, even the maids who stood behind the Grand Duchess could hear his voice trembling. "You are fortunate that you came ten seconds earlier before I had a reconsideration about you," said Grand Duchess Camille coldly. "Now, what is your report?" "This servant answering Your Majesty, Young Lord had allowed his servant to attend him again and will lift his punishment after that," the watcher reported. The Grand Duchess disdainful eyes got sharper as her grip on the teacup got tighter. She had predicted it would happen, but it was faster than she had calcted. "I expect you to bring me more information," Grand Duchess said. "This-- This servant is not sure if this is necessary information" the watcher gulped, "Young Lord shed a smile to his servant this morning." CRACK! The watcher and the maids jolted when they heard the sound of the teacup getting smashed into its saucer. Grand Duchess'' eyes became ugly, while it still maintained its beauty, but they knew that the Grand Duchess was displeased. "You may leave now." The watcher excused himself and left the balcony. The maids were increasingly terrified, but they said nothing. They had seen the Grand Duchess being displeased asionally, but they never got used to it. After a long silence, Grand Duchess stared at the cracked teacup and said: "This could be the time for him to mature." Chapter 10: Eulogy of the Prince 4 Chapter 10: Eulogy of the Prince 4 As Young Lord left the garden, I stood still, pondering whether I should continue this. He looked surprised and his re softened each time I smiled. And in every smile, the guilt had nearly ovee my wits. I walked out of the garden and ate with the rest of the serfs like usual. They chatted and smiled, as if this ce was a heaven. "Oi, Ramuja. Autumn banquet ising, we may eat some expensive food!" said Jean, while chewing his bread. "Is that so?" I replied nonchntly. Jean and Dirk saw me looking troubled, they patted my shoulder and asked: "What''s wrong with you man? Did you make Young Lord angry? You got punished?" I shook my head. In fact, because Young Lord did not make my punishment public, I still talked like usual to people around. As long as there was no Young Lord or Grand Duchess in sight. I guessed that also burdened my guilt, I had said to Young Lord that I did not open my mouth for weeks. Young Lord seemed to be petrified by it, but I had no choice but to lie. It was a ludicrous punishment anyway. I knew Young Lord was just trying to humiliate me, unlike Grand Duchess who would straight up cut my neck, Young Lord tried to humiliate me by making me a mute. He would let the rest of the people in this mansion berated me because I couldn''t speak. And then, he would berate me himself, tortured me and asked if I would beg for forgiveness. But if I opened my mouth, he would berate me again, saying that I was not allowed to speak because of my mute punishment. I had a simr experience with my second master. The way Young Lord set up this punishment was readable. My former master would punch and kick me numerous times, and also let his workers urinate on me and kicked me horribly with their boots. Ahahaha! ve! All you need to do is beg, and then everyone will stop! This ve beg forgi-- SHUT IT! I said you are mute, did I? A kicknded on my belly once more until I lost consciousness. This torture happened often until I couldn''t really feel the pain, only the agony of being degraded as trash. I had to fake my pain and pretended to lose consciousness just for him to stop. All that just because he got scammed, thinking that I was a fresh boy, ready for him to enjoy. Turns out I had one former master and had lost my virginity as a sex ve when I was only ten years old. My first master was an old man, although he preyed on Young Boys, at least he gave me proper food and bedding. The shock when I realized that I would be sold after he grew tired of me had almost made me lose my mind. He paid lots of gold to buy a used boy. If I recalled it again, he paid around fifty gold coins for me, only to retrieve half of it when he sold me again. It was indeed a bad trade. I had expected Young Lord and the Duke to torture me, since they got scammed horribly. I was not worth seventy gold coins. I was already a maturing, seventeen years old, and used sex ve. I was probably worth around twenty gold coins at best, and I still thought that it was too much. However, I thought Young Lord had shown me kindness from what I saw around this mansion. The serfs were well fed and they were even happier than regr people. The maids looked clean and the mansion was gorgeous, towering on a hill with colorful flowers surrounding the mansion. It was indeed, too good to be true. Maybe they realized that they had been scammed, so they just wanted to toy with me, a worthless ve, until they were satisfied. The way Young Lord grew furious just because I praised him, and then Grand Duchess who threatened to execute me, until my mute punishment. It was all too coincidental. As if, the grand duchy had set me up to be an amusement for them since the day they bought me. ''But, why did Young Lord not make my punishment public? That just gave me a leeway not to act on his ordance.'' I shook my head once more. He might have his reason, but it was for sure, not a graceful matter. After breakfast, I headed to Young Lord''s room and waited in front of his room. He ordered the maid outside to open the door for him, and then, I could see his beautiful figure looking bright. He used a thin, white tunic with a silver belt encircled on his waist. The tunic tucked inside ck breeches and white stocking to cover his leg. I heard from the maids that Young Lord had an illness that prevented him from staying under the sun and made him unable to stand heat for too long. This thin garment was convenient for him, but for me, it gave me such an ufortable feeling. ''He is indeed too beautiful for his own good.'' Just when I started to float in awe over his appearance, Young Lord''s eye turned from indifferent to re with displeasure when he saw me. I was not sure why he detested me so much. Sometimes, he was kind and almost smiled at me, but other times, his re was almost simr to Grand Duchess that it cut my guts. ''Maybe I need to tter him more, until he forgets any intention of discarding me.'' I braced myself to fight Young Lord''s re and showed an overawed expression, like a woman who saw his beloved, or a priest who saw his god. I did this until his re softened, but still spoke nothing. I acted as if I had snapped out of my fantasy and immediately lowered my head. I kept this for a moment until I finally spoke: "This servant is waiting for Young Lord''s order." "Follow me," said Young Lord. Although he sounded cold as usual, I could see the trace of a smile lingered on his face. I followed him and proceeded to continue my previous duty before I was punished. I waited in the corridor while Young Lord was having breakfast with Grand Duchess. In truth, I expected for Grand Duchess to speak about discarding me once more, and it was true. She started speaking about ves. "My dear son, I recalled that I had asked your opinion about unusable ves that stayed around the Dirlognd. They were originally regr ves who worked as loggers, but there was a strange gue around Dirlog that made them physically weaker. They are now nothing but a waste," Grand Duchess exined. I heard a knife and fork being put down and then she continued, "Your mom is forgetful. I would like to ask you once more, what should we do about them?" Young Lord paused, then he said: "Eliminate the old and feeble ones, they will only burden the food ration. If a ve child already looked weak, also eliminate it. If a woman was unable to do heavybor, eliminate her unless his husband wanted to do both of his and his wife''s work." "Oh! It sounds inhumane, my dearest son," Grand Duchess said with a fake reaction. Rather than surprised, it was simr to a mockery. "They are not human to begin with, I see no injustice in it," replied Young Lord. His tone is firm without burden. I smiled bitterly. ''Oh, Young Lord, I already expected you to say that, but it is still painful.'' Grand Duchess light chuckle filled the air with dread, "Bear in mind, as a good ruler, you shall treat the ves equal. Show no disdain or favoritism on one ve unnecessarily." "That is natural," said Young Lord. "Good, I expect my dear son to perform well." I gritted my teeth. I knew his answer would be simr to that, but I still couldn''t bury my first impression of Young Lord. His kind smile and bright eyes that enchanted me, his soft tone when he first spoke to me, it felt too unreal. ''It is unreal, look at him, another despicable lord who doesn''t even see you as human. Wake up, Ramuja!'' I pped my cheek to cover up this tangled up feeling. This was not the time to soften. Young Lord was just as despicable, it was just not the time for him to discard me, yet. As long as he was not as straightforward as Grand Duchess, I could court his favor until he had forgotten his initial intention of gutting me. As I pondered about it, Young Lord had finished his breakfast and I followed him to his ssroom as usual. I stood outside the ssroom until Young Lord finished his ss. We went to his room and we kept this silence for hours while he was reading a book on the balcony until he noticed something. "You,e here," Young Lord finally called me. I drew near him and said: "Does Young Lord have any order to this servant?" "Why have you been wearing the same clothes since yesterday?" he asked. I was stupefied that he noticed such a trivial thing from a ve. But then, I realized that he might try to find any w to punish me again. "This servant is stupid, he forgot to change clothes." Young Lord chuckled, his tone, his expression was simr to Grand Duchess, "How nasty, I will not allow you to attend me if you keep forgetting such matters. Don''t you remember? I hate filth." I wanted to punch him in the face for that insult. But I was just a ve, the bottom of the barrel. I had no option but to obey, "Pardon this servant''s stupidity, Young Lord. This servant will withdraw and change his clothes." "Good. You will attend me again tomorrow. You''re dismissed." "Yes, this servant will leave now." As I left the Young Lord''s room, I could see the trace of smile on his face. But I felt nothing but mockery inside my heart. ''Are you smiling because you had another idea to toy with me? Young Lord, you really are despicable.'' ''I thought you would help me out of this hell. Turns out, you''re just another one in this fiery pit.'' Chapter 11: Teatime With Grand Duchess Chapter 11: Teatime With Grand Duchess The summer had ended and the chill of autumn came instantly, sending shivers down to the skin. The temperature dropped easily on this hill, which was Aster''s favorite time of the year. The leaves around the garden started showing yellow-greyish color and some of them started falling. Some flowers wilted. Fortunately, the duchy had nted a few flowers in pots and ced it inside the mansion. Thus, Aster could still enjoy some of his favorite flowers even during autumn and winter. It was around nine o''clock in the morning, Aster strolled around the garden as he waited for his mother to rest. She had to attend a tea party held by the Duchess of Silvore the night before. Since Grand Duchess was an honorable guest, she had the obligation toe. Or else, the Empress would scorn her by missing out on this tea party and she would refer to the Grand Duchess as an arrogant woman. ''I wonder, why does Aunty have enmity to my mother?'' Aster vaguely remembered Aunt Beatrice. She was Empress of the Golden Camellia Empire and Princess of Lasnd, a kingdom under the empire. She had long auburn hair, slightly droopy eyes, short dainty nose and round face. She was the same age as his mother, 38 years old. But she had applied thick powder around her face and neck to cover her wrinkles while mother almost never applied any of those powders or make up. Aster pondered about the empress, mother was obviously significantly superior in terms of appearance, but was that enough reason to create enmity between them? Since Charles and Rosalie were on good terms with him. The Empress had always treated him lukewarm, but she was vicious to mother, always trying to ruin her reputation whenever she had the chance. She never seeded though. ''Well, at least she never directly hurt us.'' "Young Lord" Aster heard a voice from behind. It was his servant who lowered his head. He averted his eyes whenever their eyes met. Aster still hadn''t understood this servant''s behavior, but he looked adorable sometimes, especially when he was caught daydreaming or when he was caught red-handed staring at Aster. ''Wait, adorable? No!'' Aster coughed, he felt ridiculous for having such silly thoughts. "Young Lord, are you cold?" his servant asked. He seemed concerned, "Shall this servant bring you a wool coat?" "No need," Aster replied while fixing his posture, "Hadn''t I told you to wait in front of my room? What brings you here?" he asked. "This servant needs to deliver a message from Grand Duchess'' maid to Young Lord. Grand Duchess wanted to see you, she waits for you in her room." Aster nodded. He stared at his servant and said: "You, follow me." His servant jolted, but said nothing. Aster realized that his servant looked ufortable, probably because he was intimidated by his mother, "Grand Duchess will not do anything to you, just follow me," said Aster. "Yes, Young Lord." Aster headed to Grand Duchess'' room in the back east tower. The maids in front of the room curtseyed to him and opened the door. Aster saw his mother sitting quietly, watching the leaves fall to the ground from the balcony. She let her long-wavy hair loose, and her slim figure looked soft with a simple purple dress. Aster sighed, his mother was indeed beautiful, but as a man, it was regretful that he took his mother''s gene way too much. "Mothe-- Mom, I''m here," Aster said. He drew near the balcony and sat on the chair opposite to her mother. Grand Duchess smiled at her son, but her smile vanished, reced with a condescending gaze when she saw her son bringing that ve. She sipped her tea, then said: "This rxing moment would be true without any interference, don''t you think so, dear son?" Aster stared at his mother meaningfully, he seemed to get the intention of his mother, but somehow, he felt displeased and decided to quibble around. "Indeed. But I need an attendant in case I need something," Aster smiled, "Mom, you have your attendants behind you, wouldn''t it be fair if I have one too?" "That is reasonable, dear son," Grand Duchess replied, "We need to make it fair, I will let my servants out, but you shall follow me. Let''s make it private." Aster sighed. Once again, his mother made her unable to reject her request. He still needed to learn more. Aster looked at his servant and said: "You, wait for me outside." "Yes, Young Lord." After there was no one but Grand Duchess and Aster inside the room, Grand Duchess finally showed her smile. It was not a pretended smile, which she showed regrly, but a full-bloomed smile with a slight tint of blush on her cheeks. "Dear son, finally we can have tea time together. I''m sorry, I was busy during summer," Grand Duchess said. She giggled, and the golden ring around her pupil started to dte. Aster curled his lips up, "Of course mom, I missed talking with you." "How is your study? Any difficulty? If Old Douss dared to bully you, I can pull his brain out and rece him immediately," mother asked and giggled again. "No, it''s been going well," Aster replied, he sipped his tea and stared at the Southeast garden under the balcony. "Everything is well, mom." "If everything is well, then I suppose I can rest," Grand Duchess said. They went silent until Aster spoke, "How about dad? Is he busier than usual? It''s been a while since thest time we had dinner together." Grand Duchess sighed, she stared at her cup, and said: "He is still a businessman in his heart. Recently, he is into a new gemstone business. I am happy that we are prosperous, but the grand duchy responsibility naturally fell to me because he was always unavable." Aster saw his mother looked hurt, her finger circling around the teacup. Aster held his mother''s hand and smiled, "Don''t worry mom, I will help you when I became a Grand Duke." Grand Duchess took a deep breath and patted her son''s hair, "I know that, dear son. But to be a ruler, you cannot be softhearted. You are still very forgiving, especially to the lower ss." Aster''s brows wrinkled. He never thought that he was forgiving, he just followed what he felt necessary to deal with peasants and serfs. He remembered when he needed to bestow punishment to ves who got caught stealing few harvested crops for their family. Aster gave them tenshes that were excruciating, but not enough to kill them. And it was just one, he still had many records of treating lower ss people with proper justice. "I do not remember treating the peasants and ves amiably, mother. I just do what is necessary." Grand Duchess stopped patting Aster''s head. The golden circle around her pupil shrank and her affection vanished. "You''re still treating your ve with too much kindness, he will bite youter," Grand Duchess said. Aster finally understood that his mother was talking about his servant. Again, he felt displeased. He had already forgotten the status of his servant as a ve. As the matter of fact, he had considered lifting his servant''s status from ve to regr servant. His servant would be pleased and might be devoted to him because of his kindness. "I had considered erasing his ve status and made him a regr servant, mother." Grand Duchess gazed at his son, not with a condescending gaze, but there was obvious anger inside her eyes. She took a deep breath and drank her tea. "I will not allow such move until you give me a logical reason," Grand Duchess said, she leered at the door separating the servants with them, "And I will not ept emotional reason." Aster went silent after his mother sealed his reason. Because he knew well that it was bonded with his emotion. "Dear son, you shall realize that, even though a ve is subhuman, they still have emotion, they might lie, beguile, or covet your belonging. You ought to stay vignt. I''m worried that you will get hurt, my dear son." " Yes, mom. Understood." Aster became unfocused about this teatime with his mother. His mind pondered again and again about what his mother just said. ''He is just a ve. There is no point in beguiling me. Isn''t it?" ''But mother said, they still have emotion. Did I ever hurt him? I think I never treated him badly, I never hurt him at all.'' ''Then, I see no reason for him trying to hurt me. But'' Aster didn''t listen to his mother talking about anything. He nodded whenever his mother spoke, but ignored all her words. Grand Duchess finally finished her teatime and let Aster leave her room. Aster thanked his mother and when the maids opened the door, Aster saw his servant quietly waiting for him in front of the door. His gaze grewplicated, as he was unsure about his servant''s intention. Thus, he left without saying a word. **** Grand Duchess Camellia looked satisfied, she drank thest of her tea and gazed at the scenery below the balcony. The autumn had started, and her n progressed. "My dear son, it is only the beginning, I still have a lot to show you." Chapter 12: The Crown Prince Chapter 12: The Crown Prince Aster grew wary around his servant after that teatime with his mother. He didn''t distrust his servant, but there was a needle in his heart that pricked his trust. Until he understood what was inside his servant''s mind, he needed to be vignt. ''Well, I have to stay vignt, but it does pain me.'' Aster couldn''t bring himself to discard this servant. He might not be the cleanest, strongest, or smartest, but he was not repugnant. In fact, he had quite a handsome face. ''Aster! What the hell!'' Aster shook his head once more, he must be tired with the administration he had to do for the autumn banquet that his mind started having funny thoughts. Since Grand Duchy of Stormhill led around four major houses under its wing, his mother, Grand Duchess Camille, was busy during autumn and winter to prepare for servants, peasants and ves amodation during winter so they could survive harsh winter. Thus, the task of administering the banquet naturally fell to him. The Duke? He stayed in the Dionde City, where the real grand duchy pce existed. As the grand duchess and Aster preferred to stay in this ce because of the temperature in Dionde City worsened his illness. The grand duchy pce was mostly idle, only used whenever needed. His dad had a lot of business in the city, and busy with it. Aster knew he was busy with his logging business that thrived during winter. Many houses needed logs to warm themselves. Many peasants in the city would prefer to buy logs directly delivered to their house conveniently. This was one of the reasons how dad was able to rack up wealth for Grand Duchy. ''Still, it would be nice if he does his duty.'' Aster had to list the guests and check the honorable guests, hire cooks and servants just for this banquet, re-station the grand duchy guards, administer the budget and so on. ''No wonder I have funny thoughts for my servant, I must be tired.'' Aster checked the desk clock, it was 10 o''clock in the morning. As stated within the royal letter, the Crown Prince, Charles Audric Camellia would arrive soon and have a visit to grand duchy. Well, it was supposed to be a royal visit, but all he did was just pestering Aster around. The Grand Duchy of Stormhill and the royal family of the Golden Camellia Empire were closely knitted. Mother was the only daughter of thete emperor. Thete emperor, Emperor Audric III, had two children, the current Emperor Audric IV and Grand Duchess Camille. Aster''s grandfather, thete emperor, favored mother very much. Thus, in order to protect her when he left this world, grandpa had set few things for mother. First, she would be married to a duchy that held no significant military power but able to survive with economic advantage. Thus, mother would suffice but unthreatened by the possibility of military dispute with the empire. Second, he gave the title grand duchy to the duchy married to Golden Princess Camille. Thus, giving her autonomous freedom. Thus, mother was married to dad, Young Duke of Stormhill. Duchy of Stormhill survived because of ntation around its area, and trade, as it upied the middle area of the Golden Camellia Empire. It was with the consents of both mother and dad of course. That was the long story of how Aster''s parents tied the knot as retold by his mother every year. Although Mother said that his dad was the one who relentlessly chased her, Aster was relieved that their rtionship seemed mutual. ''Too bad, dad was in love with his business more than this duchy.'' Aster sat on the windowsill, he waited for that simple blue carriage owned by his cousin toe. He waited for an hour until he saw the carriage entering the courtyard. Aster saw it was only Charles, without aunty or another minister, he walked outzily. Aster saw his cousin already roamed around the hall as if this was the royal pce as usual. Aster drew near and called him out, "It seems like you already know the way around the mansion." Charles turned around and smiled, white teeth, sharp nose, slightly bronzed skin because he did many campaigns to the south and straight, shoulder length brown hair which he tied with a small blue ribbon on the tail. In some way, he was a simr Emperor uncle. He had the trademark of the Golden Camellia family, the blue eye with golden circle around its pupil, which seemed to dte now. His sharp features reminded Aster how troublesome it is to stand beside him in the crowd, because he stood out too much. Charles hugged Aster and kissed his cheek. Aster immediately pushed him away, "Ugh, Charles, enough with your joke!" Charles brushed Aster''s wavy hair and said: "What joke? I missed you. We haven''t met for three months." "It was only three months! I haven''t even met Rosalie for half a year and she never kissed me like this, nasty!" Charles giggled, "Oh, that is because she has her own love, unlike I, whose lover got mad when I kissed him," he said. "Ugh, sickening. If Helene heard this, she would be heartbroken," Aster said, mentioning Charles'' newly engaged fianc. Charles'' smile dimmed and said, "Woe not, she was only a test from father emperor." Aster rolled his eyes, this cousin of his could be weird sometimes. What test? It was a formal engagement with a banquet and such in the royal pce three months ago. "Aww, don''t be jealous, my dear. I brought a snack for us to enjoy, it was a recipe from the south," Charles grabbed Aster''s wrist and walked to the pavilion in the east garden. Aster sighed, this cousin visited this mansion often until he really knew his way around the mansion. Aster ordered the maid to prepare for tea and picked one flower from the pot for his cousin. Aster and Charles sat in the pavilion, the sound of cutlery carts entered the pavilion. Aster frowned, why was his servant the one who delivered the tea? He tasked the butler or maid, not his own servant. Since he knew his servant was not feeling well and ordered him to recuperate. "This servant brought the tea as ordered by Young Lord," he said. When he saw the crown prince of Golden Camellia, he immediately kneeled, "T--This servant saluted His Highness Crown Prince, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest-- thest--" unable to recite his salutation, he started trembling. " until thest eternal petal falls." Aster followed. He frowned deeper, he knew Charles was not cruel, but he hated the one who was not patriotic to the empire. As he was a young general who did many campaigns for this country. Aster did not want to see his servant punished because of that. "Who are you? A subhuman dared to insult the Golden Camellia," Charles'' amiable smile, which lingered in his face since he met Aster, disappeared. "Charles, he is just a stupid ve. His brain is backward, that''s why he even forgot the salutation. Just ignore him," Aster held Charles'' hand until his gaze softened. He nced at his servant and said, "Leave before I punish you for such insolence." "Y--Yes, Young Lord," his servant scrambled out of the pavilion. "You''re too kind, Aster," Charles said. "He is not worth your time, I''d rather hear about your campaign." Charles smiled, "It was a sessful campaign, we''ve conquered a small kingdom in the south. We''ve got plenty of ves working there, Golden Camellia will expand in three years or so." "About that, I had proposed the n of ntation for the newly acquirednd to the empire, as I heard the southnd is good for tobo, coffee and generally safer as it does not have harsh winter," Aster mentioned his proposal a few months ago. "Yes, it is a good proposal, as expected from you," Charles pinched his cheek and said: "You''ll be a good empress and a good wife to me." "Your Highness Crown Prince, Charles Audric Camellia, please stop with such nastyments, it''s not a funny joke anymore," Aster sneered. This childhood joke was cute when they were just a kid, but now that he was fifteen and Charles was neen, it felt weird. They were cousins and he was a man anyway. Charles'' smile disappeared, turned into a terrible expression that held terrible anger in it, and in a sh of seconds, he brushed Aster''s lips. Aster was taken aback, but before he could say anything, Charles took the white flower on the tray and put its bottom to his mouth. He held Aster''s head and kissed his lips with the flower between their lips. Charles pressed his lips more, but Aster started struggling. Charles finally let go of him after a long kiss. "Thank you for the flower kiss, my dear Aster," Charles'' terrible expression disappeared in an instant. The golden circle around his pupil dted until his pupil was almost bright gold color. He had a full-bloomed smile on his face, as if a flower kiss had made his day. "You should''ve warned me! And why would you press your lips!" Aster frowned. He did not feel disgusted by it. Because they had done it numerous times since they were a kid. "Haha, it was simply because I kept you in my mind during my campaign. I missed you, naturally," Charles chuckled. Flower kiss, usually with white gardenia was a tradition in the Golden Camellia Empire. By putting a white flower between the lips of the people, it symbolizes purity. It could either be used as affection for very close bonds between friends or family, or for lovers. Not for parents though, as parents usually kissed their children''s head. Charles insisted doing it every time he visited, as the sign of close bond between them. Aster had toply, because Charles would be angry whenever he rejected it. Well, they had a close familial bond though, Charles was Aster''s closest cousin. His joke could be a bit too much, though. They chatted until it was almost three p.m. and Charles had to leave. Aster escorted his cousin to the courtyard. "I hope you could visit me in the royal pce. Perhaps, I should propose to your marriage, so we can live together." "Wait until I meet Helena, and I dare you joke like that once more!" Charles chuckled, he took Aster''s right hand and kissed it. "I will visit again, my dear," he said. Aster wiped the hand that was kissed by Charles'' lips. This cousin of his was just so bold, sometimes Aster questioned the line between his joke and seriousness. After the carriage left the courtyard, Aster''s smile dimmed and he went back to his room, he had to scold that servant. *** Charles sat on his carriage. The carriage had left the courtyard, but stopped after that, the secret guard had information for him. After a while, the secret guard went back to his side, "Reporting to Your Highness." "Go on," Charles replied. None of his smile, giggle, soft tone that he showed in front of Aster lingered, only a firm and cold crown prince. "There was a ve who hid in the garden, he seems to eavesdrop on Your Highness and His Highness Young Grand Duke," the guard reported. "Was he the same ve who served the tray?" "Yes, Your Highness." "Teach him a lesson, but don''t dispose him." " Yes, Your Highness, this guard excused himself." The secret guard quickly vanished. Charles'' eyes grew terrible as he remembered how fondly Aster defended this ve. ''Had he kissed that ve already?'' ''No, perhaps, they did THAT already.'' ''Did Aster offer the gardenia kiss to that ve? Why would he defend that thing.'' shes of thoughts created inside his head and Charles kicked the metal door in his cart until it was bent. He took a deep breath, he was impatient, always impatient. Everyday felt like a torture, especially after he was engaged. But he didn''t want to scare his darling. Aster was a very private person. ''There are plenty of time, and plenty of ways for that.'' ''Aster, you''re the apple of my eye, and I will be the apple in your eye. There is no other way.'' Chapter 13: Eulogy of the Prince 5 Chapter 13: Eulogy of the Prince 5 The Crown Prince''s carriage had left the courtyard as I followed them stealthily. I saw Young Lord be rxed, smiled, hold hands, and even kissed with a gardenia between their lips. It was the first time I saw such kiss, and unaware, I gritted my teeth. The stuffy feeling inside my chest suffocated me once more. It was the same feeling when I had heard that Young Lord would punish me, possibly kill me. Maybe, it was disappointment, as I had expected too much from Young Lord. I expected him to be my savior. I only saw his genuine smile directed towards me, this lowly ve, once. And that was when I met him in this garden for the first time. That scene lingered in my head, refusing to leave. As my brain vehemently stamped that smile inside the deepest part of my consciousness, my dream had been filled with that again and again. His illusion of kindness appeared each time I had to court the favor of Young Lord. I had to lie, just like my illness today. I was just not feeling well, but I made it look like I''m in terrible pain. I volunteered to deliver the tea for Young Lord even if I wobbled a bit. It was all for him to see me as a faithful servant. But all I saw was Young Lord with his beauty, smiled and enchanted the Crown Prince. But, when Young Lord saw me, his gaze became ugly, as if he didn''t want me to disturb their time together. The burning sensation inside my chest had red, I tightened my grip on the tray, but said nothing. Maybe I was being stupid, but I intentionally offended the Crown Prince by not greeting him the very first time I entered the pavilion. "This servant brought the tea as ordered by Young Lord," I said to Young Lord. I leered at the Crown Prince, when he saw my eyes, his courteous smile also disappeared. We had this moment in few seconds until he nced at Young Lord and held his hand. They were supposed to be cousins, right? How did this Crown Prince get infatuated to his own cousin? It was nasty. But when I saw Young Lord respond by slowly slipping his palm out of Crown Prince''s caress, I felt slightly better. "T--This servant saluted His Highness Crown Prince, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest-- thest--" ''Until thest eternal petal falls.'' Yes, I knew the salutation perfectly. When my first master bought me, he taught me how to salute the emperor and current crown prince, who were just two years older than me. I didn''t know what had possessed me to have the idea of insulting the Crown Prince of Golden Camellia, the sessor who would rule this huge countryter. But I cut his salutation, nced at him and sneered. I understood the risk of offending the royal, I was just a lowly ve, but at that time, I was strangely bold and stupid at the same time. Besides, Young Lord would save me, right? ''Would he?'' I started panicking and my body trembled. What did I just do? I would really die because of stupid reason. There was no reason for Young Lord to help me. " until thest eternal petal falls." I heard Young Lord recited thest line of the salutation to help me. My body still trembled, but it was not out of fear, strangely, I was joyous. ''Did he really care for me? There is no reason for him to help me if he doesn''t care about a ve, right?'' But when I saw Young Lord tried to appease the anger of this Crown Prince by holding his hand and demeaned me as stupid, this joy dissipate once more. I realized that I, as a ve owned by the Grand Duchy, dared to offend the Crown Prince. Young Lord just wanted to reduce the possibility of Crown Prince went against Grand Duchy. ''No, he didn''t try to appease Crown Prince''s anger to save me, it was to save the duchy, just like my previous masters.'' I snorted in my heart, even something as mighty as grand duchy still had someone to fear against. The Crown Prince and Young Lord went for a few hours of chatting, I hid in the garden and eavesdropped their pep talks and nasty romance, it hurt more than I imagined. The suffocating inside my chest kept getting heavier, but I couldn''t stop doing this. And then, I saw that scene, the Crown Prince put a gardenia flower on his mouth and kissed Young Lord, with only thinyers of petals separating their lips. I was speechless, and fire built up inside my chest. It was painful and excruciating. The passionate and forceful kiss that made Crown Prince''s pupil shone, the ck in the middle turned bright golden and he became even more forceful. I witnessed everything. After they finished and left, I was still in my position, stunned. Not long after, a butler came to the Garden, called my name. As I met him, he said: "Young Lord ordered you toe to his room immediately." "Yes sir, I will go now." However, before I left the garden, suddenly there were two people shrouded in ck garments from head to toe grabbed my neck and mmed me to the ground. I groaned, but before I understood what was happening, I got kicked all over my body. I''m used to this kind of pain way before I entered this ce, I just covered myself and waited until they finished. In the end, they spat and stomped my face until I could feel my face burning, their boots probably scraped my skin. "His Highness, Crown Prince warned you to never eavesdrop on his conversation with His Highness Young Grand Duke, he would dispose you if you dared offend him once more." I kept my silence, after those two disappeared, I saw the butler who called me before standing nonchntly, watching me getting beaten. I gritted my teeth, these people here were just the same as the other, cold-blooded monsters. Naturally, I had to ask for permission to clean my wound before facing Young Lord, but I decided to go straight to Young Lord''s room. The maid who guarded Young Lord''s door looked at me with contempt, but before he shooed me, I shouted, "Young Lord, this servant is present ording to your call!" The maid was taken aback, the soft voice inside the room said: "Come in, you, guard maid, leave now." " Yes, Young Lord." I sneered in satisfaction while the maid red at me. I entered the room, faked my trembling and coughed as if I was in deep pain. "This-- this servant heed to Young Lord''s call," I said softly and coughed once more. Young Lord was stunned when he saw my current condition, his hand trembled, and he tried to create some words out of his mouth but was left speechless. As I expected, rushing to Young Lord''s room was the right choice. Taking the chance, with a hoarse voice I confirmed: This--This servant is fine Young Lord. Young Lord''s call is naturally more important than anything else." "You-- What happened to you?" he asked, his voice was shaking. I went silent and my sweat broke, I tried to find the best way to utter it, " This--This servant got punished by High Highness, Crown Prince''s guard because this servant witnessed" I gulped and murmured, "This servant saw Crown Prince kissing Young Lord" Young Lord went silent, the atmosphere became chilly and I trembled even more. Some of the wounds started bleeding as I trembled. I saw Young Lord''s eyes. ''He looked sad? Why?'' ''Is he starting to feel pity for me? Or pitied the fact that a ve saw the scandal of Young Grand Duke and Crown prince?'' "I will talk to Crown Princeter," Young Lord said. I shook my head, "N--No! Young Lord, this servant begs Young Lord to reconsider it. It was this servant who was impudent, dared to guard the pavilion." "Why would you guard the pavilion? I ordered you to leave," he asked. "Young Lord, isn''t it natural for me to stay around the pavilion? Young Lord bought me as a personal ve, this servant this ve will always stay behind Young Lord. In case Young Lord needs anything, this servant is always ready." Young Lord was again, left speechless. It was a perfect alibi after all. "But Young Lord was chatting happily with Crown Prince, this servant is afraid of offending Crown Prince, so this servant just hid around the garden," I added. Young Lord stayed silent, his eyes checked me, my wound. His gaze was deep, as if it was inspecting the inside of my mind. I lowered my head. "You may leave now, bring this brass pin to the mansion doctor, it is one of the signs of my status. You will get treated by that doctor," Young Lord said, he took something inside the wooden box, a brass shaped like a stringless harp with the code ''A'' covering the middle of it. I nodded. "This servant will leave now." "Before that, I will ask you a question," he stopped me, "What do you think about that kiss, me with Crown Prince? It was a gardenia kiss to prove our close bond." ''What close bond? Is he your lover? You kissed your cousin, disgusting.'' I wanted to say that, but I thought for a while and replied, "This servant is happy, Young Lord." "Happy?" Young Lord raised his eyebrows. "Because Young Lord looked happy. Young Lord smiled,ughed, and looked rxed. Seeing Young Lord happy, this servant is naturally also happy," I smiled at him. I thought he would frown, but he did not. Even more, he shed a smile. It was the same wonderful smile I saw in the garden the first time I met him. The smile that haunted my dream every day. Chapter 14: Autumn Banquet I Chapter 14: Autumn Banquet I Aster skimmed through the invitation list, there were few honorable guests that would join the banquet and he had to make sure they would get the best seat, and some tedious seating partner preference. The Grand Duchy did not kneel to anyone except the royal family, but an honorable guest would give a better chance of future cooperation or business, which might be profitable. ''Crown Prince Charles and Golden Princess Rosalie, eh, they are my cousins anyway, they are easy to handle.'' ''Lady Berzhenia, The Duchess of Silvor. She is my mother''s colleague, she will be fine beside her.'' ''Young Marquis of Viete, that narcissist would love the attention, especially from Rosalie. I''d give him the seat besides Rosalie.'' ''Helene, Princess of North Fort, Charles'' fianc,'' naturally, it was best to seat her besides Charles as his fianc, but Charles insisted to seat beside him. Probably, because it had always been like that since they were kids. ''He is an engaged, adult crown prince anyway. Why would he favor sitting besides me after he is engaged.'' Engaged couples would prefer to be separated, together with their loved ones. Aster decided to seat these lovebirds on the furthest table with garden view. Charles should be grateful because he had to give the best seat to him. ''Humph, let''s see if you can joke like usual in front of Helene. I bet you''d be a henpecked husband,'' Aster snorted. It was quite well known that Helene was actually a female knight. Unlike a regr princess, she was fierce, strong, tanned skin, and had followed many campaigns as Charles'' subordinate. ''No wonder they became a pair of lovers.'' Aster smiled, when he attended that engagement party almost four months ago, he saw what a happy pair of lovebirds standing in front of the crowds, pledging their love with rings in their fingers. He felt envious at that time. He wondered about the possibility of love. The fuzzy feeling that would wrap your mind with nothing but amour. The kind of ecstasy-filled desire that blurred all logic. He had never been interested with anyone up to that point. Aster recalled people he met anddies his mother had introduced. They were all displeasing to his eye. They all have the same, foxlike aura that made Aster grow wary. Unlike that one serva-- "Young Lord," Aster nced to his right, his servant was bowing to him, "This servant brought a message from the head maid, Young Lord''s autumn garment has been delivered." Aster stared at his servant and found that he was quite handsome, chiseled nose, deep dark eyes, bronze skin, and his clean features. He remembered when he saw this servant for the first time, he was thin and frail, stinky, and was just unbearable to the eyes. For this improvement, Aster praised his kindness. "Young Lord?" his servant called him twice. "Yes, you may go now." "This servant excused himself.'' When his servant started withdrawing, Aster had realized something and asked his servant, "What is your name?" His servant was surprised, but quickly answered, "Young Lord had graced this servant ''Ramuja'' as this servant''s name. Which is also this servant''s original name." "You can go now," Aster said nonchntly. After his servant left, he took the banquet''s arrangement book and put a name under his name. ''Ramuja huh,'' Aster wrote his servant name under the column of the attendant. This was the first time he wrote this column. Usually, it was a random servant who became his attendant, as they were all the same in his eyes. Low, displeasing to the eyes, and sometimes dirty. But for this one, he would make an exception. This servant, no, Ramuja, was his current favorite servant. He was a simple person, followed the order as intended and never tried to covet him. His only wish was to stay alive, serving Aster until he died. Such servant, was he the lucky one? To obtain such precious loyal servant who would follow him without any question. Aster shook his head, since his servant said that he would be happy as long as his Lord was happy, Aster kept thinking of how lucky he was to be adored by someone pure. His doubts cleared. There was no way this servant would hurt him. ''Surely, I am lucky.'' *** Aster stood in the hall with Ramuja behind him. He wore a dark yellow doublet, and white tunic underneath. The doublet was embodied with silver braids that sparkled under the light of the chandelier. The braid was supposedly made from threads that were soaked in real silver coating, which made the braid shine under the light. The braid continued to his tight fitted breeches. His polished leather shoes had a golden pin shaped like a golden flower, symbolizing his high status. Ramuja wore a regr brown tunic, but if one inspected carefully, they would realize the quality of the tunic. It was silk, which was very expensive. Aster greeted the guests who had just entered the hall. Colorful dresses, mix of perfumes and chuckle andughter filled the air. "Sylia Ausphere, Countess of Marshwood greeted Young Lord of Grand Duchy," said a girl a year older than him. Her house was the vassal of Grand Duchy of Stormhill. It was natural for him to be greeted respectfully. Aster smiled but said nothing. The Countess had expected so, but still stunned when she saw his smile. Somehow, she felt that the Young Lord was in a good mood today. The Marquis of Viete came with his bright red doublet that looked tacky to Aster, but somehow, thedies favored him. "This one weed Crown Prince Charles and Golden Princess Rosalie to the Grand Duchy, May Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." Aster greeted his cousins who came a bit early. Charles chuckled, took his hand and kissed it. Aster retracted his hand immediately. Rosalie snorted, "Aster, you should stop seducing him already. He is engaged now." "Who seduced him anyway, it was your brother who was too bold!" Aster fought back. Charles just giggled. While the atmosphere was bright, Aster silently pondered about why Charles did not stay inside the same carriage with Helene. Instead, Helene came half an hourter, alone. "Helene, Princess North Forth greeted Young Lord," Helene drew near him and bowed. Aster smiled, he wanted to ask her about the rtionship with Charles, but it seemed to be a bad time to ask so. After all the guests had arrived, everyone seated in the arranged table. There were many colorful expressions, but most of them were delighted, except Crown Prince and Helene, while Helene looked nonchnt, Charles'' expression was dark and he looked mad. ''Was he not happy with my arrangement? I gave him the best seat already.'' Aster sighed, he would talk to his troublesome cousinter. The Grand Duchy of Stormhill started their opening speech, but, rather than his dad, the Grand Duke who spoke, it was his mother Grand Duchess. The aristocrats generally looked up to the Grand Duchess rather than the Grand Duke, as time passed by, they saw the Grand Duchess was in control of the grand duchy, while her husband was engrossed into his business. Aster was bored, after this speech, everyone would speak to each other while enjoying the feast. He had no one to talk to. Unless, he decided to converse about random things to Ramuja, his servant. ''I would love to, but mother would be displeased for sure.'' Not wanting to join any useless conversation, Aster left the banquet to the garden with Ramuja. He strolled around the garden, the cold of autumn was his favorite. Rather than heat, he preferred cold, even harsh winter was still better than summer. He saw his servant shivered, his shirt was just a tunic without any warmer, but he insisted to follow him to the garden. "You can go back to the banquet." Ramuja''s teeth chattered, but he replied, "This servant will apany Young Lord." Aster sighed. He expected that answer anyway. This servant of his could be headstrong sometimes. He tried to ignore his servant, but it felt like his servant''s cold shiver seeped to his heart. He felt ufortable leaving his servant like that. "You''re bothering me," Astermented. "This servant begs for Young lord''s forgiveness, this servant is unable to control his body." Aster rolled his eyes, this servant still doesn''t understand that he asked him to go back. Ramuja would be sick if he stayed in this garden without warmth. Aster unbuttoned his doublet and took it off. "Y--Young Lord, what does Young Lord want to do?!" His servant was flustered. His eyes saw Aster''s exposed corbone and immediately lowered his head. "Hmm? I took it off for--" "Aster!" Aster''s attention shifted to the sudden, grim voice who called his name. He saw Charles red and walking his way. His Whole fixture looked menacing. Aster gulped. Strange feeling of fear invaded his body, he had premonition that something ugly would happen soon. Chapter 15: Autumn Banquet II Chapter 15: Autumn Banquet II The banquet was crowded,ughter, chatter, gossip, politics all surrounded the atmosphere. But there were two key figures missing from the scene, the Young Lord of Grand Duchy of Stormhill and Crown Prince. The Young Lord had disappeared as usual, he hated the crowd and hated the atmosphere. While he was not hostile to anyone, he did not try to blend. He had beautiful features, thus, there would be few noblewomen, especially young ones, trying to tter him. But they were all dismissed. The handsome Crown Prince was usually seen around the crowd or around his cousin, the Young Lord of Stormhill. He would blend perfectly with people, due to his extensive knowledge about many topics. However, since he was engaged, his usual charming upbringing almost disappeared, he looked more serious and rigid than before. Few said that he had matured, but few said that he always looked borderline angry. There were plenty of stares focusing on a pair of lovebirds sitting silently on their table. While he noticed it, Charles ignored them. He had gone silent since the start of the banquet. He frowned when he had to sit alone with his fianc at the farthest table with a garden view. It was romantic, but what he had in mind was sitting besides his apple, Aster. He loved watching Aster frown because there were plenty ofdies trying to catch his attention. He loved seeing Aster dismissed them. He loved it when Astermented how nasty these women were. He loved it because it gave him self-satisfaction. But this was the first time Aster separated their table, dozens of thoughts jumbled inside his mind about the possibility. ''Is he mad because I am engaged?'' ''No, he won''t feel jealous just because I am engaged.'' ''We--We talked about this already. I need time to dispose this thing.'' ''Did he found someone else? He might be disappointed with me.'' ''He-- No-- Did he find somebody else tofort him? Did I miss it?'' ''Is this all because I failed to cancel the engagement?'' Charles stared at Helene, his fianc. His gaze grew dark and really ugly. He frowned even more. Everything was because this woman decided to ept the engagement in exchange of wealth. He couldn''t annul the engagement because he was stationed in a campaign. His father was deliberately setting him up to a trap. ''That nasty old man!'' "Crown Prince, you are too obvious," Helene reminded him. She looked cold, both of them were not in their mood for a fake harmony. "Hmph, I am deliberate because you give me trouble," Crown Prince said, his gaze grew uglier, "Because of your greed, I--My beloved had left me No, no, he does not. There must be some mistake here," Crown Prince started muttering again about all the possibilities inside his head. Helene sighed. As his subordinate, she knew the habit of this prince. He became a bit irrational when his mind was about this Young Lord. She respected the prince as a greatmander, but was never in love with this love struck prince. It was obvious that he only had his cousin, Young Lord of Stormhill in his eye. "It was my family who epted the gold. I was in the same campaign with you, remember?" "Then, I shall dispose you and your family for destroying my rtionship," Charles murmured. Helene heard this, but she only shook her head. North Fort kingdom was the main defender against the northern tribe, and it would be a disaster to discard them. They would not be disposed easily by the not-yet-emperor in front of her. "Maybe you should chase that Young Lord, he might be caught by some female beast here." Charles'' ugly eyes disappeared instantly, and the trace of worry gradually emanated from his brow. He began scanning the room to find Aster, but he actually disappeared. "I will cover for you, go and find him," Helene said. Charles nodded and started finding his way around the banquet. He searched everywhere but Aster actually disappeared from this banquet. ''Did he go with his new lover? Unforgivable!'' Charles stayed in his position until someone tapped his shoulder. He turned back and saw his aunt, Grand Duchess of Stormhill standing quietly. She wore a feather white dress with her golden hair embroidered with goose feathers as ornament. Charles was fond of his aunt because she looked simr to Aster. Charles calmed down and greeted her, "Crown prince greeted Aunt Duchess." "Likewise," Grand Duchess replied, before Charles could leave her, she hastily said, "Were you looking for Aster?" "Yes, Aunt Duchess. He is not in this banquet." "I see," Grand Duchess smiled, she nced at the east garden, "You might find him in his favorite garden. The one where he likes to spend time alone," Grand Duchess said, before covering her mouth with a feather fan. Charles nodded, he excused himself and went to the east garden. The autumn was cold, but when he entered the garden and saw two silhouettes standing side by side, his body temperature red up. He rushed to the two silhouettes. He saw Aster unbuttoned his doublet. His corbone was exposed under the garden candlemp and it was, in Charles'' eyes, a seducing portrayal of his beloved one. Charles'' eye lost its golden shimmer around the pupil, his pupil was pure ck now. He red at this scenery and shouted, "Aster!" Aster jolted when he heard his name. Charles grew even angrier. He really caught him red handed with somebody else. When he saw the one who could seduce Aster, he felt like his heart could explode. It was that ve, that ve whom Aster protected before. "C--Charles, you scared me. What are you doing here?" Aster asked awkwardly. "Silence! You--" Charles pointed at Aster, but his tongue curled up when he almost cursed Aster. He shifted his attention to the ve who was cowering now. His legs trembled and he fell to the ground, kneeling until his head touched the stone. Charles unsheathed the sword in his waist. He directed the tip to the ve''s neck. But before he could sh his neck, Aster held his wrist, "No! Charles! What are you doing?!" Charles'' ck pupil finally regained his golden circle, and it gradually turned into pure golden when he saw Aster. He smiled, but to Aster, it was a creepy smile that sent chills down to his spine, "What am I doing? My dear Aster, I am punishing a ve for his grave offense." "What grave offense? Stop, he is not harming me!" Aster pleaded. The hand around Charles'' wrist tightened and slightly trembled. Seeing this, Charles'' golden pupil shined under the candlemp and the line in his smile grew longer, " Of course, it is because he dared to have an affair with you." Aster''s eyes widened, he took a deep breath and pleaded once more, "We are just strolling around the garden. I grew bored because I had no one to talk to at the banquet." "You have me. You can always talk to me." ''And you can only talk to me.'' Charles said in his heart. "Well, I need to give you time with your fianc," Aster murmured. After hearing Aster''s answer, Charles calmed down. But when he remembered that Aster had dropped his doublet and exposed his corbone, he tightened the grip on his sword again. "Why did you take off your clothes?" Charles asked calmly, but the storm brewed in his eyes. "That''s --" Aster went silent immediately. He gulped, he opened his mouth but decided to shut it again. Charles swung his sword, but Aster''s grip tightened again. He really wanted to save this ve. Charles'' felt something poking his heart, something painful and itchy. ''Is this his punishment for me?'' ''Is this because I had disappointed him?'' ''Aster he must be sad after knowing the engagement'' ''If it is his revenge, then it is my atonement.'' ''If it is, then, he just wants to tease me.'' ''This ve if he''s just a property for this revenge, then it is natural for Aster to protect him.'' He understood something, and decided to y along with his lover. He finally sheathed his sword. The smile in Charles'' lips that once faded had resurfaced back. He started chuckling, "Hahahaha, I get it now," Charles held Aster''s hand and said, "If you wanted to y a game, then I will follow along, my dear." Aster was dumbfounded, but he said nothing. He nodded to appease Charles and to calm him down. "Well then, I will escort you back to your room. It is indecent for anyone to see you like this." Aster nced at his servant who was still in the same position. He let Charles hold his hand and guided him to his room. After there was no one but himself in the garden, the ve finally raised his head. But there was no trace of fear in his eyes. It was full of hatred. *** "Oh my..." Two adult women were standing quietly in the garden. The one wore a white feather dress and had golden hair with feather ornament embroidered on her hair. And the other one was slightly older, with a long blue dress and her posture was slightly plump. "Camille, I am sorry. I shouldn''t have followed you here." "Berzhenia, I-- Please keep this a secret." Grand Duchess Camille covered her face with her fan. Lady Berzhenia, Duchess of Silvor was dumbfounded after discovering the entanglement between the Crown Prince, Young Lord, and his affair with a ve. "I will keep this a secret. But you have to do something, Camille," she said. "Yes I will find a way. You have my gratitude, Berzhenia." "Well, I will excuse myself. It is chilling here," Lady Berzhenia left the garden with a smile in her face. She hasted her steps to the banquet. Grand Duchess sat on a chair in the pavilion. She naturally knew the character of this ''friend'' of hers. She was the bbermouth, the source of gossip. Her smile flourished after she made sure that Berzhenia saw just enough for her to have misconception about this event. "My dear son. Your poor mom will help you." Chapter 16: Eulogy of the Prince 6 Chapter 16: Eulogy of the Prince 6 Few days after that ident during the autumn banquet, I hadn''t seen Young Lord for the whole week. He was upied with Crown Prince who regrly visited the Stormhill mansion with various gifts. It was extremely obvious that Young Lord''s charm had enamored Crown Prince, his own cousin. I did realize that it was just a game, a ploy between Young Lord and Crown Prince as their love blossomed. Me? I was just a property for their story, nothing important. I grew ustomed by the way Young Lord wanted to y with me, so I just yed along as long as he didn''t kill me. But when their drama finished with Young Lord and Crown Prince walking out from the scene together, I felt like this was unfair. It was too unfair for this property, this ve to gain nothing but heartache. ''Sigh, what am I thinking anyway? Maybe their love was just too much, so I got a heartache.'' Anyway, I had been tasked as assistant gardener, helping the Old Bennie tending the garden. Every time we crossed our path, Young Lord''s gaze grewplicated, but he was with his lover, the Crown Prince everyday. I just bowed my head and greeted him formally. The Crown Prince''s eye was never kind to me. In fact, it was hostile all the time. He was always ring at every servant, nobleman, and even farm animals whenever they were close to Young Lord. He was not a love struck puppy, but a tiger in love. But Young Lord somewhat ignored him, his eyes smiled at him, but something was amiss from it. It did not stop Crown Prince though, in fact, it seemed like the Crown Prince was even more excited whenever Young Lord snorted at him. After the whole week of Crown Prince''s guardianship, they finally separated. It seemed like, Crown Prince was finally stationed to another campaign to conquer anothernd. Just like what this country did to my homnd. I was just five years old when their big ships entered the coast in my homnd. They were mighty, with their shining badges and guns. I was not a poor ve back then, in fact, I was the son of a smallndlord. I remembered my home, my parents and my older sister. They were bronze skinned like me, and I especially remember my sister. She looked simr to me, but she tied her hair up and was always wearing bright colored clothes. She would apany me ying around the coast, collecting seashells and sometimes swimming in the sea. But when those big ships came, they challenged the leader in my homnd and after endless struggle, they finally killed many people, took many women and plundered everything. Many of my forgotten neighbors and friends died, and my sistermitted suicide with her lover rather than being raped by soldiers. I remembered that my dad needed to hand all of our wealth as long as they didn''t kill me and take me under the guardianship of those foreign soldiers. A soldier who could speak my nativenguage and theirs taught me thenguage. When I thought I could live with them, they sold me to an old man, my first master. Since then, I have lived in torturous hell until I could feel nothing but shame and agony. ''Mom, I should live, right?'' Remembering thest word of my mother, I could feel the pain inside my chest resurfaced. ''If this is what living is, then I don''t mind death.'' ''But mom, I'' Every time I had a small thought of the joy of death, my head instantly projected the face of Young Lord. The purity in his smile gave me joy. Deep down, I knew that I didn''t want to miss his smile, and his figure in general. His cold figure prevented me from leaving this ce. ''Am I crazy now? To actually miss someone who saw me as nothing but a toy, a property to y with.'' ''I didn''t even know if he considered me as a human or not. Hell, I didn''t even know whether he was thinking about killing me as soon as he grew tired of me.'' Again, this stuffy feeling inside my chest hurts. Every time I remembered about Young Lord, I had this feeling of hatred and longing, the stupid reason why I haven''t escaped this hellish mansion. ''But this is just a game for him, while for me, it is the matter of life and death'' "Ramuja, you won''t finish cleaning the garden if you only watch Young Lord''s tower from here," Old Bennie joked. "Ah, yes, I will finish this quickly," I nodded and quickly swept the fallen leaves. Every time I had to attend Young Lord, I always had an inexplicable chill. But when I didn''t have the burden of attending him, I was caught by Old Bennie staring at the balcony of Young Lord''s tower. ''What is wrong with me?'' ''I know he didn''t even see me as a human. What is this longing?'' ''Wake up Ramuja! Wake up'' After I cleaned everything in the garden, I sat on the ground with Old Bennie and ate my lunch provided by the duchy. However, before I could take my bite, someone approached this ce. A maid approached us, but she was not a regr maid, she was Grand Duchess'' private attendant. The maid raised her head and said, "You, Young Lord''s ve, Grand Duchess summoned you to her tower." I had bad premonition about this. Did Young Lord finally find another way to toy me? Made fun of me? But if it included Grand Duchess, I just silently gulped and prayed that they wouldn''t hurt me that much. I followed the maid until I stood in front of her jeweled door. The maid knocked the door, but the door was instantly opened before she could touch the handle. I saw Young Lord with his eyes grow extremely wary. He was surprised when he saw me. He opened his mouth, moved his lips but there was no sounding out of his mouth. Then, he left the corridor hastily. I was stunned myself, because in my imagination, the movement of his lips formed ''I am sorry.'' ''That would be impossible, stop daydreaming, Ramuja!'' I entered the room and the maid led me to kneel in front of Grand Duchess. Grand Duchess was sitting on a velvet chair, her imposing figure looked down on me as always. I greeted her, "This humble ve had been summoned by Her Highness Grand Duchess." After hearing my greeting, Grand Duchess nced at a servant who held a whip. The servant nodded and sent one whip to my back. I instantly fell, but resumed my position and kneeled back to Grand Duchess. The maid who called me before spoke: "Grand Duchess has been granted the title of Her Majesty Grand Duchess by the Emperor of Golden Camellia. Every servant of her should refer to her as Her Majesty Grand Duchess." "This servant is foolish to offend Her Majesty Grand Duchess. This servant begs for Grand Duchess forgiveness," I said. While it surprised me that I should refer to her as Her Majesty, I did my regr way of speaking to the nobles. Grand Duchess seemed uninterested, she said: "I was thinking about sparing you, but I called you here for another offense of yours." "This--This servant is stupid. This servant does not know its offense," I trembled. However, even if I apologize now, I knew Grand Duchess already nned a punishment for me, probably under the request of her son. "Your offense is by actually thinking about charming my son," she said with a slight smirk on her face, "You are thinking about charming my son until he knows your importance, then you will secure your position inside his mind and heart. Now tell me, is it true, slut?" I quivered and immediately replied: "This servant dared not! This servant is just a--" "Stop your futile lies. I know about your history as sex ve and even all your previous ve names and your masters. Grand Duchy of Stormhill is not a ce for you to run such nasty ideas, especially to my son." I finally went silent. My feet became cold and I didn''t dare to lift my head. Grand Duchess chuckled, and in her chuckle, I could sense maliciousness. "But I am a charitable noblewoman, I will give you two choices," she picked up a bag of coins from the table and threw it in front of my feet. "First, I will tell all about your past and what you are currently doing to my son. He will know how disgusting you actually are, and I will grant you special privilege and let you go from this mansion with fifty gold coins inside that bag, or" I could hear the sound of the whip hitting the floor, "Or I will not tell anything to my son, letting you stay in here, but you must endure ten whips from a barbed whip." I was bewildered. She actually gave me the choice of running away from this ce and giving me gold coins aspensation. It was definitely the best choice. I opened my mouth and wanted to request the first choice, but my mind suddenly projected the face of Young Lord. From his smile, his frown, his sleeping expression, everything shed in my mind. ''What are you doing Ramuja! This is not the time to imagine him! Just pick the first choice!'' That was what I was thinking, but when I opened my mouth I said: "This servant this servant requested the f--fir--" I started sweating and my throat started getting dry. My body refused the first choice. "This servant requested the second choice." Grand Duchess eyes went pure ck, just like Crown Prince''s eyes a week ago. She stood from her velvet chair and screamed, "This stupid subhuman! Whip him! Whip him twenty times and pour his wound with saltwater!" I was shocked, she actually added more whips and saltwater on top of it. I wanted to beg, but then, I realized that two guards had dragged me out of the room and brought me to the courtyard. There, my cloth was stripped, and my hand was tied to a pole. The guard whipped me with a barbed whip twenty times and left me for an hour. Then, they pour two buckets of salt water to my back. I screamed in agony, I was honestly going to faint numerous times. But whenever I wanted this soul to leave my body, the face of Young Lord projected again and again in my stupid head and I couldn''t do it. ''Young Lord I" When they poured the saltwater, I finally fainted in agony. *** I woke up a day after. Jean and Dirk helped me by delivering my food. Three dayster, I was finally able to move my body. The fifth day, Young Lord summoned me to his room. I walked to his room, still with great pain on my back. I entered his room and saw him standing quietly. I saw his figure, and inside my mind, I wanted to see him, to finally see the person who had haunted my dream everyday. But what I saw was Young Lord who was thinner and lost the usual glimmering aura around him. At that moment, I had forgotten my greeting, "Young Lord, Why are you so thin? Are you sick? Should this servant call the mansion doctor?" "." Seeing Young Lord not responding, I grew wary, "Should I request the cook to give you a lighter meal? I will immediately request your favorite snack and lighter food. Your stomach might be too weak, that is why--" "Stop." He said slowly. I shut my mouth and lowered my head, "This servant had spoken too much, this servant begs for Young Lord''s forgiveness." "Raise your head." I raised my head. Young Lord''s face was close to mine and I instantly backed off. But Young Lord''s hand gripped my shoulders, ordered me to stay in ce, then he said: "I had wronged you, I am sorry." He said that with his eyes welled up and he dropped a few tears. I was speechless. No, if this was his game, this was too much. No one ever cried for me other than my family. He was too evil, he actually cried for me. I shouldn''t be swayed with just tears, but seeing the usual imposing figure of Young Lord crying, I got softened, "This servant doesn''t feel wronged. It is what this servant chooses, and this servant chooses to follow Young Lord forever." I said sincerely. Young Lord''s tears stopped. Then, his grip around my shoulder tightened and I saw a flicker in the golden circle around his pupil. Chapter 17: Gossip Chapter 17: Gossip After that incident during the autumn banquet, Aster felt that Charles started acting weird. He visited Aster everyday during his autumn break from the campaign and acted like he was enamored to him. Aster actually wondered if he was actually in love with him. ''Eh, wouldn''t that be impossible?'' ''I mean, we are cousins, and we are both men.'' ''But, this'' Aster opened an envelope after Charles was finally stationed to his next campaign. It was a letter from him, scented with his mix musk and strong sandalwood perfume he wore regrly here. No, it was the perfume he only used here, because Aster said that he liked the sandalwood scent when Charles brought a sandalwood powder from onend he conquered before. The content of his letter was indeed very romantic. Not in a joking manner, but it was indeed a love letter, Aster would just take it as a joke from Charles if he hadn''t tried to kiss his lips without gardenia a few times. ''His joke has gone too far, Helene might get hurt.'' Aster reread the letter, and noticed a little overly amorous tone and corniness in his letter. -- Dear Aster, the flower who bloomed inside my heart. I may leave, and you may miss me. But fear not, my dear. You are always in my mind. The moment when I am writing this letter, I solely remember you, our love and our kiss. -- Aster shuddered. This was already too far. Even though Aster didn''t want this possibility to happen, if Charles was actually in love with him, he had to find a way to shift his attention. He didn''t know when Charles suddenly acted this way. But it was impossible that Charles was in love with him since they were young, because Charles never acted this weird before. It must have been the young adult crisis, which Aster had read in one of the psychology books about this problem. Probably because he was stressed out by his new engagement, he became confused. ''Either way, I need to find a way to snap Charles out of his madness. He might have gone too far.'' While Aster was always with good terms with his cousins, Uncle Emperor and Aunt Empress, He couldn''t disclose the fact that they could be a bit crazy sometimes. His mother had taught him on how to act a certain way in order not to trigger their mood. Nevertheless, Charles'' madness was out of his prediction. ''This is just a mere confusion. But I shouldn''t draw Uncle Emperor''s attention.'' Aster sighed. He felt that Charles must''ve been stressed out by his campaign, engagement, and pressure from his father. Thus, Charles'' escapism was Aster, his own cousin as they had always been close since they were kids. ''It is best to y along until I find a way to deal with him.'' Aster decided to write the same ''love'' letter to Charles and sprayed his batch of flower-scented perfume on the letter. He then called the maid and ordered her to send it. Not long after that, Aster walked out from his tower to his mother''s chamber. Since his mother had an important matter for him. Aster saw the east garden and saw his servant, Ramuja, sweeping the fallen leaves. He was still the same even after one week of not talking at all. Still looked strong, handsome, and serious. Though, he did look a bit sad. Still, even though he was a bit sad, at least he was well fed and healthy. Aster kept thinking about this servant that he had lost his appetite for this whole week. ''Is he okay?'' ''Was he mad at me? Or he still is?'' ''Should I say sorry?'' Aster watched his servant doing his job with Old Bennie and somehow, he envied Old Bennie for being able to get close to him. He sighed again, another problem that had burdened his mind. Aster entered his mother chamber. Grand Duchess was sitting on a velvet chair, which implies that something serious had happened. Aster sat besides her and asked, "Mom? Is everything alright?" Grand Duchess didn''t answer immediately. She nced at him, handed him a letter with a noble stamp that had been opened. "Read it," his mother ordered. Aster read the content for a few seconds and his hand instantly trembled. His pale skin grew even paler and his grip tightened, almost tearing the letter. Aster looked at his mother and said, "Mom-- this is a mistake, how could I--" "Aster Di Arlingdon, did you leave the banquet, and went to the garden with your ve during the autumn banquet?" her mother asked. There was none of her usual warm tone to him. In fact, it was cold and sharp. Aster wanted to reject it, but he was unable to do so. So, he just nodded. Grand Duchess'' gaze grewplicated, she was about to be angry, but she held it back, "And, in that garden, did you have a confrontation with Crown Prince?" "Yes, but mom I can exin!" Aster eximed. "No, Aster. Even if the truth is different. The fact that it is already a gossip between two houses, especially major houses, Duchy of Silvor and Marquis of Geon, the details are unimportant." "Mom, I" Aster''s voice subsided. He knew once a gossip had been spread, even the truth couldn''t cover the residue of a gossip. "The Marchioness of Geon had heard the gossip from Lady Berzhenia, Duchess of Silvor. Now, she actually ckmailed us to hand her bit of ournd for her house. So that the secret will be well kept. That is the problem, Aster Di Arlingdon." "I am sorry" "Aster, my dear son. Thend is not a really big problem, but she has something against us," Grand Duchess'' voice was getting hoarse, she stared at her son, "Aster, I am sorry that I cannot protect you." Aster was stunned when he saw his usually domineering mother looked pitiful. Aster hugged her, "M--Mom, I am sorry, I will not do it again. I will find a way to handle this." "You''re still young, my son. Let your mom handle this," she said, she hugged her son back and put his head to her bosom, "Do not worry, my son. Your dad might not be here yet, but your mom will always protect you." Aster felt the guilt had overtaken him. He actually disappointed his mother. Even putting the Grand Duchy in disadvantage, "If there is something I can help, mom" His mom''s caress on his head stopped. She hesitated, "Personally, I want to get rid of that troublesome ve. But I know you favoured that ve." Hearing his servant mentioned by Grand Duchess, Aster suddenly moved away from his mother''s embrace. "That--that is why I''m giving you a choice, dear son," she continued, "I will free him as a ve and drive him out of the duchy or have him punished." Aster''s breath stiffened, he confirmed a few things, "Mom, it was me who ordered him to follow me, he was just doing his duty as my attendant." " I know, my dear son. But I feel restless knowing the fact that you favoured him. You want to help your tired mom, right? Aster, pick one." Aster felt difficult. His mother must have been stressed. She needed something to relieve her stress or she wouldn''tst long. Since the Grand Duchy had always been busy, she would oftenshed out to lowly ves and trained them with punishments to relieve her stress. If it was just regr ve, he would say yes immediately. But this was him... ''If he is set free, then he will live as a normal human, but that means'' ''That means there will be nothing between us'' No, Aster wouldn''t allow it. He was lucky enough to meet someone as pure as his servant. He couldn''t let go. "You can punish him, mom," Aster took a deep breath and stared at his mom, "But you cannot kill or cripple his body." Grand Duchess smiled and hugged him again. "Of course, I will not do it that far. I just need something to relieve my stress, thank you." Aster nodded and hurriedly excused himself. He was entangled between letting his mother punish his innocent servant or letting his mother go overly stressed out. When he opened the door, the first thing that he saw was his servant, Ramuja, standing quietly with his mother''s maid. Aster froze, he opened his mouth as he wanted to say sorry. But no sound came from his mouth. He left with such heavy feeling burdened him. *** Aster heard the scream of agonying out from his servant''s mouth when he was whipped with barbed wire. He didn''t have the heart to watch him being tortured, but the scream haunted him until he was unable to sleep peacefully. The guilt inside his heart was almost insurmountable. Few days after his servant finally could walk, Aster summoned him to his room. He waited until his servant opened the door. He still had the same posture, but he could see him kneeling in pain. Aster couldn''t hold back his tears, he gripped his servant''s shoulder with both of his hands, so they could face each other on the same level. "I had wronged you, I am sorry." Aster said. He cried in front of a servant that was cruelly punished because of his mistake. Aster expected his servant to wail and cursed him. He could even bear it if his servant wanted to punch him. However, his servant shook his head. "This servant doesn''t feel wronged. It is what this servant chooses, and this servant chooses to follow Young Lord forever." And at that moment, Aster tears abruptly stopped. He felt something swirling inside his head, his chest, and then his entire body. He tightened the grip on his servant''s shoulder. ''Yes, follow me forever forever'' Chapter 18: Approved Chapter 18: Approved Grand Duchess watched the torture of his son''s personal ve through the upper balcony in the main hall. She saw that ve getting whipped twenty times with bloody wounds on his back, then saltwater poured to his wound and the scream of agony filled the air. She understood that the butlers and maids who attended her also watched the torture and they were horrified. Grand Duchy of Stormhill rarely executed or tortured any serfs unless it was a grave offense. Thus, it was rare for them to see someone horribly wounded by a punishment. But Grand Duchess still frowned. Even though the scream was gleeful to her ears, it was still unsatisfactory. She couldn''t kill or cripple this subhuman. Thus, making almost every tortures and execution she nned deemed forbidden. She hadid out the setup for her dearest son. But it was still not enough, it was not even sufficient to toughen him. "You," Grand Duchess shed a look at one of her butlers. She never remembered anyone except some of the important people in her life. Servants'' worth was inadequate to enter her eyes. "Yes, Her Majesty Grand Duchess." "Let that servant be treated with the best medicine for his wound. Let him see me once he was healed." "Yes, this servant will carry the order immediately," the butler excused himself and hastened his steps. Grand Duchess knocked on one of the main hall pirs with her fan and a watcher jumped from the rooftop, instantly kneeled to her. "Watcher heeds Grand Duchess''mand," he said. "Watch my son, he will call that ve when he is healed. Report their activity to meter." "Understand, this servant excused himself," the watcher disappeared, leaving Grand Duchess with only three attendants of hers. Grand Duchess walked out of the balcony to her room. She could use the Duchy chamber, a special room assigned for the Duke/Duchess to handle the legal affairs of the duchy. But she gave it to her son, so he could handle the matters of the duchy. Though, she still took all important documents from the chamber, because Aster might handle it poorly. She loved her son, but Aster was not ready and this was just the beginning. *** Grand Duchess waited in her room as usual. She stood while looking at the garden. Her golden hair was tied with a butterfly-shaped headdress. She wore a long-sleeved purple wool dress. The dress covered the floor, and with her graceful movement, she was breathtaking. However, her expression wasn''t good. The fact that both her son and that ve picked the same answer to stay together had proven that their feelings were mutual. The scene she created for her son was both a trigger and a test, but she didn''t know that she would really use this trigger as a weapon. ''Aster would explode if I killed that ve now. I need some reason to dispose him. For the time being, I could use him as a catalyst for Aster''s training.'' Grand Duchess had observed her son everyday, and Aster wasn''t in his ripe age yet. Since his golden circle hadn''t fully flickered, it could be that this ve just entered his heart, but not quite favored by her son. There was still time to prevent something nasty happening before that detrimental age. ''It could be a disaster for the duchy.'' Grand Duchess had considered her nephew, the Crown Prince''s proposal for Aster. However, that was thest choice she would pick as it might harm her son''s body. She waited until a shadow emerged from the rooftop and jumped to the balcony. "This servant is reporting to Her Majesty Grand Duchess!" the watcher eximed. "Hmm? You seem nervous? Is it quite unfavorable for me?" Grand Duchess sneered. She had guessed the oue, but she couldn''t help but to grit her teeth. The watcher hesitated, but "This servant saw Young Lord gripping his ve''s shoulder, and" Before the watcher informed the hard truth to Grand Duchess, he kneeled deeply, "This servant saw Young Lord crying and apologized to his servant." " How about his eyes? Do you see anything different from Young Lord''s eyes?" "Forgive this servant''s inability, this servant did not focus on Young Lord''s eye." "Useless!" Grand Duchess kicked the kneeling watcher with her heels, but he didn''t budge nor avoid it. He let the Grand Duchess kick him repeatedly until she calmed down. "You may go now," shemanded. The watcher finally left the balcony. Grand Duchess took a deep breath and sat on the chair. She called two of her attendants, "You, hand me Crown Prince''s letter, and you, after Young Lord finished his shameful doing with that ve, take that ve to me." The attendants acted immediately. They knew that Grand Duchess was in a terrible mood today. Grand Duchess opened the letter from her nephew, Crown Prince Charles. She never liked her nephew, because she had seen his predatory eyes since the first time he met Aster when they were just kids. But she couldn''t reject him either, as he will find a way himself to meet her son. However, at this point, this proposal under Crown Prince''s name was the most usible. Dear Aunt Grand Duchess Camellia, I, your nephew, under the name of Golden Camellia Royal Family propose to escort my cousin, Aster Di Arlingdon to Royal Pce. It is due time for Young Grand Duke to participate in his golden royal bloodline training. I swear under the name of Crown Prince of Golden Camellia, will protect Aster from any harm in the pce. Grand Duchess scoffed. This little prince already set up a trap for Aster in the pce. ''Does he think that I don''t know what he will do there?'' The Golden Camellia royal family had a tradition to train all the descendants, both man and woman in their fifteen to seventeen to participate in this training. It was a two years training to introduce them to the truth behind the royal family, cut down their excess emotion and trained them to be a good ruler. However, Aster was a special case as he was the first descendant of the Golden Camellia family who survived childbirth outside of the direct royal family. Putting him inside the tiger den after sessfully escaping was a foolish move. ''Depend on how foolish that kid can be, I could use that trigger as a weapon against him. But if he is crazy enough, then I need to find another way.'' Grand Duchess took the Grand Duchy of Stormhill''s official stamp and took the royal invitation for Aster that came with Crown Prince''s letter. ''This is the best option, but don''t worry my dear son. I will protect you.'' She pressed the stamp onto the ink and stamped the invitation letter. Approved. "Her Majesty, that ve is outside," one of her maid interrupted her thought. Grand Duchess smirked. "Bring him in." Chapter 19: Eulogy of the Prince 7 Chapter 19: Eulogy of the Prince 7 Grand Duchess summoned me again after that horrendous punishment. My back was still painful and every step had me frowned in agony. What would she do after this? Was this not enough? ''Why are you frowning, Ramuja! This is what you choose!'' I kept that in my mind whenever I thought about this injustice. It was my own stupidity and carelessness that I was entangled with Young Lord. I could''ve been invisible and led a peaceful life in this mansion, but I jumped to this tiger den myself. ''Strangely, I regret nothing.'' When I saw Young Lord crying for me, I regretted nothing. I was still unsure whether he was just toying with me as usual. But deep down, I wished that he was not. I wished that tears were genuine. I knew I was nothing but a ve, but was it wrong for me to have a hopeful thinking? To have someoneugh for me, cried for me, thinking about me would be wonderful. ''No, Ramuja! Think! Young Lord was the reason you got these wounds, who knows what would happen to youter!'' ''Were you that easy? All that wounds and pain, you got softened by just his tears?'' ''And I still didn''t know the meaning of that golden flicker.'' No, I couldn''t lower my vignce. I still didn''t know whether Young Lord decided to hurt me again or he was genuine. Also, that golden flicker I saw that golden flicker, simr to Crown Prince''s eyes whenever he met Young Lord. That golden circle around his pupil would flicker, sometimes covering the pupil until the ck pupilpletely transformed into golden. Other times, it would dissipate slowly until the golden circle was gone, leaving a pure dted ck pupil. It was such a strange thing. First, I never saw people with golden circles in their eyes, only the royal bloods of Golden Camellia. That meant only the Royal Family and Grand duchy of Stormhill have the royal bloods right now. Second, whenever they acted strange, their golden circle would flicker, dominating or disappear, as if everything was magical. Third, I still didn''t know whether Young Lord''s golden flicker was rted to me or not. Crown Prince''s golden flicker rted to Young Lord, it was really obvious. But Young Lord? Was that golden flicker meant that I had entered his eyes? ''No, what a funny joke that is.'' There was no way Young Lord would consider me as something more than a ve? What was more than that? Friend? Lovers? I sneered hearing the term ''lovers''. There was never a time for us to develop such feelings, not even as friends. All our times together were filled with Young Lord''s maliciousness and all the people behind him toying me with their absolute power. Me? I could only cower. The maid escorted me to Grand Duchess'' room. The ominous aura already numbed my brain and what left was the fear of this beautiful, but vicious woman. I opened the door and the guard kicked my shin, so I kneeled instantly. "T--this ve heed to Her Majesty Grand Duchess'' summon," I greeted her. She was with her condescending gaze as always, but today, she didn''t look vicious. In fact, she looked calm with a slight smirk on her lips. "How was the whip? I had delivered the best medicine for your wounds," Grand Duchess said, she smiled, but her smile was never beautiful in my eyes. It was always hidden with cruel intention. "This ve had wasted such precious medicine. This ve is unworthy," I said humbly. "Indeed, you are unworthy." I shrunk. The ominous feeling was getting closer to the truth, and I already imagined another punishment. "What? You still dare to show scared expression in front of me?" Grand Duchess jeered, "This indecent slut dared showing me frightened expression after all what he did to my n? How insulting." I immediately prostrated. The fright almost took my consciousness away, but I tried to hold myself, "This ve dared not insulting Her Majesty Grand Duchess! This servant does not know--" "Oh, shut it!" Crack! I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head. Grand Duchess threw the porcin teacup to my head until the teacup cracked. The pain numbed me as my consciousness slowly drifted away. Whack! The guard kicked my stomach with leather boots. I regained my consciousness and squirmed in pain, this, another of this torture. I had experienced it countless times back then, so I just numbed my entire body and let the agony take over. After Grand Duchess was satisfied, she let me wail in pain on the cold floor. "Well, even though I would love to do more than this. But I guess it was enough to ease the atmosphere, don''t you think so?" Grand Duchess chuckled. She threw a bag of gold and said, "I am going to give you yet another generous offer, take the gold and leave the duchy. Do not worry, I will not leave you getting mauled by wolves in the deep jungle. I will put you as a regr working ve in a ntation under grand duchy." ''Is this another choices that will lead me to another torture?'' I lowered my gaze and rolled my eyes silently. It seemed like Grand Duchess loved torture and I was her current source of amusement. "Or you could leave with your beloved Young Lord, but I will tell him everything about you, with some minor addition to spice up the story of course." I chilled when she mentioned the second choice. Different from her previous trap, Grand Duchess gave me two steep options, and both were disadvantageous for me. "Pardon this ve''s inability, why does Her Majesty Grand Duchess offer this ve these options?" I asked her. "I am giving you an offer to save yourself. My son will leave this mansion for two or three years to the royal pce for his training." ''Leaving the mansion? Why? And how about me?'' "This ve is imbecile, it does not know why Young Lord needs to leave the mansion" "I am not such an idiot to share my secret with a ve. But you had triggered everything and left as blind man, how ignorant," Grand Duchess mocked. I cowered again, "Hmph, I can dispose you right away right now, but I do not want to have a fight with my own son just because something useless, so I''m giving you the best offers I could give to such trash." Another degrading word came out of her beautiful, pink lips. I was not concerned about that. I was concerned about my involvement as the reason why Young Lord needed to leave. I was unsure how I would affect anything, but if Grand Duchess had said something, then it would be a fact. The fact that I am responsible for what happened to Young Lord right now, Grand Duchess must have hated me to the bone. ''Will Young Lord be fine? How could I save myself while Young Lord was alone there?" I was Young Lord''s personal ve, it was natural for me to follow him everywhere, even to the depths of hell. ''And I promised to follow him forever.'' But the price I had to pay to follow Young Lord was letting him know everything about my past. My history as sex ve, used by many men, beaten to pulp, then sold again. He would know my other nasty names from my previous masters. He would know that I am worse than filth. I am the worst kind of trash. Grand Duchess would even add some more misleading information to provoke Young Lord. It was the worst thing that could happen. ''But, leaving Young Lord for two or three years would he think of me as a traitor?'' I had no other way out. I couldn''t refuse Grand Duchess'' offer, and I could still meet Young Lord two or three years from now. I gritted my teeth. ''In the end, I couldn''t even stay true to my words.'' "This ve" my words stuck in my throat, I took a deep breath and finally said; "This lowly ve picked the first choice" Grand Duchess'' finally showed a satisfied smile, "I know you are not as imbecile as it looks like. You will leave the duchy tonight, a horse carriage will escort you to your new ce." "This ve thanked Grand Duchess for her graciousness." "You will leave immediately. You cannot say anything to my son and you cannot enter his room even if he summons you." " This ve understands." The guard kicked me out of the room. As I walked through the corridor, I could feel someone was watching me from somewhere. I had intention to go to Young Lord''s room, but the feeling of being watched made me hesitate. So, I just left to the worker''s hut. Jean and Dirk were still working, I rarely talked to them but they helped me numerous times. ''I''m sure they will be okay.'' I opened the window in the room and saw the east tower, Young Lord''s tower. ''Young Lord will be okay. He will be in the royal pce. Crown prince will protect him and stay with him'' Whenever I remembered the Crown Prince, the stuffy feeling inside my heart hurt again. I was envious of the fact that Crown Prince had all the time in the world for Young Lord. I knew Young Lord had yed me, tortured me, and treated me no more than a subhuman ve. But I couldn''t disclose the fact that I still wanted to stay with him. ''Sure thing, Ramuja. You are such an idiot.'' I closed the window and took all the clothes Young Lord ever gave me. I had no memoirs of him, but at least, these clothes were gifted to me by his order. That night, I went inside the carriage with the clothes and the sack of gold given by Grand Duchess. I sat and stared at Young Lord''s tower until his tower was far enough to leave my sight. ''Until we meet again, Young Lord.'' Under the clouds of the night, Not one star escorted me The wail was no more, Only the markssted Under the clouds of the night, I remembered you The pain you made was no more, Only yousted. Chapter 20: The End of Peaceful Night (Volume 1 End) Chapter 20: The End of Peaceful Night (Volume 1 End) Aster was restless. After his servant left, his night was full of strange, messy thoughts that were alien to him. Something brewed inside him, his head felt fuzzy, his pale skin felt like burning even in the night, and his heart it was itching until it turned painful, like a knife carved something inside. He was unsure about what made him to be like this. But he knew the cause, it was his servant, Ramuja. He felt something brewing inside whenever his mind wandered about Ramuja. ''What is he doing?'' ''Is he still in pain?'' ''Does he hate me?'' ''Or did he hate me before? No, he couldn''t do this. He was not in the right mind. Aster shook his head numerous times, he even soaked his head under the warm basin prepared by the maid, but he couldn''t get this mess out of his head. "Young Lord, this servant is concerned whether Young Lord is in good condition or not," the maid asked him, looking concerned. Aster red at him. ''Why is she so unpleasant?'' ''No, why was the butler before also unpleasant to look at?'' Aster never had a problem with his servants before. But he could feel their faces were very unpleasant to look at. It seemed like there was a dark fog surrounding their face, making it somewhat dim and ugly. Aster did not answer the maid, but he jumped out of his bed and walked through the servants to the door. He wanted to see Ramuja to ease his messy thoughts and also because Aster was still concerned about his servant''s health. However, when he opened the door, there were two guards blocking his way. He was startled as the guard suddenly put their body in front of him, not even giving him a room to leave the room. "What are you two doing? Leave now!" Astermanded, half annoyed. Yet, the guard was unmoved. Like a wall of brick, they were expressionless. Aster never got this kind of disrespect. He clenched his fist and attempted to push his way through. But the guards were obviously stronger. "How dare you two block my way!" Aster shouted. "This guard is following Her Majesty Grand Duchessmand! Young Lord is prohibited to leave the room until further notice from Her Majesty!" said one of the guards. ''Mother? Did something happen?'' Aster grew wary. As his chaotic mind began to swirl, he needed something to ease his mind. Ramuja, what swirled around his head was that name. Aster red at these two unpleasant guards and said, "Bring my personal servant, Ramuja to me right now." However, the guard refuted his order by stating, "This guard will have to refuse Young Lord''s order! Her Majesty Grand Duchess does not allow anyone to visit Young Lord tonight." ''What? Why?'' Aster was dumbfounded. Something must''ve happened. But it was way too sudden for something big to happen. He didn''t foresee anything irregr that would lead his mother to lock him down. Aster took a deep breath, he had to see Ramuja, or at least, check whether he was safe in this situation. "Bring me my personal servant, but he doesn''t need to enter my room, just let him stay in front of the door." The guards were looking at each other, and Aster could see their hesitation. Aster expected them to summon his servant because all he wanted was just seeing his servant, so his body could rx. However, the guards stood straight and refuted him once more, "Her Majesty Grand Duchess forbids anyone to see Young Lord until next morning!" "What? Let me see my mother!" Aster pushed the guards, but they were unmoving. He struggled, kicked, and even threw a few decorations in his room to these two guards. However, they did not even flinch. The maids and butlers inside the room tried seizing him, and tied him to the bed. Aster screamed as his mind started getting chaotic, his mind was just repeating the same thing. ''Ramuja! Ramuja! Ramuja! My servant Ramuja!'' He screamed and wailed until he drained all his energy and fell into deep slumber. He curled in his bed. He didn''t dream, but something was raging inside his head. Numerous, bizarre thoughts shed and it tormented him. Even in his sleep, he was not peaceful. *** "This guard greeted Her Majesty--" "Silence, you will wake my son," Grand Duchess cut short one of the guard''s greetings to her. She approached her son whose body was curled in his slumber. His beautiful face that was usually peaceful and nonchnt distorted into someone in pain. Grand Duchess smiled, she caressed her son''s golden hair and twirled his wavy hair with her finger, "As I thought, you remind me of my past self, my dear son." Grand Duchess observed her son''s chamber, two guards, three maids, and three butlers all messed up with their uniforms tattered. Vases, books, candlemps, all destroyed. Seeing all of this, Grand Duchess'' smile got wider, almost like a grin. Gleefully, she said to all the servants, "All of you, leave the room now, I will have family time with my son." The servants left the room and the door was closed. Grand Duchess'' focus returned back to her son. "Indeed, you are my son. I am d that you did this, you should do betterter, okay?" Grand Duchess'' golden circle around her pupil started flickering, slowly eating the ck pupil and turning it into pure bright gold. She took a gardenia flower from the table, put it in her son''s forehead and kissed her son''s forehead, the sign of endearing love of a mother to her child in the tradition of Golden Camellia. Grand Duchess showed a satisfied smile. After that, Grand Duchess, who was usually above all, dropped to her knees and sat on the floor. She held her son''s hand and her grin instantly turned into frown then gloom. She did not sleep until the morning and her eyes were read and teary. When Aster opened his eyes slowly, her grip in his hand tightened. She was excited, too excited until her grin almost returned back. ''Everything is going well.'' *** Aster woke up from his dreamless torment, he saw his chamber empty with all the goods in this chamber broken or destroyed. He was unsure about what happenedst night, his mind was chaotic and he lost control to his own body. He could feel something holding his hand as he nced, he saw his mother with tears in her eyes. She looked exhausted, her usual domineering, strong attitude was gone. In fact, her mother was actually kneeling besides his bed. "Mother?" Mother raised her head and her tears dropped again, "My son! Are you okay? Your mother is sorry for putting you to such thing! Your mother is I cannot think of any solution besides locking you down that night." "What happened?" Aster frowned. He didn''t remember anything the night before. But looking at his mother in this state, he knew something wasn''t good. "That-- The gossip about you, Charles, and your servant it is starting to spread wide and many houses have already sent many letters to our duchy to confirm the truth," Grand Duchess said, her grip tightened and she dropped her head, "That is why I epted the invitation for your training to the Royal Pce, you will stay there for two or three years, under the tutge of my brother, Emperor Audric IV." "Mother did you drive me out of the grand duchy?" Aster asked and his voice started shaking. "No! How could I do such thing? The royal family will train you about our responsibility and for two three years, I hope the rumor subsided. Aster, your mother had failed to protect you, I am sorry" Aster could feel the drop of his mother''s tear dampened his hand. As the next Grand Duke, his shame right now was immeasurable. He knew that he made a mistake the duchy had to bear. "This is my fault, mom, I will take my responsibility and train in the royal pce," he said, then, he looked around the room and noticed two important things, "Speaking of which, who made this mess and where is my personal servant? He should be here already." Grand Duchess froze. Her expression wasplicated, she wanted to say many things but decided to just bite her lips. She shook her head and said slowly, "This was your doing, Aster." "Me? How could I do such barbaric thing?" asked Aster, surprised. "I forbade you to meet that servant of yours and you went rampage," Grand Duchess finally loosened her grip. She stood up and sat on his son''s bed, "I forbade you because I''m afraid that you couldn''t handle the truth." "The truth?" "Your servant after I approved the invitation, I asked him whether he was willing to go with you to the royal pce. I thought he would say yes, to my surprise, he declined and instead requested to be stationed as a regrbor servant in one of our ntations. He said he was scared to follow you to the royal pce, since Charles has so much control there." Grand Duchess sighed, "I tried persuading him, I even offered him gold so that he would follow you. But he he said following you was tiring and you''re ipetent. I couldn''t let him say such thing to my dear son, I wanted to punish him but I know you favored him. So, I I immediately granted his request and stationed him to our farthest business. He just leftst night." Aster''s mind was filled with grief, anger, torment and finally strange pain inside his heart. His mother had persuaded this servant to such degree and he rejected everything just because Aster was notpetent enough. ''He said he would follow me forever'' ''Was that just a lie?'' ''No, it shouldn''t be'' ''This shouldn''t happen if I''m not ipetent.'' ''Ramuja you actually left me'' "Aster, I am sorry," Grand Duchess said. However, her son didn''t answer it, "Aster?" "It''s okay, mom. It is his loss," Aster''s golden circle in his eye dissipating and his pupil turned pure ck, "I will leave when everything is ready. I will train until I am worthy of our grand duchy." ''You damned ve, I will show you.'' Chapter 21: Sneak Peek & Information for Volume 2 Chapter 21: Sneak Peek & Information for Volume 2 Sneak Peek Aster Emperor Audric IV shed a contempt gaze to his nephew and said, "You are under my tutge, and you should know that your life is in my hand." Aster gritted his teeth, but obediently kneeled and said, "This humble trash submit to Emperor Emperor Father." Ramuja Merry stared meaningfully, her lips curled up. She tiptoed and quickly kissed my cheek, "I don''t care about your status, I like you." "I-- Me too" Information: Hello, ForeverPupa here ^^, hehe. Volume 2 will be about the life of Aster under the Royal Family training. Living under the power of Uncle Emperor Audric IV and Aunt Empress Beatrice, fitting and fighting with his cousins, surviving numerous schemes and of course, understanding the true meaning of Golden Camellia family. The Eulogy of The Princes will be about the life of Ramuja as working ve, meeting Wood Family, Lisa wood, an old widow and her two children, Merry Wood and Jonathan Wood. Knowing the true meaning of family and warmth of love. Politics and schemes, betrayal, possessiveness, another blossoming love and the love triangle? Quadruple? Who knows~~ hehe ^^ First chapter of Second Volume of Gardenia of Blooming Desire will be released on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Don''t miss it! Chapter 22: Leaving the Grand Duchy Chapter 22: Leaving the Grand Duchy Aster sat beside his mother, Grand Duchess, at the dining table. They ate in silence, but Aster could see that his mother''s expression tightened whenever she heard the sound of footsteps entering and leaving the dining hall. Today was the day Aster leaving the grand duchy to the royal pce, and he wouldn''t be back until two years. This was the first time he would leave the mansion and his mother, Grand Duchess for a long time. He was always inseparable to his mother since he was a kid, it was normal for his mother to be anxious. In fact, his mother called him to her chamberst night. They drank tea while looking at the yellow-brown garden. The cold of the autumn seemingly seeped inside Grand Duchess'' bone as she shivered periodically. "Mom, do you want to go inside? It''s cold here," Aster asked her. She shook her head. "No, I shivered not because I got frostbitten, but because this cold reminded me of my suffering in the royal pce." Aster furrowed his brows. His mother was the golden princess of the Golden Camellia Empire until Rosalie reced her when she was born. Aster also remembered histe grandfather, who died when he was around five years old to be a kind figure. "You had suffered in the Royal Pce? But mom, you were the golden princess, how could--" "Aster, your grandfather protected me with all his strength, but there were many people outside your grandfather who had entered my life," Grand Duchess sighed, she gazed at the wilting garden, "I remembered when I was punished for leaving the royal pce without any notice, I was locked in my room without any fire or nket in a cold winter." "Who did that? Why wouldn''t you report it to grandpa or grandma?" Aster asked. Grand Duchess chuckled mirthlessly, as if it was a funny joke. "It is fortunate that my mother died before you were born, you wouldn''t survive if she is still alive." " Why?" Aster asked again. His mother never told him anything about his grandmother. While Aster was not so eager to ask about her, since his mother seemed to be reluctant whenever he mentioned grandmother. "My mother,te empress, is the real ruler of the Golden Camellia Empire when she was alive, my father, thete emperor is a weakling in front of her. She was always a ruthless woman." "My grandpa? But such menacing man" Aster recalled his memory of histe grandfather. Handsome, tall, sharp, with white hair and beard styled tidy. Grandpa was very simr to his uncle, Emperor Audric IV, both in appearance and behavior. One thing that was always striking about him was his eyes, it was deep and whenever he stared at someone, that person would cower in fear or kneel in admiration. But there was one thing that was missing in his grandpa. His eyes don''t have the golden circle around its pupil. It was pure ck. "Why would grandpa be a weakling in front of grandma?" Grand Duchess smiled meaningfully, she patted her son''s head and said: "Because she is your grandpa''s golden circle." Aster wanted to ask more about it, since he didn''t really understand what his mother said about grandpa and grandma, but Grand Duchess stood up and left the balcony. "Mom?" "It''ste Aster, you should go back. You are leaving tomorrow." Aster went silent and just excused himself. He was still curious, but his mother wanted to stop this topic. Thus, he just nodded and left Grand Duchess'' room. Aster sat in his own balcony, staring at the east garden, where he would spend time basking under the early sun, until he felt his skin itched and started burning. He was always lonely in that garden, as he never had apany. ''Then, he showed up'' Aster remembered seeing his servant''s clear face after he took a bath and took a rest. He was still very thin, but he was always handsome. ''And his funny gaze.'' Aster remembered that awed gaze, as if purity was beaming from his eyes, and that gaze was directed to him, to his master. "It has been only two weeks, but I already miss him" Aster clenched his fist. He didn''t understand why his servant would run away when his master was in a bad condition. ''Does he really hate me that much?'' ''Why didn''t he trust me?'' ''I could protect him, I could'' Aster knew the answer already. In the royal pce, he was nothing but a mere bug that could disappear with just one flick. The Grand Duchy was closely tied to the Royal family and his power was not small, but under Uncle Emperor and Aunt Empress, he was still nothing. ''Maybe he already knew that staying with me would only bring pain'' "THEN HE SHOULDN''T PROMISE TO STAY WITH ME FOREVER!" Aster shouted. Whenever he thought about his servant, no, his ve, he always remembered his promise to follow and stay with him forever. Aster''s mind went muddy once more and he left the balcony. That night, he dreamed nothing. **** "Your Majesty, the carriage for Young Lord is ready," the servant bowed his head. Grand Duchess exhaled a deep breath and smiled to her son, "It is time, my son." Grand Duchess followed Aster who walked slowly but steadily to the main hall. The Carriage was in front of the main hall. She has her hands gripping her son''s wrist, and it tightened when she finally escorted Aster personally to the carriage. "My son, be careful there. I might need some time until I can protect you, please wait for me," Grand Duchess said. Aster smiled, his domineering mother had turned into such a softhearted figure that was constantly worried about his well being. It was such a nice change in this grim fate. "Mom, I will be fine. I will follow what Uncle Emperor said," he said, pacifying his anxious mother. "Yes, until I can help you, follow what he said, no matter what," Grand Duchess warned, "No matter how ridiculous it is, you are under his tutge." "Yes, mom. I understand." "Then" Grand Duchess took a gardenia flower prepared by her servant and put it in Aster''s forehead before kissing it deeply, "This is my gardenia kiss for you. This one oath to swore my love to you until my withering." Aster couldn''t help but get a bit emotional, he nodded, "This one oath to cherish your love until my withering." After they exchanged the oath of gardenia, the pure love between two people, Aster went into his carriage and the carriage finally left the courtyard. The tears and bittersweet emotion portrayed on Grand Duchess'' face disappeared instantly when her son left the duchy area. She turned around and walked to her chamber. ''I will take my time until he understand the meaning of torture. Until he learns something valuable from those lunatics.'' *** Aster spent the whole day until his carriage entered the royal family kingdom, the biggest kingdom and the capital of the Golden Camellia Empire, Roagelt. Roagelt was flourishing with the best facility and security provided by the empire. Aster looked around, thest time he went into Roagelt was around five months ago, when Charles and Helene got engaged. The autumn in Roagelt was romantic, the streets were clean and no beggars around. He could see the clean river reflecting the sunset and the bridge was painted red. He could see almost every house was painted colorful and had chimneys, and even when the sun was set, there were kids running around with no worries. He could see plenty of stalls, shops were still open and some inn and bar getting crowded with people chatting andughing. Roagelt was indeed the best ce to live in the empire, though, none of the territory under the rule of the Golden Camellia Empire was poor. At this time, Aster nodded in satisfaction, his uncle was reallypetent as an emperor. He entered the royal pce courtyard and was greeted by the guards and servants. "Your Highness Young Lord of Grand Duchy of Stormhill. His Majesty Emperor Audric IV is waiting in the throne chamber," said the head servant when he stepped down off the carriage. Aster nodded, "Take me there immediately, I wouldn''t want His Majesty to wait for me for so long." "This way, Your Highness." Aster followed the head servant to the main hall, they climbed a big stair made of marble to the huge door guarded by many guards. The guard opened the door. Aster thought the throne chamber would be bright with manymps even though it was already night, but it was dim. With only two sets of tall candle stands lit on both sides of the throne. Aster saw his uncle, Emperor Audric IV, still with his golden robe and golden crown, looking down on him. It was indeed menacing, even for Aster. The guards closed the door and Aster walked slowly to his uncle. He stopped in front of the throne and bowed, "Young Lord of Grand--" "Who told you to bow? Prostrate.'''' The Emperor said coldly. Aster was stunned, his uncle was always a quiet person, but he never sounded this condescending. He felt something was not right, but he followed the order and kneeled like a knight. "Are you a knight? A schr? I said prostrate, prostrate until your face touching the ground." Aster swallowed his saliva. No, something was definitely wrong. He looked up to his uncle, but what he saw was the sh of a golden colored pupil looking down on him. Aster was stunned, the pressure was eating his guts. He just kneeled there, shocked by the current face of his uncle. "I said prostrate!" Uncle Emperor ordered him once more with an even stronger tone. Aster snapped out of his fear and prostrated by instinct, with his face touching the ground like a peasant or ve. "Speak now." Uncle Emperor ordered him. " Young Lord of Grand Duchy of Stormhill present in front of the Emperor, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." Aster recited his regr greeting. But his Uncle Emperor just snorted. "In front of me, your title is not Young Lord, but trash. Thus, you can call yourself humble trash in front of me, understand?" Aster was astonished, what did this mean? What was happening to his usually reserved uncle? Why did he suddenly turn weird? Aster had many questions, he wanted to look at his uncle again, but seeing that strong golden colored eyes looking on him, he was too scared to raise his head. He gulped. This was humiliating. But if it was only in front of the emperor, then Aster still had his pride saved in front of the others. Besides, he couldn''t afford offending an Emperor either, thus, he followed the order, "This humble humble trash understand," Aster said, he silently gritted his teeth. He was not a trash, why would he need to say something very degrading. Emperor Audric IV nodded with satisfaction, but he didn''t lose his contempt gaze, "Good. Your room was already prepared, leave now, I will meet you again at breakfast." " Yes, this this humble trash excused himself." Aster rose up from his position and turned back and walked away from the throne. In the dark, Aster secretly clenched his fist. ''Me? A humble trash? Unforgivable.'' Chapter 23: Humble Trash Chapter 23: Humble Trash Aster woke up from his first night in royal pce. He shivered because there was no heating in the room, no firece, and only thin nket covered his body. He was not bothered with cold usually, but this room was small, damp, and cold. He could smell the stench of the sewer close to this room. It was unbearable. "Guards!" he called the guard who was waiting outside, but no one replied back. He called a few times, however, all he got was silence. He walked to the door. Before he opened the door, there was someone knocking, "Young Lord, this servant brought you a warm basin." "Come in," Aster replied. A maid entered the door with a warm basin for his feet and two warm towels, one for his face and one for his hand. "Why is the room cold and damp? I requested a change of room," Aster said to the servant. The servant shook her head helplessly. "Young Lord, the room was personally assigned by Empress Cecilia and approved by Emperor Audric, you cannot change your room." "Then why do I get this room?" "That this servant doesn''t know either," she replied. The maid excused herself after handing the warmers. However, before she left, she said: "Young Lord, for this matter, it is best not to tell anyone. This warm basin was ordered by the Golden Princess, Her Highness would get into trouble if you told the Emperor or Empress." ''Rosalie?'' Aster thought his uncle and aunt ordered the warm basin for him. But it was ordered by his cousin who was the new Golden Princess. Golden Princess was the title given to the royal princess with certain characteristics and manners. She must be golden haired with a golden circle around her pupils, trademark of royal blood. She must be a virgin, an only princess, thus, if she has sisters, they were deemed invalid. Lastly, she needed to have proper manners and be able to carry out many topics. She must be proficient in arts to promote the beauty of Golden Camellia to the neighboring countries. His Mother, Camille Anna Camellia was the previous Golden Princess. Before she was married and was reced by the new daughter of the Emperor and Empress, Rosalie Anna Camellia. Rosalie was indeed befitting for such title. She was as popr as the Grand Duchess, as beautiful and as smart. But she was always lukewarm in front of him. Aster and Rosalie were closely rted, but they were neither distant nor close, even though they were of the simr age, just Rosalie was one year older. They knew each other and kept their distance, mostly because Charles was very clingy when they were kids. ''What is happening here? Why did I get such nasty room?'' ''And why does Rosalie need to hide these kinds of trivial things from uncle and aunt?'' Aster had many questions in his head, but he decided to dress up and prepare for breakfast. There was no servant that prepared his apparel. Considering how Uncle Emperor treated him yesterday and the room he got, Aster realized that he was not well received here. Aster left the room in a hurry, there was a butler who waited for him in front of the door. "Young Lord, this servant will escort you to the dining hall," he said politely. Aster observed this servant and realized that he was not the same butler who was prepared by his uncle before. "Are you the Golden Princess'' servant?" Aster asked cautiously. The servant did not reply and immediately guided Aster to the dining hall. He was surprised when he walked on a different route to the dining hall, and saw Rosalie sitting alone, eating her breakfast slowly. Aster approached the dining table and sat besides her. "Good morning, Rosalie," Aster greeted her. Rosalie replied with a smile before finishing her te. "Good morning, Aster," Rosalie replied. "About the warm--" "It is better for you not to talk about it here," she immediately stepped before Aster spilled it. Aster was taken aback, he didn''t realize that it was such a secretive matter. Half whispering, Rosalie said, "Emperor and Empress'' people are everywhere, we might get into trouble just for a warmer." Aster nodded. He had realized that he was not well received. Even his mother kept warning him to follow all the order of the Uncle Emperor. But he couldn''t fathom the fact that he was not even allowed to get a warmer. "Empress will arrive soon. The Emperor rarely joins breakfast and lunch with us, you should be d," Rosalie said, "She has a n to punish you by making you tardy for breakfast, so I had my servant escorted you earlier to this personal dining hall of our family." "Rosalie, what is happening here?" Aster asked, half whispering. He realized that the servants shouldn''t hear this matter. "I wanted to tell you, but you might not believe me until you experienced it yourself. But I need to warn you, never trust anyone here." "Rosalie, You scared me" Aster said. "You should be scared, fear will keep your neck clean," Rosalie replied while giving a slight smile, "Take this pin and keep it safe, if you want to meet me, show this to the servant who will give you warmer tomorrow morning." Rosalie handed a golden pin shaped like a lovebird embedded with a small pearl in the middle, the signature pin of Rosalie. "R--Rosalie, I don''t understand, what is really happening here?" "You will understand soon, Aster. I knew Father Emperor gave you the new name, humble trash, yesterday," Rosalie replied, "I believe you will need me to survive." Rosalie stood from her chair and left the dining table. Aster was left stunned. Rosalie was always a gentle girl. It was a bit shocking to hear her speaking about such thing in a calm manner. As if it was natural for her. ''She even knew that the Emperor just gave me a new name here.'' ''What kind of royal training is this?'' Aster had not been served any breakfast and he was not in the mood for one. About fifteen minutester, Aunt Empress showed up in the dining hall. She wore a yellow dress with her hair tied up high and even in the morning, she already had so much powder on her face. Aster was disturbed, as he was used to seeing his mother, Grand Duchess with no powder until noon. Aster stood up and bowed his head, "This nephew greeted Aunt Empress, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." Aster heard no reply from Aunt Empress. He raised his head to peek, but found Aunt Empress already sat down on her table, treating him like air. Her face was unsightly, seeing him arrive in time. Aster stood in silence because the Empress hadn''t let him sit down. Until finally Aunt Empress opened her mouth while eating her breakfast. "You may sit." "Yes, thanking Aunt Empress," Aster said. But before he could sit on the table, Aunt Empress stopped him. "I believe my husband has bestowed you the title as ''humble trash''?" Aunt Empress asked. Aster clenched his fist, but calmed down and replied with a yes. "Then, no trash should be on the table, go sit on the floor." "P--pardon?" Aster asked again. He gulped, as he knew this was just another humiliation. "Trash, go sit on the floor, do not dirty the table, chair or the carpet." "Ah" Aster was speechless, he gritted his teeth, "This humble trash understands." Aster slowly walked to the floor and sat on the cold hard floor. There were servants and guards watching him, but none dared to stare for too long. "Servant! Give this trash some food on his special te," Aunt Empress ordered. The servants hurriedly went to the kitchen and came back with a dog bowl filled with only cold bread and salt. "Aunt Empress this" "That is naturally your breakfast." "But this is ve food" Aster said. Aunt Empress chuckled and her powdered face cracked a bit, showing some of her wrinkles, "I could count on how much ve I have, but I couldn''t even count on how much trash I had to dispose everyday. Your position here is trash, as announced by the Emperor this morning to the court. Everyone in the court shall now call you trash." Aster trembled in shock when he heard the court. He thought only Uncle Emperor, Aunt Empress and Rosalie knew about that humiliating title. Turns out, every minister and officials knew his new title already. Aster knew plenty of them, because they often bootlicked in order to gain support from Grand Duchy. ''I am the trash now?'' Aster was dazed. He was overwhelmed by rage and humiliation. But he had nowhere to vent his anger. Aster looked at the cold bread that was suddenly wet, drip-by-drip. He realized that he had cried. He immediately wiped his tears with his sleeve. He ate the cold bread withoutining. He had always eaten tender food, thus, the first time he tasted the cold hard bread, he almost couldn''t swallow it. He couldn''t hear anything but Aunt Empress who chuckled periodically. ''This humiliation this!'' Aster who was dazed felt someone kicking his feet. He looked up and saw Aunt Empress''s powdered face. In this angle, all he saw was a wretched hag looking down on him. "As expected, like mother like son, your face is very simr to that ugly woman. I''m going to enjoy this." Aunt Empress walked out of the dining hall with satisfied look. Aster sat silently. Not knowing how to respond to that insult. *** Aster hadn''t met Uncle Emperor for the whole day. He got the same food for lunch and dinner, and sat in the same position with Empress insulting him. Rosalie had vanished since morning and Charles was still on his campaign. At night, Aster took the pin given by Rosalie. He gritted his teeth. He still hadn''t understood the meaning of all this humiliation. But he knew for sure that the next day would not be kind. Since the first day already hit this hard, it would only worsen each day. Aster wiped the pool of tears that was about to fall and shook his head. ''No, I said to my mother that I would be okay.'' ''And I promised to prove my capability to him'' Aster remembered that ve of his. He suddenly felt grateful his ve did not follow him here. Because he will lose his head the first day they entered the pce. "Maybe he really made the right decision to leave me" "Sure thing, it alles down to power. This powerless version of myself" Aster smiled bitterly. First, what he needed to do was to understand everything in order to survive. Chapter 24: The Golden Princess Chapter 24: The Golden Princess The next morning, the same maid came with a warm basin, two towels, and a tray that contained meat, bread, fresh milk, sd, and all the foods necessary for a one-day meal. "Is this from Golden Princess?" Aster asked. "Yes, Young Lord. This is all from Golden Princess, since Young Lord had not eaten proper food yesterday," the maid exined while preparing the tter for Aster. "Young Lord, please eat as much as you can. Since we could only provide food every morning. Her Majesty Empress would be suspicious if Golden Princess'' servant came to Young Lord''s room too often." Aster pondered, it was true that this action brought more harm than benefit to Rosalie, but she still dared to send him not only warmer, but also food. It was weird that her servant could enter his room without getting apprehended. "Then, how about the guards outside. They are not Golden Princess'' people," Aster asked again. "Those guards are the Emperor''s guards. As for the reason why they allowed me in, this servant wasn''t sure either," the servant stopped brewing the tea, and continued, "However, Her Highness Golden Princess told this servant to watch for Empress'' people, not Emperor''s." Aster went silent. If Rosalie only told this servant to watch for Empress'' people, did that mean Uncle Emperor was on his side? ''No, that couldn''t be it.'' ''He was the one who humiliated me the most, there is no way he is on my side.'' Aster remembered his current status as trash, bestowed personally by his own uncle, Emperor Audric IV. If that was not the most humiliating, he didn''t know what else. Aster was still the proud Young Lord of the wealthiest duchy in the Golden Camellia. He couldn''t bear such title. This was probably a trap set by Uncle Emperor, just like Aunt Empress and her wickedness. "Before you go, give this to Golden Princess," Aster handed the lovebird pin, the signature pin of Rosalie, to the servant. She was not surprised, she just nodded and said, "This servant will inform Her Highness, we will arrange the meeting as soon as possible." Aster nodded. He knew that they needed to find the perfect time to meet. Otherwise, Emperor or Empress would catch them red-handed. All he could do now is to suffer and endure the humiliation. ''I will not let myself be the hunted.'' *** Aster endured for a week until Rosalie''s servant came with more than just the regr warm basin and food. She came with pleasant news. "Young Lord, Her Highness Golden Princess would like to meet you. The Emperor and Empress have to leave for a party in the Kingdom of North Fort. Please stay awake until midnight, this servant will escort you personally.'' Aster smile brightened, he was already thin enough from the unpleasant life here. He barely ate, he didn''t get any official training or study, and he wasn''t allowed to leave the pce. He was simply a dog with a cor. Later at midnight, Aster waited until midnight. The door was finally opened and the maid who usually served him wore a shroud. She handed over another shroud to Aster and said, "Young Lord, Her Highness Golden Princess is waiting in her pavilion." Aster nodded. He exited the room and followed the maid to Rosalie''s pavilion. He saw the two guards who guarded his room ignore him. As if he didn''t exist in the first ce. ''So, they really let us slip away.'' After a long walk, the maid finally stopped in a familiar pavilion. It was a rather big pavilion whose yard is very wide. Aster knew this ce because Charles often took him horse riding and trampled the yard. Because he just wanted to mess with Rosalie. Rosalie was always a mature and sensible girl though. Sometimes, Aster wondered if Rosalie is the oldest out of them all. The maid stopped in front of a room with two golden love birds statue nestling with each other ced on the left side of the door. It was the statue of a maiden who wanted to get married. The statue of unfaltering love in Golden Camellia. Aster realized that Rosalie was a maiden in love with the marquis of Viete. cing this statue in front of the maiden''s room meant that she would rather die than not being with her loved ones. ''So, she is really serious about that marquis.'' The maid opened the door and entered first, after that the maid returned back to Aster and weed him in. Rosalie was sitting in this room with tall windows, clearly showing the beauty of moonlight and the stars. The room didn''t have any source of fire, but it was surprisingly warm. Probably because there were a lot of beddings and covers made from animal fur. She wore a in dress, no make up and looked at him with a smile. Aster''s eyes formed an illusion that Rosalie was indeed very simr to Grand Duchess, his mother. Aster took off his shrouds and greeted his cousin, "I''m here, Rosalie." Rosalie smiled, "Of course, I''m sorry I can''t meet you earlier. Mother Empress and her people were everywhere." Aster sat on the chair and drank the warm tea prepared by the maid. He said, "No, it''s okay. I know the Empress would also punish you if we got caught." "At least you understand," Rosalie smiled, "I call you here in order to help you survive, Aster." "Wait, before that, I want to ask something," Aster interrupted, "Is Uncle Emperor on our side? The guards who were dispatched to guard my room don''t seem to report anything to the Emperor." "Father Emperor he is supposed to be the one who ''teach'' you a lesson. But he suddenly became the nonchnt third party. He doesn''t intend to interrupt or torture you. But he would never help you." "Why?" "For this reason, I am not sure either. But he seemed to make a deal with someone, I remembered my people saw him meeting with someone outside the pce, but couldn''t find with whom and where." Aster sighed. He thought he could probe some information regarding his biggest offender. He was unsure on who would actually be able to negotiate with the Emperor. Since his aura was already menacing enough to make one''s leg tremble. "Then, what is happening here, Rosalie? I thought I was supposed to have a royal training," Aster asked. Rosalie sighed. She sipped her tea and looked outside, "This is a trap." "You''re not supposed to receive any royal training. It was only for the prince and princess of the Golden family. But you''re not a prince, Aster. All you did was jump into a tiger mouth," Rosalie said. Aster was astonished. He never thought the royal family would trap him like this. They were closely rted by blood. "How do you know all of this?" Aster started being cautious. Rosalie was part of the royal family. If her mother and father could be treacherous, then she could be too. "No need to be guarded," Rosalie sighed, her eyes still casted to the garden, "I know because Mother Empress thought I was on her side. She wants to torture you, and kill you slowly. She will tell me whatever n she has, I naturally abide by her rule and power." "Then why did you help me?" "Because siding with Empress wasn''t beneficial enough. I don''t want to stand on the losing side, since I have my own ambition." The more Aster listened, the more he was unsure. What did it mean to stand on the losing side? Rosalie would gain more benefit siding with Empress than siding with him. "No, before you assumed that I''m on your side, I am not," Rosalie quickly added, "I side with my brother. Since he told me to protect you, then I shall protect you." ''Charles?'' ''He already knew everything but still decided to let me inside this tiger den?'' ''Then who shall I trust?'' "So, Charles entrusted you to protect me?" Aster asked. Rosalie nodded. Aster sneered, "I suppose you know what is his intention for protecting me, would you mind telling me?" "Aster, you''re too oblivious. It is a ring evidence, but you still haven''t realized it," Rosalie sighed, "Well, it is not my responsibility to tell you his intention. You''ll find out eventually." Rosalie stood up, took a book and gave it to Aster, "Empress has always held a grudge against your duchy. I recorded all deliberate ns that she had nned to trap you, also some of her schemes. Some might lead to your doom. Read it and you will understand, if you need my help, you can always ask my servant to escort you here. Once you can finally survive this ce, I will tell you the next n." "Then, what do you need as a reward?" Aster carefully asked. Even if Rosalie was on Charles'' side, he still couldn''t trust herpletely. He couldn''t even trust Charles right now. Rosalie chuckled, "You cannot pay my handsome reward. Only my brother knows how to pay it." "Trust him, Aster. In this pce, you can only trust Charles." Aster didn''t nod or shake his head to that statement. He just excused himself and left the pavilion. The maid escorted him back to his room. It was only a short meeting with Rosalie. She gave him a book full of Empress'' malicious thoughts. This was his key to survive. ''I might be able to probe some information about the pce with this book.'' Aster hid the book under his bedding and put his head on the pillow. He felt his head got pounded continuously until he felt tired and dizzy. ''I cannot trust anyone here. They all knew that I''m going to jump into the hell pit, but decided to just watch and do nothing when I was pushed inside.'' ''But, who pushed me?'' Aster felt something was hitting his ominous feeling. He had the feeling as if someone had orchestrated everything. But he was unsure which one, Charles, Rosalie, Aunt Empress, Uncle Emperor or. Grand Duchess, his mother. ''No, not my mother.'' ''Then who is it?'' Chapter 25: Trap Chapter 25: Trap Aster had read one-third part of the book from Rosalie. He thought Empress was such a menacing monster who hadyers andyers of deceitful traps. After he read the notes, Aster concluded that it was only in his head. Empress Cecilia was not a deceitful person, nor a woman with an extraordinary mind. She was just a mindless beast with power. Aster read some part of the notes and noticed some of her supposed traps. ''I will make that useless kid starve until he tries stealing food from the kitchen, then I can punish him again!'' ''That kid, I don''t understand how he could be in time for breakfast. Do you think I need to ask your father to tighten the security around his room, Rosalie?'' ''We will let a girl seduce him, he''s still green. He eventually will sumb to debauchery! Then we can toss him to the stake? Don''t you think it''s good, Rosalie?'' Aster sighed. He really overestimated Aunt Empress. Maybe because she always looked viinous, that it made Aster tremble. Now that he understood the way of how Aunt Empress was thinking, her threat was no more than a bully. Aster continued reading until he read someone knock on the door. It was still too early for his morning basin and food. Aster hid the book and silently walked to the door. He hesitated, but he was sure that it was not an assassin. Because there were two guards outside and honestly, there was no use of assassinating someone like him Aster gulped and opened the door. He saw a slender, young, beautiful maid who looked worried. She brought a warm basin and a tray of food, simr to what he usually got from Rosalie. "Who are you?" Aster asked coldly. He furrowed his brows, since the one in front of him was not the regr maid. "T--this servant was worried that Young Lord might die from cold and starvation. This servant brought a warm basin and food for Young Lord," she said. Her body fidgeted, as if she was nervous. "Who ordered you to hand these to me?" The maid was stunned, as she didn''t expect the other person would ask about it. She thought that this kid was a gullible kid that would appreciate any kind gesture given to him. But this young lord, he wasn''t even slightly moved. In fact, his eyes grew colder as she tried to persuade him. "This--This is this servant''s own intention," she meekly answered, "This servant just didn''t want Young Lord to die" Two tints of reddish color gradually appeared on her cheek, "This servant had long admired Young Lord." She looked shy and ufortable. Her body kept fidgeting, but it only made her cuter. The face of this maid was indeed pure and beautiful, the type that one would use and discard. But Aster was not unfamiliar with this kind of trap. Back when he lived in the duchy, this trap was almost like a daily urrence for him. Aster presented an amiable smile and said, "I see, then please go in." The maid went inside the room happily. She put a warm basin under Aster''s feet and handed two warm towels. Then, she opened the tray, it was plenty of food, even more than the usual food from Rosalie. Aster stared at the tray, it was indeed a nice gesture if this wasn''t a trap set by Aunt Empress. Aster still smiled, he nced at the meek maid and said, "This is a kind gesture of you, what do you want for reward?" "This servant doesn''t want anything, this servant just admires Young Lord" ''Did Aunt Empress really think I would die against thisme trap? I could see that all of these foods are poisoned.'' ''Then, as you wish, I will y along.'' "I see, then, would you mind joining me?" Aster used a fork to fiddle with the diced fruits. He sat solemnly while staring at the maid with his deep eyes. "H--how could I?" the servant was taken aback. She stepped back, but Aster suddenly gripped her wrist with his left hand. "I don''t have a powerful position here. This is the least I could do to pay your kindness," Aster grip lightened as the servant finallyply with his request. She sat besides the Young Lord of the wealthiest Grand Duchy and the sight of this dignified Young Lord sitting and staring at her had entranced her. "Open your mouth," Aster picked one diced watermelon with a fork and offered it to the servant. "Y--Young Lord, this is too much!" the maid blushed red. She could feel her blood rising and her face hotter. "This is just a kind gesture, this fruit looks fresh too, unless these foods are poisoned," Aster''s smile dissipated and he furrowed his brows. "Young Lord! This servant doesn''t have a bad intention towards Young Lord," she cried. Aster sneered, "Then, why don''t you eat this?" "This--this servant is just nervous, for Young Lord to make such gestures towards this lowly servant" ''Hmph, let''s see how long you would pretend until you''re forced to eat poison.'' "Then, don''t see me as a young lord. See me as someone who adored you and your cute face," Aster paused, and then continued, "Prove it, that this food isn''t poisoned. I will grant you anything you want as the sign of my gratitude after you eat this." The servant stared at the table full of fresh food. ording to the order, what she needed to do was to seduce this kid and climb his bed. Someone had already waited somewhere to work as a ''witness'' and her job would be done. Then, the food should definitely be safe. She put a hurt expression, took one diced fruit and eximed confidently, "This servant is loyal and has admired Young Lord since the beginning, if this servant doesn''t intend to harm Young Lord, this servant requests Young Lord''s willingness to spend the night with this servant." "I swore under the name of Golden blood, your wish is my will," Aster replied with the oath of Golden Camellia. This was a sacred oath that would bind someone until she or he fulfilled the wish. She ate the fruit and swallowed it. One second two seconds no reaction. Even after thirty seconds, still no reaction. Aster was stunned. This servant really didn''t intend to harm him, she would drop dead immediately if the food was poisoned. ''Is this not a trap?'' ''This servant was really just worried about me?'' ''But I already epted her request.'' Aster felt blood drained out of his body. He could feel the chill of his own mistake. If this servant really climbed his bed, someone would definitely act as a witness to such debauchery somewhere around here. "Young lord, as you see, I--" The servant had just opened her mouth until suddenly, she was unable to breathe. She coughed violently. She fell from the chair while her cough was getting more and more severe. The servant, who was actually an assassin, finally understood that someone had poisoned the food before she brought it to Young Lord. This poison was the type of poison that would infect the throat, making the victim cough violently and unable to breath. It was however, a simple poison, as a ss of warm water would dissolve the poison from her throat. She tried to reach a ss of warm water from the table. Aster who had realized what happened snatched the ss. "Y--Young lord I beg you" the servant''s voice slowly getting hoarse and she coughed uncontrobly until she vomited blood. ''No, she can''t live, she can''t...'' Aster breaths grew stiffer, as he watched the servant vomit more blood. Her face was blue and finally, she sumbed to her death. Shey motionless while blood leaked out of her mouth. "I I didn''t kill she died of her own" "I didn''t kill someone, it''s her it''s her own fault, she tried to poison me!" Aster mind was in chaos, as he didn''t understand anything. This was the first time he indirectly killed someone under his control. He trembled and the ss of warm water in his hand slipped and broke to small pieces on the cold floor. ''Why would she eat her own poisoned food?'' ''Did she not know that the food is poisoned?'' ''Is this a suicide?'' ''She killed herself, right? I didn''t do anything wrong, I''m innocent here!'' ''In fact, she intends to poison me, I am the victim!'' Aster sat in silence. His eyes still glued to this dead girl in front of him. He realized that he could save this girl with just a ss of warm water, but his instinct told him that by letting this girl live, she would stir up more trouble for him. "I am innocent" Chapter 26: Trap II Chapter 26: Trap II "By god! What happened?!" Someone mmed the door and the first thing she saw was a dead girl with Young Lord of Grand Duchy sitting solemnly with his cold eyes staring at this girl. ''Another aplice'' Aster saw another supposed ''servant'', who probably served as back up for this girl. Aster shifted his solemn gaze to the maid, his expression was still nk, but he pointed his finger to the corpse below him. "Take your aplice away she killed herself, I did nothing," Aster said calmly. However, the servant only stood still, she didn''t understand what happened and how could Young Lord became very detached like this. "What kind of plot had been ordered to you? I am the victim here," Aster said, his face gradually paled, as if blood had been drained out of his vein. "Young Lord! I am Golden Princess'' servant!" the maid cried out. Her statement snapped Aster out of his daze. He saw the regr maid who would bring a warm basin, towel and food from Rosalie everyday. "Young Lord, what happened?" the maid asked, seemingly anxious. "I--I didn''t kill her! She ate her own poisoned food! I--I just" Aster started stuttering again and again, he had short breath that made him unable to breathe sometimes. After a while, he finally calmed down. He took deep breaths a few times until his mind was clearer. "Young Lord, please exin it slowly, so Golden Princess might be able to help you." Again, Aster stared at the corpse. He exined slowly, "She came early this morning with the same warm basin, two warm towels and a tray of food. She said that her intention was out of concern for my wellbeing. I thought it''s another plot to kill me, a regr urrence in my duchy," Aster paused, his hand trembling and he pointed at the food. "These foods are all poisoned, so I want her to eat first. I thought that would make her reluctant and might expose her. But in the end, she was not even slightly reluctant, she wanted to climb my bed if it was proven that the food is not poisoned. I epted her request with golden oath." "She was fine for a minute until she started coughing and the cough is getting severe. Then, she tried to reach the warm water," Aster paused again and pointed at the broken sses. "Ferce powder" the maid said in a soft voice. Ferce powder is a powder that, once inhaled or swallowed, would infect the throat and lung until the victim coughed blood and died shortly after. It was however, easily treated if swallowed, with only hot or warm water, the cough would disappear immediately. "Yes the food has been poisoned with ferce powder, and she swallowed it unhesitatingly," Aster lips shut when he realized that the next sentence would make him either guilty or innocent. "Young Lord?" the maid waited for Aster to continue his exnation. "She tried to reach the ss and identally dropped the ss from the table. Then, she died shortly after." "You did nothing, Young Lord?" " I was stunned and too scared, I just sat silently." The maid sighed in relief. Young Lord was just a victim turned into a witness here, he wasn''t involved in anything that would trouble him in front of the Emperor or Empress, "Then, Young Lord need not to be worried. This servant would report the incident to Golden Princess and dispatch our people to clean this mess. But Young Lord needs to know that the Emperor had already known about this matter, since the guards outside are his people." Aster felt that he was about to faint. He couldn''t imagine what kind of fault would the Emperor find to make his life more miserable. ''It will be fine, there is no one witnessed that I snatched the ss.'' ''Besides, I really am innocent until that part.'' ''Uncle Emperor might find trouble with me, but I will try to avoid offending him more than I should.'' Not long after, there were three people who came with the maid and cleaned the corpse. They wiped the blood, cleaned the floor and removed the corpse. Shortly after, the room that was previously a witness of an indirect murder turned into another usual room. After cleaning the mess, Rosalie''s maid warned him once more, "Young Lord, you mustn''t be hasty when facing the Emperorter on. Even though you''re innocent here, he can find a w to prosecute you." Aster nodded, but his mind was still troubled, he immediately inquired his suspicion, "Do you think Aunt Empress is the one who orchestrated this?" The maid paused, she was also unsure, but she replied softly, "This servant doesn''t know, but this servant can''t find someone who would do this other than Her Majesty Empress Cecilia." Aster nodded and sent her off. In his mind, he doubted that Aunt Empress was the one who orchestrated such deliberate n. To poison your hired executor and pit Aster into this situation was not something Empress could''ve imagined based on Rosalie''s note. Aster tried to find another suspect that coulde out with such n. But the more he thought, the more he realized that the one who had been antagonizing him were just Emperor and Empress. Rosalie said that the Emperor would take a passive stance, then, only the Empress was the most susceptible. ''Is it really Empress?'' ''Why am I doubting this?'' *** Golden Princess Rosalie sat calmly, facing her aunt, Grand Duchess Camille, who was also the former Golden Princess. They drank morning tea while waiting for the report from the maid about the supposed trap. The maid arrived and kneeled in front of Grand Duchess and Golden Princess, "This humble servant has information about Young Lord." Grand Duchess smiled and said, "You''re ten minuteste, punctuality is important for me." Rosalie''s fingers that were holding the teacup stiffened, she wasn''t unfamiliar with her aunt''s unusual demeanor, but she never got used to it. The cold and ruthless version of this Grand Duchess was only known to certain people. She still had her beautiful and perfect former golden princess persona in front of the crowd. However, the maid wasn''t even slightly frightened, she only kneeled deeper and said, "Yes, this servant failed to meet Her Majesty Grand Duchess'' expectation. This servant offered her head to Grand Duchess." "Hmm? I might just cut your left leg, you will definitely work harder not to lose your right leg," Grand Duchess said lightly, as if it was nothing frightening. "Aunt Duchess, I think it is not necessary to punish my servant while she has information about Aster," Rosalie quickly interrupted this conversation flow to avoid any unneeded harm. Grand Duchess smiled amiably, she chuckled and then said, "Well, it is fine. I''m waiting for my dear son''s report. How is the execution? Is everything going ording to my n?" "This humble servant answering, yes, the assassin was found dead in Young Lord''s room after eating Ferce Powder. However, Young Lord''s reaction to such scene is dare this servant say, quite surprising," this time, the servant gulped, remembering how calm and collected Aster was when he lied before. "Oh? Did he snatched the ss before that girl drank it?" Grand Duchess asked. She looked more and more joyous. "Yes, he snatched the ss and let the assassin die shortly after," the servant paused, then continued, "Young Lord said that the girl dropped the ss by her own and he was just scared and stunned." "And, he only suspected Empress, right?" "This servant supposed so" Grand Duchess finallyughed. It was lightheartedugh, but the atmosphere felt heavier each second passed, "As expected from a low servant, you''re stupid," Grand Duchess sneered. Both Rosalie and her servant were shocked. The servant reported everything on point, no w, but Grand Duchess still said that. "Well, that''s all for now. I will give you the next task when it''s time," Grand Duchess stood from her seat, "Golden Princess, I bid my farewell, I will meet you again when the time is right." Rosalie quickly nodded, but showed some hesitation on her face, " Aunt Duchess, may I know why do we need to pit my cousin like this?" Rosalie asked. "I do not have obligation to answer that. All you need to do is to follow my instruction and our deal regarding Young Marques will naturally proceed, we''re on the same page after all." Grand Duchess replied. "Now, excuse me, I have someone to visit," Grand Duchess continued. Grand Duchess walked out of the room. Rosalie and her servant nced at each other, and felt the indescribable chill lingered even after she left the room. "Demon" Rosalie muttered. Chapter 27: Eulogy of the Prince 8 Chapter 27: Eulogy of the Prince 8 "Oi! Ramuja, help me here!" "Yes!" I rushed to Jon''s side and helped him carrying a heavy log to the hut. It was fortunate that there was no rain today. This ce was very damp, especially during autumn. Constant rain was inevitable and sometimes, I need to use a coat provided by the duchy for the ves and regr workers. It was evening, but I still had to fill my minimum quota for the day. I worked in the logging venture owned by Grand Duchy of Stormhill. However, the Grand Duke of Stormhill, Grand Duke Harion Di Arlingdon, Young lord''s father, officially owned it. In fact, I heard from other workers, he was the one who made Grand Duchy of Stormhill became the wealthiest house in the entire Golden Camellia, close to royal family''s wealth. ''I know Young Lord is wealthy, but I never know he''s this wealthy.'' It was almost a month after my departure from the grand duchy. I worked with other ves here and the treatment from Grand Duke was very humane. He provided workers hut with proper bedding for each ve, proper amenities and clothes, and the most important thing, proper clothes. Unlike some other master who would abuse you, Grand Duke was a generous man. ''Unlike Grand Duchess'' I remembered every time Grand Duchess abused me, threat, beating, torture, I remembered everything. In fact, some of the scars she made were permanent to my skin. However, these scars were really nothing for me, because I was used to be tortured everyday before. It was the wound in my heart that was permanent, the anxiety, because I didn''t know what was happening with Young Lord right now. ''He is eating well, right?'' ''He is the honorable young lord of Stormhill, the royal family wont mistreated him.'' ''Crown Prince Charles will definitely protect him.'' I gritted my teeth when I remembered all the loving moments between Young Lord and Crown Prince. The tenderness, vagueness, touch, and also their kiss, it stung me as I felt like my mind became clouded for some reason. But I knew I was just a ve, to help and protect Young Lord was illogical of me. ''What does he think of me now? I left him immediately when he needed me the most.'' ''Wait, what are you thinking Ramuja? He is probably having the time of his life with Crown Prince'' Again, I instantly imagined Young Lord with Crown Prince being intimate, kissing, cuddling, and then "Ramuja! You don''t have time to be idle! Let''s go, finish quickly so we can eat!" Jon instantly admonished me when I daydreamed. I instantly nodded and helped him carrying many logs to the hut. After I finished my daily quota, I queued for my dinner. Instead of bringing the te, I always brought a basket given by Jon''s mother, so I could have a dinner together with his family. I followed Jon to his house, it was not far from the workers hut and it was near the riverbank. "I''m home!" Jon said while taking off his boots. "Wee home," Lisa greeted us. She prepared some potatoes they nted their own and sat on the chair with four baked potato. "Mom, the dinner today is salted bread and fish, I think the cook gives us more than regr portion," Jon said happily, he gave his basket to his mother. "Oh, thank god, he gives you two fishes, today is a feast!" Lisa cheered. "Lisa, I also got two fishes," I said and offered my basket to her. However, she didn''t ept my basket and said, "No, Ramuja! That is yours, you should eat more!" "I only want to eat one fish" I replied and then offered my basket again. Lisa hesitated, but then she called her daughter who was still weaving a shawl requested by her employer, "Merry! Dinner! Ramuja brought you a steamed fish!" "Yes," Merry came out of her room and walked to the dinner table. She was the younger sister of Jon, probably two years younger than me, since she was five years younger from Jon. She was a shy and meek girl who rarely spoke until someone asked her. She looked at me and smiled before hurriedly sitting on the chair. I gave her my basket and she took the bread and fish. Tonight, we ate baked potato, salted bread, and fish, it was such a luxury for this family. After we finished our te, I helped washing the te and then sitting besides Jon in his room. I met Jonathan Wood as we worked together, then he introduced me to his families. Nowadays, I slept with Jon in his room whenever I wanted to. The house was not big, but it was enough to have three separate rooms for everyone. It was made of wood though, sometimes Jon had to gave up his wage so that he could afford some logs to renovate some part of his house. The house was built under thend of Grand Duchy of Stormhill, the Wood family was a former ve family who gained their freedom after long hard work of both George and Lisa Wood. "Well, we were Grand Duke Harion''s former ve, but my parents collected enough money to buy four ves, granted that Duke Harion is a kind man, he didn''t demand us high ransom," Jon said. "Then he allowed your family to live in this forest owned by Grand Duchy?" I asked. "Yes, he just demanded our loyalty. So we, the men of the family swore to always work under his business," Jon continued, "Besides, we were former ves. No one would hire a former ve to work, since we don''t know any work other than lifting logs!" I observed Jon''s face. He looked very happy and contended, even though his current situation was no different than my situation. We worked at the same ce, with the same payment, but he needed to do more since he needed to provide for his family, while at least I was given a proper ce to live and enough food. "Are you happy right now? It seems that your life is even harder after you''re free, especially since your father had passed away long ago," I asked. Heughed, as if it was a funny question, "Of course it''s harder, Grand Duchy of Stormhill is a very generous lord, but nothing is as precious as freedom!" Jon patted my shoulder and continued, "Don''t you see, Ramuja? When you have freedom, you can choose what kind of job you want, what kind of house you want to build, which woman you want to marry and for me, I can at least give that freedom to my sister and my kidster. The meaning of freedom is when you can choose." ''When I can choose'' ''If I can choose I choose to follow Young Lord without fear and rejection.'' ''Can I choose that?'' *** It was almost midnight, Jon was already asleep, but I couldn''t. I kept pondering about the meaning of freedom and having a capability of choosing over something. ''Will Young Lord give me freedom if I paid my cost?'' ''I want to have a choice to follow him, but not as ve'' ''I want to follow him as lover'' I immediately shook my head. What kind of idea is that? I must be too tired and started imagining impossible things. "Maybe I need fresh air." I left the room and then left the house. I walked to the riverbank and sat on a big stone, staring at the moonlight. The moonlight was beautiful as it shined brightly without any cloud obstructed the view. Slowly, the bright moonlight portrayed the face of Young Lord, tender, bright and beautiful, bedazzling everyone around him. It was perfect. ''Have I went mad? To imagine his face like this'' I smiled ironically, in the end, I was just a foolish ve. Suddenly, I heard a voice, a tender voice of a young woman. She sang a song I never heard of, but her voice was beautiful enough to have me curious to search for the source. I followed the voice until I saw a girl sitting in a stone. She had long ck hair and her soft features shined under the shower of moonlight. She sat solemnly while she dipped and swayed her hands back and forth in the river. It was Merry Wood, singing a beautiful song. ~Oh moonlight, My steps were heavy and my eyes were blind But this blooming desire wanted more ~Oh goddess, You give me will, You give me desire But you didn''t give me choice ~Oh fated star, Had I been forsaken? To have this forbidden love, To love someone I shouldn''t. Chapter 28: Eulogy of the Prince 9 Chapter 28: Eulogy of the Prince 9 I stood in silence, hearing her singing as if a siren had enchanted and drifted my consciousness away. I approached her slowly, afraid that she might got scared because of my presence. Merry nced at my direction and stopped singing, her confidence that was melted with tenderness dissipated instantly and she turned into meek and silent girl I was familiar with. I was a bit disappointed, because I wanted to hear her singing voice. "You can continue, don''t mind me," I said. She blushed and shook her head. She jumped from the big stone to the ground, but her feet slipped, "Watch out!" I rushed and immediately grabbed her hand and took her to my embrace. "Uh um" "Are you okay?" I asked. My breath was heavy, this river was deep and cold, and none of us were an adept swimmer, if she really fell to the river "I''m okay Ramuja, can you release me?" Merry was in my embrace for a while, her head was on my chest, this position was indeed not right. I released her and she took a deep breath. "Be careful next time," I warned her again. She was lucky that I was here. Merry casted his eyes down, she looked pitiful, "I always sing in this ce whenever the moonlight is bright, usually there is no incident," she paused and stole a nce at me and continued, "M--maybe because I''m nervous." "Nervous? Why?" "Because" Merry paused again, she stole a nce few times, then suddenly retreated, "I--I need to go, see you tomorrow, Ramuja." She ran to the house, leaving me here alone. A sh of thought came to my mind, I could feel her heartbeat thumped in her soft chest. Even after a while, her heart beat even harder. It was simr to my heartbeat when Young Lord''s face was so close and the tips of our noses were touching. My heartbeat was uncontroble and I thought it would burst anytime. ''No there is no way she has feeling for me, I''m just a ve, who would fall in love with a ve.'' I reminded myself not to overthink and wished too much. Just like my rtionship with Young Lord, sometimes I felt like we were so close, but I knew it was just a wishful thinking. I sat on the big stone and stared at the moonlight again, so that I could imagine his face even when I wasn''t with him. ''Young Lord he probably has Crown Prince or a woman in his heart'' Again, I had to swallow the bitter pill, no matter how much I tried, I couldn''t be close with Young Lord. ''My freedom is the only way for Young Lord to see me as human, right?'' *** I took a deep breath and carried another log on my back. I could feel my back almost gave up, since it was extremely heavy. But I got used to this hardbor sooner than I expected. It was a hard job, but definitely better than being physically and mentally tortured in the grand duchy. It was near winter, thus, my job carrying logs doubled than the regr quota. However, Grand Duke was kind enough to double the food ration for all the workers topensate the doubled quota. ''He was very generous, but he rarely went to the grand duchy mansion. My life would probably be easier if he was there. At least Grand Duchess wouldn''t dare to torture me.'' I finished my quota today and took my basket. I immediately queued for the workers food ration. However, not long after I queued, I saw Grand Duke''s guard approached the workers. Everyone became stiff and stopped their idle chat, because duke''s guard was not good news. Whenever grand duke called someone, that person will always get fired. I was calm though, I was a ve owned by grand duchy, so he didn''t even need to call me if he wanted to ditch me. Just say the words and my head will immediately fly. I did nothing offensive though, so I wasposed and continue queuing. "You,e!" the guard suddenly pointed at me. I was confused, as I thought I did nothing wrong. "You! Fast! Grand Duke wants to see you!" I gulped, no, Grand Duke wasn''t cruel like his wife, he wouldn''t kill me. There must be some misunderstanding here. I reluctantly followed the guard to duke''s room. I entered the room and immediately trembled, as I smelled the familiar aroma of tobo. My previous master was very fond of tobo and smoked a lot. He would also burn my skin with his cigar in various ces. I kneeled in front of him and said, "This ve answering Grand Duke''s call." Grand Duke Harion sat on a leather chair, with stared at me for a while, from below, I could describe his appearance as stern and serious. He had that deep stare simr to Young Lord, white skin, although not as pale as his and the same mole under the left eyes. Even in his 30s, he still looked handsome. "You''re my son''s ve that I bought in that market, right?" he asked. "Yes, Milord." "Then, why are you here? Who ordered you to leave my son?" he asked. I was tongue-tied, this question if I said Grand Duchess was the one who sent me here, would he be angry? She was his wife nheless. Grand Duke seemed to guess the answer based on my silence. "My wife, Grand Duchess threatened you to leave my son, right?" I trembled, whenever I heard Grand Duchess name mentioned I immediately kneeled even lower. I dared not answering that question, fearing my life was in the verge of one swipe. "I take your silence as a yes," Grand Duke said, he then tapped my hand with his boots, "Then, did you take the gold offered by her?" "This servant" I stopped, because the fear suddenly crawling up, ckening my consciousness. I swallowed my fear, but my hands didn''t stop trembling. I was this nervous because I did in fact take the gold and left Young Lord. Grand Duke would never forgive me. But I couldn''t lie either, because he could just ask his wife about me. "This--this servant took the gold, but hadn''t use it yet," I said. I closed my eyes, waiting for that torture. "I see then, you passed," Grand Duke said lightly. I looked up, expecting a scary monster in front of me, but what I found was Grand Duke Harion smiling to me. Yes, smiling to me, a ve. "Milord? This this servant doesn''t understand" I said dumbly. "You''re honest, if you answer otherwise just to impress me with your loyalty, I''d stop your breath right now," Grand Duke exined. He took a bag of coin and threw it away to my front. This action was simr to Grand Duchess, but I didn''t get the same pressure as when I was with her. "Take that as your first payment, you''re now my people," Grand Duke smiled. He looked dignified and mighty, but he wasn''t suppressive like his wife. I felt like I saw a mirage, an illusion of a kind noble. The one who wouldn''t abuse his power to stomp someone like me. "This servant doesn''t understand," I said again. Looking at my dumb face, Grand Duke chuckled. He drank his wine and called the guard, "Give me a contract." The guard quickly opened a box and handed a piece of paper with some writings in it and a bottle of ink to Grand Duke. It was the noble writing that I couldn''t understand at all. I saw Grand Duke inspected it and finally gave it to me. "This servant cannot read, milord." "It''s a contract, you''ll be my secret subordinate. I will give you payment and protection. What you need to do is to follow my instruction," Grand Duke''s eyes flitted with cautiousness, "Since you are my son''s ve, then my instruction for you is to report all his activities to me, report any slight change of his behavior and the most important thing" Grand Duke stared me with his solemn gaze, this one gaze made my back stiff, " you shall never betray him. Once you betray or hurt him, I will be the one who feeds your body to the dogs." "This servant dared not and never thought so, Milord!" I eximed confidently. This one I never doubted. Never shed on my mind the thought of hurting Young Lord or betrayed him. ''Because he is the one I will follow forever.'' "Then, dip your thumb in this ink and imprint it here," Grand Duke pointed at one spot under the writings. I hesitated, because I couldn''t read, I was afraid that he would trap me into some web trap that I couldn''t escape. ''But given his instruction, he seems to be really sincere with Young Lord'' I took a deep breath, dipped my thumb to the ink and imprinted it on the paper. I was officially Grand Duke''s subordinate in secret. Grand Duke smiled in satisfaction. He took the contract and put it in the same box. "Now, before I let you leave, do you want to ask about anything?" "This servant... wants to know why Milord Grand Duke and Grand Duchess treated this servant differently," I asked while kneeling even lower, to the point that I almost prostrated, fearing that my question would offend him. Grand Duke went silent, I dared not to inquiry even further and decided to excuse myself. However, Grand Duke finally answered just before I excused myself, "We are never on the same side, her priority and mine is different," he said solemnly, "I cannot protect you from her, but I can assure you that you will not die under my lead." "Now, you shall leave, when my son is back from his supposed training in royal pce, I will immediately transferred you back to him," Grand Duke said. "Yes, thanking milord''s generosity. This servant excused himself." I walked out with the bag of gold coin in my pocket. There were a lot of questions in my head, but I naturally couldn''t inquire it now. All I could do was taking Grand Duke side as my warranty, so I could apany Young Lord. I hold the bag of coins in my pocket tightly and walked away from Grand Duke''s tent. ''With this, someday I can buy my freedom from Young Lord.'' ''Then I can stand by his side, as a human being.'' ''Young Lord all this for you.'' Chapter 29: Emperors Love Chapter 29: Emperor''s Love Grand Duchess strutted through the hallway of this small pce privately owned by her brother. There was no one except few servants cleaning the room and two royal guards guarding the biggest door in the end of the hallway. She stopped in front of the door and said nothing, but the two guards immediately recognized her and opened the door, "His Majesty is waiting Her Majesty Grand Duchess," the guard said. Grand Duchess entered the room and immediately saw a man standing in front of a mirror, fixing his golden hair and crown, tidying the hem of his majestic silver robes. His handsome, chiseled face looked nervous. He turned his back and faced his guest, her sister. In an instant, Emperor Audric''s golden circle dominated his entire pupil, making his pupil pure golden. "What are you nervous for?" Grand Duchess chuckled. "That--that''s because my big sister ising!" Emperor said ecstatically. He jumped and hugged his big sister, however, Grand Duchess swiftly retreated. "I''m not in the mood for you acting like a dog," Grand Duchess sat in the leather chair and crossed her leg. She kept her smile, but her aura didn''t seem to be friendly. In fact, it made the room felt suffocating. However, Emperor Audric didn''t seem to mind. He sat obediently, facing his big sister. He lost his usual overbearing aura, the aura that would make people cower and kneel obediently. If people saw the expression that he made right now, they would not believe that the majestic emperor actually pouted like a kid. "Big sis, are you mad at me? Did I do something bad?" Emperor Audric asked. "I ordered you to instruct your beloved wife, it''s been a month but I saw no move from her at all," Grand Duchess sneered, "Have you gone soft on her?" The bright face of Emperor suddenly darkened, he clenched his fist. He was always irritated whenever his big sister mentioned his ''beloved'' wife. He would readily dispose this woman whenever he wanted, but his big sister actually forbid him to do so. Which made him even more irritated. "That woman said that she is sick, she said she felt nauseous and her body felt weak," Emperor slowly reached his sister''s finger and intertwined it with his, "Big sis, please don''t torment me, you know that my beloved is you, I will follow all your wish," Emperor said. His eyes didn''t lie, as the golden color thickened and his loving gaze deeply prated into one''s bone. But Grand Duchess pulled her hand away, she looked with disgust, "We''re blood sibling, the rule of Golden Camellia forbid blood sibling to marry since two hundred years ago. Have you forget that, Your Majesty?" Emperor Audric''s face darkened, he gritted his teeth and his hand firmly gripped the chair arm, afraid that he wouldshed it out in front of his beloved sister. He was about to erase this old rule for the sake of making his sister the empress. But again, his sister forbade him. "I can erase thatw" Grand Duchessughed mirthlessly, she gazed at her brother with contempt, "So that you can force me to marry you? I don''t want to marry a traitor." "I''m not a traitor!" "Silence!" Grand Duchess mmed the table. She wasn''t physically strong, but the impact silenced the Emperor. He retreated and lowered his head in front of his beloved big sister. "That rule is also the only way for me to protect my son from your filthy seed with that woman, your Crown Prince," Grand Duchess snorted. Emperor Audric remembered about his son who was hopelessly obsessed with his nephew, to the point of almost mad. He hated his wife to the bone, but he didn''t hate his children. But this time, he was actually annoyed with his own son. Thinking about his crazy son who wanted to marry his blood cousin, which is also a man. ''No wonder my big sis was so mad, she felt betrayed by me.'' Emperor''s gaze softened, maybe because of his own ipetency that made big sister disdained him. He still needed to fix everything, so he could approach his beloved big sister once more. "Don''t be mad, big sis. I will force that woman to do it, then I will find a good way to torture Aster without breaking him." Grand Duchess finally sighed. She stared at his brother and suddenly couldn''t disdain him more than this, "I want to see the result soon, don''t hurt my son too much." "Yes, your beloved little brother understand," Emperor Audric said, he smiled and called the servant outside. Few servants brought tea and snack for them to enjoy. The pair of sibling spent their time together for few hours. After few hours, Grand Duchess stood and prepared to leave. "Sister!" Emperor Audric stopped her. He looked nervous, "Can I get a kiss?" Grand Duchess frowned, but replied, "Come here." Emperor Audric jittered and approached his big sister, he was joyed but at the same time felt nervous. It was rare for his big sister to agree on this. Grand Duchess was a head shorter than her brother even after she wore high heels, "Lower your head," Emperor followed her instruction. He lowered his posture until they were equal. His sister face was so close to him, he could see the perfect face of the most beautiful woman he ever saw. Grand Duchess smiled and lightly kissed his cheek, it was so light that it felt like feather ticking his face. Emperor Audric frowned, "Can you kiss me on my lips?" "No, I will save it until you do your job, Your Majesty Emperor," Grand Duchess sneered and left the room. Emperor Audric was stunned. What his sister said was true, he didn''t deserve such kiss until he stopped being ipetent. ''How can I ever reach her if I am always ipetent.'' Grand Duchess walked out and sat in her carriage, she smirked, almost giggled. ''My cute brother is such a useful chess piece.'' *** Emperor Audric looked at his Empress sleeping quietly on her bed. Since her appearance was already not beautiful, she looked even more horrible. This angered Emperor even more. ''That nasty Harion can live with my beautiful sister, but I''m stuck with this hag? Unfair.'' Emperor Audric kicked the bed and instantly awakened Empress who looked pale. Her eyes wandered until she saw her husband looking down at her. She greeted her husband as usual, albeit her body was drenched with sweat and her face looked very sickly, she still struggled to appease her mad husband. Ironically, she didn''t know why her husband was always mad at her, even when she did nothing wrong. "Husband, is there anything?" Emperor saw her dry and chapped hips moving and got even more disgusted. ''No, my big sis is like heaven and hell pitpared to her her.'' "Go and punish that kid, don''t kill or disable him," Emperor ordered. Empress was uneasy. She hated her husband''s sister, Grand Duchess Camellia, because her husband seemed to love his sister too much. But she never hated Aster. She saw that kid growing up with her children and was a good kid, albeit a bit too cold. Now that she had to torture this kid because her husband seemed to hate him for no reason. She was unsure. "Husband he did nothing wrong, how could we punish him like this?" Empress pleaded, "Your sister might be offended if we pushed him too much." Emperor snorted, this ugly woman actually dared to question him, "I will give you a reason to punish him. Just do what I tasked." Emperor turned his back and left the room, before he closed the door, he said: "Don''t pretend to be sick, looking at you like this makes me want to vomit." Chapter 30: Crown Prince & His Darling Cousin Chapter 30: Crown Prince & His Darling Cousin Aster stood under a withering tree. It was the start of winter, and the cold seeped into his bone marrow. He shivered as his feet started to be numb. Empress watched him from afar, with her warm dress. She smirked while drinking her tea. Aster gritted his teeth, but soon his gritted teeth turned into tremble and he was unable to control the cold inside his body. He only wore a pajama without using warmer, he didn''t even wear a shoe. It was six in the morning, and in this winter, it was too cold for fragile Aster. Soon, he almost couldn''t feel his feet and then it turned into pain, like hundreds of thin needles pierced his feet. After holding for a while, Aster fell to the ground as his brain felt numb. "Tie him up," Empress ordered her guards. Aster was again forced to stand and his hand was tied up, the rope was hanging on the withering tree above him. Empress chuckled in mirth. "Do you know what you did wrong?" Empress asked. Aster red to his aunt, he was unable to conceal the hatred in his eyes. Aster was dragged just after he woke up and was suddenly punished. "This humble trash request an exnation from Empress," Aster wasn''t addressing his aunt with her majesty title or calling her aunt. At this point, there was only hatred in his eyes. Aster saw a sh of sadness in Empress'' face, but she immediately turned back into her mean self. Aster sneered, maybe he started hallucinating to the point that he thought Empress was sad while seeing him suffering. ''This ugly woman, not only her face is ugly, but her heart also.'' "Your punishment is for epting a food brought by a dead girl while you''re currently forbidden to eat any food other than what I permitted," Empress said lightly. Aster shivered, he thought that it was already well concealed, how could Empress knew about that previous incident. ''Did she knew about my deed?'' ''No, if she knew, the punishment will be even harsher.'' Seeing Aster not fighting back, Empress was secretly grieving. She knew that Rosalie was secretly sending food for Aster, but she didn''t do anything because she thought the punishment ordered by her Emperor husband was way too harsh. Not letting Aster to eat any proper food he might die. ''What was the point of all of this? Was my husband''s resentment to his nephew too great?'' Empress Ceci was afraid that Aster might got frostbitten or sick, she decided to end the punishment. However, just before Empress ordered her guards to stop the punishment, she saw someone straddling to Aster. He had a sharp chiseled face, shoulder-length brown hair that was tied on the back with a white ribbon and his golden camellia''s eyes that already turned pure ck. He was in an extreme anger. At this point, Empress was tongue-tied because she knew that her son favored his cousin so much. Aster saw someone straddled to him, he could see that tall person used a blue winter coat with a fox fur covered the cor. His skin was still slightly bronzed after many campaigns, as the south didn''t have winter. Aster saw Charles approached him and all he could feel was shame. He hated being seen by his cousin like this, weak and vulnerable. "Don''te near me, Charles. I''m not in my best condition" Aster said weakly. Charles stopped for a second before straddling again to Aster, his anger rose up. Charles untied Aster''s bind and he fell directly to Charles'' embrace. Aster could feel his cousin''s body temperature and heartbeat, then he felt warm. "W--why are youing back earlier? I thought you wouldn''t be back until next year" Aster asked weakly. He still smiled to his cousin. "I cleared the enemies faster, so I can see you" Charles smiled at him. "I don''t think this is the best time for you to see me I look so bad, aren''t I?" Aster said. He tried to lighten the situation, but it only angered Charles even further. "Hush, you''re still as beautiful as ever," Charles chuckled. He rubbed Aster''s soft hair to calm him down. "Hah, even at this kind of situation, you''re still teasing me," Aster''s heart lightened and he chuckled. Charles smiled and only saw his darling cousin, his darling love looked so weak in his embrace. He turned his eyes to his mother, Empress Ceci, his hatred was obvious in his eyes. Empress saw this scene felt that his back suddenly felt cold. She just angered her son by cruelly punishing her own nephew. She felt an horrible fight was about to happen between her and her son. "I will settle this with Mother Empresster," he said, his tone was neither hot nor cold. Charles carried Aster to his room. When he saw Aster''s current room, cold, damp and small, he was raging and directly brought Aster to his room. He ordered the servant to bring warm basin, thick quilt and hot porridge. Aster was still conscious, though very weak. He could feel Charles softly touched his hair, his face and his lips. He frowned slightly, even at this moment, Charles was still overly touchy to him. After Aster was warm enough, he slowly opened the quilt. He thought Charles already left, so he needed to leave this room too. This was Crown Prince''s room, although Charles was his cousin, Empress might punish him again if he stayed for too long. When he opened the door, he saw Charles right in front of him with a warm snack that smelled rich with southern spices. "Where are you going?" Charles asked. "I need to get back to my room," Aster replied, but he shifted his gaze as Charles'' golden eyes felt piercing to him. "To that small room? Why?" "Because that is my room. Now step aside, Charles," Aster tried to squeeze through Charles, but he blocked the door easily. "You''re not allowed to live in that room, I will assign you to a better room. Besides, I just met you and you wanted to leave right now? Am I unbearable to you?" Charles asked. Aster could feel the storm brewing in Charles'' eyes as he asked that question. Aster was unsure on how to answer this question, as he didn''t want to incite any more fire between Charles and his mother. Charles already looked really angry to his mother this morning. Aster knew that Charles cared a lot about him, but to the point of showing his anger in front of his own mother, he might need to rethink about his judgment about Charles. ''I can''t let Charles'' status as crown prince be harmed just because of this. He was way too impulsive, he might fight against Empress and Emperor,'' Aster pondered. Aster sighed, "Fine then, but rx, your mother was just punishing me for my offense. Don''t do stupid stuff just because you''re angry." Charles smile and his smile only getting better when he realized that Aster was afraid that he acted impulsive in front of his Mother Empress. ''He actually cared'' Charles held Aster hand with his right hand. He guides Aster to the small table and put the snack on there. He prepared the chair for Aster and they sat directly facing each other. "Worry not, I haven''t talked to my mother yet," Charles held Aster''s hand and his eyes turned golden, "Because I want to talk to you first, I miss you too much, and your letters only make me miss you even more Aster" Aster was slightly taken aback. He forgot that he wrote few letters to Charles before, because Charles was obsessively sending him love letters. He had to y along, otherwise, Charles will start terrorizing him with dozens of letters each week until he wrote one again. Charles saw Aster''s nervous behavior and his smile was unrestrained. ''My darling cousin, I know you''re nervous because of our position, I wont scare you and make you love me slowly. But teasing me like this I almost couldn''t hold back.'' Chapter 31: Childhood Love Chapter 31: Childhood Love Charles was afraid that he would trigger Aster''s anger of his parents for treating him cruelly. So, he didn''t mention about all the bad treatment Aster experienced in the pce and just talked about random things and mostly it was just small meaningless talk. Although it was just a meaningless talk, for Charles, this was heaven. He missed this moment every night during his campaign. Charles fed a snack to Aster''s mouth before slowly brushing his finger against Aster''s lips. It looked awkward, but Charles seemed to like it very much. Aster was obviously ufortable, but he couldn''t say it to his cousin. Even though Charles'' appeared to be soft, his grip in Aster''s wrist was undoubtedly strong. "I can eat it myself, Charles, " Aster denied the second piece of cookie from Charles and ate one himself. Charles looked dejected, but he knew that he couldn''t push Aster too much. He nodded and stared at Aster with his golden eyes, seemingly admiring the beauty of his cousin, engraving it to his heart. "How is the campaign in the south?" Aster asked. "Everything is under control, otherwise, how could I sit in front of you and stare at your beauty like this?" Charles chuckled, "Well, there were many rebellions from few tribes, but everything is cleared. I obtained many precious ingredients, jewel, and ves. If you wanted a new ve, I could provide one to you." Aster''s expression froze, he instantly remembered his ve who left him because he was too weak, his ve that he missed constantly. "Speaking of which, I haven''t see your personal ve, did he left or buy his freedom?" Charles asked. He already knew about the inquiry from Aunt Grand Duchess, but he wanted to see Aster''s expression about this ve. "He he was stationed in one of my dad''s business," Aster said dejectedly. He tried to conceal his sadness, but his eyes couldn''t lie. Charles saw a sh of grief in his eyes and his grip in Aster''s wrist tightened. ''Sure, you haven''t let go of a filthy ve,'' Charles sneered in his heart. It was his fault that he was too lenient, all spies that he secretly nted inside Grand Duchy mansion to watch over his darling cousin was useless. Even Aunt Duchess who had incredible power was unable to control such small thing. ''This is really unpleasant.'' "Why didn''t he follow you? He''s your personal ve," Charles asked again. "He... maybe he was afraid that he wouldn''t be treated well here, so he choose to leave," Aster''s voice sound''s hoarse in the end of the sentence and it only made Charles'' anger worse. "I won''t leave you," Charles eximed. "Of course you wont leave me, you''re my cousin after all," Aster said as he tried to redirect Charles out of his confusion. It was almost two hours of them sitting together like a pair of engaged couple and it made Aster really ufortable. How would Helene react when she saw them like this? Charles could only swallow his anger again and again, too much, this was too much for him. He knew that Aster just yed along when he saw those love letters from Aster. Otherwise, why wouldn''t Aster write him more letters? And all his letters was short. Charles indulged in his fantasy that Aster was actually in love with him, but this kind of indirect rejection hurt his heart. Charles loosened his grip and smiled to Aster, "I''ve already arranged your new room, the servant outside will escort you to your new room. You should take a rest now." "Yes, thank you, Charles," Aster stood and left the room. Charles maintained the smile until he was sure that Aster wasn''t around anymore. He smashed the wooden table with his fist and created a big hole in it. His rage was unrestrained, he roared, punched, kicked, and destroyed anything he could see in his room. Everything was destroyed other than a big chest beside his bed. "Why? I would give everything as long as you ept me! Why couldn''t I enter your eyes! Is that because of that ve? I will kill him, kill him!" Charles roared again. He breathed heavily. He couldn''t let Aster saw this side of his unrestrained self. After Charles calmed down a bit, he opened the chest besides his bed with the lick he hid under his bed. The box was a bit dusty since he left the pce for too long. Inside the box, there was a rolled up canvas painting and few other things. Charles opened the canvas painting and his eyes immediately softened. It was the painting of his seven years old self and baby Aster. He was holding baby Aster who was sleeping soundly with his two hands and hugging him tightly. Aster was always beautiful, since he was a kid he already attracted nces. And overtime, he grew into a blooming flower, although his expression always looked cold outside, but it gave the image of cold beauty. Charles knew that Aster was lonely, but he wasn''t bothered that Aster didn''t have any real friend besides him and Rosalie. In fact, he was happy, since Aster didn''t have many friend, he could take all Aster''s attention to him. ''Yes, only to me, my dear Aster.'' He wasn''t sure when did he fell in love with his own cousin. Maybe it was since the first time he saw baby Aster, but when he realized that he was madly in love with Aster, all he could feel was happiness. Happiness because he could feel something tingled inside his body, and he could feel his eyes brighten only to Aster. Charles recalled when Aster was just six years old, he asked him about marriage. "Charles, what is marriage?" Young Aster asked. "Marriage is when two people joined together, they spend their time together, live together, be parents together. They are close and love each other," Charles exined. "Then, who will I marry?" Aster asked him and holding his hand with his small fingers. "You will marry someone you know well, who will protect you." "You always protect me, Charles. So I will marry you?" " Yes, Aster. You will marry me," Charles said. "Okay, I will marry you." Maybe at that time, Aster was still too young and naturally forgot about this kind of thing, but for Charles, it was a silent vow. Aster will marry him, regardless the situation. Charles took other stuffs from the chest. Aster''s birthday gift to him when he was twelve years old, Aster''s first doll, Aster''s first letter to him, Aster''s personal pin, and many more inside. Then, the newest addition, Aster''s love letters to him, scented with his personal perfume. Charles smelled the letters everyday until the perfume dissipated, but he still could feel Aster''s personal scent in these letters. He was in a beautiful dream with Aster until that ve ruined it. Aster couldn''t forget that filthy ve. Charles'' anger rose up again. At this point, he mightmit some sphemous act to his cousin. Charles recalled that he had few young ve that he captured recently from his campaign. He also recalled that some of them looked simr to Aster''s ve. "Guard!" The guard outside immediately opened the door and kneeled to him. "What does His Highness wanted this guard to do?" "Bring me young male ve that I recently caught, they''re in the dungeon. Bring me two ves." "Yes, this guard obeys." The guard left the room and came back a whileter with two young ves whose features were simr to that ve. Charles was sitting in a chair in his room with three ves who were nervous. Charles'' pupil turned pure ck in front of these ves. Their face reminded him of that disgusting ve. His anger immediately soared and he unsheathed his sword. He shed a cold glint and in one swipe, one head fell off to the carpet. The blood stained the white carpet, and the shocked face was forever imprinted in that dead ve. The other ve was so scared that he immediately prostrated. He couldn''t speak thenguage of Golden Camellia, so he prostrated in silence. Charles smirked, wouldn''t it be good if he really cut that ve''s head on the autumn banquet in front of Aster? That ve was in the same position as this ve. Charles imagined Aster''s ve in front of him and then, the second head was sliced clean. Charles finally calmed down after that. He called the guard again, "Guard!" The guard entered the room and was slightly stunned when he saw two dead ves with their head sliced clean, and their blood stained the carpet. "Clean these ves, and bring me new carpet, it''s too filthy with these animals'' blood," Charles ordered. "This guard obeys." Charles was unbothered with guards and servants cleaning the mess he made in his room. He sat silently on a new chair and looked outside the window. Even in his mind right now, he imagined nothing but Aster smiling to him,ughing with him, hold his hand and in his bed. ''This is too much. But I wanted him more and more,'' Charles sighed. Chapter 32: Asters Alliance Chapter 32: Aster''s Alliance Aster sat in his new room, it was definitely a better roompared to his previous damp room. It wasrger, fully furnished, had warm carpet and safer. Just with one order, Charles could turn the situation for him. Aster gritted his teeth, even though his grand duchy is definitely strong and the wealthiest. Although his gold might even surpass the wealth of royal pce, under the authority of the royal family, he was still nothing. ''What is the point of having incredible wealth if I couldn''t even move a finger against such authority?'' Aster then, remembered his ve again. He often forgot about useless things, such as lowly person''s name. He couldn''t even remember some of the name of the heirs of his vassal houses. But he remembered about this ve, his name is Ramuja, he was about seventeen years old, a head taller than him, had bronze skin and striking facial features. Even if he was a ve, his handsomeness was still there. ''He doesn''t know how to read, but could count from 1 to 10,'' Aster smiled, reminiscing all the good things about his ve. ''He is often absent minded, especially when he is staring at me. But well, he is very obedient.'' ''Even after that incident, all he could remember was how thin I''ve be'' Aster remembered about that moment, when his ve was forced to bear a punishment, a torture because of his own ipetence. Aster wasn''t a weak hearted person, when he needed to punish a ve, he would punish it as necessary. But at that time, he could hear the whip shing through his ve''s back he felt that his heart was sliced. Aster could only sat in silence while he felt so useless. ''Maybe leaving me here alone is the right way for him what is the use of useless master like me? I can''t even guarantee my own safety.'' Aster mourned. He was indeed very useless. Aster was still grieving until the next day. The next day, there was no regr maid who delivered him his food, rather it was Crown Prince Charles who delivered a tray to him. It was awkward. "Charles, you''re the crown prince, how could you act like a butler?" Aster scolded. But Charles wasn''t bothered, in fact, a smile bloomed on his face. "I want to deliver this personally to you everyday," Charles said. "Everyday?!" "Yes, everyday," Charles said undoubted. Aster was left speechless. He didn''t know that Charles was this confused. How would Helene think about them? No, how would Emperor and Empress react about Charles'' weird behavior? Charles seemed to realize Aster''s awkwardness and he leaned closer to Aster''s ear and whispered, "I will help you here, so let me serve you." Before Aster could react, Charles already pecked his cheek with a small kiss. Aster immediately backed off. He saw Charles smiling to him. There was a moment of silence between them before Aster replied, "Keep your promise." "Yes, darling," Charles'' face beamed with happiness as he already got his kiss. Days passed and Aster was passive he couldn''t do anything. He was supposedly under the tutge of the Emperor, but Emperor wasn''t even bothered to summon him after the first day. While Empress seemed to be passive after Charles arrived. Charles delivered Aster''s food everyday, even when he was busy, he still had enough time to deliver it every morning and steal a kiss in Aster''s cheek everyday. Aster wanted to protest because it felt awkward, but he had no power to object. Besides, after a month and a half, Charles finally whispered something to his ears, "Come to Rosalie''s pavilion this afternoon. I will give you a way," and then kissed his cheek as usual. In the afternoon, Aster headed to Rosalie''s pavilion. He saw Charles and Rosalie already seated, waiting for him. The atmosphere was somewhat unsettling, as there was no servant at all, it was only three of them. Aster knew that Charles and Rosalie won''t hurt him, but he knew that today''s matter wouldn''t be pretty. "When was thest time we were seating together like this?" Rosalie smiled. "Maybe when both of you were ten years old? You and Aster were so cute, now only Aster is cute, not you," Charles bickered. "You''re too biased!" Rosalie replied jokingly. Theyughed, at least in the surface, this looked like regr tea party between cousins. But Aster was unsettled, he felt like this was a calm before storm situation. Charles shifted his gaze to Aster and smiled, "Rx, we will only be talking about our alliance here." "Alliance? Shouldn''t I take neutral approach for this?" Aster knew that the royal pce, even though there were only one Crown Prince and one Golden Princess, wasn''t the cleanest ce. Rosalie sneered, "No one is neutral, even the grand duchy wasn''t neutral. Your mother, Grand Duchess had her own noble faction to hold against Empress'' suppressing power." "That-- of course, but I saw no rtion between me and my mother''s faction," Aster said, before he turned vignt instantly, "Unless you want me to use grand duchy''s resource to fight against your enemy." "My enemy? Ha ha ha" Rosalie chuckled, as if she just heard a funny joke. "What''s so funny? Rosalie, I may not be much, but I had saw too many nobles proposing alliance to my duchy, to me," Aster replied unpleasantly. "It is funny, because you thought it is my enemy we''re fighting against?" Rosalie sneered, "It is YOUR enemy, the root of your problem here." "My enemy? Don''t say--" "Yes, we''re going to fight and possibly eliminate the root of your problem" Rosalie smiled. Charles enveloped Aster''s fingers with his warm palms and said, "We will fight against the Empress." Charles said it lightly, but to Aster, it was a striking thunder that made him stunned for a while. ''The Empress? Their own mother? Why?'' Seeing the stunned expression of Aster, Charles'' gaze bing softer, he caressed Aster''s soft hair with his other hand. "Naturally, we have our own interest to help you," Charles said. Aster stared at Charles'' eyes and found that the golden eyes of Charles seemed to get brighter and brighter. Aster gulped. At this moment, he realized that his cousins weren''t the kindest. Chapter 33: Asters Alliance II Chapter 33: Aster''s Alliance II ''Naturally, we have our own interest to help you.'' That sentence lingered in his head. He still hadn''t given an answer to Charles and Rosalie and they still in this table together. They ate their snacks as if what they had said before was nothing but an insignificant matter. Rosalie bickered with Charles, they seem to let Aster sink in his own thoughts about this so-called alliance. Charles stole nces from time to time, but he still hadn''t say anything after that sentence. ''What kind of interest? What kind of price I should pay for them to be able to ruthlessly eliminate their own birth mother?'' Aster felt something was too scary for him to probe into, but the choice is in front of his eyes. His hands felt sweaty even in this cold season, he was unable to say yes, but saying no in this kind of option is stupid. ''With Empress out, then my only problem is with Emperor but Emperor is always busy anyway.'' Aster thought. ''With Empress out of my sight I can build my own strength in this pce.'' Aster observed his cousins who seemed to be unbothered by this situation, as if everything is natural. "What kind of interest you guys want from me? Money? I doubt our Crown Prince and Golden Princesscked such things," Aster said, his brows furrowed as he seek for answer from his cousins. Rosalie giggled, "Oh, Aster, you have so much more than just money." "I do, but it pales in front of Her Highness Golden Princess," Aster replied with a hint of irony. Again, he felt powerless in this pce. "Oh, you just hadn''t realized it yet. But for me, my interestys not on you, but on the aftermath after we eliminate the root of our problem," Rosalie took a bite of her cake and continued. "Just like this lemon cake, what I want is not the initial sweet taste, but the tangy after taste. That teasing feeling that tempts you to eat more." "I don''t get it" "Haha, it is not important for you to understand. The point is, my interest goes in line with yours," Rosalie said with mysterious smile. Aster felt that Rosalie wasn''t a bad person, but he was ufortable with her. What kind of interestes by eliminating your own mother? Aster wouldn''t have that kind of crazy thought to his mother. Aster nodded, then he looked at Charles. Before he opened his mouth, Charles quickly said, "You must know that my interest is within you, my interest is you Aster." Charles'' golden glow in his eyes seemed to be even brighter. The royal golden eyes owned by direct descendant is blue with golden circle surrounding its pupil. But sometimes it turned pure ck or pure golden for some reason Aster still didn''t understand. Aster knew Charles was confused with him, but to be confused to the point of destroying your own mother what kind of insanity is in his head right now? Knowing that Aster was ufortable with him, Charles immediately chuckled, "No, I won''t do a debauched thing to you, my interest is your safety and I have one more thing I have interest on, but this one is not about you" Charles smiled, "This one is about my future and my future Empress." "Oh, Helene?" Aster asked immediately. Charles'' smile dimmed, but he didn''t answer it, "You just need to know that we won''t harm you." Aster weighed the risk and gains about this and saw there is nothing he could do other than epting the help from his cousins. He swallowed hisst doubt and finally decided, "I ept. If it will help me, then I will naturally cater to you two''s interestter on." Charles'' smile beamed, "Great! Because you epted, I won''t dy this information." Before Charles opened his mouth again, Rosalie immediately shushed him, "Shush! You are too loud Charles." "What information?" Aster asked. Rosalie''s face drew near Aster, as if she wanted to whisper something to his ears. But Charles immediately grabbed my cor. "Let me do it!" Charles snarled. Rosalie sighed and rolled her eyes. Charles'' mouth drew near Aster''s ear and whispered, "Next month, there will be winter feast in the pce. There will be few vassal kingdoms representing there, we can''t do it because of our status but if the heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill engaged the conversation, they will surely be grateful. You just need to talk to them and be sure that they see you as an amiable person. We will distract Emperor and Empress." Aster frowned, "Just that?" he asked softly. "Yes, our people will persuade them after that. Just be an engaging but not too fake." Charles kissed his ear after he whispered. Aster immediately pushed him. "What are you doing?!" Aster roared. "Hm? I was just kissing you, is there something wrong?" Charles asked innocently. "But Rosalie" "Oh, she wouldn''t even care about us." Aster instantly blushed red. He nced to Rosalie and saw her rolled her eyes. "Anyway, you two need to leave. If we are too long in here, Emperor and Empress might get suspicious," Rosalie escorted Charles and Aster out of her pavilion and finally closed it. Charles escorted Aster back to his room. He still has the same bright smile that permanently stered in his face whenever he was near Aster. Again, he leaned towards him and whispered, "See you tomorrow, honey." Then he kissed his cheek once more. Aster closed his door. Today, his cousins felt like entirely different people in front of his eyes. Rosalie said weird things, and Charles Aster shook his head. The deal had been sealed. No matter how crazy it would be, he had no turning back at this point. Aster strengthened his heart by remembering that person. ''This is for him. If this is the way so I can meet him, then I will do it.'' **** Grand Duchess the tea and took a bite on the lemon cake served to her. "You know, I hate sweet food, but I like lemon cake because of that tangy after taste. Makes me want to taste more, even though I hate that initial sweet taste." Grand Duchess took another bite before finally shifted her blue eyes to her niece. "How is it? Is everything working alright?" she asked. Rosalie clenched her fist under the table. How could it be? Her interest was perfectly in line with Aunt Duchess'' n, but she still felt very nervous. "Everything is under control," Rosalie replied. "Then, did my son question your interest?" "Yes." "And he still epted it?" "Yes but he looked very suspicious" Grand Duchess stopped eating and put her fork neatly. "That is natural. I expect him to be suspicious. I trained him with all those pain anyway." Grand Duchess'' face suddenly became serious and she grabbed the teacup, "But to ept it this fast there must be hidden motivation for him. Maybe a person" Grand Duchess'' face turned stern and a sh of hostility painted in her face. She threw the teacup until it hit the wall and shattered. CRACK! Rosalie jolted out of fear. She still didn''t understand what was inside Aunt Duchess'' head. But it was sure unpleasant. "Well, for now, you did your job decently. As expected from Golden Princess, your charm works well," Grand Duchess praised her. "Thank you, Aunt Duchess. But you were a Golden Princess before me, it seems your charm forever lingers with you," Rosalie tried to praise her aunt. But Grand Duchess only smirked. "It is no use. Such charm, for an almost forty years olddy like me, has no use. But for Aster, his charm could even make your brother goes almost crazy. It is definitely more useful for him." Rosalie immediately remembered about his impulsive brother. That bright, handsome man turned into crazy obsessed dog in front of Aster "Aunt Duchess, would you let Aster and Charles be entangled like that?" "Hm? Certainly not, but I have my own way to handle such thing," Grand Duchess replied. "I won''t kill Charles, he is not moronic either. He just has the fated illness of golden camellia. Aster is his golden circle." "Golden circle?" "They said it is a blessing, to be able to be a prince''s golden circle, means the best thing for them. But it is a disgusting curse for me." Rosalie became curious, "That golden circle--" "It iste now. I will leave," Grand Duchess cut her words. "Also, pardon me for the broken teacup. I identally dropped it." She smiled. Rosalie stared at that teacup that was smashed to the wall until it shatteredpletely. She gulped and just nodded nervously. "Then, excuse me" Grand Duchess stood from her chair and left the room. Only Rosalie here, all alone, but she still felt suffocated with the atmosphere. ''What kind of person Aunt Duchess is? Why is she turning her own son like this'' Rosalie mused. But all she could think was horrible thoughts. She sighed and stared at the broken teacup once more. ''What makes her became very hostile so suddenly'' Chapter 34: The Star of Winter Feast I Chapter 34: The Star of Winter Feast I Today was the winter feast celebration in the pce, and it was already seven o''clock at night. Aster looked to his window and saw that there were already many nobles dressed in their extravagant apparel just to show off to each other. Aster hated this kind of event that was filled with people who thought they were already rich, who thought that they were already strong enough to hold their nose high up, people who thought that the world was in their hands. But they still licked his grand duchy and the royals'' boots for some benefit to their houses. Aster hated these pretentious people to the bone. However, in this asion, he needed to bear it and joined the crowd as someone different than his regr self. Aster was already dressed up and looked at the mirror. His wavy golden hair looked fluff and fresh. His pale face was wless, with that deep eyes and a mole under his left eyes. His rosy lips smiled gently. He wore a blue vest that was enough to warm his body, but did not cover his perfect slender figure. He wore a loose white shirt underneath the vest that made him both appear striking but soft at the same time. He wore a tight fitting leather pants with dark boots, and he wore a silver bangle that fitted well in his small wrist. To normal eyes, god definitely personally carved Aster''s appearance. However, to the owner of such appearance, he still feltcking. ''Is this enough? I need to look good for this feast but somehow, I still feel something is inadequate'' Charles opened the door and saw Aster attentively checked his suit for winter feast on the mirror. When Aster heard someone opened the door, he turned his back and saw Charles standing there, stupefied. "Charles?" Aster frowned, Charles didn''t answer his call, but he hastily approached Aster. "You should not be too striking" Charles said. "Huh?" "This Thatyou will draw too much attention, I don''t like it" Charles tried to unbutton Aster''s vest. "Hands off!" Aster swiftly backed away. Charles finger grabbed the air, there was some disappointed in his eyes, but he immediately hide it. "I just think that you''re too striking, this kind of appearance is not eptable" Charles said softly. ''This beautiful you, only me can see it, Aster'' Charles thought. Aster rolled his eyes and tried to ignore Charles while continuously fixing his hair in the mirror. Charles approached him from behind, his hands swiftly held Aster''s waist and his face drew near his nape. Aster could feel Charles'' breath ticking his nape. "Charles?" Aster called his cousin, but he didn''t respond. Aster tried to wiggle out of Charles'' embrace, but the hands around his waist tightened. Aster started panicking, knowing that Charles seemed to act weirder and weirder by days. "To tease me like this what should I do, cousin? Why do you need to test me?" Charles asked softly. Aster started struggling, he saw the mirror and saw Charles'' eyes turned pure golden and glimmered, unlike regr human. "Charles!" someone entered the room and immediately shouted Charles'' name. Both Aster and Charles turned their heads and saw Rosalie with her unusual stern face. Charles bright golden eyes dissipated slowly, turning it back to regr golden circle eyes. He frowned and realized that his hands were already in Aster''s waist and saw Aster''s frightened expression. He immediately backed off and bowed his head awkwardly, "Oh, sorry Aster. I was just--" "You are ready, right?" Rosalie cut Charles'' speech to turn the tension down. Aster tried to shift his attention away from Charles and faced Rosalie. He tried to smile, but it turned to be an awkward smile. "Yes, I''m ready," Aster said. Rosalie smiled and gave a light chuckle, "Why are you so beautiful today, you made me jealous as a woman and golden princess here," Rosalie said with joking tone. "You sure? I think I look just okay" "Sigh forget it, just don''t draw too much attention, I just want you to be closer to some people we targeted in this feast, not to be the star of winter feast." "My job is just to smile and talk like I am eager tomunicate with them, right?" "Correct but seeing you smile and such I don''t think this task will be easy for you," Rosalie hesitated. "Oh well, let''s just see." Rosalie grabbed Aster''s hand and dragged him out of the room. Charles was treated like air and ignored. However, when the door closed, his smile bloomed once more. ''I''m touching his waist, slender, supple, his nape smells very fragrant, like a garden of roses'' Charles'' bright golden eyes appeared once more. *** Aster and Rosalie walked in the corridor, they could see the nobles in the feast from here. Rosalie said in low voice, "Your target is that thin woman in red dress, Lady Merse from the House of Thana," Rosalie pointed to a woman in red dress, probably in her thirties, and her face was really thin. "The second is Lord Gamasiel, the current king of vassal kingdom Rhea." Rosalie then pointed at a handsome young man with slightly brown hair and muscr build. "Andst, there, Miss udia, the only daughter of the second richest merchant in the entire empire, though, not as rich as your duchy," Rosalie smiled and pointed at a meek girl in a white dress sitting alone with her cake. Aster frowned, Lord Gamasiel wasn''t a stranger in his eyes. Though he just remembered his name after Rosalie mentioned them, he was one of few people who tried to impress him before. But Lady Merse and Miss udia this was the first time Aster saw them. "Why them? And what is their connection?" Aster asked. "They''re all Mother Empress'' followers and they have some entanglement. Miss udia and Lord Gamasiel is actually in rtionship, Miss udia is only Empress'' follower because she has a deep love with Gamasiel and naturally followed his alliance. Your job is to seduce Gamasiel." "Gamasiel? Not Miss udia?" Aster frowned. "udia is a very shy girl, if you approach her, she might faint. Besides, her love to Lord Gamasiel is already run deep in her blood." Aster brows furrowed even more. He knew he needed to do some ridiculous stuff in this event, but seducing a man whom also happened to be the king of a vassal kingdom was surprising. "Just engage a conversation with Gamasiel and smile," Rosalie suggested. "For Lady Merse you don''t need to do anything, she will eventually be interested in you," Rosalie smiled mysteriously. "Interested in me? But she''s almost as old as my mother." "You''ll know why, soon." Rosalie replied lightly. Aster was unsure with his cousin, but he finally nodded. They walked out of the corridor to the hall where the feast was being held. The aroma of delicious foods and perfumes mixed into one that made Aster slightly dizzy. When Aster entered the hall, everyone''s eyes were on him. They saw Aster curled his lips up, showing a light smile. Then, the entire crowd went silent, some people stared in daze, some dropped their foods, and some swallowed their saliva. Everyone''s eyes was on him that even the beautiful Golden Princess besides him was ignored. Emperor and Empress were sitting in the balcony upstairs, watching Aster with their disdainful eyes. Just like this, Aster already drawn too much attention. ''Sigh I know this will be too hard for him,'' Rosalie sighed in her heart. Chapter 35: The Star of Winter Feast II Chapter 35: The Star of Winter Feast II Aster saw those eyes wildly inspecting his body, from the strand of his hair up to the point of his shoes. He saw some of their chest undting, as if they were seeing something very desirable, very tempting. Aster could see those hungry eyes. It disgusted him. ''Unlike my servant, these eyes they are nasty, sphemous.'' Aster remembered the eyes of his servant. That pure eyes staring at him with awe and worship, no such thing as disgusting desire shed in his eyes, not even once. Ramuja was the only one he would allow staring at him indefinitely. A sh of disgust clearly shown in his face, as his light smile almost disappeared, turned into disdain. Rosalie noticed and immediately nudged his hand. Aster awkwardly kept his light smile and walked to the nearest table to eat a cake. Those eyes still stared at him until Aster cleared his throat and immediately wakened some of the dazed eyes. People shifted their gaze, but the still stole nces here and there to him. Aster was extremely ufortable, but he was here for a mission. He bore his uneasiness and ate as if there was nothing bugging him. Now, his objective was to seduce that guy, Lord Gamasiel who was the current king of vassal kingdom Rhea. Aster searched the crowd until he saw him standing while eating a snack. He absentmindedly eating his croissant, but his eyes were focused solely on Aster. When their gazes met, Lord Gamasiel nervously shifted his gaze. Aster gritted his teeth, he was very reluctant to approach him, but this was for his mission. Aster walked towards his table and stood in front of Lord Gamasiel. Gamasiel was taken aback, he was imagining this cold beauty kissing him with that rosy lip as his hands slipped through his loose shirt and then pleasurably ravishing him. But the real person approached him, right in front of his eyes. Gamasiel was unable to move away as this beauty smiled at him and said, "Pardon me," he sidestepped Gamasiel and took a croissant on the feast table behind him. Gamasiel attentively saw this man, Aster Di Arlingdon, the only son of Grand Duchy of Stormhill, the richest house in the empire. He inherited his mother''s beauty, but was even better than his mother. He exuded cold aura that unconsciously drew people in, unable to touch him, but admiring his god-sculpted face. Now, he stood besides Gamasiel, mindlessly eating a croissant. Gamasiel hadn''t move from his position and his eyes absentmindedly staring at Aster, soon, he was almost unable to resist his desire. Aster opened his lips and suddenly initiated a conversation with him, "Lord Gamasiel, the King of Rhea, right? I believe we''ve met in an event, pardon my impertinence for ignoring you before," Aster said. Gamasiel was bbergasted, this rich young lord actually talked to him, he immediately answered, "Yes, Young Lord Aster from Grand Duchy Stormhill. It is no problem, as Young Lord must''ve been busy with other guests before." "Oh, don''t call me Young Lord. You''re a king and I''m just a young man. Please call me Aster" Aster said with a smile. "If that doesn''t trouble you, then, pleasure to meet you Aster," Gamasiel swallowed his saliva when he said that name. He was allowed to call him with his personal name, wasn''t that the best thing that could happen for now? Gamasiel already imagined having this beauty under his strong body, crying and begging for mercy while he ravished him, such undeniable pleasure that almost made him unable to think. Kingdom of Rhea was actually a prosperous kingdom under Empire of Golden Camellia and with the support of the second richest merchant in the empire, udia''s family, his kingdom wasn''t poor at all. But this wasn''t about gold. This untouchable young man in front of him, was the most desirable man in the entire empire. The great golden camellia blood ran in his vein, he was also the richest since he was the only son of Grand Duchy Stormhill, and the most important, his beauty. Even if this man didn''t have those backgrounds behind him, his beauty was enough to shake the empire. Even if he was a man, his beauty transcended gender, as almost every men and women wanted him. Now, to be able to speak casually to him, in this very close position with their shoulder almost brushing, made Gamasiel felt extremely grateful already. "Lord Gamasiel is not with your spouse?" Aster asked. "Lady udia seems to be lonely there." He said while pointing a spot with his chin. Gamasiel shifted his gaze to that spot and saw udia, his current lover sitting quietly with her eyes casted to the ground. Lord Gamasiel wasn''t in love with this girl, but the support from her family really helped his kingdom. Gamasiel frowned, this girl wasn''t beautiful, but she wasn''t unbearable either. But now, he felt that udia was a thorn in his eyes. Aster smiled, "Though I have interest to know Lord Gamasiel better, isn''t it better for you to be on her side? I can talk to other people here" "No! I--She she wouldn''t mind," Gamasiel replied. He wanted to make Aster stay. "Oh... then, does Lord Gamasiel mind if we have a small talk somewhere? Maybe walking to the pce garden?" " I''d love to." "But you can''t go with me together some people might think that I represented my house to support your kingdom. Can you follow me after maybe ten minutes?" Aster asked softly. Gamasiel understood that every rtion and talks were very important to their respective houses, Aster might bore some resentment for being close to a king like him. Thus, Gamasiel nodded. Aster left the feast first, then ten minutester, Gamasiel followed Aster''s path to the pce garden. Aster arrived in the pce garden. The garden was clean, butcked careful arrangement like in his mansion. There was Rosalie''s maid waiting him there. "What is the n?" Aster asked coldly. He was extremely disgusted by Gamasiel''s hungry eyes, his gesture trying to eat him and the fact that he betrayed his own lover, udia. What a waste of a king. However, he had to bear it, this was the only way that Aster could deter Empress'' power slowly. "Young Lord just needs to seduce Lord Gamasiel to embrace you forcefully, as if Young Lord is reluctant to him. There will be Miss udia and some other people witnessing the act, people will form an opinion that Lord Gamasiel is trying to harass the heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill." Aster felt something was familiar in this scenario garden witness scandal. ''This is simr to my scandal with Charles and Ramuja'' "Who make this setup? Rosalie? Charles?" Aster asked. "This n was initiated by Crown Prince Charles, and Golden Princess followed this idea" ''Charles'' Aster''s face became really ugly for a second, then returned back normal. ''If Charles really initiate this, then did he also created that scandal with him, Ramuja and me in autumn banquet? He set that scandal to trap me here?'' Aster was full of question. Partly, he had doubt if Charles really set his scandal, but if he was the one who initiated this, then Aster had the right to be suspicious. ''I have no proof that Charles was the one who set me up, but I need to be careful.'' Aster said in his heart. "Lord Gamasiel is near, this servant will leave now," Rosalie''s maid said. Aster resumed his sweet face and after a while, Gamasiel really came to the garden with him. Aster''s eye observed the surrounding, this garden is a bit dark, but if he saw clearly, he could see Miss udia with other two nobledies hiding not far from them. Gamasiel wasn''t aware of his surrounding, all he could see was beautiful Aster smiling at him. "Lord Gamasiel really came, I am honored." Aster said amiably. His face shined under the moonlight. Lord Gamasiel was dazed, he absentmindedly nodded. Aster talked about random things for a while until he felt that the situation was suitable enough for Miss udia to be suspicious, he then said to Gamasiel softly, so that udia wouldn''t hear him talking. "Gamasiel, Aster is a bit cold." "Cold?" Gamasiel immediately caught the bait and drew near Aster closer. "Where do you feel cold? Is it here or here?" Gamasiel slowly touched Aster''s face and then his chest. Aster took a step back. "I felt cold everywhere but this is inappropriate..." Gamasiel was enchanted with such beauty, he saw Aster''s reluctant face as an invitation. "I could help you warm up from here all the way down here" Gamasiel boldly touched Aster''s neckline, his chest, stomach before he could touch the lower part of his body, Aster take another step back. "Lord Gamasiel this you have a lover," Aster warned him. "Oh! Screw udia!" Gamasiel roared, as he was getting impatient. He stretched his big hands and embraced Aster deep in his chest. Aster could feel his wide chest, hot skin and wild heartbeat of Gamasiel. He frowned inside Gamasiel''s embrace, it was extremely disgusting. Gamasiel leaned his lips closer to Aster''s ear and whispered, "See, I am warm, aren''t it?" Aster nodded and softly said. "You are. Thank you." "Thank you?" Gamasiel asked. "Yes, thank you for helping me. Lord Gamasiel," Aster smiled again. Gamasiel''s breath was disordered as he tried to kiss Aster''s nape, but Aster suddenly struggled hard. Gamasiel reluctantly let him go. "I can''t! This is inappropriate! I''m sorry!" Aster said in louder voice, so that Miss udia could hear him. Aster ran away from Gamasiel and returned back to the feast. Gamasiel stood in the garden, dazed. But that sweet aroma that supple skin, that beauty, it was unfortunate that he couldn''t take Aster now. But it was understandable, since they knew each other just now. Gamasiel was satisfied. "I could take him under me soon." Gamasiel said. udia just stood there, witnessed everything. She felt like the world was crumbling in front of her. Her beloved Lord Gamasiel, the handsome, strong Gamasiel she always worshipped, trying to harass the weak Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. She rarely felt this, but her heart was zed with anger. Chapter 36: Beloved Mother Chapter 36: Beloved Mother Aster sat silently in his room. A month had passed since the winter feast and it was finally the end of the year. There was a new year party in Golden Camellia Empire, but he still had two weeks before that. Aster had grown ustomed with the pce and those ridiculous rules made by Empress and Emperor. He fiddled with his food, a warm chicken soup with few pastry and fruits for his breakfast to warm his body. After the winter feast, Charles suddenly disappeared. There was no sign of him anywhere, no personal letter, Charles just disappeared into thin air. Aster inquired about Charles to Rosalie, but Rosalie said that Emperor had something urgent for Charles to handle. Though, he was unsure about Charles'' whereabouts, he couldn''t lie that it was convenient for him, because he didn''t know how to face Charles now. He had doubt for him, but Charles he knew wasn''t such a maniptive person. ''Is it really Charles who set me up there or this was just a trap to set a conflict between us?'' Aster pondered. Aster now realized that he couldn''t ept any word thrown at him immediately. He needed to consider whether the said word was true or not. He couldn''t even trust his cousins, they had their own mysterious interest. ''The only people I can trust are my parents and Ramuja'' Astermented. Just before he started eating, there was a knock on the door. Aster back stiffened immediately. Rosalie''s maid had already delivered the food today. Other than that maid, no one visited him. ''Empress'' people? Or Emperor''s?'' Aster turned vignt. "Who?" Aster asked. The one behind the closed door immediately answered, "Aster, this is your mother." Aster heard that familiar soft voice, his mother''s beautiful face immediately appeared in his mind. Aster rushed to the door and opened it. There, he saw his mother standing with her amiable face. Aster saw her mother''s face looked tired, not as fresh as usual, but her beauty never faded. She wore a thicker blue dress with a sapphire pin decorating her golden hair. Aster''s eyes welled up and he hugged his mother immediately. "Mom" Aster mumbled. He missed his mother so much, too much that he started dreaming about his mother, his duchy, his servant Grand Duchess smiled and patted his hair. "You left the duchy for half a year, yet you are still very spoiled. How can this be?" Grand Duchess joked. Aster lifted his head to see his mother''s face once more. He could see his mother''s dark eye bags and her cheek got thinner considerably. ''Who made her like this?'' Aster felt there was a rage in his heart, there must be someone who hated them so much, that made said person to torture his mother like this. ''Was it Empress? That wretched hag!'' Aster cursed in his heart. "Let''s just talk inside, I don''t have much time here." Grand Duchess said. Aster led his mother to his room. He was d that he finally switched to a proper room after Charles helped him, otherwise, his mother must be saddened if he saw him tortured here. "Mom, how can you visit me? I thought Emperor and Empress wont let me meet any guest." Aster questioned. " I had a deal with my Emperor brother," Grand Duchess said hesitantly. "What deal?" Aster had a bad premonition of such deal, when it came to dealing with the royals, there must be something very grave waiting as the consequence. His mother, Grand Duchess seemed to be very reluctant to answer his question. Grand Duchess sighed, "My brother asked our duchy''s allegiance to help funding Empire campaign to the east. The gold wasn''t the problem, we have enough to fund the entire campaign for few years with the spare money. But, the problem is they want the money and supply to be distributed in our duchy name" "That that means we are publicly under Emperor''s allegiance? What about your noble faction, mother, they might misunderstand!" Aster was honestly panicked, his duchy was the richest, but political faction should be maintained because it would bring unnecessary trouble to the duchy. Grand Duchess'' eyes welled up, she was about to cry in front of her son. She took a handkerchief and wiped his eyes before tears streamed down to her cheek. Aster was stressed out. He never saw his mother cried in front of him. "I just want to see you, my son. I am really worried about you, especially after there was a rumor that Gamasiel, king of vassal kingdom Rhea harassed you. I''m afraid that you had an incident and I cannot protect you," Grand Duchessmented. "Even if I had to deal countless night of troubles, I still need to see you!" Aster hugged his mother again. Those dark eye bags, thinner cheek, and haggard face must''ve been because she had to deal with her noble faction. ''All that just to see me, check if I''m okay'' Aster''s hug tightened. Truly, the only people who cared for him were his parents and his personal servant. Aster talked for almost an hour with her mother. However, all she asked was about his treatment. His mother knew that the treatment inside the pce and his grand duchy must be different. Aster replied with lies just to pacify his over worried mother. "I must leave now. My Emperor brother and his wife would punish you if I stayed for too long. Especially his wife, the Empress" Aster gritted his teeth when he heard that word again, that Empress, what a disgusting monster. "Take care, my son. It would take me another half a year or more just to visit you again but I will try to find a way." Grand Duchess rubbed his son''s cheek and smiled. Aster didn''t say yes immediately. He stared at his tired mother, and then said. "You shouldn''t visit me again until I finished my time here. Mom, I don''t want to see you like this" Grand Duchess bit her lower lip, then she smiled and just left without saying anything anymore. Aster sighed. He missed his mother so much, but if the cost was for her to be physically and psychologically tortured, then he might just endured this. ''That Empress, I will find a way.'' Aster''s heart raged once more. *** Grand Duchess smiled in satisfaction and left his son room. She headed to the Golden Princess pavilion, her niece''s pavilion. Rosalie was sitting quietly, waiting for her aunt duchess. However, if someone observed carefully, she kept fiddling the handle of the cup. It was obvious that she was nervous. Grand Duchess entered the door and immediately sat directly opposite of her niece. They stared to each other for a second before Rosalie opened her lips. "Greeting to Aunt Duchess..." "No need for unnecessary greeting, I want to hear the report from you," Grand Duchess said with a smile, but her sharp tone stabbed Rosalie''s gut immediately. "Yes, currently, the scandal has been spread wide, but still as a gossip. However, the gossip that Aster was harassed by Gamasiel already damaged his reputation, and his fianc udia Hunder had already withdrawn all the funding and her family turned their back from Kingdom of Rhea. Hunder family also naturally withdrawn from Mother Empress side." Rosalie said. "Then, about Gamasiel and Lady Merse from the house of Thana?" "Gamasiel is unable to meet Aster and naturally unable to rify the rumor. Besides, the one who spread the rumor is his fianc, udia. People will immediately believe it." Rosalie paused, then she continued. "About Lady Thana, she began to inquire about Aster, does Aunt Duchess really want Aster to be a bait to trap her?" Rosalie questioned with doubt. Grand Duchessughed, as if it was something funny. "Oh my, I wont ever let my son fell into that predatory woman. Don''t worry, I will trap her until she regrets looking at my son, I will make her suffer a fate worse than death." Grand Duchess said with a light chuckle. Rosalie shivered. "With udia Hunder''s withdrawal, Gamasiel''s scandal and soon, Lady Thana fell from grace. My Mother Empress'' influence will be cut by half" "Naturally, we just need to eliminate her family and we can eliminate her head soon," Grand Duchess said. Rosalie took a deep breath. She was unsure when she became a ruthless woman, to be able to n her own mother''s demise But she had to do it, because her mother was indeed the true obstacle for her love "Aunt Duchess, what about Aster? Do we still need to torture him like this? He already lost most of his naivety, I don''t think..." "I don''t need your advice, my wise niece." Grand Duchess sneered. "This is his training. He is my son. Naturally, he can endure it." Rosalie didn''t want to ask more about Aster. She was scared that talking about Aster too much would trigger Aunt Duchess'' anger. "About Charles" Rosalie wanted to inquire about her brother sudden disappearance, but Aunt Duchess justughed. "HAHAHA, that stupid Crown Prince! Don''t worry, I already tasked your Emperor father to station him immediately for at least two months to a war in the border." Grand Duchess sneered, "Daringly touching my son, a Crown Prince must be disciplined." " I understand" Rosalie said hopelessly. She just felt too powerless in front of her aunt duchess. She was too cunning and ruthless. "Oh, my dear niece, worry not. About your love to that marquis from house of Viete I will find a way to cripple him. After we killed your mother, that handsome marquis will be in your hand." Grand Duchess pacified her. Rosalie''s defeated face immediately brightened. The golden circle in her pupils wavered. That marquis "Yes, Aunt Duchess. Thank you!" Rosalie said. All her worries and woes disappeared in an instant with that magic word. ''My beloved Marquis, Florentino Viete. My handsome Floren'' Rosalie imagined that handsome marquis she always loved. Grand Duchess sneered in her heart. She mocked her niece who was too easy to trick. To be called a golden princess, but too easy to be swayed, Grand Duchess was slightly annoyed by her niece''s behavior. Chapter 37: Eulogy of the Prince 10 Chapter 37: Eulogy of the Prince 10 I finished the daily quota for today and queued to get my daily food distribution. In this cold winter, the duchy generously gave the workers a free warm coat and boots. It was such bliss. ''Grand Duke Harion is really a kind man'' I pondered about Grand Duke. He never called me again after that moment. He hadn''t even visited this ce for a while. The current boss who controlled the business under Grand Duke Harion''s order said that Grand Duke was busy with other business, so he couldn''t visit us. I walked alongside Jon to his house. Today was pretty cold, so the cook gave us warm bread and a seasoned fish. Yes, a seasoned fish. The deliciously salty fish tingled my nose and made my mouth watered. We entered his house and saw Lisa and Merry waiting for us. The winter was harsh, and food was scarcer, we ate so little and might not even be able to provide ourselves if the duchy didn''t hand us free dinner everyday. "Today we have salted fish and warm bread. Grand Duchy is really generous!" Jon said. We handed our food to the table and began to split the food for four people. We huddled together in a warm nket until almost midnight to share our warmth. The only nket was so thin, and to make or buy a new warm nket required expensive material. We chatted about random stuff andughed, sometimes Lisa talked about her old days. Merry talked about how her hand became callused because of too much knitting. While Jon and me, we just talked about funny stuff happening when we worked. Before we moved to our own room, Lisa suddenly said, "Wait here, I have a gift for everyone." She went to her room and took three envelopes. She handed the envelopes to each of us. "This is you end year pocket money. I''ve saved enough for you three," Lisa said. "Mom, we''re not a kid anymore, you should keep this," Jon said. "Nonsense! You are still a kid in my eyes, you couldn''t even cook without burning anything!" Lisa dismissed her son''s remark. "Lisa why do I get one too?" I asked, confused. "Huh? You are my child too, why would I leave you out?" Lisa replied without hesitation. I stared at her, dumbfounded. Of course, I knew that Lisa and her family epted me, but to be treated as family member, wasn''t it too much? "Oh, I know you are going to say that you don''t deserve it, right?" Lisa said. She opened her hand and hugged all of us in her warm embrace. "You three are my precious children. I have nothing I want except raising you three." "Thanks mom" Merry said. "Huh, well, thanks mom," Jonathan followed. I kept my silence, I was unsure whether I should call her that "Ramuja?" Lisa nudged my cheek with her cheek, waiting for a reply. I took a deep breath, and said, "Thank you mom" "That''s my son!" Lisaughed joyfully. We continued this big hug until Lisa finally let us go. After saying goodnight to each other, I followed Jon to his room. It was very tiring today and Jon fell asleep immediately. I stayed up. I opened the box that was given to me by Jon, it was to store my belonging. I opened the envelope from Lisa. It was indeed pocket money, the sum wasn''t much, but the kind gesture had me shocked. ''Is it okay for me to indulge in this? They really treat me as a family, if they knew my identity as a sex ve will they still ept me?'' I pondered. ''Young Lord will definitely execute me if I said the truth about my past as a sex ve'' I stuffed the envelope in my box with the gold I collected. It was still far from enough, but I could buy my freedom from Young Lord if I really tried. I saw a small golden pin inside. I remembered this, this was the golden pin personally owned by Young Lord. It was the shape of a string less harp with the letter ''A'' in the middle of the harp. ''This is Young Lord''s personal pin. He gave it to me so that I could see the duchy doctor and get the best treatment'' I caressed the pin. This was the only remnant of Young Lord''s kindness to me. ''Young Lord if I said that I missed you so much, will you be happy or be disgusted?'' I smiled mirthlessly. It was painful. This feeling was painful. I didn''t want to admit it. But every time I had a sh of thought about Young Lord, all I could think was how beautiful he was, how graceful, and how lucky to be the one who apanied him to be his lover. ''And I shamelessly imagined myself to be his lover, to be the one who apanied him. How disgusting.'' Iughed at my stupidity. What kind of idiot had entered my mind, to imagine such impossible thing? ''But I do I do want to be in his side. At least standing besides him as a friend, watching him growing up to be a powerful man and died without remorse.'' I clutched Young Lord''s pin. ''Young Lord, was that too much for me? I wonder if I dreamed impossible thing.'' While I wasmenting about hopeless thing, someone knocked the door. "Ramuja, are you awake?" That beautiful voice, it was Merry. I put my belonging back to the chest and opened the door. Merry was standing nervously, her hands seemed to hold on something carefully. "Yes, do you need something?" I asked. "Um can youe with me outside?" "Outside? But it''s pretty cold. Do you need something? I will fetch it for you." "No, Ramuja. I have to tell you something" My eyebrows rose. Merry looked nervous, maybe it was something shameful that she couldn''t tell to her family. I nodded and followed her. We wore our coat and boots. I shivered when I opened the door, but Merry didn''t look bothered. She walked to the frozenke, the ce where I heard her singing that beautiful song. She nced at me few times before she opened her mouth and started singing. ~ In this cold winter, I know my warmth is only you, Even when my feet were frostbitten, And my skin numbed, But my heart melted with your gaze. ~ ~ Hold my hands, and give me your love. The fickle in my hands are getting slower, But I cared nothing but your eyes. Give me your never-ending love. ~ Merry finished her singing and I finally snapped out of my daze. She was very charming, in this cold winter, her charm was showered by moonlight. She opened her hands and presented a knitted flower made with white yarn. I immediately knew that it was supposed to be a knitted white Gardenia. "Ramuja, I love you..." Chapter 38: Eulogy of the Prince 11 Chapter 38: Eulogy of the Prince 11 "Ramuja, I love you" That sentence lingered in my mind. I stood stupefied. I didn''t know how to react. Merry stared at me with her big eyes, seeing me not responding made her eyes watery as she was about to cry. Merry clenched the gardenia in her palm and her expression was grieving. I could hear her voice trembled, almost like begging, "If if you are going to reject me at least give me a reason, then I can let go" I was still in silence. No one ever did such thing to me, to confess to someone like me, a sex ve. "Ramuja? Please say something," Merry pleaded. "I I don''t know what to say" ''Should I say that I was a sex ve, and I have somebody else in my heart'' ''If I do, would she be disgusted by me?'' ''And that somebody else it''s just my hopeless thinking'' I gulped. I was really unsure how to respond to this. "If you reject me because I''m ugly then please just say that" Merry said, tears welled her eyes and dripped to her cheeks. "I may not be much." "No! Not that," Ramuja immediately denied. Merry wasn''t ugly at all, she was a cute, vige girl. She has long, ck hair, paired with her soft features and a kind smile. She emitted tenderness that made peoplefortable around her. "Then, can you give me an answer?" Merry asked again. "Let''s go inside, okay? It''s freezing here," I suggested. She shook her head and persistently said. "No, I want to know your answer." Again, I kept my silence and we stood in this freezing night awkwardly. If I kept my silence forever, Merry might die freezing. ''If I reject her now, would she be very heartbroken? I don''t know what should I do'' I took a deep breath and finally said, "Give me one day, okay?" Merry''s face finally brightened a little. "Okay, then I will wait until tomorrow night." We went back to the house and to our respective room. I locked the door and saw Jon sleeping peacefully. I was disordered. I absentmindedly rummaged through my belonging in the chest and took Young Lord''s golden pin. I didn''t know what I was thinking, but this night, I couldn''t sleep peacefully without this pin in my hand. ''My servant'' I heard a voice, a familiar voice that haunted me. But now, I felt very soothing. ''Have you forgotten about me? Leaving me alone in this pce'' I wanted to say no. I didn''t leave Young Lord because I wanted to. It was because Grand Duchess forced me. But I couldn''t make any noise. I finally saw Young Lord in front of him, his expression cold. ''Since you''ve forgotten about me, then I don''t need you. I have someone else with me. Leave.'' I wanted to scream and said that I hadn''t forget him, not even one second. I tried to reach him with my hands, but he kept getting further and further until I fell into a dark room. ''ve! Who told you to daze! Serve me before I whipped you again!'' I saw an unfamiliar old man in front of me, naked. I looked at my body and saw that I was also naked. My body trembled, had I? ''What? You still remember that Young Lord from Grand Duchy? He sold you a year ago! I bought you for cheap price! I should''ve returned you back, useless toy!'' I saw he flung a rock at me. I immediately covered my face before my body shook and I opened my eyes. Jon shook my body forcefully, his face looked worried. "Bad dream?" Jon asked. " Yes." I said weakly. Jon sighed and gave me ss warm water. "Here, drink this. You sweat a lot and your face looked like you''re about to cry." I nodded and drunk the warm water with my right hand, because my left hand still clenching Young Lord''s pin. "Well, we need to work soon. My mom boiled warm water for us, at least we can wash our face." Jon said. "Yes, thank you. Sorry for disturbing you." Jon chuckled. "Ramuja, you''re part of the family now. Take it easy." Jon left the room. I looked at the golden pin in my hand and sighed. That dream felt too real, maybe my oue was determined already. ''Maybe Young Lord already forgot about me. I''m just an insignificant ve.'' I sighed. There was no point on pondering over something obvious. I stored the pin in my chest and left the room. I washed my face and followed Jon to work. Merry was nowhere to be seen. When I asked Lisa, she said that she left early to hand her knitted work to her employer in the nearest vige. I was absentminded today. I made few mistakes and got scolded. Jon saw me dazed and decided to talk to me in our lunch break. "Are you okay?" I didn''t know what was on my mind, but I asked him. "Have you ever be in love?" Jon seemed to be taken aback, but quickly calmed down. "I was in rtionship with a vige girl before. But I was only a poor worker and was a ve, her parents didn''t give us blessing and married her to another man." " I''m sorry." Jonughed. "Why do you need to say sorry all the time? It''s fine. Though, I love her, but seeing her living a good life and be happy is enough for me." " Have you ever wished that you two could ended up together?" "I wished. But I was just a poor ve. I''m not a ve anymore, but I couldn''t erase my past like that. We''re not equal, so I have to let go." Jon said. He smiled, but his smile looked sad. " You will find your own happiness, someday," I tried tofort him. "Thanks. But don''t worry, I''m fine!" We ate our lunch, and then continued working until evening. In Wood house, both Merry and me acted like nothing happened until midnight, when I heard Merry knocked the door. "Ramuja, I will be waiting outside" I took a deep breath. I wore my warm coat, but before I left the house, I took Young Lord''s pin and stuffed it in my pocket. My right hand kept holding that pin inside my pocket. Merry waited outside and her face brightened when she saw me. I approached her and again, we stood in silence in this freezing night. "Can you answer now?" Merry asked. She tried to smile, but it didn''t hide her anxiousness in her face. My hand gripped Young Lord''s pin harder inside my pocket. I just did this instinctually. This personal belonging of Young Lord that he gave to me was my source of peace. ''Maybe If she knew my past, she would change her mind.'' "Merry, I don''t think you would like me if you that I was" I took a deep breath. "I was a sex ve yed by many men. I''m nasty, disgusting" I immediately bowed my head. I casted my eyes to the ground, hand still gripping Young Lord''s pin tight. Merry was surprised and didn''t say anything. I thought it was the time for me to leave, but I felt two warm hands holding my cheeks. Merry lifted my face with her hands and smiled. "Listen, Ramuja. I don''t care about your past. My family was a ve family before we are free. If you can leave the past and start over, I I am happy to apany you" Merry blushed. I was left speechless. For somebody to ept me like this Even wanted to walk by my side. I clenched Young Lord''s pin even harder. ''Young Lord If I say that this filthy servant was a sex ve and he falls in love with you will you say the same thing to me?'' ''Young Lord, this servant-- I love you'' No, there was nothing right with me falling in love to my own master. I was unworthy. I was just a ve and he was my master, the unreachable master. Just like what Jon said, we were not equal ''Young Lord I will buy my freedom and follow you with my own willingness. I will see you living happy with somebody else. You may never know my true feeling, but as long as you''re happy then this filthy servant is also happy'' ''Young Lord please let this servant also have someone who love me.'' I focused my gaze to Merry. She was beautiful, pure and beautiful. Although, not as dazzling as Young Lord, but she was a simple beauty that could bring me peace. " Merry, let''s be together.'' Chapter 39: The Old Lady Who Preyed on Young Men Chapter 39: The Old Lady Who Preyed on Young Men Aster sat alone in the pavilion in pce garden. His warm tea quickly warmed the cold winter as he followed the instruction from Rosalie. This morning, Rosalie''s maid delivered the food with a note under the soup bowl. -Cousin, today Lady Merse from House of Thana will be attending Mother Empress'' invitation. It wont be long and she will roam around the pce as usual. Mother Empress will leave soon because of the problem between Gamasiel and udia. Stay in the pce garden and you will meet Lady Merse. Make a good impression with her, but try to look reluctant when she touched you. But don''t be outright rejecting her. Make yourself desirable. Rosalie- Aster was unsure about how to be desirable, so he just wore his regr apparel, just with few buttons opened in his chest, revealing his smooth milky skin. This was what those girls did when they try to seduce him in grand duchy, maybe this could work. The servants and guards who surrounded the garden walked around the pavilion, they tried to hide their nce at the Young Lord of grand duchy. But they couldn''t help to stare at his revealed chest. Smooth, milky and looked fragile, it was indeed very tempting. They didn''t realize that their faces were getting hotter and they blushed. Aster himself was unaware of the guards and servant who were looking at his body. He drank the tea to warm himself in this freezing winter and waited for about two hours until he saw a woman walking towards him. Once that woman drew closer, Aster finally saw her appearance clearly. She was a woman about his mother''s age, almost forty. She had a sharp, thin face, and her eyes looked like fox''s eyes. She had brown hair with few white strands and wore a blue padded gown. She smiled and her teeth was revealed, it was very yellow. ''Disgusting.'' Aster frowned in his heart, but said nothing and smiled back to her. "Oh my, what does a young man sitting here alone for? May I sit here?" she opened the conversation. "Ah yes, please do," Aster smiled. The olddy sat on the chair nearest to Aster and asked one of the nearest servants to serve her tea. The servant immediately nodded and served her a cup of tea. Aster was surprised. Was thisdy powerful enough to order the pce servant? Even he couldn''t order them. "Surprised?" the olddy chuckled. "I''m quite well-known in the pce." She said. After the servant served her tea, she said to the servant, "The servants and guard have more important thing than just walking around the garden, right?" she said it lightly, but the servant shook and nodded vigorously. Not long after, the whole garden was empty, not even a guard was seen around. ''Who is this woman?'' Aster knew that this was Lady Merse, but what kind of power this woman had "I''m Merse Thana, Mistress of House of Thana. But my maiden name is Merse Wildbrush," she said. Aster saw her bodynguage, her chest leaned to him and she stared greedily. Aster was very ufortable. ''I need to do this, so I can meet my servant again,'' Aster steeled his heart and smiled amiably. "I am Aster Di Arlingdon, from Grand Duchy of Stormhill. It is my pleasure to know Lady Thana." Aster bowed his head a little. Lady Merse chuckled and moved her hand to Aster''s shoulder, "Don''t call me Lady Thana. Please call me Lady Merse, so we can be more... personal." ''Disgusting! This is very disgusting!'' Aster screamed in his heart. "Then, pleased to meet you, Lady Merse..." Lady Merse seemed satisfied and her hand became even braver than before. She put her hand to Aster''s cheek, "What is a young man doing here alone? Are you waiting for someone?" Aster looked reluctant, not because he faked it, he was truly disgusted. "No, I am just spending my free time here. Does Lady Merse have any affair in the pce? It is winter, I doubt mdy visit the pce without any reason." Lady Merse''s smiled turned into slight smirk, this was the perfect time, "Yes, in fact, I am meeting my sister, she is the current Empress. Empress Cecilia." Lady Merse announced proudly. ''So, that''s why she is very powerful. Just like Empress, her sister is also a filthy monster.'' Aster mocked her in his heart, but show an awed expression in front of Lady Merse. "Ah, this young one pardons his impudence, to sit beside Her Majesty Empress'' sister!" Aster tried to stand from the chair, but Lady Merse''s hand gripped his wrist. "Don''t worry, I would love for you to sit besides me. We can share the heat, today is very cold, isnt it?" she grinned. She leaned closer to Aster and showed her yellowish teeth and foul smell omitted from her mouth. ''Disgusting! Disgusting!'' Aster tried to calm down and act reluctant. He almost lost himself and wanted to p this filthy monster. ''This is for him. I have to... bear this.'' Lady Merse giggled after seeing Aster closed his eyes and trembled a bit, a fresh, delicate young man like this Aster was her favorite. She wanted to kiss that rosy lips and devour this young boy, but this ce wasn''t the best. Thus, Lady Merse only kissed the side of Aster''s lips and brushed the edge of her lips to Aster''s. ''Teasing an innocent boy like this, this is fun.'' Lady Merse was pleased. After she took that kiss, she stood up and said to Aster. "Aster, isn''t it? I will meet you againter. If you have any request, please say it to a butler named Riyon. He is my personal butler here, you can ask anything, but I doubt it will be money. Right, Young Lord Aster?" Lady Merse giggled and left Aster alone in the garden. Aster tried really hard to keep his smile, but once that wretched hag left, he ran to his room. He rushed to the bathroom and took the cold water. He didn''t even care about the freezing temperature. Aster washed his face repeatedly and then brushed his teeth over and over again. He didn''t care about the pain in his gum. He saw the toothbrush was red because he brushed his gum too hard, but he didn''t care. After almost one hour of brushing his teeth, he saw the fresh blood in the basin. It was blood from his gum and lips. Aster''s eyes were bloodshot he was angry, disgusted, sad that he didn''t know how to react. One thing that was certain, he needed to kill her. "I WILL KILL THEM! KILL THEM! THAT WRETCHED HAG AND HER WRETCHED SISTER!" Aster roared. He thrashed everything in the bathroom as he vented his disgust. After he calmed down, he justid in the bathroom weakly. He had his eyes focused on the ceiling, and all he could think was his servant, Ramuja. Soon, his tears streamed down from his eyes. ''Why is everyone so disgusting except you? Ramuja...'' Chapter 40: The Ambition of Golden Princess Chapter 40: The Ambition of Golden Princess "Lady Merse kissed Aster?!" Rosalie jolted from her chair. Her usually milky white face turned pale instantly and her hands trembled. She was so shocked that the teacup fell to the floor. "Yes, this servant swore in her life that this servant saw Lady Merse kissed Young Lord Aster." ''No. That wretched Aunt Merse. She dared kissed Aster! Aster di Arlingdon, the only heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill! What was in her mind!?'' Rosalie''s mind was in chaos, this was out of her expectation. She didn''t know that Lady Merse, Mother Empress'' sister would daringly kissed Aster. ''Did she not know how powerful that Grand Duchy is? Aunt Duchess could snap a finger and abolish her status!'' The maid who always apanied Rosalie hesitated. She never saw her master, Golden Princess Rosalie Anna Camellia to be this panicked. She interrupted Rosalie''s panic rambling, "Princess, is that a grave offense for Lady Merse to kiss Young Lord? Lady Merse is very powerful because Her Majesty Empress really favored her as her sister..." "You fucking idiot! That stupid old woman is nothing against Aster''s mother, Grand Duchess Camellia!" Rosalie screamed unrestrainedly. The maid was surprised, she never heard Princess Rosalie cursed like a street bandit like this. "Pardon this servant''s stupidity, but, as much as this servant knows, Grand Duchy Stormhill has no political power in Golden Camellia. This servant doesn''t understand why does Princess Rosalie think that Grand Duchess could eliminate Lady Merse easily?" the maid questioned. Rosalie red to her servant. She wasn''t in her best condition now, and this servant kept asking dumb question. It only irritated her even more. "You dumb servant! Didn''t you know that Grand Duchess was a Golden Princess before me?" she said harshly. "This servant knows..." "She controls not only her duchy, but she also has many vassal houses under her wing. If you know who are her loyal vassal houses in her faction, you will know her real power..." Rosalie said, and then her body started trembling. "Grand Duchy Stormhill might not have any political power under Late Emperor Grandpa''s edict. But that duchy is the richest in the entire continent, not only in Golden Camellia Empire. Even the pce is no match for their wealth." "Now, do your pea-sized brain understand that she has so many hidden vassal houses with real political power, that depended themselves to Grand Duchy Stormhill? How could our Golden Camellia be clean with little corruption case for years? That is because Aunt Duchess could control and intimidate the ministers!" "... Pardon this servant, but if Grand Duchess is so powerful, why would she put her only son under torture in the pce?" the maid questioned again. "I don''t know. But that is not the problem for me, my problem is that bitch sister of my mother kissed Aster! Don''t you realize how fatal it is? Aunt Duchess would... would..." Rosalie trembled once more. She didn''t want to imagine Aunt Duchess'' rage. She asked her maid. "Does Aunt Duchess'' spy lurked around the garden when Aster was kissed?" "This servant doesn''t know. But this servant think that the spy must be always around Young Lord..." Rosalie''s body finally drained out of herst strength. Aunt Duchess might know about this already. She didn''t know how would she face the consequence. Seeing her master almost fainted, the maid couldn''t hold her urge to pacify her master. "Princess, this servant doesn''t think that Grand Duchess would me Princess. Princess isn''t Young Lord''s guardian." "Hah, stupid. Do you really think Aunt Duchess would care? She knows that I''m the only one around Aster, but I let such thing happen, whether it is intentional or not, she wont care!" The maid finally lost all the words that she could think of to help her master. She bowed her head and stood silently while watching Golden Princess Rosalie, whom usually very calm and graceful, became disordered and frightened. A day after, Grand Duchess Camellia suddenly visited Rosalie''s pavilion. It wasn''t sudden for Rosalie, for she already knew the oue of yesterday event. She sat on the chair, but her leg trembled beneath her gown. When the door opened, Grand Duchess only looked at her niece coldly and sat facing Rosalie. Without any regr courtesy to open a conversation, Rosalie immediately bowed her head fearfully. "Aunt Duchess, about yesterday event, I--" "No need for your exnation, I know what happened. Golden Princess, I entrusted my son to you, but you foolishly let this happen. I let you staging a scene for my son to be the bait for that hag, but not letting him to be kissed by such vile creature. You''re Disappointing." Rosalie clenched her gown. If she didn''t have the status of golden princess, she might have been killed right away. Aunt Duchessughed, and then smirked maliciously. "Golden Princess, tell me, what is your interest? I suddenly forgot about your request." Rosalie''s face paled, if Aunt Duchess brought this up, then it was a bad sign. "I... I requested Aunt Duchess to help me obtaining Florentino Viete, young Marquis of Viete house." "Oh? Golden princess has power, why would you ask me for such help?" Grand Duchess asked sarcastically. "That..." ''That is because House of Viete is under yourmand! You let my Florentino roaming as trophy for old women! Do you really think that I don''t know?'' Rosalie screamed in her heart. "That is... because Aunt Duchess is the only one who could help me," Rosalie said weakly. "Is that so? Then, do your job perfectly. This is thest mistake you could afford. Once more, and I will not prevent that promiscuous marquis to roam around." "No! Please don''t let him do it again!" Rosalie screamed frantically. "Then do it correctly!" Grand Duchess raised her voice. Rosalie instantly cowered. The situation was tense, the servant could only cower, just like her master. "I... I beg Aunt Duchess not to let Marquis Viete to..." Rosalie couldn''t say it. This marquis was her first love and she constantly dreamed about marrying him, having children with him and made him only show his love, his body, to Rosalie. "To sell himself around old women? I already forbid him, but I might even help some people to eat him. Maybe I can let your aunt, Lady Merse of Thana to spend a night with him. Just like you let my son to be kissed by that hag," Grand Duchess mocked. "A--Aunt Duchess, please don''t. I beg you..." Rosalie could only beg and cower. She couldn''t do anything in front of this monster. "Fine, I will spare you for now. I gain nothing for ruining that good for nothing marquis anyway. Besides, if you do your job perfectly, I will help you breaking that man''s leg or crippling him, so he couldn''t see anyone but you." Rosalie could finally catch a breath and be relieved. "Thanking Aunt Duchess for your generosity." Rosalie paused. She knew that if she stopped now, Aunt Duchess might get irritated once more. Thus, she tried topensate. "Aunt Duchess, my aunt, Lady Merse, dared touching my cousin inappropriately. If... if Aunt Duchess prefer killing Lady Merse, I would support and help with my utmost capability." Grand Duchess chuckled, "You? You couldn''t even watch my son correctly, what kind of capability you posses to help me discarding Merse? House of Thana is under your Mother Empress'' second utmost care." Once more, Rosalie could only casted her eyes down. Yes, she was indeed useless. "Forget it, your job is to follow my order and watch my son here. About that vile woman, I won''t kill her directly. That is a mercy for her. I want her to fall, suffer, and then kill herself after countless humiliation. That is a perfect punishment for defiling my son." Grand Duchess smirked. Rosalie trembled again. If she didn''t have the status as Golden Princess, her head might have disappeared long ago. Rosalie peeked her Aunt''s malicious expression and couldn''t help but cowered in fear. ''This vile demon...'' Chapter 41: Just Like that Woman Chapter 41: Just Like that Woman A week after that incident in the garden, an Empress'' servant delivered the order for Aster to seek attendance to Empress. Her Majesty Empress Ceci personally summoned him to the Empress chamber, meaning that there was something important that needed to be dealt between Young Lord and Empress. Aster sneered in his heart. Empress wanted to find him? For what else than helping her equally disgusting sister to took him to bed. But, Aster yed along and polished his appearance. He wanted to see what would Empress do to him. As for that wretched old woman, Aster already contacted Rosalie and obtained particr information. Empress was desperately trying to cover Lady Merse''s unscrupulous act of adultery and her hobby of pouncing young men. Lady Merse was actually quite infamous with this behavior. Now that she actually tried to seize Aster, Empress was deeply troubled because Aster''s identity wasn''t small. He was the only heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill, the richest duchy in the empire. To daringly want to take him to bed, it was such a brazen move. Aster had his own method of dealing with this woman. This was his first time to actually move against someone with his own way. Aster smiled on the mirror, he started to train his method of making a coquettish smile, his flirtatious gesture, his ''seemingly shy but secretly wanting it'' expression. He started thinking about how to end his suffering. ''If I don''t do it myself, then I will stuck like this forever.'' ''Even if I have to act nasty like this, I will do it. I will do it for that person.'' Aster showed a mysterious smile, he couldn''t stop smiling to the point of grinning whenever he remembered his servant. He might be in sad situation right now, but he would rally to take his servant back with glory. He would be powerful enough so he could protect his servant. "Ramuja..." *** Aster faced his aunt Empress. She had her usual thick powder covered her face, but it couldn''t hide the fact that she looked very tired. Aster could see that Empress was getting thinner, but not in healthy way. It was simr to someone who was sickly. Aster sneered in his heart. ''Are you tired everyday because you have to cover your nasty sister''s doing?'' Aster walked slowly in front of Empress and kneeled humbly. "This humble trash is summoned by Her Majesty Empress. What is Empress'' order for this trash?" Aster said. Empress Ceci felt like her nephew''s greeting poked her sore spot. She didn''t want her nephew to call himself such degraded thing. It was too humiliating for such powerful Young Lord. But it was the order from his Emperor husband, thus it was irrefutable. Empress Ceci wanted to hug her nephew. Because she thought what she and her husband did to this kid was too cruel. She was only felt a slight reluctance to this kid before, but after all this psychological torture, she felt nothing but pity to Aster. But she couldn''t do it. Maybe she was too ashamed, maybe because her husband ordered her not to be kind to this Young Lord. ''Husband, Aster was just a young man! What we did to him was too much!'' Empress begged to her husband to let Aster leave this pce. At least she could find some way to protect Aster. ''Silence! Just do what I ordered you to do!'' Emperor shouted to Empress. ''He is your own nephew! What would your sister and her husband think when they saw us torturing their only son!'' ''I told you not to mention my sister''s husband! That unworthy man!'' Empress was shocked. She never saw his husband was thing angry until she mentioned Grand Duke, his sister''s husband. After that, Empress was too scared to mention about this problem anymore. She couldn''t bear the anger of her husband. Empress Ceci took a deep breath before saying, "Raise, ande here." Aster was confused, but he followed Empress order and walked towards Empress. Empress Ceci observed her nephew''s appearance. Beautiful pale skin, wlessplexion, deep blue eyes with golden circle around the pupil, the trademark of royal golden blood, beautifully curved eyebrows and wavy eyshes, small nose and rosy lips. He wasn''t feminime, but he had stunning aura that made people dazed by his appearance. This was Empress Ceci''s first time seeing her nephew''s face up close and she was stunned. ''He blooms into a beautiful man, like a beautiful gardenia...'' Previously, her son Charles was extremely angered when she punished Aster. It made her doubted whether her son actually liked Aster romantically. But seeing this appearance, if that was the case, then it was logical. Aster''s appearance could shake the Empire when he bloomed perfectly into adulthood. ''Maybe that''s why Merse boldly kissed Aster...'' Empress pondered. But she couldn''t tolerate her older sister preying on Aster. Partially because Aster was the son of Grand Duchy Stormhill, it could create endless trouble for the Empire. However, that wasn''t the only reason. It was also because Empress Ceci felt too guilty and ashamed, that she wanted topensate Aster. Since she couldn''t control her debauched sister, she would find a way to do it. But for now, she needed to shut her nephew before it spread wide. Empress Ceci took a gold medal and handed it to Aster. "The ident about you and my sister, I hope that you could forget it. As for now, I will hand you this guard medal. With this medal, you could took few pce guards and use them as your own servant. You can protect yourself with these guards." Empress Ceci said. Aster didn''t say anything until he unexpectedly sneered. "Is Her Majesty Empress trying topensate this humble trash for Lady Merse''s humiliation towards me?" Empress Ceci was bbergasted because Aster questioned her intention rather than epting thepensation and leave. What he said was true, but she couldn''t ept that it was true, that she was trying topensate him for that humiliating thing her sister did. Empress'' silence had confirmed Aster''s question. However, he didn''t reject it. He took the medal and then said, "Thanking Her Majesty Empress'' kindness. This one will ept Empress'' gift. But this humble trash had other request to let such humiliation go from this one''s heart.'' "What is it?" Empress Ceci asked. Aster smiled and drew his face closer to his Aunt Empress'' ear. Empress was taken aback and tried to move, but Aster actually gripped her neck and whispered to her ear. "I know that you cannot control your debauched sister, so I will let her do what she wanted, the more she defiles me, the more I have advantage over you. If you dared making trouble with me again, then pardon me for being nasty, Aunt Empress." Aster loosened his grip on Empress'' neck and grinned. It wasn''t a cute or beautiful grin like his usual self, it was malicious, frightening, that made people shivered. It was simr to that woman''s grin... Aster excused himself while pocketing the medal guard given by Empress and closed the door. Empress'' body trembled. She was the Empress and her power was only below the Emperor. This green kid wasn''t even a challenge for her position. But in this moment, she was frightened. Chapter 42: Just Like that Woman II Chapter 42: Just Like that Woman II Aster''s grin disappeared after he left Empress'' chamber. He went his room again and rushed to the bathroom. He washed his hand clean with soap. He frowned, even after he washed his hand, he couldn''t get off the disgust staining his hand. ''Even gripping Empress'' neck disgusts me. I could feel her wrinkly skin in my hand. Disgusting. Disgusting.'' Aster frowned. After he cleaned himself, he took the guard medal in his pocket and inspected it. It was a simple gold ted medal shaped like a shield. It was the official guard medal. There are only important ministers and few royals that could have guard medal. Because with this medal, you could take three people as your subordinate forcefully, even without their willingness. If the guards you took betrayed you, then you have the right to execute them as their life was already in your hand. However, guard medal couldn''t forcefully make someone in high position, like another royal, general, or militarymander under your rule. It was only usable for lower ranked officials, guards or regr citizen. Aster smiled. He may know nothing about this pce. The Empress must have thought that he would take regr guards around the pce like an idiot. ''Let''s see who will win.'' Aster''s smile turned into a grin. He pocketed the guard medal again and headed to Rosalie''s pavilion. "I want to see Rosalie." Aster said. He wasn''t as humble as before. Golden Princess'' guards that guarded the door stared at each other before nodded. They opened the door for Aster. "Oh, cousin. You hadn''t said anything about visiting me," Rosalie greeted him. She had her eyes darted somewhere else, as she felt too guilty to face Aster. She was indirectly the one that set up the meeting between Aster and Lady Merse in the garden anyway. "I am about to ask you a question." Aster said. He sat before Rosalie let him. Rosalie followed and sat facing him. Aster took the guard medal from his pocket, "Tell me, whom will you rmend for me to use this medal?" Rosalie gasped. She obviously knew what it was, because she had one herself. But Aster wasn''t the royal family, and Grand Duchy Stormhill was already banned to have military power byte Emperor Grandpa''s edict. "H--How did you get this?" Rosalie hurriedly asked. "That is not the answer I want," Aster replied short. Rosalie was again, bbergasted. She never saw Aster acted like this. He was always a bit nave and soft. Now he looked very harsh and condescending, as if his personality had changed overnight. She observed Aster''s eyes and realized that he almost lost the golden circle on his pupil. It was still there, but faintly. "Aster, I am sorry for--" "I just need you to rmend me few people worthy as my subordinates. Nothing more, nothing less," Aster cut her words. Rosalie sighed. He was probably very mad because of that incident with Lady Merse. Rosalie could only nodded and took a paper and pen. She was about to write real rmendation with few special hidden people acted as regr guards and maids. But she decided not to write them. ''If Aster have real power to submit these important people, it would be troublesome. No, it would be disastrous. He might misuse them and got caught. I don''t want to get dragged down too.'' Rosalie thought. If she wrote real rmendation, Aster might get caught easily. She secretly nced at her cousin who stared at her seriously. Rosalie couldn''t lie that Aster did have intimidating aura, something new for him. But she couldn''t trust Aster for these people. They were far too precious for a kid like Aster to y around with. Even she might get trouble if she was revealed to be the one who rmended these hidden guards. Thus, Rosalie wrote fake one. She rmended list of servants, officials and guards that was either ordinary or will pose no threat for her. Rosalie nced at Aster once more. ''This will be okay. Today Aster might look scary, but it is just because he is mad at me.'' Rosalie reassured herself. She gave the list to Aster. "These people are the one I rmend. They are quite good and will help youter." Rosalie said. Aster nodded and thanked her. Before he left, he abruptly said to Rosalie. "Rosalie, I will meet Lady Merse tomorrow." "What?! Why would you meet her again?" "I have unfinished business with her. I want you to do something for me." Aster replied, but for this, he replied with a smile. Rosalie subconsciously gulped nervously. She was about to reject his request, but thinking about creating favor for Aunt Duchess, she nodded. "What do you want me to do?" Rosalie asked. Aster''s smile turned into grin that shocked Rosalie. It was simr to that woman, Aunt Duchess. It bore the same maliciousness and intimidation. "I want you not to interfere about anything I do with Merse tomorrow." "What?" Rosalie was unsure if she heard it right. "You want me not to interfere of what?" "If my mother everes and asks about me, don''t say anything unnecessary." Aster said. Rosalie''s hand trembled under her gloves. She swallowed her saliva again and again. ''Did he already know that I... collided with his mother?'' "I reckoned that my affair with Lady Merse might spread wide after this. If my mother everes to you, say that everything is okay." Aster repeated once more. He needed to make sure that Rosalie would shut her mouth. "Aster, but... your mother neveres to me..." Rosalie replied. "She will, after this." Aster turned his back and leave Rosalie''s pavilion. Rosalie took a deep breath of relief. Aster didn''t know, he still hadn''t found out about the agreement between her and Aunt Duchess, his mother. But she was still baffled to why would Aster meet Lady Merse with his initiative. ''Whatever it is, I cannot afford to offend Aunt Duchess. I''m sorry Aster, but I will interfere.'' *** Aster went into his room and opened the paper given by Rosalie. It was supposed to be the list of people rmended for the guard medal. Aster snorted. He almost had the urge to torn the paper, but he still needed this list. ''Did Rosalie really think that I would be fooled? These people she wrote, they are all trash.'' Asterughed mirthlessly. There was no way that Rosalie would put the real list just to help him. This list of people was obviously the one that posed no threat for her and her people. ''Rosalie was someone who could set me up to a wretched olddy. She also could betray her own mother. Did she really think I would believe someone like her?'' Aster sneered. "Hah, Rosalie does help me indirectly. Now, I already have the list of useless people that I don''t need. Well, I just need to summon the ones who are not in this list." Aster had a moment of silence before he showed a mysterious smile. He called the guards in front of his room. Even though these guards were not his people, thus, he couldn''t order them freely. But once Aster showed the guard medal, those guards scurried away trying to find the people who were requested by Young Lord of Grand Duchy. They were afraid that Aster would use the guard medal to take away their freedom, making them ves under the medal forever. ''As I thought, power is indeed a nice thing to have.'' Aster thought in his heart. Chapter 43: New Subordinates Chapter 43: New Subordinates Aster stood in front of five kneeling people. They were all the ones that didn''t make it to Rosalie''s list. There were still other people that weren''t listed, but their position was already clear and stationed as officials under direct order of Emperor and Empress. They had high probability of betraying him. Aster questioned the guards and servants whom he called before, and their reactions narrowed his search to these five people that didn''t work under direct order of any royals. They were stationed as guard, servant, or small official. However, they seemed to not work in their supposed job. It was, as if they had other unnamed task. Aster gazed down to these people. There were two guards, a butler, a maid working inundry room, and a cook. Aster took particr interest on three people, a guard, the cook, and the maid. He opened the conversation by showing his guard medal to everyone in the room. The people he called gasped and their behavior drastically changed, from lukewarm attitude to extreme nervousness. Aster scorned. ''They got scared by a mere medal. Power is really... fun.'' "As you see, I, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill had just obtained the guard medal. I am here to take two of you as my subordinates." Aster said. The people in front of him didn''t answer, but their shoulder hunched when Aster drew near. Aster was uninterested to the maid and the other guard. The maid worked in theundry room, even if he recruited her, she wouldn''t be able to move much. Thus, he immediately kicked her out. He also kicked the guard he was not interested in, because after Aster found out that the guard was stationed in the main hall, any movement he directed might get noticed too fast. Thus, there were only three people left here, a guard, a cook, and a butler. Aster questioned the butler first. He observed his appearance, a butler around his early thirties, clean cut with his hairbed behind. He wore a rimless sses and his posture was tall. He reminded Aster of Young Sir Douss, his teacher and the grand duchy''s head butler. "What is your name?" "This servant''s name is Jain." "And what is your main job?" "Replying to Young Lord, this servant served as the room checker. This one checks whether each room has been cleaned every day." "Just that?" Aster frowned. The butler did not answer, but he nodded once. Aster raised his eyebrows. He had something in mind, but decided to hold back. He shifted his attention to the cook whose body trembled when Aster stood in front of him. "Raise your head," Aster ordered. The cook raised his head, but his eyes darted somewhere else. "What are you afraid of? Do you have a guilt to me?" Aster smiled. He seemed to remember that incident with the ''maid'' girl before. Aster scorned, if this person was the one who wanted to poison him, then he needed to eliminate this cook immediately. "No! Young Lord, this servant is just..." he stopped talking. "Hmm? To whom does your loyalty lie?" Aster asked. If this cook was the one that tried to poison him, then he must be Empress'' subordinate. But he already filtered all the people and these five people shouldn''t have their loyalty to Empress and Emperor. The cook clenched his fist. He just casted his eyes to the ground and did not answer Aster''s question. Aster smirked, it seemed that there was someone else who targeted his life in this pce. ''It was unfortunate that I couldn''t directly kill this cook, but I learned something.'' Aster left the cook and went to question thest one. He was a guard that was supposedly stationed to guard around the front gate, but he seemed to be able to roam around. Aster remembered his face, he was the guard who kept roaming around the garden endlessly and seemed to peek at him when he waited for that wretched Lady Merse. "What is your name?" Aster asked. "Replying to Young Lord, this guard''s name is Irion," he replied immediately. There was something in his eyes that sincerely looked up to Aster. Aster also happened to look down upon him. Thus, their eyes met and there was a moment of realization that Aster had the itchy feeling in his heart. ''His eyes... reminds me of Ramuja...'' Aster observed this guard''s face. A handsome man around his early twenties, few stubbles in his chin, and had a short hair. He had slightly bronze skin and his eye socket was deep. He also had scar on his cheek. However, rather than making him looked scary, the scar and few stubble just made him look even more masculine. Now, this handsome guard looked at him with admiration. It was the same eyes like Ramuja, and it made Aster felt weak. "You... which house do youe from?" Irion showed a light smile and replied enthusiastically, "This guardes from House of Swordheart, and my house is a barony." Aster recalled in his memory that there was an obscure baron house as one of the vassal house of his grand duchy. It was strange, because usually the duchy never listed a baron house because their power was too little to be mentioned. Aster even forgot that the duchy had several unmentioned baron house. This House of Swordheart seemed to spark some memories in his brain. ''Wasn''t this house the disgraced house? The one that rejected Emperor''smand?'' Aster finally remembered this house. This house was an Earl house with high military achievement. But the current king, Emperor Audric IV stripped the title from them, because the Earl pledged loyalty to Grand Duchy Stormhill. Aster frowned. He once read the story of this house from a note made by his Mother. He was still a kid back then, thus, he paid no mind about this house. Now, he realized that it was simply baffling. ''If such loyal house bravely rejected the Emperor just to pledge loyalty to my duchy, and even willingly being stripped out of his title to a mere barony. Why do father and mother never mentioned them, not even invite them to any of duchy events?'' Aster''s eyes seemed to stick to this guard called Irion. He must be either son or mistress'' son in that barony, since only children of noble house able to be a pce guard. Aster was aware that he couldn''t probe more about this matter of Irion''s origin. If he wanted, he needed to use the guard medal to him. Aster finally moved his gaze to the cook who still casted his eyes down. He sneered, he didn''t need someone who already had his loyalty pledged to other people here. "You, leave now." Aster ordered. The cook finally raised his head in confusion. He thought Young Lord Aster would use the guard medal to him, because there were exactly three people here. But he didn''t want Aster to change his mind. He immediately excused himself. "Remember--" Aster said abruptly, "If you ever dared to poison or hurt me again, I won''t be as merciful." "Yes! Thanking Young Lord for his mercy!" the cook left the room in rush. After the cook left, he took the guard medal and stood in front of Irion first. He pledged, "You will be my new subordinate. Under the name of Golden Camellia, the medal will be the witness of our bond. I, Aster Di Arlingdon, as your master, will grant you protection and glory." Any oath in Golden Camellia Empire was sacred. Thus, there was rarely a case of someone lying or betraying their oath. Aster learned about all the oaths since he was little. The guard medal, he remembered that his parents had once each. Irion''s expression tightened and he looked serious. He had sharp eyes that seemed to be filled with deep loyalty and admiration to Aster. He pledged by kneeling deeply in front of Aster. "I, Irion Swordheart, pledged to be the shield for my master. Had a sword ever touched my master, I shall follow my master to the highest heaven." Aster was surprised that Irion would pledge such dangerous oath to him. They never met before, but why did he bravely pledge like that? The official oath only needed him to be the shield for his master, no need for the rest. However, Aster just nodded in satisfaction. He still had time to question this man about his origin. Aster took one star hanging like a keychain on the medal and gave it to Irion. Irion epted it with his two palms and clenched it as if it was something very precious. "Thank you, Master." Aster was unustomed by the title of ''Master.'' He used to be called ''Young Lord'', thus he said, "No need to call me Master. Just call me Young Lord." "Ah! Yes, this servant understands, Young Lord!" Irion said with his voice raised happily. Aster walked to Jain, the butler who works as room checker. He was obviously not a regr butler. Someone that could enter all room in this pce without any sort of punishment, even as butler, means that his position wasn''t simple. Aster stood in front of kneeling Jain and pledged the same oath as he did to Irion to him. Jain kneeled and pledged his oath. "I, Jain Teh, pledged to be the hand of Young Lord. I shall follow the order of my master and execute all tasks perfectly." He said. Again, Aster was baffled. This butler named Jain was also pledged something more than he should said. It seemed that he had two new subordinates with unique origins. Aster took the second star from the guard medal and gave it to Jain. Jain smiled and epted it with obvious satisfaction in his face. Aster wanted to ask both Irion and Jain about their originter. But for now, he needed to do something else first. "You two, Irion and Jain, are my new subordinate. Your life is in my hand, but I am not a vicious person. I shall give you two the glory of my duchy and ensure your wellbeing." "Yes, Young Lord!" both Irion and Jain replied together. "I shall summon you soon, but for now, you two may leave." "Young Lord, pardon this servant''s impudence, but does Young Lord have someone else to use the guard medal? Since Young Lord can use the guard medal three times," Jain said. "... Yes. I have someone that I already reserved thest medal." Aster''s face that had been frowning since the morning suddenly brightened. Irion and Jain was stunned when they saw their cold new master suddenly showed a smile, and it wasn''t just a slight smile, it was a blooming smile that made their heart racing. ''Ah, only him deserves thest medal. He is the purest, the kindest, and the most precious. My servant. My Ramuja. My far oasis in this hellish pce.'' Chapter 44: Preparation with Jain Tellah Chapter 44: Preparation with Jain Teh The next day, Aster wrote an invitation to Lady Merse. He wrote it with a bit of frivolous words that itched one''s heart. He called the servant and smuggled the letter to his lunch tray that had been served personally by Lady Merse''s servant in the pce. "Do not forget to deliver it soon. I have been expecting her arrival." Aster said. The servant nodded. He didn''t really understand why would Young Lord want to meet his master, Lady Merse. His master was infamous to have been preying on young men. Thus, most men she already touched ended up traumatized. But this Young Lord, he wanted to see Lady Merse. He didn''t even look reluctant. The servant went to the kitchen, put back the tray and took the letter stealthily. He could smell the strong fragrance that made him intoxicated for a moment. The letter even had Young Lord Aster''s perfume lingered on it. The servant was in doubt. It was simply unbelievable for someone as bright as Grand Duchy Stormhill''s Young Lord to be interested to an old woman, an old married woman for that. ''Young Lord Aster is indeed perfect, but if he is interested with my master like this... the royals are sure bunch of lunatics.'' The servant thought. He kept the letter and prepared to hand it to Lady Merse''s messenger tomorrow. *** Aster looked at the food delivered by Lady Merse''s servant and he scorned. He ignored it and waited for Jain to enter his room. Jain entered his room with different tray and removed all the food delivered by that servant. He served a new set of meal for Aster. His expression was nothing but smile, and it was sincere smile. Aster attentively observed Jain''s movement when he put the food in front of him. He noticed something and immediately grabbed Jain''s wrist. Jain froze. He saw at his master''s expression. It turned sharp and full of suspicion. "Is there something wrong, Young Lord?" Jain asked. Aster loosened his grip and slowly rolled the sleeve up, showing Jain''s wrist. He noticed something and red at Jain. "You haven''t told me that you are an assassin." Jain''s eyes widened. He didn''t know that Young Lord could notice that he was an assassin by a mere stare. He thought he hid the knife perfectly in his sleeve. It was a small knife that he always had. He didn''t have a master for ten years until he decided to be a regr butler. "This servant was an assassin, Young Lord. This servant had a master ten years ago, but he died in a battle. This one just have this knife tucked because of habit." Jain answered truthfully. "Then, for ten years you don''t have a new master and decided to be a regr butler instead?" "Yes." Jain nodded. "You still give me an iplete story. There is no way that you can be a butler in a pce without any notable background." Aster scorned. "And for ten years, you have no master. But now you want me to be your master? I don''t believe in such coincidence." Jain smiled ironically. He couldn''t tell the real reason or Young Lord might get offended. ''If I say that I decided to be your servant because you look like a small, cute animal, you would find it unpleasant, right?'' Jain remembered his previous master fondly. He was simr to Young Lord Aster, because both are dazzling men. But Jain had more reason than that. It was because he found Aster looked beautiful and pitiful, like a small animal that needed protection. He was raised in Teh n, a secret n who looked like regr lower noble house, but was actually family of trained assassins. He never had any pity to human or animal. But seeing Aster for the first time when Empress humiliated him had sparked his instinct to protect Aster. "This onees from House of Teh, a small barony house." Jain replied. "I see. I learned something now. Your family... is bunch of trained assassins, right?" Aster asked. Jain was again mesmerized. Young Lord really had a sharp mind. It was strange that he looked so weak in the outside. He also looked different than what he was when he entered this pce for the first time. Since there was no point of hiding it any longer, Jain nodded. "Yes, House of Teh is a family of trained assassins. We served based on our willingness. And it was our tradition to follow a master--" "--And we believe in fated rtion. This one served my previous master for four years before he died when this one was 20 years old." "--But I... Jain Teh, believe that my fated master is you, Young Lord." Jain said sincerely. He kneeled in front of Aster and raised his palms equal to Aster''s hand. "This servant hadn''t had a chance to say it before. But if Young Lord is willing, I requested Young Lord''s hand to hold mine." "Hold hands?" Aster frowned. He wasn''t fond of physical touch, but in front of Jain, he didn''t feel disgust. He was just a bit baffled by this sudden development. "It is my n''s personal oath to our master. This one never do this before," Jain said. "Young Lord just needs to let this servant hold Young Lord''s hand for a moment." Aster nodded. He put his hands to Jain''s palm. Jain caressed it gently, closed his eyes and pledged his oath. "I, Jain Teh, am my master''s hand. I shall follow my master to both glory and doom. I shall not question master''s order. I, Jain Teh, will follow Young Lord forever." Jain opened his eyes and softly kissed Aster''s hand twice, once on each hand. ''I''m sorry Young Lord. Thest sentence of my oath, I added it myself. Also that kiss.'' Jain said in his heart. Aster''s heart skipped a bit. He was a bit ufortable because he had to let his palms getting kissed twice. But he just nodded and said, "I, Aster di Arlingdon, ept your oath." Jain smiled in satisfaction. After he finished his oath, he took the item that Young Lord had requested before. It was a star keychain from a guard medal. However, it was different from his guard medal. The star was actually made with diamond and engraved with a small crown at the back of the star. It was, the Empress official guard medal. "This one knows one of the Empress'' secret follower who has one of Empress'' guard medal. This servant stole it myself." Aster was surprised. Getting the Empress'' guard medal was just a test to whether Jain had a useful ability, especially since he ''worked'' as room checker. With this one star from the guard medal, he could do the best n he could ever think of. "Perfect!" Aster said. He smiled and patted Jain''s shoulder. "You did a good job." Jain didn''t say anything. But he bowed his head, trying to hide his obvious embarrassing smile. Aster didn''t take the guard medal however. Instead he gave it back to Jain. "For our nter, can you be the main pawn?" Aster asked. Jain nodded, but he gave even better idea. "Young Lord, using this servant as the pawn would only raise suspicion of Emperor and Empress. This servant has a subordinate that I personally trained and he also works under me. We can use him instead." "Hmm, if you think he is trusted. Then don''t forget to give the medal to him and set up the scene." Aster ordered. "Yes, Young Lord. This servant will do as you ordered." Jain nodded and excused himself. He left Aster''s room and his smile instantly bloomed. ''Young Lord actually smiled and praised me...'' Jain walked through the corridor, but he was dazed the whole time. *** Grand Duchess stirred the tea while hearing the report from one of his servant. He was a cook that poisoned Aster''s food with Ferce powder before. Which ended up killing the female assassin hired by Grand Duchess. "So, my son thinks that you work under somebody else?" Grand Duchess asked. The cook nodded. He was sweating the whole time, because he didn''t know whether Grand Duchess would be pleased or not. If she found him displeasing, then his life was over. Grand Duchess giggled. She stopped stirring the tea and sipped it. "I see that my son is developing. This is such a pleasant surprise." Grand Duchess said. She had her eyes darted towards the kneeling cook, "Who was with you in Aster''s room?" "Replying to Grand Duchess, it was a young guard name Irion and the recently promoted butler, Jain Teh." "I see." Grand Duchess frowned, something was both pleasant and unpleasant at the same time. It was pleasant because Aster was finally growing and able to filter the best candidates to use a guard medal for. She knew the background of both Irion Swordheart and Jain Teh. They would definitely be a huge help for himter. However, it was also unpleasant because both Irion and Jain weren''t directly affiliated with her grand duchy. Thus, it would be hard for Grand Duchess to observe Aster now. It wasn''t the most unpleasant thing, though. The most unpleasant was the fact that Aster didn''t use the third star on somebody else. If he really saved it for someone... that person must be special for him. ''Aster won''t save thest medal for that ve, right?'' Grand Duchess light smile and beautiful expression turned dark in an instant. Every servant in her chamber suddenly jolted in fear. If Grand Duchess'' expression turned sour, there must be someone with unfortunate soul that would die today. Grand Duchess looked at the cook in front of her. She nced at the guards and the guards immediately understood. They dragged the cook out of the chamber. The cook trembled and desperately tried to cling on Grand Duchess'' feet. "Her Majesty Grand Duchess! What is my fault? I--I didn''t do anything wrong!" Grand Duchess sighed as if it was a boring thing. "You are no longer useful. You can''t observe my son, because my son already suspects you, and there might be the chance of you getting caught by Aster or another nobles." "But I promised! No, I have my oath to never betray you, your majesty!" "It is also stated in your oath that your life is in my hand. Now, go. Don''t worry I will not kill you. I will just cast you out to somewhere outskirt and have you live as regr peasant." "But, your majesty, I am born as a cook! I couldn''t get ingredients to cook if I am a peasant! I also have a wife!" "I will give youpensation. But after that, it is not my problem. Now leave, before I find you even more displeasing." Grand Duchess ordered. The cook was lost of words. He felt like he already sold his soul to the devil and now this was his retribution. He followed the guards weakly. Grand Duchess sipped her tea. She knew that her son was nning something, but she now had limited information due to these two new subordinates of his. And thest guard medal, she could only wait to see whether the guard medal would be used on that ve or not. ''This is really unpleasant. But I could only sit and watch while nning against Merse.'' Chapter 45: Aster and Lady Merse Chapter 45: Aster and Lady Merse Aster sat on a chair near the window while waiting for Lady Merse. He had his face wrinkled, frowning with displeasure while fiddling rubbing his fingers to his satin sleeve. He wasn''t nervous at all, unlike himself before. He had the n in mind and should be executed perfectly. But the most important thing is, his mind constantly thought about Ramuja. ''I wonder what would he say if he ever see me meeting a woman...'' ''Would he be jealous?'' ''Maybe showed displeasure and hostility towards that woman?'' ''That made me a bit happy.'' ''Hehe... heheheh...'' Aster chuckled, which flustered Jain who was standing behind him. "Young Lord, is there anything wrong?" Jain asked. "Oh... No, everything is perfect," Aster replied with a smile. Jain suddenly remembered about that one person who Young Lord had saved thest medal for. He couldn''t help but be slightly envious. ''To be able to make Young Lordugh like this... how fortunate.'' Jain said in his heart. Not long after, the door got knocked, then Irion''s voice was heard from outside. "Young Lord, Her Highness Lady Merse of Thanae to visit." "Yes, let her in." Aster said. The door opened. Aster saw Lady Merse with that disgusting face smiling to him. She wore a tight red dress with revealed shoulder and showed her figure. But because she was very thin, it only made her look even more ugly in Aster''s eye. ''How can a person be so ugly, yet so confident?'' Aster hid his displeasure in his heart and stood up to greet Lady Merse. He kissed Lady Merse''s hand and led her to the seat directly facing him. Lady Merse smiled to Aster and saw nothing was wrong. She observed the area around with her quick fox eyes and saw no harm like assassin, she also smell the tea that was served for her and there was no sign of poison. It was really a regr invitation for her. Lady Merse thought that Aster would be traumatized with her that she needed to find a way to eat this boy. But it seemed that he liked her in some ways. Lady Merse smiled and drank the cup of tea. She saw Aster observed her dress and immediately bowed his head. He had pale skin, thus, Lady Merse could definitely notice his shyness, his cute blush. ''Cute... I''ve never seen someone this cute...'' Lady Merse thought. She grinned behind the cup of tea on her lips. "Cute boy, what is your intention to invite me? Or maybe... you really missed me?" Lady Merse teased. Aster blushed once more. "No... I''m just... feeling a bit lonely..." Aster said with his head bowed down. "Lonely?" Lady Merse raised her eyebrows. After she inquired about Aster''s origin, she then realized that Aster was very popr in noble circle. Everyone talked about his undeniable beauty, but to see the same person said that he was lonely was quite surprising. Aster nodded. He smiled sheepishly and said, "Her Majesty Aunt Empress prohibit me to leave the pce. So I really have no friend here, no one to talk to," Aster said, there was slight grievance in his face. "Thus, when I heard that Mdy would like to visit me anytime soon, I was enthralled. I thought I finally have someone to talk to..." Aster''s eyes nced once more to Lady Merse and his face blushed tomato red. "B--but, Lady Merse showed up with such beautiful dress... I was caught unprepared..." Lady Merse was surprised. She was used to some people saying nasty words about her appearance, thus she paid no mind to what people said. But this boy actually blushed when he saw her. ''Does this boy actually... like me?'' Lady Merse''s heart skipped once. She was about to jump out of happiness. For years, she was powerful, but unwanted. Now there was a young man in front of him that blushes to her appearance. ''And I thought I was not beautiful anymore.'' Lady Merse smiled and her hand reached Aster''s hand. She could feel Aster''s hand trembled. ''He must''ve been nervous, so cute...'' Lady Merse thought. "My sister forbids you to leave the pce? Are you being punished?" Lady Merse asked. Aster shook his head, he opened his mouth, but hesitated. Lady Merse saw this gesture and said, "No need to be hesitant. I wont report what you said to my sister." "In fact, I''ve been in a bad term with my sister for a while," Lady Merse said to convince Aster even more. Aster''s body trembled. Lady Merse could feel his hand started sweating, "What''s the matter?" Aster took heavy breaths but couldn''t control his panic, "M--Mdy! Please don''t say such thing recklessly!" Lady Merse frowned, "I don''t see anything particrly dangerous." "Mdy, once, I showed displeasure to Empress, and she punished me horribly." Aster said. "Hm? What kind of punishment? I doubt she would give you extreme punishment." "M--My hands were tied to a branch and I was forced to stand in the pce yard during harsh winter without any warmer, not even a shoes was allowed. My feet was frostbitten until I couldn''t stand anymore, then my cousin, Crown Prince Charles saved me from her punishment." Aster said. He shuddered, "If Charles wasn''t there, I might already had my feet amputated." Lady Merse frowned. She knew that Empress and Emperor were rigid and could be harsh sometimes. But to punish a young boy until he risked his feet to be amputated was too far. Besides, this was the only heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill, and their direct nephew. Lady Merse''s rtionship with her Empress sister was particrly in a bad terms too. Since her sister seemed to suppress her in many ways, maybe she noticed that House of Thana''s military power was getting stronger each day that it scared the Empress. Lady Merse observed Aster''s expression and couldn''t help but ask, "But you''re from Grand Duchy Stormhill, Grand Duke and Duchess should be able to do something." Aster shook his head; "There is an agreement because I am now under Uncle Emperor''s tutge. So my life is in his hand and Aunt Empress''. My parents got fooled. Besides, we don''t have military power at all." Aster grieved. It was true that Grand Duchy Stormhill doesn''t have military power at all, under the edict ofte Emperor. The duchy was well protected because it holds economic value. Lady Merse saw the grieving Aster and couldn''t resist to rub his cheek, "Cute boy, don''t be sad. I am actually powerful. I will help you." Aster raised his head. Lady Merse''s hand was nuzzling his cheek, but he seemed to be unbothered. "Mdy, I... I don''t need that kind of help. I just you''re your help to guard me for few days." "Guard you?" "Yes, it has been few days that I see a figure observing me from the tree branch outside my window. First, I thought it was just a regr shadow guard... until few days ago, he broke into my room and tried to kill me." Lady Merse jolted. "Tried to kill you?!" "Yes... he brought a knife, but lucky that the guard outside, my only guard, was able to react and immediately entered the room. The assassin left in a sh that my guard was unable to catch him." "The guard in front is my only guard, and he hasn''t been sleeping for three days straight. I''m afraid he would die out of exhaustion. That is why I wish Lady Merse could lend me few guards, so my guard can rest." Lady Merse recalled the guard outside the room. She did notice that the guard was a bit wobbly. Lady Merse looked at Aster pitifully. "Have you tried to ask for protection from my sister or the Emperor?" "I tried... but they said the guard around the pce didn''t see anything wrong. So, Aunt Empress said that I was just trying to find reason to leave." Lady Merse sighed. This boy was really pitiful. "I will lend you my two personal guards that will guard your room." "T--Thank you, Mdy." Aster finally showed a relieved expression. However, he bowed his head not long after, "But I don''t have anything to pay you... I--Umm... not ready for physical rtionship..." Aster said while blushing once more. Lady Merse chuckled. "Cute boy, I am helping you because I want to. About such rtionship, you don''t need to think about it." Lady Merse smiled sincerely. She thought she could just eat him once and then leave. But something else was growing inside her. Looking at Aster, she realized that he was such an innocent boy. ''If my child is alive, he should be around Aster''s age.'' Lady Merse recalled about her bitter memory. The moment when her son died during childbirth and she couldn''t conceive a child anymore, she thought she lost everything. Thus, she lived recklessly. But after talking to Aster for a moment, she realized something more than pure lust grew inside of her. She wanted to protect this boy. ''And I''m here thinking about eating this virgin boy before.'' Lady Merse felt ashamed of herself. "Thanking Mdy for your generosity," Aster smiled. He volunteered himself to pour the tea to Lady Merse''s cup. "Does Mdy need to leave after this?" Lady Merse chuckled. "Cute boy, do you miss me already? I will stay for the night in the pce, because I also have to meet my sister tomorrow. Maybe I can talk to her about you." Aster paused, and then smiled again, "That would be perfect. Indeed, perfect." Chapter 46: Assassination Attempt Chapter 46: Assassination Attempt Jain opened the tray for Aster''s dinner. He observed his master''s expression and saw no grievance, hesitation, nor frighten in his eyes. He asked with low whisper, thus the shadow guard outside wouldn''t hear it. "Young Lord, Are you sure about this?" Jain asked. Aster gave Jain a side-nce then proceeded to eat his dinner. "Young Lord..." "Are you hesitant about this? To stage an attempt to her?" Aster sneered. "You should have leave before I give you my medal." "No!" Jain reacted out of reflect. He calmed down a bit and lowered his voice again. "Young Lord, I was just making sure that you are sure about your step." "I don''t need your assurance. If you need to give me reassurance, then do your job perfectly, or I might retract your medal," Aster said lightly. "Y--Young Lord, this one will always devote himself to Young Lord. This one understand, I will not inquire about it anymore..." Jain kneeled instantly. Aster nced at kneeling Jain and was indifferent. But in his heart, he was also anxious and couldn''t help to worry whether the n will go smoothly or not. He asked Jain, "Your subordinate has good enough skill to execute the n, right?" Jain raised his head. He was relieved that Young Lord didn''t seem to be mad. He answered, "Yes, this one''s subordinate is skilled enough to execute the n perfectly." Aster nodded in satisfaction and continued to eat. Before Jain left the room, he asked Young Lord once more, "Young Lord, you really have no emotional bond to Lady Merse?" Aster''s cold face suddenly turned into frown then obvious disgust, "You see. Whenever she talks, I want to rip her mouth. Whenever she touched me, I want to peel her skin. Whenever she looked at me with her sinful eyes, I want to gouge her eyes and feed her body to rabid dogs." "Then, about... your smile and blush to her?" "Oh, of course, it is to find the right ce in her heart. You see, the most painful despair is being betrayed by someone you trust. I will be the trustful and innocent kid she wants before she died in endless despair," Aster said. Jain was astounded. He knew his Young Lord wasn''t kind, but he never knew the true extend of his cruelty. After hearing his im, Jain finally understand that his master was really cold blooded, a deceitful cold-blooded monster. ''How perfect. Even better than my previous master...'' Jain praised his master in his heart and proceeded to follow Young Lord''s instruction for the midnight assassination attempt. *** At midnight, Jain and his subordinate wore their assassin suit that covered their body except their eyes. They moved at the same time. In front of Aster''s room, Irion and the two guard tasked by Lady Merse to guard the room stood straight. They talked to each other in low voice, fearing that it would wake Aster. "About your master, he looks like a beautiful porcin statue. He seems very fragile," one of the guard said, trying to open a conversation with Irion. Irion clenched the sword in his waist, trying to hold back. What this guard just said to his master was very offensive. His master was obviously very strong, although not physically, but his mind was very sharp. Besides, Irion had worshipped Aster like a god since he was just a kid. How could this scoundrel dared insulting his master! "You will see soon, that my master is not weak by any means..." Irion said. In few seconds, there was a sound from inside, the two guards who guarded Aster''s room broke the door and prepared themselves to face the assassin. But what they saw was Young Lord Aster who sat calmly and in front of him, a hooded man kneeling deeply. "I see that bitch Merse really have responsive guards, not bad," Aster said. "But one can be guarded as much as a squirrel who jumped in every branches he found in a snake pit." The guard didn''t understand the scene in front of them and what this young lord was saying. Then one guard fell to the floor instantly with his head rolled off. The other guard moved out of reflect, he couldn''t believe what he saw, Irion, Young Lord''s guard had just decapitated his friend''s head. He reacted fast and about to jump to the window. But the hooded man beside Aster vanished instantly and sliced his neck clean with a sharp knife. After killing Lady Merse''s guards, Jain and Irion kneeled in front of Aster. "I suppose your subordinate is now doing his job in Lady Merse''s room, right?" Jain nodded. "Yes, this one''s subordinate should be able to execute the n perfectly. This one guarantees with his own head." Aster''s face finally beamed with satisfied smile. He gave a rub in Jain''s head, "Good work." "... Young Lord..." Irion nced at Jain with envy. "This guard will also do his job perfectly!" Aster saw Irion was eager. He nodded and said, "Jain, stab and sh Irion, but not in vital parts. Make sure the wound wasn''t so deep to harm him, but make it believable." "Yes, Young Lord," Jain wiped his knife clean and prepared to wound Irion in some ces. Irion bit his lips and bore the pain of being stabbed and sliced by a sharp knife. But Jain was a skilled assassin, and he knew vital ces that he should avoid. After it was over, Irion was covered in blood. His breath was heavy, but he didn''t make a single whimper. "Y--Young Lord, this guard begs Young Lord to stab this guard too..." Irion begged. "Hm? Why should I?" Aster frowned. He has no reason to wound Irion more than this. But Irion insisted, covered in wound, he fixed his posture and kneeled in front of Aster. "This guard begs Young Lord to stab this guard, it would be an honor." Irion begged again. Aster was unsure, but seeing Irion resolute begging, he finally said yes. "Where do you want me to stab you? I also wont make a deep wound," Aster said. Irion finally sat on the ground and straightened his leg. He pointed at one spot, it was in his left thigh. "This ce, Young Lord. It would be my greatest honor to be wounded by Young Lord." Aster took Jain''s knife and aimed it at Irion''s thigh and thrust it with moderate power. The knife was nted deep in his thigh, but Irion showed no sign of pain. In fact, when Aster saw at his expression, it was pure blissfulness. Aster frowned even more. Then he saw that something was standing tall beneath Irion''s pants between his thighs, under his stomach. Irion immediately kneeled to cover his crotch. He blushed, but the smile in his face couldn''t be hidden. Aster shifted his gaze. He could feel his face getting hotter, "Jain, take the knife in Irion''s thigh and then you leave." "Yes, Young Lord." Irion, with a smile in his face proceeded to lie on the floor as if he was dying, but he still couldn''t hid his smile. "Do it correctly, what dying person has smile in his face!" Aster scolded him with disgust. Irion felt even more excited, but he immediately nodded and acted correctly. Aster saw his face in the mirror and tried to fix his expression. He needed to look like he was so scared. He squatted beside Irion and his expression instantly changed. Aster looked scared, panic and almost cried. He screamed few times, "HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!" *** Lady Merse was sleeping before she heard something in her room. She immediately opened her eyes and saw a hooded figure just opened her window. She screamed, "Guard!" The guards outside rushed immediately. They unsheathed their sword and prepared to fight the assassin who just entered the room. The assassin only held a knife, but his movement was so fast that it looked like he vanished instantly. The guard surrounded Lady Merse and took defensive stance, but they couldn''t see this assassin''s movement at all. Then, a silhouette appeared in front of them and stabbed one of the guard''s skull. The guard dropped instantly, Lady Merse screamed and tried to back away. The assassin moved fast and aimed for her face before the guard parried his knife. The knife only able to slice a portion of Lady Merse''s face and her face was mangled while blood constantly spurted from the wound. The guard attacked the assassin, but only able to slice part of his sleeve. The assassin backed off and there was something dropped to the ground. The assassin tried to took that thing, but the guard kicked him. The assassin was flown away until his body hits the wall. He saw there was no other chance, thus, he jumped off the window and disappear instantly. The guard panicked. He saw his master bleeding from the wound in her face, but the first thing that she said was, "Take that thing he dropped and give it to me!" Lady Merse ordered in anger. The guard took the small star keychain and gave it to Lady Merse. Lady Merse observed the keychain. It was star keychain that was undoubtedly made with a precious diamond. This kind of diamond was extremely expensive and there was an engraved small crown behind the keychain. It was Empress'' guard medal. Lady Merse almost faint out of shock and fury. She clenched the guard medal. The pain in her face wasn''t even on par with the pain in her heart. ''Beatrice, you actually want to kill your own sister? You--!!'' Chapter 47: A Mother with Soul Chapter 47: A Mother with Soul The sound of Aster screaming broke the silence of the night. The guard who stationed around the pce rushed and gathered around the room of Young Lord. The guards saw the door had been opened and there were pool of bloods everywhere, two corpse with their heads decapitatedid on the ground, from their uniform, they were House of Thana guards. The Young Lord held a guard''s hand and his expression was terror-stricken. Even in this middle of the night, the guards could see that Young Lord was trembling. He kept calling for help even though the guards had been standing in front of him. "By God! What happened?" a guard asked Young Lord. Aster''s eyes finally focused on the guard and he couldn''t hold back his tears. "Irion! Save Irion! His wounds are severe!" he kept pointing to a young guard who was red from head to toe. The guard noticed wounds in various locations around his body. Stabs, shes, even would that almost hit vital points. "Young Lord, my subordinate will take this man to the pce doctor," one guard with a red badge in his uniform approached disordered Aster. He held Irion''s wrist and still could feel the pulse. He ordered his subordinate to take Irion to the pce doctor to treat his wounds. "He lost so much blood, but it seems that his wounds weren''t fatal, Young Lord should calm down.," he said. Aster nodded, he let go of his hand from Irion and let the guards carried him to the doctor. "My name is Herbert Gace, I''m themander of the pce guards who patrol during the night. Young Lord, please tell me what happened." Aster took deep breaths few times, but he couldn''t control his tremble. He opened his mouth and his voice sounded hoarse, "I--I don''t know, there was a hooded man who opened the window even though I already locked it. He tried to attack me, then--then Lady Merse''s guard and mine opened the door. They tried to protect me but... th--their heads just rolled off like that!" Aster pointed at the two dead guards. "Where is that hooded man? Did he run away?" Herbert asked. "My--my guard, Irion, tried to protect me while fighting that man. That man also got fatal wounds in his stomach, so he jumped from the balcony," Aster''s tears welled up in his eyes, he continued, " My guard, he will be okay, right?" "Yes, he should survive. His wounds didn''t seem to hit vital parts." Herbert pacified this Young Lord. This Young Lord still trembling while sitting on the chair. His hands clutched the chair, like a small, frightened creature. "Young Lord shall wait, I will order the maids to prepare a new room for you soon, I will take these two dead guards out of this room. There will be few guards outside, if you need anything, you can ask the guards outside." Herbert said. "Y--yes, I will try... Thank you, um... Sir Gace." Aster bowed. Herbert Before Herbert could say anything, a guard rushed to the room and reported, "Commander! There was an assassination attempt to Lady Merse! She has been wounded!" "WHAT?!" Aster seemed to be dumbfounded, his expression changed fast and his already pale face became even paler. "This... L--Lady Merse..." Aster said. Herbert wanted to ask about what happened, but he couldn''t wait here. "Young Lord, please excuse me," he left the room hastily. Few maids and butlers arrived to Aster''s room shortly after and escorted him to the new room. Aster hid himself in a nket, and the butler who closed the door could just sighed. This pitiful Young Lord had been through harsh situations, he must''ve been traumatized. Aster tried to hold his smile so many times, after the door has been closed, he opened his nket and his satisfied grin couldn''t be hidden. "Ah, a step closer to my Ramuja." *** Aster looked really weak in the morning, Jain who carried his breakfast opened the conversation by asking; "Young Lord, is everything alright?" "I didn''t sleep for the whole night." Aster said while eating his breakfast. "Pardon this servant''s question, but is this because Young Lord has to face Lady Merse after breakfast?" "I need to be believable. That hag Merse should see me worrying so much about her, so I can erase anyst trace of doubt within her heart about me," Aster exined. "How about Irion? He is fine, right?" Aster asked. "Yes, Irion is fine, Young Lord." "Then, everything is perfect." Aster said. He ate his breakfast and then prepared himself to meet Lady Merse. *** Lady Merse sat on her bed with bandage covered her fac. She had deep sh from under the right eye to her ear, it was fortunate that she didn''t lost her eye. She seemed to clutch something in her hand and refused to eat anything except for medicine. ''Beatrice...'' Lady Merse was unresponsive even when the doctor tried to rece her bandage. She finally reacted when the guard opened the door and saw a young man with curly bright blond hair, small nose, and eyes that could capture everyone''s heart approached her. He had ck eye bags under his eyes and hisplexion was very pale, but his face was still very beautiful and refreshing. Lady Merse''s lips curled up subconsciously. She said, "Boy, why are you here? Themander said that you were also attacked, but dly, you are safe." Aster approached Lady Merse and kneeled besides her bed. He said, "L--Lady Merse, I''m sorry..." Lady Merse raised her eyebrows, "What are you sorry for?" "This... because Mdy tried to help me, you also being targeted..." Astermented. He had his eyes casted down, "Mdy wouldn''t get hurt if not because of me... and your guards... they are..." Lady Merse sighed. Aster was too pure, it is a wonder why would her sister targeted this kid. Lady Merse rubbed Aster''s soft hair intimately, but this time, there was no feeling of lust within her. It was just the feeling of... motherly love. "The guards served what their duty, their death wasn''t in vain. About my scar, do you find it ugly?" Lady Merse asked with half joking tone. ''Yes, you''re a wretched ugly hag, I just give you the face you deserve.'' Aster said in his heart, but he shook his head. "Howe I find you ugly. Mdy, you''re a kind person... People with kind heart was never ugly," Aster said. "Cute boy, now that you say something sweet, howe I would be angry to you? I don''t me you," Lady Merse said. "Lady Merse, did I do something wrong? Why am I being targeted like this..." Astermented. His shoulder drooped and he inadvertently ced his head on Lady Merse''sp. "Mdy, should I die? My problem just harms you..." Lady Merse slowly brushing Aster'' hair and said, "Boy, we''re nobles. It is inevitable that some people would want to harm us. But fear nothing, if your duchy can''t protect you, I will." Aster raised his head and looked up to Lady Merse mangled face. He almost couldn''t hold back his disgust, but he calmed down and asked, "Mdy, we''ve only met twice, why are you so kind to me?" Lady Merse stopped brushing Aster''s hair. She thought about it again. She had only met Aster twice, and their first encounter wasn''t a pleasant one. But she felt different attachment right away to this boy after they talked once. ''Maybe because I wanted a son, someone that I can protect and love.'' ''He didn''t feel disgust to me, even with this mangled face.'' Lady Merse sighed, "Boy, I am sorry that I did something unspeakable to you when we first met. Please don''t think strange things, because now, I just want to protect you..." "Cute boy, I have no child, so I want to have one. You don''t need to do anything, I will be on your side," Lady Merse chuckled, "Well, you should invite me to tea party or something for time to time, I just want to make sure that everything is alright for you." She said with lightugh. "...?!" Aster was speechless and his mind nked. This answer from Lady Merse was different from what he expected. He thought she would want his body like before. This... A guard approached Lady Merse and Aster then reported, "Mdy, Her Majesty Empress would want your attendance in her chamber." Lady Merse''s lighthearted smile turned into gloom instantly. She nodded and caressed Aster''s cheek, "Boy, I''m going to meet my sister. Hold no worries, I''m going to protect you." Aster wanted to say something, but he felt like he was tongue-tied. Lady Merse got up from her bed and followed the guard who escorted her. ''I... what just happened?!'' Aster felt something was brewing inside his head. He felt... guilt. Chapter 48: Sister Feud Chapter 48: Sister Feud Lady Merse stood calmly in front of her sister, Empress Cecilia of Golden Camellia. The Empress looked very haggard and immediately stood up and hugged her older sister. "Sister! Oh my god! I''m sorry, I will hunt the assassin and punish the guards!" Empress Ceci held Lady Merse''s hand and led her to a sofa. She had the maid prepared tea before because their talks would usually led to private matters. Thus, in this room, there were only Lady Merse and Empress Ceci. Empress Ceci poured the tea for her sister. She was worried sick about her sister wellbeing after the message of assassination attemptst night was delivered to her. When she saw bandage covered half of her sister''s face, she realized that it was very bad. "Sister... oh god... I really don''t know what to say..." Empress Ceci once again saw the bandage that had reddish blot around it. It was obviously her blood. "Was it painful? You should rest if you can''te now. I will let my guard escorted you back," Empress Ceci suggested. "No need. Beatrice, our schedule is right now. I don''t want to dy any longer," Lady Merse said coldly. Empress Ceci realized that her sister looked and sounded cold. She thought her sister was mad because of the assassination attempt and the fact that her face was severely damaged. But when her sister looked at her with sharp gaze, the gaze of someone who wanted to kill. "Sister? Was there something wrong?" Empress Ceci asked, she was ufortable with such gaze. Lady Merse didn''t answer immediately. She sipped her tea and then opened the conversation. "Beatrice, what are you scheming now?" "Scheme?" "What is your grand importance for you to eliminate your own sister?" "Sister, I don''t understand..." "Answer it, or this means that you are severing the ties of our house and our family bond," Lady Merse asserted. "But, I really don''t understand..." "Then, maybe this will fix some loose screws in your head." Lady Merse took the guard medal the assassin dropped before and ce it on the table. Empress Ceci observed the small keychain made with diamond and then jolted. "Thi-this..." "There was only one person in this empire who have such exquisite guard medal. It was made with precious diamond and engraved with symbol of crown behind it. It was the guard medal owned by Empress Cecilia of Golden Camellia. It''s your guard medal," Lady Merse said. Empress Ceci knew that this was her guard medal, but how could her sister get this medal. It was extremely secretive and not even her private maid knew about the people who she gave the guard medal to. "How did you get this?" Empress Ceci asked. "How? Of course your assassin dropped it when my guard attacked him! Don''t y dumb Beatrice, tell me what you want and I willply." Empress Ceci felt that this conversation would go in a very wrong direction. Empress Ceci tried to shift the conversation, "Sister, I''ll investigate this soon. How about we talk about the family matters you wanted me to know. I can help about anything for our family." Lady Merse chuckled, "How funny, Beatrice. Now I caught you red-handed, you tried to run away. Don''t worry, I am less of a threat and more of a benefit for you, as long as you tell me your intention, I might spare you." "Sister, I will investigate the people who I gave my guard medal to, then I will punish one of them. But I really don''t know..." Lady Merse finally mmed the table until the tea set and everything on the table fell to the ground. "Beatrice! You already made my face like this, got caught red-handed, and you still trying to y some idiotic game! How cruel can you be to target your own sister and an innocent boy?!" "A boy?" Empress finally noticed a red thread on this misunderstanding. Lady Merse''s anger was lit up. How could this woman tried to y dumb even up to this point. Lady Merse replied harshly, "You didn''t know or you tried to y dumb? The boy whom you punished harshly and you threatened in this pce! He was a kindhearted and innocent boy, but your nasty heart dared to consider him as enemy!" "Sister, is he--" "Yes, Aster di Arlingdon, the Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. Beatrice, what is wrong with your mind? He is just a young boy!" Lady Merse snarled. Empress Ceci conclusively realized that the ''Aster'' she saw before wasn''t just a mirage. The deep eyes hidden with intention, the oppressive words he used, and the malicious aura that made her trembled. Aster had yed the game, and she and her sister were his victims. Empress Ceci suddenly felt that she was unable to breathe. This trap set by this beautiful young man was very smart that it gave her no way out. "Sister, I... please believe in me. But Aster isn''t innocent. He... he might be the one who set this trap," Empress Ceci tried to exin, but her words didn''t sound convincing and she couldn''t stop trembling. "Do you expect me to believe that a fifteen to sixteen years old boy able to plot such deliberate n to assassinate me and frame you? He came from Grand Duchy Stormhill, that duchy didn''t even have a proper guard!" Lady Merse scowled. "No! I gave Aster a guard medal few days ago. He--He must''ve recruited few trained assassins to do his bidding!" "And he somehow able to find few trained assassins that killed almost all my secret guard I brought? Beatrice, you are a bad liar since we''re young!" Empress Ceci couldn''t rebuke that. Because it also didn''t across her mind on how could Aster found many trained assassins in such short time and able to execute such n without any w? Empress sat weakly on the sofa and looked up to her sister''s mangled face. She felt bitter because her sister''s face was severely damaged, but her sister decided to defend the culprit. She also felt bitter because she couldn''t do and say anything. She was stuck. Lady Merse saw her sister finally didn''t rebuke anything. "Then, I will ept your silence as confirmation. Beatrice, I thought we could mend our strained rtionship, but it seems that you are the one who doesn''t want to. To honor our sister bond, I will not do anything against you, but if you dare punishing Aster once more, then don''t me me for being cruel." Lady Merse couldn''t hold back her tears. She turned away and walked to the door, "From now on, House of Thana withdraws its support from Her Majesty Empress. May Her Majesty Empress found a better house to support. Thisdy excused herself." Empress Ceci saw the door closed. She saw the broken teapot and cups, and then she saw the glimmering keychain made with diamond. The tears she had been holding finally fell. Empress Ceci cried bitter tears. ''I lost to him.'' *** Jain nced to his master from time to time. After he went to Lady Merse''s room, he seemed to be restless and hesitated over something. "Young Lord, is there something wrong?" Jain asked. Aster nced at Jain and replied, "I was wondering if what I did yesterday is the right thing to do." Jain sighed. His Young Lord must''ve been worried by the pressure. No matter how strong he was, he still needed time to adjust. "Young Lord, my previous master once said, ''A man cannot be a monster no matter how ruthless he is, because deep down, he is still a human''. I believe Young Lord still needs time to pacify his own self." Jain said. Aster didn''t say anything, but stared deeply at Jain. The silence broke when a guard knocked the door and said, "Young Lord, Grand Duchess of Stormhill will meet you after lunch today." Aster''s eyes wide opened, he was taken aback. ''Mother!?'' Chapter 49: A Mother without Soul Chapter 49: A Mother without Soul Emperor Audric IV and Grand Duchess Camellia were alone in the Emperor chamber. The mighty nced at his older sister every five minutes before trying to distract himself by eating the snack, drinking tea, or fiddling with his fingers. He didn''t know what to say to his sister after the incident of assassination attempt yesterday. It waspletely out of his mind that the strict patrol around the pce couldn''t prevent two assassination attempts. It was a relief that Aster was unharmed, but his sister might be mad because of this. "Big sis, about Aster..." Emperor tried to open conversation, but Grand Duchess didn''t even throw a nce at him. She purposely ignored him. "Big sis... I''m sorry, what should I do to make this better?" Emperor whined. His handsome sculpted face looked pitiful as he begged to his sister like a little boy. He tried to reach Grand Duchess'' hand, but she deflected it. Grand Duchess finished her drink and then stood up. She nced at the Emperor once and said, "You can make yourself useful by making your wife out of my sight, at least when I''m around the pce. She disgusts me." Emperor Audric IV was relieved. He thought his sister would ignore him forever. But if just needed to make that ugly woman busy, it wasn''t such a big task. "Yes, big sis! I''ll do it, please don''t be mad, okay?" Emperor begged. Grand Duchess snorted, "Whatever, I''ll leave now, I need to see my son." "Big sis... you''re leaving without giving me a kiss?" "A kiss? You''re not doing anything, you let my son in danger, and you spend the night everyday in the same chamber as that ugly hag. Hah, what makes you think that you deserve it?" Grand Duchessughed mirthlessly. She opened the door and left the speechless Emperor alone in his chamber. Grand Duchess was escorted to Aster''s chamber. Not long after, the guard opened the door. Grand Duchess saw Aster was with someone there, a handsome, tall man using sses around his early thirty. He wore regr butler uniform, but from his bearing, it was quite obvious that he wasn''t just regr butler. Grand Duchess peered and deducted that this man was one of Aster''s subordinate, the one that he gave his guard medal to. Grand Duchess switched his focus to Aster and saw him unscathed, no, there wasn''t even a trace of fear in his eyes. ''I see, my son has grown up now.'' Grand Duchess smiled in his heart. If his deduction was right, then Aster finally understood how to y in this pce. However, Grand Duchess couldn''t act like she knew Aster''s n, because she knew that deep inside, Aster still thought that she was a kind and caring mother. ''It''s not wrong though, I am kind and caring to my dearest son.'' Grand Duchess said in her heart. Gradually, her golden circle turned into pure gold eyes and then she rushed to Aster and hugged her. "Oh, my son! Are you okay? Are you hurt somewhere? Please tell mother!" Grand Duchess'' panic expression softened Aster''s heart. He had plenty of questions to his mother, but he should set that aside from now and enjoy this warm feeling with his mother. He hugged Grand Duchess back in a warm, tight hug. Aster sank his head to Grand Duchess shoulder, feeling all the warmth he could get before it disappeared once more. "I''m okay, mom. I''m just a bit shocked." "Thank god, you''re alright." Grand Duchess rubbed Aster''s hair. "Mom, I missed you a lot. Can we have a talk?" Aster said. "Yes, surely." Aster instructed Jain to bring them tea and snack. However, Grand Duchess refused that and said, "I think, we just need a time alone. Would you mind to leave the room?" Grand Duchess asked Jain. Jain nced at Aster, waited for his master''smand. Aster nodded, then Jain left the room. Grand Duchess was finally sure that this butler was Aster''s secret subordinate. No regr butler would follow Aster order above hers, even in the pce. She smiled in satisfaction. Aster and his mother talked about the situation in the Grand Duchy and the situation about his father. "Was he still busy with business?" Aster asked. "Well, indeed. Your father has never stepped inside the duchy since you left," Grand Duchess sighed, "Well, I don''t me him, the duchy has be a bit abandoned without you. I also have to leave the duchy almost everyday." "Mom..." Aster suddenly remembered about the fact that his mother had to pay hefty price just to visit him before. If she would need to pay another price to Uncle Emperor just to visit him again today, it''d make him feeling very guilty. "Oh, are you worried about my visit to you today?" Grand Duchess smiled. "My Emperor brother give me leeway today. In fact, I was nning to visit the pce for another reason, but it somehow coincide with this assassination incident..." "Another reason?" Aster asked. Grand Duchess went silent and stared at Aster deeply. She couldn''t hold back her tears and then slowly, tears welled in her eyes. "M--Mom, what happened?" Aster tried to wipe Grand Duchess'' tears, but Grand Duchess refused. She wiped it with her own handkerchief. "Aster... do you want to leave this pce?" Grand Duchess asked abruptly. She had her voice shaking, but tried to stay strong. "It was my mistake that let you to be trapped here. I... I don''t want my son to suffer, so I want to make a deal with Brother Emperor once more." Aster was pained seeing his mother cried bitterly. She was trapped by her own brother and then had to deal with plenty consequences just to see him. "What deal you want to make to take me out of this pce, mom?" "I''m nning to give half of ournd to the Empire. In exchange, you would be freed from this contract." Aster''s eyes widened. There was no way that it was a good deal. It was very disadvantageous for Grand Duchy, and might led to horrible financial loss. Aster''s body trembled, he saw his mother hopelessly holding her bitter tears. ''For my mom to be this desperate just for me...'' Aster would be lying if he said that he didn''t want to leave. This pce is a hellhole. It was extremely magnificent and beautiful from the outside, but it heavily controlled by that disgusting Empress and Emperor. It had plenty of schemes going around in the ministry too. There was no wish better than leaving this pce now. But when Aster saw how desperate his mother had be, and even boldly going to offer half of grand duchy''snd just to free him. It was too much, too much for him. Aster wanted to cry and then confessed that he really wanted to leave this pce, and this pce had made a killer with schemes. But he knew, he couldn''t. It was impossible for him to let this trade between his mother and Emperor happen. "Mom, the situation might not be good now, but I am okay here..." "Aster, please don''t lie. You''re the most important for your dad and me, and also for grand duchy!" Grand Duchess eximed. However, Aster shook his head and smiled. "I am fine, it''s almost a year already now. I just need to wait another year and I will be back." "But..." "Also, don''t visit me too much mom. You might need to pay hefty price for it," Aster added. Grand Duchess was doubtful, but she nodded unwillingly. Aster suddenly remembered the sentence that Lady Merse had said to him before. This was the right time to test it with his own mother. ''I might hesitate because I missed my mom too much. If my mom said the same thing, it would clear my mind.'' "Mom, can you promise me that you''ll always be on my side and protect me?" Aster asked softly. Grand Duchess raised her brow, she chuckled and hugged Aster, then naturally said, "Of course, I will always be on your side. I will always protect you, Aster. You''re my dearest son." Aster absorbed every word that came out from his mother''s mouth. He tried to brush off the weird feeling in his heart. But when he listened to his own mother saying the exact same line as Lady Merse, something felt off... ''Why does it feel different? I... I can''t feel the same warmth with my mother than with Merse?'' Chapter 50: Eulogy of the Prince 12 Chapter 50: Eulogy of the Prince 12 I sat besides Jon on a log while waiting for a special someone toe. Jon opened his lunch and started eating. It was already spring and the cold wasn''t as severe as the harsh winter three months ago. I peeked at the food that Jon ate and my stomach grumbled. I was about to bring my own lunch too, but Merry forbade me. She said she would cook and deliver my lunch herself. I sighed, it was weird to have someone personally cook for me, but Merry looked dejected when I tried to reject her request. Thus, Iplied. About fifteen minutes after that, Merry arrived with a basket she carried. She had her long ck hair tied up and her eyes wandered around until she found me and Jon sitting on a log. Her eyes instantly brightened and she hurried to my side. "Here''s your lunch!" Merry said excitedly. "Uhm... thank you..." I said. She handed me the basket. I could smell the aroma of garlic and herb. I frowned, "Where did you get garlic and herbs? I don''t remember we nted garlic yet." Merry giggled, "My boss gave me new year bonus, so I bought few things and saw garlic and herbs were in the market, for half the price!" "That... that''s too much, Merry..." "No, no! It''s fine!" Merryughed, "I''m just really happy." "Happy?" Merry instantly blushed, her unrestrainedugh before reced by a shy smile, "That... I think, cooking for someone I love makes me happy..." I went silent, but I bowed my head. Somehow, my face felt hot. "Hey! You two make me a third wheel here, go have date somewhere else," Jon interrupted. Merry and I instantly bowed and the atmosphere became a bit awkward. Merry gave something to her brother and then said, "I have to go. Ramuja, see youter. "Yes... um... see youter, Merry." I replied. Merry turned back and walked fast, but when I saw her back, it seemed that she was half skipping like a bunny. ''Cute.'' I said unconsciously. I kept following Merry''s figure who was getting farther and farther. But when she almost disappeared out of my sight, her back turned slimmer, her hair turned golden, and the figure looked cold and lonely. I shook my head. Then, the figure turned back into Merry. It was just my imagination again. This had happened many times. I saw Young Lord''s face, his gesture, his figure, his golden hair everywhere. I felt like I was about to go crazy. ''Young Lord...'' I unconsciously put my hand to the pocket and felt a harp-shaped pin, with the letter ''A'' in it. It was Young Lord''s signature pin. ''Even like this... I couldn''t forget you.'' ''I already have someone that loved me. But I couldn''t even forget you, not even one second.'' ''Was I cursed? To dreamt of a sun I couldn''t reach.'' Series of thoughts flooded my mind. I know I was ungrateful. I already had Merry that loved me wholeheartedly, but I couldn''t forget him. I caressed the pin in my pocket again. Even like this, just with a pin, I could feel Young Lord''s warmth to me. When he cared me, when he smiled to me, when he... cried for me. I was dazed until Jon elbowed my hand, "Tsk! Damn it, I knew you are in rtionship with my sister, but Grand Duke''s guard called you!" I saw the guard stared at me, his eyes were condescending, but I was used to such gaze everywhere. Thus, I didn''t care and simply followed the guard to Grand Duke''s office. Grand Duke Harion was sitting on a sofa while reading some documents. He put the documents down and stared at me. I kneeled, and then greeted him as usual, "This humble subordinate is present in front of Grand Duke Harion." Grand Duke Harion said nothing but gave me a stern gaze. It felt like his stern gaze pierced my gut, thus I bowed my head even lower. "Do you have romantic rtionship while you''re in here?" Grand Duke asked out of the blue. I was surprised that Grand Duke actually asked such thing. I was just a ve, my private life shouldn''t be his bother. "Pardon this subordinate''s impertinence, but is there any problem if this subordinate has romantic rtionship here?" I asked. "You, A ve dare questioning Milord Duke! I shall cut your head!" the guard who stood tall behind me unsheathed his sword, I kneeled even deeper and almost prostrated. "Silence!" Grand Duke ordered with sharp voice. The guard immediately sheathed his weapon and zipped his mouth. Grand Duke asked me again, "I ordered you to tell me, do you have a romantic rtionship in this ce?" I was about to lie, but I remembered that Grand Duke hated lies. He might cut my head off if I lied. "Yes... this subordinate has romantic rtionship with a girl here, Milord." "I see," Grand Duke''s gaze became even deeper than before, "Who is your master right now?" My breath shortened when Grand Duke said that. What was this? Was this a test for me? I gulped, "This--This subordinate''s master is Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, Young Lord Aster di Arlingdon." "Then, have you asked his permission about this? Your life is in his hand. Yet, you dared having a rtionship with someone without his permission. Your disloyal action is already a punishable offense!" Grand Duke said with a stern tone. My body started trembling after I heard the word disloyal. ''No. No! I would never be disloyal to him!'' ''But... I am just a ve. I''m purchasable and dispensable. Why would Young Lord care about my affair...'' I took a deep breath and mustered up my courage to ask Grand Duke. "Milord, this subordinate is just a ve, this one is worthless. Why would Young Lord care about this subordinate''s life?" "Hmph. As expected from a sex ve, a presumptuous idiot. You dared asking me two questions without even clearly answering mine. Such offense, I wonder why would my son put up with you," Grand Duke''sst trace of pity disappeared from his eyes, what inside was only mockery. I knew that I made series of offenses in front of him. But somehow, I didn''t have the same fear as with Grand Duchess. My instinct told me that Grand Duke would never kill me, unlike his wife. I prostrated in front of him, but I said nothing. Grand Duke also went silent for almost half an hour. I didn''t dare to raise my head even once. After half an hour, Grand Duke finally said, "I am not in a mood to kill a ve. Also, your life is not within my right, it''s my son''s right." Grand Duke scorned, he threw a sheet of paper to my head. "That is the permission of mine to Crown Prince Charles. He will visit this ce tomorrow morning. Bring that paper and you shall apany him." I raised my head in astonishment. "M--Milord! This subordinate is just a ve, how could I--" "You dared questioning me again? I''m a patient man, but I could only tolerate an idiot ve like you for few seconds." "N--No.... this subordinate dare not..." I answered weakly. "This subordinate will do what is tasked to him." "Good, now go." Grand Duke ordered. I excused myself and left Grand Duke''s office. I stared at this piece of paper weakly and all I could think was the torture I would get tomorrow from that Crown Prince. *** The guard was itching to ask Grand Duke about this. He was unsure, because giving a task of apanying the Crown Prince to a stupid ve was a dangerous move. He kneeled, "Milord, may this subordinate know the reason why would Milord give the task to that ve?" Grand Duke raised his eyebrows. He continued reading documents and replied, "I need to train him. I need him to realize how important his position is in my son''s eyes." "This subordinate doesn''t understand, Milord. Why would Young Lord care about a filthy ve?" "I didn''t realized it before either. But when I saw him holding something in his pocket, I recognized what it is," Grand Duke''s right hand went inside his pocket. He touched something inside, a harp-shaped pin with the letter ''A'' in his pocket. "That ve will know, he have something from Aster that the Crown Prince doesn''t have." Chapter 51: Eulogy of the Prince 13 Chapter 51: Eulogy of the Prince 13 I stood in front of Grand Duke''s office early morning. Today, Crown Prince Charles shoulde to this logging business owned by Grand Duchy Stormhill and I was the one who needed to attend him. I shivered. Terrible thoughts shed through my mind repeatedly, this felt like someone who was waiting for his death sentence. Because I had met Crown Prince only twice, and both meeting ended with me almost dead. The first was when he visited Young Lord and he ordered his shadow guards to beat me until I felt almost numb. The second was in autumn banquet, he saw me and Young Lord in the grand duchy garden and he almost cut my head off with his sword. ''What a ruthless man...'' I said in my heart. However, this ruthless man was able to met Young Lord often in the pce, talked to him and... ''... and they might already became intimate, and...'' I had no strength to continue my pondering. I knew the oue is obvious, but my heart refused to admit that. Two hours of waiting, and finally I saw a blue-silver carriage with two strong horses in front. There were four other carriages, two in front and two behind, guarding Crown Prince. The blue carriage stopped in front of me. A guard opened the carriage door and a striking man sat solemnly in his cushioned seat. He had shoulder-length brown hair, tied behind with silver ribbon in the end of the hair. He had striking feature, sharp eyebrows and blue eyes with golden circle around the pupil, straight nose, and chiseled jawline. He wore a silver garment that contemtes his slightly bronze skin. Unlike Young Lord Aster who gave the aura of cold beauty, Crown Prince had the aura of handsome, domineering nobleman. When I saw Crown Prince Charles again, the only thought in my mind was only self-pity, because I knew Crown Prince suited Young Lord. They were both high noble and gorgeous, perfect for each other. I hid my bitterness and kneeled deeply. "This humble ve greeted His Highness Crown Prince Charles, May Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." Crown Prince Charles looked displeased, as expected. His eyes observed around and then asked, "Where is the Uncle Duke or his attendant?" "This ve answering Crown Prince question, Grand Duke had given this ve an order to be Crown Prince''s attendant for today." Crown Prince was even more displeased, his look was ugly and he lost his golden circle in his pupil. His eyes strangely turned had the shade of dark. He sneered, "Is this a mockery from Uncle Duke? To send me a stupid ve as my attendant." I kept my silence and bowed my head, waiting for anything he wanted to do to me. But after he stepped down from his carriage, he just walked without saying anything. Thus, I just followed him from behind. Crown Prince walked around and talked to his people whom he brought with other carriages. They seemed to talk about the situation of the logging business. The courtier opened a book and showed something to Crown Prince. Crown Prince nced to me, his eyes still had that shade of dark in his pupil and his displeasure was portrayed clearly in his face. He nced back at the book and a sly grin appeared on the corner of his mouth. I had a bad feeling about this, so I bowed my head. "ve, where is the ounting book for this half year? I need to see the expenses of each transaction and the whether the empire tax had been applied every month." Crown Prince asked. I gulped. I never heard such thing and Grand Duke didn''t inform me about this. "T--This ve begs Crown Prince''s forgiveness, this ve doesn''t understand..." "Call Uncle Duke''s attendant, he knows about this matter." "Grand Duke and his attendant... is not here yet, Your Highness..." I answered weakly. Crown Prince''s grin raised and it looked like he was about tough. "So, Uncle Duke really sent a stupid ve that had nothing to do, and no capability or whatsoever to assist me here. Assist me of what? I visited this ce every year. If you just want to show me around, then you might leave now. I willin to Uncle Duke that he had insulted me." ''Grand Duke is my only way to go back to Young Lord. If... If he dismissed me, then it''s over... I''m over..." I kneeled immediately in front of him. I knew this was just a way for Crown Prince to find reason to punish me. But if he said that to Grand Duke, the one who would get harsh punishment would be me. "P--Pardon this ve''s stupidity, this ve would do anything topensate Your Highness Crown Prince''s displeasure!" "Then..." Crown Prince''s eyes darted around the area and he pointed at some workers who watched them. "Guard! Call those workers!" The workers gathered and kneeled with me in front of Crown Prince. "Serfs, this attendant has been displeasing to my eyes. Each of you shall punch him as hard as you could around his body, once per person," Crown Princemanded. I was shocked. I raised my head, "Y--Your Highness, this ve begs... begs..." Charles chuckled. He stepped once and drew near me. He said in low voice, "I still remember the autumn banquet. Your skin touched my Aster''s doublet. Your filthy skin dared touching my Aster''s inner shirt. If you''re not Aster''s personal ve, I would''ve skinned you alive right now." I was numbed. This Crown Prince still held a grudge over Young Lord giving me his doublet when I was really cold. He already had Young Lord, and he still felt vengeful to a ve like me. I prepared myself for each fistnding to my body. It had been a while since I imagined myself being a sex ve, numbed by pain. Today, I needed to recall that moment back and numbed by consciousness. One hit my torso. One hit my back. Other hit my stomach. Few hit my shoulder. Each hit umted and I was about to lose my consciousness. I staggered and fell directly in front of Crown Prince. Clink! When I fell, something fell off from my pocket. My consciousness that was about to disappear returned instantly. My eyes focused to Young Lord''s pin on the ground. I reached it with both of my hands and gripped it. ''No, not this one!'' However, Crown Prince seemed to notice it. His eyes that were a shade darker finally turned pure ck. His face that had hint of ridicule turned into unrestrained fury. "YOU DARE!" Crown Prince shouted. I clenched Young Lord''s pin tightly and hid it in my hand while cowering. I couldn''t let this pin taken by anyone. Not even Crown Prince. Crown Prince''s anger was about to explode. He kicked me over and over again while others watched. "YOU DARE STOLE ASTER''S PIN!" "Crown Prince... this pin... was given by Young Lord..." "GIVEN? HE WOULD NEVER GIVE A SLAVE LIKE YOU HIS PIN, DO YOU THINK I''M STUPID, HAH?!" I knew Crown Prince wouldn''t listen, so I kept cowering while holding this pin tightly. This was the only thing Young Lord ever gave to me. Crown Prince already lost his patience, he unsheathed his sword and aimed it on my neck. I could feel the tip of the cold steel touching my nape. "This is yourst repentance! Hand me that pin before I cut your neck!" At this moment, I should''ve repent and gave Crown Prince this pin. It was only a pin anyway. But, my heart said no. Because this pin was the proof that Young Lord cared for me, even just a little, he did. A sh of my memory repeated itself inside my head, the moment when Young Lord gave me this pin. ''Bring this brass to the mansion doctor, it is one of the sign of my status. That doctor will treat you.'' Young Lord once said that before handing this pin. ''Is this my end...'' "Stop this!" another voice interrupted Crown Prince. Everyone looked to the source of the voice, Grand Duke hastily interrupted Crown Prince who was about to sh my neck. Crown Prince''s expression eased, although it was still very dark. "Greetings to Uncle Duke, I''m just about to kill this ve. He dared to steal Aster''s brass pin." I opened my eyes my eyes, and Grand Duke''s gaze fell upon me. There was pity hidden in his eyes, but it was mostly just a cold gaze. Grand Duke patted Crown Prince''s back and said, "He is not worth your time. I was about toe anyway." "Also, no one should be killed in my property. I already told you that." Grand Duke continued with a firm voice. Crown Prince''s spiteful eyes were still on me, but not long after, he left with Grand Duke. Everyone didn''t know what to do, so they just left me alone here. I was still cowering, holding this pin tightly. Even though my body was in state of extreme pain, I couldn''t help but smile. ''Young Lord, did you see me? I am protecting your gift. I keep my loyalty even in front of Crown Prince.'' ''Please, take me back, Young Lord. I have nothing but my loyalty and love to you, so please... take me back from here...'' ''Young Lord...'' Chapter 52: A Small Feast Chapter 52: A Small Feast Charles was still distressed over the incident yesterday. He was unsure how would that filthy ve owned Aster''s personal pin. Although it was just a brass pin, the lowest personal pin that could be handed to someone, it was still Aster''s personal pin. As far as he remembered, Aster never gave his personal pin to somebody else other than his parents and himself. Charles took the pin from his vest, the same stringless harp with ''A'' in the middle, but this one was made out of silver. Charles remembered when he entered Aster''s room and found a box with Aster''s personal pin. Many brass pins, a handful of silver pins, and a single golden pin. In Golden Camellia, It was a tradition for a noble entering adolescence to get their personal pin as the symbol of their high identity. Charles intently observed Aster''s golden pin, a stringless harp with the ''A'' letter in the middle. It was a beautiful pin. It looked like Aster hadn''t give any of these pins to anyone other than his parents. It was obvious, but Charles was saddened. Because Aster hadn''t give him a pin yet. Then, something brewing in his head immediately, like a surge of ideas. ''No, There is no way Aster didn''t give me a pin. He might want to give me a surprise.'' ''Yes, it must be his surprise for me. Then, he forgot about his surprise about this pin. Thus, he left me hanging.'' ''Hahaha, oh well. I will take one. He will give it to me soon orter anyway.'' Then, Charles proceeded to take a silver pin from the box. He was about to take the golden pin. But Golden pin was only given to married spouse. Charles chuckled, he would take the silver pin first, that golden pin will be hister anyway. ''He will hand me that golden pinter, when we are married.'' Charles said in his heart. *** Charles was on his way to the pce after almost six month of forced deployment by his Father Emperor. He was flustered when he was forced to leave as soon as possible after the winter feast. He also couldn''t dig any useful information whether an insider forced father to do this. However, he realized that his father''s power in the Empire is unchallenged, how could someone push his father to do this. Thus, he was willing. Although, leaving Aster alone only gave him heartache. His dreams were constantly filled with Aster, his happy face,ughing, frowning, sadness, surprised. All those expression were deeply imprinted in Charles'' mind. Thus, he hurriedly finished this campaign. Charles did some unspeakable thing that he normally wouldn''t do in this small war. But he couldn''t hold longer. He had to see Aster before he went crazy. His carriage entered the Golden Pce. This pce was huge and coated with gold. The walls, doors, are all coated withyer of gold. Even in Emperor and Empress chamber, the furniture was real gold. Indeed, his Golden Camellia Empire was the richest Empire. It was due to four centuries of stability, thus, Golden Camellia could expand and upied othernds. They found gold mines and finally monopolized half of the gold trade in the world. After that, Golden Camellia naturally expanded in many other sectors. Charles smiled, this Empire would be his when his Emperor father died. He would be crowned as Ludwig V and this Golden Empire... ''All of it is my Aster''s. My Empress...'' Charles chuckled whenever he remembered about his cousin. He followed the small wee feast custom in the main hall. This was a regr custom to honor him, since he returned with another glory for the Empire. Many of nobledies, from fifteen years old to twenty were invited. They knew that Charles was already engaged with Helene, Princess of North Fort. But they still tried to entice and smiled coquettishly in front of the Crown Prince. Of course, their act was just repulsive in Charles'' eyes. ''Too ugly. Too lustful. Too ambitious. None of them are on par with my Aster.'' However, Charles showed no repulsive expression, he just smiled in front of these nobledies. Which only create a fatal attraction for these girls. A Crown Prince who was powerful by status, extremely intelligent and physically strong, plus his signature ''Golden Royal'' handsome face. It was a dream for thesedies to be married to this man. Helene who stood far from her fianc found that Charles was ufortable. She walked to his side and took Charles'' hand. "Pardon me, but I have something to talk with my fianc," Helene said. Those Ladies were infuriated whenever they saw Helene. Jealousy, anger, and envy all bundled up, but they could say nothing when she dragged Charles out. One of them sighed, "Crown Prince has been engaged. I know I still have time, but it''s hard to catch his attention." "Crown Prince doesn''t seem to like Helene so much. Trust me, they will annul their engagement soon," otherdy said with low voice. "There is still another man who is as perfect as Crown Prince..." "Oh, you mean, Young Grand Duke Aster? Aster di Arlingdon?" "Oh, yes! He rarely showed up in parties or events, but if you saw his appearance, you will be stunned!" "Erin? You saw Young Grand Duke?" "Yes! I saw him in winter feast. He is... I''m not sure how to say this. He is extremely dazzling. He is... oohh... under the moonlight, you could see his shining golden hair, his perfect features, his deep eyes. When people said Young Duke of Stormhill''s has ethereal beauty, they were not joking!" Erin said. Her eyes were looking at the golden chandelier as she recalled that appearance that made everyone''s jaw dropped during winter feast. "Beauty? Does Young Grand Duke have feminine appearance?" "No. Well, he is not chiseled-handsome like Crown Prince! He is beautiful, but... not in feminine way. He is... simply breathtaking." Thedies were in silence after that, their minds were simply in daze, imagining about Young Grand duke Aster. Helene dragged Charles to a more secluded area of the pce and let go of his hand. "Sir, you can always say no to them." Charles raised his eyebrows. Helene, his official fianc was his subordinate in many wars. Since she was a female lieutenant, which was rare. Their engagement was very abrupt without his Emperor father giving him any notice. Thus, he was unable to refuse because the deal had been sealed. It felt like there was someone who pushed Emperor Father. "I don''t need your help. I am still searching for Aster there." Charles replied coldly. He didn''t hate Helene because she was also forced for this engagement, but he felt a bit displeased. He had that constant worry that Aster might act cold to him because he was Jealous due to this engagement. Helene sighed. "Sir, Young Grand Duke is not here. He is in the south garden, sitting alone there." "Hm? Why don''t you tell me sooner!" Charles immediately rushed to the south garden. It was quite far from his position, so he hastened his steps. Helene saw the figure of Crown Prince getting farther and farther. She smiled. She loved that man before, but knowing that his heart was only for that person. She ought to find another man. "It just hurt, a bit." Helene said. *** Charles entered the south garden. There was a garden pavilion and he saw Aster smiling while looking at the freshly blooming flowers. He leaned his left hand on the wooden railing and used his right hand to fiddle with few flowers sitting besides the railing. Charles saw the blooming smile in Aster''s face, and inadvertently his heart had a blooming desire. My heart longed for you The more they pushed me away The more my heart desires And it burns me withmenting fire I am not saintly pure But my heart is Quench my thirst with your presence I am in bliss. Chapter 53: Charles and His Darling Cousin II Chapter 53: Charles and His Darling Cousin II Aster smiled while focusing his attention to these flowers. The flowers that bloomed during spring were beautiful, but he couldn''t move his eyes from the fact that he spent his time in this garden alone without his servant. Ramuja would follow him around with that dazed gaze. Aster noticed every nce that Ramuja did. When Ramuja secretly nced at him whenever he checked on the flowerbeds, when Ramuja was dazed every morning in front of his door, when Ramuja was worried about Aster''s health even though he was tortured a week before. Ramuja might do nothing other than gazing at him. But those eyes never lied. ''His eyes were so pure without hidden intention...'' Aster''s fingers fiddled with white lily, he smiled, ''He is so pure, like this white lily.'' "Aster..." Aster stopped his fingers and turned his head. He knew this voice, the deep voice that would hypnotize people around, the majestic voice that demanded respect and sowed pressure in people''s mind. "Charles, wee back..." Aster said half smiling. The previous smile he had before slightly faded. However, he kept his courtesy. Charles was ecstatic when he saw Aster was smiling at him. He wanted to pounce Aster, hug him and kiss him. However, he still needed to restrain himself. Thus, Charles replied, "Yes, I am back early to see you." "See me?" Aster was puzzled. He didn''t remember that they had any urgent discussion or whatsoever. "Do you have something to tell to me? I don''t see going back so early only to find me is a good thing while you''re on a campaign." "Do you... not miss me?" Charles asked. His gaze darkened. There was a hint of anger in his eyes, which he covered quickly. Aster suddenly realized about Charles'' weird behavior before. Deep soft gaze, intimate gesture, love letters. He thought it was just Charles stressed about the empire matters that it made him confused. But seeing this... he almost could see the transparency of Charles'' intention. If that was true, then Aster had misspoken before. He quickly showed a frightened expression and said, "I--I do missed you. But Charles, abandoning the campaign just to meet me isn''t a good thing to do. You might get protests from other people." Charles'' gaze softened again after he heard Aster''s reason. ''Is he worried about my wellbeing?'' Charles'' heart felt itchy. There was a very pleasant feeling growing steadily in his heart. He approached Aster and sat beside him. "It''s fine, I finished the campaign early with sess. Do you underestimate my ability asmander?" Charles said whileughing lightly. Aster had a hunch that Charles was really in love with him. It was still unthinkable for him because Charles had had a fianc already. It felt scandalous. However, this might be the best time to test it. ''Let''s see if he responds to his...'' Aster sighed. He looked down and his whole appearance looked pitiful. "Of course I never doubted your ability. I''m actually happy that you wanted to see me. But, even now, you shouldn''t visit me often." "Why?" Charles frowned. "Because... your life might be in danger..." "Danger? What danger? You should be well protected in this pce." "... Few months ago, there was an assassination attempt that targeted me and Lady Merse of Thana." Aster started looking depressed again, he clenched the hem of his white shirt. "I asked Lady Thana to lend me her people to protect me for a while. The assassination attempt failed at me, but in the end, Lady Merse also got targeted and was severely wounded..." Charles had no memory of Lady Thana, his aunt from Mother Empress to have a rtionship with Aster. He felt a bit sense of crisis because Aster actually let someone else to protect him. However, this was not the most important case. Charles clenched his fist. Someone dared to target Aster... "Did you brush against someone in the pce?" Charles asked calmly. "How can I? I spend my days locked in my room..." Aster sulked, "I am able to visit this garden because your Mother Empress had to attend a noble event for few days outside." "Locked? She-- my mother Empress locked you up!?" Aster was surprised when he saw how fierce Charles'' expression had be. Something terrible sparked inside his mind. His lips curled up for a second before turning back into the saddened expression. "I know Aunt Empress doesn''t like me. But to lock me up for three months without any exnation..." Charles eyes darkened. His golden circle slowly disappeared as he realized something. ''There is no one who hates Aster more than Mother Empress...'' ''I was out of the pce for almost five months and no news about this assassination attempt came to me. Even Rosalie stayed silent.'' ''If it''s not Mother Empress, then who else can cover such big incident.'' "Had Lady Merse visited you again after that assassination attempt?" Charles asked. "She visited me again a month ago. Her wound has been healed, although it left obvious scar on her face. It was strange that she didn''t even visit Empress Chamber." Charles finally concluded all the information Aster had given and the suspect of this was obviously his own mother. ''Wretched! She even dares to stage an assassination to her own nephew.'' "Aster, I am sorry." Charles said suddenly. "Hmm? What are you sorry for?" Aster asked. "I''m sorry I can''t protect you," Charles reached Aster''s hand and held it softly, he brought Aster''s hand to his face and kissed the back of Aster''s hand. Charles could smell the faint fragrance of Aster''s perfume in his wrist and was intoxicated for a second. ''He smells wonderful... like always...'' Aster was obviously ufortable. But he tried to cover it as much as he could and showed shy expression. "It''s not your fault, you''re busy with the campaign anyway," Aster said sheepishly. "Well, you shouldn''t visit me too often. You might be targeted by this person." Charles'' smile dimmed. He knew Aster wasn''t stupid. He was too nave and kindhearted. Aster must''ve known already about this person who targeted him, it was obviously Mother Empress. But he decided to stay silent because he never thought someone could be that evil. ''If you decided to stay blind, then I will follow along my darling.'' ''Let me eliminate this threat for you...'' Charles said in his heart. Aster picked a gardenia and gave it to Charles. "Well, I haven''t weed your arrival from battle. May your glory stay true to our golden camellia," Aster said and smiled softly. Charles stared at Aster deeply before taking the gardenia. "Thank you, Aster. However, I prefer you to wee me like this..." Charles put the gardenia on Aster''s mouth and kissed him deeply. He enveloped Aster''s waist with his left hand while his right hand hold the back of Aster''s head. He tucked his fingers in Aster''s wavy golden hair. ''My darling Aster, your everything is intoxicating for me.'' Chapter 54: Crown Prince and Golden Princess Chapter 54: Crown Prince and Golden Princess Charles walked to his sister''s garden pavilion. He reported his war to Father Emperor and Mother Empress. However, he wasn''t even looking to his mother. He reported everything and left immediately. ''I almost couldn''t hold myself to choke that woman.'' ''She dared hurting Aster... she dared!'' Charles clenched his fist. He disliked the pce conflicts. That was why he spent more time conquering othernd or going on a diplomatic mission rather than stay in this wretched golden pce full of dangerous scheme. Emperor and Empress had never had any affair. They stayed strong and filial together. However, still water runs deep. Charles understood that Emperor and Empress were fighting against each other to cement their position and dominate the country. Father Emperor was currently the one who held the most power. However, his Mother Empress wasn''t weak either, holding the highest military house in Golden Camellia alongside strengthening her own house. It was as if she prepared for something. ''Buttely, her power has been deteriorated tremendously.'' Charles had inquired about the problem between his mother and his Aunt Merse. He then realized that Mother had lost the strongest forte she had. Lady Merse from House of Thana controlled the strongest military house in Golden Camellia. General Avern, Aunt Merse''s husband, loved his wife so much. Although they were rumored to be not in a good rtionship currently, but General Avern was still devoted to his wife. Knowing the moment was right, it was time to safe Aster. Thus, he wanted to meet his sister to n the elimination of their mother. Charles entered the pavilion only to see Rosalie giggled like a lunatic. She sat on a long sofa directly facing the window while holding something and giggled repeatedly. Charles peered at Rosalie''s servant with questioning eyes. The servant understood and said, "Young Marquis Florentino from house of Viete visited Her Highness about a week ago. Young Marquis and Her Highness Princess exchanged their silver pins." Charles smiled upon hearing this. He had long known that Rosalie had fallen in love with this promiscuous young marquis from House of Viete. However, he couldn''t really help her either, because this house was directly under Aunt Duchess. Now, that marquis had intention to visit Rosalie first, that must''ve been from the order of Aunt Duchess. Charles sat besides his sister while gazing at the garden outside. Rosalie didn''t even noticed someone was beside her until a whileter. Her golden eyes slowly dissipated and turned to normal golden circle. She turned her head and saw Charles. "Oh, Charles. Pardon me, I didn''t notice you here. Well, how was the war?" "It''s okay. Everything is going well... except for Aster." Charles replied, not beating around the bush and continued, "It''s time to eliminate her." Rosalie went silent. Her fingers still caressing this silver pin from Florentino Viete. She rose up and walked to a table. She took a book from the drawer and gave it to Charles. "This was all information you needed about mother''s current situation. It also contains an incident rting to Aster before," Rosalie said. She sighed, "I''m sorry, I couldn''t really inform you about that assassination attempt. Because Mother Empress her been trying to cover it." Charles opened the book detailing about how many houses had deteriorated and fallen out of favors. And almost all of them were Mother''s support houses. Golden Camellia Empire was a huge country, there were plenty of vassal kingdoms and even more countless noble houses. "Then, do you have a n to strike Mother Empress?" Charles asked. Rosalie twisted her brows and chucked as if it was funny. "Isn''t it obvious already? We need to frame her amidst her confusion." "And when do you think we have such moment? Mother Empress is a very cautious person." Rosalie smiled. She already knew that Charles would ask this. "Spring festival ising soon. There will be people from various sses attending in the city hall. They would be a good spectator for this, but we need Aster." Charles immediately caught something. His eyes became sharp, "You nning to shame Aster and frame it to mother Empress, right?" Rosalie''s calm expression finally showed a hint of surprise. Charles caught the intention easily. ''He is actually very smart when Aster is not around...'' Rosalie said in her heart. Since Charles already understood her intention, she just nodded. Charles'' eyes became chilly. He stood from the sofa and said, "I won''t allow it. Try to find another method!" Rosalie shook her head. Actually, this was a n directed by Aunt Duchess. She was just a mere tool for her. Thus, she had to convince Charles to agree with this. However, knowing how crazy Charles would be if something involved Aster. "We don''t have the right to decide this. Aster is the only one that could do this. Why don''t you go and ask him?" Rosalie said. Charles went silent, and then nodded after a while. Before he left, he asked Rosalie with a calm and clear voice, but his eyes looked like predator who was eyeing his prey, "Rosalie, you''re not under Aunt Duchess'' order, are you?" Rosalie stilled. She finally realized that she had been caressing Florentino''s pin constantly for hours. She looked at Charles'' gaze and her heart sank. Charles or Aster shouldn''t know this matter about her and Grand Duchess cooperation or she would be dead. She kept her calm expression and said, "Are you questioning Viete''s house intention as direct subordinate of Aunt Duchess?" Charles didn''t reply, but his gaze was still sharp. "Well, you know that Aunt Duchess has been very busy dealing with Father Emperor. Florentino Viete had slipped and visited me secretly," Rosalie exined. "... I see. You need to be careful with Aunt Duchess," Charles said. "Then I will be seeing my darling Aster. I will ask his opinion about this," Charles'' gaze softened instantly whenever he said that magical word ''Aster''. He left Rosalie pavilion. His gaze hardened again when he left that pavilion. He was unsure whether Rosalie was working under Aunt Duchess. ''That dog Marquis wouldn''t dare to step inside this pce without the permission of Aunt Duchess.'' ''But what Rosalie said is correct. Aunt Duchess has been busy dealing with Father Emperor. I doubt she has time controlling all her vassal houses.'' Aunt Duchess wasn''t particrly dangerous, nor that she held any real political power. She was just acting under the order of Uncle Duke while he was busy doing his business. There was also no reason to be guarded against her. ''If Rosalie really works under Aunt Duchess. Maybe all she could do is just to watch over Aster.'' ''But... something feels wrong... Rosalie feels off.'' Charles wasn''t someone who judge based on feeling. But he definitely saw something wrong with Rosalie. Rosalie was usually a very careful and considered everything before taking an action. But today, she was very shrewd and too cold. Charles wasn''t sure what was wrong and he kept pondering about it. But when he saw the window of Aster''s room. He saw Aster sitting quietly while reading a book. Charles'' eyes lit up, his smile bloomed. ''I will investigate thister. Aster must''ve been waiting for me toe.'' Chapter 55: Wishful Thinking Chapter 55: Wishful Thinking Charles sat beside Aster. He had his left hand gently caressing Aster''s slim waist. His eyes shone golden and greedily savoring the beauty beside him. Aster didn''t say anything and focused on his book. Although, he felt extremely ufortable and disgusted, he couldn''t do anything. Charles was definitely in love with him, and with this aggressive advance from Charles, Aster could only yield. Charles'' eyes darted to the butler standing tall near the door. He saw all this intimacy between him and Aster with nonchnt attitude. However, Charles couldn''t help but felt jealous. ''This butler is Aster''s people, right? The one that he gave his guard medal to.'' ''I didn''t even mind to be his subordinate if that would mean I could be his only subordinate. Who cares about other unknown subhuman.'' Charles'' eyes dimmed. He already thought about the possibility of Aster having an affair other than him. This butler wasn''t bad looking either. Infuriated, Charles called him, "You,e here!" Jain drew near and kneeled in front of Charles and Aster, "Yes, Your Highness, This one is at your service." Charles was about to execute this butler for daringly epting Aster''s guard medal. But Aster would be extremely mad if he did so. Thus, he held himself. "Leave this room, I need to talk with my cousin alone." Aster''s focus finally shifted to Charles, then to Jain. He gave a light nod and Jain left the room. "Cousin, what do you want to talk about?" Aster asked, directly trying to finish this talk as soon as possible. Charles'' hand on his waist was getting tighter. Charles frowned, "Why cousin? You can call me by my name, or by our lovers nickname." "I don''t remember that we have any lovers nickname..." "Then, please remember this. From now on, you should call me darling, okay?" Charles smiled. He said it casually, as if it was a regr thing to say. Aster knew that Charles would insist about this distasteful nickname until he said yes. He didn''t want to spend much time with Charles, so he said with difficulty, "Yes, ... d--darling... what do you want to talk about?" Charles seemed satisfied. He chuckled lightly. "A week from now, the spring festival will be held in the Roagelt city square. We have a n, probably thest n to end Mother Empress. Your participation is crucial here... so... would you join us?" Aster closed his book and now listened attentively. He knew the spring festival would being soon. But he didn''t know that Charles and Rosalie had already made a n. "What n?" Charles whispered something to Aster. Aster showed a surprise, but soon dissipated and he looked really cold. However, he nodded to every instruction Charles whispered. In the end, he said, "I will do it." "Are you sure? This would... make people saw you as weak..." "I am fine with it. I will do it." Aster replied with absolute certainty. Charles was really not sure that this would be a good idea. Part of him didn''t want Aster to be in danger, nor that he wanted him to be looked down by the other. But this was really perfect moment to frame Mother Empress. "Then, if you say so. I will always help you darling," Charles said. Charles stayed for an hour. Although Aster is unresponsive, Charles talked about anything he could think of in order to dy time. He wanted to indulge with this warmth he got from Aster. However, with this atmosphere of spring and only two of them in this room, Charles'' mind started going wild. He leaned his face closer to Aster''s nape and smelled an extremely pleasant fragrance that made his mind floated. Aster hadn''t say anything, but he was obviously ufortable. "Charles, let go now," Aster struggled when Charles'' hand slowly descended to the hem of his shirt, attempting to unbutton it. God knows how much Charles tried holding his desire right now. He didn''t want to force Aster. He sighed and rose from the chair, "I''m sorry Aster. I need to leave now before I do something unspeakable." "Please do." Aster said coldly. There was some disappointment in Charles'' heart, but he should hold himself until they were married. He excused himself and left the room. Not long after, Jain entered the room and kneeled in front of Aster. Aster''s previous expression that was soft and meek in front of Charles turned into cold rage. He hated it. He hated the fact that Charles could touch his body easily just because of his status. ''Disgusting! Utterly disgusting!'' ''Why does it feel so disgusting? It wasn''t like this before!'' ''Only Ramuja...'' whenever someone touched Aster, he couldn''t help but imagine Ramuja''s face. Wouldn''t it feel amazing if Ramuja was the one that touched him instead? Aster tried to calm down and talked to his servant, "Jain, we will run this n in the spring festival, and needed you to be stealthy. Unfortunately, we couldn''t bring Irion to the spring festival. He would distract the n by his instinct." "Yes, Young Lord. However, this servant wondered about what exactly is the n?" "I will tell youter. For now, prepare my pen and ink, I need to write for Lady Merse," Aster ordered. "Also, prepare me a warm bath, I feel disgusted all over my body." "Understood, Young Lord." Jain said. He prepared the paper and ink, then proceed to prepare warm bath for Young Lord. Jain was outside the whole time. Thus, he wondered about what happened between Crown Prince and Young Lord. But based on the attitude of Crown Prince, it was obvious that Crown Prince had strong romantic interest to Young Lord. ''It seems unrequited though...'' He also wondered about the n that Young Lord said. Since it would be held during Spring Festival, he imagined it would be a n that emphasize on the public pressure. ''Whatever it is, since you have given me to Young Lord. I just need to believe that Young Lord is capable... right... old Master?'' Jain said in his heart. *** "Ramuja! Don''t work too much, you are still recovering!" Jon rushed to my side and helped me carrying a log. My back ached whenever I did my routine. But I couldn''t let Jon took my working portion just because I got beaten up by Crown Prince before. It had been two weeks since that day and my body kept aching. ''At least, I still have Young Lord''s personal pin...'' We finished the job today and head home. Alongside of the road, there were plenty of beautiful blooming flowers and fresh spring dew. Since winter had passed, this logging business had slowed down until autumn. Thus, we finished the job early. Lisa and Merry were in the house, they were making something out of flowers they picked in the meadow. "Ah! I just remembered that we will have spring festival soon!" Jon eximed. He left the house in a rush. I just stood there dumbly. I asked Merry, "Spring festival?" Merry smiled and replied meekly, "Yes, each spring, there will be a spring festival in Roagelt city square. We saved enough money for cheap carriage to go there." I nodded, "Then, I will take care of the house." "Ramuja? Why did you say that, of course you are going with us too!" Lisa interrupted. "But I have no money..." "Sigh, I told you that you are also my child, right?" Lisa smiled. "There will be free food there, and we can watch many fresh blooming flowers." "There will be many people too, even Emperor and Empress wille!" Merry said cheerfully. I suddenly perked up. If Emperor and Empress were there, then there might be a chance to see Young Lord, even from afar. "Then, how about noble houses?" Ramuja asked. "Well, I think everyone that was not too far away from Roagelt kingdom would be attending that. It''s one of the biggest festival in Golden Camellia!" I felt the surge of happiness in my body. There was a chance of me meeting Young Lord there. ''So there is a chance that Young Lord will be there...'' ''Even if it could just see you from afar, at least I could see if you are doing well, Young Lord.'' "Ramuja! Don''t space out!" Merry said while giggling. She put a bracelet made by tree root and flower to my wrist. She seemed satisfied. "We will have the same bracelet!" "Hahaha... Merry, you shouldn''t say that too early, Ramuja might get embarrassed." Lisaughed. Then, he faced Ramuja with tender eyes, "Lovers bracelet is a tradition during spring festival. Merry just want you to use the same bracelet as hers." I stared at Merry, Lisa and the bracelet consecutively. Somehow, I felt guilty. Chapter 56: Spring Festival Chapter 56: Spring Festival Aster stood awkwardly inside his room. The spring festival would be started soon, and he still had to use this special garment for spring festival. It was a white robe specifically made with eastern silk, adorned with various blooming flowers and scented with many floral fragrances that made Aster a bit dizzy. He refused wearing powder or any make up. He hated the feeling of it. However, the tailor who dressed him nodded deeply. He picked up the flower crown and put it on Aster''s head. It was a flower crown with many blooming white gardenias as decoration. The tailor took a step back and stared at Aster absentmindedly. Aster frowned and looked at the mirror. He was wearing a white silk robe embedded with real flowers, each flower had its own unique fragrance which intoxicated people. His golden wavy hair was disheveled. He had white gardenias flower crown sitting on top of his golden hair, making a good contrast. To the tailor''s eyes, he was amazed to how perfect this man was. This man wasn''t even using any make up, but all his facial features were perfectly lined, his slim figure, his small straight nose, pink lips, and deep blue eyes that seemed to drown people into their daydream. He didn''t look feminine, but he looked soft enough to make people went crazy on him. The tailor was drowning in his own fantasy until he heard someone opened the door. Crown Prince Charles with his handsome face looked scary. He saw the tailor staring at Aster dumbly and he rushed to their side. The tailor tried to back down, but Charles gripped his neck, "Who allowed you to stare at him?" he asked. Aster looked at the tailor who was struggling trying to release himself from Charles'' grip. Thus, he tapped Charles'' shoulder, "Charles, let him go. He did his job just fine." Charles shifted his gaze to Aster and his eyes immediately softened. He released the tailor. The tailor scurried away immediately, afraid of unknowingly provoking Crown Prince''s anger once more. Charles observed Aster''s appearance with the Spring Goddess Garment. This garment was a ceremonial garment worn by selected noble youngdy each year. The garment never changed, maybe a bit of change in the decoration, but it mostly stayed the same. Since every year, he had to escort the spring goddess around the city square. Charles always hated those spring goddesses who would use thick make up and tried to seduce him. Thosedies would try to throw a wink at her, or giggled coquettishly, trying to get his attention. Though, Charles was mostly annoyed. He had to smile and acted as if he was willing. However, when he saw Aster with the same garment, he felt something brewing in his mind and heart. Soon, he realized that feeling was jealousy and hostility. Jealous because people would see his Aster with this garment, and he felt extreme hostility to them. ''Maybe I should lock Aster in his room and say that he is sick. So I can be the only one who sees and taste this perfect spring goddess in front of me.'' Charles thought. Aster saw that prickly gaze and walked to the door, "Charles, if you have some indecent thought, this is not the right time." He said coldly. Charles took a deep breath few times in order to calm his mind. "Yes, I''m sorry." "You sure that everything is in check?" Aster frowned. Charles wasn''t someone ipetent. But sometimes he had the moment of illogical behavior, especially when he''s around him. Thus, Aster was somewhat concerned. "Trust me, everything is in check. I will protect you when my subordinate does his job." "Then, how about you? Will he injure you for real?" Aster asked. Charles smiled widened. Aster did really care for him even in this situation, "He wouldn''t, because I will block him." Aster nodded. Charles smiled, he took Aster''s hand and guided him to the carriage specifically prepared for them. About thirty minutes passed and they finally reached the city. The city was really lively with people from various ces gathered around the city. There were many food stalls, toys, people with their garment decorated with flowers. It felt like a festival. ''Maybe it is... I''ve never went to a festival before.'' Aster''s mood was a bit sour. This was his first time to attend real festival, because most festival was held during summer, his skin would really burn under the sun and heat. He also never went to spring and autumn public festival because of his task with Grand Duchy''s various matters both in economy and politics that he needed to sort and handle carefully. ''I''ve always stayed upte in the duchy.'' Aster saw couples holding hand, wearing the same flower bracelet, and enjoying the festival. His mood turned even worse. He couldn''t help but think about his servant, ''If I go to festival with him... how incredible would that be.'' As Aster absent-mindedly observed the surrounding, he suddenly noticed someone. Tall figure with glistening brown skin, sharp straight nose, and the face he dreamed every night was standing with a girl, holding hands together. ''Ramuja?!'' Aster jolted. He leaned his face to the carriage window, but the carriage was moving too fast that he lost sight to that figure. His heart raced. If that was really Ramuja, then did hee to this spring festival just to see him? ''Ramuja... is that really him?'' ''Hee to this festival to meet me, right?'' Aster was ecstatic for brief seconds. Whenever he thought the possibility of Ramuja personally looking for him in the festival, he felt like today''s n wasn''t as hard as he thought. However, that fleeting moment of happiness disappeared instantly. He shook his head lightly. ''No. That couldn''t be Ramuja. That man was holding hands with a woman. My Ramuja would never do that...'' ''Ramuja would only see me, and follow me. So that cant be him...'' Aster''s expression dimmed. Charles noticed the change of mood in Aster, thus, he held his hand gently, "Are you ufortable or anything? Or do you fancy something in this festival?" Aster was too upied with the thought of his servant, thus, he just shook his head lightly, "Nothing, I''m just a bit nervous." Charles smiled and gave some pacifying words to calm Aster down. The crowd grew denser as they were near the city square. However, the carriage went on smoothly using the pathway created by the soldiers. The carriage stopped in front of a huge stage under a big tent. This stage was for the monarch and they high aristocrats. Aster saw faces that he knew, Lady Merse, Emperor, Empress... and his mother. The carriage door opened. Aster gritted his teeth. ''No matter what shame I have to bear, as long as I can escape and see my servant again...'' Chapter 57: Spring Festival II Chapter 57: Spring Festival II Aster stepped outside. The bright sun directly fell to his figure, and people gasped. Some were shocked and some were left in awe. This year spring goddess was definitely the most perfect goddess the Empire had ever had. Bring golden hair, perfect facial feature, and aura that exuded the feeling of unreachable nobility. It was the perfect portrait of spring goddess. However, this spring goddess... also happened to be a man. Aster held his shame when people stared at him. He looked up at the stair in front of him, there was a stage filled with sitting high aristocrats. He observed the expression one by one, Lord Gamasiel was still dumbstrucken with love in his eyes, Lady Merse looked at him with confusion, the others still gasped, unable toprehend the sheer amazement and confusion. Amazed because this spring goddess was perfect. And confused because spring goddess was also the symbol of female fertility, for a man to portray himself as spring goddess, it must''ve been humiliating. Aster caught the sight of his mother, Grand Duchess Camille at the corner of his eyes. She was obviously surprised, but that surprise turned into sadness. She casted her eyes down, probably holding her tears. ''Mother... I''m sorry, I''ve bring our house a shame...'' Aster gritted his teeth, he looked at the Uncle Emperor and Aunt Empress, they were also dumbstruck, especially Empress. The hatred in Aster''s eyes was almost unconcealed, if not because of the Empress spreading rumor that he had an affair with his servant, punishing him, making his life in the pce a living hell, he wouldn''t be willing to do this. ''I will drag you down from that high throne, you bitch!'' *** Charles'' eyes shone golden, he extended his hand, waiting for Aster to give his hand to him. Aster smiled and gave his hand. This scene was directly seen by the crowd and baffled them. Crown Prince was indeed supposed to be the escort of Spring Goddess every year, but he never smiled. At best, he would give a thin smile and then returned his serious demeanor. But now, the smile seemed to be permanent in his mouth. Charles escorted Aster to face Emperor and Empress, as the yearly tradition should be. Aster kept his small smile, but he let a bit of pain slipped through his calmness. People who watched this would realize that this man was unwilling. Aster kneeled in front of Emperor and Empress, then said, "This humble one is the spring goddess of this year, ording to Her Majesty Empress Cecilia direct mandate. This humble one will serve as best as he can." Empress Ceci was confused, she wasn''t crazy enough to make a man bing the spring goddess. And she definitely wasn''t crazy enough to let Aster, the heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill to serve as one today! The surrounding gazes turned sharp, these aristocrats tried to dig the intention of Empress. Many of them were Empress Ceci''s supporting houses, but if Empress Ceci deliberately tried to shame the only heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill, then they might renounce their support after this. Empress Ceci panicked, she handed this matter to her daughter, Rosalie. It was usually like that every year. She searched around, looking for Rosalie but then she realized that Rosalie was missing from this stage. A bad premonition entered her mind. She had something that poked her brain, but she denied that hastily. ''No, this must be some misunderstanding. There is no way my daughter would scheme against me!'' Empress reassured herself. Emperor looked down on Aster solemnly. He said nothing, as the Empress usually did the official greeting. Empress Ceci wanted to refute Aster''s im. But she realized something. ''If I refute him, then it''d be even greater humiliation for Aster.'' ''And also, people will start questioning Golden Princess, because she takes this job if I''m too busy...'' ''No... No! That would harm Rosalie!'' Empress realized that she was in a deadlock. She couldn''t refute this or else, Rosalie would take the me. It wasn''t good for her future, as people would see Rosalie as ipetent or evil hearted. Whoever schemed this against her, she was destined to be trapped with no way out. Empress Ceci took a deep breath. She had to take the fall for this. "Yes, I ept your humility. You will do the spring ritual across the city as usual," Empress said bitterly. The nobles around her already confirmed that this was Empress'' deliberate action to humiliate the Young Lord. Aster nodded and was seated in his own special seat, decorated with various flowers. He sat and kept his dignified manner. The event started with Emperor giving speech and the people chanting some oath for the festival. Asterzily waited then noticed the peasants who watched from below. Their eyes greedily inspected his body, from hair to toes. He bore with it and looked down upon them with his cold eyes. However, when his eyeszily looked down, he spotted that man again. The same man that looked like Ramuja. Though, because their position was so far, Aster could barely identify him. He had the simr features like his servant, Ramuja. His golden circle flickered a bit. ''No, that couldn''t be him. Ramuja wouldn''t be here. The one I saw before wasn''t Ramuja, he... wouldn''t be holding hands with a girl.'' ''Besides... he left because he felt unsafe around me. He wouldn''t go to this festival just to see me...'' Aster kept his eyes on that person who looked simr to Ramuja, their eyes met for a second before someone tapped his shoulder. He turned his head and saw Charles smiling to him. He whispered intimately, "Aster, the spring ceremony for you will be starting soon, go with me." Charles held Aster''s hand intimately and escorted him out of the stage. Aster took thest nce at the person simr to Ramuja below, but he disappeared. His golden circle dimmed. ''Sure thing, it wasn''t him.'' *** Charles escorted Aster to the starting point of the spring goddess flower shower ritual. In this ritual, Aster would walk through the city and chant a line repeatedly while throwing flowers on the street. These flowers is a blessed flower that was believed to be imbued with Spring Goddesses blessing, the peasants would scramble just to get these flowers. It was fortunate that Spring Festival happened when the heat and the sun wasn''t hot enough. Or else, Aster would''ve instantly developed his burning rash under the sun. Aster held a basket of flowers in his hand that would be resupplied every time he run out of flowers. He saw the guards had lined up to clear the road for him to do the ritual. Charles was behind him, smiling proudly. ''It seems everything is set.'' Aster started walking and chanting his line, "Blessed with flower of purity, Oh--My Golden Camellia may prosper in justice. Blessed with flower of victory, Oh--My Golden Camellia may thrive with victory. Blessed with flower of fertility, Oh--My Golden Camellia may live long through centuries!" He threw a handful of flowers to each side while walking. Behind the guards, the people were almost fighting against each other just to get those flowers. Aster caught a silhouette within the corner of his eyes. That silhouette again, that person who looked like Ramuja kept following him across his ritual. He didn''t even bother to take the flower, he just constantly followed him. Aster couldn''t help but mumbled bitterly, "If it''s the real you, how happy would I be..." Aster saw the junction that was crowded with people, in that crowd, there will be Charles'' subordinate acted as assassin who tried to assassinate him, and Charles would shield him. He walked calmly, as long as everything was ording to n, then there would no be interference. Besides, he already stationed Jain to follow him in case of something went wrong. When he was nearing the junction, his eyes observed around the crowd and saw Charles'' person with regr apparel, but he noticed a knife hidden under his long sleeve. Aster acted as if he saw nothing and kept doing the ritual. Suddenly, he heard a groan. That man actually stabbed a guard in the back and passed the fallen guard, his movement was very fast and he lunged directly to Aster. Aster saw the man lunged with his knife aimed directly to his face. Even though everything was nned, it was still scary to experience it directly. Thus, Aster closed his eyes. However, what he felt the next moment was a warm embrace. It was very warm and gentle, as if he was hugged with love. Aster slowly opened his eyes, he saw familiar face close to his, and familiar voice, "Young Lord... are you okay?" That familiar man smiled before losing his consciousness. His body directly fell into Aster''s embrace. Aster instinctively supported Ramuja''s body, his hands reached Ramuja''s back. He touched a sharp metal that cut his finger a bit, he also touched few wounds on his back. Four stabs and the knife were still nted in his back. Aster heard someone said something around him, the crowd panicking, and the shout of Charles. But he felt like everything around was nothing but him and his servant. Aster focused his gaze to the unconscious Ramuja, his tears streamed down to his cheeks. ''Ramuja... why... why are you here?'' ''Who... who hurt you? I--I...'' ''Why did you protect me?!'' Chapter 58: A Brief Reunion Chapter 58: A Brief Reunion Aster hugged Ramuja''s body tightly. Blood drenched his hands that were hugging Ramuja''s back. He looked lost and scared that he couldn''t say anything. At the midst ofmotion, Charles and his men subdued the ''assassin'' who was his own subordinate. He didn''t understand how could this happen. He was ready to shield Aster before suddenly a silhouette shed in front of him and shielded Aster instantly. His movement was really fast to the point that Charles didn''t see that person until he was stabbed. It was him. That damned ve, that eyesore to him. Charles was about to unsheathe his sword and end his life right now, but he saw Aster hugged that ve tightly, as if that ve was very precious to him. Charles gritted his teeth. He proceeded to subdue the assassin first. Charles immediately drew near Aster who was still in shock. He tried to pull Aster back, but he didn''t budge. He tried it again to no avail. Aster finally nced at Charles and his eyes shook, "Charles! Please, please save him! Give him the best treatment, anything! I will pay for it!" Aster said frantically. Charles was extremely angry because of this sight, he responded, "Let him go, Aster! He is just a ve!" Hearing that, Aster threw a piercing sharp gaze to Charles. His hug was getting tighter to the now pale Ramuja. He said, "Don''t you dare saying that again. His life is as worth as mine. Save him, I don''t care how much I have to pay, but I want him to be alive." Aster said with cold voice. He sounded very different from regr Aster that Charles knew. Charles gritted his teeth. His nails dug to his palms and it bled. If this ce wasn''t a public ce, he would instantly separate Aster from this ve and execute him immediately. Charles took a deep breath and ordered his men, "Go take that ve to the city hospital and give him the best treatment." His soldiers carried the order, they took Ramuja from Aster and carried him to a carriage. Aster followed behind, but Charles held his shoulder. "Aster, we should go back." Charles said with chilly tone. Aster stared at him with the same detached gaze and replied, "Take me to the hospital, I need to be with him now..." "ASTER!" Charles raised his voice out of anger. The grip on Aster''s shoulder tightened, "He will be okay. I will give him the best treatment we can offer." "No, Charles, you don''t understand... I need to go there, I need to make sure..." Aster replied, his voice now sounded begging. Charles felt like his soul was torn apart. To see his beloved Aster begging to save a ve, and even dared to talk back to him. However, Charles conceded to his request. Charles held Aster''s hand and took him to his horse. He lifted Aster up and sat behind him. Charles rode the horse while his figure enveloped Aster. Everyone in public saw this scene and was stunned. No one was ever able to ride with the mighty Crown Prince, but this... spring goddess... Aster was muddleheaded. He didn''t even feel ufortable to be seen like this, to be enveloped with Charles figure. All what was in his mind was ''No, Ramuja wont die. He can''t die. He can''t die like this!'' Charles followed the carriage from behind. This moment should be a joyful moment for him, since he can rode the horse with Aster, hugging him from behind, enveloping him with his scent. But he felt nothing, because he knew that right now, what was on Aster''s mind was that damned ve! Charles'' gaze darkened. He bowed his head and kissed Aster''s nape. Aster was unresponsive, of course. Charles let everybody in the festival saw this. After he saw countless shocked expression imprinted on people''s faces, he finally could rest his heart a bit. ''Even though your mind was somewhere else, at least I can im you in front of everybody.'' Charles said in his heart. *** Ramuja was taken to the best room in this hospital. The doctors immediately gave him medicine and treat his wounds. After everything was alright, the doctor reported to Charles, "Your Highness Crown Prince, this savior of Young Lord is fortunate! The wounds on his back didn''t damage his vital organs. He is still unconscious, but he should be awaketer." Charles nodded. The doctor excused himself. Aster rushed to the room and saw Ramujaid weakly on the bed. His chest moved up and down, showing steady breath. Aster took a chair and sat beside Ramuja. Aster was extremely pained to see Ramuja in this situation because of him. Aster was about to hold Ramuja''s hand before Charles gripped his. Aster looked up and saw Charles with his dark gaze, "You don''t need to touch him." After seeing Ramuja safe, he regained hisposure. He looked seriously at Charles, "Charles, no matter what his status is, he protected me there..." "It''s just an act, my man wouldn''t hurt you and I will shield you if not because of this..." Charles shifted his gaze to Ramuja. Again, the grip on Aster''s hand tightened. Aster frowned. "He still protected me, whether it was an act or not. He didn''t know about it. Charles, I beg you... please..." Charles almost couldn''t contain himself. But seeing Aster begging expression to him, he couldn''t utter a word. He loosened his grip and said, "I will give you a bit of time alone with your ''savior''. But if you dare to do anything..." "I will not." Charles turned his back and closed the door. He didn''t want to do this, but he really was weak to Aster. He could only concede. However, Charles reassured himself, ''Aster will not do anything to that ve.'' Aster observed the outline of his servant''s face. He was still handsome. He knew that Ramuja has strangely handsome face as a ve. Unlike Charles'' sharp and breathtaking handsome feature, Ramuja''s face gave the aura of tranquility and serenity. But that handsome face was now pale, because of him. Aster held his hand and said softly, "If you died, what should I do? You will die in vain, because of your own foolishness..." "You are stupid, you know. Even if you didn''t know that it was an act, no sane person would jump and shield me like that..." "Ramuja, you are a big fool..." Aster said softly. The golden circle in his eyes flickered and slightly expanded, "A big fool... but I like your foolishness..." Aster knew he couldn''t stay long in this ce before Charles opened the door. He took something from his pocket, a silver pin. "This personal pin of mine, I was about to give this to Lady Merse to bind her. But it seems, someone here deserves that better..." Aster smiled, he opened Ramuja''s hand, put the pin there, and then closed it it. He lowered his head and kissed Ramuja''s hand. "Until we meet again, my servant..." Aster showed hisst smile before he resumed his cold face. He closed the door and followed Charles to leave this hospital. *** Merry stood in front of the city hospital anxiously. During the Spring Goddess Ritual, she was separated with Ramuja and had to stand behind the crowd. She had small figure, if she dared to fit inside the crowd, she would be squashed to death. Then, when she heard a woman screamed, panic broke out in the crowd, people tried to run away from the ritual area. Merry felt something was wrong, she rushed in and saw Ramuja in unconscious state hugged by the spring goddess. She wanted to go and help Ramuja, but the guards forbade her. Instead, they took Ramuja to this city hospital. The royal guards guarded the hospital entrance because Crown Prince and Spring Goddess were inside. After few hours of standing there, part of the crowd already dispersed around the hospital. Crown Prince and Spring Goddess rode together on a horse. From afar, she could see the face of this year''s Spring Goddess who was actually a man. Even though it was obvious that he was a man, and had no trace of femininity, Merry could only agreed on her heart about one thing. ''That man is unreal... it feels like looking at a painting...'' ''With the Crown Prince, they do look good together...'' After they left, Merry brushed her dazed mind and entered the hospital. She needed to check on Ramuja! Chapter 59: Eulogy of the Prince 14 Chapter 59: Eulogy of the Prince 14 The spring festival was really crowded. There were many stalls selling foods, goods, and even child games that required you to pay two bronze coins to y. Iughed when Merry joked, "One game from that stall would cost us our dinner." Lisa was old, so she stayed at home. While Jon, he said that he had a date with a servant girl in this festival and didn''t want to disturb me and Merry, so he separated from us. We walked around, and then halted when Merry held my hand. I looked at her red face, "Um... a couple should hold hands together," she said shyly. I smiled and hold her hand. The guards suddenly stopped everyone from crossing the road and made a line to open a path. A white carriage with flowers adorned around it approached us from afar. I looked at the carriage, and noticed that familiar coachman who came with blue carriage to the Grand Duke Harion''s business before. ''So, there was Crown Prince inside...'' Whenever I remembered about Crown Prince, what was on my mind was only a demon in a chiseled face. I was about to leave the scene before I saw someone familiar inside the carriage. He was looking at the crowd behind the ss. Sun shone on top of him, thus, his face was revealed perfectly. That golden hair, deep eyes, small straight nose, thin lips and overall perfect facial feature. It was Young Lord. I stood dazed while watching Young Lord was inside the carriage with Crown Prince. The carriage passed me fast, I had my eyes starved from the sight of Young Lord. I rushed to the city hall. Merry who was surprised by my sudden energy asked, "Ramuja? I thought you don''t want to see the spring goddess? City hall will be very crowded!" "It''s okay, I want to see something there..." I tried to squeeze in with Merry while protecting her because of her small figure. Finally, we got a good spot to see spring goddess. The carriage opened in front of the stage full of high aristocrats. When the door opened, and the spring goddess entered the stage, everyone was stunned. Everyone around me gasped, including Merry. The spring goddess of this year was actually a man, but it didn''t make them dissatisfied. In fact, when they see the face of the spring goddess, they were stunned because of how perfect he was. I saw Crown Prince who smiled brightly escorted Young Lord to the stage. As if he was escorting his bride... I could only swallow the fire that rose from my chest. I looked at them with envy, especially Crown Prince. I thought Young Lord Must''ve been forced by Crown Prince, but when I saw Young Lord actually replied Crown Prince with a beautiful smile, my chest felt pained instantly. "That male spring goddess looks like a painting... don''t you think so, Ramuja?" Merrymented. I nodded. It was obvious that Young Lord was extremely handsome and beautiful at the same time. From the first time I saw him, it was my very first thought. I feast my eyes with the sight of Young Lord sitting at a throne made exclusive for spring goddess. He never looked at me even though we were this close, but that was understandable. As long as I knew Young Lord was in a good health, it was fine for me. It was just that... whenever I saw Young Lord and Crown Prince close together, my heart burned tremendously. I knew this shameful feeling, but I didn''t have any hope anyway. I could only hold it inside my heart and stared at Young Lord piteously. Until I saw him looking at my direction, it was as if he was staring at me. I focused my gaze on him and our eyes met. I knew he was just staring at the crowd, not specifically at me, but it made my heart happier. Then, the Crown Prince approached Young Lord and whispered something intimately. I couldn''t bear it after seeing this intimacy between Young Lord and Crown Prince, so I asked Merry, "Let''s go. The spring goddess ritual is going to start soon, right?" "Yes! Let''s go!" Merry replied excitedly. We stood together with a lot of people who waited for spring goddess ritual, "Spring Goddess will chant during the ritual and throw flowers at us! People will try to get that flowers, because it is believed to be blessed by spring goddess herself," Merry exined. "I see..." I answered absentmindedly. I was expecting Young Lord. If he would be on the street, doing the ritual, then that meant I had high chance to see Young Lord closer. When Young Lord entered the path while carrying a basket full of flowers, I silently followed him. Young Lord started chanting about something and threw flowers to his left and right, I forgot about everything else, I didn''t mind the flowers unlike the others who tried to get one. I followed him silently between the crowds. I tried to be as close as possible, as long as I could see Young Lord. I just wanted once, at least once our eyes met, then I would be satisfied. ''Look at me once, Young lord. I beg you. I missed you so much...'' Then, just when I was lost in thought, I heard a groan from one of the guard. That guard was stabbed and fell to the ground. I saw a man holding a knife, his eyes was sharp and he directed his knife to the center of the attention. He lunged to Young Lord. ''Young Lord!!'' There was something in my body that was pumped vigorously. I felt a burst of energy and jumped immediately to Young Lord side. I shielded him with my back and hugged him tightly. I felt few stabs on my back, it was deep and my body trembled out of pain. But my hug just got tighter to Young Lord. What was on my mind was that... Young Lord shouldn''t get hurt, it was my duty as his ve to protect him. Then, Young Lord opened his eyes. For the first time in half year, our eyes finally met. I smiled, and said "Young Lord... are you okay?" After that, everything faded to ck. Thest thing I felt was a warm embrace from Young Lord. *** The light flickered from the oilmp above me. My eyelids trembled slightly and I opened my eyes slowly. The ceiling was high and made with smooth wood. This ce was definitely an expensive ce. I tried to move my body, but my back stung badly. I frowned and moved my head around. I saw a woman sleeping on a chair. Her long hair was disheveled. The flower adornment on her body started wilting. "Merry?" I asked. Merry raised her head instantly and the worries on her face dissipated. "Ramuja, oh my god! You are awake!" Merry was about to hug me, but knowing my wound, she decided to hold the wooden bed instead. "Where are we?" "We are in hospital now. Crown Prince and that Spring Goddess brought you here and give you the best medicine," Merry exined. "Where are they now?" "Well, they left not long after. You have been unconscious for the whole day," Merry said. "Why did you do that though? Protecting the Spring Goddess, what if you died for real!" Merry scolded, unable to hold tears on her eyes. "That''s because..." I halted my speech. ''I shouldn''t tell her. She might know about my rtionship with Young Lord.'' "I just want to protect him..." I said. Merry sighed, "I know you are a kind person. But don''t be too impulsive like that. You are lucky that Spring Goddess was very kind. He brought you here, treated you with the best medicine and Crown Prince allowed you to stay in this expensive hospital until you recovered. Crown Prince seems to be very fond of him though... Even though they are both men..." "You know, when you were in the carriage, Crown Prince and Spring Goddess rode a horse together, tailing behind. Everyone saw Crown Prince kissed that man''s nape!" Merry said. I almost jolted when I heard that. The hand that was clenching tightly on something since the moment I woke up started shaking. "I see. Merry, may I trouble you to get me a ss of water? I''m thirsty." "Sure, I need to go ask the nurse." Merry smiled. She left the room to get water for me. I raised my hand and opened the fist that was holding on something. From the shape of it, it was extremely familiar, something that was very precious to me. The thing that always reminded me of Young Lord. I didn''t bring it to the festival, fearing that I might lose it. I opened my hand, the same pin was on my palm, stringless harp with ''A'' in the middle of it. It was Young Lord''s personal pin. However, this pin was different, because this pin was made of silver. ''Did Young Lord give this to me?'' ''This silver pin... does that mean Young Lord finally recognized me as someone close to him?'' ''If he really does, what is the meaning of this?'' ''To save me and give me hope, then go with Crown Prince again?'' I know I shouldn''t hope much for it. I was very happy to get this silver pin, which meant Young Lord trusted me. But when I heard him letting Crown Prince kissed his nape, rode horse together... the happiness I got from this silver pin had the same weigh as the misery I felt in my heart. I put the silver pin on my chest. I did this with the brass pin whenever I was anxious or sad. I bit my lower lips, the hot and cold in my heart torture me. Even the physical pain I got was nothingpared to it. ''Why do I feel this way towards you, Young Lord...'' Chapter 60: Malicious Monster Chapter 60: Malicious Monster A week after the spring festival incident, people were talking about the series of shocking moments happened during the festival. They talked about the perfect-as-painting male spring goddess, the assassination attempt, savior who protected Spring Goddess, the overly intimate Crown Prince and Spring Goddess. The news went rampant from mouth to mouth. However, people didn''t seem to be able to find the identity of the savior, no news about the assassination attempt, the real rtion between Crown Prince and Spring Goddess et cetera. However, there were rumors circted, one was confirmed already, that Spring Goddess was the only heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill, the richest house in the empire. ''Then, is it true that Crown Prince loves this Young Lord from Grand Duchy?'' ''I''m not sure, because they are rted. They''re cousin...'' ''Cousins?! I--Is this incest?! But the empire has banned incest since two hundred years ago!'' ''The Crown Prince has unbeatable status, you know. Who knows that ban will be lifted soon...'' ''How could that be?! That''s sinful. No matter how perfect that Young Grand Duke is, they are both man, and still rted!'' ''Oh, you know that The Empress is the one that choose spring goddess every year right? I heard from someone, that Empress is dissatisfied with Crown Prince and Young Grand Duke''s rtion, so she deliberately shame him by choosing him as spring goddess!'' ''Yeah! I heard that she is also the one who nned the assassination!'' ''What? No way! Empress is such a kind person!'' ''Well, who knows, shees from a faraway kingdom, we don''t know if she''s bad or not, she might pretend this whole time!'' ''Yeah, unlike Princess Camille, we already know how kind and charitable our previous Golden Princess Camille, the current Grand Duchess!" ''True, the Empress might get jealous of her too.'' ''Could it be... that Empress wants to take out her jealousy to Grand Duchess'' only son?'' ''How cruel...'' *** Grand Duchess chuckled reading the note from one of Rosalie''s subordinate. He recorded one conversation between few people in the city with his note. Grand Duchess put down the note and sipped her tea calmly. Rosalie was anxious this whole time and finally asked, "Aunt Duchess, do you... participate in spreading the rumors?" Grand Duchess raised her eyebrows, "I only let they know that the spring goddess was my son. After that, the rumors spread by itself." "Then, you don''t spread the rumor about Mother Empress?" "No, I don''t need to do that. The people would specte by themselves," Grand Duchess chuckled, "After all, that is all I need to do. Spreading the fact that Aster was that spring goddess, whether they want to specte, I would let them do." "Then, how could they connect about this incident and framed Mother Empress easily? The rumors have already reached many outer cities!" Rosalie asked in panic. She expected that this would happen, but the rumors spread like a wildfire. And most of them framed her Mother Empress. "I know your fish brain couldn''t fathom it. But I alreadyid the trap since the day Aster entered this pce. All this is just the result of my n. So, that mother of yours cannot be saved anymore," Grand Duchess, said. She peered at Rosalie, "Now do you regret it? Your mother has death sentence lingering on her neck." "I never regretted it. I''m just..." Rosalie casted her eyes to the teacup. Rosalie didn''t regret it. It was unfortunate that her mother had to bear this, but her mother wasn''t exactly useful for her anyway. She was just scared to Aunt Duchess more than before. ''If I had one misstep, can I even save my head from her?'' Rosalie shook in fear. But she only bowed down to avoid eye contact with Grand Duchess. "However, that ve who protected Aster. I might have to say thank you to him. Because of his impulsiveness, the impact I got to create the rumors is even more potent," Grand Duchessughed. Then, in a few seconds, her eyes turned really cold. "Now, I think that ve is more dangerous that I thought he is. But I cant kill him now." "You can''t? But Aunt Duchess, he is just a ve, a sex ve. You could make him disappear in an instant." Grand Duchess'' eyes grew colder, "I could. But my husband protected him. We have different interest in heart. However, in terms of power, he is equally matched with me." ''Equally matched?! Someone equally matched with Aunt Duchess?'' ''Then, maybe...'' Grand Duchess nced at her niece and curled up her lips a bit. "Well, I have to visit my son. He must be in a bad state right now. Now, Excuse me," Grand Duchess rose up from the chair and walked out. Rosalie took a deep breath. Something started buzzing on her mind. But she could ignore it now, atst the monster had finally left the room. *** Grand Duchess walked to Aster''s room and the only guard who guarded the door immediately opened the door for her. She saw Aster who sat silently, looking outside as if he was thinking about something far. Grand Duchess approached her son and took the chair to sat beside him. She put on her agonized expression and held Aster''s hand. "Aster, are you okay?" Aster finally realized someone was in his room and saw his mother. He immediately bowed down, "I''m sorry, mom. I just..." "No, it''s okay," Grand Duchess said hurriedly. Aster showed a mirthless smile. "I must be an embarrassment for the Grand Duchy." The grip on Aster''s hand tightened. Tears welled up on Grand Duchess'' eyes and she took her handkerchief with one hand. "M--my son, I--I don''t me you. As long as you are okay, I don''t me you..." Grand Duchess said, her voice shaking, "I--I will find a way to fix this!" Aster shook his head. His face was pale with lifeless expression, as if the shock caused him to numb his liveliness. "You don''t need to. I just hope that everything will be solved," Aster said weakly. He slipped his hand off from his mother''s, "I''m sorry that I couldn''t live up to your expectation, mom. I promise I will do better here. Now, I beg you to leave..." "Aster?" Grand Duchess asked worriedly. "I''m fine. I need time to be alone, I''m sorry, mom." "... No matter what, I''m always proud of you, Aster." Grand Duchess sighed deeply. She rose and left the room with face full of grief and sorrow. Then, she returned to her room. Her servants immediately left the room and stood outside with the guards. Grand Duchess sat on the corner of her bed and chuckled lightly "I thought he would be sadder than this..." "But he seems well, much more than I expected. Even capable of putting pretense in front of me." "As expected from my dearest son." Grand Duchess'' chuckle turned into lowugh. She seemed to be very satisfied, "Now, to thest piece, I need to meet my cute little brother." Chapter 61: Malicious Monsters Chapter 61: Malicious Monsters Aster''s grieving expression turned cold when his mother finally left the room. He didn''t want to face his mother right now. All he could bring to his duchy were shame, guilt, and problem. If his mother stayed for too long, his pretense might crack. He looked at the corner of the room and called his subordinate, "Jain, you cane out now." Jain emerged from the hidden corner, he hid very effectively that Aster 100% knew his mother hadn''t realize anything. Jain kneeled in front of Aster, "This subordinate is under your order, Young Lord." Jain looked up at his master. He frowned in his heart. After that spring festival incident, Young Lord hadn''t talked to anyone including him. His expression was always bleak and it got even worse after he reported the circting rumors around the city about him and Crown Prince. "Young Lord, may this subordinate know if there is something you need? This subordinate is saddened seeing Young Lord''s current state," Jain said. "I need you to-- No, never mind," Aster''s hazy eyes looked down, he was indeed disinterested because his mind was constantly filled up with the thought of Ramuja. ''What if Ramuja had an ident? What if someone aimed for his life? What if--'' His mind was constantly flooded with what if scenario. Aster sighed, there was nothing beneficial for worrying like this. He needed to clear this obstacle quick. Whatever it is, as long as he could meet him again. He took his handkerchief from the drawer and sprayed his perfume on it. He looked at it with unrestrained disgust. Such thing he needed to do to make Charles did his bidding. Aster walked out while ordered his subordinates to stay in the room. He went to Charles'' room alone. The guards were expecting him, thus, they opened the door immediately. Aster saw Charles reading some document in his desk. His eyes took a small nce and instantly turned bright golden. He put down all his work and approached Aster. "My darling, do you agree with my term before?" Aster nodded. He handed his perfumed handkerchief to Charles. Charles snatched it and smelled it in ecstasy. Aster gazed at his powerful cousin. This man in front of him was the fierce, mighty Crown Prince of the Golden Camellia Empire. He had no challenger for the throne, backed with many powerful houses, was great at politics and a military genius. Golden Camellia flourished even more under his campaign since he never lost any single campaign. His matchless chiseled handsome face was an added bonus for him. There was no maiden in the entire empire that didn''t worship him. But this very same Crown Prince, was actually crazy in front of him. He acted like a dog and smelled his perfumed handkerchief fervently. ''Disgusting,'' Aster said in his heart. After a while, Charles pocketed the handkerchief and guided him to the sofa. They sat together side to side. Charles hugged Aster''s waist and opened a document he already prepared. "This is the document I prepared for the trial. All the houses here had case of corruption and bribery. However, they were not big enough to be noticed, I doubled the amount of gold they took in order to put Mother Empress down." Aster read the document. These houses were the one that still supported the Empress even after the spring festival incident. They saw that Empress position in these few months had been shaky. Thus, most of them had pulled back their support and took neutral stance. "Good," Aster said coldly. Charles raised his left brows, "I wonder, why would you need to drag these houses too? No house is free from small corruption, we can still eliminate Mother Empress without destroying these small houses, and they still have families and servants to feed. " Aster nced at Charles and proceeded to read the document again, "We need to give warning to other houses. Once these small houses got destroyed by implicating themselves to Empress, we can cut all the way out for your mother." Charles was stunned after he heard Aster''s answer. He did this solely because Aster was requesting it, these houses weren''t that important either. However, hearing Aster replying nonchntly, he couldn''t help but smile. "How can you be so ruthless and cute at the same time?" Charles said. His golden pupil shone bright, reflecting only Aster on his pupil. Aster scoffed. He didn''t answer that ridiculous remark, but he could only feel one thing, disgust. *** Grand Duchess was greeted with the sight of her brother, Emperor Audric IV grooming his hair, checking whether the pin on his robe was at the right position et cetera. The servants who were standing behind him could only nod whenever the Emperor asked them about his appearance. Why? Because Emperor Audric IV was always handsome and mighty, praising his appearance was like pouring a ss of water into ake. Even though he already hit 38 years old, he still looked youthful and strong. Emperor Audric, whose real name was Ludwig, was the prince that the maiden had dreamed back then. It was a pity that he married to the ugly Empress. Though, fortunately, none of his child resembled the Empress at all. Emperor Audric turned his head when he heard the door opened. His face brightened and he walked enthusiastically to his big sister. However, before saying anything to his sister, he ordered all servants to leave the room. "Big sis, are you here to visit me or asking for my work?" Emperor asked with bright golden pupil shone in his eyes. Grand Duchess curled up her lips, "Both." She replied. They sat on the chair and the Emperor immediately prepared the tea and cake for his sister. "ording to your imperial edict, a special trial will be held a week from now, have you prepared everything?" Emperor nodded with proud smile stered on his face, "Everything is ording to your n. The supposed assassin has cooperated with us, and few houses are willing to testify against the Empress." "Empress?" Grand Duchess snorted, "That is your wife." Emperor''s gaze darkened, the smile on his face disappeared, "Don''t say that, big sis. I will exile or kill her soon." "Well, I just need you to do everything right. Remember, I don''t have patience for error." "Yes, everything is under control. I already forbid Empress to leave her chamber, also had hindered all hermunication. And it was all justified under the agreement of the ministers," Emperor replied. "However, there is one thing that surprises me." "What is it?" Grand Duchess asked. She had received all the information from her subordinates that everything was under her control. "That... I thought Lady Merse, the Empress'' sister would protect her. But she actually volunteered to testify against Empress, her own sister." Grand Duchess chuckled, "Oh, about that. You don''t need to worry. It was still in my reach," she said. Lady Merse wasn''t in her priority, because it would be hard to destroy sibling rtionship. But Aster was able to ruin it in one sweep. ''As expected, my son is truly outstanding.'' After everything was clear, Emperor Audric approached his big sis and sat obediently, "Big sis, since I have done everything well, can you give me a kiss?" Grand Duchess smiled, "Close your eyes," she ordered. The Emperor closed his eyes, and then he felt something moist brushing lightly on his cheek, almost touching his lips. He opened his eyes and met with the beautiful gaze of his big sister, their noses almost touched. "You done good, my cute brother." Grand Duchess said and lightly patted Emperor''s head. In Emperor''s eyes, it was the most beautiful moment he had experience after years of alienation between them, "Yes! Thank you, big sis!" Grand Duchess'' smile cracked. She couldn''t help but showed a small smirk. ''Oh, my dog brother, so stupid and harmless.'' Chapter 62: Trial Chapter 62: Trial "Hurgh!" "Your Majesty!" The maids surrounded Empress Cecilia who suddenly vomited herst meal. She had been bedridden for a week and been forbidden to leave her room for two weeks after the spring festival. She took the handkerchief handed by the maid and wiped her mouth. Her plumb body had thinned out tremendously for a week. She had doctor checked her body, whether she fell into an illness, but the doctor only said, "Your Majesty Empress'' body is healthy, but your mind isn''t. This servant suggests Your Majesty to clear any stressful matter, and your body will be better." What exactly made her stressful? There was no specific problem that made her overly stressed. It was the series of misfortunes that dragged her health down. Starting from the moment when she was forced to bully and humiliated her own nephew, she had toply because her husband was angered to death when she tried to refuse. She was saddened, of course. Aster was innocent, and had to undergo some harsh humiliation. He was always proud and unreachable in front of everyone, it must had been a huge blow for his self esteem. ''I repeatedly say sorry inside my heart whenever I punish him. I triedpensating him again and again, but it seems something preventing my gift toe to him.'' ''Except for that guard medal...'' After that, many misfortunes kept troubling her. From the split up between Lord Gamasiel and Miss udia, ended the tight ties of economic support and slowly crumbled the economy stability for King of Rhea. It went too far, to the point that Empress had to give economical support to that kingdom. Then her big fight with her son, Charles. Now, both of them weren''t even talking to each other. ''I never have a chance to talk to him either. He shushed me...'' After that, her sister actually dared to kiss Aster and flirted with him. Not long after, there was an assassination attempt happened that targeted both her sister and Aster. The real culprit still hadn''t been caught yet, but her sister med it on her with her personal guard medal as proof. Then directly cut both political and familial ties with her. Andst... the spring goddess ident. She ordered Rosalie to pick a noble girl as spring goddess, but Aster was the one who got picked. She already realized that this looked like she had enmity with Grand Duchy Stormhill and challenged their status. Another assassination attempt against the spring goddess two weeks ago just worsened the situation for her. "Lisebette, do Charles and Rosalie answered to my summon?" Empress asked her closest maid. The maid shook her head, "Pardon me Your Majesty, but Crown Prince and Golden Princess refused toply to your summon. Should this servant called them again?" "No, no need, they must have reasons not to visit me," Empress smiled bitterly. Yes, she knew that Charles wouldn''t visit her during their cold war, but Rosalie... ''Maybe she couldn''t visit because of Emperor''s ban.'' The edict forbade her tomunicate with anybody outside under any circumstances. It was surprising for Emperor to sentence ban to an Empress, and the court also wholly epted it. ''I didn''t even have a chance to ask why...'' "Your Majesty, did you quarrel with His Majesty Emperor? Pardon this servant''s word, but Your Majesty has been trapped here for two weeks," Lisebette said sympathetically. "As far as I remember, we don''t have any fight--" Grand Duchess halted her speech when she heard the door had been mmed. Her heart skipped, because when she saw the man who opened the door, she had premonition that something would go bad. A tall man with dark green vest entered the room rudely. With his tall stature, he looked down on her and read a document in front of her. "Due to the confession of the attacker from spring festival. Under the order of His Majesty Emperor, a private trial will be held in the trial chamber tomorrow morning. Her Majesty Empress is obliged toe." "A private trial? Has the mastermind already been caught?" Empress asked. "I don''t have any obligation to answer your question," the man said coldly. "How dare you addressing Her Majesty like that!" Lisebette pointed at the servant, but that servant just scoffed and turned his back. "You! How dare you--" "Lisebette, stop," Empress ordered. "But... Your Majesty..." "There is no use," Empress said solemnly. She looked at the back of that servant who got farther. She breathed the air deeply, took another breath, but she could feel the pace of her heartbeat only sped up even more. *** "Your Majesty, are you sure you can go?" Lisebette asked worriedly. Empress looked at her face in the mirror, she was thinned out, very pale, and looked very sickly. Even the powder and red tint she applied didn''t help her at all. "It is my obligation to attend private trial. Besides, I need to know who dared to scheme and made the pce a mess," Empress replied. She walked to the trial chamber with few of her maids tailing behind. When she arrived in front of the chamber, the guards respectfully bowed down and escorted her inside. When she entered the chamber, everyone involved seemed to be present. Emperor as judge, Charles and Rosalie sat side to side with Aster, who looked even paler. ''Poor boy, that second assassination attempt must be so hard for him,'' Empress looked at him with pity. She intended to sit on her regr seat during any private trial, but this time, the guard escorted her to a special seat. A single seat facing the crowd of few important aristocrats, some of them had very close ties with her, such as her sister Lady Merse and Lord Gamasiel. There were around thirty high-ranking nobles, including her children and Aster with his mother, Grand Duchess Camellia. They were all sitting solemnly. However, their face gazed at the Empress with hostility. Empress Ceci''s heart skipped, something was really wrong in this private trial. Chapter 63: Trial II Chapter 63: Trial II Empress was thest one who entered the chamber. After that, the guard closed the chamber door. The air felt tense and the silence was choking. Emperor finally opened the trial, "First, I''d like to express my gratitude for all the audience and witness here. We will uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt happened to young heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill. The trial starts now." Emperor knocked the gavel. "We will start by calling the attacker," Emperor ordered a guard to bring the attacker in. It was the same man who attacked Aster during the spring festival. He was very thin now, almost bones only, but his eyes was very sharp. His eyes pierced everyone with hostility, when his eyes met with Aster, he started struggling desperately, seemingly wanting to pounce on him. The guard sessfully subdued him and tied him up on a heavy metal chair. After a while, he calmed down, but the hostility in his eyes was burning. Until he sat face to face with Empress, he smiled and bowed his head devotedly. Empress was very ufortable with this gesture. This was a deliberate act to make her look bad in front of everyone, thus, Empress raised her voice, "Your Majesty Emperor, I would like to sit with the audience." The Emperor smiled solemnly, "Dear Empress, today, I ordered you to be the examiner. Please ask few questions to the suspect." Empress had few instances when she was the examiner in private trial, but this one, she felt too nervous. However, she still did it, "First, tell me your name." The assassin smiled to her and bowed piteously, "This servant''s name is what Your Majesty Empress give to him, my name is Ilkish." "What? I didn''t--" "Continue," "Your Majesty! I don''t--" "I said continue!" before Empress could say anything, Emperor ordered Empress to continue with the trial. The Empress gulped, somewhat she already knew the rough outline of what would happen today, but she tried to push that bad thought. "Ilkish, what is your age, and do you have a family?" "This servant is 25 years old, and this one has no family." "... What... what motivates you to deliberately trying to harm young Grand Duke of Stormhill?" "It is because of Your Majesty Empress'' order." "My order?! I don''t even know you!" "Empress, please calm yourself, continue," Emperor ordered again. Empress finally realized something was really wrong with this trial. She rose up from her chair, but the guard suddenly rushed towards her and tied her down on the chair simr to this assassin in front of her. She struggled hard and asked her husband, "Your Majesty, what is this?! I am an examiner, not a suspect! This is disgraceful towards an Empress!" "Empress, please do your task as an examiner," Emperor said solemnly. His tone was cold, as if he already ced the word ''suspect'' to her. "This is ridiculous, I will not be tied down like this!" "Silence!" Emperor raised her voice and knocked the gavel few times. The entire crowd that was whispering to each other closed their mouth. "Since the examiner refused to do her task, then I will ask you, who ordered you to assassinate young Grand Duke Stormhill?" The assassin smiled piteously, he nced at the Empress then replied, "The Empress ordered me to assassinate Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, for the reason, I don''t know either." "That''s a lie! I never ordered anyone!" The Emperor ignored Empress and continued asking, "Was there any reward given to you given by your master?" The assassin nced at Empress and smiled, "This one is Empress'' devoted subordinate. This one doesn''t take any reward unless gifted by Her Majesty Empress." The whispers around were getting more noticeable. Empress felt something was pounding her heard, she felt nauseous. "Then, why would your master want to murder young Grand Duke?" Emperor asked. "... Her Majesty once said that kid is an eyesore and killing this kid would ruin the Grand Duchy," he said. His face was still calm while staring at the shocked Empress. Emperor''s expression was very heavy, everyone could see that his hand was trembling out of rage. He took a deep breath and collected himself. His darkened eyes sharply pierced through the audience and the atmosphere was tense. "If the honorable court audience have a proof to strengthen the uing verdict, please do." Everyone was silent, until a woman around her forties from the audience stood up. She wore a dark blue dress, however, she wore a mask covering her half face. "Thisdy wants to ask something to the suspect," she said. "Go on." Thedy nodded. She wore this mask every day whenever she went out after that incident. She looked at Empress with obvious hostility and took out her mask. People gasped, some of thedies almost fainted looking at the horrendous scar on that woman''s face. Lady Merse stayed calm even though every one in this court finally knew about her scar, she shifted her eyes to the assassin. "Were you the one who attacked me in that assassination attempt to me and young Grand Duke?" Lady Merse asked solemnly. The assassin frowned, "It''s not me. It''s my colleague who failed his mission. Her Majesty immediately executed him the next day." "How about Aster? Were you also the one who did assassination attempt to him that night?" "Yes, but I didn''t do a fatal mistake..." "That fatal mistake, is this, right?" Lady Merse fished out something from her pocket. A guard medal that is especially exquisite. Made with real diamond with crown symbol behind it. Although it was a secret, but high-ranking ministers and aristocrats knew that this was the Empress official guard medal. Empress stood up from her chair, wanted to say something to her sister, but the guards held her and pulled her down back to the metal chair. "Sister! What are you doing! You know it wasn''t me!" Lady Merse scoffed coldly, "I''m not heartless to my family, but I''m here seeking for my own justice," she handed the medal to one of the guard, and the guard delivered it to Emperor. The Emperor inspected it carefully and the rage in his eyes finallyshed out. He smashed the guard medal to the table and made a big ''BAM'' sound. His chest rose up and down uncontrobly. "You, Beatrice, do you have something to say?" Emperor asked. He didn''t even address her as Empress. The guards beside her finally let her go and Empress stood up with the same anger painted on her face. "Something to say? I have a lot to say!" Empress red at the assassin who still smiled piteously in front of her. "What is this? This guy is obviously trapping me?! No one should be dumb enough to believe his words!" "What proof does he have to im that he is my subordinate? NOTHING!" "And what idiot would tell everything about his master in front of the court! This is an obvious trap! This trial is ridiculous and I refused to be involved in this trial!" Empress was about to leave the court before the guards surrounded her again and finally tied her on the metal chair. Her status was now no different than the assassin in front of her. "Then, you, Ilkish, tell me why would you confess all of this." Emperor said. It wasn''t a question, but an order. Empress heard it right and she turned her heard to see her husband who stood coldly, watching as if he was expecting something. Empress'' heart sank at that moment. The assassin nodded, "Your Majesty Empress, this subordinate begs your pardon. Because this servant failed to protect his identity, they discovered my guard medal and your secret letter." "Secret letter? What secret letter, I don''t know you!" Empress'' breath stiffened, it was almost impossible for her to breathe right now. "This trial... the Emperor already knows about my guard medal and secret letter. This subordinate agrees to confess everything, with the exchange that Her Majesty Empress would be exiled instead of executed for her crime. This subordinate is ipetent and will be executed after this. Begs Empress to forgive this one," the assassin said and bowed his head. Emperor took the initiative and let one guard to hand show Empress ''her'' secret letter. -Assassinate Aster di Arlingdon, Assassinate Merse Thana. No mistake would be forgiven.- There was her name under with the special wax stamp owned only by Emperor and Empress. This stamp was simr to their guard medal, it was exquisitely crafted with the finest material, so it''d be really hard copy the guard medal, the stamp or the wax. The only one that had ess to this stamp was herself and her Emperor husband. "NO! THIS IS FAKE!" "Fake?" Emperor asked, hint of anger on his tone made the situation getting tenser, "Then exin me how the royal stamp is in there! You want to use me, the Emperor, that I forged this?!" "N--no.. I..." "Then, how can you exin the guard medal? Two guard medals are in my hand! If they are not your subordinate, then tell me, tell everyone here, who is the subordinates who hold your real guard medals!" Emperor''s voice thundered, his hand clenched Empress'' guard medal tightly. The audience who was silent the whole time could see that even though the Emperor raged, he looked very sad. He choked and swallowed the air few times to keep his calm. These high aristocrats audience couldn''t help but to sympathize with the Emperor. Empress opened her mouth, and then closed it immediately. She finally realized that this was a trap set by her own husband. She didn''t want to believe it, because they were never on a bad term with each other. How could he cruelly set this deliberate n just to eliminate her? However, seeing the truth here, she decided to keep her mouth shut. If she told the people here about the identity of her real subordinates who hold her guard medals, her Emperor husband would immediately hunted and killed her subordinates. Basically eliminated all the threats and giving her no chance toe back. The one that set this trap gave her a dead end. Empress didn''t reply. Thus, the audience concluded that these people were her real subordinate. The raging Emperor trembled hard, his face was red in fury, and he roared, "GO TAKE EMPRESS TO THE HIGH TOWER! SHE IS EXILED!" Empress stared at her husband weakly, then stared at her children, Charles and Rosalie, and Aster. They all had the same cold face, as if they were seeing a stranger. She stared at them one by one, and all she could mutter was, "Why?" Her eyes lingered at her husband, and his mighty, handsome husband stood coldly and replied, "I stand for Justice." And after that, Empress was dragged to the high tower. The tower for exiled nobles. Chapter 64: Last Visit Chapter 64: Last Visit It had been a week since Empress got exiled from the pce. She spent the whole week in this small room, in this cold bed with her feet chained. She couldn''t move too far and could only reach the bathroom and around her room. Empress just finished finished writing a letter and put it in a box, then put the box inside her drawer. She sat on her bed and absentmindedly gazed at the window without rails in his room. This was the fourth floor of high tower. The tower had six floors, but for an exile like her, she was ced on the fourth in case someone wanted to visit her. Empress chuckled, who would want to visit her anyway. She was abandoned, stripped of her dignity, and betrayed by her own family. Who would want to visit a practically dead person like her? Of course, she still waited for her real subordinate toe to settle things. She watched the birds flew with their beautiful wings. All she could do was just watched them and wished she could be free. At noon, she heard the guard unlocked her door and let someone into her room. She saw that man, a perfect face that looked unreal and the aura that made people subconsciously worshipped him. Aster visited her. Aster smiled and thanked the guard. His smile flourished even more when he saw this scenery in front of him. The wretched Empress turned even uglier, she thinned down and she was deathly pale. Her face wasn''t pleasant to look at, but she looked even worse now. Aster rejoiced. He took the chair and sat face to face with the weak former Empress. "Good afternoon, Aunt Empress!" Aster greeted excitedly. Empress knew that Aster wasn''t as pure and beautiful as he looked. She thought, even though Aster could be scary when he was angry, it wouldn''t be that bad. But this was different. He wasn''t scary when he got mad, he simply turned into monster. "What do you want?" "Eh, this nephew just wants to visit Aunt Empress. It must be cold in this small, damp room," Aster said. His eyes then turned sharp instantly, "Just like what you did to me, dared giving me a cold, damp small room." Empress bit her lip. She couldn''t refute that she ced Aster in a servant room at the beginning, but it was all because of her husband''s order. Aster chuckled, "Look at you now, your feet touches the cold ground everyday, just like what you did to punish me back then." Aster waited Empress to say anything, but she just bit her lip and refused to speak. Somehow, this irritated him. "Just like when you tried to poison me, tried to shame me. I give it back to you. And you said, you are going to have fun humiliating me? It seems I got thestugh here," Aster said. "I never wanted to harm you," Empress finally replied. "Then, how about what you did to me before? Was I hallucinating?" "My husband ordered me to punish you. He forced me to do it. How stupid would I be to make trouble with your strong Grand Duchy? I always treat you as my nephew," Empress said. Aster fell silent hearing this sudden reply. It was not what he expected. He expected her to cry and wail in front of him, also begged him to forgive her. But she didn''t look broken. She still looked strong. "I triedpensating you with guard medal, but it seems you only see me as an enemy. It is toote anyway, I am now disgraced, if you want tough, thenugh." "SHUT UP!" Aster screamed. "Then what''s the difference? That emperor is in my list anyway. It doesn''t matter as long as I kill both of you!" Empress stared at him nonchntly. "I just want to ask one question, the assassination attempt against you and my sister, was that your n?" Aster who had his emotion spiked up, calmed down and replied, "Yes, thanks to your guard medal, I can recruit two capable subordinate. Atst, that wretched Merse had her face mangled!" "In fact, I nned both assassination attempt," Asterughed, "Aunt Empress, what do you feel right now? Grief? Pain? Shock? Tell me," Aster asked. He really wanted to torment his Aunt Empress, but Empress only looked at him nonchntly and scoffed. "You''re blinded by rage. I have no interest talking to an emotional kid," Empress replied with a hint of mockery. Thatst sentence shattered his patience. Aster almost raised his hand to beat this woman. However, surprisingly, seeing her calm attitude even after all of this made Aster felt guilty. Yes, he felt guilty somehow. He thought after he got his revenge, he could feel enormous glee. However, it didn''t taste as good as he expected, in fact, it felt heavy in his chest. Aster fell into silence for a while and then decided to leave Empress. He did what he wanted, there was nothing he could do anymore to humiliate this woman. "Aster," Empress called him, "... My sister really cares about you." Aster paused for a moment before he closed the door. He walked out of the high tower, but a question lingered in his mind. ''Am I right doing this?'' *** In the evening, someone opened the door. Empress was very tired after the visit from Aster and about to rest. However, her eyes immediately darkened when she saw who visited her. A very beautiful woman with almost perfect facial feature, with snow-white skin, golden eyes and golden hair pinned with a butterfly hairpin, also a slender body that perfectly entuated her figure within that long white dress. She was apanied with two guards. "Long time no see, Beatrice." she spoke softly, and then threw a smile. "Camille..." Empress gritted her teeth. "Oh? It seems that I''m unweed here." "If you know that you are not weed, then leave!" Empress snarled. Grand Duchess chuckled, she took a piece of paper from the guard and threw it to Empress. "I''m here to deliver you the current big news in the Empire." Empress took the paper and read it carefully. -Empress Cecilia is exiled after proven guilty as mastermind behind two assassination attempts directed towards Young Grand Duke of Stormhill. Emperor stands for justice and exiled Empress despite her plea.- Empress'' hand trembled after reading this piece of paper. This was official news from the pce, if this was already circted around the Empire... "Hm? Surprised? Well, I have to make sure that you have no way out." Grand Duchess said calmly. "It was you, right? It was you who nned everything!" Empress pointed her finger at Grand Duchess. Her entire body trembled in fury. "More or less, yes, I did," Grand Duchess admitted. "Including what my son did, I nned everything." "Who is it? Who is the mole?" "A mole? Oh, how cruel, calling your own daughter a mole," Grand Duchess expressed her sorrow, but it didn''tst long until she giggled. "It wasn''t only your daughter. Your husband, your vassal, even your servants are all working for me." Empress'' heart sank to the depths of dread. If she concluded it herself, basically her life was in this woman''s hand. Grand Duchess continued, "Well, your struggle in that fake private trial basically cemented your demise. I still have other ways to ruin you, but you took the bait so easily that you trapped yourself in that private trial." "YOU DEMON!" Empress jumped, about to hit Grand Duchess. But the guards pushed her stomach back and she fell to her bed. The guards held her. Even though Empress struggled so much, she was not a threat for trained guards Grand Duchess smiled, seeing this amusing appearance of Empress. She approached Empress and whispered, "If you call me a demon, then your children are even worse demons. To sacrifice you for their own interest, how sad." "My children were never bad, it was you who influenced them! Unlike your son who is an unwanted defect since his birth!" Hearing this, Grand Duchess subconsciously grabbed Empress'' neck and tightened it considerably. Her entire aura made the two guards beside her shuddered, "Don''t you dare to nder my son with your mouth." "Also, in case you don''t know, they joined me out of their own willingness, you are worthless in their eyes." Grand Duchess said. Empress'' tears finally fell. She tried hard to hold it, but when Grand Duchess said that she was worthless in her children''s eyes, she couldn''t help but to cry. Because what she said was true. "Why? Did I ever hurt you? Why are you doing this to me..." Empress asked. She sobbed shamelessly, throwing all her dignity away. "Oh no. Don''t cry, I never meant to target you specifically," Grand Duchess loosened the grip in Empress neck and continued, "You are just an obstacle I have to clear for my n. Besides, I need to teach my son about scheming, so he can grow up well. You are just the perfect ragdoll for this." Grand Duchess said it as if it was trivial thing. Empress was left shocked and unable to respond. So, Grand Duchess ordered her men to release her. Before leaving the room, she whispered something to Empress: "People who were born under the golden blood were never good. But they always know what they want." Grand Duchess left the room, leaving the grief stricken Empress alone. *** It was already midnight and Empress still hadn''t closed her eyes yet. The food left by the guard was left untouched. She was too grief stricken to do anything. Then, there was a sound from outside, a short muffled voice before it was silent all over again. The door was unlocked again, but this time, her subordinate finally arrived. "Your Majesty..." "Helene, you finallye," Empress smiled weakly. Helene''s eyes started getting teary. The Empress, her oath master, fell into such state. She kneeled in front of her master and said, "Your Majesty, this subordinate will take you. I already eliminated all the guards around, we have enough time to escape now." "No need. Helene, even if I escaped, I''m already nothing. I would only burden you if I decided to run away." "Your Majesty..." Empress sighed. She took her handkerchief and wiped the tears that streamed down on Helene''s cheek. "You are an adult. Adults don''t cry easily," Empress said with a smile. "But..." "Come, unlock my bind." Helene used the key she just took from the guard and unlocked the feet chain. Empress thanked her and leisurely walked to the drawer. She took the box with a letter stuffed inside it, then handed it to Helene." "Save this box for now. Give it to Crown Prince Charles when the timees. That time is when he is in tight situation and in need of support," Empress instructed. Helene looked hesitant, but she received the box anyway. "Also, deliver my words to my another guard medal subordinate, Prince Gaum, the younger brother of Lord Gamasiel, he is dismissed," Empress continued. "Dismissed?!" Helene was surprised. Guard Medal subordinate is a lifetime oath, if he is dismissed then that means... "For myst order, Helene, promise me that you will protect my son until the end." "This--this subordinate obeys..." "Then, you are dismissed," Empress smiled. "Your Majesty, please reconsider!" Helene begged. But Empress shook her head. "Leave now before you get noticed." Helene raised her head and saw Empress with her calm, but resolute expression. There was nothing she could do to stop her master now. She wiped herst tear and clenched the box tightly. She closed the door and locked it, then disappeared instantly. Empress smiled. ''s, everything is over for me now. ''I just wished everything would be well for my family, my husband Ludwig, Charles, Rosalie, Merse...'' ''I am tired.'' Empress climbed the window and stood there dazed, waiting for the flock of birds that flew at midnight. She waited for a while until she found them passing through. Her sincere smile bloomed. She closed her eyes, tiptoed, and then jumped. Chapter 65: Control: Crown Prince and Golden Princess Chapter 65: Control: Crown Prince and Golden Princess Crown Prince Charles entered the room that was previously owned by his mother Empress. This room was abandoned now, two months after Empress jumped from the fourth floor of high tower, this room was empty and the servants were all either dismissed or executed. Charles took the handkerchief from his pocket. It wasn''t his, it was Aster''s. He still kept that handkerchief as a reminder whenever he felt that his mind was about to burst thinking about Aster. He stared at the handkerchief, smiled and then fervently smelled it as if it had the most wonderful fragrance in the world. The handkerchief was washed everyday to keep its pure white color, but Charles could still imagine the first time Aster gave this perfumed handkerchief to him, it was the day before histe mother Empress trial, this handkerchief was his bribe. Charles'' smiled and his smile was filled with infatuation, ''Ah, Aster, I couldn''t wait until you be minepletely, should I take you somewhere? Where nobody can see us, so we can have our time together...'' As Charles was lost in his fantasy, someone opened the door. Charles immediately pocketed the handkerchief, and turned around. But it was actually his sister, Golden Princess Rosalie. Charles'' guard lowered and he fished out the handkerchief again. "Oh, Charles, what are you doing here?" Rosalie asked. She closed the door and then sat on a sofa. "I''m just here to see the future room of my Empress," Charles replied. "You mean Aster? Well, you don''t seem to have progress with him yet, to n such bright future, pfftt..." Rosalie chuckled. "Shut up, Rosalie. You don''t even have the chance to meet that slut Florentino without being a ve to Aunt Duchess," Charles said, poked Rosalie''s sore spot. Rosalie was about to argue, but already knew that it was pointless anyway. Since both of their situations were true. Rosalie slumped on the sofa, she took the personal silver pin of Florentino Viete and kissed it gently. "It''s fine, I will find a way to free him and his house from Aunt Duchess'' grasp." "Then, what is your intention toe in this room?" Charles asked. "I just have free time to visit this ce. It was Mother Empress'' room, I used toe here and have a chat with her. It''s been two months since Mother Empress'' death." Rosalie recalled. She smiled, but somehow, that smile had no warmth on it. Charlesughed mirthlessly, his pupils darkened, "And do you regret it? Killing our mother?" Rosalie''s smile deepened and said, "No, it''s just unfortunate because she died too early, I couldn''t grasp some power from her to stabilize myself." "The inner circle of aristocrats are in turmoil after Mother Empress'' death, but it the peasants have different opinion," Charles said. "Haha, do you know what people said about us?" Rosalie giggled. "They said that the Empress was such a vile woman, plotting against a young man just because Crown Prince and Young Duke of Stormhill are very intimate. They praised Father Emperor for being a good king and stand for justice, they pitied Aster and lifted his position in their eyes as a pure man who was unfortunate. They pitied us for having a vile mother." Rosalie couldn''t help but snickered, "They really think like that! It was hrious when I received that information." Charles''plexion brightened, "I heard they romanticize my rtionship with Aster as a forbidden fruit between two men." "Yes, they did," Rosalie replied. "This is nice, they need to support their future Empress anyway." "But, what would you do to reach Aster now? I heard he refuses to meet you for the past two months, even locked his door." Charles fell into silence. True, Aster seemed to have isted himself after Empress'' death, refused to meet anyone. "I will find a way, besides, I still need to find that woman from the south," Charles said. "A woman? I thought you''re only interested with Aster," Rosalie raised her brows. "No, it''s not like that. I need to find this woman to secure my position first. After that, I will start upying neutral houses and expanding Golden Camellia." "Hmm... you make me curious about that woman." "You will see herter, don''t worry." Rosalie shrugged, she had no right to press Charles about this. In the end, as long as it benefits him and didn''t cross with her n, she didn''t have to worry. They fell into silence again, until Charles opened his mouth, "You are still under Aunt Duchess currently, you know that she is dangerous, right?" Rosalie''s body tensed instantly. Her eyes showed obvious fear, she fished out her handkerchief and wiped cold sweat that somehow secreted immediately after two words were uttered. Grand. Duchess. Charles pitied his sister. Rosalie was a careful girl, but she was obviously not strong enough to have her own foothold in Golden Camellia. Besides, her golden circle was that promiscuous marquis under the rule of Grand Duchess, she was doomed to walk on this path. "I... I nned to write a letter to Uncle Duke," Rosalie answered nervously. "Uncle Duke? Grand Duke of Stormhill? Why?" "Because he has equal power with Aunt Duchess, he just prefers not to be seen in political sphere. He holds greater economical power than her." Charles knew that, of course everybody knew that. Uncle Duke held the strongest economic power in Golden Camellia, just under Emperor and Empress. He was just mostly absent in every parties or meetings. "So you nned to ask for his shelter?" "Yes, I really need to escape Aunt Duchess before it''s toote for me," Rosalie said nervously. "I see. Well, you can find me if you need help desperately," Charles said. "Thanks, brother." Rosalie smiled and nodded. It was always like this, the pair of sibling was never close to their parents, but relied on each other. They had mutual understanding over many things, and mostly knew about each other''s secrets. "Well, I''m going. Don''t stay here for too long, it might be dangerous," Charles said. Rosalie felt something was wrong from Charles'' sentence. She furrowed her brows, but said nothing. She got up from the sofa and followed him out, and they parted in the corridor. Charles walked in the corridor, his mind was very cautious. He had the feeling that there was somebody else Mother Empress'' room. However, he realized it toote, just after they talked about many things had his hunch emerged. ''Someone spied on us, but I think I haven''t spilled a lot.'' ''Rosalie... I hope she knows what she is doing.'' He needed to go to the south, thus, Charles went to his room and prepared few things. The spy, he needed further investigation before catching someone who dared to spy on him. ''I still have campaign in the south for one year, and that woman... I need to bring her.'' Charles folded Aster''s handkerchief and put it in a box, every time he went somewhere, he always did this and bring the box with him. Something like this, should be treasured. ''Aster, wait for me.'' Chapter 66: Control: Grand Duchess Chapter 66: Control: Grand Duchess Grand Duchess sat calmly, waiting for that informant to arrive after his investigation. After an hour of waiting, a shadow flitted and a silhouette passed through the window. The informant suddenly appeared and kneeled in front of Grand Duchess, "This servant is present in front of Her Majesty Grand Duchess. This servant begs Grand Duchess'' mercy for his tardiness." Grand Duchess scoffed, she had to wait thirty minutes in this small house owned by her grand duchy. This house was in the heart of the city, but only Grand Duchess knew about this house. She wasn''t in a good mood, if this was not important information she wanted, she might already cut this servant''s head off, "You had me waiting for thirty minutes off our meeting schedule, tell me a reason not to dispose you here." "This--this servant was ambushed when I tried to enquire about Young Lord," he replied, his body jittered, as if he was recalling something horrific few hours ago. That jitter turned into obvious tremble. Grand Duchess frowned, "Ambush?" "Y--yes! This servant was meeting with my subordinate there, he was the one that already spied on Young Lord. However..." the man shuddered. After a while, he continued, "We met at our rendezvous, nothing was wrong when he told me the situation about Crown Prince and Golden Princess. But, when I enquired about Young Lord''s condition, someone suddenly appeared behind him. He was very fast that even my trained eyes didn''t notice his presence!" "Then..." "T--that man... he decapitated my subordinate in one slice with a small dagger and disappeared instantly..." Grand Duchess'' eyes widened, and then her pupils darkened instantly. She leered at her informant, but it seemed that he wasn''t lying. "You didn''t see him stalking around? Not even his silhouette?" "No, Her Majesty, not even a breath noticeable..." "Howe? You are a veteran spy! Have your eyes gone bad? To not notice someone at that close range? Did you catch his face, at least?" The informant prostrated and smashed his face to the wooden floor. It was indeed very shameful of him, a veteran spy with almost twenty years of experience, not knowing a man approached him when he was conscious. "Pardon this servant''s uselessness! This servant really did not notice, and that man was wearing a mask!" Grand Duchess fell into a deep thought. It was true that it had been hard for her to enquire about her son nowadays. But she didn''t realize that it could be this severe. She looked down on this servant. Although a veteran, she still had plenty of spies that could be used. However, this guy was the only one that knew the way around the pce. It would be regretful to kill him now. The informant raised his head, "Your Majesty? You--you are not going to kill me?" "I will, but tell me about Crown Prince and Golden Princess situation first." The informant shuddered. He thought he could escape this one, but it seemed today was hisst day. He weakly replied, "Yes, this servant already enquired about Crown Prince and Golden Princess." "Tell me." "Yes, afterte empress'' death, Crown Prince nned to go south to find an important woman. He also already nned to take over few major houses underte empress who now were still on neutral stance." "An important woman?" "This servant doesn''t know. This servant''s subordinate spied the moment when Crown Prince was meeting his sister, Golden Princess. But it seemed that he tried not to disclose who was that woman even to his sister." "So, they met each other and talked about their n, huh?" Grand Duchess asked. However, her tone sounded more like she already realized something. "Yes, Her Majesty. They had discussion about their next n." "Then, how about Golden Princess?" "Yes, Golden Princess nned to contact Grand Duke about cooperation. However, she doesn''t mention about what cooperation she wants to engage. She also nned to take over House of Viete under her wing." Grand Duchess chuckled. That stupid princess was actually nning to save her beloved gigolo, Florentino Viete. "Fine then, about my son, did your dead subordinate really unable to utter a single word before decapitated?" "No, once he opened his mouth, that man appeared instantly..." "I see, well, you did your job, you can leave now." Grand Duchess ordered. The informant sullen look brightened, he didn''t dare to say anything that might anger Grand Duchess again and left through the window. The maid who stood behind her was a bit surprised. She already took the usual barbed whip. She asked, "Your Majesty, you don''t want to punish that informant?" "Why would I?" The maid kneeled in front of Grand Duchess and said; "This servant begs your pardon, but he might show even more error in the future--ugh!" Grand Duchess flung a ss ornament besides her to her servant''s head. The servant was caught off guard and the ss ornament broke. Few shards of ss were stuck on her head and she was bleeding horribly, but she kept her calm and kneeled again. "You shouldn''t dare to suggest about anything to me. Naturally, I know what I''m doing," Grand Duchess said. The horrible chill made other servants shuddered, but dared say nothing or helped their friend. "Yes, this servant is wrong. Your Majesty, please punish this servant," the maid said. "Well, I''m quite merciful today. You can go, treat your injury." "Thanking Her Majesty Grand Duchess'' merci!" the maid rejoiced and scurried out. Grand Duchess pondered about few things, she had plenty of things to deal with. First, she had to upy few neutral houses before her nephew Charles took them. Charles'' status as Crown Prince was hugely advantageous, thus, it would be difficult for her. She also had to deal with Rosalie. That foolish girl actually fell to her small trap. nning to contact her husband, seeking for safety. After that, she might try to find a way to take over House of Viete. House of Viete was an unimportant house for Grand Duchess. They were leech, since the only heir, Florentino Viete, was a waste that could only sell his body to old women. That house didn''t even generate any ie, nor provide any other support for her. ''But I wont let her take over that house. Since her weaknessys there.'' Grand Duchess chuckled. However, that chuckle turned into silence soon she remembered about her own son. She always knew about what her son was doing before, from the time he woke up until he slept. She needed to control his surrounding, the influence around him and many more. But now, somehow this man cut all her way to supervise her son. ''Was he also the one who hindered all my supervising to Aster for the past three months?'' Grand Duchess'' pupil darkened. This feeling of frustration irritated her so much. She gritted her teeth and threw another ss ornament to the floor. ''Let''s see! Who dares obstructing my path to my son!'' Chapter 67: Control: Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill Chapter 67: Control: Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill Aster read a book while waiting for his servant toe. In a sh, Jain appeared in front of him, kneeled deeply. Aster closed his book and stared at Jain''s shoulder. Jain somewhat felt that his Young Lord''s attitude wasn''t right after he visitedte Empress two months ago, however, he kept his silence until Aster opened his mouth. "Did youplete the task?" Aster asked. His tone was colder than usual. "Yes, Young Lord. I have eliminated the spy instantly," Jain replied. He still had his dagger under his sleeve and blood dripped from his sleeve. Aster saw this and nodded, then shifted his attention back to the book. Jain itched to ask, "Young Lord, I could also eliminate the informant, but why did you only let me kill the spy?" Aster sighed. He closed the book again and looked down on his servant. "Do you think if you killed the informant, what would they do?" "They would dispatch another spy and informant on us," Jain replied. "Correct, they will repeat the same thing and we might never get anything from them." Jain seemed to catch on something, "Then, Young Lord, you nned to bait this informant?" "I need to know who has been spying on me, but after this, the other party might be deterred for a while. For the time being, as long as you see someone spying on us, kill the spy and let the informant. I need them to know that I''m not someone who could be messed with." "How long will you n to do this, Young Lord?" "Until my contract under Emperor ends and I can be free. My position is very disadvantageous now, I need to find my foothold before making a move over this person. Who knows that person might have a very high status," Aster replied. To other people, this insidious expression of Aster might frighten them, but Jain was not intimidated even a bit. He smiled sincerely, "Then, this servant will follow Young Lord as long my blood runs hot." Aster nodded. He didn''t pay in mind about another oath from Jain. He already knew that Jain could be trusted. "Young Lord, may I know why would Young Lord care so much about this person who spied on you? Spying on nobles aren''t umon, but as long as you stay guarded..." "Honestly, I would like to just torture the informant to death until he spilled his master. But informants and spies who dared spying on high nobles are usually fate bound by their masters, thus, there is no use to torture them," Aster learned this fact by his mother. His mother had plenty of spies, and all of them are fate-bound, if they dared spilling secrets, their entire family and rtives will be killed. "Someone with informant like that, usually have high position. It might be Emperor, my cousins, another duchy, even vassal kingdoms or enemy countries. My position is fragile currently," Aster exined. ''Besides, I need to find the person who might be the mastermind of all this.'' After he visitedte Aunt Empress before her demise, he expected Aunt Empress to wail and begged for forgiveness. He expected guilt to eat that womanpletely. But somehow, he didn''t even feel it. There was no trace of guilt on her eyes, nor a trace of hostility. It was full of ridiculebined with tiredness. It was as if, Empress didn''t even know what Aster was talking about. ''You''re blinded by rage. I have no interest talking to an emotional kid.'' That sentence came out from Aunt Empress mouth was like a thorn in his heart. It was the sense of ridiculousness and ignorancebined into one, making him looked a joke on her eyes. Aster couldn''t sleep well just because of this and he wanted to visit Aunt Empress again the next day. However, when he came to the high tower, he already saw many guards surrounded a spot on the ground, then he saw Aunt Empress with body broken beyond recognition, they said shended with her head first. It had been two months, but he still couldn''t let go of this restlessness in his heart. He thought with Empress death, everything would be well. But it wasn''t. Nothing changed, and his bad premonition finally came true after Jain told him that someone was spying on him. There were only two possibilities with this, whether it was new person who targeted him, or he had mistaken everything, and Aunt Empress was never his opponent nor opposed him. If the second one was the truth, Aster felt like he was ridiculed to the point of making him an idiot. ''I don''t want that to happen... but...'' Aster''s premonition was different than his wish. There was high probability that he targeted the wrong person and already unjustly trapped Aunt Empress. Aster gritted his teeth. He wasn''t a kind person, but he wouldn''t hurt someone without any wrongdoing. If it was true that everything was misunderstanding, this constant regret in his heart might burst. "Young Lord?" Jain called him few times, but his master seemed to be dazed. "Oh... yes?" "This servant wonders whether you have a n for Irion," Jain asked. Irion was still guarding the door outside. He was a very capable soldier and second son of Swordheart, a disgraced house, but still with plenty of loyal followers. It was a waste to just station him as a door guard. "Yes, I have a n for Irion. But I could only run this n until I have a foothold, at least until he have enough pride to carry my name." "I''m sure Irion already have enormous pride to carry your name..." Jain muttered softly. Aster heard it but decided to ignore it. He stared at Jain. This thirty years old man, very tall and handsome, yet decided to be an unnamed assassin. "Jain, you will follow me through many steps I will go through, are you ready?" Jain nodded deeply and smiled, "This servant is devoted to Young Lord until the world ends." "Good," Aster finally showed a small smile. Aster knew his journey would start after he could escape this pce. He was not someone ambitious, but it seemed that he needed to do something, needed to have a foothold. Because there was great power threatened him and his grand duchy. He needed to be strong. If he was strong, then he could have a good life with his Ramuja, his darling servant. Aster''s golden circle wavered and his pupils slowly turned golden. He stared at the book he had been reading, it wasn''t a study book or a literature. It was just a regr book, but filled with his notes. To fill his time, he wrote everything about himself and his servant. From the first time they met at the summer market, their awkward conversations, their daily walk in the flower garden, punishment Ramuja had gone through, and their parting. He also wrote theirtest meeting during Spring Festival. Although it was very unexpected, just looking at his servant protected him impulsively melted his frigid heart. --I could feel your gentleness, Enveloping me with such tender touch And your sincere eyes, sincere smile, sincere embrace Melted me, even with the tears dripped on my face-- Aster smiled, he made plenty of poems to describe his feeling. He even wrote some of the future n for both of them. He couldn''t help but to grin excitedly. ''Do you know how much my heart longs for you?'' ''One year. Ramuja, wait for me.'' ''I will make everything better. Even if that means I have to be a demon, just like them.'' Chapter 68: A Letter from Grand Duchy (End of Volume 2) Chapter 68: A Letter from Grand Duchy (End of Volume 2) ~One yearter~ "Ramuja, we''re going home!" Jon shouted from afar. Ramuja put down his axe and wiped the sweat on his face with his shirt, and his well-built abs glistened under the scorching sun. His skin had gotten more like his initial skin color back during his childhood, glistening brown skin. "It''s still noon, why do we need to go back so soon?" Ramuja asked. Jon observed this guy shortly. Ramuja''s face had gotten sharper and deeper. He got taller and his body was well toned under his daily work. His body was also in a much better shape due to eating proper food. Two years, Ramuja turned into a handsome, exotic man. Jon sighed subconsciously. Why did Ramuja be very handsome and his body be very well built, while he was still a bit scrawny? Jon was wailing in his heart. "You already chopped so many logs since dawn, my mother doesn''t need that many," Jon exined. "Okay, I will carry them," Ramuja took the logs he just chopped and used a rope to bind them together, then carried it on his back. "Hey, let me help you!" Jon tied other logs into one bundle and carried it on his back. They walked together to their house. "Ramuja..." Jon opened a conversation while walking across the forest. "Yes?" "When will you marry my sister?" Ramuja''s heart skipped once when he heard it. He fell silent. Jon nced at him and sighed, "In few weeks, Merry will be seventeen, it was the best age to marry for women." "... I heard nobledies would marry when they were around twenty five," Ramuja said, trying to reason. "Well, they are nobles! Aristocrats! They are different than us," Jon thought what Ramuja said was ridiculous, "Of course they could marry at that age, they have money to live, they also have high status to maintain themselves. We''re low peasants, we don''t know whether we will live or die tomorrow!" Ramuja pursed his lips after he heard Jon became a bit agitated. It was reasonable to be agitated though, it was his fault to dy this for so long. Jon was obviously concerned about Merry. Ramuja was neen now, living well with Wood Family since the day he was casted out from Grand Duchy two years ago. He epted Merry and dated her for almost one and a half year. He worked under Grand Duke and one of his logging businesses here and received real money as payment, not just round of tortures from his previous masters. ''Except Young Lord, of course, he... is the kindest...'' Ramuja said in his heart. This time was indeed the best time for him to propose to Merry. He was neen, and she was seventeen. They were both on their prime age to marry as amoner. However, whenever he thought about proposing, all he could think of was his unreachable Young Lord. Young Lord who bought him and saved him from his hell, smiled at him generously, cared for him, and gave him the chance to live as a normal human. But his memory was also filled with his Young Lord who had been intimate with his cousin, Crown Prince. ''It''s been one year and two months since spring festival, they must be very intimate already...'' Ramuja showed a bitter smile. ''To think about it, isn''t Young Lord''s birthday alsoing up soon? They said I was Young Lord''s fifteen years old birthday gift...'' ''He should be seventeen years old now...'' ''Haha, I wonder what are his sixteen and seventeen birthday gift,'' Ramuja snickered. There was a hot feeling slowly burning his heart whenever he thought about it. He had the realization that he was just a birthday gift. A thing, an object, and not a human with emotion for his Young Lord. Thest time he met with Young Lord was just at that brief moment in spring festival one year ago, and it wasn''t even a good moment. Since all he did was protecting Young Lord. Then he got the news from Merry that Young Lord was being intimate in public with Crown Prince. It was such a brave deration. ''This burning feeling again,'' Ramuja took a deep breath, trying to cool down this burning sensation in his heart. Jon saw Ramuja making various expressions on his face. He was worried that he pushed Ramuja too much about his marriage matter, thus, he said; "I''m just worried about you two. You know, in Golden Camellia, there was a myth that two people who were in love should tie their bond together before three years since they fell in love with each other, or else... their love would only suffer bitter end." "Ah, I never heard of that." "Well, it''s just a myth, maybe some parents wanted their children to marry soon, so they scare them. They are too much though, some people also said that one of the lovers would die if they don''t marry after three years. It''s ridiculous." ''Then, if Crown Prince and Young Lord don''t marry after three years, their love would break apart?'' Ramuja knew it was ridiculous, but imagining Crown Prince and Young Lord''s love never came true delighted him slightly. "Well, think about it again, okay?" Jon suggested and patted Ramuja''s shoulder. They arrived at home but found that Lisa and Merry was kneeling in front of someone. Ramuja squinted, and then realized that man was Grand Duke''s subordinate whom often apanied him in the office. He rushed and kneeled in front of that man. The man was familiar with Ramuja, as he also worked under Grand Duke and mentioned often by the Duke himself. Thus, the envoy curled up his lips a bit. "No need to kneel like this, we have known each other for almost two years already," the man said. All of them stood up, but they were still short on their breaths. Wood family was nervously expecting something. Since this man never came to their hut. "I''m here to give you this," the man fished out a letter with a wax stamp on it. It was Grand Duchy Stormhill official stamp. However, in this letter, under the Grand Duchy''s, there was a smaller wax stamp with one letter as the symbol. ''A'' "This is?" The man rolled out the scroll he had been holding and said; "Under the order of Young Lord, Aster di Arlingdon, a ve named Ramuja shall return to the Grand Duchy Stormhill mansion the day after the invitation letter is delivered. This order cannot be refuted and the subject would have to undergo some punishments if he dares to refuse this order." "What?!" Merry was the first one to react. Ramuja was dumbfounded, "Invited back?" "Yes, Young Lord personally stamped this. He also said that you shouldn''t open the letter until you meet him. Congrattions for your new life in Grand Duchy," the man said. "H--How..." "You should pack all your belonging and head to Grand Duke''s office tomorrow morning, you will go with one of the carriage that escorted Grand Duke," he informed. After that, the envoy excused himself and left Wood family dumbstruck. Merry was the first one to open her mouth, she stared at Ramuja, "You... are going to leave? What about our marriage..." Ramuja didn''t answer that, he casted his eyes down, not knowing what to say. Merry got irritated even more and snarled, "Fine then, just go!" Merry ran into the house and mmed the door of her room. "Oh my, Ramuja, I will calm Merry down. You should prepare for tomorrow..." Lisa said. She looked fine, but her voice was a bit hoarse. Thus, Ramuja knew that Lisa was also saddened. There was only Ramuja and Jon now. Jon said nothing, but he patted Ramuja''s shoulder and entered the house. Ramuja was now alone. He stared at this letter with wax stamp on it. It was Young Lord''s personal stamp. He walked to the river to calm himself. His hand gently touched Young Lord''s wax stamp, and his fingers trembled. Logically, his chance of returning to Grand Duchy was close to none, he didn''t even dare to dream about returning back. It was simply because there was no use of him anymore. Young Lord had been living well in the pce with Crown Prince. He should be having a lot of friends from the pce. There was no use of him. ''But this...'' Ramuja would be lying if he said that he didn''t rejoiced. Deep in his heart, he rejoiced for this miraculous moment. However,bining his logic and heart, he only feltplicated. ''Young Lord, I don''t know whether I should be happy or not...'' ''Why do you need to call me back? When I''m starting to let my feeling dissipate...'' ''No, it was an obvious lie. Young Lord, I still love you. But I know I''m nothing, how can I forget you if I have to meet you again? '' Ramuja smiled bitterly, he knew that already. But it still felt hurt, falling in love to something unreachable. Ramuja stayed until dusk, then he returned back to the house. When he entered the house, Lisa, Jon and Merry were sitting together waiting for him. "Ramuja, sit with us," Lisa said. Ramuja nodded and sat besides Jon, directly facing Merry. Merry''s face was heavy and her usual bunny eyes was red and puffy. "I know that order from Grand Duchy is inevitable, but you should remember that you have a family here," Jon said. Lisa stood up and took a tray from the kitchen. She put the tray on the table and opened it. "This is..." "Well, I saved enough money to buy flour, sugar, and cheese few days ago. Although it''s the lowest quality, it should be good," Lisa smiled. "What asion is this?" Ramuja asked. Merry who was silent the whole time finally smiled and said; "Silly, this is for you. You will be living far from here, this is your cake." "I--I don''t deserve this..." Ramuja stared at the cake in front of him. It was a very in cake, he had seen much more extravagant one in Grand Duchy. However, this one warmed his heart. Lisa brought a kitchen knife and sliced the cake into few pieces. "When youe back, I will make one more cake," Lisaughed. "If you need money to buy your contract, we will be helping you. I heard Young Lord is a very kind man, he surely will reduce the cost of your freedom!" Jon said. "He is kind." Ramuja muttered softly, then preceded to eat the cake with the Wood family. This was probably hisst time having this warm feeling in his heart. He might return here, but it would take a long time. When this warm feeling was mixed with the reality that hit him, somehow the sweet cake turned bittersweet. *** Lisa and Jon were sleeping already and Ramuja finished packing his belonging. He didn''t have much, all his stuff was inside a wooden box and it was only the hard-earned money he collected every day and the clothes Young Lord had given to him. It was expensive clothes made of silk, but he didn''t want to sell it, because his master gave these. He took the silver pin from Young Lord. This was given after the spring festival. He often heard that silver pin was very precious for nobles, because it signified that the owner trusted those who received his/her silver pin. Ramuja didn''t take this silver pin out often. He still brought his brass pin, but not the silver pin, because it was simply too valuable. ''I didn''t want to dirty Young Lord''s trust,'' Ramuja gently rubbed the pin, and his hand started trembling again. ''Young Lord, what should I do? Whenever I saw this pin, I have sinful desire to you...'' KNOCK! KNOCK! "Ramuja, are you still up? I want to talk," Merry''s soft voice called him out. Ramuja opened the door. Merry curled up a small smile and hold his hand immediately. She took him outside, near the river, just like the first time when Merry confessed to him. Merry sat on a big stone and her smile bloomed beautifully under the moonlight, "Ramuja, I don''t want to pressure you about us. But I have been expecting it." Merry shifted her gaze to the river. Staring at Ramuja would only made her sadder, "That''s why, I will wait for you. No matter how long, I will wait for you." "Merry, I--" "I will start making more money, I will sing on the street so that I can get money, I will work harder as tailor in the city. So we can buy your freedom," Merry said sincerely. Ramuja was speechless. He didn''t know that Merry was this sincere. She had grown from a shy girl into a mature, kindhearteddy. However, his egoistical heart was thinking of something else. Ramuja cursed himself that he even had this thought in this moment. But he was thinking, that it would be good if Young Lord loved him just like Merry loved him like this, a sincere love. He had someone so perfect in front of him, but he couldn''t control his desire. ''Even in this situation, facing her sincerity, I''m still thinking about you, Young Lord.'' ''What curse did you put on me? To make me this crazy for you, wanting to see you, wanting to touch you, wanting to be even closer to you, Young Lord.'' ''I admit it! I do want to see you! I do want you to know that I love you! I missed you so much, so much that I keep dreaming about you!'' Ramuja hid all his thought, he could only bit his lower lip and casted his eyes down, fearing that Merry might notice the overflowing emotions in his eyes. ''I''m truly a hopeless idiot.'' Seeing Ramuja speechless, Merry chuckled, "I''ll sing a song for you." ~ They said my love is a daydream, But I can see you in that daydream, I can kiss the tip of your finger, My imagination is the most beautiful. ~ ~ Because there is you there, Is it sinful for me, To love you in my dream? Even if it''s only in my dream. ~ Chapter 69: Sneak Peek and Information for Volume 3 Chapter 69: Sneak Peek and Information for Volume 3 (Sneak Peek) - Aster * Aster''s pupils turned golden instantly. He enveloped his weakened servant in his embrace, then gently kissed his servant''s lips, "If having you means a sphemy, then teach me how to be sphemous." * Aster took the letter he had prepared before and smiled. However, to her, his smile looked malicious, "We''re both trying to survive, but only you will fall." - Ramuja * My body was ragged, but if giving up meant that I had to leave Young Lord once more, then, I refused. I stood tall without any fear, "You can kill me, but I wont leave him for the second time!" - Charles * Charles gripped Aster''s golden pin. It was his, it was his obviously. Aster must be confused for a second there. Charles'' pupil turned golden, and then pure ck, then golden again repeatedly, a twisted smile pasted on his face, "It doesn''t matter. Nothinges between us." - Grand Duchess * "I will not let you take my son! Until myst breath, I will not let you!" Camille shouted, screamed like a lunatic as she held her baby son. She was never as desperate as this moment. Extra: * "My name is Gaum Cresthold, second prince of Kingdom of Rhea. Pleasure to meet you, Young Lord," Gaum bowed, showing his extraordinarily charming appearance. * "Don''t worry, my darling. I will protect you, I will feed you and we will have a good life as a family," Rosalie patted Floren''s head. Floren nodded weakly. * "You never change, my friend, Ludwig," Grand Duke said sarcastically. "We''re not in a good term to call each other''s name disrespectfully, Harion," Emperor Audricughed, but there was no mirth in his eyes. (Information for Volume 3) Hi~ ForeverPupa here ^_^)/ Uwah~ Volume 3 ising, Author is very excited! Volume 3 will be full of bittersweet moment, even more tense politics, and finally sweet moments between Aster and Ramuja. They had been separated for too long, author feels a bit guilty. Charles, Rosalie, Grand Duchess, Emperor, Grand Duke and many new characters will appear in the volume 3! Let''s see what new tricks they have on their sleeves! Volume 3 will be a long journey for us! I hope you guys enjoy it, thank you for staying with me, Please leave a review andment. You can also add this to your library, it means a lot for this newbie author! Love you guys! (3) PS: First chapter of Volume 3 will be released on January 2, 2020. Don''t miss it! Chapter 70: Updated Character Information Chapter 70: Updated Character Information Hi~ ForeverPupa here back with new volume! Before we start a new chapter, I''m going to give you list of characters and their houses respectively. However, this list only shows main and recurring characters, and few new characters. There are many new characterster on, but I can''t list them here because it might contain spoiler, hehe ^^ Some characters have ''???'' in it because I might spoil too much T_T Author has habit of spoiling (There is 2 years time skip from the first and second volume! So everyone is two years older, hehe) House of Arlingdon, Grand Duchy of Stormhill Aster Di Arlingdon, (17) Young Lord of Stormhill, ??? -- Harion Di Arlingdon, (42) Grand Duke of Stormhill -- Camille Anna Di Arlingdon, (40) Grand Duchess of Stormhill, Golden Princess of Golden Camellia (EX) (Maiden name: Camille Anna Camellia) -- Aster'' Subordinates: Ramuja, (19) ve, Love interest, ??? -- Jain Teh, (30) Servant, Assassin, ??? -- Irion Swordheart, (18) Guard, ??? Royal Family of Golden Camellia Empire Ludwig Audric Camellia, (39) Emperor of Golden Camellia Empire, (Title: Emperor Audric IV) -- Beatrice Camellia -Deceased- Late Empress of Golden Camellia Empire (Maiden name: Beatrice Wildbrush, Title: Empress Cecilia) -- Charles Audric Camellia, (21) Crown Prince of Golden Camellia, ??? -- Rosalie Anna Camellia, (19) Golden Princess of Golden Camellia Kingdom of North Fort Helene Yvette, (20) First Princess of North Fort, Charles'' fiance -- Eshter Yvette, (17) Second Princess of North Fort, ??? House of Viete Florentino Viete, (20) Young Marquis of Viete House of Thana, Duchy of Arion Wirgard Thana, (50) Duke of Arion, Honored General of Golden Camellia -- Merse Thana, (40) Duchess of Arion (Maiden Name: Merse Wildbrush) House of Cresthold, Vassal Kingdom of Rhea Gamasiel Cresthold, (30) King of Rhea -- Gaum Cresthold, (24) Second Prince of Rhea, ??? Great Kingdom Arctyr Mariette Hessel Signe, (18) Great Princess of Arctyr, ??? -- Tuskan Hans Signe, (18) Great Prince of Arctyr, ??? Wood Family Merry Wood, (17) Younger Sister -- Jonathan Wood, (20) Older Brother -- Lisa Wood, (40) Mother Chapter 71: Return Chapter 71: Return "Get me my blue vest, the thin one," Aster ordered. He attentively fixed himself in front of the mirror. He frowned when he heard no answer, nor footstep behind him. He turned around, but this new servant girl suddenly fell backwards. "What''s wrong?" Aster frowned. The servant girl was obviously dumbstruck. This was her first day serving Young Lord, as he was out of the duchy for two years prior. She thought the rumor about Young Lord''s matchless beauty was over exaggerated, since most nobles were vain. But now... She gulped again and again just to calm herself down, but it was too much. Young Lord was staring at her with obvious displeasure, but she couldn''t help but to tremble. ''How... terrible...'' Young Lord had pale skin, short and wavy bright golden hair, his facial ratio was perfect, straight small nose, small natural pink lips, beautiful curved eyebrows, long eyshes, and his eyes... Young Lord had deep blue with golden circle around the pupils, and he had a mole under his left eye. Whenever Young Lord blinked, his thickshes trembled. Whenever he showed sign of displeasure, his brows would scrunch slightly, and he would squint, naturally magnifying the drowning blue and shining golden circle in his eyes. Young Lord''s mystifying eyes seemed to sip all of her energy, making her tremble in both fear and amazement. That pair of eyes submerged her into crazy fantasy. They said Young Lord was breathtaking, but had hint of cuteness on him. However, looking at this, there was no hint of cuteness, he looked really cold, but at the same time, undeniably tempting. Aster grimaced and called the guards, "Guard, take this servant out!" Two guards who were also stunned shook his heads few times and dragged this servant girl out. Aster rolled his eyes, he took the vest himself from the wardrobe and went to the dining hall for lunch. It had been one year and a half since his departure from this duchy, but everything looked the same. When he entered his room for the first team in almost two years, nothing had changed. It seemed that his mother really took care of everything for him. Aster''s lips curled up and he hastened his pace to the dining hall. When he entered the dining hall, his mother, Grand Duchess Camille was sitting peacefully while reading some letters. She saw Aster in the corner of her eyes and her eyes instantly lit up. "My son, I have ordered the cooks to cook all the foods you like! It''s been a while since we ate together!" Grand Duchess chattered excitedly. "Yes, mom. Thank you," Aster smiled and sat beside her. Before Grand Duchess started talking about the n for tomorrow, she noticed something on Aster''s shoulder. "Why is there a dust on your vest, who let this?" Aster sighed, "I took it by myself, I didn''t have time to brush it." "But I already assigned a new servant for you, right?" "She... well, just like what happened to the previous three servants you send to me consecutively, she also fainted." "I see," Grand Duchess'' eyes had a blot of ck around the golden circle, she said, "She dares letting a dust on your vest. I will punish her immediately my son. Maybe I should cut all her fingers as a warning..." "No, mom. Remember, you already killed the first one, cut the hands of the second and third, this one would be the fourth if you do that," Aster really disliked his mother''s violent behavior to servants and ves, but what she did was quite the norm, thus he couldn''t say much. "I guess, her fault wasn''t too severe, I will spare her then." Grand Duchess murmured, "This is because you have grown to be a stunning young man." Aster chuckled, "It sounds like you are praising yourself, mom. I look exactly like you." "Yes, you look almost exactly like me, except for those eyes..." Grand Duchess'' smile faded and she gazed deeply at her son''s pair of deep eyes. It never changed, the shape and the feature never changed. Although, Aster inherited golden family''s golden circle eyes and also her eyebrows, the shape of hisshes, his eyelids, and that signature deep eye wasn''t like hers. It was very simr to her husband''s eyes, Grand Duke Harion, and it irritated her. Aster knew what was in his mother''s mind, he casted his eyes to the side and tried to shift the conversation, "About tomorrow party, how many invitees confirm their attendance?" "I sent many invites and almost everyone confirmed their attendance," Grand Duchess smiled, "Well, King of Rhea, Gamasiel cannot attend due to important matter, thus, his brother will be representing him." "About... Rosalie and Charles?" "Rosalie would attend, but Charles was still on the long campaign in the south." Aster''splexion brightened when he heard that Charles couldn''t attend the party. Thest time Charles attend a party, which was autumn banquet in Grand Duchy, he almost killed Ramuja. Currently, Aster was still powerlesspared to Charles, thus, having this kind of news was relieving. ''At least, my reunion with Ramuja will be free from interruption.'' "I see, thank you, mom." Grand Duchess chuckled, "What are you saying? Tomorrow will be your seventeenth birthday, everything have to be perfect!" Aster replied with small smile. Then, they ate their lunch. Aster stood up from the chair after lunch and about to leave the table, until his mother suddenly grabbed his wrist. "My son, did you invite someone special with rmended letter to the party?" ''Invite someone? The only one I invite is Ramuja, but I don''t use the silver letter for him,'' in fact, Aster wrote it personally, stamping his own personal wax, and sprayed bits of perfume in it. His letter was simply one of a kind. Aster shook his head. "Mom, I don''t use my invitation to anyone. You know that I don''t have many friends." Aster frowned. He got stack of unused silver letters,monly used for young nobles on their birthday to invite friends, lovers or family members. He had been hoarding his silver letters since he was young. Thest time he actually sent one was to Charles and Rosalie, when he was six years old. "You don''t n to invite someone? Or already sent one?" Grand Duchess asked. Her gaze deepened, as if she was probing something. Aster shook his head helplessly, "I told you, I don''t have any friend." "I see," Grand Duchess smiled and loosened her grip, "Well, I still have to manage the party preparation, you can go first." Aster nodded and left the room. Grand Duchess'' smile disappeared instantly after Aster left the dining hall. Her expression was grim, because she knew that her son was lying. Aster did invite someone personally, but he didn''t use the regr Grand Duchy courier. Aster might''ve used his subordinate or with other means, because the letter was able to bypass many shadow guards around the Grand Duchy without being noticed. Thus, it was toote when Grand Duchess received the news about this letter. Grand Duchess gritted her teeth. ''Perfect, he is about to hit seventeen and already have many secrets.'' ''And it seems that his dirty dog has been living too well.'' *** Aster parted his lips and called out a name softly, "Jain." A silhouette flitted through the window and a tall shrouded man appeared in front of Aster. He took off his veil and kneeled, "This subordinate is present in front of Young Lord." "My letter to Ramuja and his safety has been secured, right?" "Yes, I have dispatched few of my disciples to trail his wagon. He should be here tomorrow," Jain nodded. He still didn''t understand his master''s fascination about this lowly ve, but he dared not question him. "Good, my expectation about you never fails me." Aster smiled. "About my party, you have to attend tomorrow, but as a regr servant whom I employed personally." Jain raised his head, "Does that mean Young Lord would take this subordinate and Irion here?" "Yes, I''ve talked about it with Irion," Aster took a letter from the desk and handed it to Jain, "But I have another n for him. I only give this letter for you, you should be my only direct employee." "Young Lord, this subordinate is very grateful," Jain held the letter tightly, "But wouldn''t this limit my movement when I''m executing your order?" "I trust your ability, and this is to protect you." Aster walked to the balcony and stared at the flower garden below, "I will exin itter, you should leave now." Jain had more questions to ask, but he zipped his mouth and disappeared. Aster stared nkly at the flower garden below. That garden was the rendezvous for him and Ramuja. Although they just knew each other and stayed for only three months, but those three months were very warm for Aster. ''He who cares about me, a friend... a lover...'' Aster''s smile deepened, his golden circle dted slightly, he uttered one word that made him happier each time he said it, "Ramuja." Chapter 72: Birthday Party Chapter 72: Birthday Party Aster''s lip curled while looking at the guests that started appearing one by one. He was still on the balcony of second floor, silently checking on every guest had exited their carriage whilementing on each of them. He couldn''t greet them because of the custom for birthday party. He had to stay still here until a servant called him. ''Lady Berzhenia, The Duchess of Silvor. She was getting fatter each time I saw her.'' ''Marques of Viete, Florentino. Hah, he still looks the same, just even shallower than before.'' ''Lady Merse, Duchess of Arion...'' Lady Merse arrived with her dark green dress. She looked elegant, though not beautiful. She had her half face covered on mask because of the permanent scar Aster inflicted during that staged assassination attempt. There was uneasy feeling inside his heart. Aster was unsure if what he did against Lady Merse back then was necessary. Something made him felt guilty, yet at the same time, scared that Lady Merse might know about it. Aster shook his head. There was no benefit of regretting, what he could do now was to develop better rtionship between them. ''Helene with... is that her little sister?'' It had been a while since he met Helene. She was twenty-one years old now, the same age as Charles. She brought her little sister, probably the same age as Aster. There were many guests arrived with their carriage on the Grand Duchy''s yard. But whenever a carriage door was opened, Aster''s smile dimmed. It wasn''t him. It wasn''t Ramuja. ''Damn, where is he?'' He nervously tapped the table. Ramuja should have arrived already. He waited until a golden carriage entered the Grand Duchy''s yard, Uncle Emperor, Emperor Audric IV and Golden Princess Rosalie had arrived. Aster''s smile faded. With Uncle Emperor and Rosalie here, the party will start soon, and Ramuja wasn''t here. Not long after, a servant approached him, "Young Lord, His Majesty Emperor is here. The party will start soon." Aster nodded, but the displeasure on his face was obvious. Aster descended to the first floor. He took a deep breath and opened the door. He stepped and stood at the center of a bifurcated stairs, people looked up and shifted their attention to the spotlight of that staircase. Under the bright lighting of chandeliers, a man with glinting white-gold doublet emerged, the shoulder wasn''t padded, and thus making the man looked slender and tight fitting in that doublet. The white gold reflected the shine of chandelier, it was obvious that the doublet was sewed with pure gold thread, signifying the wearer''s wealth. He wore a fitting ck pants which both sides were also threaded with gold thread and ck boots. He had a diamond earring shaped like Camellia flower dangled on his left ear, symbolizing his identity as a nobleman. He wore no make up, but his features were already perfect,bined with Golden Blood''s signature trait, he was breathtaking enough to make the whole audience dazed and made few people drooled unconsciously. Aster frowned. He always hated this kind of event. Because everyone acted the same whenever they saw him. It was even worse nowadays,pared to two years ago. His eyes looked down on them, it showed contempt, but none seemed to be intimidated. He even saw few people blushed. ''Disgusting.'' Aster said in his heart. Their stares were very different than his servant''s. Ramuja would stare at him adoringly, and Aster could feel the tenderness inside his eyes. ''Unlike these wolf eyes.'' Grand Duchess was the first one to approach him and stood besides him. She pped twice, snapping people out of their daze. "First, I would like to offer my gratitude for all the honorable guests, especially Golden Camellia Emperor, Emperor Audric IV, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." Grand Duchess smiled. Emperor Audric IV who was t-faced the whole time finally showed a warm smile directed towards his sister. He replied shortly, "It is my pleasure." "Today, my son, Aster Di Arlingdon celebrates his seventeenth birthday. He will be an adult soon. As our only son, Aster will be the one in charge after me and my husband retire," Grand Duchess held Aster''s hand gently, and winked to the guests below, "Naturally, he is also eligible for engagement." Aster''s eyes widened. He turned his head to his mother. He wanted to ask about the meaning of her words, but Grand Duchess ignored him. "My son is a handsome, well mannered and intelligent man. It would be my pleasure to entertain a suitor for my son." Many young maidens who stared unblinkingly at Aster blushed when they heard Grand Duchess'' sudden proposal. They didn''t seem to catch the obvious displeasure in Aster''s face, while drowning in their own fantasies. Aster gritted his teeth, there was no talk about engagement before. Why would his mother announce such thing deliberately in his birthday party? "That is all, please enjoy the party, we have the best musician and many delicacies that would suit your tongue, thank you." Grand Duchess smiled and turned around, then walked away. The smile on her face turned into a smirk. ''Let''s see if your pea brain understands my warning, filthy ve.'' *** Aster was in a bad mood. He was standing on the corner while being swarmed by many young maidens and few men. Usually, Charles was the one who kept him out from other people, but he wasn''t here. They were all asking about random stuff just to catch his attention, but Aster was simply ufortable. There were few moments when he just needed to step back because these people kept getting closer to him. However, Aster noticed a maiden who was standing alone behind these flock of people. She didn''t approach him, but stared at him attentively. When their eyes met, her face turned red and she casted her head down. ''That''s Helene''s little sister... right?'' ''I think she could help.'' "Excuse me, I have to meet my friend," Aster smiled and dazzled everyone. He was frowning the whole time, seeing him smiling like this made them gasped. Aster made his way to this young woman, probably around his age or a bit younger. She had long, auburn hair and wore a thin eyess. She was quite simr to Helene, but looked feminine and soft. "I have been expecting you," Aster said, while holding her hand. The maiden was taken aback, she tried to pull her hand from Aster''s grasp, but the grasp tightened. Aster kept his expression and said, "Let''s go." Aster kept holding her hand and led her outside to the west garden. After there was no one who followed them, he let go of her hand. "P--Pardon me, Young Lord Arlingdon, but why are we here?" the maiden asked. She seemed jittery. Aster chuckled. "I just need to escape those flock of people, it''s ufortable." "T--Then, I will leave--" "No, I should thank you for helping me," Aster grasped her hand. "I know your sister, I should know your name too, I suppose." "Um... my name is Esther Yvette, Second Princess of North Fort Kingdom," Esther replied. Unable to bear the soft gaze of Aster, Esther casted her eyes down. "I''m Aster di Arlingdon, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill," Aster said softly, "It is my pleasure to know Miss Yvette. As for my gratitude, I shall invite you sometimester." "I--Invite?!" Esther''s mind wandered off wildly. Asterughed lightly. "I mean, we can have a nice chatter." "Ah... I see," Esther finally calmed down. Her face was still red and Aster still held her hand. "I--I would love to... um... Young Lord, I need to return to the party again." "Ah, I''m sorry for holding you. Please enjoy the party," Aster let go of his grasp and Esther scurried inside. Aster''s smile disappeared instantly. It was very ufortable holding someone''s hand. But he had to do it. Aster fished out his handkerchief and wiped his hand. He was about to call Jain, but he heard someone from behind. "Did I disturb your moment with thatdy, Young Lord?" Aster turned around. A man with medium build, a head taller than him, wearing a dark blue vest smiled at him. On his chest, there was apel pin shaped like a peacock, the signaturepel pin owned by Kingdom of Rhea''s royals. With devilishly handsome smile, he took Aster''s hand and kissed it gently. "My name is Gaum Cresthold, Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea." Chapter 73: Reunion Chapter 73: Reunion Aster resumed his gentle face and smiled to this man called Gaum, "My name is Aster Di Arlingdon, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, it is my pleasure to meet His Highness Second Prince here," Aster said. He smiled, but his smile didn''t seem sincere enough, "Though, His Highness shouldn''t kiss my hand like that, it is used for a man who is courting ady." He shook his head lightly, and his dark blue hair bounced. "Young Lord, your smile isn''t sincere enough, I can see that you don''t like my presence here." Aster''s smile faded. He snarled sarcastically, "Then, if you know that already, please be more sensible and leave." "Oh, I''m here to avoid the bustling party. Shouldn''t Young Lord be the one who leave? You are the star of the party inside, not here." Gaum chuckled. "Then, you should leave, this garden is big enough for you to find another spot." "No, can''t do. I''m a sensible man, I''m here to court an interesting person," Gaumughed lightly. Aster was irritated enough to carry a death sentence. His birthday party was ruined because of his mother''s announcement, Ramuja was nowhere to be seen, he had to hold someone''s hand and now, this Second Prince of Rhea bugged him here. "Well, since we have introduced ourselves, it is good that we should part ways. We''re not close enough to share a talk," Aster said. "True, we''re not close enough," Gaum fished out something from his pocket and held Aster''s wrist. He opened his hand and handed out something to Aster''s palm. "Now, we''re close enough to talk, right? I gave you my brass pin, just now." "But--" "Young Lord shouldn''t reject someone who was handling you his personal pin," Gaum snickered, "It is rude to do so, right? Young Lord is a ''well mannered'' man, surely you don''t want to hurt my feeling." "You--!" "Hahaha, okay, I will leave now," Gaum''sugh became even more obvious, "I''m here to see what kind of man able to bewitch my older brother." "Your older brother... Gamasiel?" "Yeah, he is dazed all day long, thinking about certain someone," Gaum giggled, "I guess, I can see why." Gaum walked around, circling Aster like a man observing an antique treasure, "We will meet oftenter, Young Lord. Please, bear with my presence, I will be staying in the city nearby." He chortled again and walked away. ''Obnoxious man, what a waste of good look.'' Aster stomped his feet. Aster opened his palm again, this was Gaum Cresthold''s personal brass pin, shaped like a robin bird on a branch. He was about to throw this brass pin, but he felt reluctant. Aster felt like, he would be acquainted with that manter. Thus, Aster decided to pocket this pin. He walked further into the flower garden, then called Jain, "Jain,e." Jain jumped from somewhere andnded in front of Aster, "This subordinate greets Young Lord." "Where were you? I didn''t see you in the party?" "This subordinate was present, but Young Lord was swarmed by people, I couldn''t get close." Aster sighed. It was true, he didn''t get to roam around the hall because of those people. "It''s okay. Then, where is him? I have been waiting for him the whole day, and he didn''t even show up," Aster frowned, "Don''t tell me something happened to him." "He is fine... and he is already in the duchy, Young Lord," Jain answered, but his tone sounded hesitant. Aster''s golden circle dted, "Then, where is he? I need to see him!" he asked impatiently. Jain observed his master''s behavior whenever they talked about this servant. He checked on this servant background and identity and became even more baffled with his master''s fascination. "Young Lord, may this subordinate ask a question?" "What?" "... Is this ve important for you?" Aster paused. His golden circle widened and almost took over the blue part of his eyes, his eyes almost turned golden, "Don''t call him a ve, his status will be the same as you and Irion soon." "Young Lord?!" Jain was stunned. If this was the case, then that ve was even more important than what he imagined. Jain clenched his fist. "Tell me where is he," Aster''s tone turned from asking tomanding. Jain knew that he couldn''t hold this matter longer. "He is sitting near the fountain, at the center of the west garden," Jain pointed. Before Aster left, Jain hastily asked, "Young Lord, he is just a low born..." Aster halted his step, his expression turned grim like he was about to kill someone, "Don''t you dare insult him again. I will spare you because of our oath, but I will not spare you twice, Jain Teh." Aster hastily left Jain who was too shocked to react. Aster was near the center of the west garden and still saw no one. He circled the small fountain, but Ramuja was still nowhere to be seen. He was frustrated. He sat at the edge of the fountain and called low, "Ramuja, where are you?" Just when Aster was about to leave, he heard the bush shook few times. Aster attentively listened to the sound, and called again, "Ramuja?" The bush near him shook again, he called him again, "Ramuja? Come out, I''ve been waiting for you." Soon after, a silhouette emerged from one of the trimmed bush, a tall man with muscr build, bronze skin, sharp defined nose, and short ck hair approached Aster carefully. Ramuja was very tall and dwarfed Aster in front of him. Aster''s head only reached his shoulder. He had a very masculine face even without facial hair, yet, his eyes exudes softness and warmth that Aster longed for. Ramuja kneeled in front of Aster, "Y--Young Lord, pardon this servant''s impertinence, this--this servant didn''t mean to hide--" Before Ramuja could even finish his sentence, Aster threw all his weight to Ramuja and they fell onto the flowerbeds. Aster was hugging Ramuja tightly. He was on top of Ramuja''s body. His voice was hoarse, "Why are you sote? Do you know how anxious I am?" "Sorry..." "Sorry? Is that all you want to say!?" Aster released his hug, but he was still sitting on top of Ramuja''s body. Aster saw Ramujay on the ground while being surrounded with many white petunia and dahlia. His expression was anxious and concerned at the same time. ''My handsome and warm Ramuja...'' The picture that often came to his dream was finally realized in front of his eyes. Aster couldn''t help but shed tear. "Y--Young Lord? Don''t cry..." Ramuja was panicked. He wiped the pool of tears in Aster''s eyes gently. Aster held Ramuja''s hand immediately, and rubbed his cheek in Ramuja''s palm. He closed his eyes while enjoying this gentle touch. He felt something strange in his chest, a palpitating heartbeat that just kept getting stronger and stronger. "Ramuja, I miss you..." Aster said. ''I miss you so much that I don''t want to sleep. Because you are in my dream, sweetly tormenting me with your presence,'' Aster said in his heart. Aster opened his eyes slowly, and finally, his eyes had turned pure bright golden. Chapter 74: Eulogy of the Prince 15 Chapter 74: Eulogy of the Prince 15 "We''re here," the coachman pulled the lead rope and I could feel a soft bump before the carriage stoppingpletely. It was already around three pm when I arrived at the Grand Duchy. The Grand Duchy stayed the same after two years. The fresh scent of flowers lingered in your nose, the lush gardens surrounding the duchy, the white castle that looked very dreamy. Nothing changed. "You''re finally back. Go wash yourself and return to your room," I heard someone from behind me. This familiar voice had me jolted. "Ah, Anne, I--I mean, ma''am! Yes!" I blurted. "You''re still as ipetent," Anne said bluntly. However, her face pasted a small smile, "All serfs are having party in Grand Duchy''s farm nearby. Today is Young Lord''s birthday, so everyone should rejoice," Anne said. "But you''re not going to go with them. You must attend Young Lord''s birthday party, also, wear the clothes Young Lord have selected himself," Anne exined more. She always had this stern aura around her, but she was never unkind. That was why I never felt scared of her expression, maybe just a bit nervous. However, what shifted my attention was thatst sentence, "Young Lord... personally selected clothes for me? Howe..." Anne shook her head, "I don''t know either, maybe Young Lord doesn''t want to get embarrassed if his servant had rugged clothes." "I see..." I deted and excused myself to the worker''s hut. The hut stayed the same, but no one was here because of the serfs party. I took a bath and returned to my room. I started putting my clothes and other stuff to the same cupboard two years ago. And then, I saw a white shirt with silver button in it. From the touch of it, I could immediately feel the expensive material of this shirt. ''Even a button might cost a quarter of my ve price.'' ''Something this expensive, is this a wee gift or a kind gesture for me? Or maybe... Young Lord has been expecting me... maybe he actually waits for my arrival.'' I shook my head and pped my cheek few times to wake me up from a daydream. ''No, Ramuja! Know your ce!'' I repeated my words over and over again, this three words was my magic words. ''Know. Your. ce.'' After my mind and heart calmed down, I put the shirt and got a bit surprised. ''How does Young Lord know my size?'' I pondered. Since I grew quite big after two years. The sun was setting when I finished everything, I went out with the letter from Young Lord. They said I should give this to the guards at the door, so I can enter. There were plenty of nobles who walked in after showing their invitation, thus, I did the same. I walked carefully and cleared my throat, "Excuse me, I am Young Lord''s servant tasked to attend him in his birthday party." I said politely. The guards observed me, and then said, "Only people with invitation letter are allowed to enter, even servants." I handed out my invitation letter to the guard. When the guard flipped the letter and saw Young Lord''s wax stamp. His breath stopped a bit and he whispered something to his colleague''s ear. Then, they looked at me with hostility, "You are not allowed to enter!" "Hah?!" I was taken aback, "But... I have invitation letter." "Under themand of Her Majesty Grand Duchess, this letter is invalid." "B--But that''s from Young Lord! There is his personal stamp on it!" The guard nced at the letter in his hand and tore it in half. "This letter is now invalid. Now, Leave! You appearance is unsightly for iing guests." The other guard sneered, "Boy, look at yourself, do you think you''ll look good with that fancy clothes given by Young Lord? It''s like dressing a bear with a tutu!" the guards proceeded tough. I stared at the torn letter on the ground. My fist clenched tightly, but I couldn''t do anything. I shouldn''t make any ruckus in Young Lord''s party. Thus, I collected the torn letter and walked out. I stood behind a tall bush, so iing guests wouldn''t see me. The sight of a ve around the party might really bother the guests. ''Young Lord, your letter... I''m sorry.'' I heard a carriage approaching, peeked a bit, and saw golden carriage. A handsome man around his early forties and a young woman who resembled Grand Duchess exited the carriage. ''Emperor and Golden Princess?'' My eyes followed their step until they entered the hall. Soon after, I heard moring ps from inside the main hall. The windows were closed, but one could see the party inside. I walked into one window and saw the party inside. The nobles with their sparkly doublet, suit and dresses all gathered, creating such dazzling view. The grandeur chandeliers, variety of foods, even a stage for musician. It was morous. My lips curled up, "Young Lord is such a dazzling man, of course his party should be as dazzling!" I said enthusiastically. "Maybe he''s going to use colorful colors for his attire? Or ssic ck and white? Even gold? Anything looks so perfect on him, ah..." And then, I saw a man emerged from a door leading to the spotlight of a bifurcated stair. A man with short and wavy gold hair, silver doublet threaded with gold, and diamond earring on his left hear. His facial feature was always perfect. No, maybe it was even better now. His eyes looked cold, but deep and tempting. That eyes were different from that I remembered. But it always mesmerized me. ''You look amazing, Young Lord,'' I bit my lower lip, ''You look even better now.'' Everyone gasped, silenced or just dumbfounded. And it looked funny, ''Young Lord, everyone is looking at you. Well, they should be.'' Grand Duchess took control over the situation and stood side by side with Young Lord. She said many things, but she seemed to pinpoint at two lines. "Naturally, he is also eligible for engagement." "...My son is a handsome, well mannered and intelligent man. It would be my pleasure to entertain a suitor for my son." After she announced that, many women and men gasped in pleasant surprise. I gritted my teeth, a burning feeling inside my heart felt painful, but what Grand Duchess said was true. ''Young Lord is a handsome, well mannered, intelligent man from a wealthy Grand Duchy...'' I saw my own reflection on the windowpane. Big body, bronze skin, rugged face. My look was the definition ofbor ve. I was already this ugly, but added with this fancy white shirt with frill on the neck, it just very mismatched, it made me looked like a giant in dress, funny, but disgusting. ''Why did Young Lord chose such good apparel for me, it really looks ridiculous...'' ''Maybe he just wants someugh at the party? Well, I''m just his ve, if he wants me to beughed at, I should ept it.'' I casted a bitter smile, "I''m sorry Young Lord, you can ridicule meter." I walked off and wandered around the garden. Then I sat near the fountain for a long time. This ce was the ce where I would apany Young Lord every morning before dawn, because his skin condition, he couldn''t stay for too long or he would get severe rash. I took out the silver pin, Young Lord''s personal pin, and caressed it tenderly. "Young Lord, I''m here." "I don''t know all of these flowers names. But they do look beautiful." "But not as beautiful as you..." Iughed. I just said such cringe line, Young Lord might dismissed me if he heard it. TAP... TAP... TAP... I heard footstepsing near. I rushed out to a thick bush around and hid there. Because my body was big, the bush shook obviously when I moved a bit. "Ramuja?" my breath shortened. ''Young Lord? Why are you here?'' "Ramuja? Come out, I''ve been waiting for you." Young Lord called again. My body trembled whenever Young Lord called my name. Since there was no way to hide anymore, I stood up and approached him cautiously. Young Lord''s appearance was even better up close and my body shook even more. I kneeled in front of him, "Y--Young Lord, pardon this servant''s impertinence, this--this servant didn''t mean to hide--" Before I finished talking, I felt a warm body pushed me to the flowerbeds. Young Lord hugged me tightly, he was on top of me and his perfume intoxicated me a bit. "Why are you sote? Do you know how anxious I am?" he said. I went silent a bit, then uttered only one word, "Sorry..." "Sorry? Is that all you want to say!?" Young Lord released his hug and sitting on top of my stomach. The moonlight was shining above him, showering him with faint blue light that gave him an unreal image. I was dazed and speechless. But Young Lord started to cry. "Y--Young Lord? Don''t cry..." I said anxiously. My hand unconsciously trying to wipe his tears. However, Young Lord gripped my wrist, closed his eyes and rubbed his cheek in my hand. I was worried that my rugged hand would scratch his delicate skin. "Ramuja, I miss you..." ''Young Lord? Is this for real? You missed me?'' ''I miss you too, Young Lord. You keeping to my dream, I''m afraid I don''t want to wake up even if it''s an evesting nightmare...'' Young Lord finished rubbing his cheek and opened his eyes slowly. I see pair of pure golden eyes, shone brightly as if it was about to swallow me whole. Chapter 75: Still an Awkward Prince Chapter 75: Still an Awkward Prince ''Is he there?'' ''Where is he, did he wake upte today?'' ''But I''m already prepared...'' Aster peeked at the west garden from his balcony. He woke up at three in the morning, even though their daily morning walk only started an hour from now. He anxiously bit his lower lip and circled around his room. Going back and forth from the mirror to the balcony. He checked his appearance, and then walked to the balcony to peek. He repeated this for thirty minutes already. ''I think I look fine.'' ''I have dark circles, but it should be fine, right?'' ''What about my hair?'' ''Wait, why am I doing this?! I''m not a girl!'' Aster ruffled his hair, this was the fruit of his own stupidity. He was so overwhelmed with Ramuja yesterday, he selfishly demanded Ramuja to meet him again in west garden, just like their daily schedule from two years ago. Aster recalled what he saidst night. *** Ramuja and Aster had been in this position for a good while, their body was sticking intimately with Aster on top of Ramuja and hugged him tightly. "Ramuja, I really miss you..." "Y--Yes, this servant miss you too, but um... Young Lord, can you let me go?" Ramuja wiggled his body ufortably. "Why?" "T--That, this... um... this servant is dirty, Young Lord." "You''re not dirty!" Aster replied. He tightened his hug even more, and their body was sticking together on this flowerbeds. The scene looked very beautiful, but in Ramuja''s mind, it was different. "Young Lord, this--this servant is not... uhm..." Aster felt something was strange under his belt. Something big and stiff poked his belly. It took him a while to realize what was that. Aster''s body jolted and he stood from this ambiguous position immediately. Aster staggered, his eyes looked down to that part and his face was tomato red. His body was unusually hot. He looked away immediately. Ramuja was ashamed with this and he kneeled again, "This servant has d--dirty mind, p--pardon this servant''s crude behavior." "No, it''s okay. It''s natural reaction anyway..." Aster replied. But his tone getting lower and lower until it sounded more like a mumble. "Why are you here? Didn''t I give you my letter?" Aster asked. Ramuja looked bitter, he lowered his head, so Young Lord wouldn''t notice his expression. "This servant identally lost it on my way. Asking Young Lord to punish this servant''s imbecility." "No, it''s okay if you lost it. I was just worried that something might happened to you." Aster couldn''t help but to look away, his face was very red, people might mistaken it as fever. "Young Lord should... go inside, the party isn''t over yet," Ramuja said slowly. Aster was more inclined to stay here and spend time with Ramuja, but his mother would definitely search for him if he went missing for too long. "Fine then, but you must be here tomorrow morning, you know..." "Yes, this servant is obliged to attend Young Lord''s morning walk routine every day before dawn," Ramuja nodded. "W--Well, it''s good that you remember," Aster gulped. "I will leave now, don''t forget your duty tomorrow." *** ''Oh god! What did I do?!'' ''I already lost my face as Young Lord in front of him!'' Aster blushed again. Last night, he really couldn''t control himself. It was as if his body instinctually hugged him in ambiguous posture. Aster went to the bathroom and washed his face again to lessen the heat on his face. When he peeked again, he finally saw Ramuja standing near the entrance of west garden. Aster opened the door and rushed to the garden. However, he stopped before meeting Ramuja and took a deep breath. Aster wiped sweat on his forehead after that small exercise. He pped his face few times to maintain a cool faade. ''I shouldn''t ruin my image this time.'' Aster walked in and approached Ramuja. He kept his coolposure. Ramuja kneeled in front of him. "Young Lord, this servant will apany your daily walk." "Follow me," Aster ordered. They walked around the garden in silence. Aster wanted to ask something, but he didn''t want it to be awkward. ''And his stare is piercing.'' ''It''s not like I would mind, but...'' Aster realized that his servant had been staring at his back, Ramuja even tripped few times because he got dazed. Aster took a deep breath, his face was about to turn red again. After he collected himself, he went to the nearest pavilion and sat while tending some flowers. Ramuja kneeled beside him solemnly. Unable to bear the silence, Aster opened his mouth first, "So, how''s the life in my father''s logging business?" "This servant is treated well under Grand Duke''s order, Young Lord." "I can see that, you look healthier and more... decent looking." ''I mean, more handsome, very handsome,'' Aster said in his heart. "Thanking Young Lord''spliment, this servant is nothingpared to Young Lord," Ramuja curled up his lips and smiled sheepishly. "Do you live with the workers there?" Ramuja went silent a bit, and then replied, "Yes, this servant lived with the workers." "I see, I''m sorry I couldn''t visit you for two years..." Aster smiled bitterly. Ramuja raised his head and shook his head hard, "No--no! Young Lord, this servant is already d that you are well, this servant dared not letting Young Lord visited the work there." "Why not?" "Because that ce is harsh, if it''s winter, it''s really cold. When summeres, the heat is really bad, and there are many bugs," Ramuja exined. "Hmm? I''m not afraid of bugs, I don''t go at summer and I''m not someone who easily got cold," Aster frowned. Of course he couldn''t rewind the time and visited that ce, because he was locked in golden pce anyway. But his servant sounded very panicky when he said he wanted to visit. Which made Aster suspicious. "It''s not that, Young Lord is very delicate... it pains this servant if something happened to Young Lord..." Ramuja said softly. He lowered his head again. "Wha--" Aster''s frown loosened, his expression turned into sheepish smile and his golden circle wavered, "Y--You! I don''t need a servant with sweet mouth!" Ramuja''s eyes raised, he saw Young Lord''s bright expression and he also smiled, "This servant is saying the truth." Seeing the situation wasn''t tense anymore, Aster collected his guts to ask something. "Then, I want to ask a question." "Yes, this servant is listening." Aster''s golden circle wavered, but it dissipated again. He tried to brace himself for a disappointing answer. "Why did you leave the duchy? Why did you leave me back then?" Chapter 76: Still an Awkward Prince II Chapter 76: Still an Awkward Prince II "Why did you leave the duchy? Why did you leave me back then?" Ramuja jolted and lowered his head. His Adam''s apple bobbed over and over, but no sound ever came from his mouth. Aster waited patiently, his eyes were sharp and piercing, and the golden circle in his eyes slowly shrinking. Silence engulfed the air. Aster tapped the floor with his boots slowly, "You''re not going to answer?" he asked coldly. Ramuja stayed silence. He opened his mouth, but decided to close it again. "If you''re not going to answer, I''ll assume that you leave because you''re disappointed in me," Aster said. His golden circle disappeared, and his pupils turned pure ck. Ramuja raised his head immediately, he stared into Aster''s eyes, but realized that something was wrong with his Young Lord''s eyes. ''It''s simr to Grand Duchess'' eyes when staring at me...'' Those eyes looked beautiful, but their pure dark pupils could make the strongest man tremble in fear. Ramuja collected his courage and interrupted. "Y--Young Lord, this servant was never disappointed with Young Lord, this servant dared not to... "Then give me a reason why did you leave me back then." "Because..." Ramuja trembled, "Because this servant didn''t have any choice, Young Lord..." "What do you mean?" "This servant was..." Ramuja bit his lower lip while lowering his face, so Aster couldn''t see his expression, "This servant was given two choices by Grand Duchess, whether to follow you or to be stationed far away." Aster had premonition that, what his mother said back then was true, his shoulder drooped, "Why did you choose to be stationed far away? You could... livefortably with me in Golden Pce." Aster asked weakly. Yes, he lied. There was no way that Ramuja could live peacefully in golden pce with him. But his servant shouldn''t have known about this, in fact, no one knew about his humiliation except his family, golden family, and few servants and guards. He should have the image of high and mighty Young Lord in front of Ramuja. Unless... "Did my mother threaten you?!" Aster raised his voice suddenly, which made Ramuja trembled. "N--No! Grand Duchess off--offered generouspensation for this servant, Young Lord!" Ramuja stammered. He prostrated in front of Aster with his face deeply nted to the ground. "Why? We are separated for so long..." Aster''s voice sounded hoarse, as he was about to cry, "Am I that unreliable? Are you disappointed with me when I allowed my mother to punish you gravely? Is that the reason?" Ramuja''s body trembled, "Young Lord, this servant does not lie. I am never disappointed to be Young Lord''s servant." "Then answer me clearly!" Aster roared. "This servant... this servant was indeed scared, Young Lord." Ramuja answered, "This servant didn''t want to burden you in your study there, this servant is also a coward, this servant didn''t want to get hurt there, since Young Lord... Young lord is..." Ramuja choked thest words, "... nothing...pared to Crown Prince and Golden Family." Aster''s heart shattered when Ramuja said that. His pride that he tried to maintain just after they met suddenly crumbled. ''So, even him knew about my uselessness already...'' Aster closed his eyes and inhaled as much air as he could, "At least, you''re honest." "Y--Young Lord, please punish this servant! This servant deserves death for abandoning Young Lord! This-- ve is ungrateful!" "I will not punish you," Aster replied t. ''No matter what, I will never punish you.'' Aster stood from his seat and trailing back to his tower. Ramuja followed him and the grim silence enveloped the air. Ramuja followed Aster until they were in front of Aster''s room. The door was unguarded, because Aster had instructed the usual guards to rest after long partyst night. Aster stopped in front of his door and said, "Your duty for today ends here." "Does Young Lord need me to help you--" "I order you to leave." "T--then, for the next morning walk, does Young Lord need this ve to attend?" "Your duty stays the same. I have something to do, leave now." Aster opened the door and closed it slowly. Aster locked the door. He rushed to the bathroom and washed his red eyes. He was about to cry when he heard Ramuja called him a ''nothing''. But to shed tears in front of his servant would only worsen the situation. He didn''t want to look weaker than he already was, in front of his servant. When Aster left the bathroom, Jain was already standing near the balcony. He lowered his head, "Good Morning, Young Lord." Aster leered at him, "Of course, you had been following us since the very beginning." Jain nodded. "It''s embarrassing right, to have a master who couldn''t protect himself?" Aster sneered despairingly. "Me and Irion never have such thought about Young Lord. Young Lord could survive in Golden Pce, even scheming. It already proves that Young Lord is capable," Jain walked closer and kneeled, "Besides, if Young Lord couldn''t do anything, this servant, Jain Teh, will devoutly protect you." Aster''s mood lifted up. He softly patted Jain''s head, "You really know how topliment. Well, since you are now my official butler, bring me my paper and quill pen. I have few letters to write." ''Since you think that I''m weak, I will prove to you that I''m worthy. And you should never feel afraid under my rule.'' *** Grand Duchess woke up early. She drank her morning tea while waiting for the report toe. When she tapped the floor twice, a shadow guard appeared in front of her. "What is your report?" Grand Duchess asked calmly. "Reporting to Her Majesty, Young Lord and that ve was walking around the garden until it looked like they had a fight. Young Lord looked agitated and ended the morning walk earlier." Grand Duchess'' lips curled up. This was ording to her expectation, the impact should be enough to stimte her son. "You can leave now." The shadow guard excused himself and disappeared. Grand Duchess'' smile turned into a smirk, she might need more stimtionter if Aster started to indulge in his hopeless antics. ''It seems that ve really has significant impact to my son, using him as a stimtion is beneficial.'' ''Well, at least what I did yesterday was the right thing before that ve could poison my dear son''s mind.'' Grand Duchess'' smirk dissipated, she stared at the rim of her cup, "I''m sorry I have to make you cry, my dear son. But I wont let that ve ruin you. I will protect you." ''And this political atmosphere, my son, you have to make your move before someone suppresses you.'' Chapter 77: Eulogy of the Prince 16 Chapter 77: Eulogy of the Prince 16 I went to the worker bathroom after I escorted Young Lord back to his room. My chest felt too stuffy. I went inside one of the toilet stall and sat there. The serfs were all working, so no one would hear a neen years old man sobbing inside a toilet. I didn''t want to cry. Because it felt shameful for a grown man like me to cry, especially as a ve who already experienced the bitterness of life. But to lie and stab Young Lord with my own words, and then seeing his reaction, it was worse than what I could''ve imagine. I didn''t expect him to look so heart broken. I wiped the tears that welled in my eyes. I repeatedly said sorry to Young Lord, but it was only in my heart. I didn''t want to harm him at all. And I didn''t want to cause trouble for him. ''Young Lord, I''m sorry. This ve is really useless.'' ''We''ve only reunited for a day and I already hurt you...'' ''You''re never weak, Young Lord. You are the most perfect! You are brave, strong, dazzling, and...'' ''And I have one thing that I regret every night.'' ''That is because I couldn''t follow you. I couldn''t protect you in Golden Pce. I couldn''t see you growing up for two years, took care of you when you were sick. I couldn''t do anything.'' ''But I am a coward, not because of you, it''s because of myself. I''m too scared to defy Grand Duchess.'' ''I don''t want you to know my true origin, because you said ves are filthy... And I was a sex ve, Young Lord, would you even want to look at me if you know that?'' ''Young Lord, we''re very different. You''re always safe, always well protected. But for me, I could die if I say something wrong, I could lose my head if I did something wrong.'' I felt the pain on my chest was getting worse, it felt like someone gripping my heart. I had experienced the worst kind of treatment in my life, but I never cried. ''But why does it hurt so much to look at your grieve?'' *** I remembered that I watched all the guests leaving the Grand Duchy until thest carriage left the gate. I was about to go back to the hut before two shadow guards appeared in front of me and paralyzed me instantly. Then, they took me in this familiar ce. It was avish room with warm red rug, many expensive porcin and furniture, but the owner of this room was never pleasant. Grand Duchess sat solemnly on her sofa. She was still wearing the same dress from Young Lord''s party. She looked down on me condescendingly and ordered, "I need to talk to him." With only one stroke on my neck, I could move my body again, although the part they hit was still painful. I kneeled in front of Grand Duchess, "This ve greeted Her Majesty Grand Duchess." Thankfully, I still remembered that Grand Duchess bore the title of Her Majesty for some reason. Grand Duchess grew displeased and said, "Take off your shirt, my son gave it to you, right?" "Y--Your Majesty, this lowly ve... begs your kindness, please let this ve keeps this shirt," I prostrated, but before my head touched the rug, she kicked my forehead with her heel and I tumbled backwards. "I don''t want a ve to dirty my rug even more," Grand Duchess sneered, "If you don''t want to take it off, then my men would do it for you. ept this as my grace." I tried to recover, but two guards pinned me and took off the shirt forcefully. "Mdy, should we burn this shirt?" Grand Duchess looked at the shirt, her expression was in between disgust and regret. "It''s a pity, this shirt was personally selected by my son. But you should burn it, I don''t want to touch a shirt worn by a sex ve." I watched in agony as the shirt gifted by Young Lord was thrown into the firece and burned instantly. "Now, I don''t need to make a small talk with you. I know what you just did to my son in the garden. And I don''t need to warn you anymore, I got tired already," Grand Duchessughed ironically. "Well, I will find a way to punish you for that,ter." "But I have one order for you," Grand Duchess smirked. "Tomorrow, if my son asked you why did you leave the Grand Duchy two years ago, you must reply by saying that you''re disappointed and scared, because Young Lord is nothingpared to Crown Prince and Golden family." My breath shortened, if I really said that tomorrow, it would really hurt Young Lord. "Your Majesty... if--if this ve said that to Young Lord, it would hurt his pride..." "That would be even better, you must say it convincingly." "But... but this ve is Young Lord''s personal ve." "It is as intended." Grand Duchess said pleasantly. "You know the consequence of defying my order, right?" I was silenced with that one sentence. Defying her order meant... Young Lord might know his secret, or Grand Duchess might use another method to get rid of me, the worst that she could just kill me. ''And Young Lord... he might be saddened. But I''m just a ve, he would forget me soon after and buy a new one...'' My body trembled when I had this imagination of Young Lord finally forgot about my existence and move on easily. "This ve dared to ask a question," I said. "Speak." "Why... would you do this to your own son. It will hurt him," I asked with low voice, afraid of the consequence of such question. Grand Duchess chuckled, "You are just a stupid ve, you will never understand about it. But it is for my son''s greater good." I was agitated. I couldn''t ept such easy answer. It was as if what she did to Young Lord was such a light matter, such a trivial matter that worth nothing but a nce. It was very grave for Young Lord and me. "This ve begs Your Majesty! This ve is Young Lord''s personal servant, I don''t want to hurt him!" I prostrated in front of her with my head mmed to the ground. "Oh, you know the consequence if you tell your version of story to him? He will hate me," Grand Duchess'' face looked grim. Her grip tightened on the armrest of the sofa. "If you tell him that I forced you out, you are going to sever my ties with him. You''re going to ruin the close bond between a mother and son. He might leave the duchy out of anger and what could he do without my support? He could stand strong without anyone targeting him because of me!" Grand Duchess kicked my head again with her heels. I covered my skull with my hands. After Grand Duchess calmed down, she asked me again, "Now, tell me, do you want your Young Lord to sever his ties with Grand Duchy, deserted without anyone protecting him, or you want to do what I asked you to?" I felt like I was making a hard choice, even though it wouldn''t harm Young Lord at all. But it would hurt his pride. Of course, the answer was clear already. I would never harm Young Lord. It would be selfish for me to ruin his life only because of a worthless ve. "This ve obeys, I will do what Your Majesty ordered this ve to do." *** ''I would never harm you, Young Lord. Even if you have to hate me.'' ''But why is it so hard? Why can''t my heart rest?" I spent long time in the stall, and then I washed my face and left the bathroom. Since Young Lord dismissed me early, I didn''t have anything to do. When I entered my room, I saw a familiar man standing in the center of my room. He was one of Grand Duke''s servants. "You, Grand Duke is waiting for you in his office." Chapter 78: A Symbol of Loyalty Chapter 78: A Symbol of Loyalty Aster wrote three letters four days ago, for Esther Yvette, the Second Princess of North Fort, Gaum Cresthold, the Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea, and Lady Merse Thana, Duchess of Arion. They were the three closest one he could reach right now. To cultivate his alliance, he needed to upy the one he had contact with. All of them were influential in their respective houses, especially Lady Merse. Since Lady Merse was actually the one who held Duchy of Arion power currently. He should be getting replies soon. The farthest one was Lady Merse, while Gaum and Esther weren''t that far from here. He inquired from Jain that Gaum stayed in the nearest city, which meant that he was in Grand Duchy''s area. While Esther was studying in the Clearwater Academy, an academy in the city of Dionde, the capital city of Grand Duchy Stormhill. ''Both are actually living in the Grand Duchy area.'' Grand Duchy of Stormhill''s real office was actually located in the city of Dionde, a rich, beautiful city on the coast. But because it was near the coast, the heat was unbearable for Aster. He could faint because of extreme heat and his rashes were severe even though he was sheltered. Thus, they moved to this mansion far away from the city. ''Gaum and Esther''s letters should arrive today.'' ''At least, I need to understand their interest.'' Aster was dazed thinking about the possibility of what he would gain and sacrifice for doing this. However, if he didn''t do anything, he couldn''t cement his ce in Golden Camellia Empire political sphere. ''I couldn''t rely on my father and mother forever.'' ''And I still didn''t have any political and business partner.'' ''I wouldn''t be able to protect him if I stay like this...'' Aster nced at Ramuja who followed behind silently. He was currently doing his regr morning walk with Ramuja. But for four days straight, they didn''t talk at all. Aster really hated this silence. He wanted to talk with his servant. He wanted to ask many things, but whenever he remembered what his servant said about him being a ''nothing''pared to the Golden royal family. His pride was severely hurt. He couldn''t face his servant at all. After the sun started rising, Aster ended his morning walk. However, before he left, Ramuja called him, "Young Lord, this servant um... wants to give Young Lord this..." Aster turned his head, Ramuja was holding a freshly picked sunflower, "Hm? What''s the meaning of this?" Aster raised his brows. "This servant uh... wants to give Young Lord a sunflower..." "I know that. I mean, why are you giving me sunflower?" "This--this servant just feels that Young Lord looks good with sunflower..." Ramuja said sheepishly. He lowered his head. Aster almost chuckled, because this big handsome man was acting cheeky. "Do you know the meaning of giving someone a sunflower?" Aster smiled and took the sunflower. "This servant asked the maids... um... they said the flower that represent loyalty and adoration is sunflower, so this--this servant..." Ramuja couldn''t continue his words, because he was embarrassed. "Hmm? So you want to prove your loyalty by giving me a sunflower? How cute," Aster chuckled. This seemed to be the way Ramuja tried to say sorry for his harsh word before. But Ramuja seemed tense, he replied immediately. "N--No! Young lord deserves more! It''s just... this servant can only do this much..." Aster''s expression brightened. He fiddled with the petals and there were still drops of dews. He realized that it was really an extremely fresh-picked sunflower, such freshness only survived few hours after being plucked. "How did you get this? We don''t have any sunflower in the garden. Well, I remember we had a sunflower garden, but it was quite far from here." "Yes, this servant went out early to pick it," Ramuja replied. "You picked it just now?" Aster reckoned that it took around one hour of walking just to get there, and then returned here. If this was true, then Ramuja went out at two in the morning, picked the sunflower and then return here at four, because Ramuja was on time for the daily walk. "Yes, Young Lord. This servant took two hours before morning walk," Ramuja looked nervous and asked, "Does... the flower not suit Young Lord''s taste? Did this servant pluck a bad sunflower?" "No, I''m just..." Aster saw Ramuja''s expression and felt hopeless. This servant was really dumb... but cute, "Never mind, I appreciate it, Thank you." Aster smiled sincerely to Ramuja. Ramuja was overwhelmed by such smile and he stammered, "Th--th--that un... this servant doesn''t deserve a... thanks from Young Lord." Aster raised his hand, he wanted to pat Ramuja''s head. But he hesitated and hid his hand behind his back. He left the garden, he nced again and saw Ramuja with deste expression. ''Maybe I should let him attend me...'' "Ramuja," Aster called him. Ramuja hurriedly approached Aster. "Yes, Young Lord!" Ramuja heed to his call excitedly. "You will attend me tomorrow," Aster said. "Yes! This servant will dly attend as Young Lord''s servant tomorrow! Thanking Young Lord''s kindness!" Aster smiled. He finally left the garden and entered his room. Jain was already standing near his desk. "You are early," Aster said with a big smile on his face. "Yes, Young Lord. This servant bring a letter from Gaum Cresthold, Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea." Aster nodded and put the sunflower on the table. "May this servant knows why is Young Lord look very bright today?" "Oh, nothing much. I''m just happy," Aster giggled. "Well, give me the letter." Jain wasn''t sure what happened to his master, because he was forbidden to tail his master''s morning walk with that ve. He handed the letter to Aster and asked him whether he should bring an empty vase for the sunflower. "Yes, bring me a good small vase." While Jain left the room to get a vase, Aster opened Gaum''s letter. The letter was written informally, but surprisingly very neat. That brazen man actually could write with such neat handwriting. -- ''Dear Aster Di Arlingdon, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. I would be pleased to meet you as I also have a meeting to do with Grand Duke on Thursday in Grand Duchy mansion. Since this is my first visit, I will bring a gift for you. Be sure to greet me with your gorgeous appearance, because I couldn''t wait to kiss your soft hand again. Love, Gaum Cresthold.''-- "Ugh, disgusting!" Aster crumpled the letter and threw it on the floor. "How dare he brazenly court me like that!" Asterined. But strangely, he wasn''t disgusted. Only the feeling of ridicule, as if looking at a flirty clown. Aster''s lips curled up again. Maybe because of his bright mood from Ramujabined with that positive letter from Gaum. He was delighted. He caressed the sunflower, and then pecked it with his lips. ''How could I ever hate you? My dear servant.'' Chapter 79: Gaum Cresthold Chapter 79: Gaum Cresthold Gaum''s carriage arrived in front of Grand Duchy Stormhill''s mansion. This mansion was quite far from his current residence in the city of Dionde. The real office of Grand Duchy Stormhill was in that city, but it seemed that Grand Duke and Duchess already stayed in this white pce on top of a cold hill for almost ten years already. The reason? It was because their only son, Aster di Arlingdon had a skin condition, which he would get severe rash and burns whenever he got exposed with sunray or caught in extreme heat. Gaum had prepared a gift for this high and mighty Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. However, he still had to meet Grand Duke for their business in Kingdom Rhea. "This way, sir," a butler escorted him to Grand Duke''s office. Gaum''s lips perked up when he face this middle aged man, whose body still looked youthful and strong even though he was around early forties. Grand Duke got up from his seat and approached Gaum, then shook his hand, and then sat face to face. "Wee, this will be your first time visiting me, right?" Grand Duke smiled. "Yes, Honorable Grand Duke Harion Di Arlingdon. I believe this is my first visit here. But it''s normal, right? Since your business in Kingdom Rhea is flourishing independently, there is no need for me toe here." "I see, I hope my investment works well to help your kingdom." "Oh, it is beneficial for us!" Gaum said cheerfully, "After Late Empress passed away, our kingdom has been in jeopardy, but my kingdom can stay and even flourish because of Milord''s aid." "That is good," Grand Dukeughed, but his shortugh turned into somewhat coldugh, "But it''s not free, Kingdom Rhea is a beneficial location to set up my business and investment, but it''s not appealing enough for me to keep investing. Apparently, your kingdom fails to meet my expectationpared to another location, like Vassal Kingdom Yurn." Gaum gritted his teeth. Vassal Kingdom Yurn was his neighboring kingdom, they were always at odds even though both were under Golden Camellia Empire. This was the way Grand Duke threatened him to obey, Gaum knew that. ''It''s not like there is a choice either.'' "But of course, to pay tribute of such hefty contribution, this vassal prince, Gaum Cresthold, is at yourmand," Gaum bowed his head. Grand Duke''s smile thinned, "I heard that you''ve met my son in the party and going to meet him after this, is that right?" "Yes, sir. Young Lord invites me to meet him today," Gaum replied truthfully, but hid the fact that he brought a gift to Aster. Grand Duke''s thin smile finally disappeared and he turned solemn, "And you''re bringing a gift to him? What does this mean?" Gaum gulped. How could Grand Duke already know everything about his meeting with Young Lord? There was no way Young Lord would tell his parents about it. Gaum had investigated about Aster before approaching him, with his awkward and secluded nature, he wouldn''t even tell anything to his imaginary friend. Sensing Gaum''s astonishment, Grand Duke said, "There is nothing I do not know about my son''s activity, I just don''t interfere much." "Th--Then... Since Milord already know about it, is there any task for me?" "Not particrly, I just have to warn you two things," Grand Duke intertwined his fingers and cupped it together, "First, this mansion have ears, in fact, as long as you are beside my son, you shall never be alone. And second, if you dare to harm him, you will face very grave consequences. My part would be painful, but it wouldn''t be as painful as the one from Grand Duchess. So, know your ce." Gaum shivered, once Grand Duke mentioned about his wife, Grand Duchess Camille, he had this ominous feeling of a monster that could eat him alive out of nowhere. Gaum nodded subconsciously. "Good, then, you''re permitted to leave," "Milord, about the grain silo fund--" "Yes, I will help your kingdom to prepare for fall and winterter." "Thank you, Honorable Grand Duke is very generous," Gaum smiled and bowed his head once more before heading out of the office. Gaum walked and followed the corridor, he didn''t bring a servant of his own because his meeting with Grand Duke shouldn''t be known to anyone from Kingdom Rhea. He was lost in thought about Grand Duke and Duchess'' extreme fondness to their son. It was, as if they would really topple a kingdom if their son asked them to. He still didn''t get how crazy people could get just for this one man. Sure, his appearance was captivating, one look could simply trap you into deep fantasy. But how could people like his own brother be a daydreaming idiot because of him? ''That guy could bewitch people like Gamasiel, the just and logical king, the best king Kingdom Rhea could ever had.'' Gaum remembered his older brother, Gamasiel Cresthold, the best king that brought Kingdom Rhea to great economical stability and military advancement. Although they were still under Golden Camellia Empire, but the kingdom was better than ever. However, two years ago, after the Winter Feast in Golden Pce, while Gamasiel''s body returned to the kingdom, but his mind lost somewhere. He was dazed all day long, unresponsive when questioned. He smiled constantly, but his eyes seemed to look up, as if he was daydreaming about beautiful thing. And after that, Miss udia pulled out all her help and Kingdom Rhea soon fell into economic instability. They could ensure their stability, but it needed Gamasiel to represent Kingdom Rhea in front of Emperor and Empress. With his current condition, he couldn''t even order the Kingdom court. Thus, it was Gaum who begged for Empress to help them, since the kingdom was allied to her and he was one of her guard medal subordinates. ''Then, not long after, she died, and my kingdom is in chaos.'' Gaum clenched his fist. ''My master... Empress Ceci...'' He couldn''t do anything, his desire to take revenge was still burning in his heart. But he was in a very disadvantaged position currently. He would avenge his master when he could find the real culprit behind all this staged death ofte Empress Ceci. ''For now, all I can do is to approach this boy...'' Gaum walked aimlessly, this mansion was so big that when he snapped out of his own zone, he was lost in some corridor. He looked right and left, but there wasn''t any guard here, strangely. He stood in the corridor and chuckled low. ''The rumor said, this huge mansion is just a pocket money for Grand Duchy Stormhill, and Grand Duke took me and threatened me with some pocket money of his. Hahahaha, ridiculous...'' Gaumughed self depreciatingly, the more the think about the future of his kingdom, the more he felt so small. One year worth of pocket money from Grand Duchy Stormhill could stabilize Kingdom Rhea''s economy for two years. "Excuse me..." Gaum turned his head, but his eyes met a wide, bronze strong chest in front of him holding a tray with a ss berry juice on it. He looked up and saw this big, masculine man looking at him anxiously. "P--Pardon me, honorable guest is blocking the way, this ve needs to deliver this to Young Lord," he said humbly. Gaum''s brows perked up, he suddenly remembered about this man in who stared at Aster from the window during Aster''s birthday event. He wore some ridiculous outfit that made him look funny. "You are working here?" Gaum asked. "This ve is Young Lord Aster''s personal ve," Ramuja answered sheepishly. "Oh! I see, that''s why you dressed ridiculously for his birthday. You are serving as the party clown there, right?" Gaumughed. "Well, Iughed when I saw you before, you did a great job." Ramuja didn''t answer and lowered his head. Gaum chuckled, "No need to be embarrassed, I''m sure your Young Lord was entertained too." "Please excuse this ve, Young Lord needs this ve''s attendance..." "Oh, you are going to deliver this berry juice to him right? Then take me too, I''m his guest for today, Gaum Cresthold from Kingdom Rhea." Ramuja raised his head and checked Gaum from head to toe. Gaum sensed hostility from this dumb-looking ve, but he didn''t take it as offense, it was just a ve anyway. The ve nodded and said, "This humble ve will take honorable guest to Young Lord''s chamber, please follow me." Chapter 80: Gaum Cresthold II Chapter 80: Gaum Cresthold II Gaum followed this ve to a tower and climbed the spiraling staircase. It was quite tiring, but he managed to reach the top with two guards on both side, solemnly guarding the door. The guards nced at the ve and nodded, thus, the ve opened the door slowly. Gaum was weed with a room without any edges in it, the floor was made out of expensive marble tiles, but there was nothing extraordinary in this room. No expensive furniture, antiques or something extremely valuable, even though this was supposed to be the room of Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. There were a bed,rge wardrobe, sofa and wooden desk. However, in that sofa, Young Lord Aster sat while reading a letter. His expression was solemn, but when he raised his head and looked at Gaum''s direction, his eyes flickered and he showed a simple smile. "Put that berry juice there," Aster ordered. The ve called Ramuja walked to the desk and put the tray there, then he stood near the door, silently waiting for another task. Aster stood from the sofa and approached Gaum. He used a loose white shirt with tight fitting ck pants. He wore pair of boots and that was it. Gaum had visited my nobles in his neen years of lifetime, but he never saw someone soid back when meeting another noble. ''Yet... he looks... captivating.'' Gaum''s eyes focused to the eyes of Young Lord who approached him, down to his nose, his cherry lips, thin and long neck, and his deep corbone. Young Lord Aster was shorter than him, thus, when his eyes looked down, he could also see some of his smooth and pale chest. Gaum''s Adam apple bobbed. ''Is this what Gamasiel see?'' ''If this man lives in Kingdom Rhea, the barbarians would raid the pce and didn''t touch any gold except this man.'' "This Young Lord greets Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea," Aster extended his hand. Gaum shook hit head a bit and responded by shaking Aster''s hand. ''His palm is incredibly delicate.'' ''I wonder if I grip his wrist, would it turn red? So cute...'' "Second Prince?" Aster called him. "Oh-- Yes! It is a pleasure to meet such stunning man like Young Lord~" Gaum said cheerfully. Aster was startled by such enthusiasm, that he immediately pulled his hand. "I--It is also my pleasure," Aster replied. However, Gaum seemed to get even more excited. "Hm? I was about to kiss your smooth hand, may we have another handshake?" Gaum teased him. Aster''s face turned red, he turned his back and walked to the balcony, "Second Prince shouldn''t say that, it would break many hearts of young maidens." Gaum chuckled, he followed Aster to the balcony, "As long as I don''t break your heart." "I''m not a maiden!" Gaum''s chuckle turned into a unrestrainedugh, "Sure, Young Lord is not feminine at all. But you could capture the hearts of many men and women, including me," Gaum teased Aster even more. "Y--You are not here to say such nonsensical thing! Stop it before I cancel today''s meeting!" "Oh? Don''t be mad, I just can''t hold myself. You are so stunning today and everyday, should I return to Kingdom Rhea and brought my Pce''s marriage advocate?" Gaum giggled. "W--Wha?! Don''t say such thing lightly! Marriage is an important matter!" Aster was very flustered with such brazen ttery, since no one had ever boldly court him like this. It made him nervous and excited at the same time. Aster was so embarrassed that his face was beet red. Gaum held hisugh after he saw Aster was about to cry out of embarrassment. He nced at the butler who followed Aster. The butler looked calm, but it seemed that he wasn''t just a regr butler, his eyes constantly side-nced him with hostility, as if he was ready to kill Gaum if he dared to touch Young Lord Aster. Gaum didn''t understand either, it was almost like an instinct. He was always moderate in all asions. He wouldn''t flirt shamelessly to people he didn''t know, he didn''t even flirt to anyone except his past ex-girlfriend. But to this Young Lord, he just wanted to tease him again and again. "I bring a gift for you," Gaum took something out of his pocket and took Aster''s hand boldly. He opened his palm and hand the gift to Aster. "I hope you like it." Aster examined the gift from Gaum. A well-preserved Pink Gardenia with slight tint of white on the edges of every petal. Pink-White Gardenia was extremely rare in this country. White Gardenia with slight pink was already umon, but if it was pink with slight white, it was so rare that only rich nobles could afford one or two of them. Thus, people called Pink-White Gardenia as the Gardenia of Blooming Desire. In Golden Camellia tradition, parents would only give one Blooming Desire Gardenia to their son when they reached the adult age for him to propose to a girl. It could only be given to someone that you loved so much, since it held a meaningful message, pink for beautiful passion, and white for purity. --To my loved one whom I would give my passion and purity, Hold me tight until I lost my sanity, Only with you I could be happy Only to you, I swore my fidelity For you, my gardenia of blooming desire -- Aster recited the Oath of Gardenia in his head, the oath of loyalty to your spouse. Giving a gardenia was already an honor, but to be handed Gardenia of Blooming Desire... "It is a very... ttering gift, but I''m afraid I cannot ept this," Aster rejected the gift and tried to hand it to Gaum again. However, Gaum raised his hands and cupped it together on the back of his head. He leaned on the wall and said, "I wont take it back." "Second Prince, it seems that I misunderstand your intention. But this Gardenia of Blooming Desire is extremely rare and expensive, it is should be given to someone you see as your soul mate." "But I see you as my soul mate~" "Y--You!" Aster was speechless once more, how could he say something so sacred in the tradition lightly, "This is tant disrespect! Do you know the Oath of Gardenia is very sacred in Golden Camellia Empire?" "I know it is sacred, that is why I''m giving mine to you," Gaum walked to the table and sat on the chair, he was now sitting face to face with Aster. "We don''t even know each other more than ten minutes and you already give me this? Is this some kind of lunatic tendency?" Aster snarled harshly. Gaum knew that he was very impulsive, and it was crazy for him to hand the precious Gardenia of Blooming Desire to someone he barely talked with. ''It''s not even the original gift.'' Gaum had prepared the real semi-formal gift to Aster and it was in his left pocket. However, he impulsively took the Gardenia and hand it easily. He and Gamasiel only had one each from their deceased parents. He carried this Gardenia solely as a token of reminder about his parents. ''And I just gave the only memory I have from my parents to him, how stupid.'' Aster went awry from his nned talk about business and partnership with Gaum. All he could think of right now was this Gardenia of Blooming Desire. He still hadn''t had one from his parents, and it might take years until he got one. ''It is indeed so beautiful.'' ''Why would he give this to me anyway...'' Aster shed a nce to Gaum before lowered his head again. ''Is this his deration? How... bold.'' "I see that your mind is in chaos right now," Gaum chuckled, "No need to take it heavily, I don''t expect an answer anyway. But I will keep trying," Gaum smiled cheerfully. "I--I see, then..." Aster called Jain, "Bring me a box and put this gardenia in it." "Yes, Young Lord." Jain nodded and took an empty jewelry box. "Thank you," Aster nodded. He opened the jewelry box and carefully put the gardenia inside. "You even put the gardenia carefully, I''m ttered." "T--This Gardenia is very expensive and rare, it will be a waste if I throw this away." Aster replied hastily. "Well, I''m still ttered that you might consider my feeling," Gaum sipped the tea served for him and finally calmed down, "Well, since Young Lord invites me here, I believe there is a matter you need to discuss with me. I''m listening." Chapter 81: Gaum Cresthold III Chapter 81: Gaum Cresthold III Aster took a deep breath. He cupped his hands on the table and said, "Second Prince must have known that I do not invite someone out of kindness. I''m here to create a partnership." "A partnership?" "Well, it is quite known that Kingdom of Rhea is in a dire situation currently. I''m willing to help your kingdom to pass through this year fall and winter, but I will not do that for free." "Does Young Lord Aster know what kind of help my kingdom need?" "I''ve observed that Kingdom of Rhea has been floating steadily, but it is from a business investment. Business investment, especially in an unstable vassal kingdom, will onlyst probably five years at most before the citizen demands for more prosperity. It is stagnant because not all the profit goes to the kingdom''s treasury," Aster exined thoroughly, "My investment wont be such a business offer." Gaum was stunned. Based on his observation about this gorgeous man, there was no way Aster could gain that information easily. And he was also a canary in a cage, he couldn''t leave this protected mansion or the golden royal pce to another vassal kingdom easily. "May I know how did Young Lord receive this information?" Gaum asked, his eyes probing Aster''s intention. "I naturally have my own informant, but if what I said is correct, then there is no reason Second Prince would reject my offer," Aster stared with his sharp eyes at Gaum. Aster''s and Gaum''s eyes locked between each other. Gaum was amazed by the tranquility and depth of Aster''s eyes. It was quite simr with Grand Duke, but Aster''s had that royal golden family unique trait, golden circle eyes. Combined with his perfect facial feature, it made his eyes especially deadly. Gaum loosened the button on his neck, being stared with such eyes made him very nervous. If he didn''t constantly remind himself that this man made his brother go crazy, he might be drowned into some crazy fantasy and be an idiot like Gamasiel. He sipped the tea to calm himself and asked Aster, "Does Young Lord have the fund to help my kingdom for five years at least?" "I own a bit of share in one of my father''s businesses, it should be enough to fund the kingdom for five years on daily basis for the poor, I will ask the Grand Duchy''s treasurer to give majority of my yearly share to you until our contract ends." "May I know the sum of money you would give to me yearly? You know that my vassal kingdom needs five thousand gold coins each year topensate the poor, right?" Gaum started hesitating. There was no way this young man could afford five thousand gold coins in yearly basis. "Oh, I think I''ve miscalcted, my bad." "So, you don''t have enough for that?" Gaum sneered. He was shocked for nothing, there was no way this caged canary have that much of money. "No, my calction was around nine thousand gold coins, but it''s lower than I thought, I''d dly give you seven thousand gold coins though." "WHAT?!" Gaum''s body jolted in reflex and his leg almost knocked the fragile table. His eyes almost popped out of the socket. "H--How much share do you have in Grand Duke''s business?" Gaum asked without thinking. It was ridiculous, too ridiculous for him to digest. "Around thirty five percent in one of his business. It''s not much, and it''s also one of his moderate sized business, but it should be enough, right?" Gaum''s hand trembled out of shock and fear. He always knew that Grand Duchy Stormhill was wealthy, but this was unbelievable. Kingdom Rhea had to struggle to get that amount money and already exhausted almost everything they could do. Yet, this young man unted nine thousand gold coins easily, as if it was just passing money for him. "Second Prince? Gaum? Hey!" Aster called Gaum who was dazed. "Y--Yes!" "Well, I ought to give you a contract." "Young Lord wants to give me a contract? I believe this is not a regr partnership. What cost should I pay for such generous help?" Gaum asked nervously. Aster went silent. He ordered Jain to take out the contract he already wrote with grand duchy''s official stamp, and then gave it to Gaum. "I would like you to sell your kingdom to me." "Sell my... kingdom?" Gaum read the contract, it was written that he would share all the information about Vassal Kingdom Rhea to Aster and bound by contract to reject any help from the Golden Camellia Empire. "Including the help of any other source, seven thousand gold coins yearly should be enough for five years." "This is risky..." Gaum bit his lip, "Refusing the help of Golden Camellia Empire would harm our sovereignty, if the Emperor is offended, my kingdom might get demolished in a day." "Emperor wouldn''t bat an eye on Kingdom Rhea as he is focusing on conquering the west. I just want you to refuse the help or approach from Crown Prince Charles." "Crown Prince Charles? How could Young Lord be so sure that he would approach my kingdom?" Gaum raised his eyebrows. "He is going to be a king soon, naturally, he will try to upy as much vassal houses and kingdoms as possible before his coronation few years after this." "You want me to reject his simr offer if that ever happen?" "Naturally, it is the main purpose of the contract." Gaum nodded. After Empress Ceci''s death, it was quite obvious that there was power struggle between the more powerful houses and royal family to upy many vassal houses under their wing, because if they had many backings, they would be granted high position in the royal court during the reign of new king. "I see," Gaum hummed. He already had his contract with Grand Duke, it would be traitorous if he stroke a deal without notifying him first, "Would you mind if my kingdom continue the business rtionship with my business partner?" "Well, I don''t mind. As long as it doesn''t sh with my contract." "That is relieving," Gaum smiled. There was a gap here, he could take both offer from Young Lord Aster and Grand Duke without any problem. He asked for a quill, but Aster stopped his hand before he signed the contract. "Before you sign this, can you tell your position in the Vassal Kingdom Rhea court?" Aster said. "I am Gaum Cresthold, Second Prince of Vassal Kingdom Rhea, Chief Treasurer of Kingdom Rhea, Ambassador of Kingdom Rhea responsible for collecting fund, and also..." Gaum winked to Aster, "... spouse of Aster Di Arlingdon, in the chasing." "Wha--! Stop with your teasing!" Aster shook his head, "J--Just sign it quick!" Gaum chuckled. He signed the contract and with that, this cooperation officially started. "It''s done, I will be expecting this yearpensation soon," Gaum said. "Indeed, I will send seven thousand gold coins with strict carriage guarding to Kingdom Rhea in two days, you should lead the carriages." "Thank you," Gaum smiled and stood politely from his chair. "Since everything has been cleared, I should leave now. Would you mind to escort me out, darling?" "Don''t give me name! T--That''s inappropriate you know, ugh..." Aster grumbled. But he still got up from his chair and walked to the door. Gaum followed him from behind. Aster was about to order Ramuja open the door, but Gaum chuckled, "You''re not going to escort me out to the main hall?" "No, it is not good for my health," Aster shook his head. "You should give mepensation," Gaum grabbed Aster''s hand and pulled him to his embrace, their face was facing each other closely, then Gaum''s face drew closer. Their cheek was almost touching and Aster could feel Gaum''s breath tickling his ear. Gaum whispered, "I will be back, sweetheart." And then, Gaum kissed Aster cheek before he felt enormous strength separated him from Aster. He was grabbed on the neck and suffocated. Jain''s eyes was glinting with murderous re, "Young Lord, this man has touched you indecently, give me your order." Aster fished out his handkerchief and wiped his cheek, but his face was beet red once more, "R--Release him, he meant no harm." Jain was obviously dissatisfied, but he respected the order and release his stranglehold. Gaum coughed few times, but still left the room with glee on his face. *** Gaum was sitting dazedly in his carriage, passing through the woods and winding road. The taste of that soft cheek was really imprinted in his memory. He was so impulsive, too impulsive. He could really die if Aster ordered that butler to kill him. But whenever he saw Aster, all he could think of was to possess him, to obtain such wonderful treasure, something as valuable as the legendary Gardenia of Blooming Desire. Something that was extremely beautiful that you wanted to give everything just to get him. That feeling scared him, but at the same time, he finally got this exhrating emotion he never felt before. He wanted him, he wanted Aster so bad. ''If I could obtain him and rule the Grand Duchy, it would solve all my problems. The Kingdom problem, and living with Aster forever....'' ''.... Shit, I''ve be the second Gamasiel.'' Chapter 82: Asters Fantasy Chapter 82: Aster''s Fantasy Aster took a deep breath and exhaled in relief. Surprisingly, he didn''t hate Gaum at all. Sure, he was brazen and could be obnoxious sometimes, but his demeanor had its own charm. It''s just that, Aster hated it whenever Gaum touched him indecently or flirted, even though he was sure that Gaum was joking most of the time. Aster had researched about this man, Gaum was a known yboy in Dionde. He lived in the city of Dionde for one year already, and his informant reported that Gaum had had dozens of affairs, mostly physical affair with middle ss and upper ss women. It wasn''t really a surprise for Aster, Gaum was the second prince of vassal kingdom, even though the kingdom struggled from time to time, but it was still quite wealthy. Supported with his devilishly handsome smirk, raven hair, and his extraordinary charm, it was quite clear that he could get thedies around him. Thus, Aster didn''t really bother with Gaum''s antics of flirting and touching, since he knew Gaum didn''t really mean it. The most important thing was to grab his tail, so he would follow his orderter on. ''He didn''t need to act like that in front of me though. I''m not inviting him here to flirt and joke vulgarly.'' ''Maybe I could match him with a maiden. He is charming already, I''m sure he doesn''t mind to have a conversation with one of Grand Duchy''s vassal houses'' nobledy.'' Aster slumped on the sofa, he was really tired and his face was feverish. Gaum''s method of flirting andplimenting was too much for him to handle. He couldn''t listen to such thing while keeping the straight face. ''How could he say things like ''marriage'', ''soul mate'', ''sweet heart'' to a colleague? As if it is a light words. They all have it''s own meaning!'' ''And giving me the rare Gardenia of Blooming Desire. What a maniac!'' Aster kept the gardenia in the box in order to preserve its appearance. Since he predicted that Gaum would beg for him to return the gardenia in case he wanted to propose to his real love. ''Should Iugh at him if that actually happen?'' Aster chuckled lightly. "Jain, give me that box with that gardenia in it," Aster ordered. "Yes, Young Lord." Jain took the jewelry box and handed it to Aster. The gardenia was safe inside the box, even cushioned with cotton. It was too precious to be treated carelessly. Aster took out the gardenia and fiddled with its petal. The flower was already preserved, thus it would keep its luster forever as long as it was treated gently. The gardenia still had its vibrant color of pink and white on the edge of each petal. It was very beautiful. ''I wonder if Ramuja likes Gardenia of Blooming Desire...'' Aster giggled and continued caressing the gardenia. "Young Lord, may this servant know why do you look so happy just now?" Jain approached Aster. He was actually ready to kill that man called Gaum because of his indecency, but his master forbid him. "Hm? No, nothing," Asterughed again. He started imagining if Ramuja gave him this kind of gardenia or him giving the gardenia. Aster couldn''t help but getting blushed again. "Young Lord, this servant wonders... why do you release that man called Gaum? He touched you indecently, with your order, I could eliminate him and no one would ever know his corpse." "What? No!" Aster responded immediately, "He is very important! You shall not and never harm him, do you understand?" "Yes, this servant understands. Pardon this servant''s impudence for questioning Young Lord," Jain kneeled in front of Aster. "It''s okay, but you shouldn''t execute an action without my order," Aster huffed. He patted Jain''s head gently. Jain was in his early thirties, with clean appearance and tall posture. But in front of Aster, he nodded and enjoyed the pat from his master. ''Maybe Ramuja will also try to search one Gardenia like this and give it to me like what he did with the sunflower...'' When Aster was still ying with the gardenia, he subconsciously nced at Ramuja who casted his eyes down. His expression looked grieving, as if he just spectate series of painful events. Actually, since the moment Gaum entered his room, he nced at Ramuja subtlety. But Aster did it many times that he actually lost count. He found himself craving for Ramuja more and more. Whenever Gaum flirted with him, his eyes immediately reced Gaum with Ramuja. He fantasized that Ramuja was the one who flirted with him in Gaum''s position. He was afraid that he would be unable to hide his disgust if he imagined Gaum instead of Ramuja. ''I--I wouldn''t mind if Ramuja k-kiss me....'' ''Ahhh! Imagining something so vulgar is not good for my heart, really!'' ''What am I? How did I be a girl in romance novel! Aster, calm yourself!'' Aster closed his eyes and took deep breaths. He opened his eyes and the golden circle in his pupil seemed to dte. "R--Ramuja,e here," Aster called him. Ramuja approached cautiously. He still lowered his head, dared not looking at his master. "Yes... Young Lord." "Well, what do you think about this Gardenia of Blooming Desire, beautiful isn''t it?" Aster opened Ramuja''s palm and handed the gardenia to him. "You should feel it, it''s very soft and beautiful. It''s um... rare too. You might found one if you''re really lucky and um... you... can give it to someone you like," Aster exined awkwardly. Aster heard no answer from Ramuja. He was baffled by Ramuja''s nk expression. He didn''t even try to caress the flower. The gardenia was just in his palm, unmoving. "Hm? What do you think?" Aster raised his eyebrows. He heard no answer. Ramuja was dead still like a statue. "Ramuja?" "Yes... it looks beautiful... like you, Young Lord...'' Ramuja replied weakly. "I--I don''t need to hear you bootlicking!" Aster blushed immediately. He gripped the hem of his shirt out of nervousness. "I... said the truth... Young Lord''s beauty is unreal... like this flower..." "Wha--!" "You''re really fascinating..." Ramuja''s expression was still the same, he looked deste, yet his voice had a trace of longing. Aster''s face was getting unbelievably red, even more than when Gaum flirted continuously. He ran to the bathroom and washed his face. He needed to reduce the heat. "R--Ramuja! You are dismissed for today! You can leave!" Aster ordered from the bathroom. He didn''t even dare to show himself in front of Ramuja right now. His mind was full of wild fantasy. ''He called me without honorific, but with ''You''. H--How brave!'' Aster held his palpitating chest. His heartbeat sounded like a loud drum. ''Am I crazy now? I almost died by happiness just because Ramuja called me without honorific!'' Chapter 83: Eulogy of the Prince 17 Chapter 83: Eulogy of the Prince 17 I silently watched Young Lord sitting together with that man called Gaum. He was charming and handsome, but he over exaggerated everything. It felt disgusting hearing him flirting, especially with Young Lord. ''Young Lord must be in pain hearing all those nasty stuff he said.'' "Sure, Young Lord is not feminine at all. But you could capture the hearts of many men and women, including me," Gaum said. "Y--You are not here to say such nonsensical thing! Stop it before I cancel today''s meeting!" Young Lord rebuked him. I expected Young Lord to be really angry to him now, if possible, drive him out of Grand Duchy as soon as possible. I couldn''t bear to see human like that who dared flirting with Young Lord. However, what I saw was Young Lord blushed with the pink tint decorated his cheek. I was taken aback, how could Young Lord blushed with such cheap words! I gritted my teeth silently. The more I heard, the more I felt like molten steel was poured into my ears. It felt too painful. ''This must be a bluff! Young Lord would never fall into stupid words like that. It''s summer now, Young Lord must be burning in heat, that must be it!'' I turned my body and took the towel soaked with ice-cold water from the basin. But I saw Jain immediately appeared in front of me. He gripped my hand with enormous strength. I was strong too, since I worked as lumberjack for two years, but Jain''s strength was unbelievable. My hand couldn''t even budge. "What are you doing?" Jain asked with his sharp eyes. "I want to give Young Lord the cold towel, look at him, his face is so red!" I said boldly. Me and Jain were about the same height, thus, I tried to intimidate him. But he didn''t even show any sign of nervousness and nced at the scene of Young Lord and Gaum. "I wont let you." Jain said shortly. "What? Why?" "You will ruin Young Lord''s moment," Jain loosened his grip and put his hands on his back again. "Don''t you see? Young Lord and that man called Gaum are having a good time together. They are also discussing important partnership between each other." "But..." Jain looked at me coldly. His eyes were no different than those of Grand Duchess and others, unfeeling, cold, as if looking at an unusable good. "I will not let you ruin Young Lord''s important moment with your nonsensical feeling, he is the number one priority for me." "T--That man must be doing some trick to Young Lord, we must prevent him from fooling Young Lord``" I tried to reason, but what I got was a knife that moved incredibly fast in front of my throat, just one more inch and Jain might decapitate me. I gulped. "Once more you say unreasonable stuff, I will gut you," Jain moved the knife closer to my neck until the tip touched my throat. "Y--Yes, I understand... please move the knife away." Jain sighed, he hid the knife in his sleeve again and nced at those two flirting like pair of lovebirds, "Don''t you see. They don''t even notice us missing. They are in their own world," Jain said. But this time, his lips curled up a bit. I saw at the beautiful scenery of Young Lord and Gaum. My eyes observed every subtle move they did to each other. ''Young Lord... are you really happy?'' ''Why can''t you be as happy when you''re with me...'' ''Am I really not enough...'' No matter how hard I tried, I couldn''t enjoy it. I couldn''t say that I felt grateful for Young Lord to finally be able tomunicate with other person. I couldn''t admit that it was a beautiful scene between two good-looking men being intimate to each other. ''I can''t do it Young Lord, I''m sorry...'' ''I don''t feel any gratefulness in my heart, I couldn''t be happy for you.'' ''Because it''s not me there.'' ''Your smile, your happiness isn''t directed towards me.'' I clenched my teeth. I was about to close my eyes to hide the pain, but I heard Young Lord called Jain. When I saw the reason, I wished that I never saw that. Gaum gave a gardenia to Young Lord, but it wasn''t just a simple gardenia, it was the extremely rare Gardenia of Blooming Desire. It was so rare and popr, that even a ve like me ever heard about it once. Gardenia with Pink petal and white around the edges. Only the richest nobles had those, and it was given as a love deration, or a grand proposal in Golden Camellia. ''Did Young Lord really ept it?'' I saw Young Lord opened the box and put the gardenia inside. My breath shortened and my heart burned instantly, I gripped my chest because the pain was unbearable. I bit my tongue to defeat the pain in my heart. It was so painful that I thought I was going to die. After a while, I walked back to my ce near the door and lowered my head. I heard all their intimate talk, but s, my eyes didn''t see anything. As long as I didn''t see them, I still could bear it. I heard their footstep approached the door. Young Lord ordered me to open the door, his tone didn''t even have a tone of kindness. It was simr to his old way of ordering me. I opened the door. But Gaum decided to embrace Young Lord and whispered something in Young Lord''s ear. Then he lightly pecked Young Lord''s cheek. I saw everything. I clenched my fist immediately and about to separate them. But Jain moved fast and strangled Gaum. Jain''s eyes was glinting with murderous re, "Young Lord, this man has touched you indecently, give me your order." ''Yes, Young Lord! Give him order, he dares touching you indecently! Kill him!'' I screamed in my heart. My excitement surged up. Young Lord wiped his cheek, but his face was beet red once more, "R--Release him, he meant no harm." ''He meant no harm? HE MEANT NO HARM?!'' I stepped in to kill this man myself, but Jain red at me. I deted once more. I stepped back to my position and lowered my head again. After the endless torture was over, I still lowered my head. Because I didn''t want Young Lord to see my bitter face, he didn''t have to see a jealous, low ss human like me. "Ramuja,e here." "Yes, Young Lord." Young Lord held my hand with his delicate fingers, and my hand was trembling slightly. "Well, what do you think about this Gardenia of Blooming Desire, beautiful isn''t it?" Young Lord asked. ''Beautiful? Certainly, just like you, Young Lord.'' "You should feel it, it''s very soft and beautiful. It''s um... rare too. You might found one if you''re really lucky and um... you... can give it to someone you like," Young Lord said. ''But you are the one I like.'' ''Is this the price of your love? An expensive flower that I cant ever afford?'' I stared at this beautiful flower on my palm. It was indeed magnificent, it kept its luster for many years. Yet, it felt like a scorching coal on my palm. The more this flower showed its shine, the more my palm burning in pain. I had this urge to crush this flower and my hand trembled slightly. ''I shouldn''t, I would make Young Lord sad if I crush this gardenia...'' ''Ramuja, calm yourself... think of Young Lord. As long as he is happy, you are happy right?'' I tried to reason with my emotion. I knew I was just a ve, that was why such thing like jealousy was ridiculous to me. ''Remember! You were a sex ve, filthy sex ve!'' ''Know. Your. ce.'' I kept repeating the same sentence over and over in my head to remind myself about my position. Know. Your. ce. "Ramuja?" I heard Young Lord called me. "Yes... it looks beautiful... like you, Young Lord...'' I replied weakly. "I--I don''t need to hear you bootlicking!" "I... said the truth... Young Lord''s beauty is unreal... like this flower..." ''I never lie about one thing. Young Lord, no, you... you are so perfect, too perfect that I can''t help to get blinded by your dazzle.'' "You''re really fascinating..." I said sincerely. Instead of saying thank you or at least threw a smile at me, Young Lord ran to the bathroom and snarled to me "Ramuja! You are dismissed for today! You can leave!" I bit my lip and put the flower carefully inside the box and left Young Lord''s room. I knew I wouldn''t get the same respond like Gaum. But he just directly went to the bathroom and told me to leave. Maybe he was so disgusted with mypliment that he vomited in the bathroom. I walked to the workers hut andy down on my bed. My heartbeat slowed down, but every time I took a breath, a strange pain would sting my heart. ''I thought my heart was already numb from those constant suffering when I was a sex ve. But you make me feeling such thing again. Yet, the pain you inflicted is far more excruciating.'' ''Did I disgust you that much? Young Lord...'' ''Pardon this ve for having this feeling, but...'' ''I am still human, I still have a human''s heart.'' ''Please treat me as a human being too.'' I nced at my drawer, there were plenty of gold coins there, but it was definitely far from enough to buy my freedom, I should contact Grand Duke in this situation. ''I will definitely buy my freedom.'' I said in my heart. Chapter 84: Grand Dukes Deal Chapter 84: Grand Duke''s Deal Low knocks made Grand Duke stopped his eyes from skimming the documents and nced at the door. "Who?" he asked. "Milord, Young Lord Aster''s ve is here," his servant reported from outside. Grand Duke raised his eyebrows, he had a deal with this ve, but he wouldn''t force him to submit to the deal unless this ve was the one who initiated it. "Let him in," Grand Duke ordered. The door opened slowly and this ve entered the room. Grand Duke''s eyes leered at this ve. Honestly, he was used to see this ve as one of his workers in his logging business, a tall, bronze skinned, muscr worker. But now he was wearing a shirt given by his son, it was really strange to see. ''Aster really dressed this servant with such expensive garment,'' Grand Duke pondered in his mind. This was the first time Aster really gave garments to a ve. ''Does Aster treat this ve as a pet or a human?'' Grand Duke cleared his throat, he put his document down and asked Ramuja, "What is your concern to meet me?" Ramuja kneeled in front of Grand Duke and replied, "Milord, this subordinate has a request." "What is it?" "This... this subordinate has already decided that he will give Milord the information about Young Lord Aster and following Milord''s orders, in exchange for gold coins..." "Hm? I thought you said a week ago that you''re not interested," Grand Duke scorned, "Your fickle stance would ruin your credibility in front of me, you know." "This subordinate is not fickle, Milord. What this subordinate said before is also true, but..." Ramuja gritted his teeth silently. He remembered the moment of Young Lord and Gaum yesterday and he was furious and grieving at the same time. "What do you need the gold coin for? So you can marry that girl you live with for the past two years?" "N--No! It''s not about that, this subordinate..." Ramuja lowered his head, "This subordinate wants to be free." "What?!" Grand Duke was taken aback. "Why do you want freedom? Has my son abused you too much, so that you want to be free?" "No! Y--Young Lord is very kind and generous to this subordinate," Ramuja prostrated in fear of Grand Duke''s anger. "This subordinate just wants Young Lord to see this subordinate as a human being too." ''See him as human being? So my guess is correct, Aster took this ve as a pet to dress up.'' ''But that means Aster wouldn''t hand that thing to a pet,'' Grand Duke shook his head slowly. Maybe he already overestimated this ve''s worth to his son. Maybe it would take a year until Aster got bored of him and executed this ve. ''So I have to buy a new ve for him,'' Grand Duke already had the new list of better ve for Aster. He just hadn''t talked to Aster as he was waiting to measure this ve''s worth. But it seemed that this ve''s life wasn''t worth a nce. "With what you just said, I assume that your worth isn''t as good as I expected," Grand Duke said coldly. "Let''s just say I made a bad purchase, you can leave now." Ramuja raised his head immediately. He was shocked with Grand Duke''s cold sentence and his decision to suddenly kicked him out. "B--But, Milord, you said that you would need me to watch over Young Lord and provide information..." "My son is not stupid. He may be inexperienced, but he wont let a pet ve to know about his private matters." Grand Duke looked down on him with his unfeeling gaze. All his previous mirth and smile disappeared, he turned so cold in Ramuja''s eyes. "A pet... ve?" Ramuja seemed to be stunned with the term that his body turned rigid on the spot. "Back then, I also had plenty of pet ves. We dressed them nice and showcased them around, there is still a popr event of pet ve," Grand Duke exined. "Many nobles have pet ves, but it''s different than your status as sex ve before." Ramuja was speechless, something hit him really hard in his consciousness as he felt like his body starting to get lighter. "Pet ve is not for physical pleasure, they are to be adored, sometimes we trade our pet ves to each other, sometimes we asked them to do apetition or just doing ridiculous thing for entertainment," Grand Duke exined lightly, as if all those actions were normal. "If--if the pet ve is disobedient..." "Just like animal pet, if they are disobedient, the owner would punish them. If the pet is beyond help, we just execute that pet. Getting a pet ve is cheaper than buying some exotic animal pet in Golden Camellia." "Does Young Lord really treat me as a pet ve?" Ramuja mumbled. Grand Duke sighed, "You can go now, you are wasting my time." "M--Milord, please give this subordinate a chance!" Ramuja smashed his head to the ground in prostrating position again. "What chance? I''m here to do a trade with you, but you are unable to provide me with the thing I need. My son would probably sell you in a year," Grand Duke sneered. "This subordinate has Young Lord''s personal pin!" Ramuja tried to reason again. "I admit that I was impressed before, Aster only gave his personal pin to me, my wife, and the third one is you," Grand Duke started reading the documents on the table again. Deeming this ve wasn''t worth his time, "But brass pin ismon, maybe my son already gave his brass pin to others. Now leave until you can prove that you own my son''s important pin." "This subordinate has Young Lord''s important pin, Milord." Ramuja replied. Grand Duke stopped reading again, his interest finally sparked, "Do you know what I''m referring to?" Ramuja rose from his position and put the pin he had been holding this whole time on the table, directly in front of Grand Duke. Pin shaped like a string less harp with the letter ''A'' in the middle of it. It was the same shape, but it glinted beautifully as it was made with fine silver metal. Grand Duke''s eyes widened, his hand trembled and hurriedly reached the silver pin. He inspected it in case if it was a fake. ''It really is Aster''s silver pin.'' Grand Duke''s eyes gazed sharply to Ramuja, "How did you get this?" "Young Lord gave it to this subordinate after this subordinate protected him during Spring Festival." Grand Duke was stupefied. He knew that his son was attacked during Spring Festival, but he didn''t know that the one who protected his son was this ve. Grand Duke caressed the silver pin, if that was true, then his son had changed. ''That means Aster knows how to thank someone, even if that person is just a ve.'' ''With this silver pin, I can finally confirm this ve''s position.'' Grand Duke''s mood reversed instantly, his smile reappeared and he looked jubnt. He returned the silver pin and said, "Keep it, silver pin is really important, that means my son has already trusted you." "Y--Yes, Milord. That um... about the deal..." "Yes, I will give you one gold coin each time you tell me important matters about my son, and two gold coins each time you executed my order. Also, I shall take back my word, you are not a pet ve." Ramuja''s gloomy face also brightened, "Thanking Milord''s generosity!" "You can leave now, I will summon you whenever I need " Grand Duke ordered lightly. Ramuja excused himself and left the room. His steps were lighter, he was so happy that, at least, Young Lord didn''t see him as a pet. However, at the same time, he felt something was poking his guilt. Young Lord trusted him, but if he shared all of it to Grand Duke, then he had betrayed Young Lord''s trust. If one thing was so sacred that he wouldn''t touch it, it was Young Lord''s trust. It was extremely important. Ramuja lowered his head. He did everything up to this moment by impulse. ''Does that mean, I''m really selling Young Lord''s information to Grand Duke?'' ''No, Grand Duke is his father. He wouldn''t do anything dangerous to his own son, right?'' Ramuja remembered about how crazy Grand Duchess is, now his heart was filled with even more doubt. He headed to Aster''s room carrying a heavy guilt in his heart. Chapter 85: Quarelling Lovebirds Chapter 85: Quarelling Lovebirds Grand Duchess had just arrived yesterday from her trip two weeks trip to Roagelt, the capital of Golden Camellia Empire. However, her expression looked quite delighted. As she received information that Gaum Cresthold, Second Prince and ambassador of Kingdom Rhea declined her offer of partnership as he already strike a deal with someone else. Normally, Grand Duchess would be angered, but she smiled in delight because she knew that his son already strike a deal with Gaum. There was no way other house could afford the cost of maintaining Kingdom Rhea''s expenses, except the royal family and Grand Duchy Stormhill. "Mdy, Milord Grand Duke has been waiting in the south garden pavilion," Grand Duchess raised her brows, it was quite rare for her husband to have a tea time together. Grand Duchess went to the pavilion and saw her husband sitting alone. She sat on the opposite seat and faced her husband. "Husband, it''s been a while since we sit together, enjoying the beautiful morning, right?" Grand Duchess smiled. Grand Duke cleared his throat and nodded silently. He wasn''t really in the mood to entertain his wife''s antics. "How is everything going for you? You must tell me if you stumble upon something, I can contact my colleagues to help OUR business," Grand Duchess said while emphasizing on the ''our''. "Everything is good," Grand Duke replied shortly. "It''s quite a pity that Aster cannot join us. He has to prepare for his trip to Dionde city, I ought to assist him as he will be recing me for a while there." "He is already seventeen, he should be responsible for his own action, including his task for Grand Duchy," Grand Duke rebutting Grand Duchess calmly. He leered at his wife, and as expected, his wife''s face turned ugly in an instant. His wife, Grand Duchess Camellia Di Arlingdon, was an extremely beautifuldy even in her forties now. She still hadn''t showed any wrinkle or any sign of aging, while he already had few strands of white hairs. However, this beautiful nobledy could turn erratic if someone messed with her only son. "Oh? You disagree? I thought it is a good idea to teach Aster how to govern the business administration in Dionde city, I could give him instruction while I''m following him to the city," Grand Duchess'' sweet tone turned sour and her golden circle dissipated slightly. "I instruct you to stay in Grand Duchy for the time being, we also have many issues regarding the overloaded lettersing to Grand Duchy because of your words before," Grand Duke scolded her. His tone also turned cold. "I can just order someone to copy the same script I wrote and send it to all houses that is interested with Aster," Grand Duchess replied lightly. "You are going to ignore all of them? But they will keep persistently sending the same letter until Aster engages with someone, either you visit them one by one and decline their constant pursuit, or you write personal letter to them!" Grand Duke raised his voice. "Aster is still seventeen, I shall not let him engages with someone! It''s too dangerous!" Grand Duchess also raised her voice. Grand Dukeughed mirthlessly, "Funny that you said it''s too dangerous, who was the one sending Aster to the royal family for two years? He could end up dead there!" "I did it for his own good! He needs to learn or he will get eaten by the game in Golden Camellia!" "Tch, so that''s how you teach him? It''s ridiculous that you think it will do him any good." Grand Duke scowled. Grand Duchess felt very insulted, since she knew her son the best. Learning from the harsh environment was the best way to mature Aster''s understanding about hidden politics. "Silence! Harion, you know that I am his mother, right? I know the best for my son!" Grand Duchess snapped. She gnashed her teeth when she saw Grand Duke looked away in contempt. "And I''m his father," Grand Duke replied softly, "Let him go to Dionde city alone, he has plenty of bodyguards anyway." Grand Duchess calmed down. This was why she never let her stupid husband stayed for too long in Grand Duchy, because he will start spouting nonsense like this. It was so bewildering in Grand Duchess'' mind that Aster would be going to Dionde city alone without any supervision from her. Grand Duke sighed, he invited his wife in the south garden pavilion to have time together, since they were so busy on their own. However, whenever they met, all in their conversation was about disagreement of everything, especially about Aster. Grand Duke stood up and opened his hand to take his wife for a stroll, "Let''s just have a stroll in this south garden, I got tired with our arguments." "You finally said a sane thing," Grand Duchess grabbed his husband''s hand and they went inside the south garden. It was nine am during mid summer. Thus, the temperature and the air were nice. They walked in awkward silence, but Grand Duchess opened her mouth first, "Do you find another woman while you are away doing business?" Grand Duke frowned, he found it unpleasant to talk about, "As I said when we were married back then, by the sacred Oath of Gardenia, I swear my fidelity to you." Grand Duchess giggled happily, "So do I." "Besides, with what you did to both of us back when Aster had just born, there was no way I could find another woman," Grand Duke said unpleasantly. However, Grand Duchess didn''t seem to mind. "I was just preventing anypetition for Aster," she replied calmly. "Fine then, but I still couldn''t forgive you for--" Grand Duke''s lips was pecked by Grand Duchess'' sudden kiss. Their soft peck turned into small kisses, then Grand Duke embraced his wife tightly and deepened the kiss for a good while. Grand Duchess panted slightly, her pale face turned beet red, "Isn''t it good like this? We have a perfect life." Grand Duke was disoriented for a moment until he regained his rationality. However, even if he regained his rationality, he still had to admit that he never lost his love to his wife even with all the insane thing happened to them. "I love you..." Grand Duke said sincerely. "I never lost an inch of my love on you too, just like the Oath of Gardenia, ''To my loved one whom I would give my passion and purity''. I shall love you forever." Grand Duchess replied tenderly. She rested her head on her husband''s broad chest andmented, "It would be nice if we can spend time like this forever, but..." Knowing what would happen soon, Grand Duke sighed, he caressed his wife''s hair gently and said, "I am about to say the same thing..." "Then, I''m going to say it first. I just ordered my men to exploit your farming business near the riverbank in Eriet town, you should inspect it before it getpletely destroyed," Grand Duchess said. She smiled to her husband. "I already asked my men to heat the conflict aboutnd dispute between our partner houses, House of Roc and Tairot. If you didn''t solve the dispute soon, there will be a sh between them and your alliance will be damaged. With this, you will be unable to follow Aster to Dionde," Grand Duke said. "So do you, I''ve received your agenda about silently following Aster to Dionde under the pretense of business. That means none of us could follow him there," Grand Duchess replied. Grand Duke and Duchess stared at each other while maintaining their embrace, they were in another silence, but this time, it was like a mutual understanding. Grand Duke picked a gardenia flower, he puts the gardenia on Grand Duchess'' lips and they shared a deep kiss once more with the gardenia between their lips. The petals of gardenia started falling one by one due to their intense kiss until all petals had fallen and their lips met again. Their eyes opened slowly, Grand Duke''s deep eyes stared at the beautiful eyes of Grand Duchess and their eyes glinted, sharing mutual oath of deep love in Golden Camellia tradition. ''To you, I share my Gardenia Kiss.'' Chapter 86: Different Kind of Jealousy Chapter 86: Different Kind of Jealousy Aster strolled around the garden with Ramuja. It should be a happy moment for him, since no one would disturb them. But it had been so many days that Ramuja had been silent. It felt like his mouth was shut after that meeting with Gaum. Aster sighed, he really disliked this atmosphere, since he was quite positive that his servant would look at him with his dazed look, sometimes adoring, sometimes embarrassed. Those looked entertaining and heartwarming. But he kept the same expression for days. Ramuja had that deste expression of someone who lost hope, as if his light had been dimmed by a heartbroken experience. Aster recalled whether he said something wrong to his servant, but he really didn''t remember any mistake. ''He started doing this after I met with Gaum, did I say something wrong to him?'' Aster pondered. ''Maybe he was displeased because I got close to Gaum?'' ''Or maybe he got really mad when Gaum flirted with me?'' Aster''s face blushed and he staggered a bit. ''No way! He... actually got jealous?'' Aster coughed a bit and asked his servant, "Ramuja, what do you think about Sir Gaum Cresthold?" Ramuja lowered his head, "Sir Gaum is very kind to Young Lord." "Hm? He looks handsome, right?" "... Yes." Aster nced at his servant''s expression and he saw a bitter expression. ''He did get jealous! My god!'' Aster rejoiced in his heart. It felt really good to see Ramuja being jealous. "Y--You know, in Golden Camellia, it is legal for two men to get married, as long as they agreed to adopt a child," Aster smiled, "Maybe I should get married when I reach early twenty, what do you think?" There was a long pause before Ramuja opened his mouth. "This servant is sure that Young Lord could get married to anyone, since Young Lord is very attractive and powerful...'' "So, who do you think fits me if I want to marry a man? Gaum Cresthold or my cousin, Crown Prince Charles? Or..." Aster gave Ramuja a deep stare, hoping that he would invite himself to his option. Thus, Aster would immediately say that he would pick thest option. But he heard no answer, which was expected. ''He looks sad and bitter. I feel bad, but he looks very cute when he is jealous! It makes me wants to tease more.'' Aster giggled in his heart. Never had he ever this much fun for a while. Aster stopped near the garden fountain and sat on the edge of the fountain. He looked at his reflection in the water, his face turned red already, and he saw a weird flicker in his eyes. ''Huh? My golden circle is dting?'' Aster knew that Charles and his mother''s golden circle could dte and even their pupils could turn golden. But no one ever told him if there was any reason. Thus, Aster always considered it as the unique trait of his family. It was harmless anyway. But this was the first time he realized that his golden circle could dte too. Not long after, his golden circle turned back into the normal ring around his pupil. He was attentively observing the change in his eyes from the reflection that he got surprised when he saw Ramuja''s reflection beside his own in the water. "Wha!" Aster slipped and his body directly falling to the fountain. "Young Lord!" Ramuja circled Aster''s shoulder with his hand and embosomed him into his embrace. Aster was still surprised, but his shock turned into embarrassment with jittery feeling in his heart. He stared at the smooth, sturdy bronze chest in front of his face. He could listen to the heartbeat of Ramuja and his masculine smell, it smelt like wood and morning forest, it wasn''t displeasing in Aster''s sensitive nose. In fact, he liked it a lot. Aster instinctively leaned his head to this chest and listened to his servant''s heartbeat slowly. ''It is... pleasant.'' "Young Lord?" Ramuja called him. Aster opened his eyes immediately and pushed Ramuja''s body away from him. "... Are you alright, Young Lord?" Ramuja asked. Aster nodded, but shifted his gaze to the side to avoid having eye contact with Ramuja. "B--But, you shouldn''t touch me! It is improper for a servant to touch his master like that!" Aster blurted in panic. Realizing how ungrateful he sounded, Aster opened his mouth to say thank you, but Ramuja immediately kneeled in front of him. "This servant dares touching Young Lord indecently, requesting Young Lord to punish this servant!" Aster frowned immediately, "What do you mean?" "This servant is requesting for punishment, because this servant hadmitted an offense!" "What?!" Aster was shocked with such bold im. He didn''t remember any offensemitted by his servant. "This servant has touched Young Lord who already has a lover, besides, Young Lord is very mighty, and this servant dares not touching Young Lord indecently in any case!" Ramuja said with suppressed anger in his heart. "What are you saying?" Aster didn''t understand what did his servant just said. A lover, who? Also, high and mighty? Aster didn''t recall any moment when he insulted Ramuja''s position as a servant. Ramuja raised his head and stared at Young Lord''s eyes directly. There was contained anger, jealousy, hatred and grievance mashed together in his eyes. Aster was surprised and took a step back. "Young Lord, this servant believes that he is not the best advisor for your blossoming romance. Please, with due respect, refrain to ask a question about love to this servant. This servant has been alone his whole life." Aster felt like his servant''s sentence was directed in an aggressive way to him. He gazed at that pained eyes of Ramuja. He didn''t understand where did that paining from. He didn''t remember ever hurting him. ''Did I say something wrong?'' "Rise, you don''t need to kneel. I did not take that as an offense," Aster said awkwardly, since he didn''t understand what was happening right now. "May this servant ask a question, Young Lord?" "Y--Yes." Ramuja''s stare bing increasingly piercing and painful, and his eyes represented his despair and boiling anger, "Between Sir Gaum or Crown Prince, which one is your choice? Or you want both? Young Lord is a dazzling man, this servant is sure that you can add as many man and woman as possible in your list if Young Lord wants to." "Y--You..." "This servant will be supporting all Young Lord''s action, since this servant is devoted to you," Ramuja said sarcastically. Usually, Aster felt really joyful whenever his servant said this, but now, all of it turned into bitter rage, passive aggressive remarks thrown at him. Unable to contend his annoyance and confusion, Aster snapped, he pointed his finger at Ramuja and snarled, "You dare making aggressive remarks on me! I shall punish you! Go to the workers hut and you are also denied food for two days!" Ramuja stared at Aster with bitter rage, he nodded, but before he left, he said another sarcastic remark, "Young Lord should''ve punish this servant more severely, I suggest death sentence, because it is fitting." Aster was left alone in this garden. He sat near the edge of the fountain again, but this time, there was no blush in his cheek, only his pale skin turned even paler. ''What went wrong?'' Chapter 87: Different Kind of Feeling Chapter 87: Different Kind of Feeling Aster read the letter he received just now from Esther Yvette, Second Princess of North Fort Kingdom. It took her almost two weeks to reply to his letter, which displeased him a bit. Now, Aster''s displeasure turned into annoyance, because in this letter, she said that she couldn''te because she was studying in Clearwater Academy in Dionde City, thus, she couldn''t leave the dorm and city easily unless there was important event. If he could, Aster would just ditch this idea of approaching Esther, because it felt such a hassle just for creating a partnership with a second princess of a vassal kingdom. Helene, her older sister, was in much higher position than her and was more respected. However, Aster couldn''t approach Helene because she was the fianc of Charles, thus, her allegiance to Charles was unquestioned for. Besides, Aster had a n for this kingdom. Since North Fort Kingdom was the farthest kingdom on the north of Golden Camellia, and was responsible for protecting the northern sea from attacks. The north was also the home for few tribes who separate themselves from Golden Camellia, but tried to attack the kingdom from time to time. North Fort Kingdom was powerful in military, but poor in other aspects. Thus, someone like Esther, a female academician, wasn''t really important for them. However, this was the point that Aster would exploit to slowly make North Fort Kingdom in his alliance. "Jain, do you think I should approach this princess?" "Yes, Young Lord, this subordinate believes that Esther Yvette should be a great help if it is ording to Young Lord''s n," Jain said as his master already told his n about North Fort Kingdom before. "Alright then," Aster took the new letter from his mother and opened it. It was sealed with Grand Duchy''s official stamp, thus, it should be an official matter regarding his new task to supervise business administration. Aster read the whole letter and finally concluded that he would be going to Dionde City, the capital city of Grand Duchy Stormhill as an autonomous region in Golden Camellia. Aster sighed, he read from the old documents about Grand Duchy''s task in Dionde City before, supervising business administration, tourism, and overall maintaining and improving the city if possible. ''But the time couldn''t get any worse now.'' Aster remembered about his servant, and his worries surged up again, "Jain, has Ramuja stayed in his room since yesterday?" "Yes, Young Lord." "Did he eat the food I gave?" Aster asked. Even though he said Ramuja would be denied food for two days, Aster wasn''t that cruel, especially to him. Thus, he ordered a maid to deliver him healthy food three times a day, even with snack. But under the pretense that maid pitied Ramuja. "No, Young Lord. He never touched the food since yesterday." "WHAT!?" "That servant hasn''t eaten anything since yesterday, Young Lord." "Did you give him the fresh food, the most delicious one?" Aster asked again just to make sure. Jain nodded slowly. Aster''s face paled. ''Does Ramuja refused to eat anything because it is my punishment, or because he is mad at me?'' Aster pondered. However, both possibilities didn''t matter because in the end, his servant refused to eat anything for two days. Knowing it would harm his life, Aster grew concerned; "If he still refused to eat anything until midnight, you shall force feed him. He needs to eat no matter how, understand?" Aster ordered Jain. Jain still had his nonchnt expression, he paused and didn''t directly said yes as usual, "Young Lord, that servant of yours can feed himself normally. This subordinate doesn''t think he needs any force-feeding. Besides, he did disrespect you yesterday. This subordinate believes you already shows enormous grace and forgiveness for him, he should be punished more severely." Aster immediately red to Jain, "Did you just question my authority?" Jain shook his head, "This subordinate dares not, but this subordinate has a question, why would you go this far just for a ve?" Aster''s red softened, it turned into a disordered gaze and his golden circle started dting slowly, "What do you mean?" "Young Lord, this subordinate thinks that you don''t need to be generous to a ve, he is by any means, your property." "But, I don''t think he is just a property..." "But, Young Lord did purchase the ve with gold coins, his life and death is in your hand. If you order him to eat, he will eat. If you order him to die, he will kill himself," Jain''s sharp eyes noticed the golden circle in Aster''s eyes and seemed to catch something, "Thus, you don''t need to be too concerned about him. If you want him to eat, just order him to eat. He doesn''t worth your time. This subordinate suggests you to just focus on your task in Dionde City." Jain''s words hit hard in his mind. What he said made sense, Ramuja was technically still his property, his ve, and there was no need to be gentle and wholly concerned about him. But there was something in his heart that disturbed him, like a wedge that couldn''t be removed. ''He is my property...'' ''But, why does it feel so wrong?'' ''What kind of feeling I have for Ramuja anyway?'' ''Love? Don''t be ridiculous! He is still a lowborn, there was no way I would ruin my Grand Duchy''s reputation, especially in this current situation.'' ''But I do like him around me, I missed him constantly, I dreamed of him every night. If this wasn''t love... what else?'' Jain observed his master dazed state and said, "Young Lord, this subordinate believes that Young Lord''s attachment to this servant is because Young Lord hasn''t socialize with many young nobles, thus, you felt this ve is special." "So you think, this feeling of mine towards him isn''t special?" "This subordinate believes Young Lord is still young and inexperienced, thus, you must be confused with your feeling. This subordinate suggests Young Lord to socialize with young masters from other houses. It will surely benefit Young Lord, and Young Lord wouldn''t be unnecessarily attached to a ve." "What benefit do I get for socializing with those vain guys?" Aster had a slight doubt, but it seemed that he already knew the answer himself. "Since Young Lord is now an adult, it is beneficial for Young Lord to socialize more to open more options for trade or any kind of partnership. This is in line with Young Lord''s original goal, right?" Jain replied precisely. "Yes, you''re right..." Aster seemed to make up his mind. He nodded and smiled to Jain, "Thank you for reminding me. I know my task in Grand Duchy is the most important." Aster started writing a letter and put it in an envelope, then he sealed it with his personal wax stamp, "Jain, I need you to deliver this to Esther Yvette right away." Jain received the letter and looked at his master with doubt, "Young Lord, shall this subordinate ordered my disciple to send this?" "No, it must be you, personally," Aster made it clear that it must be Jain who sent this letter. "... This subordinate understand," Jain nodded and vanished instantly in front of Aster. Aster sighed, it should take at least two days before Jain returned to the grand duchy. *** Aster walked slowly to a room in workers hut. The hut was still empty because the serfs were still having dinner together in the field before returning to this ce. Thus, he still had one hour left before they all returned. Aster asked one maid about his servant''s room and he was guided to a door. "Young Lord, shall this servant notify the ve about your arrival?" the maid asked politely, but still kept her eyes down, fearing she would be stunned if she saw Aster''s face for too long. "No, no need. He is alone there, right? You can leave now." "Then, this servant excuses herself." Aster stared at the in wooden door in front of him. There was the urge of knocking it, but it wouldn''t be befitting of him, since he was the master of this ce anyway. There was also a doubt that what he did right now was right. His mother would probably get furious if she knew that his son actually went inside the workers hut just for a ve. ''But I couldn''t lie to myself...'' Aster took a deep breath and opened the door slowly. Chapter 88: Different Kind of Feeling II Chapter 88: Different Kind of Feeling II Aster opened the door slowly and saw a room with only a candle as the source of lighting. Aster never entered the workers hut, let alone entered the room. It wasn''t bad and the room was clean anyway, but it was extremely terriblepared to his room, even his first room in Golden pce, which in his impression, a horrible experience, was better than this. Aster saw a silhouette lying on the bed weakly, with only dim lighting from the candle, he could see the striking outline of that masculine face. However, that masculine face wasn''t as bright as usual, in fact, he looked very weak. There was untouched food on the table. Aster''s body shook involuntarily. Ramuja opened his eyes, feeling someone was staring at him, he looked at the door and saw someone so dazzling and gorgeous even with in this dim ce. There was no one as charming as this man, whom he loved even with all the hurtful things he said. Ramuja rose from his bed and then walked slowly, he wobbled few times until he stopped in front of this man, and then kneeled deep, "T--This servant greets Young Lord." Aster could hear the hoarse voiceing out of his servant''s mouth and he tried really hard to control his body. Because if he followed his instinct, he would hug his servant and said sorry repeatedly. "You may rise..." Ramuja tried to stand from his position, but he immediately slumped back to the wooden floor. He tried it again, but his body just couldn''t move. His energy was all drained because he hadn''t eat for almost two days. Aster stared at Ramuja, and then switched his gaze to the untouched food few times. He just couldn''t believe someone would really stop eating or drinking for two days straight just because of his stupid words. Sensing that Aster was staring at the food on the desk, Ramuja replied nervously, "Y--Young Lord, this servant never touch that food, someone delivered it to me, but I swear I didn''t touch it at all!" ''You can lie a bit, you know.'' ''Even if you eat everything, you could lie that it is your roommates'' food, you can also eat it and hid the te from my sight.'' Aster''s golden circle dted slowly, but it didn''t dissipate, the ring grew bigger until it covered half of his pupil. He put his palm on top of Ramuja''s head and rubbed it slowly. Ramuja was of course, surprised by such gesture. However, it was a very silky palmnded on his coarse hair. He was afraid that Young Lord would identally prick his finger by his hair strand. Thus, Ramuja avoided Aster''s head rub politely, "Young Lord, this servant''s hair is coarse, it might prick your finger." Aster chuckled lightly. There was no way a hair could prick a finger, even to a baby''s fingers. Thus, Ramuja unknowingly justmitted an offense by indirectly saying that his master''s hand is even softer than baby. ''He just insulted me, and he didn''t even realize it.'' ''Ramuja, why are you so stupid?'' ''Yet so adorable...'' Ramuja interpreted his master''s chuckle as a mirthless chuckle, the sign that his master wasn''t amused. He prostrated immediately in front of Aster. "Young Lord, this servant had lost his rationality and dared offending Young Lord two days ago. This servant is very ashamed, this servant deserves more punishment than this!" Ramuja said, while pertaining his prostrating position with his head knocked the wooden floor. ''I haven''t say anything you know.'' ''Usually, ves and servants would beg for lighter punishment, or forgiveness. Why do you ask for more punishment?'' ''I really don''t understand your way of thinking.'' Aster maintained his silence while staring at his servant, his golden circle gradually expand slowly. Ramuja thought that his master''s silence was the sign of wrath. For two days, he starved himself, following the order of Young Lord. The hunger hurt him, but it wasn''t the first time he went into hunger strike, he got quite used to it when he was still a sex ve. However, this time, the hunger strike was followed by emotional grievance. Because he knew what he said to Young Lord was aggressive, and he acted out of jealousy. He forgot to remind himself that he was just a ve, a lowly ve, he had no right to be jealous. Ramuja swallowed his breath, if Young Lord was already fed up with his impertinence, then there was no way out other than this. Since his worth was determined based on his master''s satisfaction. ''I''m still his ve, what is the point of living if I can''t get his forgiveness...'' "Young Lord, if you are unwilling to punish this ve, then this ve deserves death. This ve begs Young Lord to order an execution," Ramuja said solemnly. "What ve dares to order me for punishment!" Aster said. Ramuja shrieked. He felt that this was really the end for him. His body trembled involuntarily. Aster regretted his choice of words immediately. He didn''t mean to scare his servant. He was just panicked because his servant seemed to be so dead set about his severe punishment. ''Am I that scary?'' ''Please don''t be scared, I don''t know what to do!'' Aster squatted and tried to pull his servant up. But his body was so heavy, that it made Aster lost his bnce and fell on his back. "Young Lord!" Ramuja immediately lifted Aster up with his strong hand. He carried Aster to the bed and put him gently. Ramuja tumbled down again because he already spent hisst energy. Aster wasn''t hurt at all, and it was ridiculous that his servant would react exaggeratedly over something like that. Ramuja was now sitting on the ground, his body trembled out of exhaustion. ''You are overly worried about me, I didn''t even ask you to carry me with thatst strength you have left.'' Aster saw the food on the table was still fresh, probably because it was supposed to be Ramuja''s dinner. He took the te and stirred the beef porridge with the spoon. The soup was still warm, Aster scooped the beef porridge with the spoon and fed Ramuja directly. "Y--Young Lord, w--what is this?" "I order you to eat," Aster said. "T--This servant can eat by himself..." "No, I order you to eat and I shall be the one who feed you until you finish the te." Ramuja stared at the spoon and opened his mouth reluctantly. Aster smiled and continued feeding him. Unwittingly, Ramuja started sobbing and tears welled up in his eyes before he started crying. His masculine appearance wasn''t really fitting with those tears, but it softened Aster''s heart. "Young Lord, this servant begs you to stop, please..." "Why do you cry? Do I scare you?" Aster asked. "No, Young Lord, this servant is sad. Because this servant is just useless," Ramuja sobbed, "This servant has never been treated kindly by my previous masters before, you''re the only one who cares about me and never hurt me physically." "But, this servant is still a ve even though you don''t want me to address myself as ''ve''. For a ve to be fed by his master, and the most powerful and gorgeous master this servant ever has, I don''t deserve it. I feel ashamed to receive your grace." "That is why, Young Lord, this servant begs you not to be too kind to this servant. Because this servant has indecent thought, this servant has sinned to have immoral thought about you." Aster seemed to catch on something, he puts the te to the desk and asked his servant, "What kind of indecent thought you have?" Ramuja couldn''t hold his tear, he was a big man, but he felt very fragile now. Knowing he couldn''t hold his own feeling anymore, he replied sincerely, "This servant has acted out of emotion, jealousy, anger, and other indecent thought a ve shouldn''t have." "What you did two days ago was also out of emotion?" "Yes, this servant is jealous because there are many men and women who can be close to you, but this servant will never be able to..." Ramuja lowered his head, "This servant cannot act like a property in front of you. This property has emotion, Young Lord." "So, you didn''t hate me at all?" "How could I?! Y--Young Lord, you are the kindest, the most gorgeous, and the most charitable! How could a ve like me hate you!" Ramuja replied anxiously. Then he calmed down and tried to prostrate again, "Young Lord, this ve already offend you with my indecent thought, please kill this ve." Aster stared at his servant intensely, there was brewing feeling in his heart that he couldn''t control. And he felt like there was a burst of lightning started from his heart and gradually trailed around his body. Aster''s golden circle finally enveloped his pupil and his pupil turned bright golden. "Raise your head and look at me," Aster said, his voice sounded different, "Whether I would execute you or not, depends on your next answer..." Aster''s golden eyes met with Ramuja''s eyes. He caressed his servant''s cheek. "Are you in love with me?" Chapter 89: Different Kind of Feeling III Chapter 89: Different Kind of Feeling III "Are you in love with me?" Ramuja''s heartbeat stopped for a second as his body started trembling uncontrobly. He knew that Young Lord would ask this, but when the moment really happened, the fear of uncertainty numbed his brain. He tried to pull back and made a distance with Young Lord, but a soft hand suddenly gripped his neck. There was no power in it, and he could break out easily. But there was unprecedented aura exuded from Young Lord''s eyes. His eyes had turned golden, and he exuded powerful suppressing aura that made him weak in his knees, trembling out of fear and fascination involuntarily. Aster repeated his question, "Are you in love with me?" Ramuja stared at that pair of golden pupils that seemed to sap all his strength. ''If I say yes, what would you do to me, Young Lord?'' ''If I say no, would you kill me? I don''t mind, since my life and death is in your hand but...'' ''But I cannot lie, I do love you. I am a ve that fell in love with his own master, it''s like a sphemy.'' ''You came to my dream every night, I was constantly reminded about how I couldn''t apany you to the golden pce. I was afraid that something would happen to you, Young Lord.'' Ramuja remembered about Merry and her family who waited for him in that small house. He never liked Merry romantically, in fact, he always treated her more like a little sister. ''If I say that I do love him, what would happen...'' ''But there is no way back anymore, he already knows my feeling, he just needs the wording from my mouth...'' Ramuja had made a decision and he stared at his master''s eyes deeply. There was no more doubt in his eyes. "Young Lord, this servant... no," Ramuja paused, he shook his head and corrected his words, "Aster, I..." "I love you, my gaze never leave you and my longing is always about you, your breath is my wish and your happiness is my greatest reward. Aster, I love you." Ramuja closed his eyes, took a deep breath and opened it. He already told Young Lord about this feeling, he shall face anything that might happen after this. Whether he would die or not, it was in the hand of Young Lord. *** Aster felt like there was a lightning travelling around his body, constantly discharged on every spot of his nerve system. This feeling made him numb and he even periodically lost his consciousness for few seconds. ''He loves me...'' ''He loves me...'' ''He loves me, he loves me, he loves me...'' ''He loves me, he loves me, he loves me, he loves me, he loves me...'' Aster''s golden pupils seemed to have flickered. Suddenly, It shone brightly, as if there was a blinding light inside his eyes. Ramuja felt something was wrong, his body gradually lost all of his power as he couldn''t avoid Young Lord''s eyes. There seemed to be something that made him dazed and he couldn''t think of anything but to stare at that bright golden eyes. "Ramuja, by the Oath of Camellia, I, Aster Di Arlingdon will--" TAP! A silhouette suddenly emerged and tapped Aster''s nape with his finger. There was a very thin needle pierced Aster''s skin. Ramuja shook his head, he regained his consciousness after a while, then proceed to reacted violently to the scene in front of him. He rushed to Jain who just sedated Aster and tried to punch him with his strength that came out of nowhere. Jain evaded the reckless punches effortlessly and then did one quick punch in Ramuja''s shoulder that paralyzed himpletely. Ramuja growled, "DON''T YOU DARE TOUCHING HIM!" Jain gave him a sarcastic side-nce and scoffed, "I''m here to save Young Lord from making a terrible mistake, since he almost marked you." Jain carried Aster and gave Ramuja another nce, "You should know that Young Lord''s life is much bigger than a sex ve. He has his own destiny to fulfill, ruining all his opportunity for a ve like you is not worth it." With that, Jain vanished with Young Lord. Ramuja snarled and cursed, but his body was really paralyzed for fifteen minutes. After he could move again, he ran to Young Lord''s room, but the door guards blocked him. "I--I''m Young Lord''s personal ve! He needs my assistance!" "Young Lord''s official servant said that Young Lord didn''t feel well, he said no one is allowed to disturb him." Ramuja was still terrified by the thought of Aster being unconscious, beside, his master was about to say something before Jain sedated him. Ramuja waited for two hours, but the guards didn''t seem to budge, he returned to the workers hut. His mind was in chaos and there was something that constantly disturbed his mind after he stared at Young Lord''s shining golden eyes. Ramuja tried to close his eyes, but there was a yellow sh that kept flickering in his mind even if he tried to close his eyes. ''Young Lord... Young Lord...'' *** It was midnight, Aster opened his eyes slowly, the golden pupils had returned normal to a golden circle. Aster observed his surrounding and found that he was in his room. His mind slowly recovered from what happened before he passed out. ''I am meeting my servant...'' ''Ramuja... Ramuja... he loves me...'' Aster''s golden circle flickered suddenly, but it returned back normal immediately when there was a silhouette appeared in front of him. Jain kneeled deep, "This subordinate watches over Young Lord." Aster stared at Jain and frowned displeasingly, "What did you do?" "This subordinate sedated Young Lord with my expertise," Jain replied truthfully. "I said, what did you do!" Aster raised his voice, "I told you to deliver the letter to Esther in Dionde City! Why are you still here, and how dare you disturb my privacy with my servant!" Aster took a flower vase near him and threw it on Jain until it shattered, however, Jain didn''t budge, "Young Lord, this subordinate is trying to protect Young Lord. Do you remember, that you almost recited the sacred Oath of Camellia to your ve?" "What?" Aster didn''t remember anything after his servant said that he loves him. He didn''t even remember about reciting such sacred oath. People who recited the oath will be bound by fate that they will sacrifice everything for their spouse. If Oath of Gardenia was about a pure love, Oath of Camellia was about a sacrifice for someone you love. It was very sacred and no one in Golden Camellia dared to joke about it. "Young Lord, no matter how fond you are to that ve, please reconsider your decision. You are the honored Young Master of Grand Duchy Stormhill. You are still the rtive of Golden Camellia Royal family. Such title is your destiny, your task in this Grand Duchy. You bear heavy responsibilities on your shoulder." Aster was also unsure on what just happened. He did like Ramuja so much, but to recite the Oath of Camellia was out of his mind. Not even his parents ever recited the Oath of Camellia seriously to each other. Because nobody knew what would happen if someday, you had to sacrifice everything to someone you recited the oath with. ''Did I almost recited the oath to him?'' "B--but, how could it be?! No way I would recite that to anyone!'' Jain was right. Aster remembered about his parents, his people, his mission, and many things, including Ramuja, his dearest servant. They were all, in the end, going to be his responsibility. ''I still have plenty of responsibilities, including him.'' ''How could I protect him if I lost everything?'' ''But still, he boldly dered his love to me... it''s amazing...'' Sensing that Aster''s eyes started flickering again, Jain immediately interrupted, "Young Lord, please remember that having a rtionship with a ve would be harmful to Young Lord and the ve. Grand Duchy''s reputation will also be ruined. This subordinate believes that Young Lord acknowledges which matter has the most priority over everything." "Yes, I know. My responsibility to carry the Grand Duchy''s name far outweighs other things," Aster nodded, "It must be because of my muddled mind, thank you for reminding me." "This subordinate naturally devotes himself to Young Lord, this subordinate will always protect Young Lord from any harm," Jain said sincerely. "You asked your disciple to send my letter?" Aster asked. "Yes, Young Lord. This subordinate is worried about you, thus, I couldn''t leave you alone here." Aster smiled, "It''s past midnight already, you may return tomorrow morning." "This subordinate understands," Jain nodded and disappeared. After his servant left, his golden circle flickered a bit. Aster chuckled. ''My priority for Grand Duchy is indeed the most important because of my status as the Young Master of Grand Duchy Stormhill.'' ''However, I do have different priority in my heart.'' ''It''s just... I couldn''t admit it directly, because what Jain said was true. It would be a big disaster to his Grand Duchy if the other nobles know about this.'' Aster imagined the bold expression of his servant when he confessed, Aster''s cheeks reddened and he smiled, "If you want my answer, I will say that I love you too, but you know that my position isn''t suitable for love." "My position would only hurt us if we are together now. Thus, you must wait until I can control the situation," he talked to the air. ''But it would be cruel to leave you hanging, so, I will be giving you an answer that will bind you with me until we are officially together, because I love you too, my sweet servant,'' Aster said in his heart, there was a sh of yellow light in his eyes as Aster saw his reflection on the mirror. Chapter 90: A Well-Loved Young Lord Chapter 90: A Well-Loved Young Lord Aster sat on the sofa while reading the administrative documents handed to him by the Grand Duchy''s head administrator. His job was to review these documents and supervise the process of many business financial administration in Grand Duchy Stormhill. In short, it was a lot of work, even to Aster who was used to take over the grand duchy''s work when his mother and father was away. ''I guess my experience when I was a child and teen wasn''t even considered as half of the real workpared to what mother and father have every day to take care of Grand Duchy''s administration.'' Grand Duchy Stormhill was a very busy autocratic state in Golden Camellia Empire. Because it held many major businesses that contributed significantly to Golden Camellia''s treasury. However, with that many businesses running around, the amount of work Aster had to do was staggering. He wiped the sweat on his forehead. Even though the weather had cooled down he still sweated a lot. Aster raised his head to saw the leaves on the trees outside that started to turn yellow. ''Autumn ising, atst, Dionde City''s temperature wouldn''t kill me,'' Aster sighed in relief. Something caught his eyes and his head turned left, his servant, Ramuja, was dazedly staring at him. ''What is he staring at? My sweat? Who would like to stare at somebody else''s sweat?'' Aster scrunched his eyebrows. "What are you staring at?" Aster called his servant out. Ramuja shook his head and regained his focus after a good time of staring at his master''s sweat. Usually, sweat was disgusting and smelly, but somehow, he could smell a fragrant aroma exuded from Young Lord when he was sweating. Besides, Young Lord''s appearance when he was sweating made him even sexier. He gulped, now that his master frowned at him, it didn''t even frighten him. It only made his cor especially tight and something under his belly became ufortable. Ramuja shook his head again, to clear his dirty thought. "Nothing, Young Lord." "Well, you must remember that we will have a long trip to Dionde City tomorrow morning and we will live there until the end of winter. So, you must pack all your belonging," Aster said. "Young Lord, may this servant ask a question?" "Hm?" "Is it eptable for this servant to follow Young Lord? Since it is the capital city of Grand Duchy Stormhill. There will be many nobles who would visit Young Lord." Aster sighed, "You are my personal servant, whether there will be other nobles around, it doesn''t matter as long as you stick with me." Ramuja was tongue-tied. He was relieved that Young Lord brought him to Dionde City. Since Young Lord only brought guards and two servants with him, those two servants were him and Jain. But he was also scared, especially if there would be Crown Prince or people simr to him, they might punish him just for the fun of it. ''But Young Lord said, as long as I stick with him, nothing bad will happen'' Ramuja remembered when he was separated from his master for a long time, he had this sense of anxiety and fear that something might happen to his master. Ramuja nodded and smiled, "This servant understands, thanking Young Lord for such kindness." Seeing Ramuja smiled to him made Aster''s heart skipped a bit and his golden circle wavered. Aster looked away and said, "Yes, you can go now. Remember, you will have to be prepared early." "Yes, Young Lord. Please excuses this servant." Ramuja bowed and left the room with smile on his face. After the door was closed, Aster took a deep breath and rested his shoulder on the sofa. He covered his face with his hand because his breath started to beat irregrly. He said to himself that he had to hold his reaction to Ramuja. Because it was too dangerous. ''His smile is dangerous.'' Aster''s mind kept swirling around that light smile and he couldn''t concentrate. The sun was setting anyway. He washed his face with cold water and called it a day. Late at night, Aster stared at the now wilted sunflower given by his servant a month ago. It was not beautiful, the petals were all dried and it looked ugly. But Aster liked it so much that he didn''t threw it out. "Ramuja" Aster''s smile blooming unconsciously. Aster didn''t give Ramuja an answer after his confession before. He acted as if nothing happened and treated Ramuja as usual. However, his mind was constantly brewing with shackled desire. He really wanted to say that he loved him too and even kissed him. But he knew that there would be no way out after that happened. And Jain was right, there was no way that he could take a male ve as a lover, because his position wasn''t weak and grand duchy had many political enemies, yet his position wasn''t strong enough to cement his name in Golden Camellia Empire. Thus, the only way to take Ramuja as his official lover, was to do his duty as Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, and slowly acquire economical power. Thus, no one could badmouth his grand duchy and his servant, and grand duchy would be safe even if he took Ramuja as a romance partner. ''PPerhaps marriage?'' Aster''s face blushed instantly and he covered his face with quilt. ''No--No, I shouldn''t ck off. If I want to marry him, I should strengthen my position first.'' Aster hugged his pillow and closed his eyes, imagining a nice dream that would happen if he worked hard. ''Ramuja'' *** The morning came and Jain had prepared everything for Aster before he woke up. From all his apparels, the documents, even smallest thing that Aster had ordered before, Jain already packed everything. He came with Aster''s breakfast, "Young Lord, everyone is ready." Aster ate his breakfast slowly and swallowed it, "And my servant?" Jain''s eyes sharpened, but he replied tly, "Yes." "Good, I will be ready soon," Aster finished his breakfast and prepared for the trip to Dionde City. He walked outside and greeted by every servant in this mansion. They stood in the hall and bowed when they saw Aster was ready to leave the mansion. Aster squinted, even when his mother and father departed from grand duchy, the servants wouldn''t do this, since they were busy. "What is this?" Aster asked Sir Douss, his teacher and head butler. "Young Lord, we are all sincerely sending you off to your duty in Dionde City." "Huh?" "The servants are all grateful for your kindness. After your discussion with Milord Grand Duke about their sry and working condition, all servants and serfs are now living well enough to send money to their families," Sir Douss said. He showed a proud smile, like a proud teacher who saw his student had aplished something. Aster stared at the bowing servants in silence. ''Did they really take it as a benevolent move? I was just discussing with dad about how to increase the productivity of the servants around the mansion as a trial to train my managing skill.'' ''Just by slightly increasing their sry and extending their rest period was enough for them to act like this?'' Aster frowned in doubt. He really didn''t understand how something so simple could make these servants paused their activities, bowing together and sending him off. "Everyone!" Sir Doussmanded. Aster was startled when the servants moved and lined up together, they kneeled in front of him and said, "Thank you, Honorable Young Lord!" Aster hadn''t opened his mouth, but Sir Douss immediately escorted him to the courtyard. "Young Lord, please take care on your journey." Aster stared at his teacher, Sir Douss, who started to show some wrinkles in his face. There was some mncholy feeling in him, because after he left grand duchy two years ago, his education basically finished and he rarely talked to Sir Douss after he returned. "Thank you for everything, teacher," Aster said. Sir Douss nodded, "Young Lord, you are talented in governing and finance, please utilize your talent carefully. I have nothing to teach you anymore." "I will, thank you." With that, Aster closed the carriage door and the troupe took off. Ramuja was sitting on the floor of his carriage while Aster sat on the cushion. He was tasked to tend any need of Aster. He had a small smile since the beginning. Aster nced at him and called him, "Ramuja." "Yes, Young Lord. Is there something this servant can do?" "No, I''m just wondering. Why would the servants in duchy mansion do that?" "This servant doesn''t understand" "Why would they waste their time just to kneel in front of me, it''s unnecessary," Aster tapped his finger. He was waiting for Ramuja to give him some dumb answer as usual, but Ramuja smiled and replied. "Because you never hurt them, you never worked them to death, you give punishment and reward justly. This servant knows exactly what they are doing," Ramuja raised his head and stared directly at Aster, "Young Lord, you are well-loved." Chapter 91: Dionde City Chapter 91: Dionde City It took almost twelve hours until they reached Dionde City. By the time they reached the city, it was already dusk. The lights from colorful oilmps flickered around the corner of the street. The patrol guards light them one by one every night to lighten the street with colorful lights. It was really beautiful. Aster recalled thest time he lived in this city. It was when he was around seven, the ce was always nice, but it was never pleasant for him. Because he couldn''t leave the Lantern Pce, the pce his dad built. Dionde City was a coastal city, thus, if during spring until the end of summer, the temperature could be extreme. Aster recalled, that during summer, he would be locked in his room and sat between blocks of ice just for him to stand the heat every day. He entered the school for noble kids when he was five, but the day he entered the school was during the peak of summer. Thus, his rash was severe and his body burned in pain, it felt like there was fire underneath his skin, his skin turned red and blisters appeared everywhere. Other kids started screaming and crying when they saw Aster''s hideous appearance. He ran and hid behind the teacher, he was frightened by these kids who called him ugly monster. After that, he was homeschooled, Sir Douss was his teacher since he was five years old. And he was never allowed to leave the pce unless it was autumn or winter. Yet, the doctor said that his skin condition was untreatable, that was why his parents decided to move and bought a mansion on top of a hill with cooler temperature. ''That''s why I never have friend, except asional visit from Charles and Rosalie.'' Aster gazed at the scenery of lined houses. Plenty of people walked around the city, many stores were open, and so far, the city was still beautiful and romantic, just like what was in his childhood memory. Dionde City was the trade capital of Golden Camellia Empire due to its strategic location on the coast. It was also a romantic city filled with beautiful spots for couples. That was why this city never lost its glimmer. The carriage got slower and stopped in front of thentern pce gate. Knowing that Aster woulde, the guards immediately opened the gate and the carriage entered thentern pce. Immediately, they were greeted with the signature of this pce, the reason why this pce was called Lantern Pce. "Wha" Ramuja was amazed by the courtyard of this pce. The courtyard was covered withrge dome made of steel. The steel dome was structured like spider web and it was covered with creeper nts and flowers. The dome was made so that Aster could y in the courtyard without getting his skin burned. Aster smiled, "The dome is as beautiful as always." What made it special was that, every night, the dome keeper would reel down many colorfulnterns and reeled it back up, hanging many of in the dome. Every night, thentern showed many of its beautiful and calming radiance. The dome was beautiful indeed, but Aster nced at his servant who was awestruck with such magnificent scenery. Aster''s lips perked up, "Do you think this dome is beautiful?" Ramuja nodded, "Yes, Young Lord, it is magnificent!" "Then, we can always visit this dome every night," Aster said. Ramuja didn''t reply him because he was immersed with the scenery. But Aster wasn''t mad, his smile bloomed, then he looked away and focused his gaze on the dome. The carriage finally stopped in front of the main hall, a guard opened the carriage door and Ramuja stepped outside first, then kneeled when Aster exited the carriage. The servants and guards in the pce bowed to him and said their greeting and continued, "Young Lord, we are the servants who take cares of the pce, please use us whatever you wished to." "You have my appreciation. Now, rise," Aster ordered dignifiedly, "Are you the head butler here?" Aster pointed at the servant who greeted him just now. "Yes, Young Lord." "You had prepared two rooms for my servants, right?" "Yes, everything is ready ording to Young Lord''s order." Aster nced at Ramuja and Jain who tailed him behind. He saw that none of the pce servants dared to raise their head and look at him in the eyes. Which he found a bit weird. However, he was tired already, thus he paid it no mind and let the head butler to escorted him to his room. His new room was twice biggerpared to his room in the grand duchy mansion and it had been decorated nicely. Aster nodded in satisfaction and entered the room. Jain and Ramuja followed him, but when Ramuja was about to follow him inside, Aster stopped him, "Ramuja, you can go now." "Young Lord, is there something wrong?" Ramuja asked spontaneously. He tried to probe his master intention. "This servant will tend all Young Lord''s needs." Aster massaged his forehead and said, "No, But I have to talk to Jain. Rest assured, you will tend me tomorrow morning, you must be here at four, understand?" "Yes, Young Lord," Ramuja''s smile dissipated, but he obeyed the order. He was escorted to his room. Now there was only Aster and Jain, they nodded in tacit understanding and Jain closed the door. He kneeled in front Aster and handed out two letters from his pocket. "I believe these two would be from Esther and Irion," Aster took the letters. "Yes, Young Lord, Esther Yvette agrees to apany you to your inspection to Clearwater Academy in this city, for Irion he is more than eager to meet you tomorrow, Young Lord." "Oh? Irion is in this city already?" Aster raised his eyebrows "Irion has been in this city sincest week, because he found many potential recruits here." "So, he is doing what I told him to do." "Yes, he has been doing it efficiently, Young Lord," Jain''s eye sharpened as there was still something disturbing him, "Young Lord, dare this subordinate suggests, you shouldn''t be bringing your personal servant to Clearwater Academy or when Irion ising to meet you." "Hm? What is the problem now? I thought you and Ramuja are in proper term with each other." "It''s not about that, Young Lord, this subordinate believes that he is not well intended," Jain remembered what that ve had just said a moment ago. He was hinting that he could serve Young Lord in all kind of matter, including sexual need. ''As expected from a sex ve, his filthy mind already fantasizes about Young Lord,'' Jain gritted his teeth. His dagger was ready to slice that ve''s throat, but his master might actually kill him out of revenge. Aster''s gaze sharpened and the golden circle shrank slightly, "You have no right to tell me whether I could keep a servant or not. My servant never harms me, so, you should keep your opinion for yourself." Hearing the dismissive answer from his master made Jain even more angry than before. This ve was even more dangerous than he expected, but he couldn''t do anything to eliminate this ve right now. He would need to find a time to strike. "This subordinate understood." "Good, you can leave now," Aster replied. Jain retreated from Aster''s room. He walked through the corridor and stopped in front of his room. His room and that ve''s room was directly facing each other. Jain''s eyes were as sharp as an eagle and his aura emanates killing intent, he fixed his sses and said, "I will never let you touch my master, filthy ve." Chapter 92: Irions Visit Chapter 92: Irion''s Visit Irion wore a thin red vest, with silver button and white shirt underneath it. He cuffed his sleeve few times. He saw his reflection in the mirror and he looked gant. He had well-built frame because he was a pce knight for one year before he resigned because his master wanted him to do other things. Irion''s lips perked up few times because he was excited with this meeting. Finally, after months of separation, he could finally see his master again. Irion''s eyes glimmered with hope, because ording to Jain, Young Lord had be unrealistically gorgeous. ''As expected from my master!'' Irion said proudly. He could feel that someone approached him from his left, his eyes darted immediately to the left and saw that it was Jain with his shadow step. Jain stopped in front of Irion and said, "Irion, Young Lord is waiting for you in his balcony." Irion chuckled ironically, "Are you getting dull? I could see your shadow step from afar." Jain frowned, "I should be utilizing my skill soon, this ce is vtile." "If you cannot protect Young Lord, I should be the one taking your position," Irion said enviously. It was obvious that he disliked this task because it demanded him to be separated from Young Lord. Jain ignored him and said, "Go now, Young Lord is waiting." Irion walked through the corridor and stopped in front of a big door, one week before Young Lord arrived in Lantern Castle, he had inspected everything in this ce with Jain in case of dangerous traps that would harm Young Lord. Thus, he remembered theyout of this castle. Irion knocked slowly, but the before he opened the door himself, the door was opened from the inside. ''Young Lord is with someone?'' Irion became alerted. Young Lord had never been to be close to many people, nor that there was any information about new subordinate. Irion stepped inside and his eyes immediately searched around and noticed that Young Lord was sitting on a chair in the balcony. Nothing changed much about him, but he had the aura of maturity around him. Young Lord''s eyes stared at him and Irion''s leg trembled. He was trembling because Young Lord suddenly had this aura that made him tremble and wanted to voluntarily kneel in front of him. Irion walked slowly, and every step he took, his leg lowered slightly more and more until he kneeled instantly in front of Young Lord. His eyes looked up to meet with Young Lord''s golden circle. "Young Lord, this subordinate kneels in front of your greatness" Irion said. Aster chuckled, "Few months outside and you are already a smooth talker, did you find a mate outside?" Irion raised his head anxiously, "How could I! Young Lord, you are the only one in my mind and heart!" "Okay, I believe you," Aster couldn''t hold hisugh. Whenever he saw Irion, what he saw was a big dog who sniffed him around and looked at him with his sparkly eyes. It was really cute. Such thing made him also wanted to treat this knight like a dog. Aster ruffled Irion''s head and Irion immediately showed a bright smile, "Young Lord, I''m here to report about my mission progress." "Hm, I wonder about that too. Why do you think that Dionde has the best potential for your recruits? This city is the city of trade, I tasked you to recruit skilled soldiers, not merchants." "I found that there are many mercenaries from other countries who came to Dionde as escort or hired guards to protect the noble family who hired them," Irion said, "That''s why I''m going to recruit those as my people, and in the end, we are all Young Lord''s subordinate." "So, you want them to be my subordinates too?" "No!" Irion chimed in, "I mean, Young Lord, they are my subordinates, but I''m your subordinate! No one is allowed to be your subordinate other than me!" "Hahaha, so... you are my big dog and they are your packs?" Asterughed. Irion didn''t like to be called a big dog, of course, but when he saw Young Lord wasughing heartily, he had sense of aplishment in his heart. "Well, it''s simr to that" Irion said sheepishly. Aster stoppedughing and asked Irion seriously, "They are foreigners, you do know that it is very risky to recruit them, right? You should know that in one of Golden Camelliaw, it is stated that we cannot take foreigner as a soldier." "I already read the book that Young Lord gave to me, while we cannot take foreigner as solider, but we can hire them as mercenary, and then after one year of integrating, if they contributed enough in one noble house, they are able to gain citizenship in Golden Camellia Empire." "Oh, you actually read the book I gave you. Then, you are going to take them under your barony?" "Yes, Young Lord." "A baron house has limit of how much you could amodate foreigners, take half of them as shadow guards, since shadow guards is not considered as registered citizen. No matter the process, you must be able to make them a shadow guard, understand?" Aster instructed. Irion nodded and his eyes sparkled with admiration, "Young Lord is very smart, I didn''t even know about thatw." "Because what I gave you is the first and second part of Golden Camelliaw and administration, thatw is on the third amendment of citizenshipw only owned by high ranked nobles," Aster said. He rubbed Irion''s head softly, "Still, it is amazing that you manage to read those two books. People found all these books a bothersome book." "Honestly, it''s really hard to memorize everything, but, it''s Young Lord''s order! So, I worked hard for it!" Irion said enthusiastically. Aster was honestly impressed with Irion''s dedication, to be able to read such tedious books and remembered everything even though he was not a schr, must had taken enormous effort. He was given a difficult mission too. His mission was to recruit soldiers and shadow guards in the name of his own baron house. Since his barony was still technically assigned as military house by the emperor. Aster observed Irion''s appearance now. He looked handsome and gant, he still had his trimmed stubble, his deep eye and his overall aura exuded the sign of a strong knight. But in front of Aster, he acted like a big dog. "You do good, continue your work," Aster ordered. He patted Irion''s head again. However, Irion didn''t seem to be satisfied, "Young Lord, please give this subordinate more reward." Aster sighed, "Fine. I will count depends on how many recruits you have since you entered this city." Irion nodded enthusiastically, he took off his belt and gave it to Aster. The belt was metal belt, thus, it would be painful if it was used to whip someone, "Young Lord, this um this dog has recruited fifteen people in one week!" Aster tightened his grip on the belt and sighed again. This subordinate of his had this kind of weird hobby. Aster raised the belt and whipped Irion''s back as strong as possible. "Only fifteen? What a stupid dog! I expected you to do more!" Aster scolded harshly. Of course, he wasn''t serious about it, but Irion very much enjoyed this kind of reward. He didn''t even want other kind of reward, not even gold. "YYes! This dog is useless! Young Lord, please punish this stupid mutt!" Irion said as he wretched in pain. However, his face didn''t show any sign of pain, in fact, all the sign of pain turned into obvious ecstasy for him. After fifteen harsh whips, Irion fell on the floor. His breath was heavy, but his face was delighted. His crotch bulged terribly. Aster wiped his sweat with handkerchief. He never liked to do this, but as long as Irion was happy. Irion got up and kneeled, "TThanking Young Lord" "Good. You may leave now," Aster ordered. But Irion didn''t leave. He stared at Ramuja who looked like he got struck by thunder after he saw the scene. "Young Lord, who is this person?" "Ah, this is my personal servant, his name is Ramuja. He is also my subordinate like you two," Aster introduced Ramuja in a lighter tone, as if his mood was alleviated just by talking about this servant who was obviously a sex ve. Irion fell into long silence and staring intently at Ramuja who started to feel even more ufortable. "This subordinate will leave first, Young Lord, please take care." Irion bowed his head and left the room. ''Turns out Irion isn''t as problematic as Jain. That is a relief that he can ept Ramuja easily,'' Aster thought. He was relieved that he didn''t need to defend Ramuja once. *** Irion was greeted by the sight of Jain who leaned against the wall with his hands crossed. "Did you see that sex ve?" Irion''s eyes immediately showed murderous intent, "Yes, that sex ve, he dares being aroused while gazing at Young Lord who was giving me my reward." Jain chuckled mirthlessly, "Well, you and him are both sick bastards. But I need to get rid of that ve before he ruins Young Lord." Irion knew that he didn''t have the right to intervene with Young Lord''s personal life, because that was the job of Jain. But seeing Young Lord took another dog while he had him already, made Irion mad. "If you can get rid of him, then, take it as my debt to you," Irion said coldly. Chapter 93: Valentine Special: The Red Aster Shall Bloom Chapter 93: Valentine Special: The Red Aster Shall Bloom Aster took off the head cover that had been hanging loose on his head for a while. His cape draped and he unbuttoned it. The temperature had be slightly warmer since it was about to reach spring soon. "This cover does nothing to me," Aster clicked his tongue in annoyance. He tried to stay hidden during this festival, but it only attracted so many attentions. Especially from young maidens and also plenty of men. Thus, he decided to just walk without the cape because he was using a warm apparel anyway. "That is because Young Lord chose a worn-out cape as a disguise, Young Lord''s unmatched beauty makes it obvious that you are a high noble trying to disguise as a peasant," a servant walked behind him, following him attentively since the beginning. The servant held his giggle because he was afraid that his master might get mad. "You don''t need to ruin my mood now," Aster sulked. He walked few steps faster, then nced at his servant behind, "YYou are here with me as mypanion, not my servant. You should walk besides me!" "But, Young Lord, that is" "Just this once! Didn''t you say that you will follow all my instruction!" Aster implored. His face turned slightly red because he felt like a kid throwing tantrum in the public. "This servant obeys" he nodded and walked side to side with his master. Aster had always wanted to visit this festival, but he never had the time. Today was fourteen February, it was the national day of love in Golden Camellia, and there was always a festival in few cities in the country to celebrate it, including in Dionde City. There was a sign in front of the gate to the festival. ''Sweet Aster Festival'' Aster giggled when he saw his name used as a sign of a festival every fourteen February in Golden Camellia. Sweet Aster Festival was a festival filled with young couples or single man or woman trying to find a date. There were plenty of couple themed games, food stalls, and many more. But the most important one was the Aster garden. A garden filled with Aster and people were freely to pick one each, or they''d need to pay in order to get more. These Aster flowers were sweet scented and said to have been blessed by the love gods. Aster never believed in such myth, but nheless, it was a good opportunity to experience the festival for the first time. He never had any chance since he was holed up in the Grand Duchy mansion and then golden pce for ten years. This was his first time going to ''Sweet Aster festival''. For Ramuja however, he apanied Merry few times to the nearest Sweet Aster festival when he was living with Wood family. It was nothing much but a ce for couple to have a date and everything was crazy expensive. But Ramuja couldn''t help but imagining his master that apanied him to this festival, not Merry. "Now ites true" Ramuja mumbled. "Huh? Did you say something?" Aster tilted his head to Ramuja''s direction. "Nothing, Young Lord," Ramuja shook his head, but kept the smile on his face. "You are weird," Aster suspiciously leering at his servant. But Ramuja just chuckled. "Young Lord, you said you want to try many foods here," Ramuja reminded him. Aster''s brows loosened and he showed his excited expression again. He scurried to the nearest food stall and ordered the couple candy, a big, heart-shaped candy that was supposed to be eaten by two people until they reached the middle. In the middle, there was a fortune telling about their love. Aster held the candy with his hand and nced at Ramuja few times. Then, he blushed and scurried away to another stall, "WWe need to try as many foods as possible!" Aster spoke panicky. In the end, Aster bought almost all the food and souvenirs in all the stores. People were staring at this weird couple that was buying everything in the festival even though everything here was double or triple of the standard price. The shorter one had smooth, unmatched beauty that just demanded the spotlight whenever he stepped in even though he was clearly a man, it made other men who brought their girlfriends stopped and stared. Which made many couples got into arguments because one of or both of them caught staring at this man endlessly. And his boyfriend was tall, muscr man with bronze skin and looked vigorous and handsome. They looked odd, but somehow, they exuded harmony. The tall man was always looked at the short one attentively, his eyes was very gentle and was obviously in love. The short and beautiful one was blushing continuously and nced at his boyfriend sheepishly. He looked like he was very nervous, but nevertheless, enjoyed the moment. After Aster had visited all the stores, and Ramuja carried so many bags with him, Aster decided to stop and took a breath. "I think we should take a rest," Aster said. "Yes, Young Lord," Ramuja nodded. Aster saw that his servant really brought so many things, all of them were his unnecessary spending today. ''Well, it''s just a quarter of today''s pocket money, but it''s still unnecessary.'' Aster chided himself in his heart. "Do you want me to help you?" Aster offered. "No, Young Lord, this servant doesn''t feel burdened at all!" Ramuja replied happily. "Well, I have to find a ce for us to rest." Aster and Ramuja walked around until they saw an olddy carrying a sign. ''A private pavilion only for five gold coins.'' "Huh, that is cheap for a private pavilion," Aster said. Ramuja gulped when Aster approached this olddy, because it was clearly a scam. There was no way a private pavilion could cost five gold coins, it should be way less. But Young Lord was extremely rich that he didn''t realize it was very expensive. And he couldn''t warn him too, because he was afraid that Young Lord would be suspicious about his activity when they got separated for two years. Aster and the olddy talked a bit and they reached agreement. The olddy guided Aster and Ramuja to a yard behind her house with only one pavilion decorated with white-pink silky curtain. There was a pond in front of it and it looked very romantic. The olddy guided them to the pavilion and served a drink, before she left, sheughed heartily and tapped Ramuja shoulder, "What a lucky man you are! You got a beautiful man as a date, I feel like I haven''t seen anyone more gorgeous than this, too bad that I''m an olddy already!" Ramuja smiled gently and said nothing. The olddy shifted her attention to Aster who was stricken by such statement, "You are very gorgeous! But you should know that men aren''t only attracted with your face. Since you are also a man, you should know this, right?" The olddy chuckled, "Your date looks very vigorous and strong, be sure to not overdo it or you might get hurt! You have five hours here, you can do anything and I will not disturb you, hee-hee" "WWait, you are mis" the olddy already turned her back and walked away before Aster could finish his sentence. Aster saw Ramuja in the corner of his eyes and his heartbeat quickened. ''TThis is not my intention, I swear.'' Chapter 94: Valentine Special: The Red Aster Shall Bloom II Chapter 94: Valentine Special: The Red Aster Shall Bloom II Aster saw Ramuja in the corner of his eyes and his heartbeat quickened. ''TThis is not my intention, I swear.'' Aster said in his heart. But he was somewhat happy with the oue. He finally got to have time with Ramuja in very private situation. ''But I don''t want it to be too direct!'' Aster tried to take few steps back anxiously and sat on top of the cushion. "WWell, now we can eat our food, I guess" Aster said. Ramuja nodded and served all the foods in front of Aster attentively. Ramuja was sure very happy with just spending time with his Young Lord without any pressure. After the foods were all prepared, Aster only took a bite each and then gave the rest to his servant until Ramuja couldn''t eat anymore. "Young Lord, why did you give me so many foods?" Aster sighed. He still remembered when they first met in the summer market. Ramuja was thin with his bones were protruding. Whenever Aster remembered that, he wanted to give as much food as possible to his servant. "I''m worried that you might starve..." "Young Lord is very generous, but this servant is full." Ramuja said. He held his bulging stomach and tried to kneel, but Aster stopped him. "What are you doing trying to kneel after you eat so much. You need rest," Aster tapped the cushion besides him and continued, "I don''t mind you to sit here, beside me." Ramuja shook his head immediately, "Pardon this servant, because he is unable toplete your request. It is also a sin for a servant like me to share the same cushion with Young Lord." Aster''s mood turned sour instantly, "We are not a master and servant here! Don''t you remember? Wewe are um uh couple, we are on a date! Date!" Ramuja hesitated and finally yielded to Young Lord''spelling behavior. He sat beside Aster and their skin was close to each other. Sometimes, their skin brushed and there was a tingling sensation on their mind. There were stuck into long silence before Aster ordered Ramuja to take out thest snack they haven''t touched, the big, heart-shaped candy. Aster blushed, "II think we can just throw that away." Ramuja nodded, but as he was about to throw the candy away, there was a wild idea suddenly popped out in his mind. He talked to his lord, "Young Lord, during Sweet Aster day, the rumor said that you are not allowed to throw this candy away!" "What?!" Aster jolted. "They said, if you throw this heart candy away before eating it um with your lover, your love life will forever suffer!" "That is ridiculous!" Aster rebuked. "Pardon this servant Young Lord, but I have seen it happened once when I was working in Milord Grand Duke''s business. My supervisor went to Sweet Aster Festival with his girlfriend and returned alone, crying," Ramuja suddenly had this bravery to bluff in front of Young Lord. Ramuja continued his bluff, "When we asked about his problem, he said his girlfriend left him with a new man without even thinking about their years of rtionship! His love life has always been failed since." Ramuja nced at Young Lord whose face paled, "What about the rtionship between him and his girlfriend? Did they really break up without reason?" "He said that his ex-girlfriend suddenly hated him without reason after they threw the heart candy away. Even though they were fine before, and already nning their marriage." "TThat''s bizarre," Aster gulped, "It just doesn''t make sense. There must be another reason why that happened" "Yes, Young Lord, it could be. But would Young Lord take risk? What if the one you love right now suddenly hate you for no reason just because of a heart candy?" "Hmph! AAs if I would believe a superstition like that!" Aster puffed his chest, tried to hid his fear. But his body started sweating nervously, "Well, it is a ridiculous superstition, but um I wouldn''t risk it, I guess." "Young Lord has someone in his mind?" Ramuja asked. " yes." Aster replied nervously and lowered his head. Ramuja bit his lip. His chest felt pain, "Since Young Lord seems to treasure this person a lot, Young Lord shouldn''t risk it" Aster seemed to weigh down on something, but his face blushed tomato red already, "YYou are right, I don''t want to risk him leaving or hating on me" ''Young Lord is surprisingly gullible when it''s not about academic and politics'' Ramuja was surprised that his master was still very nave even though he was neen already. ''But, to have Young Lord''s love, how lucky that person is'' Ramuja tried to contain the burning jealousy in his heart. He smiled to his master, "Young Lord, should this servant call the that person you like to eat this with you? It might take time, but this candy should be able to preserve until that persones." Aster raised his head slightly, but lowered his eyes again, "No need to wait that person toe, II can just eat the candy with you" Knowing that the chance didn''te twice, Ramuja tried to act reluctantly, but secretly overjoying in his heart, "This servant will obey it''s just that, is it okay for Young Lord to eat the same food with this servant?" "I told you, you''re not a ve or a servant here. You''re my ddate! Just for today hum" "This servant feels very grateful that Young Lord think so highly of this humble servant" ''At least, even if it''s just today, pardon me for being impudent, Young Lord'' Ramuja unwrapped the heart candy and said, "Young Lord, this servant is ready whenever Young Lord is ready" Aster leered at his servant who didn''t seem to show much emotion and he got a bit annoyed. Because he was burning in shame and expectation. His chest palpitating and his mind was nking out. Aster nodded slowly and bit the end of the heart candy. Ramuja took a deep breath and bit the other side of the candy. They closed their eyes and licked the candy slowly. The sound of two people sucking, licking, biting a candy filled the pavilion. Aster stole a nce, and saw Ramuja''s deep facial feature, his handsome brows. He could also see Ramuja''s lips licking, and sucking the candy. Aster closed his eyes immediately, he almost drooled by the sight of Ramuja''s face. When their noses almost touched, feeling the soft breath of his master, Ramuja opened his eyes slowly. Young Lord was sucking the candy with his eyes closed. He could see Young Lord''s delicate eyshes trembled, his gorgeous skin, his red lips sucked the candy. Ramuja''s breath quickened, dirty thought starting to fill his brain, thus he immediately closed his eyes and focused on eating the candy. Aster could feel something soft was touching his lips and his lips trembled. That soft thing was pecking his lips which made him inexplicably hot and aroused. Aster opened his eyes and jumped back instantly. His chest was raising up and down and he touched his lips with his finger few times. ''I just kissed Ramuja'' Ramuja opened his eyes. He knew that he just kissed his master and it felt amazing. He had kissed many men when he was a sex ve, but none of them felt as fantastic as this. Even though the kiss was just few pecking, but Ramuja felt his mind was numb in euphoria. ''Young Lord, this is not our first kiss, but touching your lips only makes me wanting more'' Ramuja acted as if nothing had happened and took out a small paper roll inside the candy, "Young Lord, this is the fortune paper. This servant cannot read" Aster took the paper roll from Ramuja''s hand and read it silently. -Your love wille true, but only if you give him Red Aster- Red Aster was quite rare in Golden Camellia. Pink and purple ones weremon, but Red Aster was usually imported from another country. It was the sign of undying love to loved one, usually only given to lover. Aster crumpled the fortune paper and threw it on the ground. "Young Lord, what is the fortune?" "Hmph! That''s just nonsense, I can''t believe they tried to persuade you to buy a very expensive flower here!" Aster scorned. Ramuja lowered his head, from Young Lord''s expression, it seemed that the fortune wasn''t good. Which made him happy. ''Whatever bad fortune that paper has, I wish it will separate Young Lord from that person'' Aster rose from the sofa and walked out of the pavilion. Ramuja followed from behind and asked, "Young Lord, where will we be going next?" "To buy Red Aster." Aster replied short *** Aster continued walking until they met the olddy who was sitting inside her house. The olddy smiled and said, "There is still plenty of time, did your man finished too early? I have drink that would replenish your man''s vitality!" Aster and Ramuja blushed. "We didn''t do such thing!" Aster replied. "Oh-ho, no need to be shy, I hear the sound of sucking and grunting, you two must be having good times!" the olddy chuckled happily. Aster was too embarrassed to continue this conversation, he gave five gold coins to the olddy and scurried out with Ramuja. *** They entered the Sweet Aster garden. There were many asters and other flowers in various colors. But Aster ignored them all and walked straight to the center of the garden. There was one flower that was kept inside a ss on top of a table. The petal was bright red and golden in the center. It was the Red Aster. Aster saw the flower, and then the price, 40 gold coins just for a single flower. He fished out his coin bag and put forty gold coins on the table. Then took out the flower from the ss cover. People stared at this gorgeous man just buying an overpriced flower without even thinking. However, Aster didn''t care about all the gazes around him and daringly gave the Red Aster to Ramuja in public. "YYoung Lord, this" "The fortune said I must give Red Aster so my love wille true," Aster replied and lowered his head. He wasn''t embarrassed being stared by so many people. But he was embarrassed because he actually followed that superstitious heart candy rumor and also believed a fortune paper. "BBut, Young Lord should be giving this to the one you like, which is not me" Hearing such answer, Aster raised his head and gazed straight to Ramuja''s eyes. His golden circle dting, "Ramuja, my Red Aster is you." Undying Red Aster You are inside me forever If the passing river drift us together, My soul would carry you wherever But this is our tale, an iridescent lore And my Red Aster shall bloom once more Chapter 95: Under the Lush Dome Chapter 95: Under the Lush Dome Aster sat on a bench under the lush dome with Ramuja standing behind him. Thenterns weren''t lit because it was still noon. When he was a child, this ce was the only ce he could y outside during summer. Because the dense leaves and roots covered the dome, it was very cool even during hot summer. It was even cooler than his room in fact. He sipped a plum juice while reading a document. The document wasn''t just a regr one, it was the academic report of student achievements in Clearwater Academy in this decade. There were few academies in Golden Camellia, but Clearwater Academy in Dionde city and Roagelt Insitution of Learning in Roagelt city, capital of the country, were the greatest in all over the continent. The academy was a staple of high-quality human resource to develop Golden Camellia, an extraordinary individual might get recruited by the royal family, or rich houses. All of them were eithere from humble family but with amazing talent, ore from rich noble houses. However, if a noble house wanted their dimwitted heir to go inside these two academic institutions, the academic enrollment exam wouldn''t let them in, no matter how much they bribed. This strict requirement was needed to control the quality of the graduates. ''Grand Duchy Stormhill is obviously the biggest donator and the main foundation of Clearwater Academy, but we haven''t recruited any new graduates for two years already.'' Usually, it was his dad, Grand Duke Harion who recruited extraordinary talents to work under his business. But it seemed that his dad slowed down for two years. ''Was this because I was imprisoned in Golden Pce for two years? Mother told me that she made painful deals as long as she could see me. Did that also include giving new talents for royal family?'' Aster gritted his teeth. If that was true, then it was a dirty scheme against his grand duchy. Since young talents were rare and precious to develop his city. This scheme would slow down Dionde city development. ''Unforgiveable!'' Aster clenched the papers in his hand. Knowing that his Young Lord''s mood was low, Ramuja deliberately asked his master, "Young Lord, what is ruining your mood currently? maybe this servant can help." Aster turned his head and saw Ramuja''s concerned expression. His eyes softened and the golden circle dted slightly. The grip on the paper loosened and Aster put the documents down. "It''s nothing, my mood is better already," Aster smiled. "Eh? YYoung Lord, what helped raising your mood instantly? This servant will bring that thing to cheer you!" Ramuja said. Aster chuckled, "Silly, it''s not a thing, it''s" Aster stared at his servant gently, but decided to turned his gaze back to the documents before he actually said it. "Anyway, I will have to visit Clearwater Academy in a week. This is important because we have been losing two years momentum. Do you want to apany me?" "TThis servant? But that is the best academy in the country! How could this servant" "Rx, you''re just going to apany me as my servant," Aster chuckled again. "No need to be so tense with me." Ramuja lowered his head, a slight tint of red was showing in his cheek and he replied, "Yes, Young Lord." "Good, Clearwater Academy boasts many prolific academician and scientists. I''m sure I can support few people personally, so they would be working with grand duchy right after they graduate." "Young Lord, may this servant ask a question?" "Hm?" Ramuja hesitated, but he asked slowly, "Why is Young Lord not studying in that academy now? Since Young Lord is exceptional in everything except um..." "Except what?" "Except physical activities" Ramuja mumbled. Asterughed, he saw his servant hesitated when he said that he excelled in everything except physical activity, which was true since his skin condition and his weak body in general. "Well, back then, my skin condition was extremely severe, I didn''t even finish my primary school. Everything was taught by Sir Douss since I was a kid," Aster''s expression turned slightly bitter suddenly and he said, "It''s an irony though. My grand duchy basically owns the academy, but its sole heir couldn''t even enter the academy." "YYoung Lord is still better than all of them! Young Lord is still the smartest! Even if they study to death, Young Lord will trample them with his extraordinary intelligence!" Ramuja panickily trying console his Young Lord, he felt that he just asked a very rude question. Ramuja kneeled and said "Please punish this servant for his offense!" Aster furrowed his brows, "What offense? I didn''t feel offended at all. What I just said is just the reality, because my condition didn''t let me to go to school like normal people. But I don''t mind it much." "Young lord should still take um test or exam there, so you can show your intelligence!" Ramuja suggested. "Oh? I did. When I was thirteen, my father asked me to take the hardest test for students before they graduated. It was general test, but it includes almost everything advanced in all studies." "But Young Lord was still thirteen, that''s unfair" Ramuja couldn''t continue his word. He was really afraid that he had hurt his master''s pride. Since when it was fair to let a thirteen year old took the most advanced test in the academy? "Unfair? How so? I take the test fairly. It surprised me that it was actually very easy." "Easy?!" "Hm, yeah. I actually studied alone for the first time when I was thirteen, because I was afraid that the test would be hard, turned out, I already learned all of it when I was ten." "TThen did Young Lord''s score" "It''s one hundred," Aster replied nonchntly. As if what he just did was nothing amazing. Ramuja was astonished by such nonchnt attitude. When he was still a sex ve, one of his master boasted to other nobles that his son got epted in Clearwater Academy and scored seventy on the freshman enrollment exam, which was ording to those nobles, a very impressive feat. ''How could someone get perfect score to the hardest test in the entire country, while people barely able to pass the enrollment test, and he was thirteen at that time'' "Well, after that, the headmaster of Clearwater Academy kept sending that letter of rmendation, asking me to go study there, or at least ept the honorary title as one of the graduates," Asterughed low, "But that would be weird, right? I cannot study and never studied there, how could I ept a title?" Ramuja gazed at his master who smiled lightly and continued reading the documents. His Young Lord was really admirable, unmatched male beauty, extremely rich, a genius, and had important position in the country, but he never boasted about all that. He was always focusing on working and helping his grand duchy to develop. The more he gazed at his Young Lord, the more admiration stacked in his heart, like a pile of gold, it was shiny and heavy at the same time. ''You are so amazing, Young Lord. It scares me whenever I remember how much disparity we have'' "Ramuja?" Aster called Ramuja who stared at him dumbly. "Young Lord, this servant is scared on how hard it is to reach you. I admire you so much, so much that it blinds me I don''t know what to do, my dear master" Ramuja said dazedly. Hearing Ramuja saying such sincere words made Aster blushed instantly, "Ramuja!" Ramuja snapped out of his daze and responded, "YYes, Young Lord! This servant sspilled his indecent mind in front of you, please punish this servant!" Aster didn''t reply and turned his back to read the documents again, but his mind swirled around that words, ''I don''t know what to do, my dear master'' ''Damnit, staying around him destroys my concentration!'' Aster cursed in his heart. ''You don''t know what to do? All you need to do is wait and let me do my job, so I can propose you formally!'' ''Wait, propose? Wait-wait-wait, Aster! What crazy things did you just said!'' Aster cursed in his heart over and over because his mind was in chaos. Just when the atmosphere turned awkward, a maid approached him, bowed and reported, "Young Lord, the street band that you have requested hase." "WWell, let them in," Aster ordered. The maid left and returned with a band consisted of three people with a man guitar, a man violin, and a girl who didn''t bring anything, but she was indeed beautiful. "That girl must be the singer everyone talked about in the city, what do you think?" Aster said. He wanted to ask his servant''s opinion, but his servant was stunned by the sight of this street band. Ramuja was scared that he forgot to breath. He was so busy with Young Lord that he forgot about the beautiful girl who promised to free him out of very. ''Merry'' Chapter 96: Old Friend Chapter 96: Old Friend Ramuja was tongue-tied when Merry approached him and his master. She was beautiful as always, long dark hair and soft beautiful face. Of course, her beauty paledpared to Young Lord, but she was always pretty in normal standard. However, no matter how pretty she was, that face gave unspeakable horror for Ramuja because of their secret rtionship. Merry approached this famous Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill whose beauty was indeed out of this world. He wasn''t even feminine, but he had soft beauty and perfect facial feature that just demanded everyone''s attention, including herself. Young Lord Aster was slightly shorter than average, he had straight small nose, deep eyes with the signature golden circle that she had been told few times by the ex-servants in grand duchy mansion, and thin lips that perked up a little. He seemed to be in a good mood, thus, his smile created a deadly impression to her. ''My god, how could someone be so perfect'' Merry said in her heart. Her legs trembled as she tried hard to keep her posture straight. Young Lord Aster was famous for his unmatched beauty that people rumored to be even more beautiful than the gods. Merry never believed that, people could just exaggerate the description of this man. Since he rarely showed up in public, people just romanced his figure and story in their imaginations. The ex-servants who worked in grand duchy mansion often talked about how unreal their Young Lord was, how unreachable he seemed to be, which to Merry, was just aughable fantasy for women to indulge. ''So it''s not a lie'' Merry staggered and fell in front of Aster. Which Aster immediately caught her in his embrace. "Are you okay?" Aster asked. He looked concerned, which made Merry blushed. She recovered and distanced herself from Aster and kneeled. "Yes, Young Lord, ppardon this peasant girl" "Oh? Peasant girl? It seems your status has been lifted, that is wonderful!" Asterughed. Merry raised her head, baffled. How could Young Lord know about her ve origin? Aster sensed the confusion and he smiled, "You are Merry, right? You might not remember, but we''ve met when we were five years old." "FFive years old?!" Merry''s eyes widened, "Pardon me, Young Lord, bbut, how could someone remember the event when they were five years old?" "Hahaha, I remember everything since I was three," Aster chuckled, "You may not remember, but I am the one who yed with you in flower fields around my father''s logging business for one month." Merry recalled her memories, since Young Lord seemed to be very certain that they''ve met before. She recalled her memories when she was five years old and vaguely remembered that she used to leave the house early in the morning to y in the flower fields near. She always visited the same ce because she saw a kid that was so pale who yed alone from four am to five in the morning. That kid never talked and very shy. Merry gasped and pointed her finger to Aster, "AAre you that pale ghost in flower field?! I thought you were really a ghost!" Aster couldn''t help butughed hard, "That''s cruel. I was just very shy." Knowing that she was being impolite to the future owner of grand duchy, Merry immediately apologized, "YYoung Lord! This peasant is wrong for being offensive" "No worries, I don''t mind it at all," Aster replied, "I heard that a new singer emerges in Dionde City and she was just a peasant girl with dark hair and her voice was very smooth and silky. I wanted to confirm, because I remember that you are an amazing singer ever since you are a child." "DDid this peasant girl sing in front of Young Lord?" "Yes, and I like your voice too," Asterplimented. Merry blushed. He thought this visit to Lantern Castle would be her death. But it turned out to be a reunion. They chatted for a while until Merry remembered her priority since the beginning. She saw Ramuja behind Young Lord Aster. He was dumbstruck with her sudden visit here. ''Ramuja must be too happy that he cannot speak at all, so cute, hehe'' Merry blushed even more. She got an information from a servant in grand duchy mansion that Young Lord had a strong personal servant that protected him like a body guard like in romance novel, and his description matched with Ramuja. ''He really is Young Lord''s personal servant wouldn''t that make it even easier? Young Lord looks very kind, I''m sure he can let Ramuja go if we pay Ramuja''s price!'' Merry thought happily. She already collected half of Ramuja''s initial ve price, as long as she continued, she could free him and might even have enough spare to build happy life together with her families and Ramuja. Ramuja noticed Merry''s stare and he lowered his head. With Young Lord in front of him, his blood seemed to be drained and he was frightened. Aster sensed that something was wrong with Ramuja, he nced back and saw Ramuja lowered his head. He frowned, "Merry, do you know my personal servant, Ramuja?" "Yes, Young Lord, we are" "We are friends when I was working in logging business, Young Lord! Her brother and I worked together for two years!" Ramuja interrupted hastily. Aster and Merry was surprised by Ramuja''s sudden interruption. Merry was baffled because it was obvious that Ramuja tried to conceal their rtionship in front of Young Lord. Aster raised his eyebrows, but decided to trust Ramuja. He smiled, "I see, that is good, you should invite your brother tooter," Aster said to Merry. Merry nodded hesitatingly, still unsure to why Ramuja had to hide their rtionship. "Well, you shall perform on Autumn banquet, in around three days with your bands here. And you will get handsome pay of course, I want to enjoy the scenery with good song during autumn banquet," Aster ordered. He called the servant and told them to give the bands a guest room, one for Merry and one for the guitarist and the violinist who stayed silent. Aster ordered the servants to escort the band to their room. There was onest nce between Ramuja and Merry before she left. Ramuja resumed his posture with his head lowered as he was frightened by the situation right now. "People tend to forget their promises, their ideals when they grew up, right?" Aster sighed. "Back when we were just kids, Merry promised that she will always be my friend forever. But apparently, she forgot, d that she still recognizes me as a ghost at least," Aster chuckled. He turned his head and saw Ramuja''s eyes looking down. "I hope you never forget, Ramuja," Aster smiled sincerely and patted Ramuja''s head. ''Even if you forget, I will make you remember everything.'' Chapter 97: Eulogy of the Prince 18 Chapter 97: Eulogy of the Prince 18 I walked to my room and slumped on the bed after Young Lord let me leave. The dread was still in my body as I shivered by the presence of Merry here. The enormous guilt weighed my shoulder, I just couldn''t imagine what would happen if Merry revealed our rtionship to Young Lord. ''But Young Lord is unattainable, what''s the worst that could happen?'' that was my thought back then. But now, I couldn''t even imagine it. ''Even if Young Lord doesn''t like me, I didn''t want to see his expression if he knew about this'' I closed my eyes and covered it with my arms. I tried to blur my mind from the image of Young Lord, whether he will be angry, disappointed, or treated it as an unimportant matter when he knew this. All of them, I couldn''t bear to see any single of reaction from his face. Back then, I wished that Young Lord would be nonchnt about this news, because that would be the best answer. If he congratted us happily, there was a sliver of disappointment in my heart, because that meant Young Lord never saw me as important. ''But now, any reaction in his face would hurt me'' I thought after leaving the grand duchy back then, the feeling in my heart would subside and disappear, and Merry was the fresh breeze that would distract me. But my longing only grew more intense after two years of separation. There was not even one moment passing without me thinking of him. ''It''s okay right? I am the one who epted Merry''s confession, I should be choosing Merry!'' that sentence permeated in my mind constantly, probably as coping mechanism for me. Merry was beautiful, kind, gentle, and most importantly, she loved me. But my heart cannot lie, Young Lord kept grasping my heart with his irresistible charm. It felt like a magic that bound my heart to him forever. Forever wanting the most precious diamond in the world, something unattainable for me. ''They said you will be longing for something unattainable forever, are you really my unattainable, Young Lord?'' As my mind pondered about what to do, there was a knock on the door. I opened my eyes and waited for the next knock, but what I heard was a voice, "Ramuja, it''s me, Merry." I jumped from the bed and rushed to open the door, Merry was startled when she saw me, but I took no time and pulled her inside the room and locked the door again. There was a horror in my mind as I was afraid that someone noticed Merry going inside my room. Merry looked at Ramuja withplicated eyes, she felt like there was something wrong with Ramuja here. He was too jittery, too panicky, as if he tried to hide something. "Ramuja, what''s wrong? I thought you would be happy when I visit you here, we haven''t meet for months," Merry asked. I calmed down and stared at Merry''s confused face. There was a pity in my heart, pity that I didn''t end this rtionship sooner. "I''m just afraid," I replied weakly. "Afraid? To who? Young Lord Aster is a very kind man, if you are afraid that Young Lord will find out about your rtionship, wouldn''t that be better? I think Young Lord would definitely give us blessing!" Merry said excitedly. She held my hand and it made me even more nervous. "No, I I don''t think it''s a good idea to tell Young Lord about us" "Huh? Why not?" Merry was even more confused, this situation was out of her expectation after Young Lord Aster confirmed that they had friendship when they were young, although she forgot most of it. "II''m Young Lord''s ve, he would be angry if he knew that his ve dared initiating rtionship with an outsider" "Ah, if that''s the case, you must know this good news!" Merry smiled cheerfully, "Your price is fifty gold coins, right? I already raised fifteen coins from my job in street bands! I believe Young Lord will give me generous amount of money, so we''re closer to your freedom! Besides, well Young Lord might lower your price out of kindness, hehe~" I stared at this young, cheerfuldy that was naturally beautiful, she had grown even more mature after months. ''Even with her new life as a singer in the city, she still hadn''t lost her faith to me but what about me? I even forgot about her for a long time because I was busy with Young Lord.'' After realizing how terrible human being I was to a brightdy like her, I felt like there was a terrible, suffocating feeling inside of me. Something that made me guilty of everything. ''I didn''t deserve her, she didn''t deserve this'' ''I couldn''t do this she deserves much better.'' ''I need to let her go.'' I fixated my eyes upon hers and held her hands tight, "Merry, you should spend the gold coins on other things, we must break" "Oh, Oh! Do you know that Jon and my mom already said that they would rebuild our home, they would create separate room for us! If we have a child, they would add another room! Grand Duke is very generous, he would let us borrow a bit of forestnd to make our house bigger!" "Merry" "Ramuja, do you know, Jon said that if you dared hurting me, he would personallye and beat you up! Hehe, but I believe you won''t hurt me because um we love each other, right?" Merry kept talking and talking until she stopped and blushed. "I" "Also um my mom said that you are her son-inw already, her body has gotten weaker nowadays, probably because she misses you a lot. She keeps talking about you" I was flustered with barrage of nostalgic emotion. Although, I didn''t have romantic interest to Merry as I only treated her as younger sister, but our familial bond was real. Lisa, Jon, Merry, they were my real family here. They were the first one that treated me like a human being, gave me shelter, food, and warmth of family. Although my feeling to Young Lord was irreceable, but I didn''t treat him like my family. I always see Young Lord as my savior. The sun of my life ''Young Lord, if you decided to abandon me after you got boredter. Who would shelter me except this family, the one that treats me as a human'' "Oh, I''m sorry I talked too much. You know, I''m very happy to meet you again," Merry blushed. "So um what do you want to talk about?" I stared at Merry who still stared at me expectantly. I bit my lip and asked, "Why are you doing so much for me?" Merry raised her eyebrows, as if she just heard something silly, "Isn''t that obvious already? I love you, because you are kind to my family, to me, and you are um handsome too! But the most important thing is, you are honest and simple, I like that a lot." When she said that I was honest, I felt like there was a knife that stabbed my heart. ''Maybe maybe if I give it more time, I will slowly let go of my heart. Maybe I won''t be wishing too much from Young Lord after sometimes'' I stared at her doe eyes and said in low voice, "Then, you should wait for me. I will find a way to get my freedom" "Un! I believe we can do this together!" Merry smiled cheerfully. After a while, I asked her to leave because it was still inappropriate for her to visit a personal ve like me. After I locked the door, I covered my face with my palm and took a deep breath. ''I lied again...'' ''Young Lord, I''m sorry, I lied again'' ''I am disgusting.'' As I opened my eyes, there was a glint of shadow on the corner of the room and a figure appeared in front of me suddenly. His eyes behind the sses were deep with murderous intent, as if he just saw a scene worth of death sentence. "I see that you are looking for death." Chapter 98: Trust Chapter 98: Trust "I see that you are looking for death." Jain stared at this filthy ve with obvious disgust and strong murderous intent. Never in his life, he saw someone so filthy both inside and outside. There was even a slight hesitation in him because he didn''t even want his knife to touch this filthy creature. But this creature, this animal, dared betraying his beloved master. Jain took out his small knife and prepared to strike. Ramuja was startled and took few steps back. However, Jain was really fast that Ramuja barely avoided the knife and scratched his neck. "Hmph! Even I missed because of hesitation," Jain retorted, "I didn''t want to dirty my knife with your filthy blood, mindless creature." Jain stroke for the second time and Ramuja ducked to avoid it, but he lost his bnce and fell backwards. "And you said you want to protect Young Lord? You can''t even defend against a knife attack." "WWe can talk about this!" Ramuja said. "What did I tell you before? Don''t you dare hurting my master!" Jain''s eyes were filled with rage as he lunged his knife to Ramuja''s abdomen, Ramuja rolled to the side and his arm was scratched deep. "Argh!" Ramuja screamed. Jain lunged his knife few times only to make few non-fatal wounds on Ramuja. Jain''s hand trembled, he was still hesitating, he thought with few deep thrusts, he would be able to end this disgusting ve''s life. But his hesitation grew stronger and he was unable to kill this ve. ''Fuck! What went wrong? Why am I hesitating?'' Jain cursed in his heart. He was sworn to be bound with his master for his whole life. He was tasked to eliminate any threat, but he wasn''t trained to eliminate emotional threat to his Young Lord. Ramuja gasped few times, "PPlease reconsider Young Lord''s feeling, if I died" ''Young Lord will be sad if this ve died'' "Why did you be his golden circle!" Jain punched the wooden floor until there was a crack there. He didn''t know what to do with this. He really wanted to just eliminate this bug, so Young Lord could focus. But it seemed that he was toote, since this ve had be his master''s golden circle. "GGolden circle?" Ramuja stared dumbly. Jain didn''t answer him and sneered, "Then, I will kill your woman, that filthy woman called Merry!" Jain took his knife and was about to leave before Ramuja held his leg tight. "I beg you! Don''t kill her!" "You dare begging to me? Young Lord would be devastated if he knows!" Ramuja knew what he did was wrong, but he wouldn''t let an innocent girl die, "GGive me time! Please don''t tell Young Lord, and please don''t kill Merry!" Ramuja tried to convince him one more time, "II could tell Young Lord that you are harming his friend!" "You!" Jain stared down at this ve who had muscr body, but begging like a filthy animal. He felt that his leg was itchy because this ve hugged his thigh tightly. He kicked this ve as hard as he can until he fell backward. "I will give you time, but once Young Lord found out, I will be the one who kill you immediately, filthy animal!" Jain spitted at him and left the room immediately. He was furious at this ve, but he couldn''t do anything. Golden circle was once in a lifetime experience for the golden bloods. They would be extremely devastated, or even died out of grief if they lost their golden circle. And Jain wouldn''t want his master to die out of grief, especially over a disgusting ve like this. He tried to control his breathing, because Young Lord might be suspicious if he was too worked out. He went to his room, fished out his handkerchief and wiped his sses,bed his hair back, tidying up his suit and took a deep breath. Young Lord said that he would wait, but he shouldn''t let Young Lord wait for too long. Jain disappeared from his room and not long after, he was standing in front of his master. "Young Lord, this subordinate has the report." Aster was sitting silently in the balcony, reading a book with his shoes off, thus, showing his slender heels. Jain nced at those beautiful heels and lowered his gaze immediately. Aster put down his book and nced at Jain, "What is your report?" Jain clenched his hand, but dared not showing his anger, "Ramuja and Merry do not have any romantic rtionship, Young Lord. Ramuja always treats Merry as his sister, and Merry seems to treat him as dependable big brother. There is no indication that they have any affair." After telling his false report, Jain looked up to see his master''s eyes. The golden circle shrank and his blue pupil slowly turned ck, but it stopped there and slowly returned back normal, with deep blue pupil and golden circle around his pupils. ''Young Lord, pardon this servant for lying, but Crown Prince might take advantage of the situation if you are severely weakened if you know the real news,'' Jain clenched his teeth silently. Aster didn''t reply for a while until he nodded and smiled, "I see, it seemed it was only in my imagination." "Young Lord, may this subordinate know what was in your imagination?" "Hmm when I saw Merry''s eyes kept ncing at Ramuja even though we were talking, there was a hope inside her eyes. I thought it was because she saw me, because many people had that eyes whenever they saw me, but no, it was to Ramuja," Aster''s gaze sharpened, he gazed at the beautiful garden under his balcony, "I do not have any grudge to her, in fact, I like her a lot." "Back then, my dad brought me to his logging business because of some political tension happening between my duchy and the royal family. I didn''t have any friends, and the serfs and ves didn''t even dare to talk to me. They just immediately kneeled in front of five-years-old me whenever I called them, including the kids." Aster''s eyes softened and looked up, as if he was trying to remember many things. "I didn''t like the way they treated me, because they never see me as a human. So I told my servant to apany me to flower meadow near my dad''s business every morning, because I could only stay outside at night and early morning," Aster chuckled, "In that ce, I saw Merry who liked to sing and picked the flowers, and she always had that beautiful voice." "I went to that flower meadow every day just to see her, because she was the only one who talked to me, maybe because she didn''t realize my identity, that was when I picked up the habit of going to flower meadow or garden every morning. To see someone who would talk to me, it bes a beautiful solitude for me." Jain saw his master smiled sincerely and his blood boiled. His master had a beautiful and innocent heart, but these two people whom he trusted and liked dared to have an affair behind him. ''Young Lord, I will protect you. I may have been absent for most of your life until now, but I never forget about my oath to you when you were just a baby.'' Aster nced at Jain and he smiled, "Well, I''m d they don''t have any romantic rtionship, because I trust them." "Yes Young Lord," Jain replied softly. Aster put his palm on Jain''s head and rubbed his head gently, "I trust you too, Jain. I may only know you for two years, but it seems I had known you my whole life." Jain didn''t reply, but he nodded solemnly. He med himself for being ipetent even though his master trusted him. He tried to hold back his tears, it was improper for a trained assassin like him to cry. "Jain? Did you cry?" Aster asked, puzzled. "This subordinate is just happy, Young Lord" Chapter 99: Autumn Banquet in Lantern Palace Chapter 99: Autumn Banquet in Lantern Pce Aster went around the Lantern Pce to see the preparation of Autumn Banquet. This was his first autumn banquet under the name of Grand Duchy Stormhill after he was trapped for two years in the golden pce. Aster took some time to look at the decorations underntern dome. The dome was decorated with soft, silky curtains topliment the now yellow and brownish nts that covered it. Thenterns were tested so they won''t malfunction when the banquet started, and the servants seemed to be busy, though they still lowered their head whenever Aster passed by. Aster looked at the overall atmosphere in this dome, it was very mellow and romantic. Somehow, it evoked his memories of his life in golden pce, during autumn, he would be seeing the golden pce autumn banquet, which was usually held a month after grand duchy''s autumn banquet. He wasn''t banned from joining in, but he refused to. Because Uncle Emperor forbid him to represent his grand duchy. He wasn''t even allowed to wear his grand duchy''s official sash. He hated party, of course. But what he hated more was the fact that his grand duchy didn''t partake during the pce autumn banquet for two years. Which was a great shame to any houses, because it was a direct insult to their sovereignty. ''More like we were banned for joining in.'' Aster gritted his teeth. He loved his grand duchy, because he knew how hard it was to manage a giant house under the pressure of many political enemies and people who tried to take advantage of you. Aster heard how people ndered his grand duchy, saying that his duchy was just awless market, a profit whore, a duchy with no dignity and only focusing on money, a house without any real power. There was an urge to order Jain to kill those useless nobles, but after he calmed down, he knew that it was simply not worth the trouble. Living in the golden pce was a torture for him, he constantly missed his grand duchy, his parents and his Aster nced at Ramuja who seemed to be mesmerized by the mellow decoration. Aster''s gaze softened and his golden circle dted slightly. "Do you like the decoration? I designed it personally," Aster said. "YYes! It is amazing, Young lord!" Ramuja said, while being enthralled by such beautiful dome. "Well, it should be, because this is the first autumn banquet since we were separated back then," Aster smiled, "I have to make it special for someone special." Ramuja didn''t hear it clearly as he was still gazing at those autumnnterns. Aster smiled, he knew that his servant was easy to impress. Normally, he would be mad when someone ignored him. But to this man he didn''t even have slightest bit of annoyance in his heart. Aster poked Ramuja''s cheek with his finger and startled Ramuja, "YYes, Young Lord!" Aster chuckled, "Well, it''s nothing, but you should be ready because there will be a lot of people tonight." "Understood, Young Lord," Ramuja nodded silently. Then, he lowered his head, he was still guilt ridden by the fact that he lied to Young Lord. Yet, Young Lord seemed to be very innocent and trusted him so much. ''Young Lord, can I indulge in your kindness for some time?'' ''I am a terrible person, Young Lord. I''m sorry'' Seeing Ramuja lowered his head silently made Aster raised his brows, but he concluded that Ramuja was just shy. Aster ordered Ramuja to get ready for the banquet and washed himself. After Ramuja left, he called Jain, "Jain, did you see any of my listed noblesing to Dionde City?" "This subordinate had my disciples searching through the city and found none of those people inside this city, Young Lord," Jain reported. "Including Crown Prince and his fianc, Helene?" "No, Young Lord. If Crown Prince is within the city, the guard would be alerted because of his high position, but it seemed that he is noting for today''s banquet." "I see, then you should keep an eye. None of those people should be allowed to enter this pce," Aster warned Jain. Jain nodded and then disappeared instantly. Aster silently staring down at the preparation of this autumn banquet, he still needed time to build connections with nobles after Aunt Empress'' death. If those pests, including Charles, attended this banquet, then he would need topete with him in order to win those nobles'' supports. *** Aster checked his suit for today''s autumn banquet. A mellow brown vest with gold leaf embroidery, he had thin dark shirt under the vest. He put on leather pants and dark boots. Hebed his wavy hair back, so his face and all its features were prominent, giving a beautiful, striking look. Aster took a small, diamond earring and put it on his left ear, the sign of young adult noble in Golden Camellia Empire. He smiled when he saw his reflection in the mirror, and blushed slightly. ''MMaybe Ramuja would praise me sincerely today'' Aster walked following the stone pathway with candles trail on each side. He saw his mother was standing in the banquet, waiting for him. It had been few weeks since he saw his mother again, and she was as beautiful as ever, in a velvet dress and her wavy hair decorated with golden leaf hairpin. "Mom," Aster smiled and nodded. "Well, you look as magnificent as always, my son. The guests are waiting for your speech," Grand Duchess said with gentle smile on her face. Aster saw the guests looked stunned as always whenever he joined in, which he was admittedly, getting used to nowadays. Aster gave his charming smile and opened his mouth: "I would like to thank the honorable guests foring in this year''s Autumn Banquet. This is the first time Grand Duchy Stormhill held the banquet in our capital city, Dionde. However, this is also tomemorate and announce that" Aster looked around, when he saw there was no Charles, Rosalie, Earl of Riotre and few other political enemies here. He confidently continued his speech, "Hereby, I, Aster Di Arlingdon, Heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill announce that we will open Lantern Pce as the center of the governmental activity of Grand Duchy Stormhill. This pce would also be the ce where we receive guests" " so as to facilitate meetings regarding political and economy development of Grand Duchy Stormhill and its partners, I will be the one who represents my house in all matters. Honorable Sir and Madame would need my rmendation to meet Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, that is all, thank you and please, enjoy the banquet." There was silence, no ps, no whispers, only people who were dumbfounded. After few minutes had passed, people started pping and whispers filled the air. Aster knew that people would be unsure on how to react to his announcement, because it was basically telling people that he is jumping inside the Golden Camellia Empire politics. It was a bold announcement, but he feared nothing. Because the time was ticking, and Aster was afraid that Charles would eat his duchy sooner orter. ''I must protect what I have, my house, my parents and him'' Aster''s golden circle dted as he saw Ramuja, as if locking him inside his golden circle. ''Ramuja'' Chapter 100: Autumn Banquet in Lantern Palace II Chapter 100: Autumn Banquet in Lantern Pce II Aster strode to approach Ramuja who stood silently, dazingly stared at him when he was doing his speech, but lowered his head when their eyes met. However, before he could reach Ramuja, someone blocked his way. "This prince seeks audience to the new head of Grand Duchy Stormhill," A lean man with raven hair, wearing a dark vest appeared in front of him. He had that devilishly charming smile that would swoon every woman who saw it. But to Aster, this man ruined his mood instantly. He red at him before speaking condescendingly, "It seems that Second Prince Gaum Cresthold does not know the protocol of seeking audience to another house. I am not open for discussion right now, please talk to other guests. Probably a woman, because you just throw your smile to the wrong person. Please excuse me," Aster sidestepped Gaum who came out of nowhere, but his step halted when he saw that Ramuja had disappeared. Aster was disappointed and he frowned. He side-eyed Gaum who was still smiling, "So, do I get your audience now?" Aster gritted his teeth, but there was no reason for him to reject Gaum''s advance now, "Fine, what do you want to talk about?" "Hm it is a bit secretive, I would like to talk to you in a more private ce," Gaum said, still smiling, but his smile turned deeper. "Tch fine then, follow me." Aster and Gaum walked to the garden in the south of Lantern Pce. No one was allowed to be here, because this was Aster''s private garden. The garden was lit by plenty ofnterns hanging, so it gave a romantic atmosphere, but Aster''s heart wasn''t in the mood at all. ''If only I''m here with Ramuja instead of'' Aster nced at Gaum whose smile seemed to be mysterious, hiding something inside. He clucked his tongue annoyedly, "So, what are you going to say?" Gaum smile dissipated slowly, he stared at this man in front of him. His hand trembled, and he clenched it to calm down. He couldn''t be impulsive, but he had this enormous urge to hug him, kiss him, taste everything in front of him. Because all his dreams were filled with this man, like an ethereal god who only came to his dream to tease him. ''He is so mesmerizing, even when he is grumbling.'' Gaum thought, with him going around the empire to strengthen diplomatic rtions with other houses, meeting new people, including new romance or sexual partner would make him forget about this man. ''But, turns out, other people, men or women, palespared to you, Aster.'' ''Why would I care about stones in my hand, when I can see a stunning diamond in front of me.'' Gaum took a deep breath, so he wouldn''t lose control. He used his persona again and smiled devilishly, "Well, first of all, I''m here to give you a gift from Kingdom Rhea." "I do not ept a political gift," Aster replied harshly. "Hm? Political gift?" Gaum chuckled, he opened the box that he had been holding, "This is not political gift, this is my personal gift, specifically made with the best artisan from Kingdom Rhea." Aster saw two pair of earrings, one pair was shaped like a tear drop, and another was shaped like cross, and both were made with high quality sapphire material. It was indeed beautiful. However, what made Aster frowned was two golden pins beneath the earrings. One was familiar shape, as it was Gaum''s personal pin, but the other one shaped like lion. "Whose pin is that?" Aster asked. Gaum smiled and replied, "That is my brother''s personal pin, Gamasiel Cresthold, the King of Rhea." Aster''s expression twisted when he heard that name, as he remembered that person whom he had to act like a lustful whore, just to frame him. "Why does he suddenly give me a golden pin? No, in fact, why do you two give me your golden pins? It is an extremely private pin." Knowing that Aster would reply in such manner, Gaum replied lightly, "It''s for our gratitude, because with your help, my kingdom is currently stable until we can find a better resource," Gaum then raised his right brows andughed, "Wait, do you think both of us fell in love with you so much that we are giving our golden pin because of devoted love? Ahahaha!" Aster was startled and his face turned beet red. Hearing theugh of Gaum made him even more embarrassed. He snarled, "SShut up! I wasn''t wrong! Golden Pin is very important, oof course I expected uh uhm" "AHAHA!" Gaumughing hysterically that he almost dropped the box, "Wow, turns out Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill has great confidence to think that two brothers, a king and a minister, fell in love with him deeply!" Gaum snickered loudly. Unable to bear with the shame, Aster turned his back and said, "II''m leaving! I don''t see any use of this meeting if you''re just going tough at me!" Gaum stoppedughing and suddenly circled his hand around Aster''s waist and pulled him into his embrace. Gaum hugged Aster from behind. He put the box in Aster''s hand and whispered in his ear, "Well, what you are saying is not wrong about us, two brothers. Please don''t let me down, my sweet Aster." Gaum smiled and kissed Aster''s cheek before turning back and left the garden. Leaving Aster astonished for a moment. He stared at the gift box in his hand and his hand felt heavy. Aster stayed in this garden for an hour until he went inside. He had no mood to meet other people, so he locked himself in his room. He put the box in the drawer and sat near the balcony. Aster sighed. "Why did he say that?" Aster said, his mind wandered about the possibility and the risk that he had to face soon. If what Gaum said was true, that he and his brother fell in love with him. Then they were going to show it brazenly, especially Gaum. But it wasn''t the true problem, he appreciated Gaum''s affection, somehow. ''Well, I just think that he is not annoying, even after he said it.'' However, his feeling to Gaum and to Ramuja was different. There was a deep, crazy desire whenever he saw Ramuja. But to Gaum, he saw something funny, refreshing, that made him entertained without worry. However, the problem would soone when people knew that Gaum chased him brazenly. People would try to ruin Kingdom Rhea to destabilized Aster''s connection. But the worst thing could happen when Charles knew Aster shuddered whenever he remembered how crazy Charles was during his life in golden pce. Charles was truly obsessive, and his sculpted handsome face looked like a beast ready to devour anyone who dared to get close to Aster. ''That monster will destroy everything as long as he can ruin me'' KNOCK! KNOCK! Aster turned his head. His door was knocked, he waited until the guards outside told him his visitor, but no voice was ever heard. He heard the knock again and decided to open the door himself. Aster opened the door and peeked, then immediately tried to close the door again. But a strong arm held the door easily and opened it by force. The door was fully opened, Aster saw a tall, handsome man, with his sculpted face, smirking at him, his eyes were bloodshot. The pupil was pure ck, but when he saw Aster, it turned into pure golden magically. In his right hand, he still held his sword with blood dropping on the tip. The two guards outside already lost their head. That man dropped his sword and smiled, "Darling Aster, what took you so long to open the door? I had to dirty my hand just now." "I''m home, darling." Chapter 101: Invade Chapter 101: Invade "I''m home, darling." Aster''s face paled instantly, the unsightly appearance of Charles freaked him out. He stepped back instinctively, but Charles seemed to realize that, he strode to Aster and hugged his waist. His golden eyes looked mesmerizing, hypnotizing, but to Aster, there was nothing but insanity in his eyes. Charles embraced Aster and caressed Aster''s face with his bloodstained hand, "I''ve been out of the country for almost two year, howe I didn''t receive any letter? Did someone try to sabotage our means ofmunication? I will be investigating, don''t worry." Aster was so scared that his leg went soft, Charles had grown to be even more handsome and mature, he looked majestic. But behind that majestic appearance, there was deep, crazed obsession swirling in his golden eyes, as if it was trying to absorb Aster in, but Aster was unaffected. He wasn''t mesmerized, he was frightened. "CCharles, why didn''t you tell me that you''reing?" Aster asked softly. Hearing that, Charles gripped Aster''s waist tightly, "I had just received the information about this autumn banquet few days ago and rushed here. There must be someone who tried to stop me from seeing you again." Charles'' face darkened, "I will not forgive that person. He dared obstructing our love." "CCharles, let me go" Aster replied weakly. He tried to wiggle out, but it only sparked Charles'' desire even more. "Why are you shy?" Charles smiled, he saw Aster started tearing up, and he couldn''t help to wipe the tears with his finger, "Are you that happy to see me? Don''t worry, Aster. I won''t be leaving you for so long anymore." Charles intimately bumped his forehead with Aster''s. He then kissed Aster''s forehead, down to his eyes, his cheekbone, his cheek, and his lips. At first, it was just a gentle peck, but he did it repeatedly until Charles felt the desire surging up inside him, he kissed Aster deep and invaded his mouth. Aster tried to push Charles'' tongue, but he was so scared that in the end, he just let him be. Charles was joyous when he felt that Aster had given up resisting, he invaded Aster''s mouth until both ran out of breath. Aster felt so weak, but his tears kept falling. ''What happened? Why am I so scared? Why can''t I resist?'' Aster tried to push Charles one more time. But to Charles, it felt like a coquettish tease. Aster stepped back while Charles approached him slowly, not budging even when Aster pushed his chest repeatedly. Aster stumbled and he fell onto the bed. He already took of his vest before, so he just used a thin shirt and some buttons were already unbuttoned. Charles'' breath quickened, he locked Aster''s leg side to side with his leg and gently fell to the bed. He was on top of Aster, with his golden eyes shining brightly. "Should we do our first time right now? I''m a man with restrain, I want to do it after we are married, but if you insist" Charles unbuttoned Aster''s shirt until he could see the soft, pale chest for the first time. Charles'' hand touched Aster''s chest gently with his coarse hand, since he trained daily. Which made Aster shuddered. "So soft so beautiful" Charles said. He caressed Aster''s tummy and kissed Aster''s neck, "Your body is much more gorgeous than I expected in my dream." Aster was speechless, he started sobbing because he tried really hard to resist. But every time he saw Charles'' golden eyes, he felt weak all the sudden and fear crept inside and numbed his body. "Hhelp" Aster said weakly. Before Charles could do more, Aster saw a silhouette behind Charles. That silhouette hit Charles'' nape with his finger. Charles was stunned, but he didn''t faint. Instead, his golden eyes turned ck again and he released Aster. He stood up and roared, "Who dared disturbing me?! Do you think you can kill me with that?!" The silhouette appeared in front of Charles and bowed slightly. He wore rimless sses with his trademark butler suit. But his body was obviously wounded, since his face was covered in blood and Aster could see that he tried hard to stand tall. Jain saw the situation and he gripped his de tightly. He couldn''t harm this man, as he was in golden eyes condition, it would be impossible to hurt a trained man with golden eyes. But when he saw that his master was about to be ravaged, he was furious. Holding his anger, Jain speak formally, "His Highness Crown Prince shouldn''t force Young Lord in such crude manner." Charles didn''t have enough pity to spare this nobody''s life, but he didn''t want Aster to see him killing someone right in front of him, "What crude manner? Don''t you see that I''m having my time with my lover!" Jain lowered his head, "His Highness should see the state of Young Lord in clear-headedly, Young Lord doesn''t seem to be enjoying it." Charles turned his head to Aster who was shivering, like a frightened rabbit, and his golden eyes turned normal blue eyes with golden circle again. He saw Aster who cried nonstop, and he saw the corpse of two guards outside with their severed head. Charles felt really guilty instantly. No, he didn''t feel guilty because he killed those two guards, he felt guilty because he just let Aster see his bloodthirsty side, no wonder Aster was frightened to the bone. ''Even though Aster loved me so much, he must be scared when he saw those corpses. Those goddamn guards obstructing the door made me show unsightly behavior to Aster!'' "AAster, I didn''t mean to scare you" Charles tried to approach Aster slowly. But Aster immediately got up and stepped back to the corner. He looked like a cornered white swan. Charles'' heart was bleeding with guilt. "GGo away, Charles" Aster said weakly. "Listen to me, those guards outside said that I didn''t have permission to see you, of course I have to" "I said go away, Charles!" Aster screamed. "AAster, I''m just trying to" "GO AWAY!" Aster took a book on the desk and threw it to Charles. Charles didn''t feel any physical pain, but his heart was in tremendous pain. Charles looked lost. He knew that he was wrong, he shouldn''t force Aster and he shouldn''t let Aster see this behavior, but he was so excited to see Aster that he forgot about those things. Charles turned his attention to that butler who dared to interrupt him, "You shall face death, since you already saw this, I will personally kill you with my hand!" "Charles! If you dared to hurt him, I will never forgive you!" Aster roared. Charles turned his attention back to Aster who bravely stood out to his random butler, and fire rose in his chest. "Why did you protect him?! I''m trying to protect us together!" "He is my butler! No, he is my guard medal subordinate! If you dared hurting him, you should kill me first!" Aster said boldly. Charles showed aplex look, he clenched his fist. But when he saw Aster who looked really scared, yet boldly protecting his subordinate, made him realize that he had done something terrible to Aster. "I''m sorry" Charles bit his lip, "II was just too excited to see you" "Leave now, Charles," Aster said. " I wille backter." Charles left the room downcasted, before he left. He red at Jain and said something outside of the door. There was two people with the same bloody appearance as Jain who appeared behind him, Charles ordered something to them and they disappeared again. After Charles left the room, Jain stared at his master and asked, "Young Lord, are you okay?" Aster paused, and nodded slowly. Jain smiled, "I''m d, I''m notte" And he fell unconscious. Chapter 102: Merry and Ramuja Chapter 102: Merry and Ramuja Merry was dragging Ramuja around since the moment Young Lord Aster was stepping down after his opening speech. Ramuja was going to follow his master as always, but somehow, Merry dragged him around like a ragdoll until he was overwhelmed, because Merry''s grip felt so strong. They stopped in the west garden and sat on a bench side to side, Merry was still holding Ramuja''s hand and looked up to the sky. The cold wind didn''t bother her at all, since she had been raised in a ce with very harsh condition, but Ramuja shivered slightly. "Are you cold?" Merry asked, "Give me your right hand." Ramuja gave his right hand reluctantly and Merry rubbed their hands together until there was warmth in their palm. Then, Merry put her warm palm to Ramuja''s cheek. "Better?" Merry smiled. Ramuja nodded silently. There was an awkward silence between them before Ramuja asked about her intention, "Merry, why are we here?" Merry frowned, "To spend time together? Why not? We''re just a peasant girl and a ve here, I''m sure we don''t need to attend those rich nobles banquet." "But I need to attend Young Lord" Merry chuckled, "Rx, Ramuja. Young Lord must be busy with those people, he must''ve talked with those nobles about um business? I don''t know about that stuff, but I don''t think we need to know anyway. Let''s just enjoy the garden!" "But" Ramuja wanted to rebuke that, because he knew that Young Lord never liked useless small talks, socializing, or baseless gathering. He knew that Young Lord would always leave those to his mother, Grand Duchess, and preferred to stay in a quiet ce, like flower garden or his own balcony. ''There is no way that Young Lord would join the crowd, he is a loner'' ''Wwhat if he is waiting for me?'' ''Wwhat if some random nobles try to flirt with him?'' ''That nasty man, Gaum, must be trying to kiss him right now! II have to protect Young Lord!'' Ramuja stood from the bench immediately and walked out of the garden, but Merry chased him and grabbed his hand, "WWhere are you going?" Merry asked nervously. "I have to go to Young Lord, he needs me!" Ramuja replied. "Why would you need to? There are a lot of people there! You are going to be a nuisance to him!" Merry persisted, she tightened the grip around Ramuja''s arm. " Young Lord never sees me as a nuisance." Ramuja replied again, but this time, he replied firmly. As if there was a firm belief in his heart. Ramuja recalled again the moment between him and Young Lord, he tried to recall any bad memory where Young Lord abused him, yet, he remembered nothing but sweetness. "Please release my hand, Merry." Merry looked straight to Ramuja''s eyes. Her eyes were red as she was holding her tears. She said nothing, but bit her lower lip. Her eyes looked lost and she begged to Ramuja, "What about me? We haven''t even spent an hour together since the moment we met here, you didn''t even have the initiative to meet me" "Nno" "Ramuja, am I that forgettable?" Merry started sobbing. She released Ramuja''s arm and covered her face, "I know you are now living with the richest family in Golden Camellia, but am I that forgettable?" "MMerry, please don''t cry" Ramuja was flustered, he hugged Merry and patted her back gently, "I didn''t mean like that but I have my responsibility." "Responsibility? But Young Lord didn''t even seem to care about you that much! He He can buy another ve like a kid buying a candy!" Merry retorted. She pushed Ramuja away from her. "What about me? I work day and night to collect money, so I can free you! so I can save for our family! Don''t you know how much we missed you?" Merry''s expression looked really hurt. Which made Ramuja feel even more guilty. Since all what she said was true. Young Lord never hurt him and treat him as a human being, but it didn''t mean that he specifically liked Ramuja. He could be bored with him anytime, and if that time came, Young Lord might''ve bought a new ve, younger, fresher, and much more fun than him "Fine, if you are so devoted with your duty as a personal ve, then please go" Merry said, "We might be able to speak normally when I finally freed you from that ve contract." Seeing Merry looked so hurt, made Ramuja''s determination wavered. Because all what she said was true. Indeed, he ignored Merry too much. She worked really hard every day to give her freedom, yet, he was very ungrateful to her. ''But Young Lord'' ''No, Young Lord has Jain, he can definitely protect Young Lord'' There was another guilt in Ramuja''s heart, as he felt really empty when he was not around his master. But when he saw Merry again, he saw a certain future between them, probably the right choice, the bright one. ''YYoung Lord, forgive me I have to apany this girl first'' ''Because she was the one who think of me every day. I''m sorry for being an egoist.'' "II will apany you, here" Ramuja said. Merry wiped her tears and looked at Ramuja with hopeful eyes, "Really?!" " yes." Merry smiled happily and took Ramuja''s hand. She walked around the garden with Ramuja and their fingers intertwined, searching for each other''s warmth. Merry talked about her days as street singer, apanied with the garden candlemps that decorated many edges of the garden, the whole atmosphere between them was very romantic and beautiful. Merry chuckled many times while telling her experiences, while Ramuja just listened and smiled few times in response of those stories. He responded well, sometimes he replied with another joke. But all what he could think was his Young Lord, again, again and again. As if there was a ma that made him lost focus every time. "Ramuja? Are you tired?" Merry asked. "No" "Well, you were spaced out few times. Anyway, I have to perform soon too!" Merry giggled, "Let''s go to banquet again, my bandmates must be waiting!" She pulled Ramuja with her and they left the garden. They went back to the banquet and walked past the crowd of nobles who were discussing about business. Ramuja''s eyes observed around and saw no presence of Young Lord around. He also saw no presence of that promiscuous Gaum Cresthold. Thest moment Ramuja saw before he was dragged by Merry, was the sight of Gaum blocking Young Lord Aster and then, they talked about something. ''Sure thing, Gaum already entertained Young Lord'' Ramuja said in his heart dejectedly. Ramuja stood behind the gathering crowd who was waiting for the performance of this trending street band in Dionde City. They knew that the girl had a very beautiful voice, and was offered many jobs outside of the city, but rejected all of them. This autumn banquet was also the only formal aristocrats party that she epted for some unknown reason. Merry nced at Ramuja who was standing behind the crowd and watching her attentively, she gave her cheerful smile and said, "This song is for honorable Ladies and Gentlemen who is currently in love." I am but a humble heart, Under your mighty throne. Yet I cannot help but adore, The way you give me your attention. Trust me, you always fill my mind, So never doubt me, because I breathe after you. Chapter 103: A Mother with Thousand Schemes Chapter 103: A Mother with Thousand Schemes Grand Duchess sat with few other noblewomen and smiled whenever they told a joke and she followed the conversation elegantly. She was never the one who spoke vulgarly, nor the one who showed careless emotion. She was always in control of herself. "Speaking of which, your son looks gorgeous, too gorgeous!" one olddy said. She sat beside Grand Duchess and spoke eagerly, "I see that Young Lord Aster is still single and definitely the best bachelor in this empire! How about marrying him to my son? My son is a major general under the Crown Prince, he is only thirty years old and very handsome too! I''m sure your son would be interested." Grand Duchess darted a sharp nce for a second before returned back to herposed self. She observed the one who initiated that idea of marriage. ''Lady Mierna, the Countess of Urterd, the southeast of Golden Camellia Empire. Not a rich house, not also an influential house. Yet, due to their two sons, they rose up steadily in the noble circle because of the achievement. As I researched before, they seem to be overly reliant on their sons'' achievements in order to gain favor. Very unreliable.'' Grand Duchess remembered that she had report from one of her spies about this house. Thus, she concluded that this house wasn''t even worth batting an eye, a house that was overly reliant with honor and glory would just fall whenever there was a military setback. ''Besides, her house is siding with Charles.'' However, Grand Duchess refused in calm manner, "I do not mind, as long as my son wills it. But he is in a poor health condition. I''m afraid he cannot follow your son if he has military campaign." "Oh, don''t worry about that, Young Lord could always wait in the castle, like a good wife," Lady Mierna persuaded. "Pardon me, but my son is a man worth more than just waiting for someone in a castle, he is also managing the duchy, Dionde City and our businesses. Please refrain from making such degrading remark about him, your son should be getting a man or woman who has no other use but a house decoration," Grand Duchess retorted coldly. Lady Mierna seemed to be lost for words. She didn''t expect Grand Duchess to reply in such harsh manner. Thus, Lady Mierna just nodded and excused herself. ''Another trash finally left. How dare they proposed a marriage for my son, but not weighing their own capability as a family,'' Grand Duchess snorted. She continued the conversation until she heard people gathered and their attention was focused on one girl on the stage. Merry sang a love song that hypnotized the crowd. They listened solemnly, so did Grand Duchess'' colleagues. They were all stopped and listening to this beautiful voice. But Grand Duchess just smiled and nced at that girl for one second before leaving the crowd. She went to her room and sat on the sofa. She sipped a wine slowly while reading about the report of Grand Duchy expenses. She was waiting for someone to report about the whole thing in this autumn banquet. After two hours, the guests had left the banquet one by one and her spy appeared in front of her and kneeled, "This subordinate have information for Her Majesty Grand Duchess." Grand Duchess closed her book, her lips upturned slightly, as if she was expecting something satisfying, "Tell me." "Yes, this subordinate was tasked to observe Young Lord''s movement. Right now, Young Lord is in his room sitting, while tending the wound of that butler." "That butler is really his guard medal subordinate?" Grand Duchess asked. "Yes, Mdy. That butler is Jain Teh, a mysterious butler from the pce. He seems to be a highly trained assassin." Grand Duchess chuckled lightly. She finally uncovered one of Aster''s guard medal subordinate. She just needed to find a way to eliminate that butler without Aster knowing. "How about the whole situation from the start to finish? Did my son meet that Second Prince from Rhea and Crown Prince?" "Yes, Gaum Cresthold gave him two pair of earrings and two golden pin, personal pin of himself and Gamasiel Cresthold, King of Rhea. It seems they already fell in love with Young" There was a sound of the wine ss getting shattered into pieces before the spy finished his sentence. Grand Duchess'' eyes turned ck suddenly, she chuckled lightly, "So, they really try to snatch my son way from me? Kingdom of Rhea is nothingpared to Grand Duchy. I will destroy that kingdom to pieces, no, I will let them went through unrecoverable poverty until their citizens eat each other to death to survive. That is befitting punishment." The spy shuddered, he knew that Grand Duchess was cruel woman, but there seemed to be no limit of that viciousness. After few rambling, Grand Duchess returned normal again. She cleared her throat and said, "Continue with your report." "Yes, Mdy. Crown Prince Charles kissed Young Lord intensely, pushed him to bed and kissed his body, Young Lord''s chest and belly was already touched and exposed." "But he didn''t do more than that, right?" Grand Duchess asked. "Yes, as what Mdy had ordered to me, I went in and helped the butler, Jain, to defeat Crown Prince Charles'' two shadow assassins on the right time, so, Jain could save Young Lord Aster." "So, I assume that my son admitted that his butler was a guard medal subordinate in front of Charles to protect him, right?" "Yes, Mdy." "You did a very good job," Grand Duchess praised her spy delightfully, "Your job helps to uncover Aster''s guard medal subordinate, his entanglement with King and Second Prince of Rhea, and finally I got to make him hated Charles to the bone, now there is no way they can reconcile." The spy went silent for a second and then daringly asked, "Mdy, may this subordinate ask a question?" "What?" "Are you the one who inform Crown Prince Charles about autumn banquet here?" "Yes." " are you also the one who let Crown Prince entered the Lantern Pce, so, he can meet Young Lord?" "That is also correct," Grand Duchess replied lightly. "But Young Lord''s purity almost got taken by Crown Prince" Grand Duchess went silence, and then sheughed mirthlessly, as if she wasughing at someone''s stupidity, "Everything I do is within measurement and control. My son has to understand that he needs to protect himself, he needs to hate, to be in such humiliation, so he wouldn''t be soft hearted. Besides, he shouldn''t hide something from me, I''m just trying to protect him wholeheartedly." Grand Duchess leered mockingly and kicked the spy with her heels, "Do you question my capability?" "No, not at all, Mdy," the spy kneeled down again. "Well, since you did your job well, I will reward youter. Now, go, I will be seeing a guest soon," Grand Duchess smirked. The spy nodded and vanished instantly. Half an hourter, her door was knocked, the maid opened the door and a shadow guard brought a young maiden with ck hair and fresh face, she was a bit scared, but when she saw Grand Duchess in front of her, she kneeled instantly. "TThis peasant girl begs to see Her Majesty Grand Duchess," the girl said. Grand Duchess smiled amiably, "Come here." The peasant girl approached Grand Duchess cautiously, there was mix of fear and relief in her face. "Did you do your job well?" "Yyes, Mdy, this peasant girl was able to hold Ramuja during the whole banquet," she replied humbly. "Ramuja also watched me singing, hehehe," she continued with an obvious blush in her cheek. "Good, well, I''m here to give you two a good time together. It must be hard for you," Grand Duchess said. "Thank you, Mdy! Your Majesty Grand Duchess is very kind to this peasant girl!" she said while kneeling deeper, "Uum Mdy, about my payment" "Ah, yes. I promise you ten gold coins, right? Here, I give you five more gold coins for your hard work. You have such amazing voice too!" Grand Duchess praised her again. "TThank you, Mdy. Mdy is too kind" Grand Duchess handed her a bag of coin and she received it gratefully, "Uum Mdy, this peasant girl wonders about Young Lord Aster and Ramuja. Wwhy is Ramuja seem to be extremely reliant to Young Lord?" "Ah, you don''t know?" Grand Duchess gasped, "Well, his ve contract binds him to give his everything, including his life. Sometimes, I feel pity for Ramuja. Because he always looked spaced out, I heard a rumor that he has a girlfriend, so he must be missing you a lot. But he cannot say anything, because his life is not in his hand. That is why I''m trying to give you two a time together, I know the pain of missing someone you love." "By god, MMdy is so kind! Tthis peasant girl is very grateful for your kindness!" the peasant girl teared up and prostrated in front of Grand Duchess'' feet and kissed her high heels. Grand Duchess had the urge to kick this peasant girl''s head with her heels, but she needs to control it. Because this girl is important to develop Aster into a perfect ruler. ''Disgusting! She just touched my shoes with her lips!'' "It is my pleasure, just keep doing your job. I will help you free Ramuja," Grand Duchess said. After series of praises, gratitude and tears that kept dropping on the rug. The peasant girl left the room. Grand Duchess'' smile vanished instantly, she ordered her maid to take off her high heels. "Burn this high heel, and this rug too. It''s too disgusting." "Yes, Your Majesty," the maid nodded. She took the high heel and rug out of the room, presumably burning it. "Hm her name is Merry, right? A very useful thing." Grand Duchess looking very satisfied. She chuckled few times and drank few more sips of wine, "Everything is going well, delightful." Grand Duchess was looking at her reflection in the wine ss, the golden eyes shone brightly, and a smirk was painted on her face. Chapter 104: Disappointment Chapter 104: Disappointment Aster called the pce doctor to treat Jain''s wounds. His suit was stripped off and obvious wounds on the abdomen and stomach made Aster held his breath. The doctor, assisted by two nurses, quickly did a small operation for few hours until Jain was breathing normally. He was bandaged all over his body and the doctor said to Aster, "Young Lord, this man''s wound was deep, but wasn''t fatal enough to kill him. He must be exhausted, I will give him medicine for his recovery." "Yes, thank you. I will give you a bonuster," Young Lord said solemnly. The doctor nodded, he nced at this butler whose wound wasn''t exactly a normal wound, it was from a knife, and it was obvious that he tried to dodge the knife from hitting his vital parts. There was a question in the doctor''s head, but he dared not to ask Young Lord about it. Thus, the doctor lowered his head and excused himself. Aster was sitting on the edge of the bed, he was in Jain''s room right now. There was a guilt in Aster''s heart, because Jain was heavily wounded after protecting him. ''It is his job, but he shouldn''t be fighting Charles'' guards alone,'' Aster med himself for being weak, because he didn''t have the strength to push Charles, nor he has the power to suppress Charles. In fact, with Charles returned from his almost two years campaign, meant that the political sphere in Golden Camellia would be in turmoil again. Aster bit his lips, he thought everything would go smoothly, because he predicted that Charles would return in about half a year, but he returned earlier than he expected. He couldn''t do anything against Charles right now. Even the previous situation, he couldn''t use it for his benefit. He had to clean up the mess, he ordered other guards to take away the two guards who died from Charles'' ruthlessness and ordered the head servant topensate each guard by giving their family a hundred gold coins. It was already four in the morning and he hadn''t sleep at all even after the banquet had ended. Aster checked Jain who was sleeping soundly, the doctor said what he needed was rest and proper nutrition. Aster had ordered two guards to protect Jain''s room, and he also ordered the servants to deliver his food daily. Aster stood from the edge of the bed, he looked around Jain''s room. He felt a bit ashamed because he just entered someone''s room without his permission, even if that person was his own subordinate. Jain''s room wasn''t particrly special, wooden desk, wardrobe and a wooden bed for him, just like the what was given to all servants here. When Aster was about to leave, his eyes darted on the desk and saw a small painting in a beautiful frame. Aster felt like the painting was familiar. He checked the painting and inspected it carefully. It was a painting of a baby boy, probably a one-year old baby. He already had strands of hair and he was exceptionally beautiful for a baby. However, what made him intrigued was the eyes of the baby. ''It''s simr to my eyes'' Aster knew that his family had unique eyes, deep blue eyes with golden circle around the pupil. It was exceptionally beautiful, yet intimidating at the same time. Aster inspected this photo again, and the more he thought about it, the more he realized that this baby must be important for Jain. Since he kept the small painting in a frame and there was not even a speck of dust in the painting. ''Is this Charles? No, that wouldn''t be.'' ''Is this me?'' Aster started doubting himself. But he shook his head. ''That can''t be me. Jain had only known me for two years, how could he have my baby painting? If this is one year old me, he should be around thirteen years old back then, there is no way he would know about me.'' Aster shook off that ridiculous thought in his head. He stared at Jain once more before leaving the room. He returned back to his room, extremely tired, but he didn''t want to sleep. He ordered the servants to prepare a warm bath for him, he took off his shirt and looked in the mirror. His skin was still smooth, but when he saw bitemarks in various ces around his neck and upper chest, he was inescapably disgusted. These bitemarks were so deep and red, it was obvious that the one who did it was extremely passionate. ''Why couldn''t I protect myself? Why couldn''t I resist!?'' ''It''s disgusting! I''m disgusting!'' "ARGH!!" Aster roared and kicked the mirror until it fell and shattered. ''What is wrong with me! I let myself being taken!'' ''I'' Aster tried to hold in his tears, he jumped into the warm bath and dipped his head inside the bathtub, then he emerged again with red eyes. The sound of low sobs filled the bathroom as Aster wiped his tears again and again. ''This is the worst'' *** Aster attended the lunch with his mother reluctantly. He was asleep for the whole morning, yet he kept waking up every hour because he was afraid that Charles would return. His mother had been waiting in the dining table. "Good afternoon, my son," Grand Duchess greeted happily. "Good afternoon, mom" Aster replied weakly. "Hm? What happened? Why do you look so down? I thought the banquet yesterday was a sess," Grand Duchess asked. "It''s nothing," Aster lowered his head and ate like normal. But Grand Duchess realized that something was wrong. She put down her utensils and cupped her hands, "Aster, tell me. What happened? I also didn''t see you during the whole banquet." "I" Aster stopped eating. He tried to collect hisposure, so he wouldn''t tell everything to his mother. He didn''t want to make her worried, "Mom, did you see Charles yesterday?" "Charles? I did saw him going inside the pce, did you meet him? He said he really missed you." "Did you let him in?" "Yes, of course. He is your cousin anyway," Grand Duchess smiled. "You need to have a good connection to everyone, you should also know when suppress your feeling. So, even if you don''t like to see other people near you, you should be used to it." ''She doesn''t know, mom doesn''t know what Charles did to me!'' Aster clenched his fist under the table. Grand Duchess continued eating her lunch leisurely. "What did you do yesterday, my son? Did you talk to a noble privately? I usually saw you with that ve, but I saw him walking around the garden with that young singer for hours, do they know each other?" Aster''s head suddenly raised. He looked in disbelief, "He was walking around in the garden for hours with Merry?" "Ah, I just remembered that her name is Merry," Grand Duchessughed heartily, "Hm? I thought you were the one who sent him off duty, since you want to talk to another noble privately." Grand Duchess'' expression looked puzzled, she frowned a bit, "But I saw him for hours in the garden, and even watching that girl singing for the whole banquet. How could a personal ve able to do that if you are not the one who allowed him? You are the master, my son, don''t be too softhearted on them." Aster stood up immediately and said, "I''m leaving first, mom. I have something to do." "I really want to spend more time with you, but I understand," Grand Duchess smiled. Aster left the dining room, and Grand Duchess'' smile turned into smirk, "As expected." Chapter 105: Disappointment II Chapter 105: Disappointment II Aster went back to him room, he ordered the servant to summon Ramuja. Not long after, he heard his door was knocked and opened. Ramuja stood nervously and walked slowly to Aster. He kneeled deep before opening his mouth, "TThis servant" "ve." Aster replied coldly. Ramuja swallowed his saliva, he didn''t expect Young Lord to be calling him a ve again. "TThis ve heeds to Young Lord''s summon," Ramuja said. He tried to raise his head, but he heard Young Lord interrupted him again harshly. "Don''t you dare to raise your head," Aster ordered. Ramuja stayed in his position, kneeling deep with his face almost touched the ground. Aster stared down to his servant, his golden circle shrunk, making his eyes pure blue. He could''ve just killed this servant right now, but deep down, he didn''t want to. Thus, Aster tried to find a reason not to punish Ramuja, and also lifting the weight in his heart. "Tell me, where had you been yesterday?" "Tthis ve uh is working with other servants during the banquet, Young Lord," Ramuja said. "What kind of work? If I remember correctly, I''ve already assigned every servant their portion of work, there shouldn''t be any job for you during the banquet," Aster said. His eyes were cold, but if one inspected carefully, his eyes showed sorrow. "Tthis ve helped Merry to prepare for her performance, Young Lord," Ramuja tried to dodge the question, "Pardon this ve for beingte today, this ve had to help other servants to send Merry and her band out." Ramuja might not realize it, but he just rubbed the salt to Aster''s injury. He clenched his hand, trying to stay calm, "I remember that I already put all what Merry needed before the banquet started. I even assigned two servants to take care of her need during the banquet, was that not enough? I will call those two servants and punish them severely for not doing their job," Aster said. Ramuja panicked, "TThis ve vvolunteer to help Merry, Young Lord. It has nothing to do with other servants!" Aster was holding his anger. He took a deep breath and asked Ramuja, "What is your rtionship with Merry? Tell me truthfully!" Ramuja''s breath tightened, he gulped. He dared not raising his head, but he imagined that Young Lord had arge sword in his hand, ready to decapitated him if he told the truth about their rtionship. "YYoung Lord, this ve sees Merry as my little sister, this ve um dared not stepping too far" Ramuja replied. "This ve is and will always be loyal to Young Lord!" he added. ''Funny, how easy you said that. Didn''t you know when something was being told confidently, it just adds more doubt.'' Aster chuckled. Sarcastic chuckle. He mocked his own stupidity. Deep down, Aster knew that something was fishy. He realized that Ramuja and Merry''s rtionship wasn''t that simple. He wanted to confront Ramuja right now, but he was too afraid if his prediction was true. ''I believe that you are always with me.'' ''Because you said you love me.'' ''That''s why, I believe you more than my mind'' Aster took another deep breath. But this one, there was no anger. It was more of a disappointment. He wasn''t sure if trusting Ramuja was the right choice. But he "I believe you" Aster said. He tapped the floor with his shoes. "But I will keep an eye on you." " yes, Young Lord." Ramuja said. The guilt in his heart was too heavy, he tried hard to sound convincing, it seemed that Young Lord was convinced. But he couldn''t push his luck like this. He wasn''t lying, because he really did see Merry as his little sister. ''I''m sorry I have to lie, Young Lord. But I don''t want to break your heart'' "Raise your head," Aster ordered. Ramuja raised his head slowly, facing his Young Lord''s mesmerizing appearance, but was stunned when he saw dark eyebags under Young Lord''s eye. Ramuja was panicked immediately, "Oh my god! Young Lord, what made you sleepless?!" Ramuja went outside and took basin full of warm water with soft wipe. He returned with two basins, one for Aster''s face and one for his feet. Ramuja put the basin near Young Lord''s feet carefully and he tried to open Aster''s shoes to wash his feet as usual. Aster was unresponsive the whole time, his eyes were still cold because he tried to brush off this strange jealousy inside his heart. ''Ramuja treats her as sibling, why should I be jealous'' Aster chanted the same reason again and again in his head. But when he felt someone was touching his ankle, the collection of bad memories fromst night suddenly invaded his mind and his body reacted wildly. Aster''s feet reacted and kicked Ramuja''s chin and his other feet kicked the basin and it fell on Ramuja. Ramuja fell backward from the kick, mostly due to shock. His body was soaking wet because Young Lord used his feet to kick his chin and the basin. Ramuja stared dumbly. He recovered from the fall and prostrated in front of his master. Aster''s breath shortened, he didn''t mean to hurt Ramuja. But his body immediately reacted when it was touched. Ramuja was prostrating, trembling pitifully with his big body. Aster gulped, "Ramuja, I didn''t mean" "Young Lord, this ve is sorry" Ramuja said slowly. Aster paused. He stared down on Ramuja who was still trembling. "What are you talking about?" Aster asked. "This ve is sorry" Ramuja repeated. "What do you mean? Answer me!" Aster lost his patience, he had a bad hunch, but he tried to brush off that thought again. "This ve this ve was not telling the truth" "What truth? I said, tell me everything!" Aster ordered fiercely. He was going to kick Ramuja''s head, but he stopped abruptly. Aster gritted his teeth. Ramuja fell silent. His body trembled even more, but in the end, he just shook his head slowly, still in prostrating position. "GODDAMN!" Aster roared. He stood up and ordered, "Raise your head!" Ramuja raised his head slowly, above him, Young Lord Aster was standing fiercely, looking down on him with his ck pupil. There was a pool of anger in his eyes, but Ramuja saw that Young Lord was also disappointed. "Tell me, tell me the truth!" Ramuja opened his mouth, but closed it abruptly and decided to shook his head slowly. ''I can''t, I I don''t want him to hurt Merry and her family if he knows the truth'' ''Because he said Merry is his friend, Young Lord''s only friend'' ''I don''t want him to get hurt even more'' ''Young Lord, will you kill me after this?'' Aster was frustrated, this was the first time he saw a ve that was so stubborn, "Do you know the consequence of defying my order?" Aster said harshly. Ramuja paused, then nodded slowly. "And you are still not going tell me about your lie?" Ramuja shook his head slowly and firmly. Aster''s chest was so stuffy that he turned his back immediately. He ordered in low tone, "Leave." "Young Lord, this ve" "LEAVE!" Ramuja stood up and left the room silently. Aster turned his back on Ramuja because he was holding his tear. When he heard the door was closed. His tears streamed down on his cheeks. ''He didn''t even want to tell me the truth, was he protecting someone?'' ''But why? He dared risking his life to protect this person.'' Aster was gripping his chest tightly. Because it felt so stuffy that he almost couldn''t breathe. He sobbed low, because he didn''t want the guards outside knew that their Young Lord cried over trivial thing. He had a bad hunch, but he kept denying it over and over. Even if it was probably the truth. ''No, it wasn''t that. Ramuja wouldn''t betray me. He is in love with me'' ''It must be because of different matter. Probably he didn''t want me to be stressed out, right?'' Aster shook his head. As he made up the excuses in his mind, he was able to cover his bad premonition with positive thought about Ramuja. But sometimes, the bad slipped out and he sobbed a little. ''Why did you lie?'' Chapter 106: Deceived Chapter 106: Deceived Aster was dazed. He had a conversation with his motherst night. His mother went to his room with tea tray personally carried by herself. Which meant that his mother wanted to talk privately. Aster and Grand Duchess Camille sat face to face in the balcony, the autumn leaves scattered around the pce and Grand Duchess sighed before sipping her tea. She looked concerned, "My son, tell me your problem, I''m really worried about your wellbeing." "I''m okay, mom." Aster replied short. "What do you mean okay?" Grand Duchess frowned, "You ate less for three days straight, you made a lot of mistakes in Grand Duchy''s administration, you are also dazed so many times! Aster, your mom is really worried!" "I" Aster hesitated. He had wanted to ask for his mother''s advice, but knowing how ruthless his mother against ves was, he kept it himself. Because he might indirectly harm Ramuja by telling his mother. Who knew whether Ramuja would still be alive or buried in some unknownnd by his mother after she knew that the whole problem was caused by a mere ve? Thus, Aster tried to take roundabout way, "Mom, to what extend shall we havepassion to ves? They are technically still a human." "Compassion? To a ve?" Grand Duchess asked, as if what she just heard was ridiculous. "Whatpassion do you think those ves deserve?" "I mean, if a vemitted a mistake, should I not spare him?" Grand Duchess sighed, "If that ve is important for you, you can spare him as long as he will not do the same mistake again." Grand Duchess smile amiably, for few seconds, Aster thought that his mother was really like an angel, gentle and beautiful. But her gentle smile turned stiff and she continued, "But if he didn''t know how to be grateful andmitted the same mistake again, then you should punish him. ves are easily receable, they are not worth your time." "But what if he really didn''t mean to" "Well, if he is a sane person, he wouldn''t. Because his life is in your hand," Grand Duchess sighed, she puts down her cup and patted Aster''s had gently, "Aster, mom loves you so much, I don''t want you to know the ugly truth of human. But, you should know that even though ve is a livestock by birth, but they still have human brain. They can deceive you, does various tricks in order to gain your attention or pity. Once you fell into their trap, they will ruin you" Grand Duchess showed a grave expression, "My son, your fate is much bigger than just thinking about useless stuff like this." Aster zipped his mouth and lowered his head. There was something hitting his conscience, his mother''s words really made him feel guilty as a son. ''She is right, but I'' After some silence, Grand Duchess stood and walked to the door, "Remember, mom just wants you to be a proper ruler for our duchy," she said and then she closed the door. Aster stared at the door and decided to relieve his stress with early rest. *** Aster woke up earlier and went to his garden for his morning stroll. Aster ordered Ramuja to help other servants for the time being. It had been four days since theirst conversation that went awry. Aster walked around, directionless, as his mind also wandered aimlessly. He was still disturbed over the fact that his trusted servant and love hid something from him. No matter what was the intention, he just couldn''t ept it. ''Yet I still don''t want to punish him.'' ''Stupid'' He sat on the nearest bench and fiddled with some dahlia. The autumn had just started and his mood was in terrible state already. He sighed. The autumn''s wind was cold, so he could take more time until the sun rose and his skin would start to itch. Aster closed his eyes, he let the cold wind caressed his body. He naturally had lower temperature than average human, thus, he was never bothered by it. He took a deep breath and his mind went nk. Not long after, there were shes of memories that invaded his brain repeatedly. The moment he left the duchy, his struggle and humiliation in Golden Pce, his return to the duchy, autumn banquet, and then Charles went inside his room and Aster bit his lip. He trembled, not because of the cold, but the memories were so painful. That moment, he realized that he wasn''t just insignificant in the eyes of Golden Camellia''s aristocrats. He was even less than that, he was just a doll for people to admire. The humiliation shattered his pride as Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. His tears started falling, however, before he could let all his tears dry. He felt someone approached him hurriedly. He opened his eyes, and saw a man with bronze skin kneeled in front of him. From this angle, the man who kneeled was very handsome, he had that masculine charm that was different from Charles. Charles had unrealistically sculpted appearance, the trademark of golden family. But this man in front of him, he had a masculine handsomeness of a southeastern man, with sharp nose, thin lips and big, bronze body. But this man''s eyes showed tenderness that unfortunately, made Aster weak to his gaze. He looked worried, but dared not to look up. He raised his hand and offered a clean handkerchief with the letter ''A'' in the edge. "YYoung Lord, please don''t cry," he said timidly. "This ve will be sad too" Aster looked down. He didn''t take the handkerchief, instead, he wiped his tears with his sleeve. He asked coldly, "Who gave you the right to enter my garden?" Ramuja jolted, he lowered his head even more and didn''t dare to reply. Because the truth was, he tailed Young Lord around for four days. He finished all the servant tasks earlier and hid inside the garden since two in the morning every day, thus, the guards outside the garden didn''t notice him. He knew what he did was wrong. But he didn''t know what to do. He didn''t want Young Lord to know the truth about him and Merry, even though Young Lord might''ve guessed it. But, as long as he could get all the time for himself to be close to Young Lord before everything was revealed, he was happy. He intended to just silently watch Young Lord from behind the bushes every day. But he instinctively rushed to Young Lord before his brain could react when he saw Young Lord trembled and cried. By the time he realized what he just did, Ramuja was kneeling in front of his Young Lord and offered Aster''s personal handkerchief that he cleaned daily. The handkerchief was given by Young Lord, and he had been treasuring it since. He was dumbfounded by his own action. However, he was already in front of Young Lord, thus, he could only silently wait for his death. Aster snorted, "If you cannot answer me, then I assume that you have been following me." Again, no answer came from Ramuja''s mouth. However, he lowered his posture pitifully. It didn''t fit his big stature, but he obediently lowered his head until it almost touched the ground, but with his hand still rose up with handkerchief on his palm. Aster''s heart quivered. ''Why are you doing this?'' ''I sent you away because I don''t want to hurt you.'' ''But you keeping back again and again, do you know how foolish you are?'' ''Ramuja, you always do this whenever I got angry the same old trick'' ''Did you also do the same trick to another person?'' Aster froze immediately. He recalled his moments back then, Whenever Ramuja made a mistake, he was always trying to show up in front of Aster, offering something and his heart would soften immediately. This repeated behavior was almost simr to a trick. A trick that had been done many times in order to gain pity. Then, Aster recalled what his mother saidst night. ''They can deceive you, does various tricks in order to gain your attention or pity. Once you fell into their trap, they will ruin you....'' ''They can deceive you'' All what Ramuja did was just an old trick that softened him. Made him look silly. ''So, you tricked me?'' ''You tricked me?'' Aster''s stare turned into fierce re. He saw Ramuja still lowered his head, but this time, he steeled his heart and raised his leg and stomped Ramuja''s palm. "ARGH!" Ramuja reacted instantly. He tried to pull his hand, but it was stuck because Young Lord''s boots stomped it rough. It wasn''t the pain that hurt Ramuja, but because Young Lord stomped the palm with his handkerchief on it. "Young Lord! Your handkerchief! Handkerchief!" Ramuja reacted wildly. He teared up when he saw the handkerchief that he treasured so much was stomped by his own master. "Young Lord! I beg you! Thisthis handkerchief!" Ramuja raised his head and look up to Aster, but what he saw astonished him. Aster was crying in despair, but refused to make any noise. His tears fell to Ramuja''s face. His pupils werepletely golden, but it looked unbearably sad. "Young Lord, what happened to you?" Chapter 107: Redirection Chapter 107: Redirection "Young Lord, what happened to you?" Aster didn''t hear what Ramuja said, he pressed Ramuja''s hand with his boots even harder. He didn''t even hear Ramuja begging for forgiveness. There was nothing but simple desire, a desire to ruin, because he felt disappointed of him. It was something that he didn''t understand, but he followed his instinct anyway. ''Why do I need to use logic here? All your actions are illogical.'' ''Or maybe it''s just me who is being stupid'' Ramuja winced in pain, but he stopped begging because Young Lord wouldn''t let him off anyway. Then, a silhouette appeared behind Young Lord and with one movement, Young Lord instantly fell unconscious. He fell into Jain embrace. Jain checked Aster''s breath and was finally relieved when he found that Young Lord''s breath was stable. He red at Ramuja, then scoffed, "I knew you can''t be trusted, filthy ve." Jain disappeared with his Young Lord, leaving Ramuja stupefied alone. He saw the handkerchief was torn already. He held his tear and hugged the torn handkerchief from Aster gently. No matter how ugly this handkerchief had be, anything that Young Lord gave to him meant everything. Because it was his beloved treasure. "Because I will never have you, but least, you leave something for me, Young Lord" *** Aster woke up on his bed, his eyes looked around and instantly realized that he was in his room. He looked left to see Jain nodded respectfully to him. Aster frowned, "What happened?" "Young Lord fainted in the garden," Jain replied short. Aster frowned even deeper, "But Ramuja? I remembered I saw Ramuja handing me a handkerchief, but then" Aster tried to shake his head, but he really found nothing other than his memory waking up here. "Yes, Young Lord saw Ramuja and then you just fainted." Jain reassured him. "Is that so?" "Yes." "Well, alright then" Aster suddenly realized something and said, "Order one of your men to protect Ramuja. I''m not in good term with him right now, but I don''t want him to get harmed by my mother, or bullied by other servants." Jain clenched his fist silently. He was angry, really angry. That ve already betrayed his master and also made him lied to his master. He hurt his master so bad, but somehow, Young Lord still tried to protect him almost subconsciously. "Young Lord, this subordinate believes that you shouldn''t care much about him, he is perfectly safe," Jain said. Aster''s eyes went cold instantly, "This is my order, just do what I ordered you to." "Understood, Young Lord," Jain bowed his head while gritting silently. This almost made him snap. To protect such disgusting animal, even Jain doubt that his disciples would ept that order. Aster stared at Jain and sighed, "Jain, kneel." He said softly. Jain was surprised, but he did what Young Lord ordered. He kneeled in front of Young Lord. "Raise your head," Aster ordered. Jain raised his head and his cheek was caressed by his master''s soft hand. He shuddered and his face went hot instantly. Aster touched his cheek, ears, eyebrows and neck and sighed even deeper. "You are still wounded" Aster said. There was grief and guilt in his tone. "Open your suit." "But, Young Lord" "Open it." Jain undressed his top. The bandages were still wrapped tightly and there were still red patches in it. "I told you to rest!" Aster warned, he raised his voice, but he looked worried. Jain shuddered when Young Lord touched his bandages. Young Lord touched his abdomen, lower chest, his stomach. He didn''t feel any pain, he was used to do arduous and deadly training since he was young. Wounds like these were nothing. He could rest for few days and he would recover. The wound was superficial and the pain was almost nonexistent. He shuddered because Young Lord touched his body with his delicate hand, it almost felt like he was tickled with a soft feather. "YYoung Lord, you don''t need to inspect more." "Ah, really? But I''m worried," Aster said. He touched one of Jain''s bandage near his belly button gently and Jain immediately inched back. "This subordinate is fine, I was trained as an assassin, this wound is superficial," Jain said. "You shouldn''t push yourself too hard. You protected me bravely, if you didn''t arrive, I would" Aster lowered his head and decided to shut his mouth. "It is this subordinate''s duty to protect my master, but Young Lord should consider moving to another ce for now." "Moving? Why?" Aster was puzzled, "This ce is the administrative and business capital for Grand Duchy Stormhill. I don''t see any other ce more worth it than this." "Young Lord need a new ce to refresh his mind. This subordinate suggests you to move to Grand Duchy''s small mansion near Clearwater Academy. Since Young Lord also have long administrative work regarding the annual investment for Clearwater Academy." "Ah, true," Aster pondered for a while, then ordered, "We will be leaving tomorrow, notify head servant to prepare, and don''t forget to notify Ramuja, so he can prepare earlier." "Young Lord, this subordinate suggests that you shouldn''t bring him in this trip, since this is only a month trip." "Huh? Why?" "Bringing him around would make other servants understand the importance of him to you. He might get bullied by other servants, even though this subordinate haspetent disciples, they cannot protect him every hour," Jain gave a reasonable reason. Which made Aster felt that he was tongue-tied, because what he said was true. Ramuja might get bullied by other servants or even alerted his mother due to favoritism. ''Besides, he still lied to me'' Aster''s eyes dimmed, and the nodded in agreement. "Fine, I will leave him here, but you shall protect him," Aster ordered. Jain nodded silently. "Young Lord, may this subordinate request something?" Jain asked. "What is it?" Jain took his guard medal from his pocket and showed it to his master, then put it back, and he said firmly, "This subordinate believes that Young Lord should reveal your guard medal subordinates to your mother, Grand Duchess Camille." Chapter 108: The First Misstep on Her Plan Chapter 108: The First Misstep on Her n "WHAT?!" Aster jolted. "What are you talking about? Guard medal subordinate should be a lifetime secret! No one, not even your spouse should know about this!" Jain knew and understand that. In fact, if it wasn''t because of the situation right now, he wouldn''t even suggest a ridiculous request. But when he was watching and guarding the pce, he was ambushed and subsequently directed to a location far from Young Lord''s room. When he was attacked by two assassins, he called his disciples, yet they were also ambushed by unknown forces. He watched around to check the shadow guards around the pce, but they were nowhere to be seen. Which was strange, because they were supposed to guard the pce nonstop. A strange thought appeared in his mind, but he tried to brush it off and fought the two assassins by himself. As he got overwhelmed, a reinforcement appeared, a tall man with mask appeared beside him and helped him. Jain didn''t know who this person was and his eyesight was already blurry because he was bleeding too much. When the enemy assassins ran away, Jain rushed to Young Lord''s room because there was a bad feeling lurking in his heart. That sight hadn''t leave Jain''s memory even a bit. The sight of his master getting ravaged and touched indecently by Crown Prince, and almost got his purity stolen. It was something that came out of his nightmare. He protected his Young Lord and get ready to fight in hisst stand because there was no way he could fight Golden-Eyed Crown Prince, because in that state, the golden blood will have all his capability enhanced, including strength and intelligence. ''And, that person'' Jain recalled the next day after he was treated by Young Lord. The same person who helped him almost killed him, he was lucky because his instinct kicked in and he dodged the knife. That person chased him around even though he already used his stealth technique, but when he went straight to Young Lord''s room, that person stopped and disappeared. ''He is afraid with Young Lord?'' Jain was in doubt. ''Why would he target me anyway? If that person wanted to target someone, it should be Young Lord, not me.'' Jain connected his strange thought before with this new fact and there was a wild guess that almost made him unsure whether it was possible or not, ''The person who targeted me is afraid that Young Lord would find out about it. That person is someone who is close to Young Lord and inside this pce.'' It would require someone with supreme power to let this assassin chased him in this heavily guarded pce with shadow guards everywhere, in fact, that person must have control over these guards. The only person who fit these criteria was Grand Duchess Camille. It was ridiculous but Jain almostughed at this stupid idea, why would Grand Duchess harm her precious son? But the more he tried to ignore it, it made him even more anxious. Thus, he came up with the idea of telling Grand Duchess about his identity. But it was impossible to tell his real worries to Young Lord. Jain looked up to his master and said, "Young Lord, since I am your guard medal subordinate, I believe we should seek protection from Grand Duchess. Since she is your mother and held political power in Grand Duchy, she would definitely protect us from harm," Jain persuaded. "But it''s a secret" Aster was hesitant. His mother wouldn''t hurt him, but this was supposed to be a lifetime secret. Something that should never be told because you didn''t know the future. "Young Lord, please trust this subordinate. This is the best way to prevent another ident simr to that day," Jain persuaded more. Aster hummed in deep thought, what Jain said was reasonable. Because his mother really has power in the Grand Duchy. Aster nced at Jain''s eyes who looked certain with what he suggested and finally sighed, "Fine, let''s go tell my mother. This is the perfect time to tell it anyway, since we are leaving tomorrow morning." *** Grand Duchess was sitting leisurely and was seemingly joyous when he discovered the news about his son stomping that ve. It was nine in the morning and she heard the guard outside reported, "Mdy, Young Lord is visiting!" Grand Duchess raised her brows, her mood had gotten even better, "Let him in!" she said. Aster entered the room with the sight of his mother smiling amiably to him. He approached his mother with Jain silently tailing him. Grand Duchess noticed immediately, but decided to stay calm. "My! isn''t this a pleasant surprise? What do you want? Tell mom!" Grand Duchess asked enthusiastically. "Mom, this might be abrupt, but I want to tell you something," Aster nced at his subordinate and nodded, "I want to tell you about my secret." Grand Duchess was surprised, "Secret?" "Yes," Aster replied, "I want you to know that I own a guard medal subordinate." "WHAT?!" Grand Duchess stood from her chair and her chair was knocked back. She red at this butler named Jain, trying to guess if it was a trap, or whether this person finally noticed about what she did that night. Grand Duchess tried to calm down and kept her smile, "My bad, mom was surprised that my son has a big secret. A guard medal subordinate? That is amazing! But you should keep it a secret, right?" "Naturally, but for this one, I want you to know," Aster said. Grand Duchess gulped, she finally understood that this was a trap set to lock her in this position. Aster smiled, "This is my guard medal subordinate, Jain Teh. He is an assassin that works as my butler in meantime, but he is indeed a trained assassin. He is also dedicated to me." Jain smiled, he fished out his guard medal and slowly put it on the table, in front of Grand Duchess. Grand Duchess had the urge to just destroy that gold guard medal, so his son wouldn''t dare to hide something from her. But he revealed it himself, even bravely showed his medal, it was out of her prediction. "II see, well, what does my son request for this information?" "Well, I don''t ask much, mom. But please give me protection, because I was targeted few days ago and Jain was also heavily wounded." "Targeted?!" Grand Duchess was shocked, "Who targeted you, my son? How could he bypass the tight security here!" Aster shook his head, "The detail wasn''t important, mom. But at least I''m safe for now so please, protect me." Jain bowed his head and added, "Dares this humble servant request, but this servant begs Her Highness Grand Duchess to ensure Young Lord and this servant''s wellbeing, because this servant is still a human, this humble servant might get overwhelmed sometimes." Jain carefully inspected Grand Duchess'' expression. This woman was extremely skilled that her guise was almost perfect. But maybe because she was facing her own son, there was a crack which ensured Jain, that Grand Duchess was the one who set everything up. The reason why she did it wasn''t important for him, but at least he knew that he should be guarded against this woman. He should also guard Young Lord, in case his mother wanted to harm him. Grand Duchess wanted to refute, but there was no way she could refute and refuse this request. Because her son might get suspicious, she gritted her teeth silently, then smiled gently, "Of course, I would protect you and your subordinate. You are my only son!" "Thank you, mom. I know you will keep your promise," Aster smiled. He stood from the chair and hugged his mother. He knew it felt childish, but knowing someone was there to always protect and help you was the most reassuring thing that could calm his heart. Grand Duchess softened and smiled. She hugged her son and patted Aster''s head gently, "You are such a big baby, my dear son." Jain was observing Grand Duchess since the beginning and almost gasped when he saw Grand Duchess'' expression when Young Lord hugged her. Her eyes turned gentle and her expression was that of a mother who loved her son deeply. It was the perfect picture of genuine love. ''Ridiculous, how could she harm and torture her only son whom she loved dearly?'' Chapter 109: Another Departure Chapter 109: Another Departure When Aster finally left the room, all the joy in Grand Duchess'' face disappeared instantly. She bit her lip, this was the first time she actually got trapped by her son''s innocence. ''That butler must''ve influenced him! Despicable!'' The maids were surprised seeing their master went awry for the first time. She was always calm and collected, well informed about the game she was ying, and usually got the upper hand. But this time, her face frowned, and that frown seemed to get deeper and deeper. All that was caused by her own son revealing a trump card directly in front of her and shamelessly asked for her protection. ''That butler is far smarter than what I expected.'' ''But I still have a way to control this.'' Grand Duchess took a deep breath. "Come out now," she ordered calmly. A tall shadow guard appeared in front of her, he wore full ck with only his eyes revealed. He looked tense, but dared not to say anything and kneeled instantly. The atmosphere was frightening, Grand Duchess was always ruthless, but who knew what would happen if someone disturbed her right now. Grand Duchess scoffed, "Do you know what trouble I have to go through because of your ipetence?" "Yes, Mdy," the shadow guard prostrated on the ground. "Well, you caused this prolonged case. With my son and his butler asked for my protection, his butler gained immunity. We couldn''t hurt him at all, unless you are able to kill him instantly," Grand Duchess chuckled mockingly, "Hah! You couldn''t even kill a man who is half dead!" The shadow guard felt really guilty, thus he smashed his head to the ground until his forehead was bleeding, "This subordinate has failed his mission, begging Mdy to give this subordinate a quick death!" "A quick death? That is too kind for a failure," Grand Duchess ordered the maid to bring her a dull dagger. Grand duchess unsheathed the dull dagger and threw it on the ground, "Take that dull dagger and slice your stomach slowly." Grand Duchess said nonchntly. Her eyes were pure ck, the maid realized that Grand Duchess was really furious this time. Thus, they tried to made themselves almost invisible and held their breath. The shadow guard looked at that dull dagger in horror. He was ready for death, but he wasn''t ready for such unbearable torture, he pleaded to Grand Duchess, "MMdy, this subordinate still have uses! I I can be stationed in other ces!" Grand Duchess was even more furious that this thing dared to plead for his life after his failure, "You think you are a special shadow guard because I appointed you for this mission? I have hundreds of shadow guards eager to rece you with simr skill, maybe better. Don''t worry, since you did one job right, I will bury you. I''m not so cruel to feed you to the dog, treat this as myst mercy." Grand Duchess smiled, but that smile creeped the shadow guard. He was cornered, thus, when he saw Grand Duchess sitting leisurely in front of him, he jumped forward and directed his own dagger to Grand Duchess'' throat. Before his dagger touched Grand Duchess'' skin, his stomach was stabbed by two other shadow guards who appeared behind Grand Duchess instantly. Grand Duchess, still with her cold eyes, chuckled, "See? Your reaction is a second slower than them, you are unfitting." "Don''t worry, they did not stab your vital parts. I make sure that you are still alive, so you can feel your stomach sliced open with a dull dagger." "HELP--!!" the maids who were silent the whole time jumped in and stuffed a pill to his mouth. Soon, the shadow guard couldn''t make a sound from his mouth, he was mute. "It''s a pill that will make you mute forever. I can''t afford my son to notice that someone is going to get gutted slowly, it is also to protect yourst dignity," Grand Duchess chuckled and sipped her tea leisurely, "I''m giving you the best death you can get." The shadow guard was pinned to the ground by four people and he could only look in horror as his stomach was slowly gutted by a dull dagger. Thest thing he saw was Grand Duchess'' nonchnt scoff as she rolled her eyes. *** Aster already prepared all his belongingst night, his carriage will be ready in few hours, but Aster were somehow drawn in this garden once more. He sighed, he knew the exact reason why would he return to this ce. ''It is because of you'' ''I want to see you, even when I know nothing good wille out of it.'' ''But I still want to see you'' Aster paced around the garden until he heard rustle in one bush behind him. He knew it was Ramuja, but decided to ignore him. Ramuja was waiting for his Young Lord since before dawn because he wanted to ask something. When Young Lord finally sat on a bench, Ramuja hurried and approached him. He kneeled in front of Young Lord and said, "TThis ve is ready here to apany Young Lord." "I don''t remember asking for apanion," Aster replied condescendingly. But he silently nce to his servant and smiled lightly. Ramuja gulped, but he braced himself and daringly asked his master, "Young Lord may this ve know if Young Lord is going somewhere? This ve saw the servants were busy preparing for your departure." "Yes, I''m going to inspect Clearwater Academy for one month, what is it?" Ramuja rose from his kneel and said, "TThis ve will prepare immediately!" "You don''t need to." Aster replied short. Ramuja frowned, "But this ve still has to" "You are not going with me, you will stay here and help other servants," Aster replied nonchntly. He rose from the bench and walked to the exit gate. Ramuja tailed him, "Young Lord, but this ve is" "I don''t need your help in Clearwater Academy. It''s full of highlypetent and intelligent students. You will have little to no use there," Aster sighed. Ramuja stopped tailing Aster, but he stood stupefied and his eyes turned red because he tried to hold his tear, "Young Lord did you. Disown this ve?" Aster turned his head, he almost softened when he saw Ramuja who cried pitifully. But he shook his head and firmly said, "I did not disown you, but I don''t need a ve who tried to hide something from his master." "My work consists of many important businesses which can only be surrounded with people I trust," Aster rolled his eyes and said, "You are far from that trust." *** Aster was sitting in the carriage while the servants were preparing for his luggage, he was gazing nkly until he noticed someone stood quite far from his carriage. His eyes looked a little lost. Aster bit his lip. There was an urge to open the carriage door and invited that person in. But Aster steeled his heart again. ''No, I can''t let him stomp my dignity.'' Aster slide the carriage window and told the guard outside, "Take him away from my sight, I don''t want to see him right now." "Yes, Young Lord," the guard moved immediately and seized Ramuja and pulled him away. Aster winced, because the sight of Ramuja getting forced made him angry. But it should be done. ''I''m not your toy.'' Chapter 110: Clearwater Academy Chapter 110: Clearwater Academy The trip to the mansion near Clearwater Academy took about four hours. Clearwater academy was an academy on top of a hill in the southernmost part of Dionde City. The hill was protected by Grand Duchy, because the hill was owned by his duchy. In fact, Grand Duchy Stormhill was the sole investor for Clearwater Academy for a long time untilst two years of instability. The royal golden family decided to interfere with the academy and put their own investment, thus, revamping the system and recing few senior staffs. It was to put a dent to Grand Duchy, because a duchy with absolute power of the youth would be threatening for the golden family sovereignty. ''And royal family still said that we''re blood rted, how funny.'' ''What kind of family would hurt each other? I doubt my mother would hurt them, yet, they tried to ruin Grand Duchy over and over.'' Aster remembered that he saw one of the aces in Clearwater Academy whom he had his eyes on, suddenly working in golden pce when he was in captivity. It shocked him because Aster was the one who rmended him and fund all his study and basic needs, yet, he decided to betray him and work with royal family instead. ''No, he didn''t betray me. He was obviously devoted to my duchy, but he had no choice but to ept royal family invitation. Grand Duchy Stormhill had two years of incumbent because of my fault, and now my duchy has to pray the price.'' The mansion near Clearwater Academy wasn''t spacious, but it has all the necessary requirement for him. Two master bedrooms, five smaller rooms and plenty of rooms for servants and guards. It was made entirely of high-quality wood, which made it sturdy even after a decade since it was built. Aster immediately walked to the office and read the document he had requested. The data of Clearwater Academy freshmen and graduates, after reading the freshmen and read their origins, Aster mmed the table. "Who allowed these people to enroll!" Aster roared. This was just short report, Aster was afraid that Clearwater Academy had been littered with corruption and nepotism. The academy was meant to be the gate for poor people who were smart to continue studying, and also for nobles, for them to get better connections with each other. But this, when he saw the enrollment, there were few wastes of people who were rich, but not capable enough to study. Yet, they were epted. Aster called Jain and said, "We will inspect Clearwater Academy tomorrow morning! This is ridiculous." "Yes, Young Lord." Jain replied. He saw grim expression of his master and asked, "Young Lord, may this subordinate know what made you irritated?" Aster red and replied, "Because they ruined the academy that has been painstakingly worked by my family." "They?" "The royal family, they had been targeting the academy for a while, because of my captivity, I couldn''t even check the freshmen enrollment!" Aster roared again. "Especially for this year enrollment, there is a pair of siblings that shouldn''t be here. Mariette and Tuskan!" Jain seemed to catch who these pair of siblings were. Which made him surprised, because these two people shouldn''t be in Clearwater Academy, no, they shouldn''t be in Golden Camellia at all. ''Who invited them in?'' After Aster calmed down, he ordered Jain out and gazed at the stack of documents in the table, he vowed to his beloved house. ''My duchy, I will protect you.'' *** Aster looked from inside the carriage, the Clearwater Academy main hall was still the same. A spacious hall with white pirs surrounding it, there were students who wore the uniform of the academy, ck suit with starched cor for the male and female had ck or blue zer with white shirt and high waisted, knee-length skirt. Both had academy pin on their chests. The academy pin had slight difference, one stay meant they were freshmen or junior, two stars meant they were sophomore, and three stars meant they were senior who were about to graduate. Aster nodded in satisfaction, at least their uniform hadn''t changed. The dean waited for Aster patiently. Aster said that he didn''t want a party just for a visit. Thus, the student council president didn''t prepare anything but to keep the safety of this Young Lord. Aster raised his head and raised one eyebrow before he chuckled. "You are Esther, right?" Esther who had been expecting Young Lord Aster smiled and bowed respectfully to him, "Yes, Young Lord, my name is Esther Yvette, I will be the guide for your tour today." Aster recalled the first time he met Esther was during his seventeenth birthday. She was shy and her hands trembled so much because of nervousness. "How could you be student council president? You looked so nervous back then." Esther''s face twitched, in fact, her leg was still shaking right now. But once she was told that Young Lord of Grand Duchy woulde and inspect the academy, she tried to fight her nervousness by staring at Aster''s painting in dean office every day, so she wouldn''t die by that unhuman appearance. The dean office and staff office had Aster''s painting in line with Charles painting as Crown Prince. Everybody knew that Aster was the real chairman of Clearwater Academy since he was twelve, but he became inactive for two years and during that inactivity, people from royal family went in and challenged Grand Duchy''s sovereignty in this academy. At first, the staffs and senior students tried to fight, but when the royal threatened the staff with their sword, and the senior students with letter of weight. They were silenced. Esther was one of the senior students who still remembered about Aster''s status as chairman and how hard he worked to develop this academy. Thus, she had admiration to this young man who was about the same age as her. ''To be able to lead and manage an academy at such young age, it''s amazing.'' "Sir, please follow me, I will guide you around the Clearwater Academy." "Hm." Aster nodded and followed Esther who toured him around the academy, from the main hall, dormitory, ssrooms, teachers and professors'' room, public facilities, et cetera. It was very simr from two years ago. Nothing had changed, although, when he checked the list of administrative staffs, there were definitely many shifts and switches. "How about the student council?" Aster asked while he was following Esther to the principal office. "Student council? As far as I observe, nothing has changed, sir," Esther replied. Aster realized something suddenly. He squinted his eyes suspiciously towards Esther. ''This girl, has been the student council president for a year. How could a second princess from a non-political house able to be the president?'' To be the student council president in Clearwater Academy was required to be extremely intelligent and backed with important status. Esther had noble status, but her status definitely wasn''t enough for this. Aster recalled the fact that nothing had changed for two years in student council''s system. The council didn''t have a member from Roagelt city, the capital of Golden Camellia. ''Does the council stay the same or she returned the council to its original state after she held in power?" Aster frowned. ''This girl isn''t simple.'' Chapter 111: Mariette & Tuskan Chapter 111: Mariette & Tuskan Aster followed Esther silently until they stopped in front of the principal office. Esther turned his back to Aster and was surprised when she saw Aster with his cold expression. Esther took a step back before recovered and bowed slightly, "Sir, this is the principal office." Aster looked at the sign, and snorted, "I don''t need to see her." The new principal was Mrs. mbert, an academician from House of Guille, a direct house under Uncle Emperor. There was no use of talking to her, she would just dodge all the questions. If she was cornered, she would throw that magical word ''it is a mandate from Emperor Audric IV, I am here to fulfill my duty.'' "TThen, where does Young Lord wish to go? I will be escorting you around," Esther said. Aster took a heavy breath and replied, "Escort me to Swan house." "Swan house? But" Esther hesitated, "That house is currently the room for Mariette and Tuskan Hessel Signe" "Hm? Do you have trouble with them?" Aster asked. "Well their status is too high for me to control, so they do what they want, even ept guests from outside," Esther said hesitatingly. "So, this academy is just a base for them, that''s what you said?" Aster asked. Esther nodded silently. Mariette and Tuskan were neers, they were ''transfer students'' from The Great Kingdom of Arctyr, a neighboring country that almost rivaled Golden Camellia, they just fell short because their economy wasn''t as good. However, their military was on par with Golden Camellia. Mariette and Tuskan were the infamous twins who swept the ever-growing rebel forces in Arctyr, even able to annex few inds near their border. Which was detrimental for Golden Camellia, because it was close to Golden Camellia''s border. This pair of twins wasn''t allowed to do a visit to Golden Camellia for years because they were deemed too dangerous. Thus, it was a shock when they suddenly appeared and apparently enrolled as transfer senior students, since both were eighteen already. This was what angered Aster. Putting these two in Clearwater Academy was definitely a trap to ruin the academy''s reputation, and then his duchy''s reputation was in stake too. "Do you think I look scared?" Aster raised his left eyebrow. "No, sir." "Then, take me to them." Esther finally agreed and take Aster to a separate house with high roof andvish decoration from the outside. Swan house was located near a smallke and it was usually used for very important guests, such as himself. ''This house is supposed to be my resting ce.'' The front of the house was guarded by few royal guards which was almost ridiculous in Aster''s eyes. Aster walked in boldly and proimed, "I am Aster Di Arlingdon, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, Chairman of Clearwater Academy, demands an audience with Miss Mariette and Mr. Tuskan Hessel Signe." Of course, the guards knew who this beautiful person in front of them was, but they were still under the order of Crown Prince, thus, one of them went in to ask for the twins permission. He went back and bowed deep. "Sir Aster Di Arlingdon, please follow me." Aster and Esther walked in, but Esther was prohibited step further, "Only Sir Aster is allowed to enter." Aster nodded and ordered Esther to stay and wait for him. Aster was familiar with theyout of Swan House, but it felt foreign for him now, it had been almost three years since hisst visit here. Aster entered inside and instantly greeted with two unique faces that he never saw. The female was sitting calmly, she was petite, with slick auburn hair, green eyes that drooped low, and a crescent shaped birthmark on her forehead, what made her stand out was her demeanor, it was simr to Rosalie and her aura was very mature even though she was only a year older than Aster. The male was standing with his arm crossed. He was lean and tall, probably slightly taller than Ramuja. Short auburn hair, sharp green eyes, and a star shaped birthmark on his forehead. Unlike his sister, this man looked a bit immature. ''So, they are fraternal twins.'' Mariette and Tuskan didn''t look simr except for their green eyes and auburn hair. What made them stand out was their demeanor, from the first nce, Aster could see how different they were. Tuskan snorted, "Hmph! Only a pretty boy with big mouth. I thought it would be someone important that meet us, not a kid! I can''t believe I stopped training to meet this wimp!" Aster''s brow twitched, not even a minute and he already irritated Aster, "I''m the Chairman of Clearwater Academy, I''m here to question about your enrollment in this academy, because I didn''t get a notice about two special transfer students." "You? A chairman? Hahahaha!" Tuskanughed mockingly, "How can this be? A kid as a chairman? Your daddy and mommy must''ve love you so much to give you an important position!" Aster gritted his teeth. This was the first time he heard someone openly mocking him, "I do not take that kindly, please refrain from using vulgar words." "Vulgar words? I didn''t say anything vulgar! Just admit that it is true, you mama boy!" Tuskan said boldly. His sharp eyes was filled with mockery and it made Aster furious. "You!" "WWell, this is not the best introduction we can offer, right, Tuskan?" Mariette finally spoke. Tuskan closed his mouth, but his eyes were still disdainful. Mariette turned her head to Aster and smiled, "I''m sorry for my brother, he is a bit harsh in words, but he means well." Aster sneered in his heart, there was no way this child meant well in his words. But Aster resumed his professional persona, "Yes, at least Miss Mariette is more reasonable than a kid here." Tuskan red, but said nothing. Mariette smiled, "I believe Sir Aster have few questions to ask about our transfer here. Please have a seat." The servants immediately served a fragrant tea with cookies to Aster. But Aster didn''t touch it at all, fearing that they already put poison in it. Aster opened the conversation with one simple question, "First, I would like to ask a simple question to you, I heard that Great Kingdom Arctyr has plenty of high profiled academy, but why are you two here?" Mariette smiled mysteriously, while Tuskan looked away. Mariette took a small box and fished out a letter. She put the letter on the table and slid it to Aster. She said, "This should be a good answer for your question, honorable Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stomrhill." Chapter 112: Mariette and Tuskan II Chapter 112: Mariette and Tuskan II "This should be a good answer for your question, honorable Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill," Mariette said. Aster took the letter carefully and opened it, his eyes widened instantly. Letter of Award This letter is awarded to Miss Mariette Hessel Signe and Sir Tuskan Hessel Signe. Both had contributed greatly to the development of Golden Camellia Empire. Hereby, Crown Prince of Golden Camellia Empire, Charles Audric Camellia, nominated Miss Mariette and Sir Tuskan exclusive positions in Clearwater Academy. This letter is valid and cannot be refuted. Aster saw the Charles signature with shiny golden ink. Aster''s hand was shaking, he almost ripped this letter to pieces. His sharp eyes darted toward Mariette and Tuskan. Tuskan scoffed, "What? You are going to say that letter is invalid and we have no ce here, right? As expected from a noble Camellian, they are good at bluffing!" "Tuskan!" Mariette smacked the ss table with her hand and Tuskan zipped his mouth and lowered his head. Mariette resumed her kind demeanor, "Pardon me for my brother''s impolite behavior, he can be a bit wild in his words. But he is a good man." Aster doubted thest sentence, but he nodded. This girl, Mariette, should be only a year older than him. But she exuded the aura of a proper noblewoman. Aster was a little intimidated. He nced at that man called Tuskan andughed silently. ''Turns out, he is a scaredy cat to his sister.'' "It is fine. I''m here to talk about more important matter, rather than listening to random babble anyway," Aster answered sarcastically, which made Tuskan red at him. "Well, as you can see, we are personally rmended by Crown Prince Charles. If Sir Aster still doubts our position in Clearwater Academy, we could ask Crown Prince. I heard he is still in Dionde City," Mariette said. "TThat is unnecessary," Aster replied hastily. He didn''t want to see that jerk cousin anymore. He didn''t doubt the validity of this letter, but he was unsure about this people''s intention here and their rtionship with Charles. "First, you should know that this academy has great reputation all over the country, I do not want anyone to defile that," Aster opened his speech. Mariette nodded, still with her smile. Tuskan snorted. "Second, I shall enforce the strict grading system in Clearwater Academy, if anyone''s grade fell under the standard, he or she shall be expelled," Aster said firmly. He specifically directed his attention toward Tuskan and said, "Third, students should maintain proper conduct and ethics, I do not want to hear any bullying or someone using their political background carelessly." "Did you say that my conduct is improper? I am the Crown Prince of Great Kingdom of Arctyr, a small duchy like you should just bow down to me!" Tuskan was fired up, he raised his chin arrogantly. "You!" Aster stood up from the seat, they were giving death stare to each other, "My duchy" Aster was going to say that Clearwater Academy was owned by his grand duchy, but that would give this trash man a big thing to mock. Since it would imply that there was a power imbnce in Golden Camellia. Any public property in Golden Camellia shouldn''t be owned only by one party. That was why his parents allowed few small investments to enter Clearwater Academy to conceal the real truth from outsiders. Aster calmed himself and said nonchntly, "It is improper to state your political background in Clearwater Academy. You shall be punished." "What?! How dare you punishing a crown prince!" Tuskan pointed his finger to Aster, "Guards! Send him away!" The guards stared at each other and bowed slightly, "Pardon our ipetence, sir, but Crown Prince Charles forbids us to touch Young Lord Aster." Aster chuckled, "It seems honorable Sir Tuskan forgot that this is Golden Camellia, not Arctyr." Mariette closed her mouth andughed lightly. Tuskan saw his sister alsoughed and his cheek was flushed. "II don''t care! I refuse any punishment!" "Well, you did break the thirdw he just stated, Tuskan. Own your mistake," Mariette warned him. Aster smiled and said, "Well, since you are new, I wouldn''t give harsh punishment. Please follow me and I will supervise you swiping the front garden of Swan House." "You are crazy! How could I" "Tuskan." Mariette warned him again. Tuskan gritted his teeth, "Fine! I will do it!" *** Aster and Mariette were sitting in a pavilion, drinking tea, chatted and giggled while Tuskan swept the autumn leaves and grumbled continuously. "It''s been a while since I have this much fun," Mariette said. "Hm? Why?" Aster asked curiously. But he hurriedly took his question back, knowing that they didn''t know each other well, "Ah, pardon me, I may have outstepped my boundary." Mariette smiled gently, "It is fine," Mariette gazed at her grumbling brother and continued, "It''s been a while since I saw Tuskan so expressive. He was always cold and serious, it worries me. That is why I''m happy." "Huh?" Aster frowned. ''That man? Seriously? Is she hallucinating?'' Mariette seemed to understand Aster''s thought andughed, "Well, Great Kingdom Arctyr has a crippled king for years, until Tuskan slowly took control of the kingdom. It overworked him, but he was dedicated to the kingdom." Aster knew a rumor saying that Great Kingdom Arctyr''s king was mentally disabled, but he didn''t know that it was true. However, it was improper to ask for more detail. Thus, he just nodded silently. Mariette smiled to Aster and said, "You really have her appearance." "Appearance? Whose appearance?" Mariette shook her head, "It''s nothing." Aster frowned. This woman was dangerously too friendly to him. He silently observed Mariette''s gesture, to see whether she had hidden weapon, poison, or anything dangerous to harm him. But he saw nothing. ''Is this her way to shift my attention away from their true intention for staying here?'' ''But I don''t even have the right to ask for their real intention. They can just reply with the advance study reason and stopped me from digging further.'' Aster was deep in his thought and Mariette tapped his palm gently. "Uh I beg your forgiveness for Tuskan," Mariette said worriedly. There was clear concern in her face, "It is his way to um catch someone''s attention." "By insulting?" "No, by overreacting," Mariette sighed, "He never has friend except me, his social skill is permanently zero." "I can see that," Aster snorted and side-eyed Tuskan, which was immediately replied back with a re from Tuskan. "Well, we are going to meet in many asionster, we should be good acquaintances," Mariette said. She stretched his hand, waiting for Aster''s handshake. Aster was unsure whether he would want to meet these twins againter. He already had many problems, and he didn''t want to add more problem with their existence. ''Their presence here is controversial. Does she want to ruin my duchy reputation by sticking close to me?'' ''No, I don''t think she needs to do that. Their status is still higher than mine officially.'' ''What is their true intention?'' Aster''s mind was flooded with suspicions. But knowing that he couldn''t prove anything, he nodded hesitantly and epted Mariette''s handshake, "I hope we can be good acquaintances." Mariette smiled and called her brother, "Tuskan! Come here!" Tuskan threw the broom and drew near the pavilion, "What?" he asked harshly. "Me and Sir Aster had just bing acquaintances, you should too," Mariette suggested. Tuskan scoffed, "Bing an acquintance with him? Do you think I''m that low" "Tuskan!" Mariette fiercely red at her brother, "Be proper! You practiced countless times already!" "Huh? Practice?" "OOh, no, I''m just telling him to be a proper noble," Mariette said hastily. Tuskan grumbled, but when he heard that his sister slipped her words a bit. He flushed immediately, it looked like a kid whose secret was revealed. He raised his hand, but it was obviously shaken, "III hope we can be um good friacquaintances" Aster was silently observing his behavior and epted his handshake hesitantly. ''This pair of twins what are they?'' Chapter 113: Trust Issue Chapter 113: Trust Issue "I will be leaving," Aster said. "Come back anytime, we always have time for you," Mariette said. "Never!" Tuskan rebuked his sister''s invitation. Aster shook his head and said, "I will visit sometimes for Mariette, not for an unhinged man who cannot initiate a normal conversation." Tuskan was fuming in rage and cursed at him, but Aster nonchntly turned his back and left the twins. Aster returned back to Esther who waited anxiously. When she saw Young Lord Aster returned intact, she took a deep relieved breath. "How did it go, sir?" Esther asked. Aster side-eyed Esther for a second and replied nonchntly, "It went well." "May I know whether they are enforceable by student council or not?" " before I give you an information, you must follow me first," Aster replied coldly. Esther was surprised with the sudden change of behavior, she was afraid that someone gave Young Lord dangerous ideas or ndered her in front of him. Aster saw the change of expression in Esther''s face and his blood ran cold. He was expecting it, but the reveal always hurt him. ''As expected, no one should be trusted.'' After the ident in golden pce, the schemes against him, and the fact that Ramuja lied to him, made him expecting nothing more than betrayal. Aster clenched his fist silently. ''Cannot be trusted. I should not trust anyone.'' Aster led Esther to his office, the chairman office. The office wasn''t particrly spacy or fancy, but it was always well kept and tidy. Aster sat on his chair and Esther sat on the opposite side. Esther felt like she was being investigated. She fidgeted ufortably and her eyes were casted down. Aster stared at this shy woman in disgust. He was used to see this trick of shy woman that tried to harm himter on, or an alluring man or woman trying to seduce him. They were all the same and he knew their tricks. ''That reminds me of that nanny'' Aster clenched his fist and his anger almost blinded him. He calmed himself, then opened his mouth, "You are Helene''s little sister, right?" "Yes, Young LordI mean, sir" Esther replied nervously. She saw Aster''s eyes and almost pissed herself. ''His eyes turned almost ck entirely.'' Aster wasn''t scary, he was far from it. But those eyes made Esther gulped in fear. It was almost hypnotizing. "Miss, you see, Kingdom of North Fort wasn''t particrly adept in politics." "Yes, sir. We are a military house," Esther replied. She was starting to catch the direction of this investigation. But if that was true, what was the point of it? "I see that you are well aware of your position," Aster chuckled mirthlessly, "Please borate, what did you do to be the student council president?" Esther raised her head, she looked confused and infuriated at the same time. ''What is this? Was that supposed to be impossible for me?'' "Sir, I won the election fair and square," Esther said firmly. "You know that Clearwater Academy has clear set of rules to be student council president, he or she should have important position in Golden Camellia or its neighboring countries. But you" Aster scoffed, "You are a second princess from North Fort Kingdom, a military kingdom set to protect the north border. You are under direct order of Emperor!" Esther rose from her seat and hit the table, "Sir, you think I have an internal agenda, don''t you?" "A military kingdom does not partake in politics of the country, also military kingdom is under direct order of Emperor and his descendant. Those are ourws, Militaryw number VII and IX. Militaryw hasn''t been amended, not even once, and definitely doesn''t need to. People like you might try to exploit the change to get in position like this," Aster said harshly. Esther was boiling with rage, with this usation pointed towards her by her own idol, it made her angry and disappointed, "So, Sir Aster thinks that someone sponsored me to get in position? Probably Emperor or Crown Prince?" Aster nodded firmly. "Sir, if I am sponsored by Crown Prince, I wouldn''t report about the Mariette and Tuskan to you, also not telling you about the truth of Clearwater Academy''s state after Crown Prince interference. I will not try so hard to restore the student council cab to its original members!" Esther pointed at Aster boldly, "You should also know that your disappearance made you almost got reced by Golden Princess Rosalie as the new Chairman!" "What?!" "You don''t know, right? Golden Princess has been visiting this ce for half a year already. She was giving proposal to the principal about it. Of course, Mrs. Alembert wasn''t the principal, the real principal is Crown Prince Charles!" Aster was dumbfounded with this information. He didn''t know that Rosalie would have her eyes on this academy. He thought that Rosalie had been passive this whole time. "Hhow much control did she gain until now?" "She hadn''t gotten any control yet, because I was using my veto as student council president only to stop this madness! How could she leisurely enter Clearwater Academy and reced you as Chairman! That is utterly ridiculous!" "Why would you go that far?" "Why? Because I cannot let anyone but you to be the Chairman! I study every day, trying hard to get supports from everywhere, because I want to be the students and a leader here!" Esther wiped the pool of tears in her eyes. "I I still don''t see any reason why would you use your sole veto to protect my position" "Are you stupid or what? Because you are my idol!" Esther proimed. Then, she instantly blushed and closed her mouth with her two hands. She looked at the dumbfounded Young Lord and decided to run away. Aster sat alone in his room. He was still stunned because he couldn''t find any logical reason how could someone sacrifice an important tool for him. That veto right for student council president was once in a lifetime right, people usually use it to get rmendation letter, so they might enter the higher aristocrats circle or get a good job with huge ie. ''But this girl she gave her veto to protect me, why?'' ''I don''t remember that we have meaningful rtionship.'' Aster tried to recount whether there might be some incidents when people tried to use this trick on him, but he found nothing. ''If it''s not a trickery then what is it?'' ''A sincerity? A heart?'' Aster doubted his own principal, because he was used to the world of trading, he never expected this. Now that Ramuja, whom he trusted so much, even hid something from him, how could he believe some random girl who cried in front of him and bbered. "No, there must be something behind this. No one would selflessly sacrifice themselves to the likes of me. No way" Chapter 114: Eulogy of the Prince 19 Chapter 114: Eulogy of the Prince 19 "Ramuja?" I heard Young Lord was calling me. No one has that silky voice that made my heart wavered every time I hear it other than Young Lord. I looked around only to find myself in aplete darkness. Panicked, I run around to search for the source of Young Lord''s voice that kept calling me, "YYoung Lord! This servant will find you!" "It''s toote." Young Lord said. "What?" Suddenly, I saw a bright light blinded me and the scene changed immediately. I was sitting on a veryfortable cushioned chair and there was a marble table in front of me. The table was filled with food I never saw, but it looked delish. My eyes wandered around, high ceiling with glorious ornaments, beautiful chandelier, and everything was shiny. ''Where am I?'' "Honey? What are you thinking about?" a familiar voice took his attention. I turned my head to the left and saw Merry with a bright yellow dress that was meant to be used by high nobility. The dress was adorned with gems and it looked stunning. However, Merry would never be able to afford this dress. "Merry? Why are you using that expensive dress?" "What do you mean? This is my regr dress!" Merry sulked. She sat on the chair near me and started eating the food on the table gracefully. "DDon''t eat that! You will get punished!" I warned her. Merry frowned and sulked even more. "What is wrong with you today? We have been living like this for almost ten years!" My body jolted. I looked at my reflection on the window and saw myself a lot older, yet looked majestic with ck suit, I think I saw the simr ck suit worn by Grand Duke Harion. ''HHow could I use this expensive suit?'' ''Wait? Where am I? Where is Young Lord?'' "Merry! Where is Young Lord? He called me many times, but I couldn''t find him!" Merry frowned, she looked at me annoyedly, "Don''t you remember? When we announced our marriage ten years ago, he congratted us and gave us this big mansion! He also gave us some of Grand Duchy''s businesses!" I sat dumbfounded, but what came out of her mouth next made me almost fainted, "It is sad that Aster killed himself the next day" "What? HHe" "What are you bbering about, honey? Aren''t you the one who found his corpse first? He drank a poison in his bed with this weird dried out sunflower in his hand. It is really an ugly sunflower though." My body felt cold all the sudden and I lost my grip on the table and slumbered in the chair, "HeHe" "You are weird today," Merry said nonchntly, "You know that Aster tried to ruin our rtionship, he even tried to ruin our wedding before finally giving up!" I nced at Merry who didn''t seem to budge over this devastating news, this news made me unable to breath as I clenched my heart. It was so painful that I couldn''t hold my tears. ''Young Lord'' ''Young Lord'' "Why are you crying?" Merry clucked irritated, "That Young Lord of yours was gay! He confessed to you in front of me and begged you to return to him! How disgusting was that? How could a Young Lord from wealthy duchy be a gay and begged you to marry him instead!" "You! How dare you!" My emotions surging up and I stood from the chair. I pointed my finger to Merry, "Take that back! Young Lord is honorable and he will never bow down to anyone!" Merry also stood up and replied harshly, "Weren''t you the one who choose me over him?! You said you love me more! You cannot be gay for him!" "II said that? How could it be?!" my body was trembling all over, unable to receive the devastating information, I cried. "No need to cry over him," Merry said curtly. "You!" I raised my head again, the tears were still flowing freely, "How could you said that! You are his only friend! I hid our rtionship from him because I don''t want him to feel betrayed by his only friend!" "Did you believe him? For crying out loud Ramuja! He was Young Lord, a high aristocrat! Didn''t you see men and women who slobbered over him!?" "You don''t know him you don''t know him at all!" Ramuja screamed, "You are his only friend! He is always lonely because he couldn''t be normal with anyone! I am just a ve he bought, if he killed me, he could just buy another one, but you" I sobbed. There was feeling of sadness, pity and envy toward Merry, "You you are his real friend. I don''t mind if I die, as long as he didn''t know that his only friend betrayed him" "I don''t want him to be sad. He has been struggling for so long, he suffered too much. I don''t want you to be the source of his sadness." I recalled every moment I watched Young Lord who worked and studied tirelessly for his duchy, his kindness to all his subordinates and servants, even to the ves. Also, his kindness to me Young Lord always looked cold and nonchnt to everyone, but as soon as I knew him better, I understood that he was just a very shy and awkward person. I watched all his activity every day and it never tired me. In fact, it made me happier each day. Because I could see someone that I loved grew into a powerful master someday. I didn''t mind if he killed me if he found out, because he was the one who gave me life after all. But I couldn''t see him feeling betrayed again, he despaired too many times. "Ah, there he goes again, crying about his beloved master," Merry ruffled her waist and ordered the guards, "Guards! Take Earl Ramuja to his room again!" I was dragged by two guards to a room that was eerily simr to Young Lord''s room. I sat on the bed and cried again, "What is the point of this if you died, Young Lord." ''This is a dream.'' ''This must be a dream. Yes!'' I suddenly realized something. ''Young Lord would never say he loved me, even try to stop my wedding. That is just my far-reaching fantasy.'' ''This is a dream, this is a dream. Young Lord is still safe and alive out there.'' ''He must be sad if he was alone for too long.'' ''Who would apany him on his morning walk? Who would wash his feet? Who would remind him to take a rest and drink tea to relief his stress?!'' "No, I couldn''t leave him for too long," I said to myself. I walked to the balcony and looked down. This room was so simr to Young Lord''s, even the height of the tower was the same. I took a deep breath and strengthened my will. ''Live, Ramuja. Live!'' I heard that voice of my mother when I was a kid. Yes, I must live, but I had been dead the whole time. When I was raped by old men, sold, beaten, starved, sold, raped, beaten, starved and sold again repeatedly. I already died. I was but a corpse for those rotten people to be yed with. But he brought me back to life by giving me a human life. "Mama, what is the point of living if he died?" I looked up to the sky and said, "He owns me, my breath." I climbed the handrail, I stood on it for a while, then I jumped. I could feel the cold wind of autumn hitting my body. But all I could think of was the face of Young Lord. I closed my eyes and smiled. ''Young Lord I wille to you.'' My sincere heart wasn''t meant to be greedy My sacrifice wasn''t mean to be a debt The master of my heart, my soul, You bonded me with your kindness So, I bonded you with my devotion. Chapter 115: Eulogy of the Prince 20 Chapter 115: Eulogy of the Prince 20 I gasped and opened my eyes immediately. I looked left and right, and I was still in my servant room, in this wooden bed. I took a deep relieved breath. ''Thank god, it was just a dream.'' I looked at the window to see the moon was still full, but the servants were already busy everywhere. I frowned, ''It''s still too early, what are they doing?'' I left the room and walked towards the kitchen to see the maids were busy cooking. "Excuse me, ma''am," I said to one of the senior maid, "Is there any important guesting this morning?'' "You don''t know?" the maid frowned in dissatisfaction, "Grand Duchess will be leaving to go to Roagelt Capital City, and Grand Duke wille after his long business trip. They will have breakfast together and Grand Duchess will be heading off after that." ''GGrand Duke!'' I remembered my promise to work under him and report all Young Lord''s activities in exchange of money. But Young Lord left me alone here. After Young Lord''s departure, it was quite strange that Grand Duchess hadn''te up to me and started threatening me or hurting me like usual. So, I helped the servants do odd jobs, it had been two weeks since Young Lord left the pce and there was no sign of himing back. ''Was it because of me?'' ''I I didn''t mean to hurt him.'' ''I just don''t want him to know that his only friend'' "Move!" a butler pushed me aside and harshly scolded me, "If you are not going to help, then move! We''re busy here!" I didn''t care much about his scolding, I look around to see the people were packed in the kitchen and there was no odd job for me. So, I left the kitchen and decided to clean Young Lord''s room. I was the only servant allowed to clean his room, it was what he ordered the guards to before he left the pce. ''It made me happy, at least he still trusts me.'' I entered the room with broom and mop. I started my daily routine, sweeping the floor, cleaning the rug, wiping all the furniture and Young Lord''s books, then I mop the floor. Only this time, I did it at four in the morning. The sun started rising, Young Lord''s room looked especially beautiful when the sunrise directly entered his room through the big window. What sad was that, Young Lord always closed the window and closed the curtain in order to avoid the sunrise, because his skin might burn. I observed the room and smiled contently. Because everything was squeaky clean, he didn''t want his master''s room to get dirtied even though he wasn''t here. The sunlight slowly hit all edges of the room, and my eyes feasted on the marvelous decoration in this room. My eyes wandered around the room until I saw something familiar hidden behind one thick book in one cab. I didn''t dare to touch it because it was Young Lord''s important documents, but I saw something familiar, something that came to my dreamst night. I opened the cab and took the book carefully until I could see what was behind itpletely. It was a dried-out sunflower in a ss box. The petals had wilted already and the middle was fully ck, it was indeed an ugly dried-out sunflower. Just like in my dream. My hand trembled because I rememberedst night dream. ''No, there is no way it is true. Young Lord wouldn''t love me like in my dream, that is just fantasy.'' ''But, why would the same sunflower exist here? I thought he threw it already.'' I was hit by my own fear, the fear of Young Lord dead with this sunflower in his hand. It got worse if I imagined that Young Lord died because of me. If he really died because he was brokenhearted, that would be my biggest mistake. ''Calm down, Ramuja. This is just a coincidence, this might be because he forgot to throw it away. He is a busy man after all.'' ''He wouldn''t drink a poison because of me, right?'' I put the sunflower back carefully and closed the cab. I left the room anxiously. ''Young Lord, why do I keep wishing my fantasy toe true'' *** Grand Duchess left the pce after breakfast and I was summoned by Grand Duke in his office. I was kneeling in front of him, dared not raising my head because I knew I failed. "TThis subordinate is present in front of Milord" I said. Grand Duke scoffed and continued reading his documents. I stayed in this position for so long that my left started getting cramped until Grand Duke ordered, "Rise." Grand Duke''s deep eyes observed me from top to bottom and shook his head, "You failed even the easiest task, what you have to do is just stay with my son. Was that order not clear enough to you?" "No, Milord, it is clear" I replied weakly. "No good, you are no good." Grand Duke sighed, "It seems you are a failed investment to me." "MMilord, give me" "I heard from my people that you are in rtionship with that peasant girl that lives in Grand Duchy''snd, is that true?" Grand Duke asked coldly. I lowered my head and nodded silently. Grand Duke''s eyebrows scrunched, as if he was holding a rage, "It seems you underestimate my power as Grand Duke. I may be lenient to my people, but that doesn''t mean you can freeload in my estate." "Milord, please give this subordinate a chance!" I kneeled again in front of him, but Grand Duke was nonchnt. "I supplied your little family with food and proper shelter because I thought you have a use. I send my people to protect your sister in Dionde City because you begged me to. Turns out that little sister is your own lover, you insolent ve," he mocked, but there was not even a sliver of raging anger in his tone, which made it even more chilling. I prostrated in front of him and smacked my head to the floor, "This subordinate has failed! Begging for Milord''s mercy!" "I do not care over a failed investment, I should cut all the supply from your little family and take thend. It is still mynd they currently resided in." "Milord! Begging your charitable Milord to spare this one''s family! II will try to get close to Young Lord again!" Grand Duke sighed and write something in a paper before handing it to one of his subordinates in the room, "Take this person to Dionde city, give him a room in one of my mansions in the city." "Yes, Milord." "Raise your head," he said. I raised my head, "I will give you one more chance. My son will have to check on Dionde hospital administration in Dionde City, three days from now. I will let you try to win him back, at least for him to spare you. Remember, I do not take failure kindly." A smile finally bloomed in my face, "Yes sir! I will not disappoint!" "You will be leaving tomorrow morning. Now, leave my room, I have plenty of businesses to do and you are just giving me a headache." I nodded and left the room. When the door was finally closed, there was a big stone that finally lifted off my shoulder. But now, I have to leave this duchy in order to chase Young Lord. ''Wait for me, Young Lord.'' Chapter 116: A Visit to the Hospital Chapter 116: A Visit to the Hospital "Everything has been prepared?" Aster asked Jain who was kneeling solemnly beside him. Jain replied with a slight nod. They were inside the carriage heading to Dionde City Hospital. It was the second biggest hospital in Golden Camellia Empire after Golden Hospital in Roagelt. This was his first time visiting the hospital other than treating his skin condition. Usually, it was his mother who checked on hospital administration to make sure that it would always function well without corruption or damaged facilities. ''This hospital is vital to keep Dionde City''s status as a well-maintained city.'' To some people, this was considered a joke, to check on administration and inspect the staffs and facilities were the most boring job a noble heir could do, but to Aster, this job was really important for the lifeline of his duchy. ''Because if my grand duchy fails to keep its reputation, no matter which one, the royal golden family will nder it and drive away all potential allies'' Aster clenched his book silently. He still remembered when Charles almost took raped and ruined him. Even if Charles really did take his purity, Aster couldn''t do anything. He was utterly powerless, Charles took the chance when Aster was stuck in golden pce and created many alliances, however, most of them were alliance from other countries. It made his military strength absurdly powerful because he could get backup from anywhere, but stillckingpared to Uncle Emperor and Aster''s mother, Grand Duchess in political sphere, evenpared to Lady Merse, Duchess of Arion. Because Charles was a really unpopr ally due to his constant need of supervision and his solid status as Crown Prince. The other houses didn''t want their house to be fully taken over by royal family. Golden Camellia Empire had unique set of rules, in which politics directly influence economy and social status, but not military, because military in this empire was determined by the house loyalty. Thus, a military house couldn''t change his alliance. Rendering the military power stable, but the ruling ss wouldn''t budge even at the worst situation. And Aster hated that so much. ''Grand Duchy Stormhill will never get any military advantage.'' Astermented over the harsh truth that he was powerless against. ''My mother''s status is in jeopardy, because she was forced to do stupid decision because she wants to protect me in Golden Pce. It made her allies starting to get dissatisfied.'' ''They dare ruining my mother! That wretched Golden family!'' ''Monster! They are monster!'' "Young Lord, we are near," Jain said softly. Knowing that his master was in deep thought, probably thinking about all the problems in his grand duchy. Aster nodded slightly and nced outside. The carriage passed through the crowds who were watching from the sidewalk, they gasped when they saw their lord to be extremely gorgeous. Aster tried to smile, but when he smiled, he heard the women screamed like they were possessed. Thus, he stopped smiling and just asionally waved. He rarely showed his face in public, mostly due to his skin condition. It was fortunate that his condition had gotten better as he aged. ''Besides, if the nobles reacted wildly when I showed myself the regr people would really faint'' Aster sighed deeply. The carriage stopped in front of the hospital. There were plenty of guards waiting for him in front of the main hall. Aster was nonchnt with all the usual protocol, but his eyes widened when he saw familiar figure standing in the main hall anxiously. He was holding a rose that looked cheap. Aster ignored the guards and stormed in. He grabbed that man''s wrist and asked harshly, "What are you doing here?! Didn''t I tell you to stay in Lantern Pce?!" Ramuja was shocked when Young Lord reacted harshly towards him. He kneeled immediately, "YYoung Lord, this servant just cannot leave you alone! This servant is constantly worried about you!" Aster really wanted to hit this stupid ve. The problem wasn''t about that, but he was afraid that a spy might see this as a good rtionship between him and Ramuja, and would target Ramujater. Aster dragged Ramuja to the office that was already prepared for him. Aster ordered all the servants inside to leave him alone and he pushed Ramuja to the sofa. He messaged his head. He was afraid that a spy noticed this already. Thus, Aster called Jain. "Jain, have you checked the surrounding? No spy hiding around the hospital?" Aster asked impatiently. "No, Young Lord. My disciples already checked all the corners and no hidden spy was found, but we still don''t know whether the staffs or the patients are neutral or secretly spying here" "No, that one, I already ordered a strict family tracking in order to track anyone entering this ce as a patient or staff. So, it should be minimized. Jain, you can leave now," Aster said, he was finally relieved, with this, the chance of someone targeting Ramuja was minimized. Aster red at Ramuja, "And you! How could you leave the pce? How did you know that I will be here?!" Ramuja looked scared. His body trembled, but he tried to give the rose to Young Lord, "YYoung Lord, before this servant speak, please ept this rose first" "Where did you get it? Did you steal it somewhere?" Aster asked suspiciously. "No! This servant would never!" Ramuja raised his head, he looked upset, "This servant bought it with money" "Your money?" "Yes" Aster stared at this ugly rose, this should be really cheap one, but to peasant or ve like Ramuja, this would mean a day worth of food. Aster took it silently, his face blushed slightly, "Fine, I will ept it. Now, answer me." "Young Lord, this servant is constantly in nightmare thinking about your wellbeing how about your food, who would wash your feet, who would apany you every morning" Ramuja said sincerely. The pupils in his deep eyes shone brightly, showing a deep tenderness when he gazed adoringly at Aster. Aster''s face was getting hot, and his body temperature rose. But he tried to shook this feeling again. ''This is a trick! He is going to trick me with sweet words again!'' "I can handle that myself. You are a burden here, and you haven''t answered my real question, how did you get here?" Ramuja looked disappointed, but he replied sincerely, "Young Lord, this servant begged Milord Grand Duke who has just arrived in the pce and begged him to send this servant to you" "My father wouldn''t agree so easily," Aster frowned, "Unless you are working under him." Ramuja''s heartbeat skipped. He would be finished if Young Lord knew about this, he thought fast in order avoid the disaster, "Young Lord, this servant said to Grand Duke that um that I am very important to you" "Wha" "This servant said that Young Lord''s only trusted servant is me, you care and um you leave me because yyou are secretly in love with me." Unable to find better reason, Ramuja only blurted his fantasy when his eyes directly met Young Lord''s golden eyes. He knew that his reason was ridiculous, but he felt weak when he saw that golden eyes again. Aster was dumbstruck, because all what Ramuja said was true. Aster stepped back and ran to the bathroom. He washed his face and calmed his heart down. ''No, he doesn''t know. It''s just a coincidence, yeah, a coincidence'' ''How could he say that to my dad, what if dad believes it'' ''TThis might lead to WWedding'' Aster pped his face to throw all that stupid fantasy away. He ensured himself that everything was under control. Aster opened the bathroom door and drew near Ramuja again. He was still kneeling deeply. Aster cleared his throat and resumed his cold demeanor, "You are ridiculous if you think that my father would believe you." "Yes, Milord justughed, but still send me to you" Ramuja lied, "Young Lord, your face is so red" "SShut up! I''m red because it''s really hot here!" " but it''s cloudy outside, and it''s almost winter too." "I said shut up or I''m going to send you back to Lantern Pce!" Aster roared, but his voice trembled, which made him sounded like a kitten failed to roar. Ramuja tried to hold his smile and said, "This servant obeys." After Aster calmed down, he prepared some document and walked to the door, "WWell, since you are here, assist me to check around the hospital." Ramuja finally smiled and hurried to follow Young Lord, "With pleasure, Young Lord." Chapter 117: A Visit to the Hospital II Chapter 117: A Visit to the Hospital II Aster paced through the building, from one room to another and checked all the infrastructure there, he noted everything to the smallest detail. While Ramuja was silently tailing him, his gaze never left the figure of his Young Lord who was still busy with his notes. Ramuja gazed at Young Lord''s side profile, his perfect facial feature, the cute mole under his left eye, his fluffy, bright golden hair covered his forehead, and his beautiful golden circle eyes squinted when he inspected every facility and equipment. His lips were tightly closed, it made him look cold and mighty. Yet, when one inspected more of this cold person, they could see how tender this person really was. Ramuja saw that Young Lord''s nonchnt eyes sparked worry. Young Lord was worried whenever he saw a heavily sick patient. Young Lord''s eyes bent and his lips perked up slightly when he saw a recovering patient who bowed respectfully to him. He was silently joyous. Young Lord often whispered something to the doctor there, in which Ramuja caught some of the conversation. ''If that patient is poor, report it to me, I will pay for the bill.'' ''Save him at all cost. I read his family background, he is the sole breadwinner for his big family.'' ''She is mother of five, if she cannot survive report to me, I will give the husband somepensation to raise his children.'' He whispered the same thing over and over to the doctor in each room. I watched him in awe. Young Lord really paid attention to everyone he could reach. He might not be able to save everyone, but he tried really hard to do so. He was attentive to every aspect. I asked him curiously, "Young Lord, why are you so kind to everyone here?" "Hm?" "This servant saw you checking on everything very attentively, helping the patients, even though some of them may nder Grand Duchy silently" Aster smiled. He put down his note and gazed longingly outside and said, "Because this ce is very nostalgic for me." "Nostalgic? But this is hospital" "Yes, it is. I spend half of my age in here," Young Lord showed bitter smile, "I was a sickly baby and even more sickly child. I also spent my toddler life here. I still remember the smell of medicine, the nurses, and my nannies. My parents were really busy and had to leave me alone here with guards and nannies. Though, I understand their situation now, but I was a bratty child who threw temper tantrum often." "When I was hospitalized because my skin condition made me felt like being cooked, especially during summer, I was in intense care here. I always threw tantrum because I was in the special private room in the top floor. It was huge, but empty. So, I ignored the nannies and ran to the lower floor and talked to the patients here. Most of them are adult or elderly. The elderly didn''t know that Duke Harion had a child, so they treated me like a regr child." Young Lord wiped pool of tears in his eyes, "Well, I loved them, but elderly will die sooner orter. Some told their stories about their youth, others told their stories about their families, their grandchildren to me, and cannot wait to see their family. That''s why I always wish that they would recover and meet their family soon" I listened to his story and was inevitably touched by Young Lord''s sincerity. I had worked under many nobles, and their kids were usually spoiled rotten and egoistic. They wouldn''t care whether a ve was a strong man or old woman, they just whipped them until they were dying. Young Lord smiled and said, "Follow me, I will show you something." I followed Young Lord to thest room we haven''t visited in this floor. When he opened the door, there were elder patients lying in their bed. Aster talked to the doctor for few minutes and walked straight to the end of the room. He sat on a chair directly facing an old woman who closed her eyes. "Who''s there?" the old woman asked. Her voice was hoarse. "Grandma, it''s me, Edward," Young Lord replied. He held her hand gently and kissed it piously. "Oh? My grandson! Where have you been? Thest time you only send me flowers, peh! I don''t need beautiful flowers! I''m blind anyway!" grandma said. "I''m sorry, grandma, I was busy working to other countries. But I always send you flowers and letters about my activities every month, right?" "Ugh but I want you here! Also, when will we leave this ce? I got tired with these old people around me!" "Grandma you are old too," Aster replied funnily. "I may be old, but I''m still strong! See, my body is fine!" grandma swayed her wobbly hand left and right and identally hitting Ramuja who was sitting on the other side of the bed. "Oh? Did I hit you too hard? I''m sorry," Grandma apologized, "Wait, who are you? Can''t you see that I''m having my time with my grandson?!" "Grandma, it''s okay, that''s my um friend." "NNice to meet you," Ramuja said awkwardly. "Friend? You said you don''t have any friend and you are too busy to find one! Howe you suddenly have friend to apany you?" Grandma asked. She seemed to think of something andughed after, "Oh, I get it! This must be your boyfriend? You are into man? It''s okay, it''s okay, myte brother fell in love with a handsome man too!" "GGrandma!" "Young man, what is your name?" Ramuja nced at Young Lord whose face was beet red and replied, "Ramuja." "Ah, Ramuja and Edward! From your voice, you must be a handsome strong man too! Give me your hand," Grandma said. Ramuja gave his palm to the old woman and she pulled Aster''s hand. She intertwined Aster and Ramuja''s fingers together and chanted, "May thest petalsts until death plucks it." "GGrandma! That''s" Aster instinctively reacted, "What? I''m giving you my blessing! Who knows whether I''m already dead or not when you two get married?" Grandmapelled and chanted the same sentence many times. It was one of the blessing from the elder to a new married couple, a ritual unique in Golden Camellia tradition. Aster and Ramuja gazed each other''s eyes. Aster''s golden circle dted and both lowered their heads collectively, too embarrassed to stare at each other like how the ritual should be. After grandma finished chanting, she let them go. They talked for hours until Aster said that they should leave. "Well, don''t forget to visit me often! If I can''t leave this ce, then you should stay here!" Grandma implored. Aster chuckled and said, "I will try my best." *** Aster was sitting on a chair while Ramuja was standing behind him. Aster side eyed Ramuja and blushed again, "TThat ritual doesn''t count for us, okay? DDon''t think too much!" Ramuja already brushed that ritual as his lucky day and he didn''t think much after that. He would never be together with his master anyway, but it seemed that Young Lord was the one who think too much. Ramuja chuckled lightly, "Yes, Young Lord. But, dares this servant ask, who is that olddy? And why is your name Edward?" Aster calmed down and replied, "Well, her name is Grandma Rita. She has illness that deems her a permanent patient here and I''ve known her for almost nine years." "Nine years?" "Yes, I met her when I was hospitalized, she was blind and constantly asked where was her grandson. Apparently, her grandson''s age was close to mine. To calm her down, I posed as Edward and she believed it apparently, and I''m still doing it." "What about her real family?" Young Lord showed bitter expressionbined with anger, "When I''m older, I searched the information about her family, and found out that she only has one son, her son had three children, one of it was Edward. I guess he is her favorite? Well, in the end, after Grandma Rita was hospitalized, he ran away with his family to Great Kingdom Arctyr and left Rita alone, not knowing that her family left her." Ramuja was shocked to hear someone could be so ruthless, to leave his old, sickly mother alone in this hospital. "Well, I give her white lies as long as she is happy" Young Lord said, though his tone showed sorrow. "TThis servant thinks that Young Lord is a very gentle person. She looks very happy when she is with you," Ramuja tried to lighten his master. Which Young Lord replied with slight smile. The atmosphere was sorrowful until they heard someone called Aster. "Aster! My god, why are you here?" Aster looked around until she spotted a tall woman in her fifties with green dress and a mask covered half of her face. He smiled and stood from the chair to greet thisdy, "It''s nice to see you, Lady Merse." "Oh please, just call me Aunt Merse," Lady Merseughed and gently patted Aster''s head, "What are you doing here?" "I''m assigned to check on hospital facility by my parents. May I ask why is Aunt Merse here?" Aster asked politely. "I''m staying because my husband is hospitalized, he is in the top floor." "Oh, should I pay a visit to Lord then?" "Of course, you can, sweet Aster," Lady Merse giggled. She finally met this boy whom she already considered as her own son. Before Aster could continue, he heard the loud sound of chairs behind him falling. He turned his head and was surprised by the sight of Ramuja already fell on his knees and trembled heavily. Ramuja was trembling crazy, the cold sweat ran through his body and his mind was numbed by fear ''DDuchess of Arion!'' Chapter 118: A Piece of the Past Chapter 118: A Piece of the Past ''DDuchess of Arion!'' Aster frowned upon seeing Ramuja''s extreme reaction. His frightened reaction reminded him of someone who just got sentenced to death. Ramuja was shaking, even his lips were trembling. He was holding tears that only welled in his eyes, but didn''t fall to his cheek. It looked like someone who went through horrible trauma. "Ramuja? What happened to you?" Aster approached Ramuja. He reached Ramuja''s head with his hand and Ramuja reacted wildly. He pped Aster''s hand hard. "Ah!" "NO, GO AWAY!" Ramuja screamed like a madman. He was still on the floor, but his expression was so bitter and scared that he didn''t even recognize his master. His eyes were focused on Lady Merse who frowned slightly, but seemed nonchnt with his behavior. Aster rubbed his hand who just got pped by Ramuja. His skin was very thin, against Ramuja''s force, it got bruised easily and some blood seeped out of his skin. However, what bothered him right now was the reaction of Ramuja. He had that frightened face, like a dog who got beaten by his master many times. Aster followed Ramuja''s line of sight and caught him staring at Lady Merse like seeing a monster. Aster didn''t know what was in his servant''s mind, but he decided to block Ramuja''s line of sight and squatted in front of him. He held Ramuja''s shoulder gently, to which Ramuja still tried to struggle. But when he saw the golden circle in front of him, he instinctively hugged this figure in front of him and buried his face to this figure''s stomach. "I''m scared, I''m scared, please help me" Ramuja begged. He found warmth and safety in this person''s embrace. He trembled no more, he tightly hugged this person, as if he was scared that he would be left alone again. Aster gently rubbed Ramuja''s hair and said, "Rx, Ramuja. You are safe with me." After few minutes, Ramuja seemed to have regained his consciousness and opened his eyes. He just realized that his face was in Young Lord''s stomach and he had been breathing heavily, seemingly intoxicated with Young Lord''s smell for a while. Ramuja raised his head slowly and stared at his master. He was expecting Young Lord to be mad, but Young Lord''s pupils turned golden for few moments before dissipated back to golden circle, he still retained his small smile though. "PPardon this servant impertinence, Young Lord" Ramuja begged softly. He was ashamed to have lost control in front of his master. "I''m not sure what just happened to you, but it is fine," Aster replied. "Aster, who is he?" Lady Merse who had be a spectator finally asked Aster. Aster stood up and replied, "This is my servant, Ramuja. He is here to assist me, but he seems to have lost control." Lady Merse frowned dissatisfiedly, "If a servant is unable to control himself, you are supposed to rece him. A useless servant is a dead servant, remember that wise word?" Aster knew that was themon rule in Golden Camellia. Because the disparity between the aristocrats and serfs or ves was huge, a ve could die under his master''s hand and no one batted an eye. There was even a carnage of ve as an entertainment for nobles, where the ves would need to fight to death so his master could win the bet. However, Aster was disturbed with such remark against Ramuja, thus he rebuked, "This servant is my favorite servant, I bought it myself and I trained him. Begging for Aunt Merse''s forgiveness if he is unpleasant to your eyes." Realizing that Aster was dissatisfied, Lady Merse retracted her words back, "Oh, Aster, I was hasty to make such remark. You are a kind person to have pity to a servant." "Thanking Aunt Merse''spliment, but Aunt Merse is also a kind person to me." "Oh, I am, only to you though" Lady Merse replied. She saw Aster as a gentle person who wouldn''t hurt anyone before, now her impression doubled. ''Aster is such a sweetheart, he even pities a worthless servant. Maybe he is the one that would'' Lady Merse pondered in her heart. "Aunt Merse?" "Ah, yes? Well, I''m going back to my husband''s room. Do you want to see him?" Lady Merse offered. "What a coincidence, I still have to check the top floor. And I never see General Wirgard Thana, they said he is a big and strong general!" Aster said excitedly. General Wirgard was a military hero back in the days, he was the one who subdued naval attack from Great Kingdom Arctyr before finally a peace treaty was signed. Aster only read about his heroic deeds in the book. Since General Wirgard appeared in non-military conference and party, he also didn''t have children. So he was particrly unreachable to everyone except royal family. Aster followed Lady Merse to one room at the end of the corridor in top floor. She opened the door and went inside first, Aster followed her behind, but his step halted and he turned his head. Ramuja froze. His expression was still terrified, although he seemed to be calmer than before. "Are you okay?" Aster asked. "YYes, Young Lord, this servant will always stay beside you," Ramuja replied. Aster didn''t understand the meaning of Ramuja''sst sentence, but he entered the room anyway. Aster was very familiar with this big room. Because he spent years here. However, Aster''s eyes were focused to a man in histe fifties, but he still looked gant. He had strands of white hairs and his eyes were closed tightly. "He has been like this for few months now, we don''t know his illness is, but he often went through series of nightmare and then fell intoa for weeks before he recovered. This has happened numerous times already," Lady Merse exined. She sat on a chair beside her husband and held his hand tightly. "Aunt Merse seems to love General so much" Aster said. "I do," Lady Merse sighed, "But something happened and our rtionship fractured. After that, my husband purchased a sex ve, a young boy, and he yed with that ve day and night. That young boy basically reced me in bed." "That''s" Aster was unsure how should he react. To hear the news that General Wirgard was a pedophile was too shocking. "That young boy was a southeasterner? He has brown skin and handsome feature for a sex ve" Lady Merse nced at Ramuja who got tense immediately and said, "Well, that young boy was simr to your servant, but he was very skinny. He is dead now, though." "You executed him?" Aster asked curiously. "Yes, he is too much of a nuisance to me and my husband. I had him tortured and executed," Lady Merse said nonchntly. "I see, that is good," Aster added, he was also nonchnt about this, "Sex ve is the lowest ve one could have. But their presence could destroy many rtionships" Lady Merse''s gaze brightened. She was happy that Aster supported him, unlike his husband who kept wailing about that young boy, "You understand me so much, Aster. I''m just trying to save my marriage." "Yes, Aunt Merse, I understand." Aster nced at Ramuja''s hand who still tightly clenched the hem of his shirt. Ramuja still looked tense and trembled slightly. Which made Aster suspicious in his heart. " little deer little deer little deer" a husky voice broke the silence. General Wirgard was calling someone. "Who is little deer?" "Little deer is the name that my husband gave to that young boy," Lady Merse sighed, "He keeps calling that name." "I''m sorry, Aunt Merse" "No, It''s okay. Soon orter, my husband would forget that young slut anyway. I don''t know what did that boy said to my husband that made him almost crazy. You should be careful if someday a sex ve entered your house, Aster," Lady Merse suggested. "Yes, I will keep that in mind." Again, Aster could feel that Ramuja trembled even more. Which made him almost self-confirmed his suspicion. ''I will keep that in mind'' Chapter 119: A Piece of the Past II Chapter 119: A Piece of the Past II Aster closed his notes as he had finished inspecting everything. There seemed to be no hole in this ce for royal family to nder. He lowered his guard against Lady Merse, since House of Thana had been withdrawing its troops from Roagelt. It was such a huge hit to the capital, because House of Thana was the most respected military house in Golden Camellia Empire. Because General Wirgard''s health constantly deteriorated, Lady Merse was now in charge of the house, and she had been neutral the whole time after Aunt Empress death. She took no offer to join any side and no agreement or oath to other houses, even royal family. "Aunt Merse, pardon me, but I have another event I need to attend," Aster said politely. He took a brass pin from his pocket and gave it to Lady Merse, "This is my personal pin, please show this to the staff if you need anything." Lady Merse was delighted that Aster finally handed his personal pin. It was only a brass pin, but knowing the time they met and what wretched thing she did to Aster, it was more than enough. It was already generous for Aster to forgive her. Lady Merse took her silver pin shaped like a stretched-out bat wings, which created an ''M'' shape to Aster. "Aunt Merse, this is" Aster was flustered, because he only gave her a brass pin, not silver one. "No, please take it. You deserve that," Lady Merse showed bitter smile and continued, "In fact, because of my disgusting action back then, you must''ve suffered, I''m grateful that you forgive me." "TThat was in the past" Aster was instantly reminded how cruel he was to scheme against Lady Merse. Well, granted that she was a predator, but Aster carved lifetime scar on her face and framed her sister. To this one, Aster regretted his action. "I was desperate back then, but I haven''t y with other young men after meeting you," Lady Merse said, she was embarrassed, "Probably because I finally see someone that I can consider an heir" "What?" "No, it''s nothing," Lady Merse took back her words, "Aster, you should leave now, don''t you have another event to attend?" "Ah yes, then if you''d excuse me," Aster finally left the room with Ramuja and went straight back to his carriage. He wondered about Lady Merse''s words about heir, but his mind instantly focused on one thing when he entered his carriage. He red at Ramuja who was cowering in the corner of the carriage, dared not raising his head. "Jain," Aster called. Jain appeared immediately beside Ramuja. The carriage was now filled with three people, but the two of them seemed to re at this servant who was scared out of his wits. Ramuja prostrated and said, "Young Lord, please forgive this servant''s irrational behavior, this servant was just" "What? You are scared because your secret might get revealed?" Aster interrupted harshly. "You know that I hate being lied to the most." "YYoung Lord, this servant never lied to you," Ramuja replied weakly. He knew that he lied to his master a lot, but what could he do "I knew you hid something from me, just because I tolerate you, doesn''t mean that I will let your trick slip in front of me!" Aster stomped his boots near Ramuja''s ear, which made him trembled slightly. ''Spill it! Tell me what are you hiding!'' Ramuja hid his expression and replied with his face facing the carriage floor, " Young Lord, if I tell the truth about Lady Merse, would you execute me right away?" "Depends." Aster replied short. "Because I don''t want you to hate me, Young Lord" Ramuja said, "You are my life, I can bear with any punishment as long as you will not hate me" Aster''s heartbeat quickened when Ramuja said that. He tried to brush it as another trick, but the way Ramuja said it sounded very sincere, as if it was deep ingrained in his heart. ''Trick! This is a trick!'' "You won''t trick me with this, raise your head and look at me, and say that again!" Aster ordered. Ramuja raised his head slowly and his eyes looked up at his master whose golden circle was dting. ''What I said is true, Young Lord. I may lie, but this one is true.'' "Young Lord you are my life, I can bear any punishment as long as you will not hate me." Aster tried to find the lies in his words. He was usually very good at noticing lies, especially in this position, when a servant looked up at him. But Ramuja''s eyes were very sincere, very certain. Ramuja repeated it again, "Young Lord you are my life, I can bear any punishment as long as you will not hate me." Again, no lies. "Young Lord... you are" "STOP!" Aster screamed. Jain and Ramuja was surprised with his sudden outburst. Aster screamed because he couldn''t control this weird feeling in his heart. It was surging around his body, tickling, and gradually gave him a dangerous warmth that almost made him float in strange fantasy. Aster held his undting chest. His heartbeat quickened and he almost spouted some nonsensical words. ''You are my life, I could bear any punishment as long as you will stay with me'' he almost blurted that in front of Ramuja. ''I cannot let him do this to me.'' Aster thought. He calmed down and tried to maintain his regal, "I will give you a chance to exin your entanglement with Lady Merse." Ramuja lowered his gaze and replied slowly, "TThis servant was a ve in House of Thana when I was around ten years old." Aster''s gaze sharpened, he remembered Lady Merse said that General Wirgard''s sex ve was young. Aster''s heart sank when he imagined Ramuja was being used and passed on by everyone. There were both anger and disgusted feeling inside his heart. He was unsure how to react and what to do. Because there wasw that made it impossible to give a sex ve a normal life. Thew against sex ve was very severe in Golden Camellia, especially given the fact that many sex ves usuallymitted grave crimes to their masters. Because their worth deteriorated overtime, they will do anything to stay alive. He gritted his teeth. "That sex ve was that you?" Aster asked. "NNo! Young Lord this servant was just a regr ve working in the garden. That sex ve was this one''s friend. He was sold as sex ve and General liked him, he never left the bed and was tortured with various toys until he couldn''t feel his body." "How did you know all that if your friend never left the bedroom?" Aster asked suspiciously. "BBecause this servant is tasked to bring food to that sex ve everyday" "So, you are tasked to work in the garden, while delivering the food to that ve too? I found that unbelievable, usually, a young ve was only tasked to work in one spot because they are prone to do mistakes." "TThis servant is a very capable ve since I was kid." "Is that the truth?" "Yes, Young Lord." Aster knew that Ramuja was lying. However, he didn''t know to what extend did he lie, he couldn''t inspect Ramuja''s eyes either. Because whenever Ramuja stared directly at him, his heart would quiver. ''What can I do to you Ramuja'' ''I don''t want to eat your lies, but I don''t want to hear the truth either.'' ''But, since that is your truth, then I will ept it for now.'' ''Because I couldn''t bear losing you.'' Ramuja tried really hard to cover his emotion. Because he almost leaked out a sob when he told the story of that poor young sex ve. The pain he went through to the point he was almost broken. ''I''m sorry, Young Lord'' "Alright then, I will ept your exnation," Aster said. "Young Lord!" Jain who was silent the whole time opened his mouth and protested. "Please reconsider! He might--" "Silence, Jain! I did not allow you to speak!" Aster reprimanded him. Jain zipped his mouth, but his face showed clear disapproval. He red at Ramuja and seemingly ready to kill this filthy servant. Aster sighed. He looked outside, his mind was full of doubt and uncertainty. He found himself weak when handling the problem with his servant. He doubted that his servant was a sex ve, but Ramuja definitely was hiding something. ''He can''t be a sex ve. He would be dead all along. Almost no sex ve able to survive that long, and he is stupid'' Suddenly, the carriage stopped and the coachman hurried and opened the carriage door, his face was pale, "YYoung Lord! Crown Prince''s carriage is blocking our way!" Aster''s dissatisfaction turned into fear, he immediately looked at Ramuja and got alerted instantly. ''No, Charles shouldn''t know Ramuja is here!'' Chapter 120: Horse Riding Chapter 120: Horse Riding ''No, Charles shouldn''t know Ramuja is here!'' Aster was panicked, his thought process ran quickly, trying to find a way to hid Ramuja. He couldn''t let Ramuja leave the carriage and hid, because Charles and his men must''ve surrounded Aster''s carriage already. He found an idea when he saw Jain. "Jain, take Ramuja away! Quick!" Aster ordered. "Young Lord, but" "Quick!" There was certain displeasure in Jain''s eyes, but he nodded and gripped Ramuja''s shoulder before disappearing together. Aster was relieved when they vanished like a thin air and resumed his cold demeanor. As much as he wanted to run away now, Charles was definitely already nning this whole thing. The carriage door was opened and Charles was standing with wide smile and golden eyes. He was always handsome, striking handsome, all his chiseled facial feature, his body, attire and gait clearly showed the beauty in a god statue by all means. Some crazy people even worshipped him as a demigod. But for Aster, he saw a terrifying god trying to ruin him. Aster shivered when Charles hopped in his carriage and sat facing him. He looked happy when he saw Aster, but instantly felt guilty when he remembered that ident in autumn banquet. Charles was blind eyed. He didn''t realize what he had done to his beloved Aster. His beloved white kitten. Charles raised his eyes and nced at Aster few times, he wished that Aster would only show that nonchnt attitude, but what he saw was nervousness, like a kitten who was terrified of stranger. "That Aster" Charles gulped, "About that ident, I''m sorry" Aster lowered his head and mumbled something inaudible. When Charles tried to hold his hand, Aster instantly reacted and pped Charles'' palm. Charles observed Aster''s reaction, fear, it was only fear in his face. Charles didn''t feel the p at all. It felt like a feather that brushes his hand. But that feather was stabbing his heart. ''Aster'' Charles bit his lip. He didn''t understand what he had just done that night. All in his mind and heart was just the imagination of Aster smiling at him, weing him back. Maybe Charles could kiss him too. He was too eager that, when he saw how mesmerizing Aster that night, after two years of separation, his desire just soared and he demanded more. That thin and pale cheek had turned rosy and healthy, his body was slender and beautiful, his golden hair shone under the blue moon, and his face that haunted Charles'' dream every night. When he secretly observed Aster that night, standing in front of everyone and boldly tell the guests that he would assign the grand duchy himself. It was too much for him to handle. ''He must be traumatized,'' Charles grieved. ''I knew he loved me, but I was too hasty'' Charles tried to find a way to apologize to Aster, he tried sending him gifts every day and all was rejected by Aster. He didn''t even look at it, he just told his servants to throw it away or return it back to Charles. "WWhat is your intention here?" Aster asked cautiously. "Huh?" "Blocking my path while we are outside of Dionde City, are you nning to" Aster''s face went pale. He slid to the corner of the seat, trying to distance himself from Charles. Charles grieved at this reaction, yet, he was amused at the same time. He never saw Aster in this frightened condition, Aster also probably never show this reaction to anyone. A desire to conquer dominating his head, he wanted to pin his cousin, made Aster cry only for him, made Aster bowed only to him. Everything about Aster only for him. His pants started to get tight and ufortable, but Charles suppressed his desire and replied, "No, I just want to meet you, but you always refuse to meet me under any circumstances." "II''m just ufortable with you" Aster said. "That''s why I want to meet you I want to beg for your forgiveness" Charles awkwardly kneeled in front of Aster and wrapped Aster''s palm with his hands, "Please forgive my wrongdoing, I truly regret my action." ''You will forgive me, Aster. I know you will. We love each other anyway.'' Aster was going to reject that apology, even ridicule it. Because it was simply unforgiveable. However, he could feel Charles'' hand clenching his palm tightly. The strength was obvious and Aster frowned in pain. Aster nced at Charles'' pleading eyes which contained maliciousness inside. He gulped, ''There is no way he could ept a no.'' He nced outside and found all his guards were already surrounded by Charles'' men. He was trapped by Charles. He didn''t know what would Charles do if he said no. ''You vile warmonger. How could I forgive a monster that have no regards of anyone but himself!'' ''Go to hell, bastard!'' Aster cursed Charles in his heart, but he finally smiled and nodded, "I forgive you." Charles'' golden pupil shone and he kissed Aster''s hand piously, "I will never hurt you anymore, my sweet Aster." Aster''s smile thinned when Charles kissed his hand. But under that golden pupil, he could feel the danger looming around him. This man couldn''t ept rejection for anything. "Now, it''s evening already, I know you have an event to attend, Earl of Sintine''s opening ceremony for his new business, isn''t it? Don''t worry, I already take care of it for you," Charles said. "What do you mean by taking care?" "I ordered Earl of Sintine to postpone it until tomorrow, so you could still attend it." "But" "How about horse riding?" Charles offered. Aster tried to find a way to escape from this man and said, "I cannot ride horse." "Who said you are going to ride the horse alone?" Charles grinned, "We only need one horse." "Charles!" Aster became tense after hearing that. That waspletely inappropriate, but what his mind went to his servant, Ramuja who was hiding right now. What if Ramuja saw him and Charles riding a horse together intimately. He would be heartbroken! "Oh, don''t be shy. You know that we are going to ride the horse in the meadow, besides, I don''t mind if someone see us together," Charles'' grin turned into smirk that sent chills down to Aster''s spine. Charles gripped Aster''s hand tightly again, signaling that he has no choice to ept. Aster smiled and nodded. Charles took Aster outside and a white horse was already prepared. He carried Aster and put him on the saddle and then Charles jumped behind. He took the halter and spurred the horse. *** They rode around the meadow in the evening, with the sunset as background, the bigger man hugged the smaller one in front intimately, they looked like a perfect couple. However, Aster was ufortable the whole time. Charles basically seized him, sometimes he stared at Aster''s nape and smelled it deeply. He seemed intoxicated, he smirked, sometimes chuckled joyfully. Aster unwilling wiggled out, trying to separate himself even by an inch. But it unknowingly stimted Charles. Aster jolted slightly when he could feel something big poking his back. "CCharles" "Don''t wiggle too much, it''s dangerous" Charles said ambiguously. Aster fell into silence again. He just wanted everything to be over soon. Charles couldn''t get enough of his cousin, his pupils turned goldenpletely and he said, "It would be nice if we are together forever, right?" Chapter 121: Playful Monster Chapter 121: yful Monster "It would be nice if we are together forever, right?" Charles said as he was intoxicated with Aster. Aster''s body stiffened when he heard that sentence, it might sound romantic to other people, especially those men and women who worshipped Charles, but for him, it sounded like a death sentence. ''There is no way I would want to stay with a monster.'' Aster zipped his mouth, he didn''t reject nor agreeing with Charles, because he knew that he didn''t have any choice. Charles frowned when he saw Aster who went rigid. "We are together forever, right?" Charles repeated his question. Aster kept his silence. "Aster? We are always together forever, right?" he repeated it again and Aster still keeping his silence. He didn''t want to agree to such humiliating thing. Charles'' golden pupil got stained with ink-ck spots and slowly, it turned into pure ck. The pure ck pupil dted, as if no light could ever pierce the darkness within. Charles tightened his grip on the halter and asked again, "What''s wrong, my darling, why did you hesitate?" Aster felt something was wrong with Charles, the chilly aura behind him made Aster cowered in fear. His gut feeling said that he should dismount from the horse, "CCharles, put me down." Rather than letting Aster go, Charles mped Aster''s thighs with his and his embrace narrowed, he locked Asterpletely in his embrace. ''How could I let you go? You haven''t said yes.'' "Maybe this would open your mouth," Charles smirked, he kissed Aster''s nape gently. Aster jolted in panic. He was scared and he never felt as scared as this in his life. He turned his head slightly and met Charles'' ck pupil, then he started trembling. "See, you are trembling in excitement!" Charlesughed satisfied, "I know that you want to say yes, but there must be something that hold you from saying it. Tell me darling, is there any problem? A house that dare to attack your house? Don''t worry, tell me, I will destroy them." Aster trembled even more. Charles noticed Aster''s shocked expression and happiness surged inside his heart. ''He looks shocked, did he just realize that his husband is a powerful man?'' Charles guessed in his heart. "Which house you want to destroy? I can kill their entire house, everything, including the small ants. I will erase them from Golden Camellia history." Aster shook his head. He hated some noble houses, but erasing them from history was too extreme. And the scariest thing was, Charles could really do that if he wanted to. He could trample a house in one night if he ordered his men, no matter how strong that noble house was. Aster lowered his head and said nothing. He saw Charles'' hands holding the halter, in his eyes, he saw hand of a demon trapping him in his grasp. ''Monster'' Dissatisfied because Aster still said nothing, he kissed Aster''s nape again, but this time Charles kissed it deeply, bit and sucked it, printing a love bite in his nape. Aster subconsciously groaned slightly. "Nnh" Charles was ecstatic when he heard it, "Darling, if you don''t say yes, I will continue." Charles unbuttoned the top button on Aster''s shirt, he could saw Aster''s chest hidden under the shirt and his desire swelled. He ripped Aster''s shirt and caressed his chest gently. "Charles please stop this" Aster said. He instantly remembered that night in autumn banquet. "Darling, that is not what I want to hear," Charles smiled maliciously, "I want you to tell me that we will be together. Don''t be shy." "Charles, I beg you" Charles kissed Aster''s cheek and whispered, "You should say to me that you love me as well, I know you do, but you are reluctant because of our position in Golden Camellia, right?" "You are scaring me, I beg you, let me go" Aster pleaded. He never begged to anyone except his parents. But to this man, he just wanted to escape now. Charles was far too scary. Aster sobbed lightly. Charles'' eyes chilled when he heard Aster sobbing. He never cared when people called him frightening demon, and heard children and women crying when he went to war against other countries, but when he heard thating from Aster''s mouth, he was angry. Charles got off the horse and he forcefully dismounted Aster from the horse. Aster was carried and put to the ground. Aster looked up to Charles, whose figure standing tall with a nasty smirk on his face. "I will show you something scary, so you will obey meter," Charles said, "In this meadow, try to run away from me. If I cannot catch you, you are free to go." Aster''s leg still trembled, but he mustered his courage and ran as fast as he could. But no matter how hard he ran, Charles would always catch him and smiled, "See, my darling, this is like our love chase. No matter how hard you try to run away from me, I will always be one step further to catch you." Aster''s leg couldn''t go any longer. He fell to the ground, but Charles caught him in his embrace and his cheek got kissed again, "How charming, you fell to my arm like a damsel in distress, is this your way to seduce me? Because it is damn effective!" Charles said excitedly. Aster already resigned to his fate right now. He was nothingpared to Charles. He looked at Charles and saw a different person in his eyes, this was not the Charles who took care of him since he was baby, who protected him against other noble kids, who smiled and yfully flirted to him. This was a monster with Charles'' face. Aster wanted to scream for help, but his mind shed with Jain who was dying, bleeding and extremely wounded after trying to protect him. ''No, I don''t want Jain to be in that situation again.'' ''Besides, Ramuja is with him'' ''I just wished that Ramuja would never see me in this pathetic situation.'' However, when he stared at Charles, he saw a silhouette of someone behind Charles that carried a log, he hit Charles'' head as hard as he could. But Charles just frowned slightly and put Aster gently. He turned his head. "Who dares disturb me!" he roared fiercely. "II will not let you touch Young Lord!" Ramuja, still carrying a heavy log in his hand. "Oh? Just a mere ve and he dare to face me like this? You are dead!" Charles gritted his teeth, he unsheathed his sword. Ramuja was fearless. When he saw Young Lord sobbed, struggled while being yed by this demon, he would rather die than to see his master being humiliated. Charles was preparing to strike Ramuja with one sweep to cut his head clean. Aster saw the murderous aura in Charles and he realized that Charles did not hesitate to kill Ramuja right here. ''No, my Ramuja!'' Aster jumped to Charles and held Charles'' cheeks with his hands, then kissed his lips deeply. Aster wailed in his heart, tears poured from his eyes, yet, he still kissed Charles. ''My first kiss'' Chapter 122: A Desire to Protect Chapter 122: A Desire to Protect Ramuja watched his master rode the horse around the meadow together with Crown Prince. They looked really intimate, sometimes, Crown Prince kissed Young Lord''s nape, at least that was what it looked like from afar. Ramuja knew that Crown Prince was probably the best bachelor for Young Lord. With him, Young Lord would be safe, he didn''t need to work nonstop to maintain the grand duchy, Crown Prince could maintain everything for him. He was by all means, the most powerful man in this empire next to Emperor Audric IV. But seeing them in the meadow, riding a horse while Young Lord being embraced gently by Crown Prince, made his heart burn in jealousy. "No, we can''t let Young Lord being harassed by him!" Ramuja protested. Jain was still pissed with this hypocrite who acted like he cared about Young Lord the most, but was having an affair with somebody else. "Silence!" Jain warned him. They were currently in the woods near the meadow, watching their master''s seemingly romantic affair with Crown Prince. "But" "You see the rustling bushes in our left?" Jain pointed to the rustling bushes across their hiding spot, "There were two assassins under Crown Prince who was watching us the whole time." Of course, Ramuja couldn''t see anything, but he nodded unwillingly while his eyes burned seeing the affair in the meadow. Not long after, Crown Prince forcefully dismounted Young Lord from the horse and said something. Then, Young Lord tried to ran away from Crown Prince as fast as he could. Ramuja could see the frightened expression in Young Lord''s face. "HHe is in danger! Young Lord!" Ramuja "No!" Jain tried to hold him, he gripped Ramuja''s hand, but Ramuja pushed Jain forcefully, "Let go!" With one push, Jain rolled off the ground until his body hit the tree. He groaned and winced in pain, "How could he have monstrous strength so suddenly? He was nowhere near that powerful." Jain saw Ramuja took a heavy log with only one hand and ran towards Crown Prince who was now embracing Young Lord. Crown Prince''s assassins ambushed him together, but Ramuja just swing the log one handed and the two assassins were thrown across the woods like him. Ramuja ran really fast while carrying that heavy log with one hand. Jain remembered that incident during spring festival ceremony, when Young Lord staged a scene that he was going to be ''assassinated'' when he became the spring goddess and did the ceremony across Roagelt. Jain was attentively watching his master, as he was ready to jump in if the execution didn''t go ording to n. But he saw someone dashed really fast that Jain didn''t even notice it until a secondter. Then he realized that was Ramuja who protected Young Lord from the ''assassin''. That time, Jain didn''t know who this man was, thus, he thought it was part of Young Lord''s n. But that man was no doubt, a slightly younger Ramuja. He must''ve been really weak before, but he still had the same quick reflect whenever Young Lord was in danger. ''Is this his instinct? His desire to protect Young Lord?'' Jain was astounded, ''He wouldn''t be able to beat golden blood like Crown Prince, because he is untrained. But if he is trained'' Jain''s line of thoughts dispersed when he saw the assassins went after Ramuja gain. Jain took his weapon and gritted his teeth, "Just this time, I''m going to help him.'' Ramuja saw Young Lord already resigned to his fate, he closed his eyes painfully and let Crown Prince did anything to him. Ramuja swung the log as hard as he could to Crown Prince back, but that man didn''t even budge. Crown Prince put Young Lord down gently, stared at him and scoffed, "Oh? Just a mere ve and he dare to face me like this? You are dead!" He unsheathed his sword, but Ramuja saw Young Lord who was frightened and right now, he wouldn''t back down. ''I will protect you, Young Lord!'' But what he saw next crumbled all his courage and hit his heart hard. Young Lord kissed Crown Prince deeply. *** ''My first kiss'' Charles was dumbfounded. His ck eyes turned golden and shone instantly. He dropped his sword and instinctively hugged Aster and deepened the kiss. Aster tried to back off, trying to break free after he was trapped in Charles'' embrace, but Charles immediately held the back of his head and pressed it forward to deepen the kiss even further. "Charles Mmph!" Aster struggled, but he was kissed again by Charles. He used his tongue to probe in Aster''s mouth. Aster pushed Charles'' tongue with his, but it only burned Charles'' desire even more. Two tongues twined and pushed against each other until Aster was finally out of breath. He let Charles tasted his mouth. His tongue tasted every inch inside Aster''s mouth, he bit Aster''s lip hard until it bled, then licked and sucked the blood. Aster was dazed, he nked out for a moment. Then he heard someone called him. "Young Lord" Aster heard a low voice that called him, he nced and saw Ramuja trembled out of shock, his face was aghast and the heavy log he carried dropped. He said nothing after that, but he watched how his Young Lord looked weak and dazed while Crown Prince kissed him. Aster regained his consciousness and pushed Charles as hard as he could. Charles finally released Aster after he took Aster''s first kiss. Charles smirked and said, "Your face is so red, so you enjoyed it as well." "No!" Aster said decisively. But Charles only chuckled in response. "You kissed me first, used your tongue, and responding to my kiss. Do you think you can fool me?" Charles extended his hand, wanting to touch Aster''s lips, but Aster stepped back. "Why are you shy? Is this because this ve is watching us? Fine, I will kill him, then we can continue," Charles said. Aster reacted immediately by saying, "Don''t hurt him!" "Why?" "Bbecause" Aster nced Ramuja whose face was still in aghast, after he realized his master nced at him, Ramuja lowered his head. Aster saw nothing but pain in Ramuja''s eyes. It was like a kid whose dream was shattered in front of his eyes. He trembled, clenched his fist, but still said nothing. Aster could feel something hurting in his heart, but the most important thing right now was to protect Ramuja''s life. He braced himself and smiled in front of Charles. "No, it''s just I don''t want you to kill someone in front of me, you know," Aster said calmly, "II''m also not ready to go further I already gave you my first kiss, was that not enough for now?" Charles expected Aster to reject him as usual, because he knew that Aster was in love with him, but he was also very shy and reserved, thus, he often rejected him because he couldn''t hide his embarrassment. ''So cute, he is so embarrassed.'' Charles licked his lips, but he decided to toughen his self-control and replied, "Fine, I''m more than satisfied anyway. With this, we are already officially a couple, right?" Charles put pressure in his tone when he dered it. Aster gulped and nodded. "WWe are couple now" Aster said unwillingly. Aster chuckled gleefully, he took Aster''s hand and kissed it gently, "I shall escort you back to your carriage." Charles put Aster back on the horse saddle, Aster nced at Ramuja who stood still with his head lowered, the sun was almost set, it created a deserted image of a heartbroken man. ''It is my desire to protect you... Ramuja.'' Aster lowered his head and said, "Please take me back." With that, they left Ramuja alone in this dark meadow. Chapter 123: Heartbroken Chapter 123: Heartbroken "I will leave now," Charles said. He stole another kiss in Aster''s lip and said, "Today is myst day in Dionde before I have to do a campaign in Great Kingdom Arctyr." Aster tried hard to control his emotion and resumed his reserved demeanor. He nced and asked Charles, "To Great Kingdom Arctyr? But the twins are here, Mariette and Tuskan" Aster wanted to confront Charles about his involvement in Clearwater Academy, but Charles emotion was not right, so did his. If Aster confronted Charles right now, he might have to deal with even bigger consequences. Charles smiled mysteriously and replied, "I''m going to help them." Aster was unsure about the detail, but with this, Charles and the twins, especially with Tuskan, did have a political affair. Aster had a wild guess in his head, but he dared not spoke it unnecessarily in front of his enemy. ''And I already treat him as my enemy'' Aster nced at Charles who still smiled at him and said, "You should leave now, you know your presence makes the air hot" "Is that an invitation?" Charles chuckled. Fortunately, he already regained his self-control and rubbed Aster''s head fondly, "I''m leaving, I will return in few months and I will bring you a souvenir, we will also have a vacation in one of my private inds." Aster gulped, he would be done for if they ever went to one of Charles'' private inds, because he wouldn''t be able to leave that ce once he entered. Aster nodded silently, which made Charles satisfied. Charles and his troops finally left Aster alone. Aster waited anxiously in his carriage, few times the coachman asked him whether they should depart, but Aster held them. He was waiting for Jain and his servant to return. After he waited for almost an hour, Jain and Ramuja appeared in front of him. Jain''s face was bruised and his suit was tattered, Aster asked worriedly, "Is there any deep wound? "No, Young Lord. This subordinate is fine," Jain said. He was indeed fine, because his fights against Crown Prince''s assassin ended abruptly when Young Lord kissed Crown Prince, "Thank you for worrying about this subordinate, Young Lord." "No, it''s my fault that you have to fight against his assassins again" Aster med himself. This prove that he was too weak to protect his subordinate. Ramuja gritted his teeth, his fist clenched tightly. He was holding this fire inside his heart for a long time. He tried to calm down in the meadow, but his anger only built up slowly until he didn''t care anymore. He said to himself that it was stupid for him to wish Young Lord would love him, but the way Young Lord forgave and nurtured him, it was inevitable that Ramuja had this deep feeling inside his heart. And it shattered when Young Lord took the initiative to kiss Crown Prince. Aster nced at Ramuja who kneeled with his head lowered, still silent. He didn''t know what to say, as much as he wanted to exin, what Aster felt now was shame and guilt. Yet, at the same time, he wouldn''t have the courage to move if Ramuja didn''t protect him first. "Young Lord, shall we go now?" the coachman asked again. "Return back to Dionde City, go to Grand Duke''s mansion near the Diamond monument." "Yes, Young Lord." Ramuja raised his head instantly and he red at his master, "Young Lord, why are we going back to Dionde?" Aster knew that Ramuja''s eyes filled with resentment. Since his servant confessed to him six months ago, he knew that his servant loved him. But he couldn''t return back his feeling for now, because Ramuja would definitely get killed in various possibilities. Yet, when his servant red at him resentfully, his heart ached. He couldn''t stare at Ramuja''s eyes, fearing that he would actually cry and showed his weakness in front of him. Thus, he kept his head high. Aster kept his cold demeanor, as if nothing happened before, "To send you back to my father''s mansion, I will order the servants there to send you back to the pce tomorrow." Ramuja couldn''t control his resentment any longer, he burst out with sarcastic question to his master, "Young Lord, is this how you treat your servant who just risked his life to you?" Aster frowned, "What do you mean?" "Do you really like to show your intimacy to other people?" "Ramuja" "I was really worried about you, I didn''t mind if I died there as long as you are safe! But my master turned to be a debauched man!" "Ramuja!" Aster''s voice thundered. Jain already pressed his knife in Ramuja''s throat, but Ramuja didn''t even blinked. He ignored Jain and stared at his master resentfully, "Young Lord, why did you do that?" Aster snorted and turned his head to the side, "Everything is within my expectation." "Including me, am I within your expectation, Young Lord?" Ramuja asked. Aster stared at the scenery outside. It was only dark woods, but with the candlemp hanging outside the carriage, he could see the reflection of himself and Ramuja staring at him with his deep anger. ''You are not within my expectation, you are a pleasant surprise, Ramuja.'' ''But, is it even important to say it now?'' Aster said in his heart. Ramuja wanted to say something again, but Jain pressed the knife until bloods started dripping slowly from Ramuja''s neck. "Young Lord, this ve had offended you, asking for permission to eliminate him," Jain asked. He admired this ve for a bit, but if this ve dared to offend his master, Jain would be the first one to cut his head. Ramuja ignored Jain and continued ring at his master. Aster bit his lip and ordered Jain, "Jain, take him to another carriage and send him back to Dionde." "What about you, Young Lord?" "I will go to meet Marquis of Viete, I still have to continue my work." "Understood, this subordinate will order my disciples to watch over you while I send this ve back." Jain was relieved, he put his knife down and held Ramuja''s shoulder. "You should have killed me, Young Lord," Ramuja said. With that remark, they disappeared instantly. After Aster couldn''t feel the presence of Jain anymore. His tears fell to his cheek and he closed his eyes with his hand. Aster bawled his eyes out, but he held his voice. He didn''t want the coachman or anyone near to know that their master cried like a baby. ''Why did you say something so hurtful, Ramuja?'' ''You won''t know that my heart ached so bad, so bad that I felt numb already.'' ''Why can''t you understand that I tried to protect you even if I have to throw my dignity! Why did you say you want to die?!'' Aster cried for a long time until his tears were dried out. He wiped his tears with a handkerchief and took a small book he hid inside his vest. It was his collection of his memories with Ramuja, he only wrote the happy memories. He read it every time he felt stressed or sad. Aster smiled a bit, but his smile dissipated when a tear dropped on this book. He wiped it carefully and closed it. He sighed as he recollected his rationality. Aster chanted what his mother taught him whenever he needed to be strong. ''A strong ruler needs no one except himself to stand.'' Chapter 124: Eulogy of the Prince 21 Chapter 124: Eulogy of the Prince 21 I sat face to face Jain in this small carriage. His face was grim, as if looking at a dead man, but I cared no more. I feltpletely destroyed when I saw that deep kiss. A kiss of two people in love. I saw Young Lord and Crown Prince''s tongue tangled in sea of desire. Even Young Lord was in trance because of it. I was rushing to him, at that moment, I was ready to die as long as Young Lord would be safe. Seeing Young Lord getting bullied hurt more than I expected. Every inch of pain inflicted to him hurt a hundred times more to me. I just wished if I really died then, Young Lord would remember me, even inside the tiniest spot in his memory. I would be more than grateful to be given the chance to live again and then died for him. ''He gave me this life after all'' But instead, Young Lord kissed that man in front of him intimately. Like a couple deeply in love, missing each other for a long time until they met again and kissed for the first time. ''Is that a deration that he fell in love with Crown Prince already? Or it is to taunt me?'' I sneered in my heart. What was there to taunt anyway, I was just a ve, one of dozens. He could rece me anytime, while I can only be yed in his hand. ''Turns out, I''m not even important in his eyes.'' Jain red at me and opened his mouth to threaten me, "If Young Lord didn''t forbid me to kill you, I''ve already eliminated you long ago." If it was me before, I would tremble and begged him to spare me. But now, I just looked at Jain and scoffed, "Kill me then, I don''t care anymore." Without any doubt, Jain took the knife inside his sleeve and the tip instantly touched my skin, "Still dared taunting me?" The cold touch made me shudder, but I still looked at him nonchntly and said, "Just kill me, but you must promise me one thing." "What?" I took a deep breath, the tip of the knife slowly prated my skin. I closed my eyes to see what wasst thing I wished before this knife cut my head clean. shes of memories in my life started invading my head. The moment when I was only five years old, the memories were blurry, but I still remembered the face of my father, mother, and my sister. I still remembered that my house was actually very spacy, and people were working in my house. Yet, the strongest memory I had with them was when my mother five-years-old me to someone on the ship, probably the captain and begged, "Please save this kid, I beg you, you can take everything! My gold, my jewelry! Just please save this child!" Before I was handed to that person, my mother kissed me and whispered, ''Live, Ramuja!'' Then everything was literal hell of torture and humiliation for ten years, until a man with big hat, covering his entire body with thick clothes and his blue pupil and golden circle eyes staring at me in that summer market. His eyes didn''t show any disgust towards me who was a sex ve, although he probably didn''t know that I was one. He didn''t turn his head to look at other more pleasant things in that summer market. He only stared at me deeply, as if he was decisively choosing me to stay beside him. ''Maybe I already fell in love with him since that day onward.'' ''If I die now, would he be grieving?'' ''Maybe he wont, but'' I clenched my first. Even to myst moment, I still thought about him, him and him! I wanted to brush him off my mind, but he kept returning, smiling,forting me, scolding me. It was all beautiful in my memories. Too beautiful to forget. ''I am really a fool.'' "If you kill me now, I beg you to stay loyal to Young Lord. Please protect him at all cost." I said decisively. I rxed my body and waited for that knife to slice my neck. "Good." Jain said coldly. He drew the knife back to his sleeve again and said, "You passed the test." I opened my eyes to see Jain still with cold re, but he withdrew the knife. I was confused, because I was really sure that his killing intent was so strong few seconds ago. "What test?" I asked. Jain replied ambiguously, "Since you want to protect Young Lord that much, then I shall let you do so." "I''m receable," I said, "You are more than enough to protect my master." "Tsk, you have no self-will at all," Jainmented annoyedly. "You are just untrained." I smiled bitterly, my head was hanging low, "What is the point anyway? He already chose Crown Prince" "Hmph! You really think you can obtain Young Lord''s heart?" Jain sneered, "I''m offering you a training, special training, so you can protect Young Lord with your own hand. I would never allow you to reach Young Lord in other ways." "What was yourst wish before?" he asked. " please protect Young Lord," I said weakly. "Then I shall train you to protect him," Jain dered. "Your desire to protect Young Lord, ismendable." ''Protecting'' that word lingered in my head. I wondered if Young Lord ever needed my protection at all. He had a lot of people who loved and adored him, he was raised with love, respect, his life was always perfect. "Does he even need my protection?" I asked, doubtful. "He does." I raised my head, directly staring at Jain''s cold eyes who didn''t look as scary as before, "Please train me." "I shall, but you have to beg for forgiveness from Young Lord," Jain said. "Will he forgive me? I already offended him" "He will." Jain replied again. All his words contained certainty, which made me slightly relieved. Jain continued with his cold voice, "But you have to promise that you shall not think about falling in love with Young Lord again, don''t chase him like a stupid dog. Don''t drag him into the mud with you. Besides, you already have a girl that loves you deeply, don''t you feel ashamed of such ungratefulness? " "II promise. I just want him to be happy," I said weakly. ''Young Lord, I may never reach you. But I will always be by your side.'' ''If that would give me a space in your heart, Young Lord, I shall protect you with my life.'' *** The carriage reached Dionde city and then Grand Duke mansion after the city clock showed eleven at night. Jain talked to the servants about my return to Lantern Pce, he extended my stay for two more days before I had to leave the mansion to return back to Lantern Pce. The pce and the mansion were actually still within the same region, but Dionde City was huge, because it was the economic center of Golden Camellia Empire. I nodded and asked Jain cautiously, "Why are you so kind to me?" Jain fixed his sses and finally smiled for the first time towards me, but that smile felt mysterious, "Because I need manpower to protect Young Lord." "Yes, I will protect him with my life," I said sincerely. "I will train youter, after Young Lord finished his work," Jain said, then he vanished into thin air again. I went to my room, which was a small room simr to my room in Lantern Pce. I sat for a while, thinking about Jain''s offer. ''Did he really want to train me to protect Young Lord? Why did he be so kind?'' ''But what he said is true, I shouldn''t drag Young Lord to be a mud like me.'' ''Besides, I do have a girl who loves me deeply.'' I stared at the small portrait of Merry, which she paid a street painter to make a small portrait of herself. She gave the portrait to me as a token of love, she said. We met two days ago, while I was waiting for Young Lord''s schedule. I couldn''t read, thus, I remembered all Young Lord''s schedule in my head. I asked Merry about the location of each ce which Young Lord would visit in Dionde City. Then she gave me this portrait of her. She also said that she would perform on the street near the mansion every day, so they could meet more often. I sighed deeply and rolled the portrait, and ce it on the corner. I looked at the ceiling, imagining a fantasy I would never reach, "Young Lord, I will forget you." Chapter 125: Leak Chapter 125: Leak "What!?" Grand Duchess'' eyes widened when she heard the report from one of her spy, "Aster''s carriage got sieged by Crown Prince?" "Yes, Mdy," the spy hesitated a bit, but he continued, "We wanted to help Young Lord''s men, but Crown Prince''s soldiers and assassins were too many. We were severely outnumbered." "What did he do to my son?" Grand Duchess asked. Her hand tightly gripping the armrest, her face looked like a mother genuinely worried about her son. "He he brought Young Lord horse riding to a meadow nearby, and he" the spy gulped, he knew if Grand Duchess heard this one, his life might be in danger. But it was his duty to report anything about Young Lord to her, "He touched Young Lord body, Young Lord tried to escape but it looked like Crown Prince was just ying around and he caught Young Lord again. But there was that ve, Young Lord''s personal ve, who ran towards them, carrying a heavy log and hit Crown Prince. Crown Prince wanted to kill him, but Young Lord suddenly kissed Crown Prince deeply and they shared a long kiss" Grand Duchess'' eyes turned bloodshot, she was furious. She smashed the table until the tableware was scattered. "And you did nothing?!" "MMdy, Your Majesty, this subordinate and other men cannot fight Crown Prince because he had numerous trained assassins also watching us. Begging for Mdy''s forgiveness!" The spy prostrated and smashed his head to the floor. He wasn''t scared if Grand Duchess only tortured him, he was scared if Grand Duchess killed him and his entire family. This woman had everyone''s lives in her palm. Grand Duchess'' chest undted as she tried to control her fury, "Call all your men immediately!" "YYes, Mdy!" Few minutester, there were ten men including the spy kneeled in front of Grand Duchess. Grand Duchess calmed her voice down, but there was deep anger inside her eyes, "So, do all of you have any logical reasoning behind your coward behavior? Or is it because you are afraid to die against Crown Prince''s assassins?" The men fell silent and lowered their head, what Grand Duchess said was right. They were afraid to die. Not because they didn''t want to protect Young Lord, but because Crown Prince had great number of trained soldiers, assassins et cetera surrounding him continuously that it deterred them from taking action. They didn''t want to die uselessly before even reaching Young Lord. The spy said weakly, "Mdy, Crown Prince owned a military power on scale with a small country. It was impossible." "I don''t need you to remind me that," Grand Duchess cut him abruptly, she was dissatisfied because the assassins she sent to her nephew never seeded eliminating him. Grand Duchess'' eyes grew colder, "Well, do you want to die right now or to be tortured?" "Please give us torture as befitting punishment, Your Majesty!" the men replied simultaneously. Grand Duchess scoffed, "You cowards have the courage to beg for your life. Fine then, I will not kill, or cut your limb. But you will know how to do your duty well after this." Grand Duchess called her butler and ordered, "Cut their skin with rusty knife, then pour alcohol on their body, do it until they feared the torture more than death." "Yes, Mdy," the butler nodded. The spy and his men paled, but this was still better than having their family dead. Thus, they agreed and followed the butler. Rosalie watched the whole thing from her chair, beside her Aunt Duchess. She folded her fan quietly. Her face paled too, because she could feel the wrath of her aunt even though it was not directed towards her. And the punishment she gave to her subordinates were very cruel, although they did make a mistake. But considering the sheer number of Charles'' trained soldiers and assassins, excluding the amount of allegiances he had, it was logical for them to fear him. Because they would be dead before they could even reach Aster. Grand Duchess nced at Rosalie and snorted, "You saw the whole thing. It is a fitting punishment for them, they need to know that their lives are less important than a drop of blood from Aster''s skin." "Yes, Aunt Duchess" "But" Grand Duchess stared at her suspiciously, "No one should''ve known about my son''s exact working schedule. Only himself, me and my husband, and few trusted subordinates. Who had leaked his schedule to Charles?" "That I''m not sure either." Rosalie said anxiously. "Well, you wouldn''t know either, but still, the people who collide with Charles I will crush them, their family, and their life. Just wait and see." Grand Duchess'' eyes were like a huntress ready to kill her prey, she nced at Rosalie again and asked, "You are his sister, why are you here with his enemy?" "II''m not working with Charles, I swear!" Rosalie said panicky, "I''m here to visit you, Aunt Duchess." "Hmph, just tell me what you want? You want Florentino Viete to stop selling his body to old women in noble circle? Then, you have to give constant money to his dying house. If you want to free his house from my alliance, then payback all his debt to grand duchy." Rosalie lowered her head. She knew that it would be like this, but as a golden princess whose position kept getting suppressed by Grand Duchess, also by her own father and brother, she had no choice but to beg. Rosalie left Grand Duchess'' mansion in Dionde City and went to a rented small mansion with her carriage. She was surprised when she saw a girl waiting anxiously in front of the gate. It was that woman named Merry, who gave her vital information a week ago. Merry saw Golden Princess'' carriage and approached it excitedly, "Your Highness! Was the information correct?" Rosalie panicked slightly, because she was afraid that Aunt Duchess might send someone to tail her. She ordered the guard to open the door quickly and took Merry in. She sat in the living room with Merry kneeling in front of her. "You, I told you not to return here!" Rosalie scolded. "BBut, Your Highness I need my pay" "Tsk. Fine then," Rosalie took her wallet and paid five gold coins to this girl, she said, "After this, don''t ever return here." "Thank you, Your Highness!" Merry epted the gold coins happily. "Your Highness, why do you need to know about Young Lord''s schedule?" She asked. "That is not your problem, leave the mansion now," Rosalie ordered. Merry pouted dissatisfiedly, but she nodded and excused herself. She was here only for the money anyway. She didn''t really understand how did Ramuja remember Young Lord''splete schedule in his head and asked her about the ces in his schedule. When she asked about it, Ramuja only said that he needed to assist Young Lord immediately. He kept repeating the same schedule over and over that Merry remembered it subconsciously, ''Nine in the morning, Young Lord will go to check Grapeville''s region administration, one thirty after lunch he will go to the hospital, five in the evening he will go visiting Earl of Sintine, et cetera.'' Ramuja remembered Young Lord''s entire schedule in one week inside his brain. Which annoyed Merry slightly, because when they went around on a date in the city, Ramuja only asked about the ces in Young Lord''s schedule. "Well, it was her that asked me anyway," Merry said carelessly. It was Golden Princess Rosalie''s butler who approached her after she separated from Ramuja and asked about Young Lord Aster''s schedule. "Golden Princess Rosalie is Young Lord Aster''s cousin, right? She could''ve just asked him directly," Merry wondered. She looked at five gold coins in her hands and she smiled happily, "Ah, it doesn''t matter! Young Lord wouldn''t mind anyway. With this, I can have another date with Ramuja. Maybe I can buy a new dress to impress him, hehe~" She giggled and slightly hopped on her walk. She was more than happy to get five gold coins easily. *** ''She doesn''t know this, right?'' Rosalie bit her nails anxiously. She was frightened by the possibility of Aunt Duchess finding out that the one who leaked Aster''s schedule was her all along. She didn''t want to do it initially. She got the information from her mole in Lantern Pce that Aster''s personal ve, called Ramuja, was going to follow Aster''s working schedule to meet him. She knew it was really risky if she dared to mess with Aunt Duchess, but Charles gave her an undeniable offer. ''Aunt Duchess already set her men all around the city to watch over Aster. So, I couldn''t obtain Aster''s schedule to meet him. If you can get it for me, I would help you free Florentino Viete from Aunt Duchess.'' Charles said before. Thus, Rosalie ordered her butler to follow Ramuja around until he met with his girlfriend, that girl named Merry. Which led to her leaking all Aster''s schedule in her head with only cheap reward of five gold coins. ''Charles definitely did too much, knowing him, he could''ve take Aster in that meadow, right in front of all his hidden assasins.'' ''I''m d he didn''t do it, yet'' ''Aunt Duchess would definitely detect me as the leaker if Aster got taken by Charles'' Rosalie shuddered when she saw that cold eyes of Aunt Duchess. It numbed her body and made her unable to stand. It was too intimidating. But for her love, Florentino Viete, she would do anything, even if that meant she shall challenge death. Rosalie took Floren''s bronze pin and kissed it deeply, "Wait for me, my darling. I will save you." Chapter 126: Two Brats Chapter 126: Two Brats Jain appeared in front of Aster again after Aster stopped in one of the grand duchy small mansions near the border of grand duchy region andnd owned by the House of Viete. House of Viete had smallnd which wasndlocked by his grand duchy and Duchy of Arion. House of Viete was an important house twenty years ago, when Apercino Viete, thete marquis was the state treasurer with enormous wealth himself. He only had one son and achieved many things to rebuild Golden Camellia after the war between Golden Camellia and Great Kingdom Arctyr ended. However, he spoiled his son too much, thus when he died, Florentino was left with businesses he couldn''t expand or control. Thus, all the businesses were left dying slowly. However, the house still survived by the fact that the head was a high profile male prostitute. Florentino Viete was the most popr high aristocrat who sold his body to noblewomen in Golden Camellia. Floren was well known for his sweet lips, thus, he convinced all those noblewomen to invest in his house, so the house still survived. ''I don''t have any objection to his practice, but it is very scandalous'' Aster didn''t know much about Florentino, but he always attended all social gatherings or events hosted by every house. Since his work consisted of charming those desperate old noblewomen. ''They are all filthy anyway, unlike my servant'' Aster sighed deeply. He tried hard to brush this heavy feeling in his heart. He touched his lips and he could still feel Charles'' lips touching his. It gave him a sense of guilt. Because he wanted to save his first kiss for Aster shook his head. ''I can''t be distracted now. The more I get distracted, the more Ramuja''s life will be in danger. My duchy has too many enemies for him to be safe. I need to eliminate all of them first.'' But Aster still remembered that moment when Ramuja called him debauched young lord. It was so painful that Aster was about to burst in tears right in front of Ramuja. ''Maybe I really am debauched. I let him see me beingpletely dominated by Charles'' ''Ramuja I''m sorry.'' Jain saw the grieved countenance of his master and realized what his master was thinking. He knew that his master really wanted to protect that stupid ve, but he had no other way. Since Crown Prince was now dominating the whole Golden Camellia and the countries around it. Thus, Jain checked the scenery outside and immediately notified his master, "Young Lord, we are here." "Hm?" Aster frowned. He was deep in thought, mostly thinking about his servant. "We are in Velvet Castle already," Jain said. Aster''s eyes darted outside, the big castle separated with a drawbridge. The castle was one of the most beautiful castles in Golden Camellia, and it wasn''t a lie. The castle stood in the center of a smallke, with its white towers and the signature velvet g in all towers. It was to sign that House of Viete was independent and neutral in terms of political alliances afterte marquis'' death. They bow down to Golden Camellia rules, but would not be affiliated politically. Aster scoffed, "It''s all just a decoration now." "May this subordinate ask, why are we here, Young Lord?" "Florentino made a deal with my mother. Since the deal is very confidential, I am unable to get the information about it. But apparently, Viete is now under grand duchy." Aster exined. "Then, what would Young Lord do here?" "I was just tasked by my mother to overseer his activity for a day, probably because he has a habit to bring women in all ages in his uh chamber." "Understood, Young Lord. This subordinate will protect you at all costs!" Jain dered suddenly. "Huh? What?" "Young Lord, this debauched Master of Viete will likely target you here, I shall protect you." Hearing such remark made Aster chuckle, "Don''t worry, Floren has absolutely no interest with men." "But Young Lord, you are not a regr man" Jain said. He wanted to continue, but looking at his master''s grim expression, he stopped abruptly. Aster didn''t like that remark. It reminded him of his failure to protect himself in front of Charles. But he knew that Jain didn''t mean it maliciously, thus he let it slide and said, "It is okay, I can protect myself." *** The carriage stopped in the main courtyard, Floren was ready in front of the main door to greet him, but surprisingly, the guard did not allow his carriage to stay right in front of the door. "Why?" Aster asked. "Replying to Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, because there is also another important guest with his carriageing." Aster frowned. He didn''t remember any noble that has higher importance than Grand Duchy Stormhill in position unless it is. "Is it Crown Prince?!" Aster asked anxiously. "No, Young Lord. It is" the guard stopped talking when a carriage with a gold lion head on top arrived with its four other carriages surrounding it. ''Who is that?'' Aster scrunched his brows, he never saw that kind of carriage in Golden Camellia. The guard who just talked to him greeted the main carriage with the utmost respect as the carriage''s window opened slowly. And at that moment, Aster''s eyes met with a pair of sharp green eyes, hawk nose, and that star-shaped birthmark on his forehead. Their eyes met and both were surprised. They hurriedly opened their doors, ignoring other people around as they walked in face to face. Aster was obviously shorter than him, his head was only this man''s shoulder, but he was fearless as he pointed his finger to this man in front of him, "You!" The lean man looked down at this small Young Lord andined, "What is this? I asked Viete that I don''t want another guest when I''m here!" "That is what I should be saying!" Aster eximed, "How could a man from a foreign country request that? That is ridiculous!" "You puny thing!" "What did you just call me?!" Aster raged. "You have no right to call me that? I am the heir of Grand Duchy Stormhill!" "And I''m King of Great Kingdom Arctyr! Now shut up, I need to talk to Viete." Florentino Viete saw his two guests were not on good terms with each other. He gulped and approached them slowly, "WWee, esteemed guests, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhil, Aster di Arlingdon. And Young King of Great Kingdom Arctyr, Tuskan Hessel Signe." "You are here. Now, tell me, why do we need his attendance?" Aster asked harshly, still pointing to Tuskan. "That should be my question!" Tuskan rebuked. Floren didn''t know when and where did these two people meet and how did they have enmity with each other. But he replied diplomatically, "Since both Sir Aster and Sir Tuskan already know each other well, I suppose you two are friends? Acquaintances?" "We are not!" Aster and Tuskan replied at the same time. "WWell, then, we should know each other better!" Floren said enthusiastically, "I will exin itter. I''m sure Sir Aster and Sir Tuskan know how to be civil, let''s discuss this inside." With the word ''civil'', Aster and Tuskan stared at each other and then snorted while turning their head against each other''s side. Floren led his troublesome guests to the main hall and then to the dining hall. "It''s already dusk, so I''ve prepared dinner in advance," Floren said. He ordered the servants to bring in the dinner feast. Aster and Tuskan sat on the opposite of each other, refusing to touch the food and red to each other eyes. Ufortable with the atmosphere, Floren cleared his throat and said, "Please enjoy the dinner. Sir Aster and Sir Tuskan must be tired, this dinner is made by our hardworking chef, eating it would give our chef the great honour to serve two influential figures in two countries." Floren tried as hard as he can to persuade both sides, finally, Aster and Tuskan yielded and ate the dinner grudgingly. Floren wiped the sweat on his forehead. He pondered: ''Why does it feel like I''m babysitting two brats, right now?'' Chapter 127: Two Brats and Mademoiselle Catherine VI of Arctyr Chapter 127: Two Brats and Mademoiselle Catherine VI of Arctyr After dinner, Floren led Aster and Tuskan to his office. He sat on his chair, separated with a mahogany table, he saw two grim faces ring at him, demanding for an exnation. Floren cleared his throat and resumed his babysitting, "Sir Aster and Sir Tuskan must have questions about this arrangement. First" "Wait, wait!" Tuskan interrupted, "Why did you address him first since the beginning? You should address me first, I''m the king!" "TThen, Sir Tuskan and Sir Aster" "Why did you will follow his rule? Are you a Camellian!?" Aster protested, "I should be addressed first! This is Golden Camellia!" "You! What is your problem?" Tuskan scowled, "I have better importance here!" "What? I have the right to demand priority! I have a business to talk to here!" Aster didn''t want to lose and red at Tuskan. "Sir, please calm down" Floren said anxiously. He started sweating again. ''These two goddamn brats!'' Floren cursed in his heart. He thought a way to pacify the situation, but if he addressed Aster first, then Tuskan would be mad and vice versa. There was no winning in this childish tantrum. While Aster and Tuskan snarled at each other, Floren remembered the gift he prepared for both of them. He took the box from the drawer and presented it on the table. "Sir, please look at this." Instantly, Aster and Tuskan nced at the box on the table. They stopped talking and looked at it attentively. Because they knew that this was a wee gift for honorable guests. Usually, only important guests got a luxurious wee gift. They didn''t care about the value of the gift, but if Floren gave it to one of them, it proved that one of them was more important in his eyes. "I''ve prepared a wee gift," Floren said as he opened the box. Aster and Tuskan saw two heart-shapedpel pins. When the pins were separated, it became a half heart with a wing. There was a ma that would automatically join the half heart into a full heart. ''What is this corny thing?'' Aster and Tuskan thought in their heart. "This is the winged heart pin, exclusively designed by myself. With this, I hope both honorable guests would be joined in harmony." Aster hated the corny design of thepel pin and the fact that epting this meant he and Tuskan symbolically joined as one. It was disgusting to think about. But it was really rude to reject a weing gift, especially if it was well-intended. Thus, Aster grudgingly took the left part of the heartpel pin. While Tuskan took the right one. He cursed in his heart, but Tuskan shamelesslyined, "What is this ugly thing? Do you think I would want to be one with him? Hah, Dream on!" he said while pointing at Aster. Aster pped Tuskan''s hand and replied harshly, "Do you think I want it too? You must be deluded!" "Obviously! You took the pin! "But you took it too!" They fought again but still pocketed the pins. Floren sighed, at least they didn''t target him anymore. ''This is ridiculous!'' Florenined in his heart. *** Floren ordered the servants to lead Aster and Tuskan to their respective rooms. They still fought nonstop, until they entered their rooms. Aster huffed as he entered his room, Jain put all his master''s belonging to the wardrobe and desk. Jain listened to his master''s nonstop rambling while patiently arranging the room. "Jain, don''t you think that kid is annoying too?" "Young Lord, he is a year older than you" "That doesn''t matter!" "Well, Young Lord, do you want me to eliminate him now? This subordinate can try." Jain asked calmly, knowing the answer of his master already. "NNo! He might be annoying, but he didn''t mean harm. Well, his sister said that insulting is his way of greeting a friend, maybe he just wants to" Aster was stunned by his reasoning and flung his shoes with a kick in the air and sat on the bed, "Whatever! I don''t want to talk about him!" ''That is also your way to greet a friend, Young Lord,'' Jain sighed. After he finished the arrangement, he excused himself. "Don''t forget to watch over me before dawn," Aster reminded Jain. Jain already had the schedule in his notes. Young Lord heard that the garden in Velvet Castle was exceptionally beautiful, thus he already nned it in his schedule. "Yes, Young Lord, please rest well," Jain said as he closed the door. *** Aster woke up at three am groggy. He drank a ss of water before washing his face with cold water. He still dreamed about that scene, in the meadow, he didn''t care much about what Charles did to him, because he was trapped anyway. But he still remembered one moment in his head. He remembered the moment when Ramuja saw him with nk eyes and that stunned expression on his face, it was when he kissed Charles and indulged in it. It might be the reason why Ramuja called him debauched. He stared at his face in the mirror, ''Is this the face of a debauched man? The one that indulges in pleasure while the man who loved him watched grievingly?'' ''I'' Aster held his tears and washed his face once more. He didn''t want to think much about it, at least for now. Because he was wrong in Ramuja''s eyes either way. He needed to stay focus on his priority to protect Ramuja in the end. But he needed to clear his head now. Aster wore his boots and opened the door. Jain and a maid already stood in front of his door, escorting Aster to the garden. The garden was in the south of the castle. It was really cold outside because winter was near, but Aster didn''t feel bothered at all, "Thank you for escorting me, you guys can go." Aster said. The maid excused herself, while Jain disappeared, supposedly watching over his master from afar. Aster was awed with the breathtaking view here, the garden wasn''t exactly big. But it was neat and filled with autumn flowers, like chrysanthemum and pansies. The garden directly faced theke, the morning fog gave a mysterious feeling that made him closed his eyes in serenity. However, that serenity onlysted until he heard someone screamed near him, "AAAHH! A Ghost!" Aster turned his head to the source of the voice and saw Tuskan covered his face with a fluffy white cat. The cat stared and meowed nonchntly to Aster. Aster was baffled with Tuskan who actually looked scared, "Who did you call a ghost just now?!" Tuskan heard that familiar voice, so he peeked from the side of the cat''s body and clicked his tongue. "It''s you again!" He put the cat down. "You are so pale, I thought you were a ghost!" "This is literally four in the morning and you want to pick a fight with me already?!" Aster snarled. Tuskan replied with a re, but he nced at the cat who on his leg and said, "I don''t want to pick a fight with you here. Mademoiselle Catherine might get mad at me." "Wait, Mademoiselle Catherine? Who?" Aster asked, baffled. He saw no one else besides them here. "Are you blind or what? Her, of course!" Tuskan pointed at the cat. He carried the cat again and said, "This is Mademoiselle Catherine VI of Arctyr. Honored Lady from House of Fania." Aster observed this cat in Tuskan''s embrace. It was a t-nosed white cat with fluffy fur and short legs. The cat had a small crown on its head, tied to its cor. The cat meowed to Aster again. "A cat?" Aster questioned hesitantly. "How did you know her maiden name? Mademoiselle Catherine''s maiden name is Cat," Tuskan rubbed the cat''s head and proudly eximed, "Mademoiselle Catherine and I have been emotionally married, we are together in thick and thin!" "Are you for real?" Aster asked again. This is unbelievable in his eyes. A young king from the Great Kingdom Arctyr, a strong military country with manynds conquered, only second to Golden Camellia. The Great Kingdom that almost ruined his country, now the young king is emotionally married to a cat? "What do you mean?" Tuskan frowned, "Are you jealous because I have Mademoiselle Catherine beside me? Ha!" "You are joking, right?" Aster facepalmed. "Too bad for you, Mademoiselle Catherine didn''t want to get close to anyone except me! Even she scratched Mariette before!" he said proudly. "Don''t believe me? See this." Tuskan put the cat near Aster''s feet, "Good thing you are wearing boots because Mademoiselle would scratch you now!" Aster looked down on this cat who still looked nonchnt. They were in a deep stare with each other as if they had an emotional connection. Asterughed at himself. ''Why are you staring at his cat? Aster, this guy is crazy!'' Surprisingly, Mademoiselle Catherine coiled her body around Aster''s boots and rubbed his boots intimately. She meowed few times while looking at Aster, asking to be picked up. "WWait, Mademoiselle, that is wrong!" Tuskan said panicky. Aster was amused with his reaction and decided to pick up the cat. Mademoiselle Catherine snuggled and purred in Aster''s embrace. Tuskan was frightened and tried to reach the cat, but Aster stepped back. "Give her back! You are not worth holding her!" Tuskan said. Asterughed, he rubbed the cat''s head and provoked him, "I guess this means she is mine now~" "YYou!" Aster grinned while holding the cat, he skipped around the flower garden. Tuskan obviously could catch him if not because of the flowers around his feet. He didn''t want to step on them. Thus, he struggled to approach Aster. Asterughed as he skipped around the flowers without hurting any of them. While Tuskan followed him anxiously. Jain was watching this scene from afar and couldn''t help but smile, "Atst, he is happy." Chapter 128: Two Brats and The Sinful Marquis Chapter 128: Two Brats and The Sinful Marquis Aster returned from the garden gleefully, while Tuskan busily checked whether his cat was bruised or not. He had a meeting with Floren at nine, and it was still six. Thus, Aster decided to roam around the velvet castle. The castle was indeed really beautiful, it was well maintained, marble flooring, chandeliers and velvet carpet in every corridor. Some servants busily tidied everything every day. Aster looked outside and saw the gardeners trimming the grass and shaped the bushes into beautiful shapes. It was indeed beautiful, but anything beautiful came at a cost. This level of high maintenance was simr to his Lantern Pce in Dionde City. It was really expensive unless you had control over your budget. This castle might be one of the reasons why Floren was in deep financial trouble. Aster paced around the corridor until he saw a door was opened. He knew it was rude to peek, but the castle was really big with many closed rooms. Curiosity got into him and Aster peeked inside. ''Floren?'' Aster saw Floren in a in tunic, barefoot, kneeled in front of a religious statue with his hand cupped. He closed his eyes while reciting something inaudible. Aster identally pushed the door open and the door creaked slightly. He was panicked because Floren might discover him, but turned out, he was deep in his prayer that he didn''t budge when he heard the door opened. Aster was stunned with how serene Floren looked. He prayed like a holy priest. Aster approached him slowly and tiptoed so he didn''t make noise. This was the first time he observed Floren''s facial feature, dark-as-night hair, deep dark eyebrows, and well-groomed facial hair. He was undoubtedly handsome, charmingly handsome. But when Aster saw the crease between his eyebrows, he saw a very wise and mature man, even though he was only three years older than him. ''And there is sadness?'' Aster was baffled at his thought. How could he saw a deep sadness in Floren''s face? This is Floren, that debauched marquis! Usually, everyone saw Floren with that permanent grin stered on his face, shy, vermillion red garment with ridiculous style, flirting with every girl he met. Sometimes, he even shed his body to the crowd, it was rumored that Floren hostedscivious sex party in Velvet castle every night, partying while everyone was able to mingle with each other freely. However, Aster didn''t find any trace of debauchery in this castle. It was well maintained and luxurious, he didn''t know whether it was because he and Tuskan were here, that Floren halted all the party so he would look proper in front of them. But seeing Floren with this in white tunic, for a moment, Aster doubted this was the same Floren whom he met in parties. ''Why is he praying? I heard he didn''t believe in god. But this Floren'' Aster wanted to leave Floren alone because it was already inappropriate to watch someone''s private life. But he was astonished when he saw Floren trembled suddenly and he started crying. He sobbed while saying the same thing over and over, "Please punish me for my sin. Please punish me for my sin. Please punish me for my sin." This was the first time Aster saw someone who looked so pained in his prayer, it was like a priest who did a terrible deed and begged for forgiveness until he cried to the ground. Aster felt that his heart starting to get painful as his breath got heavier. He never expected Floren''s prayer to be so powerful that it made him cried out of sympathy. "God, if you cannot forgive my sin, please take me, turn me to dust. Because I would rather disappear than to leave you further." "My God, if my sin is too much, please open that person''s heart. The one that my family hurt before. Please let him know, that I begged for his forgiveness." Aster didn''t know who this person he talked about. It might be something in the past since he was never affiliated with Floren, he didn''t know much about his story. But there was a deep sadness in his sentences. A deep grieving Aster himself couldn''t fathom. He wiped his tears and subconsciously walked towards Floren who still kneeled in front of the altar. Aster didn''t know why, but he had the urge tofort this man. He wanted to hug him, telling him that he was forgiven already since his deep prayer was absolutely sincere. But Aster was no god, he didn''t even pray. Aster''s hand-stretched, about to touch Floren''s hair but he hesitated. ''No, it is not my right to disturb him now.'' ''But'' Aster retracted his hand and watched Floren from behind. He crouched and leaned his face towards Floren''s ear and whispered, ''You are forgiven.'' Aster smiled as he left Floren who was still in trance. *** Aster and Tuskan met Floren formally after breakfast. He was already in his proper attire and acted like a proper gentleman in front of them. This made Aster felt that the entire stuff happened in that small chapel was his hallucination. Floren led him and Tuskan to the office again, Aster nced at Tuskan and it was strange since this guy would usually stir up some trouble. But now, he was exceptionally silent and collected. Aster had a hunch that Tuskan had a burden in his heart, which was weird because he looked happy when they ran around in that garden. They entered the office and Aster immediately saw piles of letters stacked up together on the table. But there was one special letter that was separated from the rest and Aster knew immediately who the sender was. ''Mother?!'' That letter with his mother''s wax stamp. Aster was unsure what it was about. "Sir Floren, what are these letters?" Aster asked. Floren chuckled lightheartedly and replied, "This was all the letters I got from the women around my castle. I will host a party tonight in my chamber." Floren grinned and winked at both Aster and Tuskan, "Do Sir Aster and Sir Tuskan interested to join in? The party will be fun." Aster and Tuskan shook their heads together. They already knew what the party would be and who would attend it. However, Aster was exceptionally concerned with that private letter from his mother. If she was one of the guests at Floren''s party, then Floren seemed to know what was in Aster''s mind. He chuckled and said, "Well, I will open the letter from Grand Duchess Camellia first." He opened the letter, then frowned slightly before clicked his tongue, "She won''t being again." Floren gave the letter to Aster. Dear Florentino Viete, With deep regret, I, Grand Duchess Camille, rejected the invitation of the event in Velvet Castle. I do not take part in any unnecessary event. With utmost respect, be mindful and stop sending me invitations. I also put great importance to my son, Aster di Arlingdon, who is in your castle by the time this letter arrives. Please do not invite him to your party, it is unbefitting of him and immoral. Camille di Arlingdon Grand Duchess of Stormhill Aster took a deep relieved breath. He was really scared that his mother took part in Floren''s debauched party, but she rejected it instead. "Grand Duchess Camille always reject my invitation," Tuskan scoffed, "Well, Sir Aster, that means you are also unavable for the party, I suppose?" "I will not join your party," Aster said undoubtedly. "Sir Tuskan?" "No, I''m only here to visit," Tuskan said. "It is unfortunate, indeed," Floren said as he smiled mysteriously. After that, Aster and Tuskan observed all Floren''s work for the day as they noticed that Floren always checked his house''s business reports and only sighed and then signed it. It baffled both Aster and Tuskan, as it was almost impossible for the head of the house, a marquis, to be ignorant to the point that he didn''t even weigh the benefit and disadvantage of his businesses. However, Aster himself was only tasked to be an observer, thus he kept silent while staring at Floren who looked so different than that one he saw in the small chapel. ''What is wrong with is this guy?'' *** "Jain, I''m going to check his party, watch over me," Aster said. "Young Lord, do you want to join his party?" Jain asked hesitantly. "No, I want to see, something is bugging me." "Understood, Young Lord." It was already midnight, Aster stood outside the chamber because the chamber door was slightly opened. There was no one guarded the door, but Aster saw their weaponying around, which probably meant the guards also joined the party. He peeked inside. The chandeliers with various colored candles, barrels of wine, and perfume that made Aster light-headed. In that chamber, man and woman, man and man, woman and woman, all joined together in without any string of clothing in their body, indulging in carnal pleasure. Aster never saw this kind of insanity in his life and he almost screamed, but before he could make any noise, he felt a hand covered his mouth. He struggled, but the person behind him was stronger, "Ssshh! It''s me, Tuskan." Aster turned his back and saw Tuskan who looked anxious, "What are you doing here?" "Mmpp!" "Oh, my bad," Tuskan forgot that he sped his hand on Aster''s mouth. "You scared me," Aster red, he saw Tuskan was still fully dressed and was relieved, "WWell, I was just worried about Floren." "I think we have the same prediction here. Floren feels different," Tuskan imed, "If you haven''t noticed, go and see his eyes now." Tuskan pointed at Floren who was in the center of the party, surrounded by three women, "Don''t look at other things, just look at his face," Tuskan instructed. Under the bright chandelier, Aster observed Floren''s face. In that carnal cage, Floren should have been delighted, blissful, and thrilled. But there was only sadness and fear in his face. He didn''t even try to hide it. There was deep grieving in his face. As if, he wasn''t meant to be there. ''That person inside the chamber is the same Floren I saw before.'' Chapter 129: A Kiss that Changes Everything Chapter 129: A Kiss that Changes Everything Aster and Tuskan were sitting side to side on a bench in the garden. Tuskan''s cat purred in his thigh, presumably sleeping. They watched the sun rising from the east, topped with the view of theke, this ce was breathtaking. Afterst night''s incident, they returned to their respective rooms, Aster couldn''t sleep, neither Tuskan. Thus, they identally met again in this garden at three am. The guests were scattered around the castle, still without any clothing. They all passed out though. When Aster and Tuskan met again, they paced around the garden together in silence until they sat on the bench. There was a certain harmony that stopped them from fighting unnecessarily. Probably because they saw something disturbing togetherst night, and Tuskan had the initiative to escort Aster back to his room. Aster and Tuskan said nothing to each other, there was just a silent understanding between them. ''There is something wrong about Floren and his house.'' However, it was not their right to interfere with Floren''s private life. He didn''t ask for help, thus, they couldn''t do anything. It was still upsetting to see Floren with that expression. The expression of a broken man. "About Floren" Aster opened the conversation, "I don''t think he wants our help." "Indeed," Tuskan nodded, "But I''m still disturbed by his condition. No, I''m disturbed by the whole House of Viete." "The more I observed him, the more I see someone hopeless as if he is forced to do everything here," Tuskan stated. "I can see that" Aster sighed. Knowing that they went nowhere with their current conversation, Aster tried to switch the topic, "What are you doing here anyway?" "Well, Floren sent me a letter, asking me to stay in his castle for two days. My actual destination is Roagelt, the capital city of Golden Camellia." "Roagelt?" Aster raised his brows, "What will you do there?" "I I will go back to Great Kingdom Arctyr with Crown Prince Charles and his troops. I will dere war in Arctyr," Tuskan said hesitatingly, he nced to Aster, expected a surprised face. But Aster showed bitterness instead. "So, you are going to sell your country to Charles?" Tuskan frowned, "What do you mean?" "Well, dering war to your own country means someone pushed you out from the throne forcefully and you are now seeking refuge here. You wanted to take back the country, right?" Aster deducted, "I know Charles well, you asked him for a big favor, so you must have paid a big price." " How did you know?" "Well, I read many books about history, in which, I also stumbled upon your country''s history. I can see why a coup might happen in your country." "But, reading books is only about theory," Tuskan frowned. "Well, I''m also an aristocrat directly rted to the royal family, I know few things. Let me guess, your uncle is the one who supports the rebellion since the beginning, right?" "How could you" Tuskan was stunned with Aster''s deduction skill, the rumor said that Aster was just a gorgeous canary in a golden cage, but no canary could read a political situation based on one sentence. "What you said is entirely correct" Tuskan clenched his fist, he looked down, and his eyes contained anger, "When my useless father died five years ago, I became the Young King with my uncle acted as regent until I was twenty, the legit age of a ruler in Great Arctyr. However, I and Mariette already acted with our independence, and with our n, we eliminated rebels and starting to gain supports from the people." "But my uncle wants the throne for himself, thus he dered coup d''tat and usurped the throne. I was about to be executed until my loyal followers saved me and brought me and Mariette to Charles'' base. They begged us to run away to Golden Camellia for now, for our safety." Tuskan sighed, he patted his cat gently and said, "Charles decided to save me, and even offered me to take back the throne. But it doese with a cost" Tuskan stared at Aster''s deep blue and golden circle eyes. There was a reason why he didn''t want to stare at that eyes for too long. Because those eyes made his face turned hot. It was not only because of the unique trait, but also Aster''s way of staring at others. His eyes were deep, but it was exceptionally tender. It gave the feeling of longing, the gaze of someone who would drown you into a fantasy. That was the reason why Tuskan was hostile to this man. Because he thought Aster was just an empty shell of a gorgeous man. But the more he knew about this man, the more he realized that Aster was more capable than he looked. Tuskan felt, the more he stared at Aster''s eyes, the more he felt weak. ''No, Tuskan! You have an important task! Focus!'' "Why are you dazed?" Aster asked. Tuskan realized that his and Aster''s thigh was touching. "YYou, make a gap!" Tuskan said hastily. He put his cat right in the middle of them and shifted his butt farther from Aster. Aster rolled his eyes, this guy could be ridiculous sometimes. He sighed and took some distance. "So, what is the cost?" Aster asked impatiently. Tuskan hesitated, but knowing how Aster didn''t know about the arrangement in Clearwater Academy, it seemed that Aster and Charles didn''t have good rtions. Tuskan finally gave in with a sigh, "he asked my cooperation to usurp the throne from his father when the timees." "What?" Aster''s eyes widened. "Why did he need to usurp the throne? He is the only crown prince, unchallenged." "Well, he said Emperor Audric IV ns to give the throne to someone else when he retires." "Who is that person?" Aster started panicking. He was already handful with Charles, if there was another power lurking silently, he doubted his duchy could survive. "He didn''t tell me, but he said it''s a woman." "A woman emperor?" "Yes" Tuskan hummed, "Well, the most important thing for me right now is to secure my country again. I don''t want it to crumble at this point." "Crumble? I see no news about your country crumbling." "Because the news was intentionally hidden by my uncle. However, the people hated him because he was oppressive and corrupt. I need to strike while the people were dissatisfied and rioting against him. I need... to save my country" Aster saw a pure-hearted man in front of him, he must be around thirteen when he was coronated as a king. He and his twin sister fought against everyone together and he bears the title of king rightfully. ''If only I can be as brave as him'' "How long have you been here?" Aster asked. "A year." "I see, that is the best time indeed," Aster smiled, "Well, I know you''re a good person. At least, that''s what I think. Although you can be harsh and condescending sometimes" "Well, you are not bad either" Tuskan said. He lowered his gaze, unable to stare at Aster''s eyes any longer. "I cannot help much, but" Aster looked around his surrounding to see that certain flower. But it was autumn, and that flower didn''t bloom at this time. He saw a purple autumn aster flower, he plucked it and said, "Tuskan, look at me." Tuskan raised his head and saw Aster put a purple flower to his lips, and then his face gradually drew closer. Tuskan was stunned, but when he saw Aster''s eyes, he couldn''t move his body, he felt that he was absorbed into a deep abyss. Aster kissed Tuskan. Their lips were not touching because of the flower between them. Aster smiled happily and said, "This is a flower kiss, a tradition in Golden Camellia, we usually do this to close friend. WWell, we''re not a close friend, but I admire your strength and dedication." Aster smiled sheepishly, "I hope we can be a close friend once everything is settled in your country, okay?" Tuskan was still petrified by the kiss. He was unmoving, unblinking, and the flower was still in his mouth. ''My first kiss he took my first kiss'' "Tuskan?" Aster called Tuskan who was unresponsive. ''ording to Great Arctyr custom the king''s first kiss is the queen''s right'' ''Does this mean I have to marry... him?'' "Tuskan? Hey, Tuskan!" Aster tapped Tuskan''s shoulder. Tuskan finally regained his consciousness and blushed instantly. He jumped from the bench and pointed at Aster, his body trembling, "YYou! You must take responsibility!" "What?" Aster was shocked by the sudden change in this guy. He was very passive after a while, then he suddenly became a crazy guy once more. Tuskan took his cat who was still sleeping on the bench. He looked at Aster''s face once more before running away. ''He will pay!'' Tuskan said in his heart, while he tried to calm his heart. Chapter 130: Discord and Doubt Chapter 130: Discord and Doubt The spy rushed as fast as he could to report the news about the gardenia kiss between Young Lord Aster and Young King Tuskan to Grand Duchess. When he reached Grand Duchess, he saw Grand Duchess with satisfied expression, meant that his body was safe from another torture. "Reporting to Her Majesty Grand Duchess, Young Lord and Great Arctyr''s King kissed this morning in Velvet Castle." "Oh? My son kissed that young king from Great Arctyr?" Grand Duchess raised her eyebrows, she smiled out of amusement. The spy nodded slowly, "Yes, Mdy. Young Lord put the flower in Tuskan''s lips and kissed it." "And, what is the reaction of that young king?" Grand Duchess asked, the smile on her face grew wider. "He was flushed red and ran away immediately, he even left the castle not long after." "Ahahahaha, as expected, he must''ve been bewildered by my son!" Grand Duchess smiled brightly. Everything had been set perfectly. "Mdy, this subordinate wonders if you set this up?" "About what? Aster and that young king?" Grand Duchess chuckled, "All I do is to direct Florentino Viete to invite them both and show his party to them. So, they have something to bond, probably because of a traumatizing view, right?" The spy nodded. He already understood how smart Grand Duchess was. But he didn''t know what was her intention to bond her beloved son to this young king whose country was in turmoil. "You are wondering about my n, it is all over your face," Grand Duchess said. "This subordinate is unable to hide his curiosity, begging Grand Duchess to forgive this subordinate," the spy said while kneeling deeper. "Well, I''m in a good mood. So, I will tell you something," Grand Duchess looked down on her tea, the spoon reflected her eyes that turned golden slightly, "Great Arctyr is originally mine, naturally, it is also my son''s right." The maids and the spy were shocked by Grand Duchess'' statement. But they knew that they couldn''t ask more. "Well, you can leave now, I have something fun happening soon here," Grand Duchess chuckled lightly and ordered her maid, "Bring that filthy ve here, I will show him what is pain." *** Aster already finished packing all his belongings before he met Floren. Tuskan hurriedly left the castle after Aster kissed him in the castle garden.Aster was still befuddled with his behavior, because Tuskan became hostile so suddenly. ''Did I offend him in some way?'' ''Hm maybe he hated to be kissed by a man, Great Arctyr doesn''t have simr custom anyway.'' Aster sighed. He thought he and Tuskan could finally build a good friendship, maybe even tradeter on. Because Aster had a hunch that Tuskan would win the war in his country, when he saw the determination in his eyes, Aster knew that this man was not a joke. ''Although his social skill is still zero.'' Aster chuckled and headed to Floren''s office. The man was sitting silently, his face was pale, probably from the partyst night. Aster sighed, he knew Floren was in trouble, but it was not his right to interfere. Aster knocked the door that was opened and said: "Sir Floren, I shall leave the castle now. My work here is to observe you and report it to my mother, whether it is good news or not for her, I cannot guarantee the result." Floren turned his head and stood from the seat, he approached Aster and said, "It is my honor for Sir Aster to visit my castle." Floren looked around his office, his eyes were like eagle eyes, searching in every corner and on the window. After he felt safe, his smile bloomed and he shook Aster''s left hand. Aster felt something was in between their handshake. He stared at Floren, Floren nodded slightly, then said, "Please visit this castle again, Young Lord." Aster nodded and said, "I will." Floren escorted Aster until the gate. Aster went to his carriage and his carriage started moving. He took thest nce of Floren from the window, that man he looked relieved. Aster braced himself and unfolded the paper that had been in his hand since their handshake. There was a message that made Aster frowned, and made him uneasy at the same time. -Don''t trust Grand Duchess. - ''Mother?'' Aster gulped. He was uneasy with this short message. He already knew that Floren was not himself right now. He probably wasn''t himself for years, looking at his prayer, it might''ve been years of torment for him. But if that source of torment was his own mother. Aster wasn''t sure what to do. ''No, my mother wouldn''t do a terrible thing like that. If my guess is correct, this person controls the whole House of Viete, including Floren and its people. To have enormous power and abuse it, my mother is not that kind of person.'' ''But Why would Floren send this message if it''s not a warning'' ''Does he really trust me? Does he expect me to turn my back on my own mother?'' Aster was full of doubts right now. He wasn''t sure which one to trust. Naturally, he should trust his mother, no question. But when he watched Floren''s prayer, it was so heart wrenching because there was a strong feeling in it. ''A strong, undeniable feeling'' Aster then reminded of the time when he was locked in Golden Pce, he hugged both Merse and his mother. Strangely, he could feel the warmth of a human in Merse, but he couldn''t feel it in his own mother. ''No, everything was just feelings and guesses, I shouldn''t frame my mother based on a strange feeling.'' ''I will reconsider this.'' Aster kept Floren''s note in his book and sat through the journey with lingering doubt in his heart. *** He arrived at Lantern Pce in the evening, the sun was setting slowly as the gate opened for him. He saw the guards saluting his carriage. He also saw plenty of new guards in training, with Irion as the trainer. Aster''s eyes widened, he was afraid that people would know about Irion''s identity as his guard medal subordinate. "Jain, what is Irion doing here?" Aster asked anxiously. "He is training the new guards, Young Lord," Jain observed his master''s anxious expression and smiled, "Young Lord, he was invited by the duchy as a real guard instructor. Nobody knows his real identity." Jain put a pressure in hisst words, so his master would rx. "I see, that is good then" Aster was relieved, but his relief wasn''t longsting when he saw a man lined up with other guards-in-training. He was shirtless, his body was the tallest out of everyone, he was also muscr with that glistening bronze skin shaded by the sunset, his face was rigid, very different from what Aster usually saw. His servant was usually very gentle and meek in front of him. Aster immediately knew who that was. He tapped Jain''s shoulder and asked, "WWhy is he there?!" Jain realized what was the focus of his master, he nodded and replied, "Young Lord needs a more capable servant, your personal ve volunteers himself to be guard-in-training, so he could protect you" "Stop the carriage now!" Aster ordered. He opened the door hastily and rushed to Ramuja who was still training. "Ramuja!" Aster called him. Everyone looked to the source of the voice and everyone kneeled immediately, including Ramuja. Aster held Ramuja''s hand who was covered with dirt, he didn''t care, because he was worried that his servant might get hurt from the training, "YYou shouldn''t do this! The guard''s training is very harsh, you are safe under my name!" Ramuja could feel the soft hand of his master, he could feel his heart wavered again. But he steeled his heart and looked up to his master. ''His perfect face, soft hand, mesmerizing eyes, all of it only for me'' ''Unfortunately, only in my imagination'' Ramuja looked up at his master, his expression was nonchnt with a trace of bitterness, he said, "Did Young Lord have fun with that Young King in Velvet Castle?" Chapter 131: Eulogy of the Prince 22 Chapter 131: Eulogy of the Prince 22 "Swing the sword harder!" I heard the trainer, Irion shouted and I swung the sword harder until the sword split half of the log in front of me. Other guards-in-training were amazed when they saw me doing that. Splitting a log wasn''t hard with an axe, but with a sword, it was almost impossible unless the wielder exerted enormous strength to it. This training was hard and other trainees were secretly badmouthing Irion for his very strict behavior and crazy training. But I split half of the log with a sword, "Sir, I can do more," I said to Irion. Irion only red and turned his back. Well, simr to Jain, he was not friendly to me either. But at least he didn''t bully me. Irion and I were probably around the same age, but he looked more majestic with his knight armor when he first came to the duchy officially. ''He ispletely different in front of Young Lord, though.'' I remembered when he visited Young Lord and started acting like a big dog. He even handed his metal belt and begged Young Lord to whip him as hard as he could. Rather than crying in pain, Irion begged Young Lord to whip more, and his face was filled with joy. I was taken aback by such a crazy act. But when I saw how happy Irion was, a strange thought swirled in my mind and I got aroused at the same time. ''Maybe if I ask Young Lord to do the same, I might be as happy as Irion...'' "You! I do not order you to stop! Do a hundred push-ups now!" Irion said harshly. "Yes, sir!" I put down my sword and did what he said. It wasn''t really a punishment honestly, maybe because I was used to working in that logging business for two years, these kinds of training were much easierpared to moving heavy logs or carrying heavy woods during harsh winter. I started doing the push-ups when a maid came to the training ground and whispered to Irion. Irion nodded and said, "You, Young Lord''s ve, Her Majesty Grand Duchess summons you to her chamber." My body froze when I heard ''Grand Duchess''. There was an undeniable fear whenever I heard that name and the terror she caused. However, I said nothing and nodded. I followed the maid to Grand Duchess'' chamber with Grand Duchess sitting on a sofa near the window. Grand Duchess chuckled when she saw me, my eyes wandered around, searching for any weapon that might be used to beat me. But I saw nothing, only her and a few maids. I approached her and kneeled deeply, "This ve greets Her Majesty Grand Duchess." Grand Duchess still giggled happily, as if she just heard good news that made her jittery. She sipped her morning tea and ordered the maid, "Give him fresh water, he must be tired after training." I jolted when I heard that. How could this monster give me a ss of water? Was it poisoned? Or I had to endure some wounds before I could drink? Bad thoughts dominated inside my head as my eyes followed the maid who put a ss of fresh water near my feet. I observed the ss of water with fear. "What? Are you not tired?" Grand Duchess asked, "Drink it, I''m sure you need it." I nced at Grand Duchess again, she was smiling, she actually smiled at me, a ve who dared to be close to her son. I became even more doubtful. ''What is she nning right now?'' "Well, I believe you will need that water soon orter," Grand Duchess chuckled, "Let me ask you something, do you want to stay by my son''s side until your death?" "TThis ve was bought by Young Lord. It is my duty to stay by his side" "Oh? This dumb ve can say something pleasing," Grand Duchess was amused, "Well, I might spare you once and let you to be close with my son." ''This is a trap. There is no way she is going to spare me.'' "But in order for you to get my blessing, you have topete with someone whom I currently blessed to be with my son." I raised my head instantly. Did Grand Duchess just say that she already blessed someone to be Young Lord''s spouse?! Grand Duchess chuckled, "Your reaction is so funny." "May this ve know who Your Majesty Grand Duchess gave blessing to?" I asked hastily. I didn''t even think about the risk of offending Grand Duchess. All in my mind was Young Lord being with somebody else. There was a fire in my heart, scorching me slowly with the imagination of Young Lord being happy with another person. Grand Duchess grinned, "My son is a perfect man, he is very intelligent, gorgeous, kind-hearted, and noble. Don''t you think he deserve someone on the same level?''" " certainly, Your Majesty" "Well, I don''t really forbid him to be entangled with anyone, he did entangle with Crown Prince, right?" Grand Duchess asked again. " yes, Your Majesty" She tormented me with that ident, she poked my sour spot happily. I could only answer with yes and yes, because it was true. "But, for the one I give my blessing to, he is a strong man from a very respectable house. He is young, powerful and bold! Of course, he has position to protect my son, unlike you~" "That is good, Your Majesty." "But I only follow my son''s wish, he wishes to be with this Young King from Great Arctyr, so I naturally give him my blessing." "Young Lord''s wish?" my heartbeat stopped for a second, because Young Lord himself never said to anyone that he wished to be with someone. Everyone flocked around him, but he always stayed passive. "Yes, he kissed that Young King, his name is Tuskan, in the Velvet Castle. He even kissed this Young King with Purple Aster, do you know what Purple Aster signifies?" Grand Duchess'' grin turned into a smirk, "It signifies royalty, someone with royal blood. He desires someone from the royal blood like him." "He kissed another man?" "Yes." ''He kissed another man again, was it not enough with only Crown Prince?'' ''Was it not enough for him to share his love with everyone?'' ''He gave his love to everyone, but never to me'' ''Not even an drop he spares me some of his tenderness.'' Soon, it became hard for me to breathe. I remembered the moment when Young Lord kissed Crown Prince again. Now, I imagined Young Lord kissing another man willingly. My sight was blurred, probably because the tears welled up in my eyes. It was ridiculous for me to cry for Young Lord again. ''I am a man, how could a man cry for someone who doesn''t love him'' I lowered my head, then asked Grand Duchess, "Your Majesty is not going to punish this ve?" "Why?" "Because this ve is in love with Young Lord," I dered boldly. I didn''t care about the punishment I would go through. Because physical pain was not the same as the pain in my heart. I never experienced this kind of grievous wound eating my heart slowly, I would rather die. "Why would I?" Grand Duchess chuckled with a mocking tone, "Why would I dirty my hand to kill you, when the worst punishment is happening right now?" Grand Duchess poured some more tea and sipped it, "You see, the worst pain is when you watch someone you love drifting away from you. He will be happy with his lover, but you? You are going to rot with that unrequited feeling." Grand Duchessughed happily, "I doubt you can ever let go of your feelings, so I shall be the first one to watch you die from torment. Maybe at that point, my son will have already moved on with his life." I stayed silent, waiting for Grand Duchess to stop talking. I didn''t want other wordsing from her sharp tongue. It was hurtful, too hurtful. "Well, you may leave now, just remember one thing, you are a weak, useless ve. My son would never want a subhuman like you." After Grand Duchess finished with her ''fun'', she kicked me out of her chamber. I walked back to the training ground and without speaking much, I continued training with my sword like the others. I swung the sword to the logs as hard as I could, I tried to focus my energy on something like this rather than crying for my master. Because it kept hurting inside. "You already split seven logs with your swings, you may stop now," Irion said. I saw other trainees looking at me with horror. As if they saw a monster. I stopped swinging my sword and looked around my surroundings. Seven thick logs all were split in half. I said nothing and followed Irion''s order. I put down my sword and sat on a bench to rest. I wiped the sweat on my face, it was evening already, and the training for the day was almost done. After a while, Irion lined everyone because he said there would be a guesting. When the gate was opened and avish silver carriage entered the duchy, my fist clenched immediately. I held the pain and anger in my heart, and I lined up with everyone. Then, that carriage stopped right in front of the guards, a beautiful man rushed towards me and everyone kneeled immediately. I kneeled in front of him, but he grabbed my hand and said, "YYou shouldn''t do this! The guard''s training is very harsh, you are safe under my name!" The torment in my heart burst, I couldn''t contain the bitterness. ''Is this really what I am in front of you, Young Lord? A weakling that can''t even protect himself, let alone protecting you?'' I stared at him, I didn''t want to hold this bitter emotion any longer, so I said, "Did Young Lord have fun with that Young King in Velvet Castle?" Chapter 132: A Mutual Kiss Chapter 132: A Mutual Kiss "Did Young Lord have fun with that Young King in Velvet Castle?" Aster paused. He stared at his servant who had that bitter re towards him. Aster could feel Ramuja''s rough hand gripping his tightly and his finger bones were cracking. Aster winced, "YYou are hurting me" Ramuja realized that he gripped his master''s hand too tightly, he slowly loosened his grip. He didn''t want to hurt his master, but whenever he imagined the moment where Young Lord kissed anyone, his heart burned. ''You can give it to anyone, but not me'' Ramuja''s bitter re didn''t change, but slowly sadness clouded his eyes. Aster could see everything in Ramuja''s eyes, his servant was an open book for Aster. Ramuja lowered his gaze and said, "Begging for Young Lord''s apology, this ve had hurt Young Lord unintentionally." Aster''s heart felt heavy when he saw Ramuja''s clouded eyes. But he couldn''t ask what was wrong about him here, in front of other guards, Aster resumed his cold demeanour and talked to Irion, "Dismiss all the guards in training. Since I just returned from my work, I will treat all servants, guards and guards-in-training with feast." Everyone cheered up, theyplimented Aster for being generous and kind to his subjects. But Aster saw Ramuja who didn''t react at all, there was no light in his clouded eyes. Only bitterness and grief. ''How did he know about me and Tuskan?'' ''Not only that how could he easily trust information without confirming it to me? Am I that debauched and dubious in his eyes?'' Aster sighed, he let the guards and servantsugh in euphoria, so he and Ramuja could have their time alone without no one gossiping about them. He crouched to Ramuja''s level and then whispered, ''Meet me in the east garden at dawn.'' Aster knew if he met his servant in his chamber, his mother would find out and it could be a trouble for both of them. Aster nced behind his back, Jain was standing behind him, ring sharply at Ramuja, but he said nothing. "Jain, use my Monday pocket money to treat the feast for the servants, give them the best food, I think it should be enough." "Yes, Young Lord." Aster left the training ground with woe in his heart. He returned to his room, washed his face and sat on the sofa. Jain appeared inside his room not long after. Aster nced at Jain and smiled bitterly, "I guess you have your own doubt, right?" "Yes, Young Lord." "Tell me what do you know." "Young Lord, is it okay for me to" "I allow you to speak," Aster said. He had his doubt right when he saw Ramuja became hostile towards him. Ramuja wouldn''t know about his affair in Velvet Castle, unless someone told him about it. And that someone was without a doubt, his mother, Grand Duchess Camille. Nobody had ess to Velvet Castle around Ramuja except his mother, because it was under Grand Duchess'' surveince. ''If I didn''t read Floren''s note, I would never doubt my mother. Maybe I would think that Ramuja was informed by a random guy.'' However, even though Aster already suspected his mother, he didn''t think that his mother meant bad, at least to him. ''My mother wouldn''t put me in hell, I''m sure of that, but what is her intention to inform Ramuja about this, why did Ramuja get the wrong message?'' Jain cleared his throat. He had been suspicious of Grand Duchess for a while now. But she was his master''s mother, it was improper for him to use her in front of Young Lord. "This subordinate suspected that Grand Duchess was the one who set Young Lord to meet with Crown Prince at the autumn banquet a while ago. This subordinate was fighting against Crown Prince''s assassins during the banquet, there were many shadow guards around the duchy, yet, none of them were aiding me to protect you." "They might be busy with other stuff," Aster tried to reason. Jain shook his head. "Young Lord, when Crown Prince was about to touch you, there was a guard who finally aided me, so I was able to return to your room" "That that is just your prejudice, it might be a coincidence." "And thest thing, there was an assassin who was going to kill me when I was wounded. I was able to react on time and he relentlessly chased me around the pce. Yet, no guards that you dispatched cared about protecting me. They didn''t even guard the door. The assassin stopped when I was near your room." "So, based on your suspicion, that assassin was an insider that didn''t want me to find out, because he was rted to someone I know? And that person was so powerful that she could control all the guards inside the pce? That is ridiculous! That''s just simply narrowing your suspicion to" "Yes, either Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. But only Grand Duchess was present at that time, Young Lord" Aster inhaled deep. Because it was too much to take. He still didn''t believe that his mother was the culprit. She was always busy with grand duchy''s administration and. ''My mother loves me the most'' ''There is no way she would let me be harassed by Charles.'' ''But Jain''s suspicion does make sense'' "You can leave now, Jain. I need to clear my head first," Aster ordered. Jain nodded and disappeared from the room. Asterid on the sofa, he was unsure whether he should trust his mother or his intuition. He believed his mother wouldn''t do harm to him, so there must be a reason for her to do that. But if he followed the logic, there was much evidence pointing at his mother. At least from Jain''s suspicion and Ramuja''s hostility. It was all pointing to his mother, Grand Duchess Camille. ''Maybe she was forced by the Uncle Emperor? Or by Charles?'' Aster sighed. He decided to go to the bed and close his eyes, because he would meet his mother tomorrow anyway. ''All I need to focus right now was to clear the misunderstanding between me and Ramuja'' ''Maybe if I do that to him he will understand my feelings.'' Aster blushed. He covered his face with the nket. He would try his best to clear Ramuja''s doubt tomorrow morning. *** Aster washed his face andbed his hair, because he was going to meet Ramuja in the garden again. He was strangely nervous, probably because it had been a while since they did this together. ''I just wish everything will go well'' ''He''s easily influenced, he has no trust in me'' Aster nced at the dried-out flower he had preserved, it was a gift from Ramuja. It had been turned into an ugly sunflower, but to Aster, it was still beautiful. ''Because he put his heart in it.'' Aster smiled. He took the sunflower and headed outside. Ramuja was standing on the entrance of the garden. There were no guards outside the garden, because Aster had given them a day off after the feastst night. Aster''s smile bloomed when he saw Ramuja, he quickened his pace and approached Ramuja. Ramuja kneeled in front of his Young Lord and greeted him as always, "This servant is present in front of Young Lord, this servant shall apany you during your garden walk." "Yes, thank you," Aster said. Ramuja frowned when he heard that. Since when had his master said thank you to him? Young Lord was not in his right mind. "Follow me," Aster entered the garden with Ramuja tailing him. They said nothing like usual, but Aster stopped near the fountain. He turned to face Ramuja whose eyes didn''t stop following his master''s gesture. When their eyes met, Ramuja immediately lowered his gaze as always. Aster smiled again and ordered his servant, "Ramuja, look at my eyes." "No, Young Lord, this servant cannot gaze at your eyes with equal footing." "I order you to look at my eyes." Ramuja raised his gaze straight to Young Lord''s eyes. The golden circle flickered beautifully, which made his heartbeat quickened. He closed his eyes immediately. ''No, I can''t fall into this again! Young Lord is not mine!'' Aster saw Ramuja closed his eyes. Honestly, Aster didn''t understand why would Ramuja always close his eyes and avoid his gaze. But this was the right moment. Because Aster was unsure that he could do this with Ramuja''s deep eyes making him weak every time. Aster observed Ramuja''s stiff body again. Somehow, he felt warmth inside his heart. Because this servant, this servant never changed. He was always the same person who loved him wholeheartedly with all his pure heart and straightforwardness. ''Because you melt me with your humble heart.'' Aster picked a yellow chrysanthemum near him and put the bottom of the flower on his lips. He tiptoed to reach Ramuja''s height. Aster closed his eyes and He kissed Ramuja. Chapter 133: Returning the Sunflower Chapter 133: Returning the Sunflower Ramuja could feel his arms were gripped by Young Lord''s delicate hand, he could feel soft petals touching his lips. With his instinct, Ramuja stretched his hand and encircled Aster''s body to bring him closer to his embrace. Ramuja''s body had be big and strong after arduous work and training for years. Thus, Aster''s body waspletely swallowed in Ramuja''s embrace. Ramuja embraced his master until there was no gap between their chest. Aster shivered, he could feel Ramuja''s heartbeat melt together with his. Their heartbeats moved with the same tempo to create a harmony, Aster could feel Ramuja deepened his kiss. He tried to step back, but Ramuja''s hug became tighter. It was like a bear hug, very stiff, but warm indeed. Slowly, Aster opened his eyes and he saw Ramuja''s deep and gentle eyes staring at him. There was a hint of possession in his eyes, but it wasn''t harsh or cruel like Charles. Ramuja''s gaze was very gentle, yet very hot. It melted Aster''s body slowly and he let Ramuja take control. Ramuja saw his master''s eyes had turned golden. Somehow, when he saw those golden eyes again, there was a deep emotion swirling inside his heart. It made him want to possess his master, wanting to engrave himself deeply into his master''s eyes, wanting everything about his master. ''Young Lord, you make me want to go wild. But I don''t want you to get hurt, at least not by me'' Ramuja never wanted to hurt his master. He didn''t want Aster to feel hurt after all what he had experienced. That was why Ramuja deepened the kiss gently. He kissed the petals and bit them one by one until there were only a few chrysanthemum petals left. Their lips almost touched. Aster could feel Ramuja''s heavy breath touching his skin and something big and long, like a stick, poked his belly. He finally reacted and struggled as hard as he could. Ramuja was surprised, because his Young Lord suddenly struggled after their lips almost touched. But he loosened his embrace so Young Lord wouldn''t get hurt. Aster''s face was beet red, he looked at the chrysanthemum who fell to the ground, then his eyes darted towards the thing between Ramuja''s thigh. "YYYour thing is poking me" Aster mumbled. Ramuja finally noticed what was wrong, he closed his private part with both of his hands to no avail. Ramuja also blushed and lowered his gaze, "PPardon your servant''s inappropriate thought, Young Lord." "It''s okay, I was just surprised," Aster said. In fact, it wasn''t the only reason why Aster struggled. Ramuja bit the petals one by one until the petals had fallen off and their lips almost touched. Ramuja almost performed the ''Gardenia Kiss''. The fallen petals symbolized the struggle they went through until they were united into one deep kiss. It was a kiss performed only by a married couple. As someone who held the tradition strictly, Aster needed to stop it. ''At least not now'' Aster nced at his servant who still looked down at his private part, trying to cover it with his hands although it was almost impossible to do. They were stuck in this very awkward silence and waited until that thing calmed down. Aster and Ramuja finally stared at each other''s eyes again. Aster cleared his throat and resumed the supposed line that he nned to deliver here, "RRamuja, you know about flower kiss?" "Yes, Young Lord. It''s a kiss performed by close friends or siblings, the flowers also symbolize something" "Then, do you know why I picked a yellow chrysanthemum?" "This servant doesn''t know, Young Lord." Aster smiled, "Ramuja, yellow chrysanthemum symbolizes neglected love. It is a sad flower, but I picked it because I want you to understand something." Aster''s cheek turned reddish again, but he didn''t lower his gaze now. He wanted his servant to understand this, "I kissed you with it because I want you to understand that I do not neglect your love. I want you us to be connected with your worry. Do not woe over your love towards me, I do not neglect it." Aster stepped forward, he boldly dered, "Ramuja, I recognize and ept your love." "YYoung Lord, does this mean?" Aster sighed and shook his head slowly, "I ept it, but I''m not saying that I will be your partner." Ramuja felt like a hot knife stabbed his heart. It was so painful that he forgot to breathe for a few seconds. His eyes were red and tears slowly streamed down on his cheeks. ''In the end, everything means nothing. I still can''t have him.'' Aster had expected this would happen. He stepped forward again and wiped Ramuja''s tears with his delicate fingers, "Don''t cry, I do not reject you, right?" "But Young Lord, you cannot be my partner, that that means you rejected me" Ramuja said, he was sobbing like a child. Which almost shook Asters resolve. But this was for the safety of Ramuja until everything was settled. "Ramuja, I''m here to give you this" Aster took out the dried-out sunflower that he hid inside his shirt. Aster fiddled with the ugly petal tenderly, he remembered when Ramuja had to run for hours at midnight in order to get a freshly picked sunflower. He went out at one and returned at four in the morning, only to get a good sunflower to symbolize his loyalty to Aster. It was stupid to do that, but Ramuja probably didn''t realize how adorably dumb he was. Ramuja immediately recognized this sunflower. It was the one he gave to Young Lord months ago. Ramuja stared in horror. ''If Young Lord returned this to me, does it mean that he rejected my loyalty too?'' "Young Lord what is the meaning of this?" Aster gave a small smile and kissed the dried out sunflower, "I want to return this to you because I don''t have anything else that can symbolize the depth of my loyalty. Ramuja, my sincerity, my love and loyalty for you is the same as what you''ve given me. Our feelings are mutual." Ramuja epted the sunflower, he was unsure about Young Lord''s answer. If the feelings are mutual Why can''t we be lovers now?'' Aster realized what Ramuja would ask next. Aster chuckled, he tiptoed again and whispered to Ramuja''s ear, ''Wait a bit more, then we can be together, okay?'' Aster kissed Ramuja''s cheek. And then turned his back and left the garden, leaving the stunned Ramuja behind. Ramuja was dazed. He didn''t want to touch his cheek, because he was afraid that Young Lord''s kiss would be wiped off his cheek. He kept repeating what his master said, "Wait a bit more..." Chapter 134: Cracked Facade Chapter 134: Cracked Facade Aster''s face was hot the entire time. He performed a flower kiss with Ramuja, returned his feelings, and kissed Ramuja''s cheek. Those chain of events made him almost faint out of embarrassment and excitement. Aster rushed to his room, and then washed his face to calm himself. He gazed at his reflection in the mirror. His face was still reddish even after washing it with cold water, Aster touched his forehead to check his temperature, his cheek, and then his lips. He stopped there, his fingers fiddled with his naturally ruddy lips. The pink lips had turned slightly red, probably because of the pressure from Ramuja''s lips during the flower kiss. ''My lips also kissed his cheek'' Aster''s face flushed again. He remembered that moment when Ramuja''s private part was standing straight. It was very awkward. ''But it''s so big though, too big'' Aster pped his cheek, "Aster! You pervert!" Aster washed his face with cold water again. He took a deep breath to dispel all perverted thoughts. ''It is improper, I shouldn''t imagine improper things. I''m a noble, a noble shouldn''t think about a thick, long'' "Wait, what is wrong with me? Aaaah!" Aster pulled his hair, he was frustrated with his own thoughts. Aster looked down and saw that his private part also reacted, thinking about Ramuja. ''I need a bath, I need a bath now!'' Aster took off his clothes and jumped into a cold bathtub. It was almost winter already, but due to his skin condition, he didn''t feel cold at all. In fact, he could feel a certain part was still hot. Aster took a bath for twenty minutes until someone knocked on the door. "Young Lord, are you done?" Jain asked. "Yes, wait a minute." Aster wiped his body and wore the white cotton shirt and leather pants that had been prepared by Jain. He finally collected his mind after he heard Jain''s voice. Today might be his happiest day to finally kiss Ramuja, but today was also the day when he would confront his mother. At least, he needed to clear out the doubt in his heart. Because evidence was pointing towards his mother duchess. But, if she was innocent, Aster believed that his mother would know how to defend herself towards suspicion and usation. ''I just hope she has some reason that makes her innocent, going against my own mother is'' Aster opened the bathroom door only to find Jain with his stoic face, staring at his master deeply, "Young Lord, this subordinate saw the whole thing in the garden." Aster frowned, he didn''t care if Jain saw everything, because it was in an open garden anyway, and Jain was his subordinate that protected him. "Is there any problem?" Aster asked. Jain nodded and nced on his left to the window, "There are many of Grand Duchess'' shadow guards around you before, I couldn''t eliminate them all, because there were too many." "So, my mother already knows about my kiss with Ramuja?" "Yes, Young Lord." Aster''s gaze sharpened. He checked on the corner of his eyes, wondering if there was a shadow guard here. "Does my mother always send many shadow guards around me?" "No, Young Lord, she usually only dispatched one or two. But after your return from Velvet Castle, she surrounded you with shadow guards." Aster took a deep breath. His mother''s action only piled the doubts in his heart. He didn''t know how to defend his mother in his mind. ''Everything is just too obvious now.'' "Alright then, I shall face her," Aster said with firm resolve. Jain could feel the dread that they would face soon, thus, he kneeled in front of his master and stared at his eyes, "Young Lord, are you sure about it?" Aster saw the meaningful gaze from Jain. If Aster had a choice, he wouldn''t want to confront his mother either. He wanted to trust her wholeheartedly, but it became obvious that his mother was setting up something, and it couldn''t be avoided now. "I am sure." "Then, I, Jain Teh, shall protect you from any harm until myst breath," Jain said, then he kissed Aster''s hand. Aster rubbed Jain''s head and said, "Jain, you are my most trusted subordinate. I trust my life to you." "Yes, Young Lord. This subordinate shall guard your life until my demise." With that, Aster and Jain walked out of his room. They walked to Grand Duchess'' chamber, and in every step, Aster could feel the unspeakable chill in his skin. He never felt this nervous when meeting his mother before. Aster and Jain reached the door of Grand Duchess'' chamber. The guards immediately bowed their heads and opened the door. Grand Duchess Camille was sitting on her balcony with her morning tea while reading a book. She noticed that the door was opened and her smile bloomed beautifully when she saw her son. "Are you here to talk about your work trip? Come here, my son," Grand Duchess said. The maid prepared a cup of tea for Young Lord as usual. Aster walked to the balcony and sat on the opposite side of his mother. Grand Duchess closed her book and put all her attention on her son. She was wearing a blue dress with a fur shawl on her shoulder to keep herself warm, "How was your trip in Velvet Castle? Was it nice?" "It is very nice, mom. But I didn''t know that there was a spy around me." "A spy? Who dared spying on my son! Don''t worry Aster, I will strengthen the Lantern Pce, your safety is of the utmost importance!" Aster still hadn''t lost his suspicious eyes, his golden circle shone slightly. After he got the rity in his head, he could see how fake his mother''s reaction was. "Mom, who do you think dared spying on me?" "Hmm, probably Charles? He is a bit wrong in his head, or maybe our other enemies." "Yet, that enemy has the initiative to inform my personal servant, Ramuja, about my flower kiss with Tuskan in Velvet Castle." "What-- You kissed Tuskan? That young king from Great Arctyr?" Grand Duchess closed her mouth with her hands, she looked surprised, "Well, I never forbid you to have rtionship with anyone as long as you are happy, my son." Aster realized that his mother tried to divert the topic, she was trying to dodge the real problem, "That is unimportant, I''m more concerned about the identity of this spy. That spy must''ve been an insider, someone in thisntern pce, because he could inform Ramuja who was inside this pce the whole time." "Ah, then, I shall inspect the Lantern Pce, I will catch the spy and execute him." "Why do you need to search that far mom, maybe you can just call the spy," Aster said, "That spy must be a highly trained one, because he could travel that great distance before my carriage arrives. There is no person in this pce that have a highly trained spy except you, mom." Grand Duchess'' amiable smile cracked. She chuckled, "Oh my, what is this? My dear son is using me?" Aster could feel the insulting tone in his mother''s words. The aura around her turned dreadful and Aster couldn''t help but get intimidated by his own mother. The maids around them held their breath and their face paled. ''To see myself being intimidated by my beloved mother'' Aster clenched the hem of his shirt and he continued, "I will not use you without any evidence, mom." "What evidence do you have against your beloved mother? You know that I''m a very adept person, right? If I am the one who spied on you, I wouldn''t leave any trace," Grand Duchess stated. Her eyes turned sharp, like a beast about to hunt her prey. Aster calmed himself as he steeled his guts, "During the Autumn Banquet in this Lantern Pce, I was attacked by Charles and his assassins. My guard medal subordinate fought against two assassins at the same time. Charles killed two guards and broke into my room. He almost raped me." Aster''s eyes checked every maid around his mother duchess, and none of them showed a shocked expression when he said that. Aster''s heart sank, he almost self-confirmed it. ''So, all of them already know about this.'' "How could that be? The shadow guards were busy guarding the duchy during the banquet," Grand Duchess reasoned. "Oh, and a shadow guard finally helped my subordinate to fight Charles'' assassins right when I was about to be taken? Mom, if it was a coincidence, then it was a well-nned coincidence." Grand Duchess'' smile cracked again and her beautiful smile subsided, "It is a coincidence." "Funny that you didn''t seem to react much when I said I almost got taken by Charles," Aster sneered, "Your assassin failed to kill my guard medal subordinate, he chased Jain around the pce and no shadow guards reacted. Those shadow guards only obeyed your order, mom." "So, you think I set everything up?" Grand Duchessughed scornfully. "Aster, your guard medal subordinate and that ve must have polluted your mind." "Mom, admit it, tell me the reason why did you do that?" Aster scoffed, "How much control did you have around my life?" Grand Duchess'' amiable smile returned, she intertwined her fingers, leaned closer towards her son and propped her chin with her hands, "My son, you know that everything I do is for your own good. Just ept it wholeheartedly, you will thank meter." Hearing that Answer instantly burst Aster''s control, he stood and red at his mother for the first time in his life, he unleashed his fuming rage, "CHARLES ALMOST RAPED ME! HE ALMOST TOOK MY PURITY! HE ALREADY TOUCHED ME. YOU ARE MY MOM, HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT!?" Grand Duchess'' smile didn''t falter, her eyes turned pure golden, "A great ruler must experience drawbacks in his life, I''m doing everything for you. You are my gem, Aster." Aster almost punched his mother''s face out of anger. But he couldn''t do it, his body trembled to contain his rage. This woman was his most precious family he had. The one who protected him since he was a child. This was the woman he trusted the most. Aster''s tears dropped unconsciously. Grand Duchess fished out her handkerchief as she wanted to wipe Aster''s tears. But Aster pped her hand, "Don''t touch me!" "Aster, why don''t we talk first slowly? Your entanglement with that filthy ve has destroyed your mind." Aster''s red at his mother, "He is not someone who would hurt me. Unlike you, mom. You monster." Aster had enough of his mother. Staying near his beloved mother was unbelievably painful. He turned his back and said, "From now on, I''m going to separate myself from you and your agenda. Goodbye, mom." With that, Aster left with Jain. Grand Duchess''s smile turned into a small grin as she chuckled, "Well, I guess it is time to redo everything again. I couldn''t believe I have to do this twice, but it should be safe to return him back to normal." Grand Duchess nced at one of her maids who was still trembling, "You. Call that peasant girl named Merry. It''s time for shock therapy." Chapter 135: Eulogy of the Prince 23 Chapter 135: Eulogy of the Prince 23 ''Wait a bit more'' Those words lingered in my head, like a spell that Young Lord had put on me. After he kissed me, I went back and did odd jobs in the pce as usual, also I followed the guard-in-training diligently. Although the training was really harsh and tiring, I didn''t really mind it. I did all the training without even frowning, because my head was in the clouds right now. ''Wait a bit more, until we can be together'' ''He really reciprocates my feelings.'' ''Is this a dream?'' "You! Why are you dazed! Do a hundred push-ups!" Irion''s thundering voice shook my daydream and I immediately followed his order. Although it was supposed to be a harsh punishment, I felt like my body was very light and these hundred push-ups didn''t even itch me. Because in my mind, I imagined Young Lord encouraged me and gave me strength while smiling at me. I imagined him waiting on the side while watching me train to be a guard, then gave me a towel to wipe my sweat after I finished my daily training. I imagined Young Lord approaching me after training and said, ''Ramuja, here is a towel and water, you must be tired.'' And then I would reply with something like, ''Thank you, honey.'' Wait, I think honey was too much, Young Lord would definitely scold me if I say something cringy. ''Wwell, maybe darling? Dear? II don''t mind as long as Young Lord gives me a nickname'' ''If he gives me a nickname, it would make us look like a mmmarried partners'' I blushed during my push-up, so I speeded up the tempo in order to brush this tingling feeling inside my heart. I finished a hundred push-ups without rest and I didn''t even feel tired, because I was only daydreaming the whole time. Irion red at me suspiciously, because he wasn''t sure whether the punishment was enough, but he finally let me go. I finished the training today, washed my body and headed to my room. I sat on my bed and picked the ugly dried-out sunflower on the table. I smelled it gently, and noticed that it had a very familiar smell. Something familiar that intoxicated me, I smelled it again and guessed, "Young Lord sprayed his perfume in this flower?" ''Young Lord has a soft, longsting perfume, and it''s very pleasant to smell'' I was getting giddy, I imagined that I was smelling Young Lord''s body through this flower, his pale and tender skin, slim hips, and his sweet lips calling my name. Unsurprisingly, something down there got hard again. I gulped. This was bad, I kept having improper thoughts about him. I decided to close my eyes. Because I had to apany Young Lord on his morning walk tomorrow. I slept peacefully, still dreaming about Young Lord. Until I heard a familiar voice calling me in my dream. ''Ramuja, I thought you were going to marry me'' I looked around to find Merry standing alone, her cheeks were soaked with the stream of tears. She looked really hurt as she held the knitted fake gardenia that she had given to me once. "Merry I''m sorry," I lowered my head, unable to look at her, "I thought I could forget Young Lord, but I couldn''t" ''So, you used me as a substitute? Ramuja, You are a monster! Young Lord wouldn''t love a monster like you!'' I instantly opened my eyes. My eyes wandered around the room and darted towards the window. The sun started rising, so I guessed it was time for me to wait for Young Lord. I took a deep breath and reminded myself, ''It''s okay, Merry will understand this. She should get more than a mere ve like me'' I washed my face and headed to the south garden. I was shocked to see Young Lord already standing at the entrance. I rushed and kneeled in front of him, "Begging Young Lord to forgive this servant for his tardiness!" Young Lord chuckled and replied, "It''s okay. It is me who came here earlier, because I was excited." Young Lord rubbed my hair and said, "WWell, let''s go." *** Young Lord and I paced around the south garden until we stopped in front of the fountain, the ce where I got my first kiss from him yesterday. Young Lord smiled at me and sat on the rim of the fountain, thus, I naturally kneeled in front of him, waiting for the next order. "Ramuja, sit here." I raised my head when I heard Young Lord''s voice. I saw his hand tapping the spot beside him, "Young Lord, how could I sit side by side with you" "It''s okay, it''s an order," Young Lord said lightly. I walked near the rim of the fountain and nervously sat beside Young Lord. This was the first time I sat side to side with Young Lord, and I almost fainted out of nervousness. ''Am I too big? What if Young Lord finds me unpleasant to look at?'' ''Wait, how about my smell? I already took a bath, but we are different! He might find me awful!'' ''What about my breath? Does my breath smell bad?'' Train of anxious thoughts flooded my mind, but Young Lord seemed to understand my mind, he tapped my shoulder and said, "It''s fine, you are fine." "YYes, Young Lord," I nodded, "This servant is just nervous, because this is the first time I can sit side to side with you" "Well, you have to get used to it!" Aster giggled, "Because we are going to do this often!" My heartbeat quickened when Young Lord said that. I thought yesterday was a mistake, probably Young Lord was still sleepy or too stressed out with his work, but it was not a lie. ''Our feelings are really mutual'' Soon after, Young Lord''s smile dissipated and his shoulder dropped, "Well, I have to separate myself from my mother first." I jolted and almost fell to the fountain when I heard the word ''mother''. I forgot about that demoness who tormented me for years. If she knew about Young Lord who kissed me yesterday, and then sat beside me today, then I would be a dead meat. I panicked and kneeled in front of Young Lord again. Young Lord''s gaze deepened, he asked, "Why do you kneel again? I told you to sit beside me, right?" "YYoung Lord, this servant had dared to sit beside Young Lord! Please punish this servant!" I said, my body trembled as I imagined the torture I went through when Young Lord wasn''t here. Young Lord crossed his arms, he looked displeased, "Is it because of my mother?" My shoulder dropped and I tried my best to keep my silence. But Young Lord''s countenance became grimmer. "Tell me, what did she do to you?" I was unsure if I heard it right, my eyes nced up to look at Young Lord''s displeased expression. But his eyes weren''t looking at me, instead, he was staring at Grand Duchess'' balcony. "Young Lord?" "Tell me, what did she do to you? I will protect you," Young Lord dered. I was gazing at his mesmerizing eyes. He was still ring at Grand Duchess'' balcony. ''Something must''ve happened'' I was thinking about backpedalling, saying that everything was alright, Grand Duchess did nothing wrong and I deserved all the beating. But when I saw Young Lord''s determined eyes, I got a strength inside my heart. ''If he trusts me, then I should trust him'' I clenched my fist to brace myself and said, "Young Lord, Grand Duchess was the one who forced me to leave grand duchy when you were going to Golden Pce." I closed my eyes immediately, waiting for Young Lord to rebuke me. But I only heard a low hum and then he said, "continue." ''He trusts me he trusts me! He really trusts me!'' I almost shed tears in front of Young Lord. I decided to follow my instinct and hugged Young Lord''s leg. "Young Lord! Grand Duchess punched, kicked, whipped me because I refused to leave you!" "Yes." "She forced me to insult you! I never hate you, I always admire you, Young Lord!" "Yes." "She forced me to leave you! Young Lord, I never wanted to abandon you! I really, really love you. How can I leave you alone? Young Lord, I''m so sorry." I finally cried in front of my master. I hugged his leg tightly, "Young Lord, you give me a life! I cannot leave you no matter how much torture she did to me!" Aster nodded and said, "Understood." Young Lord patted my head softly. He smiled at me and wiped my tears with his delicate finger, "Why are you crying again? You already cried yesterday. You are a big man, you know that?" I buried my face between his thighs, I was embarrassed yet happy at the same time. To have someone who trusted me, it felt like a dream. With my head still buried between his thighs, I asked, "Young Lord, do you really trust a ve like me?" "I do not trust a ve," Young Lord said. He propped my chin up, so our eyes met, "But you are not a ve anymore, Ramuja. I trust you." There, I saw his pupils turned pure golden. But this time, it wasn''t scary or numbing like Grand Duchess'' or Crown Prince''s. It shone gently, as if showering me with bright light. My heart wavered in tender beats. ''I am nothing and have nothing, but Young Lord, my breath is yours.'' Chapter 136: Mental Breakdown Chapter 136: Mental Breakdown Aster left the garden after Ramuja told everything about his mother''s deed. If it was his naive self, he would refute all Ramuja''s im, because his mother could do no wrong. But after knowing what his mother was capable of, he didn''t even hesitate. When he saw Ramuja cried and hugged his leg tightly, he could feel the sincerity flowing from his eyes. It was his tears of desperation. ''Did he bear everything himself all these years? He let mother duchess abuse him that much, even making me hate him at some points, did he bear everything himself?'' ''Why?'' Aster was unsure, because no one would bear such injustice for years. There were ves and servants whoined when their works were too much, or when their masters were rude. But Ramuja was threatened, abused and kicked from the duchy, he bore his suffering alone. Aster could feel his heart stuffed. He was agitated, because he couldn''t imagine the pain Ramuja went through. ''I will protect him.'' Aster took a bath to calm himself. He opened the bathroom door after he was dressed up, and Jain was already kneeling in front of him. Jain''s had a grim countenance, but he said nothing until Aster asked, "What''s wrong?" "Young Lord, may this subordinate tell something illogical?" "Huh? What''s the matter?" "Young Lord, this subordinate has a feeling that you will go through an arduous road after you ept Ramuja." Aster''s eyes turned sharp, he frowned, "You are not happy with it?" Jain raised his head, he could see the golden circle flickered when he expressed his dissatisfaction. ''Sure enough, he is Young Lord''s golden circle.'' ''Young Lord and the old master had the same fate of the golden circle, but I will make sure that he won''t end up the same.'' Jain shook his head slowly and he smiled, "Young Lord, you are the master of my life. I will support and follow you wherever you lead us." Aster''s frown softened, but he still didn''t understand why Jain said that before, "About me and Ramuja, I know that it will be hard. Because we are fighting against my mother now, Grand Duchess Camille of Stormhill. I know how powerful she was, but I must separate myself from her." ''Young Lord, you are destined to be the master of everyone. Whether there is Ramuja or not, you will have to do it eventually, but Ramuja is the catalyst for you to grow faster.'' Jain nodded and he reached Aster''s hand, he kissed the back of the hand and recited his oath, "Young Lord, I will follow you until my demise. You are my precious master, the gem I shall protect." Aster was surprised by Jain suddenly reciting an oath to him. But Jain looked serious and he held Aster''s hand gently, he smiled and continued, "Young Lord, even if I die someday, I will make sure that you will stay protected, I will make sure that no one would ever hurt you." "Jain, what''s gotten into you?" Jain only smiled mysteriously and kissed Aster''s hand again. Then he disappeared. Aster was unsure what Jain had just implied, but somehow, there were uneasy feelings lingered in his heart. "No, everything will be fine. I will separate myself from my mother with my money, and then start from the bottom, maybe bing a baron first." Aster tried to clear his uneasy feeling, but it only became worse. *** Ramuja followed the training as usual, but today, he was exceptionally vigorous. A permanent smile pasted on his face, even Irion got creeped out because it was too weird. Other guards-in-training were dying out of exhaustion, but this ve only smiled the whole time. Then continued to do the training even though Irion had not yet to give an order. ''Young Lord trusts me, he trusts me, hehe~'' Ramuja destroyed another brick with his fist, he already destroyed so many that he lost count. But he didn''t mind it, it didn''t even feel painful. Which made other guards envious and amazed at the same time. ''Maybe we will marryter, we can have our own home, hehe~'' Ramuja was giggling in his heart. He already imagined a good life with his master. But his daydream shattered when he heard Irion said, "You, ve, there is a girl searching for you." "A girl?" "Yes, also, the training has finished two hours ago," Irion said. Ramuja looked around and he saw that he already destroyed many things, probably because he daydreamed so much, he didn''t even realize how much he destroyed. "TThen, yes sir, I''m going to meet her now!" Ramuja bowed his head and rushed to meet the girl outside, it was obviously Merry. Ramuja was slightly nervous because he was afraid that Young Lord would notice his rtionship with Merry, but as long as he could convince Merry that there were better men out there, she would break up with him naturally. Merry was standing with an orange colored dress, it was obviously an expensive dress, which startled Ramuja. "MMerry, where did you get the money to buy that dress?" Merry giggled and replied, "Someone gave me extra money for the dress, what do you think? Isn''t it pretty?" "Yes, it really is," Ramujaplimented her. Because it was indeed pretty, her skin had tanned a bit after she worked in the city. The orange dress suited her dark hair and tanned skin beautifully. Merry blushed and giggled some more, then she hugged Ramuja''s arm, "Let''s go walking around the garden, the sun is setting, it must be beautiful!" "I''m all sweaty and smelly" "It''s okay~ You are very manly like this, hihi!" Merry said. Ramuja recalled Young Lord''s schedule, he must be working on his document for grand duchy in Grand Duke''s office, so he wouldn''t know about this. Ramuja nodded and agreed to apany Merry. They walked around the garden until they stood in the same fountain where Ramuja and Young Lord sat together this morning. "Ramuja, look here!" Merry twirled around with the dress, "Don''t you think I look really good with it?" "Yes, you do." Ramuja smiled. It was really like seeing his little sister showing off to his big brother. Since in Ramuja''s heart, his feelings never developed more than that of ''brother and sister''. "Well, what are you waiting for? Do it now~" Merry teased. "Huh?" Ramuja frowned. "You know, Grand Duchess said that you want to propose to me here! That''s why I use this dress! Well, about our wedding, she even said that she would fund the wedding and end your ve contract when we are married!" Merry said cheerfully, she had been waiting for this. She could finally have her dream wedding like those nobles. Ramuja felt the chill down his spine. He stared at Merry who twirled her dress happily. Obviously, this was a set-up made by Grand Duchess to force him out of the Grand duchy, out of Young Lord''s life. Ramuja gritted his teeth. He wouldn''t leave Young Lord, and with their mutual feelings, there was no ce for Merry. Ramuja gulped, ''I can''t lie to her anymore, she deserves more than me. She is a very capable girl'' ''She shouldn''t be marrying a man whose heart doesn''t harbor her.'' Ramuja took a step back, he took a deep breath and said, "Merry... I think we need to break up." Merry''s countenance who was happy and jolly turned into fear, "What are you saying? Don''t joke now, Ramuja." "Merry, you deserve more than me. You are a beautiful and capable girl." "What? If I''m beautiful and capable, why do you want to break up with me?! What is wrong with you?!" Ramuja saw Merry''s tears start flowing, but he couldn''t stop here. Because it would just be a torture for both of them. Ramuja clenched his fist and said, "Merry, I''ve loved Young Lord Aster since the first day he bought me, and that feelings never change." Merry started trembling, his lips trembled and she asked, "Young Lord Aster? But he is a high noble, you two cannot be together" "I believe we can. I trust in him and I will follow him forever," Ramuja dered, "Merry, I will try to return all the money for the two years I lived with your family, please leave." "Leave? I will not leave until you propose to me!" Merry screamed, "My family? It is OUR family! How could you say something so mean!" "Merry, I appreciate the warmth your family has given to me, and I still want to be the part of your family, but I cannot marry you. So, for now, my only family is Young Lord Aster," Ramuja said. He lowered his gaze, because seeing Merry crying like this really hurt his conscience. Merry trembled even more, "TThen, what am I to you? A little sister? I leave my home to work in Dionde City for you! I collected money slowly because I want to free you! Do you think my love is fake?" "No, I believe your love is sincere" Ramuja said. "But why can''t you choose me?! Does Young Lord love you as much as me? He does not! He is a high aristocrat, think Ramuja! He will get bored with you! He might have already slept with many men and women!" Ramuja became displeased when Merry started insulting his master, "He is pure, his love is pure and his heart is pure. Merry, please leave now." Ramuja turned his back, but suddenly, Merry wed his arm and jumped to him. Merry kissed Ramuja desperately. *** Aster was sitting in his mother duchess'' balcony, he was staring at the scene below, when Ramuja and Merry entered the garden. Aster had some doubt in his heart, but knowing how sincere Ramuja was, he was still calm and collected. Merry twirled her dress around, and Ramuja smiled. They couldn''t hear anything down there, but Ramuja was passive the whole time. Aster had some assurance in his heart, ''I see that Ramuja is not into Merry.'' "Mother, if this is what you want to show me, I believe that they are just a brother and sister. This is a waste of time." Grand Duchess smiled, she hit the balcony rail with her fan and said, "Look again." Aster saw Merry start crying and said something to Ramuja, they started arguing over something. Aster''s heartbeat quickened, there was a sudden panic in his heart, which he tried to pacify. They were arguing, but Aster couldn''t hear anything, until he heard Merry screamed. "Leave? I will not leave until you propose to me!" Aster gulped, his mind was in chaos right now. He still wished that it was just a blunder. But then, he saw at that moment, in the same spot where he and Ramuja kissed before. Merry kissed Ramuja. Aster was stunned. His body froze on the spot, there was a sudden heatwave in his body, from his leg, his stomach, his arm, his heart, his neck, and his head. The heat only grew more and more painful for him. Aster clenched his fist to reduce the pain, but the pain slowly numbed him. Grand Duchess saw that his son''s pupils turned golden, then ck again and again, it was really simr to five-years old Aster when Grand Duchess had to traumatize him in order for him to forget about a dog. Grand Duchess leaned to her son''s ear and whispered. ''Ramuja and Merry have been dating for years behind your back, he lied to you the whole time.'' Aster could feel another sudden wave around his body, it was really cold that he could feel his skin getting frostbitten. Then a heatwave and cold wave surrounded his body consecutively. His gaze got blurred, thest thing he said was, "Lied to me?'' With that, Aster fell unconscious. **Please read Author''s Note** Chapter 137: The Moment of Ruin Chapter 137: The Moment of Ruin Aster fell unconscious. Grand Duchess supported Aster''s body with her hands, she smiled and checked Aster''s forehead, "High fever, just like when he was five years old. Well, soon, he will forget those two, and we can start over again." Grand Duchess chuckled, everything was going ording to her n. She could always traumatize her son and made him forget about every bad thing and start over until he could be perfect. ''Never had I expected that our filthy cursed blood will be beneficial.'' "All of you, take Young Lord Aster to his chamber and lock the door. Don''t let anyone in, he will need one full day of nightmare before he could forget everything." "Yes, Mdy." Grand Duchess'' official guards, shadow guards, and maids were ready to bring Young Lord to his chamber, but before they could step in. A gust of wind blew out of nowhere and Grand Duchess could feel that her body was thrown aside with some force until her back hit the balcony railing. "Ah!" Grand Duchess was startled. Her back was in pain because of the hostile force that pushed her. She gritted her teeth and stared at the person who was now holding Aster. "You! How dare you!" Grand Duchess fumed as she pointed her finger at Jain. Jain was indifferent, but he pointed a small knife at Aster''s neck. "If you dare to move your shadow guards, I will kill Young Lord right now," Jain said. His hand was shaking, because his knife was really close to Young Lord''s vein. But this was to protect Young Lord. "You! That''s my son! Guards, kill him now!" Grand Duchess raged. "You should know that Young Lord will not end up like you, monster." With that, Jain and Aster disappeared from her sight. Grand Duchess raged, she kicked the table until the teacups fell and shattered on the floor. Her gentle and beautiful face turned sharp and her eyes turned pure ck. It made everyone around her almost unable to breathe. "Search them! Kill that servant and bring Aster back to me!" "Yes, Mdy!" all the guards and shadow guards dispatched, only leaving Grand Duchess alone with the maid. Her chest undted with indescribable anger, she would torture that guard medal subordinate called Jain. ''I will skin his flesh slowly until he begged for his life! Argh!'' *** Jain ran away from many shadow guards, he stopped under a thick bush to catch his breath. He touched Aster''s forehead, ''It''s really hot. He must be in a terrible nightmare now.'' Jain knew really well about this trick, the golden blood was special, because they were physically perfect, but mentally wed. Jain was scared that Young Lord would really break. However, Jain couldn''t hide much longer now. Grand Duchess'' shadow guards were skillful, not long after this, they would realize that he dispatched his two disciples to mimic his appearance and divert the shadow guards and official guards'' attention. But he didn''t want his disciple to be in danger, thus he ordered them to divert the attention and ran away after that. They would return back to Young Lord after Young Lord was stable. ''If I escape alone with Young Lord, that ve would be killed by Grand Duchess,'' no matter how much he hated that ve, but he was Young Lord''s golden circle, his death might be Young Lord''s death as well. Jain disappeared again and he ran towards a specific room. Ramuja was sitting silently on his bed. Merry had left the Lantern Pce, she said nothing and only cried. It hurt Ramuja as well, seeing Merry begged for his love, but he didn''t want to torture her and himself with unrequited love. ''I just hope that Young Lord is true to his words.'' Ramuja sighed. He was going toy on his bed before a ck silhouette appeared in front of him. Ramuja was startled, but he was even more shocked when that silhouette was not only Jain, but with the unconscious Young Lord in his arms. "WWhat happened?!" Ramuja asked. "Ssh!" Jain warned Ramuja to shut his mouth. Ramuja immediately took Young Lord from Jain''s arms and put him on the bed. Jain stared at this ve solemnly, he was the one who caused all of this, but Jain couldn''t me him either. Because he was doing the right thing to devote himself to Young Lord. "Young Lord fell unconscious after seeing you kissed that girl," Jain said truthfully. Ramuja jolted, his face pale as he stared at unconscious Young Lord. His hand trembled and he held Young Lord''s hand. "Young Lord, I''m really sorry, I don''t mean to" "It''s useless, he already knew anyway," Jain frowned, "But that''s not important now. Because right now, Grand Duchess dispatched all the guards and shadow guards, she is hunting us right now." "HHunting?!" Ramuja was scared enough that Young Lord found out about his affair with Merry, and now, Grand Duchess hunted them. He couldn''t imagine what would Grand Duchess do to torture him. "We must run away from this pce, my disciple already informed Irion about this, he was still acting as trainer here and his carriage will be leaving soon. We will leave with him," Jain said. ''That is the most optimistic n though.'' Jain fished out two letters, a silver and gold letter from his vest and gave it to Ramuja, "Give this gold letter to Irionter, and give this letter to Young Lord after he recovered." Ramuja really didn''t understand what was going on right now, but he nodded and pocketed both letters. Right at the moment when Jain handed the letters, there was a knock on the door. Jain and Ramuja felt the indescribable chill, the person outside must''ve been a guard or maid that was also searching for Young Lord. "It''s me, Anne. I know that you are there with Young Lord." Anne was the head maid from the grand duchy mansion who finally got promoted to work in Lantern Pce. Ramuja still remembered how fierce Anne could be. Ramuja and Jain stared at each other, Jain hid with Young Lord while Ramuja opened the door nervously. "Yyes, ma''am?" Anne stared at Ramuja up and down, and sighed, "I know Young Lord is inside, I''ve been here for a long time." "Tthat" "No, it''s okay. Everyone is searching for Young Lord now, but I''ve been with Young Lord since he was a baby. I watched him growing up, and know what Grand Duchess did to him." Anne showed a rare worried expression, she bit her lips, then said, "I''ve been informed by that knight, Irion. I will tell the guards that I''ve searched this area and there is no sign of Young Lord or his servant here." Ramuja was stunned, he didn''t know that Anne was sympathetic enough to save Young Lord. Anne closed the door and then walked towards the guards outside and said, "There is no one inside, I''ve searched every corner." "I see, then we will search in other ces." The guards left Anne alone. Anne returned to Ramuja''s room and opened the door. "They are gone," Anne said. She pointed at the end of the corridor, "I''ve cleared the corridor, it will lead you to the training ground, Irion is waiting for you there." "Anne, thank you" Ramuja said. Anne smiled and said, "Young Lord is much better than his mother, I believe in him." Ramuja held Young Lord''s body in his arms, Young Lord''s body was covered with a brown nket. Ramuja ran towards the end of the corridor while Jain was in front of him, scouting the environment around them. At the end of the corridor, a carriage with Irion as the coachman was ready to transport them. Ramuja put Young Lord inside the carriage, but before Ramuja could enter the carriage, an arrow shot through his thigh. "Argh!" Everyone was alerted with Ramuja''s cry. Jain instantly realized that they were surrounded already. "CATCH THEM!" the guardmander gave the order. "We are surrounded! I don''t think I can fend all of them!" Irion said to Jain. Jain took a deep breath, he saw the unconscious Young Lord inside the carriage and Ramuja with a wounded thigh. However, Ramuja didn''t seem to mind the arrow in his thigh, instead he checked whether Young Lord was still breathing. ''I guess, he can rece me and watch over Young Lord.'' Jain pushed Ramuja inside the carriage and closed the carriage door. "I will clear the way! Irion, go now!" Irion nced at Jain who was determined to save Young Lord now. He gritted his teeth and spurred the horse and the horse ran quickly. The guards wanted to block the carriage, but Jain threw his needle to those guards'' necks and they fell to the ground. Jain jumped and threw needles and knives towards all the guards around. But he was alone, and there were too many guards surrounding him. Finally, an arrow shot through his arm, and then his leg. Jain nced at the carriage who was able to escape the gate before the gate was closed. He saw the carriage getting farther and farther, then he smiled. ''Young Lord, my master, my hope. I can''t apany you anymore, but I shall protect you forever.'' Jain closed his eyes and an arrow pierced through his heart. Chapter 138: Killing Someone to Protect Young Lord Chapter 138: Killing Someone to Protect Young Lord Irion spurred the horse as fast as he could, he didn''t want any of Grand Duchess'' guard or shadow guards to catch them. They needed to escape Dionde City as soon as possible. He could detect that the carriage was being followed by a few shadow guards, but they didn''t dare to incapacitate the horse or the carriage because it might hurt Young Lord Aster inside and it would also alert the city folks. ''They will definitely attack me when we are out of the city.'' Jain predicted. Thus, after the carriage left Dionde City, Irion unsheathed his sword in his left hand while his right hand held the horse strap. After they were far from Dionde City and entered the empty road, bolts of arrows directed towards him and the horse. nk! nk! Irion skillfully deflected the arrows that targeted the horse and used his shield for the ones that directed to him. Irion did it a few times until he could see stacks of logs blocking the road. He forcefully halted the horse. Irion stepped down from the carriage and guarded the carriage door. His eyes were like a lion ready to pounce anyone who got near him. He readied himself and did his guard stance. Soon, there were eight shadow guards surrounding the carriage. Knowing that there was no chance to live if he was passive, he put down his shield and yelled, "I will not let you touch my master!" A shadow guard jumped at Irion with a short sword, Irion easily grabbed his wrist and mmed him to the ground, then he stabbed his stomach with his sword. He looked at the other shadow guards again, "Come! I will kill all of you!" Three shadow guards attacked him at the same time, he roared and charged forward, he shed one shadow guard on his chest, and deflected an attack with his sword. The other guard aimed at his neck and Irion immediately kicked him. Irion was handful with the shadow guards outside, thus, two shadow guards were able to destroy the carriage window and entered the carriage. Inside the spacious carriage, Ramuja was shielding his unconscious master with his body. One of the shadow guards used a small dagger and attacked Ramuja, Ramuja shielded the attack with his hand, the dagger stabbed his hand, but he didn''t feel pain, he grabbed the wrist of the shadow guard and then crushed it with his enormous strength. The other one was already grabbing Aster''s body, Ramuja immediately elbowed his chest and the shadow guard fell on the floor. Ramuja pulled the small dagger that was still stuck in his hand. He swung the small dagger vertically, aiming for that shadow guard''s head, but he hesitated. ''II will kill someone with this?'' ''But I don''t want to hurt anyone'' Without his knowing, the shadow guard got up on his feet and kicked Ramuja''s stomach. Ramuja staggered, the shadow guards grabbed Aster together and attempted to escape. Ramuja saw how rough those shadow guards handled Young Lord. One of them grabbed Young Lord''s ankle roughly and it actually chafed his skin. Ramuja''s eyes turned red, he roared, "DON''T TOUCH MY LORD!" He moved fast and grabbed both of the shadow guards'' necks, he strangled both guards with one forceful strength and both were dead instantly. Ramuja let go of those shadow guards. He looked at his palm and it trembled slightly, "I killed two people I really killed two people" He was scared, because he never hurt anyone since he was a kid. But when those shadow guards hurt his master, he was furious that he lost control. He didn''t want anyone to hurt Young Lord, not even an inch of his skin. Ramuja immediately checked his master''s ankle. It was red and chafed. Ramuja became depressed, ''No, Young Lord, I failed to protect you'' Irion had just finished the sixth shadow guards, he looked around and after confirming that all of them had been defeated, he opened the carriage door to check on Young Lord. He was nervous that Young Lord might not be inside, maybe he was already taken away, but what he saw was that ve with watery eyes while looking at Young Lord''s chafed ankle. There were two dead shadow guards on the carriage with their tongue stuck out. Irion was dumbfounded, he was so scared before, but looking at this, it seemed that this ve had more than met the eyes. Irion pushed Ramuja aside and kneeled in front of Young Lord, he lowered his head shamefully and said, "Young Lord, this dog is begging for your forgiveness, because I''m unable to protect you." After saying that, Irion kissed Young Lord''s chafed ankle and then fished out a small ointment. He took off his gloves and gently smeared the ointment on Young Lord''s ankle. Now, Ramuja was the one who got dumbfounded with the sight in front of his eyes. A knight with his bloodied armor, kneeled in front of Young Lord and kissed his ankle. He even smeared an ointment on it. ''Who is he really'' Irion''s face was still full of blood spots after killing six shadow guards, but he was really gentle towards Young Lord. After he smeared the ointment, Irion got up and stepped outside. He red at Ramuja and said, "You, protect Young Lord, I will throw all these corpses on the side." "YYes!" Ramuja nodded. Irion dragged the corpses one by one and threw it on the nearest swamp. Then, he washed his face and took off his armor. He put his armor inside the carriage luggage. He wore a regr tunic and hopped back on the horse. It was already night and the carriage resumed the journey. After few hours, they stopped on a meadow and Irion started a bonfire for him to rest. He opened the carriage door. He said nothing and covered Aster with a nket. He red at Ramuja again and said, "Go outside." Ramuja nced at Young Lord and he was still sleeping, he was sweating from time to time, so Ramuja carefully wiped Young Lord''s sweat with his handkerchief. Knowing that everything was alright now, Ramuja stepped outside the carriage and sat in front of the bonfire with Irion on his opposite. It was almost the end of autumn season, and the temperature was dropping. However, Ramuja was used to the cold during his two years of working and Irion was a highly trained knight, this kind of cold was negligible to him. Thus, both of them were sitting in silence, until Ramuja decided to ask something. "Sir may this trainee ask something?" Ramuja said hesitatingly. "Ask." "Who are you?" Ramuja asked. Jain stared at this ve with his hawk eyes, probing his intention. But once he noticed something in the ve''s chest pocket, he sighed. "I''m Irion Swordheart, from House of Swordheart. I was a royal knight until I resigned and worked as guard trainer for the time being," Irion said. "No, sir, what I mean is who are you to Young Lord?" "I am his guard medal subordinate." "Guard medal subordinate?" Ramuja never heard that term before, maybe it was a code for the royal knight. "Jain and I are Young Lord Aster''s guard medal subordinates. Only high aristocrats have the guard medal and they could recruit three people each. And guard medal subordinate is supposed to be a lifetime secret." "JJain too?!" "Yes, he is actually a highly trained assassin, he even had few disciples under him. He was one of the best, but of course, even the best cannot fight against a horde of guards alone." There was a trace of sadness in Irion''s face, he was staring at the bonfire. Ramuja always thought that Jain did not care about Young Lord, he even suspected that Jain was one of Grand Duchess'' underlings. But after seeing his sacrifice, Ramuja lowered his head shamefully. ''Turns out,pared to them, I''m still nothing'' Irion shifted his attention to the thing inside the ve''s pocket and said, "You, check your chest pocket." Ramuja frowned, he remembered he didn''t bring anything except two letters from Jain that were still in his pants pocket. He checked his chest pocket and found something weird. A gold medal shaped like a shield. Before Ramuja could ask, Irion exined, "That is Jain''s guard medal, simr to mine." Irion took his guard medal and kissed it. He showed it to Ramuja and both of them were the exact same medal. "Jain? But why is it in my pocket?" Irion knew exactly what was in Jain''s mind when he put his medal in Ramuja''s pocket, but somehow, he still couldn''t ept this man. Because he was the source of all this mess. "I will ask you a question," Irion said, "What is Young Lord to you?" Ramuja tilted his head slightly, wondering about the sudden question. His eyes looked up, he saw stars on the night sky and he took a deep relieved breath. "Without him, I wouldn''t be able to see the night sky, I wouldn''t be able to know what warmth of a human being is. I might be dead already if he didn''t buy me back then," Ramuja chuckled lightly, "Well, not only that, even if I meet him in another situation, I will always follow him. He is the sun and the moon for me." Irion saw the sincerity in Ramuja''s eyes and said, "Jain put his medal inside your pocket, he is passing the torch to you." Ramuja stared at the gold medal, he caressed it, "Passing the torch? So, he wants me to be the new guard medal subordinate for Young Lord?" "Yes, but that depends whether Young Lord would ept you or not," Jain''s countenance turned grim again, "Let''s just hope that Young Lord still remembers you once he wakes up." Ramuja''s breath shortened, "Young Lord will forget me once he wakes up? But what happened to Young Lord? Why does he fainted and fell into deep slumber suddenly?" Irion didn''t want to answer that, because it was the secret of the golden royal blood. It was dangerous to leak the golden blood secret. Thus, Irion only said, "You will know itter." With that, both Irion and Ramuja fell into silence while gazing on the fire. There was something that bugged Ramuja''s mind. ''Young Lord will forget me? What about our moments and promises?'' Thinking of it made Ramuja feel weak, he decided to gaze at the fire and hope the fire would burn his anxiety away. Chapter 139: Vassal Kingdom Rhea Chapter 139: Vassal Kingdom Rhea "Sir, Jain said I should give this to you," Ramuja handed the gold letter to Irion. Irion took it and opened the letter. -- Go to Vassal Kingdom Rhea, talk to the guard and say that you want to meet Second Prince Gaum Cresthold, the code is: Raven Peacock. ''So, Young Lord has his own footing in Rhea Kingdom already, amazing,'' Irion pondered. He knew that his master was talented, but to be able to hold a footing in a tough vassal kingdom like Rhea, it was no easy feat for a young aristocrat. Irion nodded and pocketed the letter, "We should go now." "Yes sir." Ramuja said. "Wait, before that," Irion suddenly interrupted, "Call me Irion, we are both in the same position now. Also, what is your name?" Ramuja wasn''t sure if it was right for him to call his teacher informally, but since Irion was the one who suggested it first, Ramuja replied, "My name is Ramuja, nice to know you um Irion." Irion nodded. They got into an awkward silence until the sun rose from the east, they hurried and prepared for the journey again. The carriage set off and they went north until they reached the border between Roagelt and Rhea. The sun was already on its peak. Irion told Ramuja that was inside the carriage, "I have a jug of water inside the chest. Take it and give it to Young Lord." "Yes!" Ramuja quickly opened the chest and took a jug of water, he opened Aster''s mouth gently and poured the water into his mouth. Ramuja could see his master''s pink tongue, which made him blushed slightly. ''Even his tongue is perfect'' Ramuja shook his head, ''No, I''ve grown even more perverted every time I''m near Young Lord.'' Ramuja lowered his gaze. However, when he lowered his gaze, he could see Young Lord''s chest. Aster was wearing a loose shirt, Ramuja could see his master''s smooth chest, pink nipples, and his slender waist. Ramuja gulped. ''NNo Young Lord is unconscious right now, it is very improper of me'' However, Ramuja couldn''t help but to savor this beautiful sight under him. He wanted to touch his master''s slender waist, wanted to feel his chest and maybe caressed those pink nipples. But when he remembered how scared Young Lord was when he was with the Crown Prince, he undid his intention. ''If I touched him without his consent, then what is the difference between me and Crown Prince'' ''I want Young Lord to love me tenderly, I don''t want to be a monster'' Ramuja sighed. He put Aster back to his sleeping position gently and decided to hold Young Lord''s hand instead. Ramuja caressed Aster''s hand and he soon noticed that Young Lord''s hand was not as smooth as he remembered. Young Lord''s right hand was rough and there was a blister on his thumb. Ramuja was perplexed, he checked Young Lord''s left hand, and it was fortunately as smooth as always. ''Young Lord, what made you like this? Is it because you are busy writing documents and letters every day?'' ''Young Lord, I''m sorry that I''m illiterate. I cannot help you with this'' Ramuja was afraid that his rough hand would damage Young Lord''s smooth skin even more, thus, he decided to tuck it inside the nket. Ramuja looked at the scenery outside and soon, the scenery changed into a small town outside a kingdom. The kingdom itself was protected by a huge fortress. "We''re about to go inside Vassal Kingdom Rhea." Kingdom Rhea wasn''t exactly an impressive kingdom, by size or poption wise, but its citizens were devoted to their work and their kingdom. Thus, it made the kingdom thest one to be conquered by the empire. They were near the gate of the kingdom. Jain got off the horse and talked with the guards outside the gate, he whispered something and the guards seemed to be shocked. One of the guards called his friend who was mounting on a horse. He whispered something, and the guard with a horse nodded. "Follow me," he said. Jain hopped on his horse and followed the guard. They entered the Vassal Kingdom Rhea. The kingdom itself didn''t look amazing, there were plenty of shops, but most of the buildings here were old and a bit shabby. However, what amazed Ramuja was how happy the kingdom folks looked. They talked to each other,ughed and did their activity as if the kingdom was in its prosperous state. ''Even in Dionde City, the people weren''t this happy'' The carriage entered the pce, the pce guards immediately opened the gate and the carriage entered the pce main yard. From afar, there was someone who already stood near a stone staircase. Raven colored hair, devilish charming smirk, and that arrogant gait. ''That brazen guy again,'' Ramuja remembered that guy called Gaum who daringly flirted and touched Young Lord without shame. Ramuja was instantly on guard, fearing that man would do something unspeakable towards his unconscious Young Lord. Irion get off his horse and bowed in front of Gaum, "My name is Irion Swordheart, a former royal knight, I''m here for an important mission." "Yes, I know what that mission is." Gaum gave a secret code to Aster once, the code was ''Raven Peacock''. In case of an emergency situation, Aster could go to Vassal Kingdom Rhea to seek shelter. In this case, Gaum assumed that Aster was fighting against his own father or mother, because there was no way the Lantern Pce could be destroyed by an attack, unless that attack was from the emperor. "Where is he?" Gaum asked. "Inside the carriage," Irion replied. Gaum strode to the carriage and opened the door, he was slightly impatient to meet his beautiful flower again. But what he saw was the ugly sight of that ve with unconscious Aster sleeping on the carriage seat. Gaum frowned, "What happened here?" Irion followed behind and replied, "Young Lord falls unconscious after a traumatic incident." Gaum hummed, he remembered that the golden blood had some sort of special traits, but he didn''t know what that was except for their unique eyes, "Is this one of golden blood''s ailments?" "Yes." Irion replied short. He didn''t want to talk more, because it was a confidential matter anyway. Gaum nodded, "Fine then, I will take him to the guest room personally." Gaum rolled up his sleeve as he was going to carry Aster in his arms. He smirked as he was finally reunited with Aster again. Ramuja could see the obvious lust in Gaum''s eyes and immediately blocked the way, "YYou cannot touch Young Lord!" Gaum red at this filthy, unreasonable ve, he puffed up his chest and arrogantly said, "Who are you dare to forbid me? I''m Chief Treasurer, Ambassador, and also the Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea. For you dare to forbid me, your position must be high above the sky! Ramuja gritted his teeth, if they talked about noble positions, of course he didn''t have any. But when he saw those lustful eyes, he couldn''t bear Young Lord being carried by Gaum. "Ramuja, don''t make trouble." Irion warned harshly, he was ring at Ramuja. In fact, he didn''t like this man to carry his master either, but they were under his protection now. Ramuja clenched his fist, but he stepped aside. Gaum smirked and carried Aster in bridal style. Ramuja and Irion followed from behind, Gaum intentionally didn''t cover Aster''s body with a nket and he walked slowly on the corridor. Thus, many guards and servants were staring at their second prince holding an unconscious man with a striking beauty. Ramuja was really pissed at Gaum''s swank behavior, ''He let everyone see Young Lord in a vulnerable state, as if Young Lord is his trophy!'' Irion red at Ramuja again, he needed to make sure that this big, dumb guy didn''t make any stupid move. Gaum entered a big room andid Aster on the bed gently. He asked, "When will he wake up?" "Soon." Irion replied. "Then, I shall wait here. It''s good if he sees me first when he wakes up." *** Aster had a series of long terrible nightmares, it was a random nightmare that he couldn''t even remember any of it. It was like a long torture that made him numb. But he realized one thing in these random dreams, there was no Ramuja in it. The dream involved many people in his life and all of them were terrible, each of them was hurting him tremendously with pleasure stered on their faces. But he didn''t see Ramuja. Instead, in every dream, there was a gate where he could escape and near that gate was Ramuja waiting for him with his bear hug. ''Ramuja, why are we here?'' ''Help me! I can''t bear this anymore!'' But Ramuja said nothing every time Aster called him. And it turned to be a mirage when he got near. Aster lost count on how many nightmares he went through and how many gates he passed, he just wanted to escape from this hell. Then he heard Ramuja''s voice saying, "I will protect you, Young Lord." Aster saw another gate from afar, but this time, Ramuja ran towards him and grabbed his hand, "Young Lord, Ie for you!" He followed Ramuja and ran towards the gate until he saw a bright light with Ramuja hugged him with his signature awkward bear hug, "I''m always here, my lord." *** Aster opened his eyes. His eyes wandered around, he didn''t see a familiar room, instead it was a generic room for a guest in a regr pce. His eyes darted towards three people, one was on the right side, the other two were on his left side. ''Gaum? Irion? And Ramuja!?'' Aster immediately grabbed Ramuja''s hand and said, "Ramuja, where are we?!" Chapter 140: Hidden, But Not Forgotten Chapter 140: Hidden, But Not Forgotten "Ramuja, where are we?!" Aster grabbed Ramuja''s hand tightly, as if he was seeing the light after a long nightmare. Ramuja was startled, he was scared that Young Lord would forget him and all their memories away, butit turned out that he remembered everything. Yet, Young Lord was still hanging on him. ''DDid he really forgive me?'' Ramuja cupped his master''s hand gently and said, "Young Lord, we are in Vassal Kingdom Rhea." "Vassal Kingdom Rhea? Why?" Aster frowned. He looked at his right side to see Gaum. He tried to sit from his sleeping position, because it was a bit embarrassing for a Young Lord to show weakness in front of his ally. But his body felt so weak, "Ramuja, how long had I been asleep?" "A full day, Young Lord." "A full day!?" Aster''s eyes widened, "Why did I faint anyway?" Both Irion and Ramuja were surprised, because it was such a big event. If Young Lord didn''t know what happened, then why could he still remember Ramuja? "Young Lord didn''t remember at all?" Irion asked. "No, I just remembered that I was sitting beside my mother and then I cked out all the sudden," Aster recalled what happened yesterday. After Ramuja confessed his mother duchess'' evil deeds towards him, he went to his room and worked on some documents. Then, his mother called him for tea in the evening, they were gazing at the garden and suddenly, he cked out. ''I don''t even remember what the conversation between me and mother at that time was.'' Aster''s eyes wandered around then noticed something was missing, "What happened when I was unconscious? Where is Jain?" Gaum sighed, it was not the best time for him to talk with Aster now, "Aster, I will leave first. It seems you need time to sort out your mind." "Yes, thank you, Gaum." Gaum smiled and thennded a small kiss on Aster''s forehead, "See you tomorrow, sweetheart." You! Don''t do that!" Aster protested, but Gaum chuckled and walked out happily. It was only Ramuja and Irion with him now. "Sit me up," Aster ordered. Ramuja and Irion put two stacks of pillow under Aster''s back and propped him. Aster looked around to check Jain whereabouts again, but he still didn''t sense him. "Where is Jain?" Aster asked again. Irion and Ramuja looked at each other, then Irion said, "Young Lord, Jain is dead." "WHAT?!" Aster jolted. He looked at Irion whose expression was dead serious, "Dead?! How? He is very skilled! What happened when I was asleep?!" "Did you really not remember anything happened yesterday, Young Lord?" Irion asked again. "Not at all, so tell me!" Aster urged. Irion nced at Ramuja who looked nervous, then he just said some important part of yesterday''s incident, "When Young Lord suddenly fainted, Grand Duchess was going to lock you up and presumably sever you from any outside connection. But Jain saved you when you were unconscious, we ran away with a carriage, but because the pce guards were too many, Jain sacrificed himself so we could escape." ''Jain sacrificed himself?'' Aster could feel his heart was pounded by a heavy stone. He didn''t know that Jain would go that far to protect him, ''He really fulfilled his promise'' Aster remembered Jain''sst oath, it was, as if he predicted his own demise, and his demise was caused by his own master. ''Then, I, Jain Teh, shall protect you from any harm until myst breath.'' Aster was devastated, slowly, his tears welled up and streamed on his cheek. Aster asked Irion, "Do you know why I fainted?" Irion nced at Ramuja who started trembling. Irion red at this ve, though he already epted his devotion towards Young Lord, he didn''t like how this ve tried to cover many of his sins. "Young Lord, do you remember about a couple that walked around the garden yesterday?" "Couple? What couple?" Aster frowned. ''Young Lord didn''t remember about Merry and Ramuja as a couple at all?'' Irion was aghast, ''But he still remembers Ramuja!'' Trying to swallow his unknown anger, Irion exined, "Then, this subordinate doesn''t know anything, Young Lord. I just heard that Young Lord fainted after seeing a couple walking around the garden yesterday, but I was in the training ground the whole time." "This is confusing" Aster said. "Did Jain entrusted anything?" Ramuja who was silent the whole time finally reacted, he fished out a silver letter and gave it to his master, "Young Lord, Jain said that I should give you this once you wake up." Aster took the letter and opened it. My wonderful master, if you read this, then I am already dead. But woe not, my death is to protect you, it''s thest promise I have to fulfil to her. Young Lord, my disciple wille to you once you are fully recovered, they are as good as me, pleasemand them wisely. Last thing, Young Lord, I handed my guard medal to your servant, Ramuja. He has a strong instinct to protect you. Young Lord, I may not be able to protect you anymore, to care for you anymore, but my legacy shall remain. I know you can be the best in Golden Camellia. Sincerely, your loyal subordinate Jain Teh. Aster wiped the tears in his eyes. He didn''t deserve such a loyal subject like Jain, ''And I failed to protect him.'' Irion saw the tears kept falling from Young Lord''s eyes and handed out a handkerchief, heforted his master, "Young Lord, once, Jain said to me that his biggest pleasure is to devote his life and death to you. He fulfilled his biggest pleasure, he is happy now." Aster took the handkerchief and wiped his tears, "I''m sorry for showing my weak self to you, Irion. Please leave now, I need some time alone." Irion nodded and he excused himself. Ramuja followed behind, but Aster said, "Ramuja, stay." "Yes, Young Lord." Ramuja was nervous again, at first he thought Young Lord forgave him, but instead he forgot about yesterday''s incident. After some times, Aster finally opened his mouth. "Kneel in front of me," Astermanded. Ramuja kneeled obediently in front of Aster, "Give me the guard medal from Jain." "YYoung Lord, but Jain said II" "Yes, I know," Aster smiled, "I will not take it from you." Ramuja gave the gold medal to Aster. Astermanded again, "Give me your hand." ''This time, I will not make any mistake. If I fail to protect Jain, then I will protect Ramuja.'' Aster held Ramuja''s hand and then put the guard medal on his palm, then he recited his oath, "You will be my new subordinate. Under the name of Golden Camellia, the medal will be the witness of our bond. I, Aster Di Arlingdon, as your master, will grant you protection and glory." ''And love.'' Aster said in his heart. Ramuja was dumbfounded, he didn''t know what to say, thus, he just recited what was in his head right now, "Um I, Ramuja, Young Lord''s personal servant, shall ept um Young Lord''s love and protect him forever and I" Aster blushed instantly, "That''s wrong oath!" "YYoung Lord, this servant doesn''t know what this is" Aster sighed and exined, "This is Guard Medal Oath, I, as your master will give you protection and glory in exchange for your servitude. But this is a lifetime secret, so, no one should know about your identity as my guard medal subordinate." "Then, um this servant, Ramuja, will follow you forever and do my best!" Ramuja said clumsily. Aster who was saddened before finallyughed, "It''s okay, I ept you." Aster smiled and gave the guard medal to Ramuja again, "Keep it, this is very important." "Yes, Young Lord." Aster stared at Ramuja who was still fidgeting nervously even after the situation calmed down, "What are you nervous for?" Ramuja was obviously nervous because of his incident with Merry being discovered by his master. But he couldn''t calm his heart, thus, he braced himself and asked, "Young Lord, do you not remember about Merry?" Aster frowned, "Who is Merry?" Chapter 141: Hidden, But Not Forgotten II Chapter 141: Hidden, But Not Forgotten II "Who is Merry?" Ramuja was petrified when he heard that. He observed Young Lord''s clueless expression, Young Lord''s head tilted slightly, "Is she one of the grand duchy''s maids or something?" Aster shook his head, "Maybe she is, right? I''m sorry, Grand Duchy Stormhill has way too many servants and guards for me to remember. But if that girl called Merry has somemendable merit, tell me, I will promote her or give her a reward." Ramuja''s hand trembled, he didn''t know if this was a good sign or not, because Young Lord forgot about the very first friend he had, the one that made him doing morning walk as a habit. Not long after, Aster''s eyes turned sharp, "Wait, is this girl called Merry the one that caused everything? Is she working for my mother?" "No, Young Lord," Ramuja bit his lip, "She is a servant girl who um worked in the grand duchy, but she left the duchy the night after we escaped" "Left? Why?" Aster didn''t lose his vignce, "Was she working with my mother and my mother finally got rid of her after she was no longer useful?" "NNo, she is just a regr servant" "Then, why are you asking whether I know her or not? That''s unusual," Aster''s golden circle flickered, he was probing Ramuja''s intention. Ramuja''s hand trembled even more. His master had probing eyes that he couldn''t resist. ''If he knows, then he won''t forgive me'' Ramuja smiled as he tried to control his nervousness, "Young Lord, Merry was the one who saved us when we ran away. She checked around the room and said to me that she would lie to the guards, telling them that we are not there." Ramuja''s tongue glib convincingly, he didn''t want to tell the truth to his master, but he didn''t want to portray Merry in a bad way either. Thus, he changed Anne who saved them to Merry. "So, she saved us when I was unconscious?" "Yes, Young Lord. "Hm then I have to reward herter, when I finally get some control back," Aster wondered. He didn''t know who this Merry girl was, but if she saved him, then it was natural for him to show some gratitude. "SShe said, she didn''t need reward, Young Lord, she just wanted you to survive" Aster tried his best to remember a servant called Merry, but no matter how much he tried to remember until he started getting a headache, he couldn''t remember her, not even her name on the grand duchy servant list. Aster massaged his temple and said, "WhenI got everything sorted out, I should really thank her. I was lucky that mother duchess didn''t capture me, or else, she might lock me and ruin all my hard earned connections and works." Ramuja nodded silently. Then they went into silence again until Aster opened his mouth, with his bitter countenance, he asked, "Ramuja, do you ever have a pet?" "When I was five years old, I remember I had a dog before I got caught and sold as a ve" Ramuja said. He recalled the short, beautiful memories he had in his vige before. He was still too young to recall everything, but he remembered some, including a dog which he called Sona, it was a big dog with gold fur. "Why is Young Lord asking about a pet so suddenly?" Ramuja asked. Aster smiled, "I dreamed about one moment when I was around five years old too, I had a dog named Fleur, a small dog with long, beautiful white hair, and it even covered her eyes!" Aster reminisced about his dog when he was a kid, "Fleur was a gentle dog, because I couldn''t go outside, she always ran around the hallway, and I liked to chase her. Fleur always waited until I was in her sight, and then ran around again." Aster tried to suppress the sadness in his heart, he continued, "Fleur would wag her tail and show her belly to me. So, when I was a toddler until I was five years old, she was my onlypanion." "But somehow, I forgot about this dog. Literally everything, even though I had so many fond memories with Fleur. I remember I wrote about Fleur when I started to write at the age of three," Aster recalled in his memories, he even remembered that his first drawing was a white dog and him together, Fleur and Aster, he named it. "I remember about Fleur in one of my nightmares yesterday, I saw my mother order the guards to beat Fleur to death right in front of my eyes. I was hysterical, begging and crying for my mother to release Fleur. But she smiled and said, This is what you get for getting too attached with an animal. Then I just fainted" ''After that, I didn''t even know that I had a dog.'' It was almost thirteen years already, it was really strange because he forgot about this dog for thirteen years and he suddenly remembered about Fleur fondly. After he woke up, the memories of Fleur were crystal clear in his head. ''What did mother do to me? How can she be this evil!'' Ramuja was listening the whole time, then he asked in a low voice, "Young Lord, do you remember about your dog after you fainted yesterday?" "Yes. It''s strange, somehow I forgot about herpletely, then I suddenly remembered about her," Aster replied. Ramuja lowered his head, there was tremendous pressure on his back, as if demanding him to kneel deeper in front of Young Lord and beg for forgiveness. He just realized that Young Lord might remember about him and Merry anytime, like a ticking time bomb. ''And when that timees'' "Well, it''s night already, you should leave now," Aster said, he smiled and pulled the nket "Yes, Young Lord. Please have a good rest." Ramuja said. Aster chuckled, "After that long nightmare, it will take awhile for me to sleep in peace again." Ramuja left the room. He followed Irion who was standing outside, they walked to the room reserved for them. Ramuja fell on his knees because anxiety took toll on his strength. Irionughed mockingly. "You really think he forgives you, huh?" Irion sneered. "Young Lord never forget, he is really, really smart, maybe he is a genius." Irion stared at this clueless servant, "He is a golden blood, so, having some physical advantage or intelligence is given for. But golden blood had many ws for their unstable emotion, one such w is what happened to Young Lord now. Someone can traumatize a golden blood when he was young, so he would forget the bad event and everything around it. But he didn''t really forget, it was just hidden inside his head. When another thing needs to be hidden, the one that was hidden before will be forcefully returned back to his memory." "WWill Young Lord remember about Merry?" Ramuja asked anxiously. "He will, but it would need another traumatizing event for him to remember," Irion was in no mood to talk more to Ramuja. He didn''t like how this guy lied to Young Lord, but if Irion tried to warn Young Lord about it, Young Lord would definitely faint again. He was not sure if it was right to traumatize Young Lord, because it was said that you couldn''t do this too much or a golden blood would go crazy. Thus, rather than harming his master, Irion decided to keep his silence, although it was displeasing. "Don''t misunderstand, I do not tell Young Lord about your affair because I don''t want him to get hurt, but I cannot guarantee that he will not remember. I will still kill you if Young Lord told me to," Irion said harshly. He left to take a bath because he was soaked in sweat and blood. Ramuja was sitting on his bed. There was a dreadful feeling lingering in his heart. ''Turns out, Young Lord didn''t forgive me, he just hid his memory about Merry instead'' ''But it''s only hidden. If somehow Young Lord remembers then'' Ramuja shuddered. He didn''t want to ruin his beautiful dream with his master. The gentle Young Lord who had mutual love with him was like the tastiest candy he ever had, once he tried it, he would try his best to savor it as much as he could. ''IIt''s okay, as long as Young Lord didn''t remember about Merry, everything will be okay'' Ramuja took the guard medal star from his pocket. Young Lord handed this after Young Lord appointed him as the new guard medal subordinate, recing Jain. ''He trusts me he really trusts me'' ''And I will not break that trust, I will try my best to serve him.'' Ramuja gripped the guard medal star in his hand, there was a hint of possessiveness in his eyes. He didn''t want to disappoint his Young Lord, even if it meant he had to keep a secret forever. Ramuja said in his heart, ''He doesn''t need to know about it. It was a past mistake, Young Lord should only see my fidelity and sincerity.'' Chapter 142: The Cresthold In Love Chapter 142: The Cresthold In Love Aster was sitting alone inside his guest room. He couldn''t sleep, probably because he had slept for the whole day. He didn''t bring anything in this escape, only the apparel in his body. Aster''s eyes wandered around, this guest room was really a regr room, which made him relieved. ''If Gaum gave me a special room, it would definitely alert the servants, they might think that Gaum and I had a special rtionship.'' Aster was already in a dire situation right now, he didn''t want to face other people targeting him in foreign ces. Aster didn''t even have Jain with him, no one that could really protect him like usual. ''Irion is a knight, he wouldn''t be able to hide somewhere and guard me unofficially, and Ramuja'' Honestly, Aster didn''t wish Ramuja to be his protector, or to fight at all. He was really afraid that Ramuja might get hurt. But it seemed that Ramuja had a firm willpower to train himself. ''I will still protect him, maybe he doesn''t know, but as long as he is safe'' Aster was reminded when Ramuja was heartbroken because he kissed Charles in that meadow. It was meant to save Ramuja, but it was understandable that Ramuja was really hurt. Because Ramuja was determined to fight Charles to protect him, he was ready to die. ''I''d rather be humiliated than seeing Ramuja die in Charles'' hand.'' Aster sighed. He tried to move his leg and it seemed his leg was still cramped, his body still felt really weak after that long nightmare. He could''ve asked Irion or Ramuja to help him, but they must be tired after the long trip. Knock! Knock! Aster heard the door was knocked, he asked, "Who''s outside?" "It''s me." Aster knew this familiar voice, Gaum opened the door and entered Aster''s room. He came with a food trolley. Gaum closed the door and pushed the trolley beside the bed, he sat beside Aster on the bed and asked, "How is your body?" "Hnn, I feel weak, but other than that, I''m fine," Aster replied, he saw the food on the trolley, he felt hungry of course, but he thought about different things, "Can you give some food for my servants in another room?" "I had my butler to deliver food for them," Gaum said. "Good, thank you for your generosity," Aster smiled. The window didn''t have a curtain, so the moonlight showered Aster''s body, which made him look weak, but ethereal at the same time. His thin smile made Gaum''s heartbeat quicken. ''It''s like the goddess had been waiting for me in his bed'' Gaum shifted his body to approach Aster, he did this few times until their shoulders were touching. Aster was a bit ufortable, "Can you move a bit? The bed is too small for us "Isn''t it nice like this? You and me, under the moonlight, on the bed," Gaum chuckled. He put his hand on Aster''s nape and pulled Aster to his chest. Gaum caressed Aster''s neck gently, "Like this, we are like a husband and wife after a wild night, right?" Gaum giggled. Aster frowned, his body was really weak right now, thus he couldn''t struggle, he warned Gaum, "Just because I couldn''t move my body, doesn''t mean that you can joke like this, let go." "I''m not joking," Gaum smiled mysteriously. "You still keep my Gardenia of Blooming Desire, right?" "Yeah" Aster remembered when Gaum gave him his gardenia of blooming desire, a rare preserved flower meant to propose to your loved one, "I keep it, in case you want it back because you just gave it to me as a joke." "I said, I''m not joking," Gaum repeated, "I gave my golden pin to you, didn''t I tell you before that I love you in Autumn Banquet?" Aster stared at Gaum. Gaum''s smile had dissipated, turned into a serious frown, "I never lie when I said I love you." "You know that we cannot be together," Aster said seriously. He was never interested in Gaum in that way, but Gaum was still his ally and they had a good rtionship, rejecting him outright was unwise now. ''I cannot reject him harshly, I''m under his kingdom now.'' "Is it because of that servant of yours?" Gaum shot Aster with the truth right on the spot. Aster''s eyes widened. Gaumughed lightly and said, "You can''t hide it from me, I know that you keep ncing at your servant when we talked before. Maybe he was your assurance?" "You are overthinking it," Aster denied it. "Yeah, true, howe Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill need some assurance, they hold the economy of Golden Camellia," Gaum pretended to be in a deep thought, then he grinned, "Maybe Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill fall in love with his own servant?" "HHow could you" Gaum pinched Aster''s chin and kissed his lips abruptly. He knew he couldn''t savour the inside of Aster, but at least he could taste Aster''s cherry lips. Aster tried to push him, but his body was still too weak to resist. After the kiss, Aster''s face turned red, while Gaumughed. "See? I can still kiss you even though your heart belongs to someone else," Gaum sneered, "If I can kiss you, then I can also" Gaum checked out Aster''s body, Aster immediately pulled the nket to cover his body, he felt like a maiden in a story, afraid that someone took his purity. Aster warned Gaum again in a low voice, "Leave now before I call my guards." Gaumughed, "Remember, you are in my pce." "But you are depending on me to supply your citizens!" Aster fought back, "Leave now!" Gaum wanted to rebuke that, because his citizen was already free from poverty, but he still needed this loan from Aster in order to stabilize his position in Empire court. Gaum sighed, "I will leave you then, but you should know, I will never give up." Gaum rose from the bed, he prepared the food on the small cupboard beside the bed. Gaum opened the door and seemed to talk with someone outside, then he turned his head towards Aster and smiled mysteriously, "My darling Aster, I''m not the only one who wants you here." Aster had a bad feeling about this. Gaum already left the room, but he could hear someone''s footstep outside and the door was opened again. A tall man with a short robe draped on his left shoulder stood in the doorway, he wore a dark vest and the ring of a ruler on his finger. He was aroundte twenty, but he still looked young and handsome, although there were traces of maturity and virtue in his face after years of being a king, unlike Gaum. Aster''s heart sank, Gaum said this man was in love with him, but Aster found it hard to believe. Since Aster was the one who indirectly caused the crisis in Vassal Kingdom Rhea. Aster tried to bow his head slightly and said, "Greetings to the king of Vassal Kingdom Rhea, Lord Gamasiel." Gamasiel''s hand trembled when he saw this man again. This man haunted his dream every day, he couldn''t sleep without thinking about that night. Aster seduced him and said that he felt very hot, but Aster ran away before they could do anything, probably because he was too scared. ''If I hold him tighter that night, maybe it would be a wonderful night for both of us. He is like a scared white bunny, as long as I can force him a bit'' ''I can take him to Kingdom Rhea and marry him'' Gamasiel was ecstatic when he saw Aster sitting quietly on the bed. He was entranced with this figure of Aster showered by the moonlight, like a goddess. Aster''s wavy golden hair bounced whenever he shook his head, his perfect facial featurebined with his deep blue eyes and golden circle. He was still as pale as before, but now it looked like he had grown a bit, it showed the mix of purity and maturity, a strange mix that bewitched people around him, including Gamasiel. ''What Gaum said is right, he does look fascinating. Gamasiel recollected his calmness, he didn''t want to scare Aster again. He sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "Are you okay now?" Aster was still alerted, but he smiled and said, "Yes, I''m okay, just a bit weak. I thank Lord Gamasiel for sheltering me in Vassal Kingdom Rhea." "IIt''s okay, I''m happy that you are safe," Gamasiel fiddled his fingers. He had many thoughts about Aster before, he nned to say many things if they could meet again, but when facing the real person, he became too nervous to utter anything. "Is there something important for Lord Gamasiel toe to my room at this hour? If not, I would like to rest," Aster said. He didn''t want to talk to his possible foe in his vulnerable state, he would be able to deal with him when they were on equal footing, but he was far below Gamasiel now. "II want to make sure about something," Gamasiel said. "I will try my best to give a satisfying answer," Aster braced himself in case this man wanted to pressure him about something. Gamasiel kneeled in front of Aster, he took something from his pocket and presented it in front of Aster. "Will you take this Gardenia of Blooming Desire?" Chapter 143: The Cresthold In Love II Chapter 143: The Cresthold In Love II "Will you take this Gardenia of Blooming Desire?" Aster gazed at the king of Rhea kneeling in front of him and presenting that sacred flower, the Gardenia of Blooming Desire like presenting a birthday cake, an unwanted surprise for him. Aster saw the lustre of the flower showered by the moonlight, it was exactly the same as the one owned by Gaum before. The pink with slight white on the edges, the rare flower every girl had dreamed about. Yet, these brothers handed this to him because they like him, like small children with their puppy love. ''Do they understand how sacred and important this oath of gardenia is? The rarity and importance of the gardenia of blooming desire?'' Instead of happiness, Aster got annoyed instead. He felt like a maiden proposed by the white knight, the maiden does nothing but to wait for the white knight toe and save her like a damsel in distress, which disgusted him. ''I''m not weak and I will not let myself look weak in front of everyone, including this person.'' Aster gazed at Gamasiel''s deep gaze, then asked, "Lord Gamasiel should know that presenting Gardenia of Blooming Desire is a sacred tradition, to hand it like this, it''s disgraceful." "I know about the tradition, and I do not joke about this," Gamasiel said firmly. "We barely know each other, it is strange for Lord Gamasiel to hand me the sacred flower," Aster replied nonchntly. "But you are in my dream every day, you are haunting me with your presence in my head,and I do not want anyone other than you to be my queen. I please trust me, I will make you happy," Gamasiel said sincerely. His eyes were full of hope. "You are being ridiculous," Aster rolled his eyes, "Lord Gamasiel, I do not marry someone that I don''t know much, and I will not be a queen, that is humiliating, I am a man." Gamasiel''s hand trembled, he didn''t expect Aster to be so harsh on him. His gaze darkened, he said, "At least, please take my gardenia." If someone rejected a marriage proposal, but still epted the flower, then he or she was still unsure, and he or she would have one week to reconsider before giving the final answer. Gamasiel still hoped that Aster took his gardenia, at least. But Aster shook his head and said, "I don''t want to ept it, I don''t want to give any hope to you, Lord Gamasiel." Gamasiel immediately grabbed Aster''s hand and put his gardenia in Aster''s palm forcefully, "You should ept this first and reconsider, I will wait for a week." "I refuse." Aster said harshly. "I will wait for a week," Gamasiel repeated, "Please remember that you are now in Vassal Kingdom Rhea without the protection from your grand duchy." "Are you threatening me with my position now?" Aster red. "Just please reconsider, for now, you are not able to leave this pce for the whole week until I get my answer," Gamasiel said. Gamasiel turned his back and left the room. The Gardenia of Blooming Desire was still in Aster''s palm, he really wanted to rip this gardenia in his hand, but he didn''t want to spark more anger in Gamasiel. Aster had thought that this ce was safe, but he didn''t realize that his past deed caught on him. He wouldn''t have been stuck in this kind of situation if not because he agreed with Rosalie and Charles'' n back then. Aster looked at the gardenia, and then put it inside the small drawer beside his bed uncaringly. He needed a rest to think clearly tomorrow morning. *** Gamasiel walked silently to his chamber. He slumped on the bed weakly and sighed deeply. "Is this even correct? I love him, but I just abruptly proposed to him, I feel like being forceful to him is too much. He looks mad and scared at the same time," Gamasiel said. "It''s okay, brother. Aster has a big pride, it''s hard to conquer him," Gaum said calmly. Gaum often came to his brother''s chamber and talked about the state affair or just sibling talk here, because Gamasiel trusted no one but his brother and vice versa. Gamasiel murmured, "I hope that he will reciprocate my feeling." "He will, don''t worry. Just trust me, with you marrying Aster, we could merge the Grand Duchy Stormhill with Vassal Kingdom Rhea and stabilize the kingdom," Gaum reminded Gamasiel of the benefit of marrying Aster. Gamasiel frowned, "That is not the most important thing, Aster doesn''t need to merge his house with us, as long as he would marry me, I''m more than satisfied." "Yes, brother, I was just giving you some reassurance. What you are doing now is the right step," Gaum exined. "Hmm." Gamasiel nodded. He didn''t like the expression of his white bunny showing disgust towards him. ''Maybe Aster was indeed too nervous and shocked,'' Gamasiel pondered. Gaum left the room with a smirk on his face. He didn''t know that his brother trusted him so much that Gamasiel took his advice point nk. He liked his brother when he was mighty and capable, but now he had turned into a daydreaming king. Gaum was way too tired to work for his vassal kingdom. He went from one country to another, attending as many parties as he could while assisting him for the throne. ''Because Gamasiel is basically useless as the king now, why not give the Kingdom Rhea''s throne to me instead? I''m much more capable.'' ''But still, I can''t believe he actually proposed to Aster that way.'' Gaum was still amazed by his brother''s braveness and stupidity. Of course, Aster would be mad, his brother basically pressured Aster to say yes in a dire situation like this. ''Gamasiel is really lovestruck, I guess people in love really do be stupid,'' Gaum chuckled. ''Not me of course, I love Aster, but he is something I can''t get unless I can overpower him. I will y it slow until I can capture him.'' Gaum had thought about it, Aster was a prideful young lord, he could only be owned by overpowering him. But Gaum was still nothing now. ''Aster will struggle against Gamasiel, this is the best way to measure how powerful this caged canary is.'' Gaum was amazed on how well Aster handled the politics around his duchy, although he was still not as prolific as his mother, Grand Duchess. But Aster had the quality. Gaum didn''t want to face his future lover as an enemy without knowing what Aster was capable of. Aster was in a disadvantaged position right now and he was facing the king of a vassal kingdom, if he passed this, then Gaum would take better measures in order to overpower himter. Gaum''s smirk widened. ''And when I defeat Aster into submission, I can have everything, including him too.'' *** Aster was sullen in the morning, he didn''t have a good sleep. ''I''m yet to deal with my mother first, but this bastard king just gives me another trouble.'' Knock! Knock! "Who?" Aster asked. "It''s Ramuja, Young Lord," Ramuja replied from outside. Aster''s countenance brightened slightly, he said with a softer voice, "Come in, Ramuja." The door opened with Ramuja bringing a trolley of fresh food, "Young Lord, please eat breakfast first, you must be hungry, I hope this will replenish your energy." Ramuja took out a warm chicken porridge from the trolley and sat beside his master. He scooped the porridge with a spoon and fed his master. Aster was a bit ufortable with Ramuja feeding him like this, thus he said, "My body is okay, I can eat it myself." "No, Young Lord, you need to preserve your strength, please let this servant feed you. You did this to me too, once." Aster remembered that he indeed fed Ramuja in the workers hut, and that was because Ramuja epted his punishment and refused to eat anything because Aster told him so. Aster''s heart softened, his worries dissipated slightly. He smiled and opened his mouth. This was the first time someone fed him except his mother, but of course the intention was different. Because every time Ramuja fed him with a spoonful of porridge, Ramuja''s face beamed with ecstatic smiles, as if feeding Aster was one of the greatest pleasures for Ramuja. ''Because you keep doing this to me, Ramuja. Your small gesture, your hidden happiness, it''s all like an open book to me.'' ''How can I not fall in love with you?'' Aster''s cheek turned red. He lowered his head and said, "I''m full, you can take the trolley away. Also, prepare a warm bath for me." "Yes, Young Lord." Ramuja went outside to prepare for a warm bath. Aster calmed his heart down, because staying around Ramuja too much was not good for his heart. He could feel his heartbeat quickened every time they were close. While waiting for his warm bath, Aster wondered what he could do in one week to fight this crazy king. But he was disadvantaged, the only thing he could do was Aster''s eyes darted on the door, he called Irion who was outside, "Irion,e here!" Irion hurried to his master and kneeled, "Yes, Young Lord." Aster''s smile disappeared, he immediately asked, "How many hidden soldiers and shadow guards have we trained so far?" Chapter 144: To Ruin an Incompetent King Chapter 144: To Ruin an Ipetent King "How many hidden soldiers and shadow guards have we trained so far?" Irion was stupefied with his master''s sudden question. He counted all the current shadow guards in his training and he replied, "We have around thirty shadow guards, Young Lord." Aster took a relieved breath, "That''s more than I expected, good." "Young Lord, may I know why are you asking this so suddenly?" Irion asked. Aster sighed and opened the drawer beside the bed. He took out a preserved, pink-white beautiful flower and showed it to Irion. "I got this thing," Aster replied. Irion remembered the time Jain told him that his master received a Gardenia of Blooming Desire by the second prince of Vassal Kingdom Rhea. Since it was a very important symbolism in Golden Camellia, giving it to someone that you didn''t think deeply was just in stupid. ''But there is no way that Gaum has two Gardenia of Blooming Desire, unless!'' "Young Lord, did Gamasiel, King of Rhea, give the gardenia to you?" Young Lord nodded unwillingly, "I do not n to ept it, but he forced me. He even threatened me with my status as a runaway. He is sheltering me here, and he simply traps me until I give him the ''final'' answer." "Young Lord, what is your final answer?" Irion asked. "Of course, no! I don''t know him much, at least I thought he was a decent man. But he dared to force me in my current status and took advantage of it!" Aster gritted his teeth. He was furious with Gamasiel''s cowardly attitude. It was unbefitting for a king to take the opportunity while his enemy was disadvantaged, like kicking an already defenceless puppy. Irion observed that Young Lord''s eyes had turned slightly dark, he said, "This guard will follow your order, Young Lord. What should I do?" Aster had nned about it, before this, he had read information about all the houses that were allies or enemies of the grand duchy. He collected their past and current rumours from his informants and noted it, in case he needed to fight them himself. When he read the rumours about Vassal Kingdom Rhea, it was noted that Kingdom Rhea''s citizen was extremely patriotic, thus, if someone was there to sow discord within the citizen of Rhea, it would be impossible. They loved their king so much with all his ipetence. Vassal Kingdom Rhea had undefeatable citizen morale, with charismatic kings and their loyal citizens and soldiers, but there was something noticeably disturbing in this powerfulbination. "You know that Rhea has disturbingly loyal citizens and soldiers?" Aster asked. Irion frowned, because he never saw the citizen of Rhea as ''disturbingly loyal.'' He called them nationalistic instead, "This subordinate doesn''t understand Young Lord''s n, begging Young Lord to borate." "Well, disturbingly loyal as in, they never questioned the state''s decision-making and just epted everything that their past and current kings did," Aster thought of something sinister, at first, he thought it was too much of a scheme. But when he remembered that this man was going to disgrace him by making him the queen, Aster steeled his heart. ''He deserves this.'' "I want to test their loyalty if they saw their already useless king neglecting all his royal duty to spend time with a man, especially if that man is bewitching him into making bad decisions." Aster said coldly. "Young Lord, will you make a rumour out of it?" "Not Just a rumor, I want them to riot against their own king because of this," Aster uttered coldly. He had thought about it and found that the best way to ruin this devoted country was to let the citizen itself decide what would happen. "... certainly, Young Lord." "We have few shadow guards, right?" "Yes, Young Lord." "Summon them to my side tonight and I will tell the rest of the n," Aster ordered firmly. "Young Lord, you will not let yourself be touched by him, right?" Irion raised his head, "I shall follow your orders, but if that order includes you being disgraced, then pardon my impertinence, I will interfere with your n, Young Lord." Aster smiled mysteriously. He had expected Irion would say that. "You are underestimating me, I will not let myself be taken easily," Aster stared down at this Gardenia of Blooming Desire on his hand, which was owned by the king of Vassal Kingdom Rhea. Aster smirked and put the flower behind his left ear and said, "In fact, I shall return to my grand duchy with Rhea state soldiers working under my order." Irion saw that his master''s eyes turned darker even more, which made him shuddered with both fear and awe. He never saw someone so brave while facing such a dire situation. "I shall not doubt you anymore, Young Lord." Tap. Tap. Tap. They heard familiar footsteps approaching. Aster knew that it was Ramuja, before Irion withdrew, he told Irion, "Teach him to be a knight too, so he can protect himself. I don''t want him to get hurt here." "Certainly, Young Lord," Irion said as he withdrew back to his station outside. Aster put the flower inside the drawer again and sat calmly on his bed. Ramuja returned while holding a big bucket of hot water. Since this was a guest room, there was no pipe for running hot water, thus, Ramuja had to do it manually by bringing a big bucket of hot water and preparing the bath. After everything had been set, Ramuja returned to Aster. He was full of sweat, but he seemed happy, "Young Lord, the bath is ready." Ramuja also put a box that he was given this morning to Aster, "This is a set of clothes given by Prince Gaum for you, Young Lord." Aster nodded, he saw Ramuja was sweating so much because he had to do extra work by bringing heavy bucket of hot water from the pce kitchen to Aster''s bathroom. Aster joked, "Maybe we should take a bath together, you are sweaty." Ramuja was struck with his master''s statement. He blushed instantly and stammered, "YYoung Lord, BBut thatthat is not proper for us to uhm share a bath together." "I''m just joking," Aster giggled. He stood from the bed slowly and walked to the bathroom, he nced at Ramuja who was still staring at him dumbly, "Why are you still here? Leave, I will call you after I''m done." Ramuja nodded silently and walked out of the room. Irion was standing outside to guard the room, and Ramuja was beside him. There was no sound until Irion broke the silence and said, "After Young Lord ordered us to leave his room, you shall train with me today." Ramuja nced at Irion''s serious countenance and nodded, "Yes, thank you." Irion side eyed Ramuja while silently observing this guy. He still didn''t understand where did that monstrous strength go when he was around Young Lord. ''He was monstrously strong if it was about Young Lord''s safety, but he was so docile and fidgety when around Young Lord what a freak,'' Irion judged in his heart. But he didn''t doubt this guy''s strength at all, because sometimes, Ramuja can be very creepy when training. Like at the day when Young Lord ran away from the duchy, in the morning, Irion punished him with one hundred push ups. Other guards-in-training would die out of exhaustion, but Ramuja didn''t, in fact, Ramuja did the push up while he was dazed. He could even see Ramuja drooling, smiling andughing while doing the push ups. ''Well, as long as he does his job.'' Aster finished his bath and dressed up for the day, he opened the door and saw Ramuja and jain standing in front of his door like a pair of obedient guards, Aster smiled, he said, "Call the pce butler, you guys can go and train outside." "Understood, Young Lord!" Irion and Ramuja said together. They left Aster alone, then not long after, a butler rushed to Aster''s room. "Yes, sir, may I help you with something?" "Hnn, escort me to the Second Prince Gaum Cresthold''s office," Aster said. The butler escorted Aster to a room on the eastern part of the pce, a room with a wooden carved with an illustration of a robin bird and his name on it. Aster sneered in his heart, ''This guy is really vain.'' Aster entered the room and found Gaum grinning devilishly. He sat on the sofa while eating some fruits as a snack, "Have you considered me as your suitor now? How about it? Dare to be my partner?" "No." Aster replied short and cold. "Ouch, you just hurt me," Gaumughed, he patted the seat beside him and said, "Come here, I need some morning cuddle." "That''s not going to happen," Aster smiled, he sat on the opposite of Gaum. He crossed his leg and said, "Howe you are not in the pce court? This is Monday morning, shouldn''t you go and report to your king?" Gaumughed ironically, "Gamasiel is still sleeping, or maybe daydreaming. We haven''t had any Monday court for years, hees only for two hours and then leaves the court to daydream again." "Daydream? About what?" Aster asked. Gaum stopped munching his snack, he gazed deeply at Aster and smiled mysteriously, "Well, random things about someone." Gaumughed mirthlessly, there was a trace of anger and mockery in his eyes, which he concealed immediately, "How do you not know who is in his daydream every day and night, future queen?" Chapter 145: To Ruin an Incompetent King II Chapter 145: To Ruin an Ipetent King II Obviously, Aster knew who Gaum was referring to. But he kept pressuring him, "Why are you referring to me as the future queen?" "Do you think I don''t know that he proposed to youst night?" Gaum sneered, "I let hime to your room just to relieve his stupid daydream and then restore his previous self. He needs to lead as a king." "I do not ept his advance at all," Aster replied. "But you epted his gardenia!" Gaum sulked, he leaned on the sofa and crossed his arm. He refused to look at Aster. Aster observed Gaum''s behavior, his golden circle glinted sharply. There was something off with this behavior, a weird feeling that alerted him to stay vignt from Gaum as well. ''I cannot trust Gaum either, but this is the best way to do it. If he is truthful, I shall salvage him, but if he is not I will let him rot with his brother.'' Aster decided to y around and said, "He forced me to ept it, but, what if I be the queen of Kingdom Rhea? What is the problem?" "Because the king is not me!" Gaum dered loudly. Aster was startled, and then chuckled, "I''m just joking, I won''t be anyone''s queen. But it seems Second Prince Gaum also has his ambition." Gaum looked away, "Of course, I want to give the best for my kingdom too." "Understandable," Aster smiled. He fished out something from his pocket and slid it on the table. Gaum nced and his eyes widened instantly. He saw a silver pin shaped like a stringless harp with the letter ''A'' in the middle. "YYou are giving me this?" Gaum asked. He slowly stretched his hand and took the pin. He caressed it with his finger. He had been wanting this new pin for a while, because this was the sign that Aster trusted him. Silver pin was only given to people with close bonds. ''But, why now? When I''m scheming against him?'' There was a trace of guilt in Gaum''s heart. He never wanted to harm Aster, but he desired Aster so much. In order to measure how powerful Aster really is, Gaum had to turn Gamasiel against Aster. Aster sighed, "Of course I''m giving it to you. You know, I''ve been nning to give that to you sometimes after the autumn banquet. I''ve been thinking, since you gave me your golden pin, I should at least hand you my silver pin." "So, this means you trust me?" Gaum asked hesitatingly. He hoped that Aster would say something ridiculous to alleviate his guilt, but instead, Aster nodded and gave his sincere smile. "I trust you. I hope we can be closer after this." Gaum was stupefied. His guilt almost took over him and made him say sorry in front of Aster. He gulped nervously. There was something in Aster''s sincere smile that smitten him. ''Is he really sincere to me? For what? I don''t have anything else other than my status and my appearance.'' ''Then, what I did to him I feel so evil.'' Aster predicted what was in Gaum''s mind and said, "You know, I''m someone who got very ufortable near people, they scared me. But when I''m with you, that disgust and fear disappeared, maybe because you are also sincere to me, right?" "YYes." "Well, since you have nothing to do today, why don''t you give me a tour around the pce?" After Aster gave him the silver pin and dered that he trusted him, Gaum somehow felt nervous and embarrassed. He couldn''t do his usual smooth flirting, instead, he looked like a kid knowing what is first love. Gaum nodded stiffly, like a robot, "Well, so this is you, asking me for a date?" "Huh?" Aster raised his eyebrows, "WWell, I need someone to gui" "Say no more!" Gaum stood from the sofa and held Aster''s hand, "I will give you a full tour! We could probably spend the whole day until dinner! This pce is very wide and we have to walk slowly!" "Wha" Gaum grabbed Aster''s hand and dragged him outside. At first, Gaum was walking fast, almost half running. But then, he started walking slowly, trying to enjoy the time between them. Gaum didn''t let go his hand, which made Aster slightly ufortable, "Gaum, let go." "I should hold you! What if you got lost!" Gaum threw a childish alibi. He was enjoying the moment when he held Aster''s soft hand. Aster''s hand was very soft and smooth, but it wasn''t the thing that made him seemingly entranced, it was the fact that he was holding Aster''s hand in the public. He felt like he wanted to show this to everyone, thus, whenever he saw a servant or a guard passing by, he puffed his chest and tightened his hand around Aster''s. Meanwhile, Aster was concerned that Ramuja would see this and might misunderstand. He didn''t want Ramuja to feel the same way when he saw the kiss between him and Charles. They paced around from one corridor to the next, to another tower and so on until they were passing through the king''s private corridor. This corridor only had one room, the king''s room. It was said that Gamasiel never let anyone in his corridor except his brother and the guards and servants who cleaned the area. Aster''s step halted, "Isn''t this the king''s corridor?" "Yes." "Then we should leave," Aster frowned. He was going to turn back, but Gaum dragged him. "Don''t worry, you have me here?" Gaum said proudly. They paced around the king''s corridor slowly, just when they were passing Gamasiel''s room, the door was opened and Gamasiel finally readied himself with his king garb. Aster and Gamasiel''s eyes met. Gamasiel''s eyes softened when he saw Aster. He thought Aster wanted to say good afternoon to him, but when he saw Aster''s hand was being held by his little brother, Gamasiel turned grim. "Why are you holding his hand?" "Oh? Of course, to guide him around the pce," Gaum replied with his signature smug smirk. Gamasiel was dreaming about Aster against night, he dreamt Aster epted his proposal and they live together, they adopted many children and had a fulfilling life together. It was unfortunate that he woke up and had to do this mundane task of a king again. Gamasiel nced at Aster''s ufortable frown and concluded that he didn''t want this either. Gaum was probably forcing him to do so. ''Aster still needs time to be alone and Gaum is already dragging him around like a trophy, does he want to disturb Aster''s mind so Aster would reject my proposal?!'' Bad thoughts swirled around his head. Gamasiel pushed Gaum and separated Gaum''s hand from Aster. Aster took a few steps back and watched the Cresthold brothers fighting against each other. "Why do you want to drag him around like a trophy! Aster needs some time alone!" "You have no right over me or him! He let me escort him around, so I did!" Gaum had the urge to show the silver pin Aster had just given to him. But somehow, he didn''t want anyone to look at this silver pin. Because this was the sign of sincerity from Aster. Aster was watching from the sideline. Gaum and Gamasiel started spouting insults to each other, it escted when Gaum said, "You are just a useless king! And you think you deserve more?!" Gamasiel grabbed Gaum''s cor and pulled him. Gamasiel was furious because Gaum started calling him a useless king. He devoted his life for Kingdom Rhea when he was a general, he fought in many bloody wars for the empire, so his kingdom could have a better position in the empire. Yet, this good for nothing kid, always wasted his life with women and focusing too much on his handsome face dared to call him a useless king. "Don''t you dare call me that again, you have no merit to challenge my position here. You might be my brother, but I will not spare you." Gaum didn''t beg, his face didn''t even show the slightest fear. He spat on Gamasiel''s face and mocked, "Useless king." "You!" Aster was cheering in his heart, everything he nned works well so far. In fact, it worked perfectly. In order to execute thest n for today, Aster finally stepped in and hugged Gamasiel from behind. He held the retch in his mouth, trying so hard not to vomit. Because hugging anyone except Ramuja felt so disgusting. ''This is for him, for us.'' Aster steeled his heart. "Gamasiel, stop!" Aster said. He circled his hand around Gamasiel''s stomach. Gamasiel, who already raised his hand to hit Gaum, halted his movement. He lowered his head and saw Aster with his pleading eyes shook his head slowly, "He is your brother, don''t beat your own sibling." Gamasiel was caught in the deep whirlpool of tenderness when he saw Aster pleading for someone else''s life because he hated violence. He loosened his grip on Gaum''s cor and dropped him on the floor. ''Aster is really a gentle person.'' Gamasiel thought. After Gamasiel dropped Gaum, Aster grabbed Gamasiel''s hand and said, "Let me apany you instead." Gamasiel nodded and they left Gaum who still tried to catch his breath after Gamasiel almost choked him to death. But Gaum''s eyes didn''t leave Aster figure, he thought Aster didn''t care about him until he saw Aster nced at him slightly and his lips moved, creating a silent word, ''Sorry.'' Gaum''s heart was burning with fury, he red at Gamasiel, he never had such strong hatred to anyone before, and his hatred was now directed towards his brother. He cursed, "Bastard!" Chapter 146: To Ruin an Incompetent King III Chapter 146: To Ruin an Ipetent King III Aster was pacing around the corridor with Gamasiel, then he stopped in front of the king public chamber where the officials already gathered to report about the current affairs and troubles in Rhea. "This is the public chamber, right?" Aster asked. "Yes, let''s go inside. I have plenty of work to do," Gamasiel said, he wanted to hold Aster''s hand, but Aster took a few steps back and shook his head. "It''s best for me not to go in, I will leave now." "Why?" Gamasiel frowned, wouldn''t it be better if Aster was present in front of the court? So, the minister would know him and came to respect himter on. "Because I''m just a refugee here," there was a trace of sadness in Aster''s face, "My duchy might be able to stand side by side with Rhea, but I don''t bear that name now. You should do your duty well as the king, your ministers are waiting for you." "Then, where will you go? Will you wait for me?" Gamasiel asked. "It''s okay, I will ask Gaum about the pceyout," Aster smiled. However, that smile was like a kitten who just got abandoned by his master. He lowered his head and turned his back. Gamasiel immediately held Aster''s hand to halt him, "You are going with Gaum again?" "What do you mean?" Aster raised his brows, "I had spent more time with Gaum before. We talked about many things together, of course I''m familiar with him." Gamasiel stared at Aster''s deep blue eyes, the more he gazed at those mesmerizing eyes, the more he wanted to indulge. When he heard that Aster was familiar with Gaum, there was a fire in his heart. "What about me? What do you think about me?" Gamasiel asked. "I know that you are the king of Rhea, and that''s it. The reason why I reject your gardenia right off the bat was because I don''t know much about you. How could you marry someone you just met? Who gave you that idea anyway? This is not a fairytale." Aster''s words pped him on the cheek. It gradually restored his rationality, he just realized that he was living in a fantasy world. And he forced Aster into his fantasy. Of course, Aster would be mad. Gamasiel remembered what Gaum said before, that Aster would immediately ept his proposal, if he rejected it, that meant he was just shy. If Gamasiel thought about it rationally, of course what Gaum said was bullshit! ''Gaum! He trapped me! He wants Aster to hate me and use it for his benefit!'' Gamasiel stared at Aster''s ufortable expression and he loosened his grip on Aster''s hand. "That I''m sorry." "Well, I recount that King Gamasiel is a very popr bachelor in Golden Camellia. I believe you can find a better partner, we don''t know much about each other, we might not fit," Aster freed his hand from Gamasiel and walked away. ''But I want you, and only you.'' "Aster, we should spend more time now," Gamasiel tailed Aster from behind. "You have your king duty, you know how important that is?" Aster warned. "You can''t abandon the king duty just for a refugee like me, your officials will be displeased." "But" "King Gamasiel should go now, I don''t want you to be in trouble," Aster warned him again, "Remember, a monarch''s duty is to make sure that everything went well and his subjects are well off. I believe you can make that happen." With that, Aster walked off and left Gamasiel alone. Gamasiel stood alone in the corridor. Aster was very sincere when he reminded him about his king duty, about how Aster cared for his position. ''He is such a tender, yet strong man. I can''t believe I''ve missed the opportunity to be with such a perfect partner.'' Gamasiel finally walked towards the public chamber and opened the door. There were people immediately kneeling in front of him, they were his officials with many troubles he needed to solve. Each time an official came to him to report and asked what he should do, Gamasiel just gave a half-assed answer, because his mind was not there. He kept thinking about Aster. His perfect face, mesmerizing eyes, and his tender yet strong attitude. Something that would nevere twice. ''I think, I''m really in love with him.'' Aster sneered after he returned back to his room. He didn''t need to force Gamasiel to forget about his duty, because that man woulde to him anyway. ''The best way is to bait him with caring words, so he would think that I care, after that, he should have even more trouble with his officials.'' Aster smirked. He already created enough discord between Gamasiel and Gaum, which was the most important thing. With this, Gaum would struggle against Gamasiel as he had his own ambition. Because he couldn''t destroy the fanatic trust of the people in Rhea for the kings, he should let the king destroy himself. And the people''s faith would crumble after. ''Gamasiel is extremely popr and well known to be a good king, with him ruining Rhea, it would be hard for people to trust anyone after him.'' Aster racked up his brainst night toe up with meticulous, but he was stuck until he realized the probability of Ramuja seeing him and Gamasiel getting married. Aster didn''t want to see what would happen to Ramuja. Because with a kiss from Charles, Ramuja was already so heartbroken. ''I will not let him feel any pain anymore! Let me bear the pain, so he could live!'' Aster felt the same warm feeling flowing around his body, and his golden circle flickered. Then, Aster immediately thought of something, to divide the monarchs and rule the kingdom, he needed to destroy the two brothers first. Heid on the bed while staring at the ceiling, ''Why am I like this? How did I suddenlyy a perfect n after I imagined Ramuja?'' Aster had thought that Ramuja must''ve bewitched him with something. But the more he closed his eyes to imagine about this servant, the more he saw a dumb bear that gave him a sunflower after running two hours straight, the one that would fuss over his food consumption because he was afraid that Aster would get sick ''And the one that risked his life to save me, even though he was not strong at all, so dumb.'' Yet, he loved this dumb bear with all his awkwardness. Because with him, Aster could feel the warmth and safety he had always wanted. He was someone who could see through people''s lies easily, but with Ramuja, all he saw was a sincere and honest person. ''I will fulfil my promise to you Ramuja, because I lov'' Knock. Knock. Aster nced at the door, and the door was knocked once more, "Who?" The one at the door didn''t answer, instead, he just opened the door and entered. He grinned at Aster with his signature devilish grin and used a spare key and locked the door. "Gaum? What''s the matter? Aster asked. Gaum took off his vest and threw it on the side, then he sat beside Aster and said, "How is it, with my brother? What n is in your head now? Let''s discuss it." "I don''t understand," Aster said. He tried to distance himself from Gaum, but Gaum approached him again. "You want me to get rid of Gamasiel, right?" "Wha" "I know that you are ufortable around him, so, let''s just eliminate him," Gaum smiled, "I''ve nned to usurp the throne anyway." "Gaum, you should think about this clearly. Eliminating Gamasiel would have a bigger impact than just you recing him as the new king. He has way more important roles than just a stand-in king." Gaum looked displeased, because it hurt his ego more than anything. He tried his best to make the kingdom stay afloat even after Miss udia cancelled all the support from her family and the death of Her Majesty Empress. He tried his best and miraculously able to salvage the crumbling kingdom. And Aster said that Gamasiel was not a stand-in king. Gaum clenched his fist, he tried his best to leash his fury in front of Aster, "You think he is more important and more capable than me?" "Don''t put words in my mouth," Aster frowned, "I never say that." "Then, between me and Gamasiel, which one do you prefer more?" Aster saw the hopeful eyes of Gaum waiting to be chosen, Aster smiled and said, "You hold my silver pin, of course, I feel morefortable with you, but it''s not only about that. To eliminate Gamasielpletely, you need to prove that you are more capable than him." "So, you choose me?" Gaum''s was really hopeful that Aster would say yes, but instead, Aster chuckled and said: "You are more than you look." Gaum was stupefied with that simple sentence. ''I am more than I look? So that means he thinks I am way more capable.'' ''Somebody admits that I''m a capable person, not a useless flirt!'' ''And he is damn right about it!'' That simple sentence moved his heart. Because he had always lived under his brother''s shadow, but there was one person that believed he was capable. Gaum could finally lift the stone in his heart, he was scared that Aster would just abandon him after he saw the pathetic disy before. "That''s more than enough," Gaum smiled, he pecked Aster''s cheek and took his vest, "I will prove it to you, watch me, darling." Gaum unlocked the door and left the room. Gaum''s footsteps were getting farther and Aster smiled mysteriously, he said a word in a low voice. "Jackpot." Chapter 147: To Ruin an Incompetent King IV Chapter 147: To Ruin an Ipetent King IV Three days after that chain of events, there was a slight change in the Kingdom of Rhea. The officials were not happy with how their king arrivedte every day and didn''t seem to care about the kingdom affairs at all. He always gave a half assed answer that didn''t help. Meanwhile, Second Prince Gaum started to aggressively kick all the officials who worked as treasury officials. Because he was the chief treasurer, he added his own men as the new officials for the treasury and budgeting. This move was an obvious disy of disrespect towards his brother, King Gamasiel. Because all the previous officials inside the treasury and budgeting were his men. They''ve worked tirelessly so the kingdom would stay afloat. Thus, when Gamasiel heard this, he flew into scorching fury and mmed Gaum''s office. "Gaum! What did you do?!" Gaum was sitting on his chair while signing some documents, this was to legalize the new officials who were his own men. He kept signing the documents, he opened his mouth but didn''t even bother to look at his brother. He replied nonchntly, "I need to work with people I can trust." "People you can trust? They are all trustworthy!" "I don''t even trust you, how could I trust your men?" Gaum finally nced at Gamasiel once and continued reading the documents. Gamasiel had never seen tant disrespect and that disrespect came from the little brother he protected since he was a baby. Gamasiel strode towards Gaum''s desk and mmed it with his hand. BAM! The stacked documents fell and scattered around. Gaum finally stood from the chair and red at his brother, "Leave before I call the guards." Gaum said in a low threatening voice. But Gamasiel felt insulted instead. Because Gaum never dared to tell him to leave. "You dare to threaten me? Your king and brother?" Gamasiel asked. Gaum sneered instead, he took a document from the desk drawer and handed it on Gamasiel''s face. "This is the record of Kingdom Rhea''s budget for two years before I took the position as chief treasurer and see how useless you and your men really were." Gamasiel didn''t read the documents that were shoved to him, because he knew that it was indeed a terrible record. Kingdom Rhea almost got ruined because the economy was crumbling. The reason was because of the failed engagement of King Gamasiel and Miss udia, the daughter of the richest merchant in Golden Camellia. Because the financial support her family had given were enormous, it rooted deep inside Rhea and when it was cancelled, the entire economy almost copsed. "I will not see your stupid data! But you cannot fire all of them! Take them back to your office!" "I will not do that," Gaum said, "You should know that you are not a good king." "What did you say?!" Gamasiel pulled Gaum''s cor, but there was no trace of panic in Gaum''s eyes. Heughed instead, "Do you think I will be scared if you hit me?" Gamasiel raised his hand, but when he was going to hit Gaum, he remembered this guy when he was a baby, continuously followed him everywhere and always saw him in that starry eyes, like a boy meeting his idol. Now all that had turned into this. ''How could I hit my only sibling'' Gamasiel sighed, he lowered his hand again and released Gaum. Gaum sneered and said, "I''m much more important than what you made me be." "Stop this, just return everything back to normal," Gamasiel said. He tried to cool down, because he got carried away before. However, Gaum''s smile turned into a smirk and heughed. "Rather than returning everything back to normal, I would rather make a new one. You are ipetent, brother," Gaum gave smug grin to Gamasiel. Which finally broke the straw of the camel''s back, Gamasielnded a hard punch on Gaum''s cheek. Gaum was punched and his body flew to the bookshelf, he slumped to the ground. He felt his cheek was so painful that it almost numb. Gamasiel stepped towards Gaum and kicked his stomach. "Urk!" Gaum groaned in pain. "I''ve worked tirelessly for Rhea! I went to many wars and campaigns so Rhea could have a better future! I was going to marry a woman that I hated because her wealthy father would supply Rhea! And you are telling me that I''m ipetent?! You are a useless kid!" After Gamasiel''s anger subsided, he saw a beaten Gaumying on the ground. He immediately carried him and brought him to the pce doctor. His wounds got treated, but when the doctor asked what happened, Gamasiel said nothing and left with guilt in his heart. *** "This is the correct information about what happened yesterday, right?" Aster asked Irion. "Yes, Young Lord." "Then, summon around seven shadow guards now," Aster ordered. Irion nodded and opened the window. He threw a bell to the ground and not long after, seven shadow guards came from the window. Aster noticed that their movements were not as agile as Jain. Because he could see their physiques entering the room, while he could only see Jain''s shadow when he entered the room. ''Jain'' There was a trace of sadness in Aster''s face, but he tried to conceal it, because there were seven shadow guards kneeling in front of him, waiting for hismand. "Raise your head," Astermanded. The shadow guards raised their heads, and some of them actually gasped while the others were just stunned silly. They never saw their real master up until now. But Sir Irion always said that their real master, Aster Di Arlingdon, is a mesmerizing master, physically and intellectually. Aster chuckled lightly, "What''s with your expression? Do I look weird?" One shadow guard couldn''t help but replied, "No, master, it''s just I thought I saw a moon goddess tonight'' Aster was used to this kind ofpliment, but it was funny because it came from the mouth of a shadow guard. He usually saw highly experienced shadow guards, not a trainee like these. "My name is Aster di Arlingdon, I am your master and I shall bring glory to all of you as long as you follow me," Aster dered with confidence. The shadow guards were staring in awe. Most of them were either runaway or abandoned by their family and society. Thus, when they were approached by Sir Irion, they were given food, shelter, and purpose. They were treated well, with the cost of their loyalty to their true master, Aster di Arlingdon. "Yes, master!" Aster smiled. He didn''t want to harm any of them, and he didn''t want to give them a harsh task, because they were not proficient yet. "I will give all of you a simple task. Kingdom Rhea has five districts and two of them are the main cities. I will order two shadow guards in the main city and two others in another city, then the rest will be evenly spread out on the smaller districts." "Your task is to spreada rumor around, go to the bar, the park, anywhere, and spread the rumor that King Gamasiel and Prince Gaum were in terrible fights and the state might be in danger, tell them that King Gamasiel was enamored with a fox man, so he forget about his king duty." "You can also add the rumor that Prince Gaum was trying to save the kingdom and confronted his older brother, but King Gamasiel beat him until he was unconscious." The shadow guards listened to their master giving them their first task. They knew that being a shadow guard was never an honorable job, but they were usually provided with enormous wealth and protection from their master. "Understand?" Aster asked. "Yes, master!" "Good, now, all of you will start this mission tomorrow morning, keep spreading the rumor from one mouth to another, so it will be big news." After he gave the order, the shadow guards disappeared from the room, but to Aster''s surprise, they actually disappeared like Jain. Although they were still not as proficient as Jain. But the way they entered the room and when they exited the room were obviously different. "Irion, care to exin?" Irion was seriously furious at these shadow guards. He already instructed them to hide their current training from Young Lord, but it seemed they forgot. "This subordinate told them that they shouldn''t show Jain''s technique in front of you, Young Lord." "Jain''s technique? You mean, the way they exited by just simply disappearing?" "Yes." "Who taught them this? And why do you need to hide it from me?" "Before his death, Jain sent some of his disciples to train the new shadow guards, Young Lord. He said he wants to be useful for you even after his death. The reason why I hide it is maybe Young Lord would rewardI mean, punish me because I couldn''t train them properly. So, you would hit me with a belt or something" Aster facepalmed hard, he forgot that Irion had strange pleasure whenever Aster hit him and verbally insulted him, "Fine, take off your belt." Irion''s face lit up, he immediately took off his metal belt and handed it to Aster. He kneeled in front of Aster while waiting for his punishment eagerly. Aster circled around kneeling Irion, he raised the belt andshed Irion on his back as hard as he could. Irion groaned, but he groaned in pleasure. His body winced, but he winced out of excitement. "Trash guard! You can''t even train them properly! And you call yourself a knight?!" Astershed Irion on his waist, then his thigh, even his hand. There were obvious red marks on Irion''s body, but he didn''t seem to be in pain. "Master! Please punish this useless guard! I''m sorry I''ve failed you! I deserve this!" Irion said while his face was in trance. After half an hour of this kind of y, Irion finally fell to the ground with his mouth drooling with pleasure. It didn''t fit his usual royal guard poise at all. After a while, Irion finally recovered from his extreme pleasure and thanked Young Lord before leaving the room because it was alreadyte at night. Aster sighed, Irion had a really strange pleasure, at least to Aster, it was really strange. Sometimes he felt ufortable doing it, because he was afraid that Irion might die from it. ''It''s okay though, as long as he didn''t teach Ramuja about his preference.'' Aster suddenly had a bit of doubt in his heart, with Irion training Ramuja, that meant Irion and Ramuja were almost always together. ''He didn''t, did he?'' Chapter 148: Trauma Chapter 148: Trauma Three days after the fight between Gamasiel and Gaum, a rumor about them had spread that they fought because Gamasiel was fascinated by a man until he forgot his king duty. Gaum was heavily wounded too. Aster knocked on the door and waited until the door was opened by a maid. Gaum wasying on his bed, his handsome face was full of bruises and his left arm was bandaged. It had been three days but because the bruises were deep, it still looked obvious. Gaum stared at Aster bitterly, then looked away. Aster approached him and sat beside his bed, before he opened his mouth, Gaum ordered the servant first, "Leave now, I have an important discussion with Young Lord Aster." The servants nodded and left the room. There were only Gaum and Aster in the room now. Aster sighed and touched Gaum''s face, Gaum winced but he held his groan, because he didn''t want to look weak in front of Aster. Aster despaired over Gaum''s bandaged arm, "Look at your arm, Gamasiel breaks your arm, right?" "It''s fine," Gaum replied. Although it still hurt like hell. "Why are you doing this?" Aster asked. "Doing what?" "Directly going against your brother, the fight between you and Gamasiel has been leaked and people were talking about you two," Aster bit his lower lip, "Stop this, he will go even crazier." "Why can''t you trust me?" Gaum asked, he was hurt, "I can do this and I will do this." "I just don''t want you to get hurt," Aster sighed, he took out his handkerchief and used the ice water in the basin on the table. He used his handkerchief topress the bruises, "Don''t worry, my handkerchief is very soft. I have thin skin, so rough fabric would bruise me." Gaum could feel the cold, wet handkerchief touch his face. What Aster said was true, the handkerchief was very soft, but the touch of Aster''s finger around his cheek was even softer. It felt like a cold feather bruised around his face that soothed his pain. Gaum''s heart was beating wildly, he was always that bold man who would flirt with any woman and was usually able to charm them with his handsome face and sweet tongue. Sometimes he felt thrilled when he flirted, but this one was different. This one was not the thrill of hunt, but the thrill of being hunted. Each time Aster touched his face, his heartbeat would thump crazily and his mind went wild. He didn''t realize up until now, that Aster was conquering his heart, although Aster might have not realized it yet. Gaum shook his head and said, "Thank you, but you should leave now." Aster sighed, he put the handkerchief in Gaum''s palm, "I''m just worried about you, don''t push yourself too far." "Nn" Gaum hummed and watched Aster leave his room. He gently held the handkerchief that Aster had just given, his face was hot and his heart was beating fast. He nced at himself in the mirror, red faced, looking dumb and fragile. Gaum finally figured something out, ''Did I fall in love with Aster? But I''ve never fallen in love with anyone, I should be the one who got chased by women and men!'' Gaum tried to deny the feeling, ''Why did I fall in love with such a cheap trick anyway! Is this a romance novel? I''m not that easy!'' ''I I don''t love him'' As Gaum tried to wrestle with his own thoughts, he caressed the handkerchief gently. When he imagined Aster worrying about his wellbeing and took care of him, his heart turned mushy again and he grinned like a dumb goat. When he realized it, he already kissed the wet handkerchief. Realizing that he was acting stupid, Gaum wanted to throw the handkerchief, until he realized that the handkerchief was Aster''s gift. Gaum facepalmed while saying in a low voice: "Shit." *** ''Ramuja, Ramuja, Ramuja!'' Aster walked faster to return back to his room. He had done a terrible job at seducing Gaum and while he was doing so, he kept imagining Ramuja in Gaum''s position. So, he wasn''t sure if it actually worked. It was fortunate that he didn''t feel retching or the urge of vomiting when he acted in front of Gaum, but still, he was exactly imagining Ramuja who wasying there and blushed at him. Aster paced faster, he needed to return back and called Ramuja as soon as possible. It was already evening and the sun was setting slowly. The cold winter ising and Aster just wanted to share some warmth with Ramuja. Since he ordered Ramuja to be trained intensively by Irion, thus, Ramuja didn''t have much time because he looked really tired. Ramuja would wobble when Aster summoned him to his room. Probably because of overtraining. Aster wanted to give Ramuja some rest, but when Aster asked whether he was tired or not, he said, ''This is my duty to protect Young Lord, I need to be stronger so you can be safe.'' He said it with utmost certainty, thus, there was nothing that Aster could do. It had been a while since they had a time together, not as master and servant, but as ''As what? A couple?'' Aster had always wanted to say that they were a couple, a partner of life, but he didn''t have any power to legalize their rtionship right now. For a noble like him, to legalize his rtionship with a former ve, he needed to have enormous power so no one could refute him. ''Ramuja, I will definitely make us happen, so, please wait for me, okay?'' Aster entered his room. When he closed the door, his hand body was hugged and pulled to someone''s embrace. Then, that feeling of vomiting invaded his stomach again. These rough hands with the obvious desire to conquer, this chest he was embraced to, it was full of evanescent desire that would soon disappear once fulfilled. "KKing Gamasiel, why are you here?" Aster asked cautiously, he struggled to escape Gamasiel''s embrace to no avail. "It''s been one week since I proposed to you that night with my Gardenia of Blooming Desire, I should have my answer now," Gamasiel said. Aster had expected that Gamasiel woulde to him and ask about his answer, which was very obvious already. But he wasn''t prepared to answer when he was in Gamasiel''s embrace like this. ''I feel like, if I say no, he would choke me to death.'' "Let go first," Aster said. "I will let you go after I get my answer," Gamasiel smiled bitterly, "Rhea is in a bad situation right now, my ministers have been growing displeased to me and there is a rumor too maybe because you are in my head every day, every hour, every second. I need your reason now, so I can finally rx." Aster stopped struggling and looked up to Gamasiel, Gamasiel was staring at the wall nkly, but his grip on Aster''s body tightened. Aster shuddered, this feeling was quite simr to Charles, although not as scary as him. Because Charles'' overbearing aura would make him feeling powerless and cower in fear. The trauma had reminded Aster about that moment in the meadow. Aster gathered his courage and said in a soft tone, "The news about you and Gaum has spread like a wildfire, they said you are enchanted by a vixen man and you forgot all your king duty. Do you think it''s good news?" Gamasiel said nothing, but he shook his head. "Then you know my answer already. If I ept your proposal, they will point their fingers at me and say that I am the evil vixen. As much as I appreciate your dedication to build Kingdom Rhea, I do not want to be the source of your kingdom''s destruction." "You cannot?" Aster shook his head, "I cannot, I''m sorry. But I know that you are a capable and mighty man, you are a popr bachelor in Golden Camellia. In the future, if I gain my foothold again, I will help you to find a good man or woman for you to marry. Is that okay?" Gamasiel tightened his grip in Aster''s body. He dragged Aster on the bed and Aster was pushed onto the bed. "Argh!" Aster groaned. Gamasiel didn''t let him catch a moment of breath. He put his elbow between Aster''s shoulder and his knees between Aster''s waist. He whispered to Aster, "Please reconsider it, I I cannot ept your answer." Aster could feel Gamasiel''s breath on top of him, this reminded him about what happened in the Autumn banquet in Lantern pce, where he almost got taken by Charles. Gamasiel was not as scary as Charles, his aura was not as pressuring. But the feeling was the same. Aster''s body started trembling, his face became paler and he had a terror-stricken countenance. Then, the memory of that night came back to him like a monster ready to devour him, and Aster started sobbing. "Aster?" Gamasiel started to worry, he tried to touch Aster''s face, but his sobs became even louder. Click. The sound of the door being opened with a man carried a food tray, "Young Lord, I''m here with your dinne" Ramuja saw his masterid under King Gamasiel''s body, sobbing loudly and his tears streamed to the bed. nk! The sound of a falling tray destroyed the silence. Chapter 149: Eulogy of the Prince 24 Chapter 149: Eulogy of the Prince 24 "Okay, you are done for today!" Irion said. I dropped the great sword, my body ached all over, sometimes I could feel my arm or my leg tremble uncontrobly, probably because of too much strain. Irion was kind enough to give me a calming oil to rx my muscles, but it was still too much even if I smeared my body with it. "Well, I admit that you are probably the first person to survive this training without quitting or fainting at all," Irionplimented, "Most of them were too weak for this training." Irion''s training was dangerous, it was a full day of sword training with a great sword for hours, 1v1 fight with him sometimes he hit me hard until I couldn''t feel my body at all, also added strength training without a break. "TThen, can I meet Young Lord now?" I asked. My feet wobbled and I fell to the ground. "Take a bath first, you wouldn''t want Young Lord to meet you like this," Irion said. I nodded and walked to the bathroom. Then I took a warm bath to rx my muscles. The pce was kind enough to provide a warm bath in a public bathroom like this. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to rx all of my aching muscles, I imagined something pleasant in order to relieve the stress. ''Me with Young Lord, we are in a carnival. I follow him around and he sees a cotton candy stall and buys one. He eats some, and then offers it to me, with a sweet voice, he says, Darling, eat it with me.'' "Eheheheheh" I giggled embarrassingly while imagining some cheesy scene between me and Young Lord. This was the only way to entertain myself, because if I continued the crazy training without imagining the face of Young Lord, I don''t think I would survive long. ''It seems Young Lord really brings strength to me'' I could vividly imagine the face of my master, the smile pertaining on his face, the cold yet seductive eyes of him, the golden shining hair of his. He was perfect, always perfect in my eyes. Magically, somehow my strength returned and I would be ready for the next day. "Well, it''s time to meet him again," I finished my bath, dressed up and went to the kitchen. The pce kitchen already prepared Young Lord''s food everyday based on the request of both King Gamasiel and Prince Gaum. I was worried that Young Lord might be coveted by either King Gamasiel or Prince Gaum, because the rumor said that they fought over a man. ''And that man must be Young Lord, no doubt.'' However, as long as Young Lord said that they were mutual, then I need not worry at all. I trusted him that much. I took the food tray and walked to Young Lord''s room. I was used to opening the door without knocking nowadays, because Young Lord would often fall asleep early or worked really hard. My left hand was holding the tray and my right hand opened the door. CLICK. "Young Lord, I''m here with your dinne" When I raised my head, I saw an unimaginable scene of King Gamasiel seizing Young Lord and Young Lord actually cried, the stream of tears were flowing freely and he looked terrified. CLANK! The food tray dropped, my mind went instantly nk, but there was a burst of terrifying anger in my head. "DON''T TOUCH MY LORD!" I charged forward and elbowed King Gamasiel''s chest until he fell to the side. "Argh! You!" King Gamasiel looked angry, he recovered from the ground and threw a punch to my face. I restrained his punch with my palm, then twisted his hand. King Gamasiel pulled his hand and stepped back, he looked at me dangerously, "Intruder! You shall pay for your crime!" King Gamasiel fixed his stance and unsheathed the sword hanging on his waist. My focus instantly directed towards Young Lord. He was still panic stricken, he didn''t react at all, only cried and sometimes sobbed. I red at Gamasiel who was ready to kill me anytime. The anger in my heart didn''t subside, in fact, it zed even more. "Wait," I said in a low voice. I carried Young Lord and put him on the chair. I wrapped his feet with a second nket so he wouldn''t get cold. I joined Young Lord''s hands together and rubbed it gently before saying, "I will protect you, Young Lord." I kissed his hand and turned my back towards King Gamasiel again. Gamasiel didn''t seem to know who I was. Thus, he asked, "Who are you? How dare you kissed Aster''s hands just now!" "I am his servant," I said short. "A servant?! A servant dared to challenge a king?!" Gamasiel was dumbfounded, then heughed mockingly, "I thought I was facing an enemy from a neighbouring kingdom that wanted to take Aster for themselves, but turns out, it''s just a servant acted mindlessly!" "I don''t need a status as long as I can protect him," I said. Gamasiel chuckled, "A servant talking big like he is something else! Fine then, let''s see how long you will survive!" Gamasiel took an offensive stance and charged with his sword towards me. I was ready for a fight of life and death, but turned out, this man, while skilled, his skill didn''t match Crown Prince Charles at all. All his movement and strength were predictable, thus, I dodged it easily and swung my leg to his stomach. "Urk!" Gamasiel winced when my shin hit his stomach. He wobbled backwards and used his sword as a support. Gamasiel red at me and charged again, but this time, he sidestepped me and about to thrust the sword to my side abdomen. ''Too slow, he is too slow,'' I''ve noticed that Gamasiel''s movement was too slow, at leastpared to Irion. I easily dodged it by twisting my body and grabbed his wrist, I clenched it tightly until Gamasiel groaned in pain and dropped his sword. CRACK! There was a sound of his wrist being dislocated. Gamasiel was in tremendous pain, but he refused to beg to a servant, and because there was Aster here. He didn''t want Aster to see him begging for his life. Ramuja grabbed Gamasiel''s neck and clenched it slightly, he asked, "Why did you make Young Lord cry?" Gamasiel had trouble breathing, and no matter how much he struggled, Ramuja didn''t budge at all. It felt like he was fighting a furious bear, "Iuhk! I don''t know!" I nced at Young Lord who was still nk faced, my grip on Gamasiel''s neck got tighter, "One tear of his equals a drop of your blood, King Gamasiel, I may be a servant, but I will not hesitate to kill you." Gamasiel couldn''t breathe at all, it felt like his life was on his throat now. One more second and he would die, "II don''t know" Realizing that I put too much pressure on Gamasiel''s neck. I immediately loosened the grip, not because I was afraid that I would be executed after killing him. But I didn''t want Young Lord to see me killing someone in front of him. Gamasiel struggled and called for help, "AAster help me" My blood boiled when I heard Gamasiel begged for his life to Young Lord that cried because of him. "Rargh!" I flung Gamasiel to the wall and his body hit the wall hard until he fainted. After seeing Gamasiel either fainted or dead, my attention shifted towards Young Lord. He was still trembling, I immediately kneeled in front of him and held his hand. "Young Lord, look at me," I said. Slowly, Young Lord''s eyes moved and he stared at me. There was a trace of deep pain in his eyes, like a trauma. I knew it because I had the same eyes before, when I was traumatized by my old masters. I called him again, "Young Lord, you are safe now. I''m here to save you..." One second, two seconds, three seconds and Young Lord''s eyes turned golden immediately and he threw his body to my arms. "Ramuja!" Young Lord said, "Ramuja, where were you? I''m scared, I''m so scared" I was startled, but I immediatelyforted him and said, "Young Lord, I''m always here." Young Lord sobbed and his tears started flowing again, "You are not! II was so scared, I thought my life would be ruined! Ramuja, you are toote, toote!" Young Lord tightened his hug to my body, his body trembled uncontrobly, "Young Lord, I will never leave you" "But you did leave me!" Aster wailed, "Please don''t leave me,I beg you, I will do anything, just don''t leave my side!" I sensed something was wrong, I asked, "Young Lord, what''s wrong?" "He is going to devour me! He is going to take me away from you! I don''t want to, Ramuja, I''m scared" I caressed Young Lord''s back head gently and asked again, "Young Lord, I''m here with you now, don''t be scared." "But you are not at that night! You left me alone with that monster while you are dating a girl, her name is M Me II don''t remember her name, but you had a date with her while I almost got devoured!" His words hit my conscience hard as I realized that Young Lord was not talking about his situation now, but his situation before. ''When I had a date with a girl Merry?!'' I remembered when Young Lord suddenly got very mad at me after the Autumn Banquet in Lantern Pce. I thought it was because I left him to go for a walk with Merry, but turned out, it was not the only reason ''IfIf the trauma was this deep, then it must''ve been a scary experience for him and I''m not there to protect him'' ''He keeps everything inside his heart because because he didn''t want me to worry?'' ''I what kind of pain did I inflict to him?'' I tightened my hug and whispered in his ear repeatedly, "I will never leave you, I will never leave you, I will never leave you." While Young Lord whispered in my ears repeatedly, "Don''t leave me, don''t leave me, don''t leave me." ''Young Lord, I promise I will never leave you!'' ~~~ A thick wall between our fate And A thin string between our connection My master, my life, I might bete But I shall give you my greatest affection. ~~~ Chapter 150: The Man who Sacrificed Himself for a Servant Chapter 150: The Man who Sacrificed Himself for a Servant The pce of Rhea was greatly appalled with the sudden news that King Gamasiel suffered heavy injuries and is currently in vegetative state. The perpetrator was the servant of the vixen man who immediately surrendered to the guards, but when the guard was going to arrest him, the vixen man who seduced King Gamasiel protected him with all his might. King Gamasiel was sent to the doctor. Since King Gamasiel was unable to carry out the judging, the guards brought the vixen man and his servant to Prince Gaum''s chamber. "What did you do to our king?" Gaum asked with heavy tones. He was still wounded himself, but he tried his best to sit on a chair while Ramuja was kneeling in front of him. Ramuja asionally nced at Young Lord Aster who was not allowed to approach him. Thus, Aster watched Ramuja with three guards around him being judged by Gaum. The guards'' spears were pointed around his neck, one wrong move and he would be dead. Ramuja knew the consequence of hurting a king, his only way was death. But he didn''t fear it at all, instead, he felt relieved. Because in the end, both his life and death was dedicated to his master. "I just beat King Gamasiel until heatosed," Ramuja replied. He didn''t even bother to address himself as a servant, because he knew his verdict already. He worried nothing except Ramuja nced at his Young Lord again, he was standing behind a few guards because he was not allowed to get close. Aster looked at him worryingly, he didn''t want Ramuja to die, thus, he already prepared to beg for Ramuja''s life in front of Gaum. He would do it at any cost, whether Gaum would want even more gold, all his gold, he could have it. He wanted Ramuja to be safe and that was it. Gaum breathed heavily, he red at Ramuja and said, "You know that my verdict is absolute here, right? You are under the power of Kingdom Rhea. No one can save you here." "I Understand. But your highness Prince Gaum, I have one wish before I get sentenced," Ramuja drooped his body lower and he prostrated in front of Gaum''s feet, "Begging Prince Gaum to spare my master, he knows nothing about this!" Gaum was stunned with this servant''sst wish, he nced at Aster who was also as surprised as him. A wild idea popped in his mind, he knew that Aster heavily favoured this servant. If he could create some friction for him to enter "Aster knows nothing about this? Don''t kid me, it happened inside his room. Tell me, did your master order you to kill King Gamasiel? I can free you if you admit that Aster ordered you to do it." Hearing Gaum''s question, he nodded vigorously. He stared at Ramuja expectantly, hoping that Ramuja would say yes and he would be free instead. ''Please say yes, please say yes!'' Aster knew Ramuja didn''t stand a chance if it was him who became the perpetrator, but if it was Aster, he could negotiate with Gaum in order to escape the punishment hopefully. However, Ramuja shook his head with certainty, "It is I who did it, Young Lord Aster tried to stop me, but I was blinded with rage." "Why do you get blinded with rage? Did King Gamasiel do something unspeakable to you or your master?" Gaum had predicted that his brother must''ve had touched Aster inappropriately or forced him to do something. Because he had be unstable each day. But Gaum was inexplicably jealous when Aster expected this servant to lie, so he could be saved, while Aster might face terrible consequences instead. ''To have this kind of privilege from Aster, how fortunate'' As long as he med Aster once, their rtion would fracture.'' Aster''s face paled, and Ramuja bit his lower lip before shaking his head again, "I was just angry that he entered Young Lord''s room without permission. This is all my fault." Gaum inhaled deeply, "Alright then, it is decided. You, a servant named Ramuja, has been guilty of almost killing our honourable king, I shall sentence you to" "Wait!" Aster yelled. He pushed the guards as hard as he could and kneeled in front of Gaum. This was the second time he ever kneeled in front of someone, first was to Uncle Emperor, and second was to Gaum. But for this one, he didn''t even feel shame. He only felt infinite worry about Ramuja''s fate. "It is me who ordered him to kill Gamasiel, but he failed! IIf Prince Gaum is a just ruler, it is natural for you to punish me instead!" Gaum''s hand gripped the end of the armrest, he couldn''t believe that Aster actually jumped and protected this servant, even kneeled in front of him. Aster was technically his higher up, but he kneeled just to save this servant. ''Unbelievable! This is ridiculous!'' Gaum observed Aster who bowed deeply to him, instead of being happy that Aster finally obeyed him, Gaum became furious in his heart. "So, Young Lord Aster admits that you intended to harm King Gamasiel, King of Rhea, this is not an easy crime," Gaum warned. "Yes." Aster replied short. There was not even a doubt in his heart, because this was the only way to save Ramuja. ''HE DIDN''T HESITATE! GODDAMNIT!'' Gaum was cursing and screaming in his heart, his countenance was getting heavier. Ramuja who was stunned the whole time finally interrupted, "PPrince Gaum, Young Lord Aster is just bluffing, I did it all by myself." "Shut up! Go now!" Aster yelled at Ramuja. Ramuja didn''t understand what was in his master''s head. Why would he admit something he didn''t do? He was the Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill, if he died, the grand duchy would crumble. But Ramuja was just a ve, Young Lord would move on after his death. "YYoung Lord, please don''t lie" Ramuja tried to persuade Aster. "I said, I did it! Leave!" Aster insisted. Gaum''s face was red and blue, his patience ran out and he shouted, "ENOUGH!" He red at Ramuja and said, "Since Young Lord Aster has admitted his crime, I shall carry out the justice myself. I sentence Aster di Arlingdon guilty of treason after harming King Gamasiel and his punishment will be done privately, now all of you can leave this room. I have the right punishment for Aster." The guards were staring at each other, it was weird for Prince Gaum to have a private punishment, but since it was the order, they agreed and left the chamber. Ramuja tried to pull Aster to escape, he predicted he could kill Gaum and the guards, although he would definitely die after that, like Jain. Irion had been detained inside his room, probably because he was the one who was seen as the knight for Young Lord. But Aster didn''t seem to respond, he just said in a low voice to Ramuja, "Go now, I will be safe, don''t worry." Ramuja''s heart dropped, he didn''t want this, he didn''t want his master to bear his sin. But the more he tried to struggle, the more Young Lord would be at disadvantage. " I am sorry" Ramuja said in a low voice. Aster smiled sincerely at Ramuja and patted his head gently, "It''s fine, trust me, okay?" With that, Ramuja left the room reluctantly. His eyes didn''t leave his master who was facing Gaum right now. His heart ached terribly, because he was being protected by his master after he saw his master''s fragile state a few hours before. ''Young Lord, why would you sacrifice yourself? You are everything for this world, and I''m nothing. You will have a better life without me'' *** Aster was kneeling in front of Gaum. Gaum chuckled, because this entire ordeal was ridiculous. An honourable, high aristocrat sacrificed himself for a mere servant. "You know that you look ridiculous, right?" Gaum said. "It doesn''t matter, now, tell me what is my punishment," Aster asked. "Well, first, get up from your kneeling position and help me to get to the bed," Gaum said. Aster got up from his kneeling position and propped up Gaum to the bed. Gaum could smell the perfume Aster had today and it smelled sweet. After Gaum wasying on his bed, he held Aster''s nape with one hand and whispered, "Let''s sleep here, together." Aster reacted fast, he pushed Gaum''s body and stepped back, "JJust tell me, what is my punishment and how do I clear it? Gold? Land? Anything, I can give it to youter." Gaum chuckled, "I don''t need any of those. I just need you here to apany me while my body is heavily wounded, then I will tell you your punishment." Aster bit his lip, but decided to agree, heid beside Gaum and stared at the ceiling. Aster was extremely nervous, because he never shared his bed with anyone, even Ramuja. And he was nervous about his punishment. Gaum''s head turned and their eyes met. Gaum smiled sincerely, he was happy yet sad at the same time. This was also his first time to share a bed with someone, and he was sad because he had to do it by force. "Do you think I would punish you severely?" Aster thought of it for a while then shook his head, "You are not a bad person, but I beg you, don''t take my purity here." Gaum''s eyebrows raised, and his smile gradually turned into a smirk, "Of course I won''t take your purity here. I''m not Floren." ''If it was me in the past, I would definitely take the chance and deflower him now, but'' Gaum knew, if he did that to Aster, there was no way Aster would ept him as his lover. ''Beside, I don''t want to see him cry'' Gaum realized that he didn''t want to hurt this person at all. He didn''t want to give him a false promise like what he did to those noble girls. "Then, what is your punishment?" Aster rxed a bit, but he still hadn''t lowered his guard. Gaum smiled, "First, after you regain your foothold in Grand Duchy Stormhill, Kingdom Rhea and Grand Duchy shall be bonded politically and I can ask for any kind of reinforcement from Grand Duchy." "Ththat" "And second," Gaum''s smug face returned, he giggled mischievously at Aster, "Second, Young Lord Aster shall apany my sleep every day until he returned to his grand duchy." "That--!" Aster got up from the bed, but his hand was pulled by Gaum, "Don''t worry, we won''t do anything dangerous. I just want you to have a good sleep with me." "I will not!" "Then, I shall call that servant again and have him executed for treason, how?" Gaum smiled. Aster froze on the spot. His body trembled, but imagining Ramuja dead with people booing at him made his heart ached. Aster reluctantly returned to the bed to Gaum''s delight. Gaum hugged Aster and smelled Aster''s hair and neck delightfully. "You smell so sweet, you know that? What perfume do you use?" "Nnn I don''t wear perfume, I ran away from grand duchy without anything." ''Then this is his natural scent? How fascinating.'' Gaum whispered at Aster, "Get used to me, because we will have to be like this for a while." Aster was unresponsive for a moment before nodding silently. Gaum was delighted, of course. But he was saddened at the same time, because this was all temporary and the fact that Aster would rather sleep with a man rather than seeing his servant dead. Gaum''s eyes glinted under the light and he observed this subservient Aster in his embrace. ''Can I rece that servant in your heart?'' ''Aster, do you know how in love you are with that servant? He is your strength and weakness at the same time.'' ''But I will rece him, I definitely will.'' Chapter 151: Long Live the King Chapter 151: Long Live the King Gaum opened his eyes, he blinked a few times and saw Aster was sleeping beside him peacefully. After a month of them sharing their bed, Gaum hade to know a few habits of Aster when he was sleeping. Aster would usually pout when he was sleeping, or grumbled. Sometimes he would sleep talk, and he would suck on his thumb like a baby. ''Well, a seductive baby'' Gaum smiled, he fiddled Aster''s lips and then pecked his lips gently. Aster smiled after the short kiss, which made Gaum feeling satisfied. But his satisfaction immediately diminished when he heard Aster sleep talking again, "Ramuja more kiss me more" Gaum was extremely displeased, he lost count how many times he pecked Aster''s mouth when he was asleep, but his words were always Ramuja-Ramuja-Ramuja. He almostshed out on Aster. ''I''m the one who sleeps with you! Goddamn this!'' Gaum noticed that Aster''s eyelid twitches, Gaum''s sour face turned into a bright smile instantly. He wanted to greet Aster with his bright smile, so Aster might fall in love with him through habit. But Aster only saw him once and then shifted his eyes to the ceiling. "What day is it?" Aster asked. "Today is the day for my announcement," Gaum said. He knew that Aster never really took him to his eyes, but it still hurt seeing Aster didn''t even stare at him for more than a second. "Then, you are going to be the new king," Aster pondered, "I would need your assistance after you be a king." "Anything for you. Although, I don''t want to be the one at disadvantage, remember that," Gaum said, and Aster nodded. He kept imagining Ramuja in his dream, he imagined that Gaum was Ramuja and kissed him in his sleep. Turned out it was Gaum instead. "Alright then, I will leave," Aster got up as fast as he could and left the room without even saying good morning. Gaum gritted his teeth, this was not the kind of warm he wanted. Aster was so cold to him. No, don''t do it. If I force him, he will retaliate.'' Gaum took a deep breath, today was his announcement that King Gamasiel was unable to carry out the title as king anymore because he had beenatose for the whole month after he was almost beaten to death by that servant. Gaum smirked. ''Aster and I will have a tight bond after I be a king, I guarantee it.'' *** Aster hurried to his room and immediately took a cold bath, he didn''t even care about the cold winter that swept Golden Camellia this year. He just wanted to scrub this nasty feeling in his body. Yes, he didn''t feel the disgust and the retch when he was sleeping with Gaum. But he still felt extremely nasty after he woke up. Because every night, he imagined that it was Ramuja who slept with him. He dreamed Ramuja every day, so this nasty feeling would subside temporarily. ''Everything feels so disgusting except Ramuja.'' ''What did he do to me? Why am I so disgusted by human contact except with Ramuja?'' Aster sighed. He finished his cold bath soon and wore the clothes that had been prepared for him. Today was the day where the ministers and officials of Kingdom Rhea would gather and Gaum would announce that Gamasiel was unable to carry out the status as a king because he was stitose for the whole month. Thus, Gaum will take the throne. ''With him in the throne, I can finally return to Grand Duchy with an army, whether my mother would ept me or not, it doesn''t matter.'' ''It is my time to take what I deserve, then I shall separate myself from her, or I will'' Aster had thought about it, he didn''t know how much his mother had manipted him. Maybe all her maniptions were dated back when he was a kid. But one thing to be sure, he was living in a lie up until now. ''But am I ready to fight her?'' Aster had realized that his mother was a very calctive woman, who knew that all his activities right now had been calcted by his mother and she prepared to strike him. Aster shook his head to clear the doubt in his heart. What he needed to focus right now was to get Gaum to be the king, and then return to his grand duchy. Aster opened the door and saw Ramuja and Irion already standing there. Aster said nothing and just walked towards the king''s public chamber, Irion asked a few things to him which he replied shortly. As for Ramuja, it''s been one month and both of them never talked to each other. Because they felt shameful and guilty for what they did to each other. Ramuja felt extremely guilty because he was the one who caused trouble to Young Lord, and Aster felt shameful because he slept with another man every day. ''I I want to talk to him but'' Aster nced at Ramuja who lowered his head the whole time. His heartbeat skipped a bit, probably because Ramuja was always in his dream every night. Since he couldn''t face Ramuja in real life, at least, in his dream, he talked to Ramuja every night. Aster hid his bitterness and opened the king chamber. It was already crowded with officials and ministers waiting for Prince Gaum. When the door was opened and they saw Aster, all of them were stunned silly. Aster had expected this, because he never showed up in the public of Rhea. He was always inside the Rhea''s royal family private area inside the pce, thus, only few servants and guards ever saw his face. There were some gasps and drools as usual, but they almost lost their mind when Prince Gaum appeared from behind and hugged Aster. He circled his hand around Aster''s waist, "Why didn''t you wait for me?" Gaum said with his deadly flirtatious tone. Aster was also stunned, he nced on the right to check on Ramuja. Ramuja was clenching the hem of his shirt, his body trembled as he tried to hold his wrath, but he still casted his eyes down. This was a nightmare for Aster too. He looked around to see the ministers were expecting him to say something to Prince Gaum. They never saw this mesmerizing man before, was this Prince Gaum''s spouse? ''He fucking pitted me here! He wanted to show everyone that he owns me!'' Aster cursed in his heart. But on his face, he smiled and said, "Prince Gaum is polite, this is a public area" Gaum chuckled, "Oh? So if it''s not a public area, your answer will be different? My Sweet Aster is a naughty one." ''Fuck you, Gaum! Fuck you!'' "Prince Gaum should announce the state of the kingdom right now, people are waiting," Aster said politely, still with his beaming smile that fascinated people. Gaumughed lightly and then kissed Aster cheek, "Alright then,e with me, you should stand beside me." Gaum separated him from Ramuja and Irion, he pulled Aster and stood in front of the crowd. He took the text that had been prepared and read it loud. "Good morning my beloved subjects, today, we are passing unfortunate news. Our beloved king, King Gamasiel Cresthold, had been targeted by a treacherous man and his murderous servant. The man and his servant had been executed to carry the justice for King Gamasiel. But he had been in vegetative state for the whole month without any sign of recovery. Thus, I, Prince Gaum Cresthold, announce that King Gamasiel is unable to carry out his task as the ruler of Kingdom Rhea," Gaum stopped reading to see the reaction of the people. Some were excited, some were depressed, but it was indeed a mixed reaction. The people might have loved Gamasiel because they didn''t know how ipetent he was, but these ministers and officials knew exactly how hard it was to work with Gamasiel. "The throne shall not be empty. Thus, to carry out the task to rule Kingdom Rhea, I, Gaum Cresthold, Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea, shall be the new king of Kingdom Rhea. If there is any objection from my beloved subject, I will allow you to object now." One second, two second, three seconds and no one raised his hand. Because most of them already knew how well Gaum handled the dire economic situation of Rhea for the past two years. Without him, the kingdom would simply fall. The ministers and officials started pping one by one and some of them shouted, "Long live King Gaum Cresthold!" "Long live King Gaum Cresthold!" Gaum grinned smugly, he nced at Aster''s nonchnt reaction. As if, his deration today meant nothing to him. Aster was distracted the whole time. He followed Aster''s line of sight and it stopped at one person. ''That ve again, huh.'' Gaum''s smug countenance dissipated. It was not a surprise, but a raging jealousy appeared in his heart again. Suddenly, a wild idea propped in his head, he suddenly hugged Aster who was startled and announced to his ministers and officials. "This is Aster di Arlingdon, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. He is a very intelligent, kind and absolutely gorgeous man, but he was ousted by his mother because of his love for me." Gaum smirked charmingly to his officials, "I, Gaum Cresthold, in the name of Rhea, shall bring justice to his mother, Grand Duchess Camille. I shall prove to her that our love is true and undefeatable." The ministers and officials were mesmerized with the sight of two handsome men, one was devilishly charming, the other was as mesmerizing as an angel. ''A perfect pair,'' they thought in their head. Gaum hugged Aster who was still stupefied by the sudden turn of events, and Gaum whispered to him, ''If you want my soldier, then you need to steal their heart first. Dont worry, I am their heart.'' Chapter 152: A Kiss under the Rain Chapter 152: A Kiss under the Rain After the shocking announcement about Gaum dering himself as the new king and introducing his new lover, Aster di Arlingdon to his ministers. The news spread wide. Most of the citizens were unhappy to have Gaum as the king, because he was not really well known except for his handsome face. He didn''t have any merit in their eyes, while Gamasiel was proven to be a great knight that contributed to the empire for so many battles. However, Gaum seemed to be nonchnt about this, instead he fired all officials that were against his new status as the king of Rhea and reformed the ministry. Kingdom Rhea, in just two weeks after King Gaum coronation, had a drastic change. They introduced the new program called charity for the people, where all ministers and officials will donate some of their monthly wages to build the rotting infrastructure of Rhea and so on, the one with the highest donation in each district will have their name called to receive honor from the kingdom each year. It received such great response from the people that most of them instantly forgot about their displeasure of King Gaum. "Your idea is working, my dear," Gaum said while pinching Aster''s cheek. Aster pped Gaum''s hand immediately and he tried to distance himself from Gaum again. Aster was reading the documents for the regtion and the budgeting of Rhea, he clicked his tongue, "Don''t misunderstand, I helped you because I need Rhea to be ready to invade Grand Duchy as soon as possible.'' "So straightforward and harsh, you know you are cute when you frown," Gaum said flirtatiously, he tried to approach Aster again. But Aster immediately stood from the sofa and then looked at Gaum with his sharp eyes. He didn''t seem to joke at all. "Gaum, I tried to tolerate you with all your advances, but I''m just simply not interested with you, just because you told everyone that I am your lover, doesn''t mean that it''s true," Aster said harshly. Gaum''s flirtatious face turned sour instantly, he grabbed Aster''s hand and clenched it. ''You think I can''t force you? You think I''m simply a doormat for you to step on when you need me?'' But then, Gaum realized that Aster''s golden circle eyes slowly turned ck, so he released his hand. Aster sneered, "I do not hate you for what you are doing, but beware of your position, I am still your superior." Gaum said nothing, but his eyes were focused on eyes. The more this man wanted to push him away, there seemed to be an undeniable attraction. He knew that ying with Aster is dangerous, simply because how capable Aster was when he was cornered, and how powerful his backings were. ''Just you see, Aster. I remember what you said, I''m more than I look, and I will prove it to you,'' Gaum swore in his heart. Aster left the office and went straight to his room. He had been moved to a morefortable room on the top of the tower, simr in his grand duchy. Aster sighed and threw his weight to the bed. He lost his tolerance to Gaum when he shamelessly dered to his ministers that they were lovers. Maybe the intention was good, because Aster did need the support of the ministers and officials to attack Grand Duchy. But he never agreed with it. ''What to do with Ramuja'' Aster was especially concerned with Ramuja right now. Because after the deration, Ramuja said nothing to him until they arrived at his room. Then, Ramuja said. ''Begging Young Lord to give me some time alone, Irion would attend to your needs every day instead of me.'' Instead of asking the reason, Aster just nodded and said, ''Go on.'' After that, Aster never heard of Ramuja again for almost two weeks now. He wanted to see what he was doing, whether he was okay, but whenever he asked Irion, Irion''s answer was always the same. Training. All Ramuja did was training and training every day. ''Was he mad at me?'' That was the thing that repeated in his mind. He knew that Ramuja must''ve been hurt because of the tant disy of affection in front of the crowds, but he couldn''t do anything, because Kingdom Rhea''s support was his only clutch to return back in Grand Duchy. ''I I don''t want to have another misunderstanding with him. This is too much, too much for me!'' Knock. Knock. The door was knocked, Aster tilted his head and said, "Come in." Irion opened the door and kneeled in front of Aster. His face looked slightly concerned, which was very unlikely of him. "What happened?" Aster asked. Irion''s concerned face made Aster feel slightly nervous. ''Does mother finally discover my hiding? Does Gaum decide to stop the preparation of the invasion? Or is it about Ramuja?'' "Young Lord, this is about your servant, Ramuja." Aster immediately got up from his bed, "WWhat happened to Ramuja?" "He has been training alone for the past two weeks without any rest, Young Lord. He only sleeps for one or two hours every day and keeps training. I ordered him to stop, but he didn''t want to. At this point he might die out of exhaustion." Aster''s heartbeat stopped for a second, he immediately grabbed Irion''s shoulder and asked, "Where is he? I need to meet him now!" Irion escorted Aster to the training ground, the ground was wet because of the heavy rain right now. Aster was immediately greeted with a sight of a big muscr man swinging a great sword with extraordinary strength. But after every swing, he would lose his bnce and fall to the muddy ground. But he would stand up again and did the same thing over and over. His chest palpitated crazily, but he didn''t seem to be tired. His face looked very depressed instead. When Ramuja got up from the ground and wanted to swing the sword again, Aster ran towards him and hugged him from behind. Aster tried to hold his tear as he begged Ramuja to stop, "Ramuja! Stop this! You will die!" Ramuja stopped swinging his sword, he dropped his sword to feel the soft hand circled around his waist. Ramuja said softly, "Young Lord, I need to train, please let go." "I won''t! I order you to stop this!" Aster tightened his arm around Ramuja''s waist. "If you are angry with me because of me and Gaum, please forgive me! I never like him! I I only like you Ramuja" Aster leaned his forehead on Ramuja''s broad back, "I I''m sorry I can''t say no there" Ramuja smiled bitterly. Of course, he knew that, and he never med his Young Lord for it. But it still hurt him, in fact, it hurt more because he was the one who made big trouble for Young Lord. "Young Lord, I never med you, in fact, I am the one who should be med," Ramuja said, "I am the one who put you in a bad situation" "But why are you doing this if you don''t me me?" Aster asked, he didn''t want to let go of his hug on Ramuja''s waist. Ramuja recalled the moment when Gaum embraced his master, when Charles almost took him and caused deep trauma, and when Gamasiel triggered it. All of those could be avoided if he was strong enough to protect Young Lord. If he could fight against everyone, so his Young Lord wouldn''t be pitted in this kind of situation. "I want to protect you, Young Lord. I will protect you," Ramuja released himself from Aster''s tight hug easily and instead turned his back and hugged his Young Lord gently with his bear hug, "Because I am too weak, I can''t fully protect you. I can''t fight against all of them, that''s why" "That''s why I will train no matter how hard, I will be the strongest, so you don''t need to worry anymore. You will attack Grand Duchy soon and I want to be your sword, Young Lord." "You are as gentle as the morning dew, I don''t want anything to hurt you and your purity. I''m sorry for being selfish before and I''m sorry for being too weak." Ramuja bent down so his eyes were at Aster''s level. He had dark eyebags, but his eyes were very deep, yet gentle at the same time to Aster. Ramuja pressed his forehead with Aster''s forehead and said, "I will protect you. Because you sacrifice your dignity for me, then I shall sacrifice everything for you. My Young Lord, my savior, my love." Ramuja smiled and kissed Aster''s lips deep. This was the first time Aster received a full kiss from Ramuja. Ramuja''s words melted himpletely as he responded to the kiss, their eyes met and with tacit understanding, they closed their eyes and deepened their kiss. Ramuja invaded Aster''s mouth with his tongue, which Aster epted wholeheartedly. Ramuja gently held the back of Aster''s head as his tongue explored his master for the first time. Under the heavy rain, two men shared their kiss full of passion and desperation. Chapter 153: Butt Naked (18+) Chapter 153: Butt Naked (18+) After their deep kiss, Ramuja smiled at Aster and then hugged him again, he whispered, "I also want to be an egoist, you are mine, and I''m yours only." Ramuja fell on his back, still hugging his master. The winter rain was freezing cold, as this might be thest rain before snowfall. But Aster didn''t seem to mind, instead, he was more scared that Ramuja might die out of exhaustion. Irion saw the whole scene, He ran to help Young Lord and this servant. But when he got near, he clenched his chest, not because of jealousy. But because he finally saw the golden eyes of Young Lord. Young Lord''s eyes had turned pure golden and it shone even in this heavy rain. ''It''s so gentle, his golden eyes are very gentle and warm, unlike other golden bloods.'' "Irion, help me!" Aster panicked, Ramuja didn''t move at all. Irion propped Ramuja on his shoulder and they ran inside to Young Lord''s room. Irion immediately prepared a hot bath and then stripped Ramuja''s clothes, he put Ramuja''s big body on the bath and then said to his master, "Young Lord, you should take a warm bath in another bathroom too, you are drenched in cold rain." "I will wait for Ramuja here, he is still unconscious," Aster said firmly. Irion sighed, he picked a big basin full of warm water and brought a new set of clothes to his master, "Young Lord, if you want to wait for him, then you shouldn''t get sick. You can take a bath here, I will leave and take a bath myself." Irion closed the bathroom door and closed his master''s room. He left Young Lord and that servant together. ''Young Lord deserves someone with better status but if that servant really loves him wholeheartedly, then I have no way to hold them back. I''m just his subordinate, his tools'' Maybe Jain''s death had affected him greatly, when he knew that Jain entrusted his guard medal to Ramuja, it was surprising for him. Because Jain was very hostile towards this servant before. Then, when he knew that Ramuja saved his master from Gamasiel, and trained until he almost died out of exhaustion, all that just for his master. Somehow, Irion''s hard scale softened a bit. ''Besides, this is the first time I saw a golden blood with very gentle golden eyes. Young Lord is really special, or is it because of that servant?'' ''Hmm... maybe I should teach him about the pleasure of being dominated by Young Lord, then Young Lord can whip us together, that would be fun.'' Irion drooled unconsciously, imagining him being whipped again by Young Lord. Sometimes, he nced at Young Lord''s boots and wondered how good it felt to be stepped on by those boots. ''Well, maybe I can ask that for my next reward, I''ll teach Ramuja about it.'' *** Aster gazed at Ramuja silently. He was naked inside the bathtub, he should have been resting now, but without a warm bath, Ramuja would die from cold. "You don''t need to train like crazy, how could you protect me if you died unnecessarily" Aster said. He wanted to held Ramuja''s hand, but when he realized that Irion put Ramuja''s hand on his stomach, Aster looked down to Ramuja''s stomach and blushed immediately. Because he could see Ramuja''s manhood, it was big even when it wasn''t erect. Aster was never in this situation before, he never saw another man or woman naked, and it was fatal for him, because the first man he saw naked was his beloved servant. ''IIt''s too big, I''m scared if I take it'' Aster pped his face, "What theAster, this is not the time to think like a pervert!" Aster shivered, the winter rain was way too cold even for someone with cold resistance like him. Aster nced at Ramuja who was still unconscious and braced himself. Aster took off his apparel, then belt, then his pants, andst, his underwear. He was butt naked too. His face was red in shame, he looked at Ramuja who was still unconscious and was relieved. ''As long as he doesn''t see me for now'' Aster used a soft towel to wipe his body after soaking the towel in the warm water. He shuddered from time to time, somehow, he felt that Ramuja was secretly watching him, maybe he was not really unconscious. Aster turned his head to Ramuja, but he saw Ramuja was still unconscious, he took another breath of relief, ''No, it''s just my imagination.'' When Aster finished wiping his body, he wanted to check on Ramuja. This big guy was still unconscious, but Aster''s eyes immediately darted on his manhood. And it was surprisingly erect! Aster jolted because it was fully erect, probably around 8.5 inches with thick, remarkable girth. ''HHHow did this get up? He is unconscious, right?'' Aster tried to ignore the big elephant on the bathtub, and tried to wake Ramuja up, "RRamuja? Are you awake?" Aster tapped Ramuja''s cheek gently. But Ramuja seemed to bepletely unconscious. ''Weird, why do I get the feeling that Ramuja was staring at me when I wiped my body?'' Aster drained the bathtub and used a towel to wipe Ramuja''s body. Ramuja''s breath had been stable and his temperature returned back to normal. ''He really has a strong body, a regr person would die if they follow his crazy training'' After Aster wiped Ramuja''s body, his hand identally touched Ramuja''s manhood who was still standing straight. ''II should wipe this too, right?'' Aster closed his eyes and wiped the shaft of Ramuja''s manhood gently, but because he closed his eyes tight, he didn''t know which part he touched, he could only feel it. Instead of wiping it, Aster rubbed it gently with his fingers. Aster''s hand reached the head and then the shaft, up and down repeatedly. He did it for a while until he realized something. ''Wait, how long have I been rubbing his Aster released Ramuja''s manhood and opened his eyes slowly, that manhood was standing straight, there was even a visible vein. He looked at Ramuja and saw his chest was palpitating. ''HHe really is unconscious, right? RIGHT?'' After both of them were dry, Aster propped Ramuja as hard as he could. Ramuja''s body was naturally muscr, thus, he was very heavy for a slender guy like Aster. Aster''s feet wobbled a few times, but he was afraid that he would drop Ramuja. Aster put Ramuja on the bed, but because Ramuja was too heavy for him, he fell on the bed with Ramuja. They were still butt naked, and their skin directly searched for each other''s warmth. Aster never been this intimate to anyone before, thus, he also got aroused. He also got an erection and his manhood almost touched Ramuja''s. He felt ufortable with this extreme intimacy, but he didn''t hate it. He just felt nervous. ''This is dangerous, way too dangerous!'' Aster got up from the bed and wore his shirt as fast as he could. After he finished. He went back to Ramuja to put him some warm clothes that had been prepared by Irion before. Then his attention got stolen again by the elephant in the room. Ramuja''s manhood still stood straight after he didn''t remember how long that thing stood straight. ''What the--! How can itst so long?!'' He tried to ignore it again and put on some clothes for Ramuja. He sat in front of the straight big manhood and wondered, ''Now How do I put pants on him?'' *** Grand Duchess and Grand Duke sat on the balcony, they drank hot tea because the weather was really cold. Grand Duke was silently observing his wife''s behavior. He received the news about Aster''s running away from the grand duchy about a week after the incident. Because he was in another country for business, he returned back as fast as he could because he was afraid that his wife would do something crazy to their only son. Grand Duchess sipped her tea calmly and smiled to her husband, "Husband, you are toote for birdwatching here, Aster had run away." "What did you do to him, Camille?" "I just want to make him forget about that ve you bought, he had been nothing but a nuisance, he constantly influenced Aster in a bad way." "Do you think I don''t know how much your hand had interfered with Aster''s life? Don''t you know that traumatizing him too much would break him?!" "That, I do not deny. But it''s all for his good, remember what our promise? This is all for him so we could fulfil our promise to them." "But this is not the correct way!" Grand Duke mmed the table, the teacups fell to the ground and there were loud noises of broken teacups. However, Grand Duchess was very calm and collected. "I will tell you my full n soon, we just need to wait for the news." About half an hourter, a shadow guard appeared in front of them, "This subordinate brings news to Milord and Mdy Duchess!" "Go on," Grand Duchess said. "Young Lord Aster''s position had been spotted, he is currently residing in Kingdom Rhea and is preparing to invade the Grand Duchy!" "Invade?!" Grand Duke was shocked, he never imagined that his son would invade his own grand duchy they loved, but Grand Duchess only chuckled. "Well, there is some change in the n, but we can still get the essence. Aster will be my perfect child." Chapter 154: My Last Oath for You Chapter 154: My Last Oath for You "Well, there is some change in the n, but we can still get the essence. Aster will be my perfect child." Grand Duke was suspicious, he just got the information that Aster was traumatized by Grand Duchess in order for him to forget something. It was such a risky practice, because Aster had been traumatized once when Camille beat his puppy to death, doing it twice could really make Aster go insane. His wife was always a risk taker, but she usually knew when to stop when the situation wasn''t favoring her. But this one, driving out Aster from his own home, was far too much. "No matter what n you have in your head now, I do not ept it," Grand Duke rebuked. He shook his head and crossed his hand on his chest, "Camille, let that boy grow by himself. You don''t need to control everything in his life." "Well, nevertheless, I will tell you and continue my n," Grand Duchess smiled, "You remember that a golden blood needs psychological trauma to forget something, experiencing a close one''s death to ruin his uselesspassion, and killing a close one in order to be ruthless to the bone." Grand Duchess giggled lightly, as if there was nothing wrong in her words, "Well, I''m nning to do all three together and make Aster my perfect child, a perfect ruler. He will have no useless emotion, and will be ruthless to people who dare to hurt him. With that, he will be able to stand toes to toes with all the monsters in the Empire." Grand Duke was speechless. He knew the forbidden secret of the golden bloods, because he was part of the elite who would prevent the fall of the empire in case the emperor or empress went crazy because of their hereditary traits. But he''d never guess that Camille would really want to do this to Aster. This was simply insanity. "Camille, stop this," Grand Duke said in low tones, he was holding his anger, "Nothing good wille out of this." "Oh, it wille out good," Grand Duchess put out a mysterious smile, and said, "You know, Harion, I''ve always loved our family, that''s why I want the best for my son. I want him to be better and better, to lead and climb to the top. I know Aster has the capability to do that, he just needs a little push" "CAMILLE!" Grand Duke mmed the ss table and the ss shattered to pieces, shocking everyone on the scene. Grand Duke pointed his fingers at his wife and mercilessly rebuked her, "You are breaking him! Do you know how crazy you sound just now?! I will give an order for all the guards to stop this madness of yours!" Grand Duke turned his back and walked out, he was nning to gather all the guardmanders to stop any war advance and just yield against Aster, then after everything cooled down, he would persuade Aster to return back to Grand Duchy peacefully. Grand Duchess sneered, "You think your order matters? Don''t you remember that I control everything here? You may control the whole economy of the duchy, but for everything else, I am in charge." Grand Duke halted his step. What his wife said was true, he didn''t have power in anything except for the economy in Grand Duchy. Even if he could stop the fund for the duchy for a while, he couldn''t do it abruptly like this, and this situation was too dangerous. There was a moment of silence until Grand Duke opened his mouth, "Then I shall go to Kingdom Rhea and persuade Aster myself. Camille, after this mess had been cleared out, I will limit all your movement. You are too reckless." Grand Duchess grinned maliciously, "There is no tomorrow, my darling." Grand Duchess signaled his men to reprimand Grand Duke. The guards blocked the door and the shadow guards caught Grand Duke''s hand and reprimanded him. Grand Duke''s men immediately appeared to help their master, but they were severely outnumbered. "Camille! You dare reprimand me like this?!" Grand Duke struggled with all his might. He could break free once, but two more shadow guards appeared and reprimanded him, there were currently four people reprimanding him. Grand Duchess walked to her husband and then kissed his lips gently, "This is for our greater good. Also, please remember that kiss. It might be thest one I can give." Grand Duke felt his heart was stuffy, had he known that everything woulde to this, he would''ve stopped her since the first time. But his wife had suffered so many things, that it was impossible to stop her in the end. "Camille, please reconsider this, we still have the chance to turn back. You don''t need to make Aster like this, he will survive even without his golden blood trait!" Grand Duchess smiled bitterly, "You know that there is no other way, my emperor brother had been constantly trying to ruin our duchy because of my existence, and Charles power is just too much for me to handle." Grand Duchess'' eyes started getting wet and pool of tears dropped to the ground, "Harion, I''m a bit scared. But I must do this, or else, our beloved grand duchy will be destroyed after Aster takes control of it." Grand Duke understood that there would be time for this. He also had been in trouble because Charles'' growing power and poprity was way out of control. Probably because he had awakened his golden blood trait for a long time. He even started branching out his power to the economy sector of the empire. If Charles decided to attack grand duchy Aster had no chance to survive. ''And his crazy obsession with Aster'' Logically, Aster really needed this golden blood trait that had been hidden for a long time for him to fight toe to toe with Charles and other enemies. But everything came at a cost. ''We''ve had our agreement that our child shall not suffer the same fate like us, but this this is too painful'' Grand Duchess wiped her tears and smiled, "I will lock you inside the tower with maximum security, so you won''t get hurt when the Aster invades our grand duchy." Grand Duke was tongue-tied, he let the shadow guards drag him to the tower. He just watched the family he loved about to get ruined. Before he exited the door, he called his wife again, "Camille." "Yes, husband?" "I I love you, with all my heart. My oath of gardenia is only for you." Grand Duchess realized that the end was near, her maliciousness seemed to disappear in this moment, witnessed by the guards and servants in this room. Grand Duke and Duchess recited the oath of gardenia together. --To my loved one whom I would give my passion and purity, Hold me tight until I lost my sanity, Only with you I could be happy Only to you, I swore my fidelity. -- After they recited it, Grand Duchess gave herst pure smile to her husband, Grand Duke finally saw the same smile his wife had when she was still a pure maiden in her youthful days. Grand Duke forced out a smile, because this might be thest. With that, the guards finally escorted Grand Duke to the isted tower. Grand Duchess'' smile disappeared, she sat on the sofa and asked the shadow guard, "How long will it take for my son to invade Lantern Pce?" "Approximately four days from now, they will arrive at the gate, Mdy." "Then, one day before they invade, evacuate the citizens near the city gate, and lower the fortification on that day." The shadow guard was surprised, "But, Mdy, that would make us" "Do you think I have the intention to hurt my son physically? Just do what I said." The guard shut his mouth after that. He nodded and disappeared. Grand Duchess took the unfinished knitwork, she intended to make a sweater just like when Aster was a child. ''Four days, huh? I suppose I can finish the sweater by then.'' She smiled as her fingers skillfully crocheted the yarn. *** Aster finally finished all the preparation for the invasion, they would depart the day after tomorrow and presumably would reach Lantern Pce two dayster, in total, it would take four days for them to reach Dionde City. Turned out, Gaum had plenty of gold reserves to fund the invasion, probably because Aster kept supplying his kingdom with gold before. ''It doesn''t matter, it''s still my pocket money in the end.'' Aster left the king chamber and went inside his room. Ramuja fainted yesterday and had been unconscious since then, the pce doctor said that he was extremely exhausted, but there was no damage in his body. He only needed plenty of rest and food. Which was a relief. ''But that means, he will not join me'' There was a trace of sadness in his heart, but Ramuja''s recovery was the utmost important. He opened his room to check on Ramuja. "Sixty one sixty two sixty three" Aster jolted, because he was greeted by the sight of Ramuja doing push up, he was topless and his body was sweaty all over, "Ramuja! What are youhow can you whywhy are you doing push up now?!" Ramuja finally realized that his master was inside the room. He stopped his exercise and kneeled in front of his master. His face was fresh and healthy, unlike what happened yesterday. "How can you doctor said that you would be unconscious for one week or more! How did you suddenly" Ramuja showed a wide grin to his master and replied, "This servant had a very beautiful dream yesterday, so I got my spirit back after that." "Beautiful dream?" Aster wondered, "What kind of dream would be able to restore a dying man back to life?" Ramuja blushed instantly, he lowered his gaze, "This servant does not remember the content of the dream, it''s just so beautiful." ''Yes, everything about you in and out is so beautiful, perfect,'' Ramuja said in his heart. "Well, that is good. But you should rest, I will give you a week of rest then you can train again if you want," Aster said. Ramuja shook his head and said, "Young Lord, I''m ready for the war. I am your sword." Chapter 155: Marching Chapter 155: Marching Aster was sitting in his carriage with Ramuja, while Irion was the coachman for his carriage. In front of his carriage, King Gaum''s official carriage was leading the way, they were surrounded by soldiers marching and protecting the carriage of their king. The soldiers were excited about this, because their king had given them gold incentive for the soldiers who were willing to go to war. King Gaum implemented quick radicalizing changes in the system of Kingdom Rhea, and surprisingly, all of those new regtions were effective, including the new incentive for soldiers. Before, everyone only relied on their patriotism to fight for Kingdom Rhea, which the soldier didn''tck. But they did constantly think about their family in their hometown. Thus, with this gold incentive, the one who went to war and returned safe will be given high incentive, and the one who died during the war will have their family to bepensated handsomely. It was very different from the conventional rules of Rhea, which made King Gaum''s poprity skyrocketed. The joyful changes made everyone feel grateful for him and most of them still couldn''t believe that Gaum was the one who led them, it was as if the country was suddenly led by a whole different person. "Young Lord, is it really okay for you to give all the credit to King Gaum?" Ramuja was concerned. He heard from Irion that Young Lord worked tirelessly, day and night to reform Rhea in a very short period of time. It was indeed sessful, but Aster took no credit for it. "I don''t need credit for something like that, it wasn''t that hard to spot the weakness of the system in Rhea anyway," Aster said, "Besides, I don''t belong in Rhea, I belong in Grand Duchy Stormhill, my home." Aster gazed outside, few soldiers were secretly ncing at this Young Lord of Grand Duchy whose appearance was simply breathtaking, just like what they described. Combined with his extraordinary noble status, their king was lucky to be able to get him. But sometimes, when they saw the Young Lord, they had a desire to own him, even though they were just lowly soldiers. Especially whenever they saw Young Lord''s eyes, it was deeply intoxicating, it felt like his eyes pulled them to the endless abyss of fantasy. It was like, looking at something you could imagine, but couldn''t get. Some of them identally messed up their step. Aster was nonchnt about it, but Ramuja seemed to notice the stares from the soldiers. Ramuja immediately slid the small window curtain to block the view. Aster was surprised and asked, "Why? I was enjoying the view outside." Ramuja kneeled again and lowered his head, "It''s dangerous for Young Lord to be visible to many people." "Huh?" Aster didn''t understand. If he was talking about the stares, Aster was used to it most of the time, he just didn''t bother with it. "Young Lord can talk to me instead if you are bored" Aster was surprised with Ramuja''s firm sentence, as if he was displeased about something. ''Wait wait is he?'' "Ramuja, are you jealous?" Aster asked. "NNo! Young Lord, this servant will not be jealous because I believe Young Lord know how to conduct himself and Young Lord is a very wise man that is above all and you have so many admirers and I do not have the audacity to be jealous because" "Okay, okay, stop." Aster chuckled. Ramuja talked really fast without a pause that it sounded funny, "Okay then, if you don''t allow me to gaze outside, then I will gaze at you instead." Aster gazed at Ramuja deeply his golden circle flickered. Ramuja started to feel the hot gaze of his master all over his body, it felt like he was stripped naked. A tingling sensation made his body both hot and itchy at the same time. "YYoung Lord, don''t stare at me so much" Ramuja said in a low, embarrassed tone. Aster held hisugh, because right now, Ramuja acted sheepishly and fidgeted nervously. Unlike Ramuja he met in the training ground, he exuded a powerful man aura, like a warrior ready to fight everything. Then, Aster remembered the moment they were in the bathroom together and his face turned beet red instantly. They were in this awkward silence until the carriage stopped near a meadow, they were going to rest for the day. King Gaum opened Aster''s carriage casually and barged in without Aster''s consent, "Oh? This servant of yours is still here? I thought he is with your knight outside, he is suited to be the coachman, haha." Aster frowned, Gaum indirectly insulted Ramuja with his joke. Aster wanted to rebuke, but Ramuja said something first, "This servant is here to protect Young Lord from unexpected danger." "Danger? There are thousands of soldiers surrounding us, do you think they cannot protect Aster? You are underestimating my soldier, this is an insult to me as the king!" Gaum used. Aster thought Ramuja would stagger and trembled in fear, but instead, his eyes darted at Gaum and there was no trace of fear there, "This servant is not worried about the threat from outside, but from the leader of the soldiers." The grin in Gaum''s face disappeared and turned into hostility, he and Ramuja red at each other. Fearing it would escte badly, Aster immediately blocked their view and shifted the topic, "So, King Gaum, why are you here?" Gaum''s re turned into a flirtatious smirk again and he pinched Aster''s cheek, "Of course to check your condition, because we are going to invade your Lantern Pce tomorrow." If Aster said that he didn''t feel saddened, that would make him a ruthless psychopath. Of course, it was so painful to invade and destroy the pce he grew up with. But if he ran away from the grand duchy without any fight, it would pain him more. Because Aster dedicated his life since he was a kid to help his grand duchy, and he already decided to devote his life to his duchy since the beginning. ''Even if mother wants to drive me out, I shall return, no matter how and no matter what the consequences.'' ''Because marrying a male ex-ve I need to have tremendous status to do that and earn the Golden Camellia blessing.'' Aster took a deep breath and said, "Since it has been decided, then there is no use to hesitate. Let''s carry on and do this." "Well, I know my darling Aster is really an amazing person," Gaum smiled, "Shall we kill all the guards and everyone inside the pce?" Aster''s eyes widened, "What for?!" "Well, to eliminate any possibility of traitors of course." "They are all my people," Aster said, "Injure the guard, but don''t fatally injure or kill them when they don''t fight much. Only do so when they refuse to surrender. For the citizens of Dionde City and the servants in the pce, do not attack any of them, they are the one who raised me." "Aster, you are far too kind, this is a war," Gaum reminded. "I know my people, they are peaceful people," Aster said firmly. Knowing that there was no room for negotiation, Gaum sighed and smiled, "You are the boss here. Although, to my people, you are my lover." Gaum chuckled and left the carriage. Ramuja had been holding his fist for a while now, he really wanted to shut that guy''s mouth. Gaum took all the credit of his master''s hard work and he still dared to act unscrupulously to his master. Unforgivable. Aster noticed Ramuja''s anger and pacified him, "We need him until I can return back to grand duchy." " yes, Young Lord, this servant understood" Aster smiled. He knew that something had changed in Ramuja. He became very determined and bolder than before, although he didn''t understand what changed him? ''Is is it because the power of love?'' ''Like, our love triumphs all?'' ''Wait Wait Wait! Aster, what kind of bug is in your head! What power of love cringy bullshit you just spew!'' The troops rested for the day, they needed to save their energy for tomorrow. Aster rested in a tent alone, while Irion and Ramuja were guarding outside the tent. Irion didn''t take off his knight te, unlike the soldiers who at least took off their helmet. And Irion''s full te was probably five times heavier than the one a regr soldier used. "Why are you still wearing it? Isn''t it heavy?" Ramuja asked. "You never know what would happen in this kind of situation, I don''t want to die like an idiot and unable to protect Young Lord from an ambush. I don''t care if it is heavy, if Young Lord said so, then I will do it." What Irion said was true, but there was something else other than that. He wore the te because it was heavy, so he imagined Young Lord forcing him to wear a heavy te as some sort of reward. There was also some more weight he added himself inside the te to give the better ''Young Lord stepping on him with his full body'' sensation. Ramuja looked at Irion with a mind full of admiration. This guy was really devoted to Young Lord. Ramuja imagined himself in a full te armor while protecting Young Lord, "I want a full te like that too." "You can request Young Lordter, I will help you shape a good armor!" Irion said enthusiastically. It surprised Ramuja slightly, because Irion became so excited all the sudden, "But, doesn''t it feel hot and heavy inside?" "It is, but it felt really, really good!" Irion replied. "It felt really good?" Ramuja was even more confused. How could something so hot and heavy hanging in your body felt very good? "Trust me, I will help youter! We shall be armor buddies! We shall devote our body and life to Young Lord!" Irion was far too excited that his expression looked a bit weird. Ramuja didn''t really understand what happened to Irion, but seeing how devoted Irion was to their master, it amazed him. He nodded enthusiastically. ''Irion is really a great mentor,'' Ramuja said in his heart. Aster hasn''t slept yet inside the tent, but hearing those two talked outside calmed him. "Irion and Ramuja can be good friends, I''m grateful," Aster said softly. But, the more he listened, the more he felt something was wrong about their conversation, "Irion is talking about the armor for the war, right?" Chapter 156: Ruined Garden Chapter 156: Ruined Garden The marching soldiers stopped in front of the gate of Dionde City. King Gaum ordered the messenger to deliver their intention to the guards in the main gate. The guards were shocked with the sudden appearance of a fully geared army marching to Dionde City. Today was Sunday winter, thus, not many were active. And there was no notice from the Lantern Pce about the uing attack. Thus, the fortification around the main gate was almost nonexistent. The messenger delivered the message from King Gaum, which summed up, "Our majestic king, King Gaum Cresthold will conquer the Lantern Pce to support his lover. Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill is going to take back what he originally owns." Like a thunder on a clear sky, the guards panicked, because the amount of the soldiers were astonishing. Grand Duchy Stormhill and its regions were mostly peaceful economic regions and they did not have many guards, most of them were only trained to defend. Because of thete Emperor''s testament that forbade Grand Duchy Stormhill to have any highlypetent troops. The guards immediately sent a messenger to inform Lantern Pce about the attack, because both Grand Duke and Grand Duchess were currently residing in the Lantern Pce. The guards in the main gate grouped together and pointed their weapon to the army. They were like a group of ants fighting a giant, but they feared nothing. It just gave them pain because they had to die in the hand of the Young Lord they admired the most. Aster was sitting with Gaum and saw those guards pointing their weapon at him. His heart felt stuffy, because he remembered exactly who these guards were. Before they were appointed as official guards, they were just a serf in grand duchy. They were very devoted and generally good people. "Ddon''t kill them" Aster said to Gaum. "That would depend whether they will struggle or not," Gaum replied. Aster remembered that most of them already had wife and children, he opened the carriage door unhesitatingly and walked in front of the guards, their spear was only an inch far from Aster''s face. "Stop this! You guys should surrender now and you will be safe with your wife and children! I willpensate you for this!" Aster said. The guards looked at each other, but they didn''t lower their guards, "This guard is begging for Young Lord''s forgiveness, but Her Highness Grand Duchess is our leader, we cannot disobey." Aster clenched his fist, he looked at their face one by one and kept all of them in his memory, ''I willpensate your family. I''m sorry.'' Aster returned to the carriage, greeted with Gaum''s grin, "How is it?" Aster inhaled deeply and said, "Carry on." *** The soldiers marched forward and the frontline immediately massacred the guards. Aster closed his eyes because he didn''t want to see their demise. Ramuja who was with Irion in the carriage behind was constantly concerned about his Young Lord wellbeing, because he knew how delicate Young Lord was. However, Irion seemed to be unconcerned and said, "There is no other way, I know Young Lord hated violence, but sometimes, it became the unavoidablest resort." The soldier entered the gate and marched towards the Lantern Pce. Aster looked around and noticed that the city was very quiet today. No one was outside and there was no scream of panic or whatsoever. ''It''s like the city has been emptied.'' "What is in your mind, Aster?" Gaum asked. "The city is very quiet today, I''m afraid it might be a trap," Aster was suspicious. His mother seemed to always understand what happened around her. It was almost impossible for her to not know about this attack, and it was even stranger when she crippled the main gate fortification. It felt like she didn''t even want to fight. The soldiers passed through empty roads until they arrived in front of the Lantern Pce. Many guards were protecting the main gate of Lantern Pce. Again, they did not give any room for negotiation and the soldiers from Rhea just ughtered all of them. They destroyed the gate and were greeted with the sight of many soldiers ready to ambush them. "Attack!" the grand duchymander ordered. The war inside the Lantern Pce was inevitable, the grand duchy''s guards attacked the soldiers ruthlessly, they didn''t even have any strategy. They were just using their brute force to attack. Meanwhile, Aster could feel the carriage with him and Gaum inside shook a little bit, and the roof was being stepped on. Ramuja immediately jumped on the top of the carriage and immediately killed two shadow guards by strangling them easily. While Irion was defending the carriage door. Aster saw Irion''s sword swinging swiftly as the shadow guards attacked him. Blood sttered everywhere and bodies fell to the ground, some of them had this expression of fear before they got killed. Aster saw it all, the first time in his life. And all of them were his servants, his guards, his families. As his carriage marched to the main pce, he saw the north garden, west garden, south garden and the east garden. All the beautiful flowerbeds he nted and maintained, all the winter flowers he ordered months before to make the pce beautiful even in winter. ''Pansies, snowdrops, winter cherry, daphne'' It''s all destroyed now. The soldiers fight, killing each in his garden. They stomped on the flowers mercilessly and swung their swords left and right. The garden he loved so much, it all got destroyed. Only leaving a ruined field full of blood. And it was his family''s blood. He killed them. ''Ron, have a wife and a child. Sigre, divorced with three kids. Auter, a youngster, but have elderly parents he needs to take care of'' Aster remembered every single of guards that died as he thought about the way he couldpensate them. Of course, he couldn''tpensate for the emotional loss, but he didn''t want these guards'' families to suffer after their breadwinner''s death. Aster held his pained heart, it was so painful that tears started rolling. Gaum was watching coldly, as he was used to seeing this kind of war happened between Rhea and the neighboring kingdom, although they were already under the rule of Golden Camellia. When he saw Aster, he just realized that Aster was crying for every soldier that was killed, "Aster? Why are you crying? We are going to enter the pce soon." "Ruined, my garden is ruined. And I am the one who ruined them all." Gaum wanted tofort Aster, because the sight must be heartbreaking for Aster. But then, he realized that Aster seemed to observe the fallen soldiers and count them rapidly. "You are going to remember all of them andpensate their family?" Gaum asked, and Aster just nodded silently and still counted. "You are ridiculous! Aster, this is war!" Gaum tried to shake some logic in Aster''s head. This was a war, there would be casualties and you couldn''t do anything about it. "Shut up, you are going to ruin my concentration," Aster said, then he mumbled again, remembering the names of the guards. They finally arrived in front of the main pce hall. After the Rhea soldiers ughtered every guard inside the main hall, Aster and Gaum stepped down from the carriage. Ramuja and Irion kneeled in front of him, they were breathing heavily, and their bodies were soaked in blood. Aster rubbed both Irion and Ramuja''s head gently and said, "I''m sorry." "Young Lord are you really okay?" Ramuja opened his mouth first. He had been constantly worrying about his master, because this battle must have been painful for him to watch. Knowing how caring he was to grand duchy and all his people, this battle basically meant he was killing his own family. There was a trace of deep sadness in Aster''s eyes, but he nodded and caressed Ramuja''s cheek. He fished out his handkerchief and wiped Ramuja''s bloodied cheek, "I''m okay," Aster smiled. "Mymander said there was nothing but guards in this pce, no servants. And only one ce couldn''t be attacked right now, the Grand Duchess chamber," Gaum informed. "Is it heavily guarded?" "Yes." "Then, let''s go there, my mother has been waiting," Aster said. They walked slowly across the pce, because Grand Duchess'' chamber was the farthest, Aster walked from one corridor to another and witnessed so many dead bodies on the ground. Aster still focused on remembering all of them to give their familypensationter on. When they finally reached the purple door of Grand Duchess'' chamber, there were two guards who still stood straight. They saw that Young Lord finally came, they bowed in front of him, "Young Lord, Grand Duchess has been waiting inside." "Let me in." The guards opened the door, Aster''s first sight was his mother finally finished knitting a new tacky sweater. After she finished it, she kissed the sweater. Aster could see the pattern, it was still as tacky, but somehow, Grand Duchess looked very satisfied. Grand Duchess turned her head to Aster and smiled, "My son has arrived, wee home." Chapter 157: A Wilted Camellia Chapter 157: A Wilted Camellia "My son has arrived, wee home." Aster observed his mother''s sweet smile. He was alert the whole time, because there might be another trap already prepared by his mother. He stood in front of the door for a while until Grand Duchess stood from the chair and walked towards his son. Aster took a step back out of reflex when his mother approached him. Maybe because it was a basic instinct, but his mother aura was really terrifying. He felt like he was facing a blood lusted monster. "Oh my, look at you son, you are taller than me now!" Grand Duchess rejoiced. She tiptoed a bit in aical way so Aster would rx, but it didn''t seem to work. Grand Duchess noticed the men who followed Aster. Her eyes turned sharp and she couldn''t hide her loathing, she red at each of them and contemptuously said, "So, all of you are the one who had influenced my son." "They are innocent," Aster replied immediately. Grand Duchess looked at Aster and smiled again, "Well, it''s up to you my son. But if you want to enter, you can only take one person in." Aster turned his back, Irion, Gaum and Ramuja. They were all staring at him, waiting if Aster would pick them. Without hesitation, Aster held Ramuja''s hand and entered the chamber. Grand Duchess led them to the balcony as always, it was her favourite ce because she could always see her son walking around the garden every morning. Aster sat face to face with his mother. His expression was grim after witnessing the deaths of many guards in his garden. "Is this the way for you to hurt me?" Aster asked. "Hm? What do you mean?" "You ordered grand duchy guards to attack my men. You know well that grand duchy doesn''t have strong troops and they will be decimated, our duchy has never been at war before," Aster''s heart sank when he uttered this. Probably, around seventy percent of the grand duchy guards had been killed in this attack. Grand Duchess sipped her tea calmly and replied, "Oh, I just ordered them to defend the grand duchy, it is their job anyway. But it is also your men who ughtered them all." Grand Duchess chuckled, "Just as you said, our grand duchy doesn''t have strong guards, you know that. But you used soldiers of Rhea, soldiers from a kingdom specialized in small wars to ughter them all. You are their death sentence, Aster." "That''s because they have to fight or else they will get killed!" Aster raised his voice. But Grand Duchess seemed nonchnt. "You can just target themander, then grand duchy guards will retreat naturally. But you are talking on and on aboutpensation, let''s face it, you don''t care about their life. Everything can be solved with money, right?" Grand Duchess grinned maliciously. "I just don''t want their family to suffer after their deaths! You are the one who ordered them to attack me!" "Like I said, I don''t order them to attack you. But logically, what would themander think when your soldier ughtered the guards in Dionde city and Lantern Pce gates? He reported to me that Young Lord has be a warmonger that has no pity for them." Grand Duchess sighed, "He said that our adorable Young Lord has turned evil, but the guards still love him wholeheartedly." "Oh, don''t worry my son, I''m not mad at you. In fact, I''m impressed. To have the heart to ughter the guards who had been protecting your life for years, that was impressive!" Grand Duchess''s sad expression disappeared and turned into cheery smile. It was frightening how she could change her expression instantly. Aster''s body trembled when he recalled all the dead men outside. His emotion was like a volcano that was about to erupt, but he knew, if he erupted, it wouldn''t end up pretty. "Mother! You forced me into this! You drove me out of the duchy! I''m here to take back my right!" "I drove you out? Your disgusting ve and your knight took you away, just ask them." "That is because you have bad intentions towards me!" Aster lost his cool gradually, "Mother just tell me already, why are you doing this? Do I have any wrongdoing?! Do I have sinned before for you to hate me this much?" ''Mother you are my closest family, I love you so much, why?'' Aster uttered in his heart. He held his tears. "Oh, my dear son. I never hate you, and I will never," Grand Duchess put the knitted sweater on the table and continued, "I love you so much that I learned how to knit, so you can wear what I made. I learned how to run the politics in Golden Camellia, so you will be protected for seventeen years. I love you so much that I make myself infertile, so you won''t have anypetition. I love you that much." "MMother stop" Aster heard those words and it shook him. His mother often said I love you, but this time, it was so deep that it pierced his heart. "I give everything for you, so you can have the best life. Never question my love for you, Aster. I never loathed you." "Then Why are you doing this? Mother mom I''m also hurting," Aster beat his chest with his fist few times, "It''s so hurting here, I feel like I''m being skinned alive." Grand Duchess smiled. She gazed at Aster''s face andmented, "You are grown up now, in the next summer, you will be eighteen years old already. You have a face simr to mine, but you are much better." "Maybe because I love you too much, my son. I''ve be an egoist and want you to survive no matter what, because your fate without my interruption is death. I want you to survive and strive no matter the circumstances." "Mom.. what are you talking about?" Aster could feel the warmth of his mother emanating from his mother''s body, her pupils had turned golden and it shone bright. "You will understand that your status in Golden Camellia is important, but it''s dangerous. Too dangerous, and I don''t want you to die just because of your bloodline." "I don''t understand" Grand Duchess chuckled, "Of course you don''t, because I hide it from you." She took a big book on the floor and gave it to Aster, "Read this after my death, it''s my note, my life in Golden Camellia since I was a kid. I was a dreamy little girl wanting to be an author back then, ahahaha" Aster observed the book in front of him, but what caught his attention most was his mother''s word, "Death? What do you mean your death?!" "Well, I''ve lost to you in this war. You''ve sessfully ughtered your grand duchy, your guards, and your mother as well," Grand Duchess said lightly. "But I don''t want your death! II just want you to ept me and my servants back, and be honest with me. I I just want everything to go back to normal," Aster said, his voice almost sounded like a plea. "Aster, it''s never normal. Your life, your birth, my life and even my birth. We have never been normal. We are cursed," Grand Duchess gazed pityingly at her son. There was a trace of sympathy, because this good boy was born from her and was forced into this world full of monsters. "Aster, I''m also the one who framed you and sent you to Golden Pce. I''m the one who ordered my emperor brother and I''m the one who framed your aunt empress," Grand Duchess nced at Ramuja, "I''m also the one who tortured your ve repeatedly, do you think it all make sense?" "No" "You don''t think it makes sense because you don''t understand our fate as a golden blood. I am evil, Aster. But I did it to survive, so you can survive as well." "Mom I just want to be epted back to grand duchy with my servant." "And I will not ept you back until you kill me," Grand Duchess smiled, "Especially with your ve, it seems you forget something, but I will let it slide." Grand Duchess nced at Ramuja again, she sneered, "I will let it run like a time bomb and when the bomb explodes, something will be ruined." "Mom, I beg you, please don''t do this," Aster walked towards his mom and kneeled in front of her. He held his mother''s hand and looked up to her with pleading eyes, "I would never want you to die, mom." Grand Duchess caressed Aster''s head gently. This obedient son of hers, the one and only. The son she treasured so much finally kneeled in front of her again, just like when he was a toddler. "ording to the rule of Golden Camellia, you can take over a region after you kill the ruler or the ruler surrenders, and I will never surrender," Grand Duchess wiped the tears in Aster''s eyes. "You can just order your ve to kill me now, or kill me with your own hand." "Mom, please stop this. It hurts so much!" Aster couldn''t contain his tears any longer. He knew that his mother had been cruel to him and many people, but when faced with the fact that his mother would die in his own hand. It devastated him so much. Grand Duchess talked no more, she took out a pill from her sleeve and swallowed it instantly. Aster was stunned, he gripped his mother''s hand, "WWhat did you just swallow?" "A poison, I will die in a few minutes," Grand Duchess said lightly. "Aster, look at your garden below, there are bodies everywhere fighting for you. You''ve killed them, you destroyed our grand duchy, and you killed me too here." Aster was speechless, trying to process everything his mother just said. Grand Duchess took a flower she had preserved and ced it in Aster''s forehead and kissed Aster''s forehead gently, "It is such an impressive feat, Grand Duke Aster di Arlingdon, my dear son, congrattions." Grand Duchess Camille gave her sincere smile for thest time and fell to the floor. Her body convulsed and she coughed blood repeatedly. "Mom! Mom! You servants, help her!" Aster put his mother''s head in his thigh. He called the servants around them repeatedly, but no one replied. They were standing in their position and silently cried. "Ramuja! Come here and help me!" Ramuja moved immediately, but he knew that Grand Duchess was already dead. Her skin turned brown gradually, probably from the effect of the poison. Like a wilted flower, Grand Duchess Camille died in her son''s embrace. BAM! The door was mmed and a familiar voice cried, "CAMILLE!" Aster turned his head and saw his father, Grand Duke Harion rushed to him. He hugged Grand Duchess'' lifeless body and wailed, "Why did you do this?! Camille, Wake up! I promised you that it shouldn''t end like this! CAMILLE!" Aster witnessed his cold and mighty father wailed and cried for his dead wife. He finally realized that the family he treasured had been ruined. In that moment, Aster could feel his heart plunged into an unknown abyss. He felt numb, and slowly but sure his eyes turned pure ck for the first time. Chapter 158: Winter Camellias on the Snow Grave Chapter 158: Winter Camellias on the Snow Grave After Grand Duchess'' death, the soldiers of Rhea imed victory and Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill finally retook the Lantern Pce. King Gaum and his soldier helped their fallen soldiers and took them back to Rhea. While Aster was busy listing the fallen guards in grand duchy side and sending the bodies back to their family andpensate them. Aster ordered the grand duchy spokesman to spread the news about Grand Duchess'' death in the city. The next day, the empty city had been filled with people again, but none of them exited their house, this was a form of grieving in Golden Camellia. The roads were empty except the serfs and guards who were still alive carried the body of the dead guards. Turned out, Grand Duchess had prepared for everything even before her demise. She already prepared the men to bring the guards body back to their family, she already prepared for her funeral, and she already prepared for his new status. She knew that she would die in the hand of her only son. Aster felt numb after he saw his mother''s death. He could only feel a constant pain in his chest, but didn''t know how to relieve it. His only way to relieve it slightly was by having Ramuja on his side. There was a feeling that scared him, because he could feel something was changing inside his heart and head. But he didn''t know what it was. Aster entered the Lantern Pce office and said in low voice "Dad we need to attend mom''s funeral," His dad has been sitting in his office for the whole day, he didn''t even rest. He only wrote documents and signed as many as possible. His eyes were red and his eyebags were visible. There was a trace of grief in his face, probably after too much crying. Grand Duke didn''t say anything, but he just nodded once and continued signing the document. But he stopped from time to time to wipe his tears. "Dad, let''s go now, the funeral will be starting soon." Grand Duke paused, he finally took off his sses and stood from the chair. Aster and his dad walked to the main hall, where there were people who already waited, although it wasn''t many. Grand Duchess only invited some of Grand Duchy''s allies, even so, Aster noticed that the people she invited were the ones that Aster should have more connection with. It was like his mother wanted Aster to be benefited even after her death. They were all dressed in ck and said their condolences to Aster and his father. Although most of them already knew that Aster invaded his own duchy and basically killed his own mother, he would be the next Grand Duke. Thus, they still had to respect him. Aster and his father stood in front of the podium, ording to Golden Camellia custom, the spouse of the deceased one should say farewell before the coffin would be closed. There was text prepared on the podium, so Grand Duke could just read it. But instead, he focused his eyesight on his dead wife and said, "Today is the day my wife ends her life goal, she had achieved everything she wanted to do and she had an incredible sessor. I, Harion, am a very fortunate man to ever meet and marry her. Never once I regret it, and she died protecting what she loved the most." Harion approached the coffin and whispered something in Grand Duchess'' ear, "Camille, wait for me." Harion kissed the edge of the Grand Duchess'' lips, which shocked the audience. Because usually, no man would ever kiss his dead wife in Golden Camellia. Because a dead body was considered impure and disgusting, but Grand Duke act showed that he still loved her even after her death. The coffin was closed and finally nailed. Grand Duchess wanted to be buried in a flower garden, just outside of Dionde City. Aster and Grand Duke sat on the carriage with Grand Duchess'' coffin, while Ramuja was sitting with the coachman. The road was empty, there were no soldiers saluting, no followers, no luxurious jewellery like what other nobles usually do. Only one carriage with her son and her husband inside. That was herst will. The carriage left the city gate to the flower meadow, of course it was only greyish meadow for now. The grave had been prepared and the gravediggers already set up the tombstone. The gravediggers put down the coffin slowly, Aster and his father saw the coffin deep inside the ground and the gravediggers piled the grave slowly. After a while, Grand Duchess was finally six feet under. The gravediggers excused themselves, Aster and his father stroked the camellia shaped tombstone. Grand Duchess refused to be buried with other royals in the Golden Mausoleum. Instead, she dered this flower meadow as grave for herself and her family. "I will order some guards to patrol this area also, this flower meadow will be our resting ce too, Aster," Grand Duke said. Aster nodded solemnly, "Dad, about the winter camellia." "Yes." Aster and his father carried a bucket full of camellia flowers and seeds. Grand Duchess requested that her grave be sowed with winter camellia seeds and winter camellia to be scattered around her grave. Aster took a handful of winter camellia, but before he could scatter the flower, a snowke fell onto the ground. Soon, thousands of snowkes rained the meadow. The grey meadow turned white quickly. Grand duke couldn''t hold his tears any longer, his body trembled as he cried, "This is this is what she said to me before, this is how she wanted to die" "Dad?" "Aster, as your father, I beg you, please forgive your mother no matter how evil she was." "Dad what are you saying of course I forgave her already" "She loves you so much Aster, too much to a fault," Grand Duke wept grievingly, "I tried to stop her. But she sacrificed everything for you, because you will be dead if she didn''t have that deal." "Deal? What deal?" "She" "BIG SISTER!" A deafening roar shook the solemn nature of this meadow. Both Aster and his father saw Emperor Audric IV charged towards them with his sword unsheathed. Ramuja immediately blocked him and reprimanded him easily, which was strange, since Emperor Audric IV was also famed for his physical prowess. Emperor Audric IV struggled as he cursed at Grand Duke, "Fuck you, Harion! You killed her! You killed my big sis!" "Ludwig" Grand Duke said in a low voice. He just lowered his head and started spreading the winter camellia on Grand Duchess'' grave. "STOP THAT! MY BIG SIS IS NOT DEAD!" Emperor Audric IV struggled as hard as he could, but somehow, he lost all his physical prowess today, or maybe forever. He started spewing curse words while Grand Duke continued scattering the flowers. The royal guards prepared to attack Ramuja, and Aster reacted immediately, "Stop right there! One more step and my servant will break the emperor''s neck!" The guards were shocked with Aster''s threat. His voice made the royal guards'' feet numb as they were stuck in their position. Aster''s eyes were so piercing that it made them tremble and almost fell on their knees. Aster cursed in his heart, ''These filthy people dared to ruin my mother''s funeral, I will crush their head one by one!'' But Emperor Audric IV started cursing at him, "You! A filthy child! You are a failure that killed my big sis! I will kill you, so my big sis will return!" Aster red at his Uncle Emperor. He already lost his majestic bearing, only leaving a troubled child in front of Aster. For the first time, Aster felt bigger than his Uncle Emperor. "Silence!" Aster said with his soft voice, but to Emperor Audric IV and all the people there, it sounded like a thunder striking them. It was so strange, because Aster didn''t even scream. It felt like they were beingmanded by an absolute force, like when Crown Prince Charlesmanded them. Aster and his father scattered all the winter flowers on top of Grand Duchess'' grave. Just like her, the grave became very beautiful, a snow heap covered with winter camellias. "Rest well, mom" *** Ramuja was shocked by Young Lord''s words. Although it was not directed towards him, he could feel the pressure. When the Emperor came, Young Lord''s eyes turned pure ck immediately. Like the eye of the abyss, his stare made him cower in fear. It was like facing an unbeatable terror. Emperor Audric IV fell to the ground, still crying while mumbling, "Big sis big sis, don''t go" Ramuja tried his best to stand on his feet, while the royal guards already fell on their knees. Ramuja observed his beloved Young Lord, he still had the face, the skin, the demeanour of his loved one. But somehow, it felt like something was far more terrifying, a lot more than Grand Duchess. ''Young Lord, you are different. I am scared that something bad will happen'' ''Young Lord, what happened to you?'' Chapter 159: Grand Duke Aster Chapter 159: Grand Duke Aster A month after the death of Grand Duchess, radical changes happened in Grand Duchy Stormhil''s region, including Dionde City and all the small towns around it. Because of this devastating event, this year''s winter feast would be held in the Dionde City main square in mid-January.and it was free for all citizens inside Grand Duchy Stormhill''s region to attend.There would be food for all and it would also be the first time the citizens saw the new Grand Duke that would rule the region. The previous lord, Grand Duke Harion had stepped down from the position a few weeks after the death of her wife, Grand Duchess Camille. Grand Duchess Camille''s son had inherited all her belongings ording to herst will, so did Grand Duke Harion. Grand Duke Harion gave all his position in the Grand Duchy to his son, including almost all businesses and roles in politics. He only had one business that he ran from now, the logging business. All these inheritances from Grand Duke and Duchess made the new lord, Grand Duke Aster, as the richest individual in the entire Golden Camellia Empire, probably also one of the richest in the continent. He was also very young, at the tender age of seventeen, he had ruled the economic center of a great empire. But of course, it was not a smooth sailing process. *** "In the name of the Sacred Camellia, Hereby, I dere Aster di Arlingdon as my sessor of Grand Duchy Stormhill. May Golden Camellia flourish with his presence." Grand Duke Harion recited the oath and then put a silver crown with camellia shaped diamond on the left side of the crown. Rulers of a vassal region could only use silver crowns, because the gold crown was only for the Emperor and Empress. Aster opened his eyes, witnessed by the elders of Golden Camellia and other important figures, he smiled at his dad. His dad smiled back at him, although he was still mourning, he looked much better now. The loud ps from the audience filled the Lantern Pce ballroom. Aster observed the audience, he noticed almost every important figure in Golden Camellia existed there, only the royal family was absent and few others. However, Aster''s eyes darted on someone on the left side of the ballroom. He was standing there quietly, he pped and admired Aster. Aster''s eyes went soft instantly, probably because soon, he could legalize his rtionship with Ramuja and perhaps, go for marriage. ''I do this for you, for us.'' ''So, look at me, because our road is arduous, but I persevered because of you. Ramuja, I wish you can stand beside me, soon.'' Aster shifted his attention to the audience and then said, "I am Aster di Arlingdon, the Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. You may call me Grand Duke Aster from now on." Everyone bowed their heads with respect, because Aster was still one of the second highest rulers in Grand Duchy Stormhill after the Emperor. There were only around four houses with power only below the Emperor in Golden Camellia. "I would like to thank honorabledies and gentlemen for your willingness to attend my coronation. I had prepared the feast to fill your belly, please enjoy the party, thank you." Aster ended the ceremony and people started chatting and eating the food. Some were dancing around with their partners. Aster was approached by few people, but honestly, he was only interested in meeting Ramuja right now. Gaum blocked Aster''s path and then told him, "Oh, it seems my darling Aster forgets about our rtionship." Aster gave a cold gaze to Gaum and said, "I do not forget, but a forgery should be hidden, because it is a shame. Please excuse me, I have something to do." Gaum clenched his fist, ''A forgery?! He called our rtionship a forgery?!'' Gaum held Aster''s hand, he wanted to announce to the people here that he and Aster were a pair of lovers. But before he could say anything, Aster red at him, and at that moment, he felt petrified to the bone. Aster''s beautiful eye gave the feeling of imminent danger that woulde upon him if he persisted. Gaum was shocked with the sudden change of Aster. Aster changed from cold, soft beauty into an unknown monster like a flip of a coin. "Let go." Aster said short and sharp. Gaum let Aster hand, in fact, it was more that his hand couldn''t move. His feet felt cold, although he was wearing thick padded shoes. Aster walked off and left the hall. "Are you chasing him?" Gaum turned his head, the heir of House Utrah, Theo Utrah tapped his shoulder. Gaum and Theo were longtime friends, Gaum nodded reluctantly. "Well, I wouldn''t lie, I also got attracted to him, I think everyone does. Grand Duke Aster is mesmerizing, he gave off the aura of cold, untouchable beauty that made you crave for more." "Are you going for him too?" Gaum asked. "Me? Hahaha, why would I? I know I have no chance, so I can just admire him from afar. Well, I can find a male prostitute with a body simr to Grand Duke, although not as lustrous, covered the face with something, and then imagining that I actually took Grand Duke Aster to my bed." "You do that?" Gaum asked doubtfully. "Yeah, you know, almost every man in here hired male prostitutes with body simr to Grand Duke Aster while imagining about him. He is so popr in the aristocratic circle, but he is untouchable," Theo said. Gaum had a moment of silence, not because he wanted to do the same thing. That was gross and pitiful, but his desire to own Aster only increased, ''If I can get Aster in my hand, then my life will be perfect. Powerful position and an amazing wife'' Gaum gazed longingly at Aster back until he disappeared from his sight. *** Aster searched for Ramuja around until he found Ramuja alone in the corridor, leaning against the wall. "Ramuja!" "Milord?" Ramuja frowned, "Why are you here? Shouldn''t you discuss the future of the grand duchy with the nobles inside the ballroom?" "That is unimportant, follow me." Aster held Ramuja''s hand and climbed the stairs to his room. Ramuja was flustered with his master''s behavior. He was in a hurry and walked fast with that heavily decorated robe and the crown still on his head. "Milord, please mind your step. We''re climbing steep staircases." "Quick! I want to show you somethi wha!" Aster stepped on the robe and fell backwards. Ramuja reacted fast and caught his Master in his embrace. Aster and Ramuja''s eyes met, Ramuja smiled at him and said, "This servant is afraid that I have to carry you to your room, Milord." Ramuja carried his master bridal style while gazing dotingly at Aster. He climbed the spiral staircases until he was in front of Aster''s room. Aster didn''t move his gaze from Ramuja''s face, he could see Ramuja''s deep eyes, thin lips, sharp nose, even his nostrils looked handsome for Aster. ''How could someone be so handsome'' "Milord, we''re in front of your" Ramuja was surprised with gentle lips pecking his chin. Aster gave a small kiss in Ramuja''s chin and then blushed. "MMilord, why did you--?" "No idea, Nhn... I just want to do it," Aster said coquettishly. Aster hopped off and opened the door, leaving Ramuja stunned silly. Aster pulled Ramuja''s hand toe inside his room. Aster sat Ramuja down on the sofa and then opened his drawer, he searched for something important that he kept for so long, until he forgot that it existed. Aster scrambled around trying to find it, Ramuja stood up to help his master but Aster immediatelymanded him, "Sit!" Thus, Ramuja could only see Aster scrambling around his room to find something. Aster finally found the thing he had been searching for inside a dusty box behind his novel collections. He opened it and kissed it dotingly. ''Back then, I thought this thing would forever stay inside this room, but now I can give this to someone I love'' Aster returned back to Ramuja and sat beside him, "Close your eyes and open your hand." Ramuja followed his master''s order, he closed his eyes and opened his hand. Soon, he could feel something cold was ced in his hand. "Open your eyes." Ramuja opened his eyes to see what was in his hand. "Milord this" "Yes, my gold pin," Aster said proudly, "Someone can only have one personal gold pin, and it''s only given to his spouse, usually after a marriage. But I can''t wait for that long, please ept it, think of it as my gift for you" Ramuja observed the golden stringless harp with ''A'' letter in the middle, he looked at his master because he was unsure if he deserved this, "Milord, this is too valuable" "It is, that''s why I give it to you," Aster''s cheek turned red, "Please don''t lose it, you will break my heart." "I won''t!" Ramuja reacted sternly, "Milord, I shall never lose this! I will keep this with my life!" Aster saw the seriousness in Ramuja''s eyes. Aster''s body turned hot all the sudden, he threw his weight to Ramuja and kissed him. Ramuja was taken aback slightly, but he cooperated with the kiss and soon, it turned into a hot kiss full of passion. After the kiss, they were still embracing each other, sharing their warmth, Aster whispered in Ramuja''s ear, "I love you, Ramuja. I really do." ''If someone dares to ruin our love, I will crush them to pieces and I will make sure their name disappears from this world. That''s why don''t disappoint me, Ramuja.'' Ramuja''s heart beat like crazy, his master really loved him the same way he did to him, Ramuja nodded and whispered "Milord, I love you. I will always be with you." ''My cute Young Lord, you don''t have to know about everything that has happened before, you should only know that I love you, I really do. My life, my breath is yours. That''s why don''t abandon me, my cute Aster.'' Chapter 160: Eulogy of the Prince 25 Chapter 160: Eulogy of the Prince 25 "Do I look fine with this?" Milord Aster asked me. "Yes, Milord, you look good with it" I said truthfully, but he pouted instead. "This is the twentieth garment that I tried and you keep saying the same thing!" Aster snorted, "Hmph! You are no help at all." I chuckled, "This servant said the truth, you do look good with everything." "You are blind! You''re just biased because because!" "Because?" I grinned mischievously. "Ugh! Go train with Irion!" Milord pouted and took the twenty first garment he needed to try. Tomorrow would be the winter feast for Grand Duchy Stormhill. Usually, public winter feast was held on December 25th. But because of the sudden change in grand duchy, the feast was pushed back to January 15th. Iughed and bowed my head politely, "This servant shall train with Irion." I left Milord''s room and walked in the corridor, but before I went to the training ground, I went inside Lord Harion''s office first. He was not the Grand Duke now, So, people referred to him as Lord Harion instead. I knocked on the door and opened it slowly. Lord Harion was drinking a coffee while gazing at the scenery outside. It was such a rare moment, because Lord Harion was always busy before, now he only had one business to control and naturally had a lot of free time. I kneeled in front of him, "This servant is present in front of Lord Harion." "How is my son?" Lord Harion asked immediately. "He is busy fitting his winter feast dress, does Lord Harion have any mission for me?" I asked politely. Lord Harion put down his coffee and opened his drawer. He took a small box and threw it to me. I caught it and asked, "Milord, what is this?" "There is gold and my silver pin inside," he exined lightly, "I can''t do much for you, because I already gave everything I have to my son. But I need to give you a reward for your perseverance, you stayed with my son for so long. I went silent, and then took out the sword shaped silver pin and returned the box full of gold to Lord Harion. "Milord, this servant would like to stay thank you, because you entrusted me with your silver pin. But I don''t need the gold." "Aren''t you the one who said you want to be free? Do you want me to free you instead? I still have some power to free you from the ve contract," Grand Duke frowned. "No, Milord. But only Grand Duke Aster owns me, and he is the only one that can free me from the contract if he wants to," I said. "So, you are okay to be a ve forever?" " if Grand Duke Aster said so, then so be it. I''ve sworn with my life that I will follow him forever." Lord Harion sipped his coffee again, he turned his back, "Go then, I shall free you from your status as my subordinate." "Thank you for your generosity, Milord." "Also, forgive my wife. She hated you, I know that, but she loved Aster so much. She is gone now, but I hope you can forgive her wrongdoings." I lowered my head. Of course, there was this bitter feeling in my heart. She tortured me so much, she also tortured Milord Aster, "This servant will forgive Grand Duchess, but only because she is Grand Duke Aster''s mother." Lord Harion nodded, "eptable. Don''t disappoint my son. You are his golden circle." "Milord, may I know what the golden circle is?" Ramuja had a hunch that Milord Aster had something with his eyes. His eye colors could change and his golden circle would expand sometimes. "You are his life, so, don''t disappoint him. Now go," Lord Harion said, he didn''t want to exin more, thus, I nodded and excused myself. ''I am his life?'' ''Does it mean, he will love no one but me? That would be pleasant.'' I did love Milord Aster so much. When I knew that he had the same feeling as me, I felt like I could burst anytime. But of course, there was something deep inside my heart, something that made me ufortable. Maybe it was insecurity, but I had the fear that Milord will change. Maybe if he found a man or woman that is much more powerful and undeniably beautiful from a foreignnd. ''He can grow bored. When we are older, he can easily find another man that is much younger or when he decided to have a wife. So he could continue his bloodline.'' This feeling couldn''t be helped. Because when I was a child, I remembered that my father had two more wives, second mama and third mama. They were kind to me, but they fought a lot with my real mother. It was not illegal to have more than one spouse in Golden Camellia too, as long as you have enough wealth to provide for both. It honestly scared me, because I couldn''t imagine Milord kissing another man or woman. ''Milord, I want to be selfish. I want you for myself'' I reached the training ground and met Irion who trained with his special armor. I called it special armor because it was designed by Irion himself and there was a dent on the chest that he treasured so much. He kept the dent. "Oh, Ramuja, you are here," Irion smiled. The cold didn''t seem to bother him. He pointed at the second armorying on the ground, "Take off your shirt and start training!" Irion said excitedly. I nodded. I took off my shirt and started wearing the cold armor. I shivered a little when the cold armor touched my skin. Then, Irion helped me to prepare for my training. This armor had its weird features, first, the chest area had two clips. I took both clips and pinched my nipples with it. I winced, not because of pain, but because it felt weird. Then, the waist area had added weight. Four medium sized steel balls, with Milord''s name in it. And third, I had to use a barbed cor around my neck area, simr to a dog cor, but the barbs were pointing up. So, if I dared to lower my neck, my neck would be pierced by the cor. Irion said, these strange tools could increase my endurance, pain tolerance, and discipline. ''Well, it does help me anyway,'' Although it felt weird. But Iply because it did have a significant impact on my endurance. Irion shouted excitedly, "Let''s train! Imagine Milord Aster''s face when you are training, imagine him when you got hurt! Do you want to stand back again after that?! Do you feel a surge of happiness when you imagine him? This is the right step!" "YES! FOR MILORD!" I trained as usual. But whenever I trained, I''ve always had this weird pleasure whenever I connected the physical pain with Milord Aster. I shook my head, because I felt ashamed. ''HHow can I think something perverted when I''m training? Focus Ramuja!'' *** The winter feast was held in Dionde City Main square from around four pm until midnight. The city was packed with people and there were foods in almost every corner. It would be restocked every minute, so people could eat any kind of food without having to worry. This showed the incredible wealth of Grand Duchy Stormhill, especially the ruler, Grand Duke Aster. The said Grand Duke was sitting on the throne in the middle of city square. The throne was silver and gold ted, Grand Duke Aster was sitting wearing white and gold tunic with a silver robe. He looked modest with his clothing, unlike other rulers that would sh out their wealth. Grand Duke had the aura of cold and untouchable. But, the image shattered whenever a kid looked at him, Grand Duke would smile and said hi. It was such a great impression to the people, because they thought their new ruler would be arrogant and ruthless. A minister approached Grand Duke and whispered something. Grand Duke nodded and the minister announced, "His Highness Grand Duke Aster would like to announce something!" The people stopped their activities and stared at their duke, Aster smiled and started his speech, "My beloved citizens, tomemorate my coronation, I, Grand Duke Aster, after certain consideration, would free every citizen in Grand Duchy Stormhill region from tax until the end of Summer!" The people were shocked, they gasped and looked at their Grand Duke with disbelief. Because no tax meant the duchy wouldn''t get any ie. But it seemed what the rumor said was true, Grand Duchy Stormhill was incredibly rich that they could do ridiculous things like this without any risk. The people pped and the loud cheer during the winter feast were heard across Dionde City, "Long Live Grand Duke Aster! Long Live Grand Duke Aster!" Aster sat calmly on his throne, the edge of his lips perked up. ''Ramuja, I will try to get the greatest approval a ruler could ever have from his people. So, when we are married, no one would oppose us.'' Aster looked at Ramuja who was standing beside him as guard with Irion. Their eyes met and Ramuja winked at him. From afar, a girl around Aster''s age was staring at the throne hatefully. Her dark long hair was braided. She looked cute and soft, but when one approached her, they could feel a vengeful aura in her. She stared at the throne and her heart was burning with hellfire, especially when Grand Duke Aster was smiling at Ramuja. "I swear, I will not let you be happy with anyone, especially with Grand Duke!" Chapter 161: A Wondrous Obsession (The End of Volume 3) Chapter 161: A Wondrous Obsession (The End of Volume 3) "Milord, this is the report you requested," one of his officials handed a report to Aster who was reading a book in the office. He finally finished all the preparation documents for the shift of power in grand duchy. Thus, for his free time, he asked one of his trusted officials to give him the report for Crown Prince Charles. Aster took the report and read all the achievements Charles officially had for the past three years, including his official alliances. The more Aster read it, the more he frowned, because it seemed almost impossible for a human to do this just in three years. "Conquered the entire southeast continent in one year?! How?'''' The southeast continent should be the birthce of Ramuja. Although it had been conquered before, this was the first time someone was able to conquer it fully. Especially since there were a lot of guerri fighters there. Aster also noticed one of the achievements was being able to suppress the barbarians near the North Fort Kingdom, home of Helene and Esther Yvette. Even previous emperors were unable to suppress them, because they were very tough. There were a lot more achievements under Charles'' belt, it seemed almost like magic. Because it was almost impossible to achieve at such a young age of twenty two. Aster had to think of a way to protect his grand duchy when Charles finished his campaign in Great Kingdom Arctyr, because he got the information that Tuskan was able to dominate and probably soon, vanquish the current king with the help of Charles. ''I should sabotage his trip here while I''m preparing, there''s no guarantee that he will not chase me when he returns,'' Aster called one of his officials outside. "Yes, Milord!" the official kneeled in front of him. Aster took a deep breath and ordered, "Dispatch some spies to Great Kingdom Arctyr, see what kind of war Prince Charles is doing, then report to me back. Remember, don''t do too much, the spies only has one mission, to observe Prince Charles'' war strategy." "Understand, Milord." The official lowered his head once and left the room hastily, Aster sat on the chair, he propped his chin with his left hand as his right hand tapped the table a few times. ''I can''t let him progress this fast, I may not be able to resist against him once he returns.'' ''He might destroy grand duchy if he bes too powerful, and I don''t have the power to protect Ramuja if this continues.'' Aster turned his head to look at the window, Ramuja and Irion were training in the training ground and they looked serious. They were wearing weird armors that would make the maids blushes, especially because of their physiques and appearance. But to Aster, he was more concerned about the armor for Ramuja. Because it looked ufortable, but Ramuja''s countenance brightened when he was chanting Aster''s name during his training. Sometimes his pleasure was very visible. It made Aster feel ufortable, but something was even more ufortable down there. ''What was he thinking when he is training and keeps shouting my name?'' *** Charles was reading the report for the current war that happened near Leonel City, the main capital of Great Kingdom Arctyr. "Everything looks good, probably I will be able to return back soon,'' Charles smiled. He had been missing his darling Aster for so long he kept dreaming about Aster every night, and each dream felt more real than the previous one. It drove him mad, because his heart kept pounding heavily whenever he woke up from his dream. Charles'' gaze deepened, "My darling Aster, I''ve been thinking about you every day. After you gave your first kiss to me, I keep wanting for more and I can''t hold it. Everyone looked so disgustingpared to you." Charles was staring at one of the paintings of Aster. He fished out Aster''s handkerchief and started sniffing it obsessively. There was no scent in the handkerchief, but to Charles, there was Aster''s scent. Charles imagined himself sitting side by side with Aster, then Aster started kissing him and unbuttoned his shirt. Charles closed his eyes, soon, his hand started reaching his zipper, but he heard someone knock on the door. He clicked his tongue annoyedly, then he asked, "Who?" "It''s me, Your Highness, I''ve returned with the people you asked for." Charles'' sour expression brightened instantly, he said enthusiastically, "Come in!" The door was opened, there were about four men with fear stered all over their face, their feet and hands were tied and they were dragged by two people. Charles'' soldier dragged them and threw them in front of Charles. Charles'' smile brightened, he was so happy with the arrival of these four spies from Grand Duchy Stormhill. Charles already knew that Aster was crowned as the new grand duke, and he must have dispatched these four spies to observe Charles'' movement in Great Actyr. Charles chuckled amusedly, ''It''s like a kid who just learns that he can y with a doll.'' Grand Duchy Stormhill had plenty of skilled spies, but they were nothingpared to Charles. Charles had the hunch that Aster wouldn''t let him return as fast to Golden Camellia, probably Aster would try to hinder his trip until he could take some control in Golden Camellia. ''Oh my cute Aster, I know you like to y this love game between us! This must be one of the games, so you want me to chase you!'' ''Alright then, I will y along, my darling.'' Charles grinned maliciously, he ordered his men to close the door and unbind the spies. The soldiers looked at each other, but they followed the order. One of them closed the door and the other unbind all the spies. Then they were ordered to leave. There were only Charles and four spies inside the room now. The spies were alerted, their eyes wandered around trying to find a way out. ''Cute, my darling Aster even sent some inexperienced spies for me, so I can be entertained during war times. How cute.'' Charles'' golden circle flickered, he cleared his throat, "I know all of you are dispatched by Grand Duke Aster. So, this is the game he wants me to y." The spies were all looking at the Crown Prince. He was now twenty two, with a tall, robust body. He was around six feet tall and was wearing a golden robe. He had medium length brown hair tied with a simple silver ribbon, handsome sculpted facial features and his signature royal camellia trait, golden circle eyes. Except for his hair, Crown Prince Charles reminded them so much of Emperor Audric IV in his prime days. Except, Crown Prince Charles looked much more intimidating. His aura made them feel like they were facing a fierce tiger in a tiger den. "Now, I will exin the rules. All of you can attack me together, you can use any technique and even any dirty tricks in your sleeve. If one of you is able to scratch me, I will set you free, with rewards. Don''t think about running away, there were guards everywhere." The spies were staring at each other, they were unsure if this was just a pretend before they were executed. But it didn''t seem like they had other choices. They were simply dead, might as well try to bring the Crown Prince down with them. Crown Prince unsheathed a short sword on the table and pointed the tip of the sword on them, "Come." The spies nodded to each other, two of them lunged at Crown Prince with their poisonous dagger, while one of them used a smoke bomb to impair Crown Prince''s eyesight. Thest one drew out poisonous needles and threw some to Crown Prince. With this, there was no way Crown Prince could avoid all the attacks. Charles sighed, he expected more, but this was such a cheap trick. ''Oh well, this is a gift from Aster. I might as well enjoy it,'' Charles'' golden eyes shone and with quick reflex, he shed the air in front of him and took the book on the table to shield himself from the needles. When the smoke bomb gradually faded, the two spies who served as backup were shocked with the sight of theirrades dead with their neck shed clean. Crown Prince Charles was still sitting on the table with his slightly annoyed expression. "You guys are boring, I will ask Aster to give me better entertainmentter," Charles said. The spies were shocked to the bone, their leg trembled until they couldn''t stand. Crown Prince walked towards them with his mighty gait, but for them, it looked like a demon who was ready to execute them. "Well, Aster can also give me his private belongings, like his underwear, haha, that would be amazing!" Charles grinned and stabbed the two spies on the face. There were four dead bodies on the floor, Charles sighed and took the duty badge and letter of duty from Grand Duchy Stormhill. There was one letter of duty to observe Charles behaviour, and four duty badges. Charles kissed the duty badges one by one, and then kissed the letter. ''Ah, all of these, came from Aster. The letter is definitely handwritten by Aster. How delightful he is, giving me so many gifts.'' Charles put down the duty badges inside a chest filled with Aster''s belongings, then adorned the duty letter from Aster. ''Ah, he wrote this letter just to send these people for my entertainment, I should be grateful!'' Charles had always thought that maybe, his apple didn''t care much about him. Maybe he was busy having an affair with other men or women, but when he saw this, he knew that Aster always cared for him and waited for him toe back. He was just a bit shy, and his method of entertaining was slightly different. ''But it''s still fun nheless, our love game.'' ''We can''t y too much though, we are at the ripe age to marry.'' Charles'' eyes turned pure golden as he kissed the letter once more, "It is time to make you my Empress, Aster." Chapter 162: The Winter Camellia in A Cold Palace Chapter 162: The Winter Camellia in A Cold Pce Hi ForeverPupa here! Before we start the story, I will give you the character list, their starting age when they enter the story and status! Don''t worry, this volume will be short one, probably around 15-20 chapters! Hehe~ *Cold Pce* Celine Camellia, (20) Maiden name: Celine Hessel Signe, Celine of Great Arctyr Illegitimate first wife of Golden Camellia Emperor, Great Princess of Arctyr (EX) -- Camille Anna Camellia, (Birth) Illegitimate Golden Princess of Golden Camellia, Illegitimate Princess of Great Arctyr -- Jain Teh, (5) Boy servant of Cold Pce *Golden Pce* Leopold Audric Camellia, (27) Golden Camellia Emperor (Title: Emperor Audric III) -- Eva Camellia (22) Maiden name: Eva Stonewalk, Eva the maid Legitimate second wife of Golden Camellia Emperor, Empress of Golden Camellia (Title: Empress Eva) -- Ludwig Audric Camellia, (Birth) Crown Prince of Golden Camellia *Other* Harion di Arlingdon, Young Duke of Duchy Stormhill -- Beatrice Wildbrush Miss Wildbrush from House Wildbrush -- Taron Hessel Signe Great Prince of Arctyr (Crowned: King of Great Arctyr) *** Thest autumn leaves finally fell and the cold winter has just started. It was such a cold day for winter. Celine was leaning on the cold wall, her wavy auburn hair was let loose, and her silver dress was already tattered. Probably because most of her good dresses were already pawned so she and her two maids could eat. "Miss, are you okay?" one of her maid asked her. Celine nodded and smiled. She was breathing heavily, because this month should be the time when her baby will be born. There was no one in this cold ce, only her and two maids she brought from Great Arctyr. Celine caressed his belly, this was the baby she had been waiting for, and she hoped that this baby would live healthy. Celine looked outside and the winter rain had started again. Golden Camellia was slightly different from the Great Arctyr, especially the weather. ''There is no such winter rain in Arctyr, it''s just instantly snowing when the timees'' The winter rain would happen in Golden Camellia a few days when the winter started and then snow fall would follow. It was almost like a torture for her body, because it was extremely cold, especially in this Cold Pce. Celine shivered, the maid realized that and instantly took a nket to cover Celine''s feet and body, "Miss, you shouldn''t push yourself too far. You are in yourte stage of pregnancy! Howe the Emperor didn''t even let you stay in the main pce until you deliver the baby! He is so cruel!" "Ssh! Don''t say that!" Celine rebuked. "The guards outside might hear us, I don''t want you to die unnecessarily here." "But" the maid''s eyes turned red. She had been following this gentle princess for almost her entire life. Seeing herdy like this, sitting in an old bed with a tattered dress, she was thinner and paler than before, although she didn''t lose her lustrous beauty, she was physically weak. Especially now that she was nine months pregnant. "Miss, winter is about toe, you are going to deliver your baby soon, but this Cold Pce doesn''t have any heating. This ce is unsuitable for you!" Celine smiled bitterly, of course she knew this ce was not suited for a pregnant woman. But she had nowhere to go. And she couldn''t return back to Great Arctyr anyway. Celine tried to ignore the maids and wrote in her diary about good things in life. She wanted to show her children that the world wasn''t evil, there was always light whenever they lived. ''Although, maybe the light is not here'' The night came and cold seeped to her bone. Celine was sleeping soundly, and then woken up instantly when she felt something was trickling down on her thigh. She checked it and saw yellow fluid trickling down. "Jane! Tia!" The maids whose room was beside their princess woke up instantly, they knew that Princess Celine was going to deliver her baby. They rushed to the room, Celine was gripping the hem of her dress while she held the pain. She couldn''t make any loud noise because she would be punished if she did. The older maid spread out the nket and checked on her princess. The water already broke, "Go bring me warm water!" she said to the younger maid. "Princess, take a deep breath and push," the maid said. Celine nodded and she took a deep breath once and pushed as hard as she could. The pain was almost unbearable, especially because she must hold her voice. Celine breathed and pushed again and again that her tears were already dried out. She could pass out anytime, until she was on the verge of passing out, there was the sound of a crying baby echoing around the room. Celine closed her eyes in relief, she wanted to take a rest until she realized that the baby was making too much noise. "GGive me the baby!" Celine said panickily. The maid gave her the baby and Celine immediately tapped the baby''s back gently a few times. Then she took the Winter Camellia and put the flower near the baby''s nose. The baby magically stopped crying, only whimpering slightly. "MMiss, how could the baby" Celine smiled, "I got this from my queen mother, she said, when I was a baby, I would cry until the whole pce heard my cries. Then she found out that I was instantly pacified when my back was tapped and there was a camellia scent around me." The maid looked at each other, then they observed their princess. Princess Celine was still trembling from the cold and tiredness, and her body was already thin, so it looked really pitiful. But she tried to stay strong and pacified the baby. Their tears finally fell to the floor. Celine gazed at her baby, the baby had full hair and it was golden colored, just like his father. Her facial features were simr to Celine''s, but it looked somehow more sculpted, like a baby painting. Celine kissed the baby''s forehead and said, "My baby, my cute princess, I''m sorry I can''t bring you to a warmer ce for now. But you look so beautiful even though you were just born. Camille, your name is Camille Camellia. A perfection, a beauty." The baby finally opened her eyes and her first sight was her thin mother, and then she looked around, her eyes finally darted on the window. Celine noticed that Camille''s eyes were bright blue with an obvious golden circle around the pupil and iris. The trait of Golden Camellia royal bloodline. ''She is really our daughter me and him'' Celine followed her baby''s line of sight and when her eyes darted on the window, Celine said enthusiastically, "Camille, look, that''s snowfall! Do you like snowfall? Because mom does!" Baby Camille did not only saw the snowfall outside, she also saw the thin figure of her mother in the reflection on the window. *** There was a loud moan inside thevishly decorated room. The room was spacious and hot, so did the activity inside the room. Empress Eva moaned loudly, followed with Emperor Leopold''s grunt and he finally nted his seed inside his new empress. They were breathing heavily on the bed with the Emperor''s body pressed on Empress. "Leo, you are heavy~" Empress Eva said coquettishly. "You want to start again?" Emperor asked, his manhood was still inside her. Empress Eva chuckled and said, "No, we''ve been doing this for the whole day! I might break!" Emperor Leopold looked disappointed, but he nodded and rested beside the Empress. They looked like a couple living together, like a fairy tale, happily ever after. Empress Eva was just a maid that started working on the Golden Pce, until Emperor Audric III or Emperor Leopold noticed her so suddenly after he returned from Great Arctyr with Princess Celine, they were going to marry in few months after their marriage in Great Arctyr few months before. Emperor''s eyes suddenly turned golden and shone bright, he ignored her supposed Empress and proposed to Eva in front of everyone, including Celine. He didn''t listen to anyone and cancelled his marriage with Celine and married Eva instead in Golden Camellia. Although, Emperor Leopold and Princess Celine were already married in Great Arctyr. Like a fairy tale, Eva suddenly became an empress and Celine was banished to the cold pce, of course because of the request of Empress Eva. "Leo, honey, your wife Celine is still in Cold Pce, do you want to help her?" Empress Eva asked. Emperor Leopold ignored her, because his wife often did this to test his fidelity. But Empress Eva didn''t seem to be satisfied with his silent answer and continued, "Maybe someday, you''re going to take her back to the Golden Pce. I will be sad" Emperor Leopold frowned, his golden eyes shone brightly, "You know that you are my true love, she doesn''t matter." "You are so cruel, she is bearing your baby. Who knows she may be giving birth to your first child right now~" Empress Eva teased. She grinned mischievously. "Who cares." Emperor Leopold replied short, "Anyway, we still got some time, the ministers are resting with their families now, because of winter. Do you want to spend the winter doing it every day?" Empress Eva giggled and kissed the Emperor, "I''d love to." Empress Eva looked at the window and she said excitedly, "Honey, the first snowfall is here!" Emperor Leopold looked at the window and nodded, "It must be really cold outside, I am d that we have each other for warmth." "I''m d too," Empress Eva grinned. There was a trace of maliciousness on her face. ''This is a perfect life, a perfect fairy tale for me. She will not ruin it!'' Chapter 163: Camille & Ludwig Chapter 163: Camille & Ludwig Celine observed the three years old Camille walking around the cold pce. Her hair grew fast, it showed wavy golden hair, like a fairy tale princess. It honestly made Celine happy, because at least, her daughter is the real blood of Golden Camellia. Because sometimes, she felt that her marriage, her pregnancy, her baby, was just a dream. Because everything felt unreal, ridiculous and funny at the same time. How could she, a Great Princess from Arctyr, set to marry the Emperor of Golden Camellia since she was ten years old, got abandoned in Cold Pce? She was set to marry Leopold to ensure the political faction between the two countries. She was ten when her parents announced the engagement, and she was married when she reached twenty. The marriage in Great Arctyr was honestly amazing, everything was beautiful, the ceremony, the party, the public feast, it was like a dreame true for everyone. ''And that first night'' Celine looked at Camille again, she was now ying with flowers around the Cold Pce''s garden. This ce was deserted before, but Celine and her maids took care of the garden properly until flowers started blooming. It had been three years and she had been in this Cold Pce for the whole three years. Her husband, Emperor Leopold didn''t even want to look at her face, let alone visiting the Cold Pce. Only Empress Eva visited to humiliate her and gave some leftover food from the pce for her to eat. Celine didn''t have a grudge against her honestly, because who would have predicted that Emperor Leopold''s golden circle trait suddenly activated after they got married in Great Arctyr? And instead of marrying Celine, Emperor Leopold married Eva instead, an average maid who just entered the pce. Celine was mncholic, seeing how Camille had to grow up in this kind of environment, without proper food, proper care, proper clothing. All her clothing was just Celine''s clothing who was tattered, and then sewn into a few pieces for Camille to use. ''I don''t mind suffering here, but I don''t want her to suffer too'' Celine looked at her ring, the Great Princess ring. She had been calling for help, she sent a few letters to the Great Arctyr, but it always got traced by the Golden Camellia guards and she could do nothing. Great Arctyr tradition was rigid too, parents of the bride could not visit their daughter for the first five years, this was to limit the interference from the inws about the daughter''s marriage. And a woman could not return to the Great Arctyr unless her husband was dead. The tradition trapped her in this Cold Pce. Tap. Tap. Tap. The familiar rhythm of a ss heel that came to the Cold Pce surprised Celine. She immediately took Camille inside and hid her in the closet. She immediately prostrated with her forehead touching the wooden floor, "Your Majesty Empress Eva has arrived, this lowly servant greets Her Majesty in my lowly home." Empress Evaughed, she used the tip of her heel to nudge Celine''s forehead. Celine raised her head, and she was instantly kicked on the face. Empress Eva unleashed her wrath again by kicking Celine many times in front of her maids. ''She is still too beautiful! Why is she still more beautiful than me after years of starvation!?'' Celine''s maids were pained seeing this, but their princess already warned them not to interfere, because they will be executed if they did stupid thing. Celine let Empress Eva kick her until her body was bruised. After she felt satisfied, Empress Eva pulled her two years old son and sat him in front of Celine who was lying like a dead woman. Empress Eva taunted, "This is your first time seeing him, right? He is Ludwig Audric Camellia. The Crown Prince of Golden Camellia and the only child of Emperor Audric III." Two years old Ludwig didn''t seem to notice anything strange in front of him, instead, his eyes darted on the cupboard heading to another room. Celine nced at the ce he was looking at and instantly alerted, she tried to block Ludwig''s view "CCrown Prince Ludwig, you will be a great emperor someday! TThis lowly servant will devote her life for your glory!" "Mama her" innocent Ludwig didn''t care about Celine at all, he pointed at the cupboard, and Empress Eva seemed to notice it. She grinned maliciously. "It seems Ludwig has a sister, huh? Guard, bring her here." "Don''t!" Celine screamed. She tried to block the guard, so did the two maids. But the guards just pushed them and went straight to the little girl who was hiding behind the cupboard. The girl looked scared, but she couldn''t move. The guard pulled her forcefully and ced her in front of Empress Eva. "What is your name, little girl?" Eva asked. She looked down on this small girl. Camille was scared, but she replied while stuttering, "CCCammille" "Camille? Nice to meet you, Camille. My name is Empress Eva, and the boy beside you is Ludwig, your brother." "My brother?" Camille wondered. She looked at her injured mother, then looked at this Empress Eva, then to the boy, "If you are my brother, why don''t you protect my mom?" Empress Eva''s expression turned ugly, she said to her son, "Ludwig, when you see your sister talking back at you, you must p her, okay? You must kick her too, like this!" Empress Eva pped the three years old Camille''s cheek hard until it was bruised, Camille cried hard while holding her cheek. "DO IT LIKE THAT, LUDWIG!" Eva said. Ludwig only stared at his sister, and then approached her and kissed her cheek instead, "Sister no cry" he said. Empress Eva anger finally exploded, she pulled Camille''s hair and screamed at her face, "YOU BITCH IS JUST LIKE YOUR MOM, YOU ARE ALL WHORE! YOU SEDUCE EVERYONE JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!" Eva flung Camille to the ground, which her mother caught and shielded with her body. "I will kill her! I will kill that kid!" Eva stomped at Celine''s back many times. After she calmed down slightly, she left with her son and the guards. "Miss!" The maids immediately helped Celine, but she already fainted after holding so much pain. Camille sobbed for the whole night, because her mother said they should not make so many noises at night. She tried to wake her mother up by shaking her shoulder, but Celine finally opened her eyes at night. She noticed that Camille was still sobbing, "CCamille, why are you crying?" "Mom why is she so mean to us?" Camille asked, still sobbing. "Because you are the most beautiful," Celine smiled and wiped Camille''s tears, "Camille, there are people who would hate you, who would try to hit you again. So, you must be strong when you are older, okay? Don''t be weak like mom, you should be strong, so she will not be mean to us." Camille stopped sobbing and looked at her mom, "IfIf I be strong, will she stop hitting you?" Celine stared at Camille meaningfully, and said, "The most important thing is you. You must survive, okay?" The three years old Camille didn''t really understand the whole meaning, but she only remembered that her mother said she should be strong. ''Strong strong'' *** Three years had passed, Camille was now six years old and her golden circle trait became prominent. Long wavy golden hair, golden circle on her eyes, and that beautiful sculpted face, thebination of Celine and Emperor Leopold. She developed interest with books at a very young age and Celine started teaching her about basic knowledge, math, reading, drawing and such. Surprisingly, Camille aced everything her mother taught, she was a prodigious child, and she was especially talented in painting. "What are you going to paint today, Camille?" Celine asked. "Mom," Camille said cheerfully. "But mom is ugly, you should paint the flower instead!" Celine replied jokingly, she pointed at some petunia. "I want to paint mom," Camille said. "Well, do I need to pose? Hahaha." "Mom can lean on the wall and smile at me, yes!" Camille started to paint her mom on a canvas. She and the maid found a way to extract color from the flowers they grew to make paint. The maids peeked at the painting their little princess did. At first, they were anxious, fearing that little princess would draw something ugly. But they were surprised to see their little princess drew intricate details for her mother, but she gave her mother a luxurious dress in the painting instead. Her mother looked fresher in the painting, with a luxurious dress, sitting on avish sofa. The maids teared up. Celine wondered why the maids cried. After Camilled finished painting, she showed it to her mother. Celine was surprised and asked, "Why do I look so good there?" "Because mother fits this dress better! Even better than Empress Eva!" Camille cheered. Celine shushed Camille, but it seemed toote. "My mom is better with that dress!" Everyone''s eyes shifted to a corner where five years old Crown Prince Ludwig suddenly came out of nowhere. He was standing and looked angry. He pointed at the painting and said, "Big sis has insulted my mom, big sis is guilty!" "YYour Highness Crown Prince it is not" Celine tried to pacify "Shut up you ugly thing! I will tell my dad!" Ludwig ran away from them. Celine and the two maids were terrified, but Camille looked calm and nodded silently. ''This is the chance to see dad.'' Chapter 164: Camille & Ludwig II Chapter 164: Camille & Ludwig II "I will tell my dad!" Little Ludwig ran to the Golden Pce where his father, Emperor Leopold, was busy discussing the preparation of the war between Golden Camellia and Great Arctyr. After a year of rejection from Golden Camellia, royal family of Great Arctyr had a hunch that something was not right. They were not able to contact Great Princess Celine because of five years old ban tradition. But after the tradition was lifted, they still couldn''t see her. Later on, Taron Hessel Signe, the fourth prince of Great Arctyr went to Golden Camellia unofficially and disguised himself. He asked around Roagelt city about the new empress, and he was shocked to hear that people thought the new empress was really ugly. There was no way someone would say that Celine was ugly, unless that man was blind. The new Empress'' title was Empress Eva, he thought it was just the title Golden Camellia gave for his sister. Turns out, when he saw the official painting of the new royal family, it was not Celine. Emperor Audric III didn''t marry the Great Princess of Arctyr. He dispatched many spies as long as he could get any contact about the whereabouts of Celine. Many of them were never heard anymore, simply disappeared from existence. Until one spy returned with heavy wounds and said that Princess Celine had been kept inside Cold Pce for years, she was so thin and dying. "SShe has a daughter, called Camille but they are no better than a peasant." Taron was enraged, but he knew if he went straight to the Golden Pce, Emperor Leopold would just detain him or probably execute him to hide the fact. Taron returned to Great Arctyr to share the news with his parents. And it all escted to this. A war between two giant countries. "Dad! Dad!" Little Ludwig pulled his father''s shirt, he was pouting. Emperor Leopold massaged his forehead, he looked at his son and responded, "What?" "Big sis Camille said that his ugly mom is better than mum Empress!" "Big sis Camille? Who is Camille?" Leopold frowned. He hadn''t heard of this name before. "That beautiful sister in ugly pce! She lived with her ugly people, but she is so beautiful! I didn''t like it!" Ludwig said innocently. ''Ugly pce Cold Pce?'' ''Celine'' Emperor Leopold crouched and asked, "Ludwig, can you show me where the ugly pce is?" "Okay, dad!" Little Ludwig pulled his dad''s finger and led him to the ce he had predicted, Cold Pce. He never actually visited this ce, because he had no interest here anyway, but hearing a new name made him remember about the reason why the Great Arctyr and Golden Camellia went to war in the first ce. Emperor Leopold saw the two guards outside were surprised and then kneeled to greet him. Leopold and Ludwig went inside the rusty pce filled with creaking sound on the wooden floor. The Cold Pce was really rusty and unfit for living, but the Emperor had another thing in mind. Whenever he went through one section to another the pce was filled with fluorescent flowers, the colors were dazzling and they grew healthily. Even the royal garden was not as beautiful as this. Ludwig led him to a smaller courtyard, Emperor saw a woman with two maids prostrating in front of him, their body shivering out of fear. But there was no other kid like Ludwig. "TThis lowly one greets Emperor Audric III of Golden Camellia, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls," Celine greeted her husband, Emperor Leopold. This was the first time the Emperor entered this ce. "Raise your head," Emperor ordered. Celine raised her head and their eyes met. ''She is still beautiful, even after years'' Emperor Leopold thought in his heart. Celine''s face was still perfect, just like the first time they met, only paler and a lot thinner. There was a trace of guilt in his heart, Emperor Leopold wanted to pull Celine up, but he saw Celine''s tears fall suddenly and Celine lowered her head again. "What does Your Majesty Emperor wish for in this pce?" Celine asked. Leopold had no romantic feeling over Celine at all, at least after he found his love, Eva. But he couldn''t return this woman to Great Arctyr either, because it would shame him and the entire Golden Camellia as unfaithful. Thus, Leopold tried to shift the topic instead, "Ie here because my son said that there is a girl called Camille, she just insulted my Empress." "YYour Majesty, there is no little girl here. Crown Prince might have just heard the wrong thing!" "Liar! Big sis Camille is here!" Ludwig was mad. He looked around, he knew that his sister must be hiding somewhere. He shouted, "Big sis Camille, show yourself or I will kill your ugly mom!" "No!" Celine reacted, but the door behind them finally slid and there was a little girl who was standing there, frightened to the bone. Leopold observed the little girl. ''Long golden hair, golden circle'' Emperor Leopold had just realised that he really had a daughter with Celine. An extremely beautiful daughter. "There she is! Dad, that is Big sis Camille! Isn''t she pretty? But she did a bad thing! You should punish her!" "Little girl what is your name?" Emperor asked. "My name is CCamille, your majesty" "Come here." Camille slowly approached Emperor Leopold. When she was in front of her, Emperor crouched and asked again, "Why are you here? Where are your parents?" "Um I live here with my mom and two maids" "Where is your dad?" "Um mom said, dad went to a heroic war and died there. He is a hero. Does Your Majesty know my dad''s grave?" Emperor was stunned, Celine tried to interrupt, "YYour Majesty, she is just a kid with no shame! Please just ignore her!" Camille turned her head to her mother, "But mom, you said my dad is a handsome hero that died valiantly! His Majesty Emperor must''ve known about him!" "Camille!" Celine tried to reach for Camille, but Emperor pped her hand. "Silence! I''m trying to talk with her!" And the atmosphere was quiet, yet tense. Emperor Leopold asked again, "Well, I know about your father. But you must admit first, what did you say about Empress Eva?" "Uhm I just said that my mother looks better than the Empress," Camille said innocently. "See! Dad! Punish him!" Ludwig pointed his finger at Camille. "What kind of punishment do you want to give?" "WWell, she always refused to apany me outside. She also ignores me a lot! I want her to be with me every day! I want her to talk to me every hour too! Punish him like that, dad!" Ludwig said. Emperor was a bit flustered. It seemed Ludwig had shown an attachment to his sister. Probably because he and Eva ignored him most of the time. Because of the imminent war. "I see," Emperor nodded. "Camille, I will punish you. From now on, you must apany my son every day. Listen to all his orders. And you must live inside the Golden Pce, so Ludwig can summon you anytime." Camille nodded politely, she nced at Ludwig who puffed his chest, there was a smug expression on his face. As if he had done somethingmendable. Camille lowered his head again, but not because of sadness. It was because she almost couldn''t hold her grin, ''See, Ludwig is my ticket out.'' Emperor Leopold stood up again and ignored Celine, he took the hand of both Camille and Ludwig and headed out of the rusty pce. "YYour Majesty! Please spare my daughter! SheShe is innocent!" Celine blocked the way of the Emperor, "Please let her stay here! I beg you!" Emperor looked at her coldly, let go of Ludwig on his right hand and then pushed Celine with one hand until she fell to the ground, "What daughter? You don''t have any," Emperor said before leaving. Camille was staring at her wounded mom. Her heart was torn apart as her body almost reacted to help her mother. She could only say something in her heart, ''Mom, I will help you. Camille will be strong! I will be strong so I can free you!'' Camille already nned everything, she knew the risk and she knew that her mother couldn''te with her. But it still pained her to see her beloved mother to be abused and humiliated by her own father like that. *** Leopold brought Camille and Ludwig to an empty bedroom beside Ludwig''s bedroom. He noticed that Camille''s dress was just an old dress cut into many pieces to make a ''dress'' for her. He called the servant, "Go call the pce tailor, give this little girl a new set of clothes. Give her dress the same material as the Crown Prince''s." "Yes, Your Majesty." Camille looked at this man innocently, then asked, "Why is Your Majesty so kind to me? I don''t do anything" "It''s because Big sis will be living with me! We don''t like filthy things!" Ludwig said pridefully. Emperor smiled, "What he said is true, but it''s not only that." "Before, you asked me about your father, right?" "Yes, Your Majesty." "He is still alive and well, he is in front of you, Camille." Camille looked up to the majestic emperor, "Your Majesty should not lie. If Your Majesty is my father, how could I live in that pce with my mom? Why didn''t we live here?" Emperor Leopold''s smile cracked, "Because your mom did a bad thing, she is worthless. Forget her, you are living with us here now. You should call me dad." Camille said nothing, she only stared at her father and then said, "Yes dad." "Good girl," Emperor Leopold smiled and rubbed Camille''s head gently. Little did he know, there was a storm raging in Camille''s heart. ''Emperor is a monster! A meanie! My mom is a good mom, and she loves me so much!'' ''Did you really think I don''t know about you? When I saw Ludwig, I instantly realised that we are siblings! We are so almost like twins!'' ''Your Majesty, I swear, I never have a father.'' Chapter 165: Backing Chapter 165: Backing "You picked that slut''s kid to Golden Pce?! Leopold, you are insane! She will destroy us!" Empress Eva had just heard that Celine''s daughter, Camille, had been picked up by her husband and was going to live under her real identity as princess of Golden Camellia. "Honey, rx, I picked her because she is still a golden blood. Golden blood has important traits that should be controlled, or else she will be a real threat to Golden Camellia." "What threat?! Just kill her already! She is just trash!" " I can''t kill her." "What is in your mind now? Did you suddenly fall in love with Celine!?" "No!" Emperor Leopold rebuked harshly. "She is still my daughter, Eva! I believe she will be useful for me, for us!" Empress was enraged to the core, she didn''t want to listen. She just stormed out from the room and went straight to Camille''s new room. Camille had been calcting that soon, Empress Eva woulde to her room anyway, thus, she already prepared herself before. She sat on the chair and wrote something studiously. She heard an angry footstep from outside. ''Three two one.'' "You! Slut kid!" Empress Eva broke into Camille''s room. Emperor Leopold was following from behind, but he said nothing and just observed. Camille who was writing on her desk was frightened with the sudden interruption. Camille trembled instantly when she saw Empress Eva. She prostrated with her head touched to the floor. Afraid that Empress would kill her. "Wwwhat can I do to Your Majesty Empress?" Camille asked. She almost sobbed out of fear, but the Empress was unforgiving. She pulled Camille''s hair and threw her to the side, her body smashed against the desk. "Why are you here!? Go back to your trash house, now!" Camille was scared and confused at the same time, she looked at her father, Emperor Leopold. But the Emperor didn''t even budge, then Camille felt Empress Eva''s high heels kicked her kidney. Six years old Camille cowered while enduring the pain. She tried to get up and looked at her father one more time, then ran away. Emperor Leopold did ignore Camille, he didn''t help her at all when his beloved Empress abused Camille. But he had this unsettling feeling in his heart. Something simr to guilt. "There, I kicked her out!" Empress Eva snarled, "You shouldn''t do stupid thing, Leopold! We''re going to war, WAR! And that bitch Celine caused this!" Emperor Leopold said nothing, but he nodded slowly. "I will order the servant to burn the furniture in this room! It''s all dirty with her!" Empress Eva left the room, still snarling. Emperor Leopold stood still and looked around the room, he noticed something on the desk where Camille wrote something before. He saw a book with an unfinished text on the opened page. Emperor checked on the writing and he couldn''t help but to praise Camille, ''She is only six and her handwriting is already this beautiful, her sentence is very structured too. She is definitely a prodigy,pared to Ludwig'' ''Maybe because of their bloodline'' Camille was definitely a lot smarter than Ludwig, Emperor Leopold wouldn''t deny that Camille was born from the Great Arctyr royal princess, of course, she had the upper hand from her bloodline alonepared to Ludwig. Since Eva was just an average maid. Emperor Leopold read Camille''s writing; ''Today, I found out that Emperor Audric III is my dad! It is so surprising for me, but it is a pleasant surprise. I feel sad because I have to leave my mom, but I believe I can ask my dad to give mom better food and clothing! Well, my mom said that my dad is a valiant hero. But if my dad is actually the Emperor, then he is better than a hero, right? He is the hero of all heroes! I''m so happy that my dad is still alive and well! I will try my best, so I will not disappoint my dad! I want to say to dad that I love'' The writing stopped there, presumably because Empress interrupted. Emperor Leopold closed the book, he clenched his heart tight. There was such crazy emotion that made him almost whimper like a baby. Emperor Leopold had never felt this kind of sadness before, even when he killed his two brothers and his mother. When he read Camille''s letter, there was a mixture of sadness and guilt in his heart that overwhelmed him. ''I am just as terrible as my Emperor father.'' *** ''Emperor must''ve been reading my letter by now.'' Camille had nned everything she could. She hoped that Emperor Leopold wasn''t heartless enough to ignore the content, because it was more like a gamble. Camille was sitting on the chair in one of the pavilion gardens. She was enduring the pain in her kidney, because Empress Eva really kicked her there. ''All I can do now is to return back to Cold Pce and wait for the Emperor to take me back.'' Camille was nning her next move, because she knew no one in this Golden Pce, it was quite hard to gain foothold without the sympathy of the Emperor. This was her only ticket. It was already eight pm and it was quite cold, she shivered slightly, then she could feel a warm shawl was ced on her neck. She looked on her back and saw a very olddy, probably around eighty years old. She was wearing a thick dress with padding and there were no maids around her. "Little girl, what are you doing here?" the olddy asked with her gentle voice. Camille observed the old woman in front of her. She didn''t know who this olddy was. But this woman had the bearing of the royal family, not only because of her golden circle eyes and golden hair, but also her gait and elegance. She was old, but she did look really good for her old age. "Um I ran away, because I''m afraid Her Majesty Empress will be mad at me again" "Her Majesty Empress? What did you do to make her mad?" the olddy asked. She sat on another side of the table, watching Camille attentively. "I um His Majesty Emperor brought me to Golden Pce and asked me to call him dad. But Her Majesty Empress hates me, so I ran away when she started to hit me." "Dad?!" the olddy was surprised. She checked on the little girl''s eye. It made her wonder about something. "You know that Emperor Leopold only has one child, right?" "Yes, Ludwig is the Crown Prince!" "Then why did you say you are his daughter?" "That is because Emperor said so! I don''t know much" At first, the olddy was curious, because she didn''t know anything about a little girl with golden blood here. She only knew that she had a grandnephew called Ludwig. ''Is this girl the idental offspring of Leopold and that princess from the Great Arctyr? I thought she was executed already'' The olddy noticed the little girl kept holding her stomach, around the kidney, she asked, "What happened with your stomach?" Camille shook her head and lowered her head. The olddy knew something was wrong, she pulled Camille gently to her side and then lifted the dress a little to check on her. She was shocked with the obvious bruise on Camille''s stomach. It was right on the kidney, thus it must have been extremely painful for a kid. She asked, "Who did this?" Again, Camille didn''t answer. The olddy had a bad feeling about this, she asked again, "You should tell me, you know, I might be able to do something about it." Camille finally raised her head, but her countenance changed instantly when she saw the tall figure behind the olddy''s back. Camille reacted by trying to distance herself from the olddy. "Little girl? What happened?" the olddy asked Camille. "It is a private matter, Aunt Elena shouldn''t interfere," said the figure behind the olddy. The olddy turned her back and sneered instantly, "Oh, it''s my traitorous little Leopold. What are you doing here?" The Emperor cracked his knuckles in response to that insult, "I didn''t have time to argue with Aunt Elena, I will take that little girl back." Emperor Leopold''s hand reached for Camille, but she hid behind the olddy instead. The olddy could sense the fear in this little girl and then said, "Why are you taking her back? Who is she anyway? I thought you only have a son." "It''s none of your business! Give her back!" Leopold raised his hand. But he halted when he saw the frightened expression of Camille. She was so frightened that she started crying. The argument between them stopped, the olddy became even more furious with Emperor Leopold, "I shall leave with this little girl, Emperor, please mind your only child and your filthy low born wife. Please excuse us." The olddy held Camille''s hand and left the Emperor alone in the garden. Camille was led to another building slightly far from the garden, a small pce guarded by many guards outside. The guards bowed when the olddy passed. Camille never knew this ce, but since the olddy protected her, she assumed it was okay to follow her. The olddy stopped in front of the main door, she smiled at Camille, "This is my small pce, it''s not bad, right?" "Um ma''am, ifif it''s allowed, can I ask something?" "Go on, sweetheart." "Who are you?" The olddy caressed Camille''s head gently and replied, "I am the current Golden Princess, my name is Elena Anna Camellia." Chapter 166: The Purpose of Golden Princess Chapter 166: The Purpose of Golden Princess Camille was surprised with the sudden reveal, she knew about the position called ''golden princess'' in Golden Camellia, she read about it once. But she thought no one had that title anymore. Because in the Emperor''s generation, there was no daughter. Thete Emperor had many sons instead, which was rare. Golden Princess Elena led Camille inside the pce and then brought her to her office. Camille was sitting face to face with Golden Princess Elena. Elena noticed the uneasiness in Camille and then chuckled, "What? Are you nervous because you are facing a golden princess now?" "NNo, ma''am, but I don''t know what I will do here" "Oh, little girl, first lesson, never say I don''t know in front of anyone. It only shows your fragility," Elena started lecturing young Camille. Camille nodded hesitantly, because she was still unsure what this olddy wanted from her. She protected her from the Emperor, which was out of her calctions, but it was not always a good sign either. "You must be confused as to why did I bring you here, right?" "Yes" "Well, first, I want to know about your background, and then I shall tell you something important. This important thing will definitely help you out surviving in this pce." Camille was afraid that this olddy would use this vital information about her when she grew olderter, thus she refrained and only lowered her head. Elena sensed the restraint and alertness, she sighed, then started talking, "Camille, do you know what a Golden Princess title means?" "Un I read in a book once, Golden Princess is a title for golden blood''s royal princess, only one in every generation. Um golden princess should be smart, charismatic, and talented!" Elena smiled, "You know about the general description of Golden Princess, I assume you read it in a book? Good." Camille blushed and smiled shyly, "II read a lot in my spare time" Elena nodded approvingly, she observed the six years old Camille''s gestures and expressions, and she sneered in her heart, ''A good faade, but not enough.'' Elena''s hand cupped her diamond cane and asked something, "Golden Princess is an honourable title, it is simr to your mother''s title, Great Princess of Arctyr. But it is not bestowed upon your birth, a golden princess title must be earned." Camille jolted, this olddy knew about her mother and her origin, "HHow could" "Oh Camille, I''m so old already, don''t you think it is reasonable for me to know some information here and there? I have my people." Elena smiled, she could feel the hostility in Camille and like a mind reader, she told her, "Keep your hostility away, Camille. I don''t have anything against her. I don''t have anything against your origin either." Camille didn''t lose her alertness, she looked around to see if there was any soldier or spy hiding, "How could I know if you are being honest?" ''Ah, much better. This is the much better version I want to talk to,'' Elena cheered in her heart. "Are you searching whether I have any soldiers or spy here? Well, Camille, I can read the scenario in your little brain like an open book," Elena said lightly while chuckling. Camille''s feet went cold, there was so much intimidating aura around that olddy that made her want to run away. She stood from the chair and took a few steps back, she nned to open the door and ran away, probably hid somewhere and ran from this small pce. But it was surprisingly locked, even though she remembered that there were no guards outside. "Are you trying to run away like a busted naughty kid?" Elena giggled, as if she found something funny, a trapped small mouse. "I already signalled the servant who hid near the front door to lock the door. You are trapped here." Camille was never in so much fear as this one, even against that madwoman Empress Eva. At least Empress Eva was like a raging bull, crazy but mindless. But this woman, Golden Princess Elena, was so calctive and able to read her like an open book. She was afraid that Elena would soon realize how Camille already nned everything against the Emperor and Empress. "Little Camille, tell me, what kind of deliberate n you created to convince Emperor Leopold that you are a good girl, a pitiful one? It sounds interesting, I may need to experiment with it." Camille''s heart sank as she couldn''t stand anymore. Elena whose eyes were closed the whole time finally opened her eyes slowly, then part of her eyes turned ink ck. She tapped her cane and approached Camille with her ink ck eyes. Camille felt like she was facing a terrible monster, even though the appearance was that of a gentle old woman. But she knew that Elena was hundred times more terrible than Empress Eva. Camille closed her eyes, she cowered near the door with her hands covering her head. Her knees trembled and her feet were so cold. "II''m sorry!" Camille blurted out of fear. Elena finally burst outughing, sheughed with her raspy voice, "Ahahahaha, okay okay, I''m sorry. I was just trying to show you what we can do as golden princesses!" Elena soon turned into her usual old, elegant angel once more which shocked Camille. There was no more intimidating aura, but only that same gentle warmth. Elena pulled Camille and sat her again on the chair. Camille was dazed the whole time. "Did I surprise you?" Elena grinned, "Well, since I believe I did, no need to be shy. We are the same kind of person, Camille. You can tell me everything." Elena put on some emphasis in herst sentence. Camille gulped, somehow, in her heart, she felt both secure and insecure in front of Golden Princess Elena. But thest sentence really hit her hard. "We are the same person?" "Yes, you and me, we are destined to be golden princesses. We are a white coated monster." "White coated monster..." that name was stuck in her head. Somehow, she could feel there was a relieved feeling inside her heart. ''So, I''m not the only one'' she stared at Elena again and then nodded. Camille started telling all her life in Cold Pce with her mother, all the things she had learned about their background and her current and next n against the Emperor and Empress. She was left bare without any chance of hiding at all in front of Elena. It was as if there was a deep connection between them, Elena didn''t seem to be surprised. She just nodded and smiled slightly sometimes. Camille had a lot to tell for a six years old, and spoke eloquently for her age, perhaps too eloquent. Elena was more than satisfied after knowing the true Camille. The one that had potential to scheme and hurt, the one that would control her surroundings. Just like her old days. After Camille told everything, Elena asked, "Camille, do you know what the purpose of the Golden Princess is?" "To be an inspiring princess for the nation?" Camille replied doubtfully. "Well, that is given for when you receive the title, you will be an inspiring princess for the nation," Elena grinned, "The true purpose of Golden Princess is to bnce out the power in Golden Camellia." "To bnce out the power?" "Because golden bloods are a bunch of charismatic lunatics, we might be physically and intellectually superiorpared to normal people, but we have many ws, especially because every golden blood will go crazy someday. That''s why having only one absolute power in this country will be a disaster." Camille listened to Elena''s words attentively, she had the urge to ask something, "So Emperor Leopold is crazy?" "Yes, do you think it''s normal for him to marry a peasant, ugly maid than the Great Princess of Arctyr?" Elena sneered, "Well, because his generation does not have any golden princess, he is the absolute power here. He can make anyw without any reprehension." "How about the people?" Camille wondered. "Golden Camellia is a prosperous country, as long as there was no natural disaster that swept the whole country, the people will know nothing and care nothing. Because their basic necessities are fulfilled already." Elena held Camille''s hand and stared straight to her eyes, "That is why, Camille, I want you to be the next Golden Princess." "A golden princess" the six years old Camille was staring at that golden circle''s eyes, just like hers. There was a certainty in her heart that this was her purpose. But there was something stuck in her heart. "If If I agreed to be a Golden Princess, can you help my mother?" Elena''s smile faded. She shook her head slowly, "I cannot. Camille, your mother is still a Great Arctyr''s Princess. She is my enemy." "But she is a kind woman" Listen to me, Camille, I am a pure Golden Camellia Royalty. I will not help your mother because that would give the Emperor a chance to frame me for treason and kill me. I am too old and I don''t have any resources to fight him. But I can support you, my position is too solid for him to shake, as long as I don''t do obvious blunders." "But, my mom" "You can save your mother when you are strong enough, that''s why, I urge you to be Golden Princess. If it''s not in his era that you can control the bnce of power, at least in his son''s era, you must take control. Because I can see the fall of Golden Camellia if this absolute power goes on." And also, Elena finally whispered thest reason in Camille''s ear, ''You can get revenge on the Emperor and Empress. Don''t you want to see their fall?'' Camille was already certain that this was her path, but hearing thest reason and the power to help her mother. She was finally assured. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I shall be the new Golden Princess." Chapter 167: To Incite A Big War Chapter 167: To Incite A Big War After that night, Emperor Leopold went to Golden Princess Elena''s pce a few times to take Camille back, but he was rejected. Not only by the Golden Princess, but also by his own daughter. Camille was so scared of him that she hid behind Golden Princess Elena every time he came to the pce. No matter how powerful he was, Emperor Leopold finally realized that he was so powerless in front of his daughter. No matter how many soldiers he couldmand by force, he couldn''t force his daughter to forgive him. Days by days, the Emperor''s wish to reconcile with his daughter couldn''t happen. Soon, he was busy preparing for the imminent war. Great Arctyr would soon invade Golden Camellia with full troops, and it was expected to be a long war, probably longer than people would expect. Thus, to mend his heart slightly, Emperor dispatched one of his spies to watch over Camille in the Golden Princess'' Pce. The spy would report regrly about Camille''s training to be a golden princess and her growth. "She is training intensively with Golden Princess Elena?" "Yes, Your Majesty." "Watch over her, interrupt if needed. I don''t want Elena to make her despicable. Camille is a really good child," Emperor said to his spy. The spy nodded, because whenever he observed Princess Camille studying, training, or just ying, it gave him peace. She was such a gentle soul. "Camille, you can stop acting like a gentle soul, that spy was gone to give a report to Emperor Leopold," Elena said. Camille finally stopped her gentle act, she clicked her tongue in annoyance. Because the real training of the Golden Princess was vastly different than the one they showed in front of that spy. "Ma''am, how could you know whether the spy was watching or not? Because I don''t see anything," Camille asked. Elena smiled mysteriously and replied, "Intuition." Camille had been training to be a golden princess for a few months already. Her basic necessities were fulfilled and she was well protected. The training Golden Princess Elena gave was actually useful, such as creating faade, scheming, deciding the sacrifice for greater good, and prioritising your goal no matter what. Golden Princess Elena also didn''t forget about Camille''s talent in painting, she let her develop it as a hobby. It was a heaven for Camille, except for one thing. "Can I visit my mom now?" Camille asked. "You know that once you do that, you will be regarded as a traitor, right? Due to the iing war, your mom is basically a prisoner in Golden Camellia now. Don''t worry, she is given a better food ration now." Camille knew that she couldn''t visit her mom, because the war ising, her status as Great Princess Arctyr is extremely sensitive. And Emperor Leopold refused to return Celine back to Great Arctyr, because Celine might voice her experience as she was treated like dirt in Golden Camellia. It would ruin Golden Camellia''s name in front of everyone. ''If I can''t visit mom, then I just have to make the war happen faster and greater, so Great Arctyr can defeat Golden Camellia and reunite us.'' There was an idea sparking in her head, Camille took her painting tools instantly and started mixing colours. Elena raised her brows, "Are you nning something? Do you need my help?" "Mhm, I do. I need your help to smuggle this particr painting to the Great Arctyr," Camille said. She ignored Elena after that. Elena smirked, Camille was extremely smart indeed. It seemed this kid was going to incite war even more, so she could be free. At least, based on her needs now, her only vision was to reunite with her mother. ''A true Golden Princess.'' *** Half a yearter, Great Arctyr''s battleships came to Golden Camellia. The Golden Camellia''s army and navy was prepared against the attack of the Great Arctyr, but it surprised them when the Great Arctyr actually came with full power. No, it was more. Great Arctyr came with foreign fleets, probably from their other allies. It was such a shock for Golden Camellia, because they were not prepared to fight against such incredible power. The war was inevitable as the golden harbour''s water became red with blood. Dionde City, the main economic capital of Golden Camellia was destroyed in just a few hours. It was taken by Great Arctyr easily. The surviving Golden Camellia soldiers ran away from the area as the Great Arctyr''s soldier was massacring anyone in their way. They were like a raging demon. Fortunately, the city had been emptied before. "WHAT?! WE GOT ANNIHILATED?!" Emperor Leopold was extremely shocked, because with the news from the survivingmander. They already nned to exhaust Great Arctyr''s manpower with drawn out war, but it seemed it would be hard. Because somehow the Great Arctyr''s soldiers had extremely high morale. As if all of them had the same purpose and were ready to die without any remorse. They were like a raging bull charging at everyone and ughtering without fear. Emperor Leopold''s back went cold, he finally realized the seriousness of this war. He needed to exhaust all the Golden Camellia''s resources in order to protect the country, or else, the country would be ruined. ''And she would be taken away.'' Emperor Leopold remembered about Camille. He had been listening to her growth every day and it pleased him more and more. Soon, it was hard for him to draw the line between love and hate with his daughter. Because Camille was really the kind of daughter he wanted, a pure golden royal, prodigious, well mannered, sensible, beautiful, she was like a treasured gem. But he also hated her because of her mother. That troublemaker Celine who was the cause of the war. ''I don''t care about Celine, if it''s necessary, I will send her right away. As long as Golden Camellia can be saved, tainted names can fade slowly. But if Celine was taken, then Camille would also'' "What is their demand? Only Great Princess to be returned?" "No, Your Majesty," themander was unsure if he should tell the demand, he gulped, "Great Arctyr doesn''t want Great Princess only, they want Great Princess and Princess Camille to be returned back to Great Arctyr. They also want you to kill your Empress personally." Emperor Leopold''s face was red with anger, he mmed the table, "Then we shall fight them until ourst breath! How dare them!" ''I will not let them touch Eva and Camille!'' The war also stressed Empress Eva out, she was unable to cope against the pressure from the noble houses in Golden Camellia because of her status. And with her husband busy with war, she couldn''t report and asked Leopold to punish every single noble who dared to nder her. Ludwig, her son, had also started to be more and more rebellious. Since he couldn''t meet with his sister, Camille, he became gloomy and then turned violent to his teachers. Some noble teachers even refused to teach him anymore, because of his explosive tendency. "Ludwig! This is the eleventh teacher that you hit! What is wrong with you?!" Empress Eva scolded her son. Ludwig only rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I said I want to study with Big sis! I will not study until I can see her!" Ludwig was craving for his big sister, because in his eyes, his sister was really the perfect and most gentle person. He met with a lot of noble kids around his age or even older, and they tried to court him. But because of Ludwig''s golden circle trait, he could sense their impureness, their desire to own him so they could gain something. It was so obvious that it made him sick. ''Only Big Sis Camille is pure! She helped me, smiled at me, took care of me, because she likes me wholeheartedly! Unlike others!'' Six years old Ludwig had the wild idea in his head that he and Big Sis Camille were destined to be together, that feeling only grew more and more every day. Empress Eva got a headache from her son''s behaviour, she got no ce to vent too. Because she couldn''t just beat Celine and Camille like before, both of them were protected under certain circumstances. ''This all happens because of that slut and her slut kid!'' *** "It seems your idea is working well, amazing," Elena pped her hand slowly. Camille smiled blissfully. It was really a simple n, but it was very effective to boost the Great Arctyr soldier''s morale. "Well, that painting is very beautiful anyway," Elena praised her. Camille asked Golden Princess Elena to smuggle the painting of her and her mother hugging with a smile on their face to Great Arctyr. There was a symbol of the Great Arctyr on the top of their head, and there was a text she wrote on the bottom left. ''My mom, Celine Hessel Signe, said that the Great Arctyr is a great country, where people prosper and are happy! But I never know what happiness is, we are trapped in this dark ce, beaten to death. I want to meet with the people in Great Arctyr, so I will know happiness! Maybe one day, we can return to Great Arctyr, to our home. - Camille Camellia-Signe'' Camille giggled happily, she was ecstatic hearing the amount of Golden Camellia''s soldiers died in Dionde City. Rather than a war, it was more of a massacre. The report even said that the city was destroyed and blood sttered everywhere. "Tell me, Camille, do you feel sad?" "Sad? Why?" "Well, you caused the massacre of Golden Camellia''s soldiers and the ruin of Dionde City," Elena asked. "Well, it is a war, their death is inevitable. Golden Camellia will restock their manpower anyway, they might draft slightly younger men too. Isn''t it very effective to destroy the reputation of Emperor Leopold in front of the peasants?" Elena nodded, her wrinkled lips smiled satisfied, ''I taught her well, she is able to incite a big war by herself easily and left untouched. A true quality of a golden princess.'' It might be normal to hear that kind of exnationing from an old king or queen, buting from a seven years old kid? It would be too scary to listen for some people. Camille couldn''t wait to meet her mom, it had been almost a year since she saw her face. And she missed her constantly, the guards around Cold Pce only increased every day, giving her no room to smuggle something for her mom. ''Mom, we will reunite, trust me!'' Chapter 168: An Everlasting Separation Chapter 168: An Evesting Separation With the Great Arctyr''s soldier charging towards the war like a mad bull, Golden Camellia decided to exert its full power against the Great Arctyr. The war had breached out to other cities near Dionde and in only a few months, the war escted, almost half of Golden Camellia was ransacked. Both sides were losing at this point, Great Arctyr''s war fund had been depleted and it started sucking on the main budget of the Great Arctyr. Meanwhile, the ruined cities in Golden Camellia also caused great financial damage on the country. A year after the war started, the war was still going on and it was clear that the war already destroyed both countries. But the Great Arctyr didn''t back up, they kept fighting without rest. It shocked everyone, it was amazing that a country was so dedicated to its Great Princess that they didn''t mind dying for her. Every other country in the continent started appreciating Great Arctyr for its high morale and dedication, and ndered Golden Camellia for its treacherousness. The truth is, the painting of Great Princess Celine and her daughter Princess Camille became a national treasure in Great Arctyr. The royal family showcased the real painting in a public meeting. "I, Taron Hessel Signe, Fourth Prince of Great Arctyr, swear that I will take back my precious sister, our Great Princess Celine and her daughter. This is the painting that was taken from Golden Camellia, it is painted by my own niece, Princess Camille." The people observed the painting made by their supposed little princess, it was just a simple, yet detailed painting. There was emotion inside the painting that hurt their heart, because Celine and Camille were smiling under the Great Arctyr, but it was only her wish. The truth was, they were abused and locked inside Golden Camellia for years. The people, both men and women cried in the city square. They were heartbroken imagining the pain their beloved Great Princess had to go through. Because Celine was a brilliant and generous princess that loved to go through one city to another to help the one in need. The royal family agreed for the people to copy and mass produce the painting, in only a few months, the painting became a sacred painting for them, it symbolized the patriotism of a true Arctyrian. Because Great Princess Celine and her daughter Camille didn''t stop believing in Great Arctyr even though they suffered for years. That was why the Great Arctyr refused to yield. It would be an insult to their fathend, Great Arctyr, to return without their Great Princess. "Taron, you have been staring at the painting for hours, go take a rest." "One moment, mother," Prince Taron kissed the lower side of the painting, where Camille had her narrative written. The Queen''s eye was wet with tears, she couldn''t stop crying. Had she known that Emperor Leopold was this cruel, she wouldn''t let Celine marry him. "Your brother''s death will not be in vain," the Queen said. He had lost his first son in this war. He was stubborn tomand the army during the invasion, because he wants to reach his sister as soon as possible, but in the end, he got assassinated by Golden Camellia''s assassin. "I know, mom. I will help my second brother in this war. If I died during the war, you still have Tator, he can be a good king," Taron said. He looked at his little brother who was only four years old, sleeping on the Queen''s embrace. Queen tightened her embrace, she didn''t want to lose all her sons, but at this point, everyone was dead set to rescue Celine. The Queen nodded and said, "Fathend shall bless you, my son." Taron nodded, he was ready to fight the Golden Camellia. He set off with his older brother with many soldiers rallying behind them. ''Sister, we will save you.'' *** How long has it been? A year? Or maybe two since she got separated with her daughter. Celine was waiting every day, hoping that Camille would return, but it seemed impossible now. She didn''t even know whether Camille was alive or not. "Is there any news about her?" Celine asked her maid again. She asked every day and her maid only shook their heads. There was no information about their little princess. They tried to persuade the guards outside, so they knew whether Princess Camille was alive or not, but they only closed their mouths. The maids were scared with their princess'' deteriorating health. It was true that the pce finally gave them enough food, but the Great Princess kept vomiting her food, now her body was even thinner than before. "Miss, you have to eat" the maid urged her again and again, but Celine only smiled and said, "I will eat when I know that Camille had eaten first." Celine sighed, she took a painting that Camille painted before, thest one before Camille got taken away. She hugged the painting, and tears dropped on to the ground. ''Mom misses you so much, Camille. I want to see you at least once before I die'' *** It had been two and a half years since the war started, and not once Camille had ever seen her mother. They were still within the area of Royal Pce, but they still couldn''t see each other. Camille had learned everything Golden Princess Elena had thought, and she was even better than her. Against Elena''s scenario, Camille could solve it easily, like a chess game, she could turn the situation around in her favour. She was going to reach ten years old soon, and every year, her wish stayed the same. She wanted to see her mother, once, only once is enough for her. But it was almost impossible to do. Because both the Emperor and Empress seemed to tag together to limit hermunication with the outside world. Thus, she was stuck in this small pce for three years. Although her growth in politics and other things were indeed miraculous, it was amazing in Elena''s eyes. In a few days, you are going to be ten years old, what do you want for a gift?" Elena asked. "My mom," Camille replied short. Elena sighed, "Camille, I know you missed your mom, but I cannot do anything. I am way too old to fight against both Emperor and Empress with absolute power like them." "I don''t me you, I just want to see my mom" Of course, Elena understood Camille''s worry. But, unless there was some sort of miracle that the Great Arctyr could finally destroy the Emperor, their reunion would never happen. Until the time when Camille finally reached ten, on her birthday, there was a screaming in front of the main hall. Golden Princess Elena and Camille peeked from the window and saw a man drenched in blood, his face was empty, as if he just suffered a mind numbing experience. "I want to see Princess Camille," he said slowly. The Golden Camellia guards around him were already seized, but he didn''t kill anyone, he just silently waited. "Camille, stay here, I will face him," Elena said. "No, ma''am, I will face him," Camille said. She had the feeling that this person didn''t mean harm to him. She opened the door and walked downstairs. When she faced the tall man in front of him, she asked, "I am Camille, is there anything I can help you, sir?" Taron finally saw his niece for the first time, this girl is now ten years old, and she had lived a harsh life and separated with her mother for almost four years, she didn''t even know what happened to her. Taron hugged his niece, his body trembled and he whispered something, "My little Camille, your mom she passed away." ''Passed away?'' Camille felt the world crumble around her, she could feel her body was numbed as her gaze blurred. Tears streamed down and Camille asked in a low voice, "How?" "She she died because she was too sickly, she was always waiting for you, Camille" Taron fished out a letter from his pocket. "This is the letter she wrote on her deathbed, the maids said it is for you" Camille receive the letter and opened it; -To my dear Camille, My beautiful Camille, I know it is toote for me to say, but I''m sorry for being weak. I''m sorry for giving you a hard life, I''m sorry for letting you go, I''m sorry because I can''t protect you. My beautiful Camille, mom is a weak woman. I let myself stomped by everyone because of my naivety. That''s why, mom wants you to be strong. Be strong, so you can protect the one you love. You said to me once, that you want to protect me. But you don''t need to do it anymore. Camille, I beg you to protect the one you love, to protect your family in the future. Please make sure my grandchild will not suffer the same fate as us. I will leave you my Great Princess ring, keep it as a reminder of our memory, please never forget your useless mom. My Winter Camellia, I believe you will bloom into the most brilliant. Mom loves you, I always love you, my precious daughter. Celine.- Camille took the Great Princess ring and for the first time in four years, Camille finally cried again. She bawled out like a normal little girl in her uncle''s shoulder. Camille wailed, calling her mom''s name over and over. She became ten years old again. Taron wiped his niece''s eye with his handkerchief and he was surprised with her eyes. Camille''s eyes turned pure ck for the first time. Chapter 169: Golden Princess Camille Chapter 169: Golden Princess Camille Taron held Camille''s hand and asked her, "Camille, my name is Taron Hessel Signe, I am your mother''s brother. I am your uncle." Camille stared at the man in front of him, he crouched so their eyes were at the same level. He was drenched in blood, Camille peeked at his side, the main door was opened and there was blood everywhere. It seemed the Great Arctyr had won. Camille stared at her uncle again, she tried to find a bad intention in him, since she was really talented at that. But turned out, this man was actually an honest soul. Camille became even more emotional. "Uncle, why are youte!? We we''ve suffered so much, why do you need toe now!" Taron clenched his fist, he was angry at himself, because it took four years until they could reach Roagelt and attack the golden pce. Taron wiped Camille''s tears again, "Uncle is sorry, but we can take you and your mother''s body back to the Great Arctyr. Camille, do you want to go home, to Great Arctyr?" Taron was drenched in blood, yet his eyes were very gentle, as if coaxing a child. Camille knew that if she returned to Great Arctyr, then she would live there forever, without any chance of revenge. ''What is the point of going back to Arctyr, if I can''t destroy my mom''s murderers? I will live with a new identity, starting from the very beginning.'' ''Emperor and Empress will rebound with their absolute power, they will still be prosperous even after their cold-bloodedness I won''t let that happen. ''If my mother is dead without anyone by her side, then I shall give the same thing to them, just a lot more painful.'' ''I will avenge my mom.'' Camille acted like a normal ten years old in front of Taron, she wiped the blood around Taron''s face with her own handkerchief and then said, "Uncle, you should take a bath first. You are stinky!" Taron was slightly taken aback with Camille''s kind gesture, he smiled, "Of course, I will. Let''s return back to Great Arctyr, Uncle will take a bath there." Camille nodded innocently, then she asked, "Uncle, mom always said that Great Arctyr is prosperous, and um the people are nice and happy." "Yes, yes they are!" "But, I can''t go there" "Huh? Why?" Taron was confused. He thought Camille was joking, but she looked serious. "Because I want to go to Great Arctyr with my mom. I know no one other than my mom all my life Now that she is deceased, I can''t go there, uncle" "Camille, I am your family, the Great Arctyr royal family is also your family, we will protect you," Taron tried to persuade her, but Camille still shook her head. "Uncle, can I ask for something?" Taron nodded. Camille smiled and then kissed Taron''s cheek, "Uncle, I want you to bring my mom''s corpse back to the Great Arctyr and give her a proper burial. I want her to a martyr, a saintess for Great Arctyr." "That is given for, but what about you? Camille, please return with me, everyone wants you back!" Taron urged her. "Uncle, I can''t I''m already a Golden Princess" "WHAT?!" Taron was shocked. Camille showed the Golden Princess'' flower badge. The official sign of a Golden Princess, and under the oath, Camille would devote her life for the country. This basically meant Camille couldn''t return to Great Arctyr, she was oath-bound by Golden Camellia''s sacred rule. "Why Why did you be a Golden Princess? Do you know that you can''t return back after you pledged your oath?" Taron was heartbroken, all his effort in this war, it was all wasted when he saw his dead sister under the rusty pce, and his niece became a Golden princess. "Because four years ago, the Emperor took me from my mom, and I got beaten by the Empress. The old Golden Princess saved me, but in order for me to live without being abused and starved to death, I need to be a pure Golden CamellianI need to be the Golden Princess." Taron finally realized that there was nothing he could do, basically both his sister and niece were dead. But he needed to ask something first, "Are you the one who painted that portrait of you and your mom?" Camille paused, then nodded slowly. "Then, you still have the heart of Arctyrian?" "Uncle, in my heart, I don''t have a father. I don''t have a Golden Camellia''s blood. So, I am an Arctyrian. I will give you something." Camille went inside a room near the main hall and then returned to Taron with a small painting. It was her half body portrait with her hand holding Golden Camellia''s symbol but her heart was painted with the symbol of the Great Arctyr. There was a small note there. - I am an Arctyrian in my heart, but I am a Golden Princess. May the people know that the soul of Arctyr never leave my blood. - Taron was still grieving, but part of the wound in his heart was relieved. Because in the end, the true blood of Arctyrian still flowed inside Camille. He understood that Camille couldn''t return now, he looked at the Great Princess ring Camille was holding and said; "Camille, I will be a king after this, and I will always give you a ce in Great Arctyr. When you want to return anytime, show the Great Arctyr''s royal family that ring, I will let them know, that ring belongs to Great Arctyr and the one holding it is considered a Royal Arctyr family." Camille stared at her uncle and asked, "What if my child had the ring, is he considered an Arctyrian too?" "Yes, yes he is. I will tell my child about the ring. Your bond as Arctyrian royal family will never disappear, Lady Camille," Taron grinned wide and showed his teeth. Camille nodded happily, "Uncle, I''m sorry I can''t return back. But, please say to everyone in Great Arctyr, that me and my descendants, we are always an Arctyrian in our heart!" Taron nodded approvingly, "Camille, I can''t destroy the entire Golden Camellia, because Great Arctyr already exhausted so many resources. The Emperor and Empress already fled and will return in a few weeks. Are you sure you can survive here alone?" "I can, trust me, Uncle." Taron nodded again and caressed her head gently, "Do you want to see your mother for thest time?" "Yes" Camille was led outside, there was a coffin with two maids that she was familiar with, "Little Princess!" The maids tried to hug her, but were blocked by Taron. Taron whispered something to the maids and they only looked at Camille pitifully and cried. Camille walked towards the coffin, Taron opened the coffin and there was her mother. She was really pale that her cheekbone was protruding, her uncle said that Celine will be embalmed soon to persevere her body. She will be a saintess back in Great Arctyr. Camille caressed her mother''s cheek and kissed her forehead, ''Mom, I will be strong. I will be the woman that will stand above all, so, watch me from heaven, okay? Because I know you are in heaven now, you are a saintess, mom. Camille will never forget you, and I will tell my son about you and your kindness. I love you, mom.'' Taron finally closed the coffin, he bowed for Camille like a foreign nobleman bowing to a nobledy. "I shall leave. Be safe, Golden Princess Camille." "Thank you for your help, Sir Taron. I could only bid you farewell like this, I hope you are not offended." "No, as long as Lady Camille is safe, it is already the best gift for me." He left with his surviving troops and the maids. Camille looked around him, there were so many dead guards, yet, she didn''t feel scared. She only felt empty. Too empty because all she wanted right now was revenge. Elena tapped her shoulder from behind, "It''s okay, Camille." "Mhm, Ma''am, since the Emperor and Empress fled to a safer ce, then we have time to take some influences here, when they return, I shall already have my own footing." "Oh? You are so eager for this!" Elena was surprised, but it was a pleasant surprise for her. Since Elena wasn''t good at coaxing a child. She was used to killing, not to dote. "Of course! I can''t wait to kill them." Camille had some ideas in her head, since the Golden Camellia Empire was not a centralized empire, it was both good and bad at the same time. During wartimes like this, not all vassal kingdoms and houses were affected, so it acted like a safety. But because it was not centralized, it was far easier to take control of one ce. This was the right time to do that. Camille whispered something at Elena, "First, I will nder them more, I need to destroy their reputation even more. Ma''am, please help me by spreading the mass information about the reason why Golden Camellia was ruined in a war because of their abusive behaviour. Tell the peasants about my suffering." Camille gave out a smirk. Elena observed Camille''s eyes that slowly turned ink ck. She nodded approvingly. She bowed her head to Camille respectfully and said; "As you wish, Golden Princess Camille." Chapter 170: The Situation Reversed Chapter 170: The Situation Reversed The war had cost too much on both sides, but Golden Camellia was severely damaged, because the war took ce within the territory of the Golden Camellia. There were many casualties, especially the drafted young men and just the military in general. Almost all cities were destroyed, only leaving few that were still intact. Everyone was pointing fingers at their Emperor, demanding for an exnation. Because up until now, they were not given any information about the reason why the Great Arctyr decided to attack the country. It was the moment when Elena, under Camille''s request, spread the news about the torture of Celine, Great Princess of Arctyr and her daughter, Camille. The news said that Emperor Audric III should''ve married Celine, but the Emperor already fell in love with his mistress, Eva. They schemed to rece Celine with Eva and the show carried on. Celine and her daughter were locked inside the Cold Pce for years. ''No wonder the Great Arctyr attacked us! Their Great Princess was abused!'' ''Emperor Audric III is so cruel! Ruthless! He let a fine noblewoman die in a cold pce while he married an evil mistress!'' ''He drafted young men to the war, but they died in vain because Emperor is so selfish! He didn''t want to admit his mistake and killed us all!'' ''Coward Emperor! Coward Emperor!'' Thousands of people who had lost their homes and their families rallied in huge protests outside of the ruined Golden Pce. The guards couldn''t do anything, because there were so little of them, most of the guards were either dead or heavily wounded. The people tried to find the man in charge. But the Emperor, Empress and the Crown Prince already fled somewhere, leaving only some pce staff and Golden Princess Elena and Camille. Because Elena was too old, Camille decided to stand in front of everyone. The ten years old girl stood in front of a hundred thousand masses, but she looked exceptionally calm. The leader of the protester asked her, "Little girl, do you know where the Emperor is?" "The Emperor is gone, I am the one in charge." "You?! How could it be!" the leader of the protester was dumbfounded. How could their Emperor have the heart to let a ten years old girl face against the angry masses in front of her. But again, Camille looked calm, "It''s fine, sir, please state the concern of the people here." The leader was reluctant to voice the protest in front of the little girl, but looking at how collected this little girl was, finally he voiced the anger of the people. They wanted the Emperor to take responsibility for all damages and loss of family members or the sole breadwinner of the family because of the war. Camille knew she couldn''t solve it easily, but she listened about theint and said loudly, "I am Golden Princess Camille, I may look foreign to everyone here, but I am the child that Great Princess Celine gave birth to." The people were shocked, because this girl and her mother had been the topic of the people. They were both pitied and despised, because they were the source of the war. Some of them hated the fact that the Emperor brought this woman called Celine to the empire and brought destruction to many cities. But when they saw Camille, with her signature golden royal trait, golden hair, golden circle eyes and sculpted face. They didn''t have the heart to spout some of their harsh protest on her. Camille continued her speech, "My father Emperor had fled with his Empress, so, I am the only one here" Camille''s voice started trembling, "II will try my best toto help everyone! I just lost my mom after she was ignored and malnourished, and died sickly. So I understand the pain of the people who have lost their beloved one! I am sorry because my mom and I caused destruction here!" Camille bowed her head, she was going to kneel and probably prostrated in front of the masses. It shocked everyone, because golden royals were treated almost like a god in Golden Camellia. They were exceptional human. But this little girl, without any silly pride, dared to almost prostrate in front of dirty peasants'' feet. The leader hurriedly held Camille, so she didn''t kneel to the people. He shook his head and said, "This is not your fault, princess." "But Empress said this is my fault! Everyone died because my mom and I exist!" Camille started sobbing, "II will try my best to take responsibility! I will beg for everyone''s forgiveness and I will help the people!" Everyone became worried when they saw how a little heartbroken princess was crying and begging for forgiveness. Although it was definitely not her fault. The war had no connection with her at all, she was just a little girl born in the wrong ce at the wrong time. Yet, her heart was so pure. Maybe because they had been ruled by generations of imposing Emperors that made them intimidated, seeing the same golden blood cried and begging for forgiveness in front of them made their anger dissipate slowly. ''Emperor and Empress are so despicable, after beating this little girl, they abandoned her when they escaped. Did they expect the people to kill a little girl?!'' The people were angered with their Emperor''s selfishness and adored the little Golden Princess. After long negotiations, Camille finally decided to givepensation for the deceased family members and agreed to rebuild each home that had been destroyed in the war. It was indeed very costly, and Camille had to take Golden Camellia''s private fund that was hoarded by the Emperor and Empress for the prolonged war. Golden Princess Elena signed the document for handling the Golden Camellia''s private fund. Because she was the most senior in this Golden Pce now. Camille then nned the system for the ministers to follow. It was honestly strange that a little girl could stop a hundred thousand masses topletely destroy the Golden Pce, and even pacified them! Because she was the only Golden Royal in this pce now, they followed the order. Surprisingly, after they followed the order of Golden Princess Camille and cooperated with the loss. The people finally stopped rallying and started to rebuild their home. In just a year, about a quarter of the destroyed houses were finally rebuilt. The Emperor returned to Golden Pce alone without Empress Eva or Ludwig. Because the news spread around that she was the one who abused Celine and Camille. Thus, the people ndered her as slut, shameless hag, crazy woman, witch and so on. She couldn''t return to Golden Pce for now, maybe for a few more years. He got the news about the Golden Camellia being rebuilt under the order of a ten years old girl every week, she was eleven now. She was like a miracle with her natural talent of governing. It made Emperor Leopold joyful that his daughter was this talented, yet it also made him guilty. Because he treated her horrendously for her entire childhood. She was exceptional, really exceptional. ''It''s okay, Camille is still adolescent. And Celine is dead now, so she will have no one to see as a parent figure other than me.'' Camille greeted the returning Emperor in front of the guards. She wore a white dress, like a white swan, curtsy for her Emperor father, "Wee back, father, I hope you are well." The Emperor smiled and hugged his daughter, "My daughter Camille, I''m sorry for leaving you. I will protect you from now on, I will not let anyone harm you anymore!" Camille was hugged by her father for the first time, but strangely, she didn''t feel any warmth, only contempt. A cold contempt. But she yed along and hugged her father, "Dad" Emperor Leopold''s heart melted. He finally understood how there was more than just his love to Eva. In fact, his love for Eva was scorching hot, passionate. But he realized that his paternal love to Camille was like a calm soothing water. ''I will protect you, Camille! My daughter, I''m sorry I had been a bad father, I will not let you go anymore!'' Meanwhile, Camille was quite pleased with the development, because it was ording to her exact calction. ''Emperor, you know that you don''t need to beg for forgiveness. Because you didn''t exist in my heart as a father figure, you exist as a good tool for me to control my surroundings.'' ''You disgust me.'' After the Emperor returned, Emperor Leopold and Golden Princess Camille went around the Empire to help the people who got affected by war. The mighty Emperor was very earnest with his mistake and asked for forgiveness in front of everyone, just like what Little Golden Princess did back then. Slowly but sure, the people epted his mistake, although they didn''t favour him as the Emperor anymore. But some of them had moved on, and they got generouspensation too. Crown Prince Ludwig returned back two yearster, but he was instantly drafted into the military by the Emperor to learn about the military and develop it after the war. However, for Empress Eva, it took four more years after the Emperor to return back to Golden Camellia. When she returned, there was no ceremony, even the servants weren''t greeting her. She was treated like a regr noble visiting the Golden Pce. There was one butler who bowed to her and said nothing, he just escorted her to her previous Empress room and then left. Empress Eva was cursing in her heart, because this was the treatment she got after she returned. This was really humiliating for an Empress. "How dare they! I am the Empress! I will find Leopold for this humiliation and I will kill the servants!" Empress Eva was cursing in front of the Empress room, then she opened the door. "I believe you cannot punish the servants for doing so, Empress. Because I ordered them not to greet you." Empress Eva was shocked with the sudden appearance of a teenage princess in her room. She was sitting on the sofa leisurely, "Surprised? I am Camille, your step daughter." Camille was wearing a yellow dress. It was adorned with beautiful gems that sparkled under the sun. She was taller and her face was rosy and mesmerizing, much more than Celine. Empress Eva was raging. "You! Slut kid! You dare to disrespect me like this!?" Empress Eva charged at Camille, wanting to beat her. But suddenly, there was a shadow guard who appeared out of nowhere and he reprimanded Empress Eva. "You! What is this!? I AM THE EMPRESS!" Camille chuckled, "Empress, you know that your reputation has been destroyed in Golden Camellia, right?" Camille stood from the sofa and walked towards the Empress, she pinched Empress'' chin and chilly aura emanating from her, "Eva, you should know that I am a golden blood, and golden blood will repay your deed ten times more, for the better or worse. Let''s see how long your struggle willst." Chapter 171: The Business Devil is A Young Duke! Chapter 171: The Business Devil is A Young Duke! Three years had passed and Golden Camellia had almost returned to its former glorious state. Camille was now entering her eighteen birthday. She had bloomed into a beautiful Golden Princess that was adored by the people. She was gentle, kind hearted, talented in art and governing. She was hailed by the men as a goddess, and for the women, she was hailed as the epitome of a strong woman. Golden Princess Camille had be the model of how a woman should be in Golden Camellia. She was also loved in Great Arctyr, although she was not allowed to visit the Great Arctyr because of her status, sometimes, she would send some financial aid of her own savings or send paintings she painted herself for the auction. The money of the auction would be used to help those in need. She was perfect. There were so many young, unmarried men lined up to propose to her. But she rejected everyone, her reason was because she was not ready for such a bigmitment. But she rejected all of them gently and softly, that those men didn''t stop chasing her. Just like today. "Your Highness Princess, these are the flower bouquets you get today," the maid brought in a wagon full of flowers bouquets in front of her. Camille was sitting leisurely in one of the pavilions with her friend, enjoying brunch. She sighed, she had to apud those people for their dedication, but she didn''t want to marry any of them. They were just a bunch of weak noblemen with some money. They didn''t have any significant power, nor any great achievement. "nt the flowers in the garden, but I will not write back to any of them," Camille ordered. "My, my! Camille, you should really think about epting at least one of them? How about this Marquis Viete, Apercino Viete? He has contributed a lot for the rebuilding of Golden Camellia." "No, Lily, you know that I don''t like any of them. And Apercino Viete is already thirty!" Camille was talking to Lily Berzhenia, young miss from Duchy of Silvor. They became friends because Camille found her worth, since the House of Berzhenia was quite powerful. Although Camille only treated her as a connection, it seemed Lily really treated her as her best friend. "Well, just so you know, You are way too popr. I''m afraid there would be more and more of those men and they would never give up!" "Not that I care," Camille rolled her eyes, "Anyway, my brother said he has his friend that would visit to talk about business." "Business? You are going to handle some business?" "Well, my father is on a long journey recolonising the countries that had rebelled during the war in our country. It would take a long time," Camille exined. "Well, who will you meet anyway? Ugh, I already imagined a fifty years old man talking about boring stuff!" Lily made a disgusted expression. Camille only smiled. "I''m not sure about this man, but his house was a dying duchy. Then he emerged and miraculously saved his duchy from ruin and even developed it further by doing business. I believe he''s got a good enough portfolio to work with the empire." "Wait, a dying duchy? Saved by businesses?" Lily''s face turned pale instantly. "Yes, it''s Duchy of Stormhill, he is a young duke and" "THAT''S THE BUSINESS DEVIL!" Lily reacted wildly, which surprised Camille, "Oh no! Camille, you should not make a deal with the business devil! He is scary, too scary!" "Huh?" Camille frowned. As far as she studied this man''s track record, there didn''t seem to be any indication of corruption or anything. "My duchy made a deal with him! Don''t get tricked by his handsome look! He is going to suck your resource dry and make a deal you cannot reject! He is going to" "Excuse me, missus, I believe you are talking about me," Lily jolted when she heard that familiar voice. She looked behind and instantly stood from the chair. "CCamille, I have something else to do! See youter!" Lily scurried away as fast as she could, and she fell because she used high heels. It was quiteical. Which made Camille interested. ''What kind of deal Duchy Silvore did with him, that it made Lily scared to the bone?'' Camille observed the man in front of her, a twenty years old man. He was tall, with dark hair, and brooding eyes. He had that ssic handsome face that would make many women swoon. But maybe because of his deep brooding eyes, it made him look unapproachable, he looked cold and serious. "I believe you are Sir Harion Di Arlingdon, Duke of Stormhill, correct?" "Correct, Your Highness." "Please sit down, I''m sorry for my friend''s lousy behaviour. She is acting weird just now, maybe it''s because of Sir Harion''s presence?" Camille smiled mysteriously, her eyes tracked every small gesture this duke made. Because if House Berzhenia could kneel in front of him, then he is not an easy person to deal with. "She is just scared because I caught her father trying to smuggle some mining production to gain more profit," Harion replied coldly. It didn''t seem to be much of a big deal for him. "Oh? I''ve heard that you had a business deal with House Berzhenia. Mind to tell me the exact business you had the deal with?" "It''s a mining business, I promised them to develop their mines so they would be filthy rich, in return, I''d take 65% of the ie. Because I set out a deadline, they thought I couldn''t develop their mines until it reached international scale, so they just agreed with it." "And turns out, you are able to develop it and gain permanent profit?" Camille asked. "Yes, Your Highness." "Interesting," Camille smiled, "It seems Sir Harion is a capable man for this empire project. I admire a man who knows his limit and capability." Beingplimented by Golden Princess Camille, Harion lowered his head slightly, a slight tint of blush appeared on his cheek. "TThank you, Your Highness. You are also an admirable woman who controls many people, and able to stand above all" Harionplimented sheepishly. He looked shy and he subconsciously fidgeted. Camille was a bit surprised with hispliment. He didn''t say anything about the inspiring, gentle, kindness, generosity of ''Golden Princess Camille''. He wasplimenting her ability to control the mass and to stand above all in Golden Pce. It made her interested, slightly. "Well, shall we start talking about the business? Mind you, I''m not an easy opponent to defeat," Camille warned Harion with her mysterious smile. Harion resumed his straight posture and his eyes turned cold and brooding again. He was serious. They were discussing a business deal that demanded Harion to construct many roads to the small towns and viges. Then, he could take profit from the special no tax for five years. All his businesses would not be taxed for five years as long as he made the roads, of course it was funded by the Empire. For the first time, Camille was so shocked with this Young Duke''s shrewd behaviour when discussing a business deal. He was not reluctant to stop you in the middle of your reasoning if it didn''t fit him, he would give enormous pressure with facts that you couldn''t refute either. It was as if Camille was facing a devil with a suit. "Your Highness, this is not right. I shall not obey your scam, the fund you offer is not enough to cover the cost of the construction. And reducing my tax by only 50%? I would rather not risk it all," Harion said shrewdly. "You are not the only one in our list, if Sir Harion cannot ept this, then you can go. I believe you''ll miss such a great opportunity, and it MIGHT ruin your track record," Camille said. She tried to threaten him. But Harion only scoffed. "Your Highness, my track record is already evil as it is, but they keeping at me. So, the conclusion is, they know my capability. The Empire must''ve known my capability too, since I believe there were only a handful of businessmen that would take construction at this moment. If you let me go, you''ll have to settle with a lower quality construction businessman," Harion replied without mercy. Camille wiped her cold sweat with a handkerchief. This was the first time someone could refute her. His pressure was enormous, after three hours of long debate, they finally reached the agreement. Although, in the end, both parties were unable to gain more than they wanted. They made a neutral deal, both parties were profited, but not in an astronomical level as they would usually have. This deal intrigued both Camille and Harion. "Sir Harion is really what they call the devil businessman, I can''t even win," Camille sincerelyplimented him. Harion lowered his head again, his blush had be more visible now, "YYour Highness also fits that Golden Princess title. You can pressure me so much with subtle pressure. I couldn''t even reach my goal with the deal." "I guess we are even," Camille sipped her tea, "I believe Sir Harion still have something to do, do you want me to escort you to the gate?" There was something a bit sad in Camille''s heart. It was such a waste if this talented young man left as if their deal wasn''t really a big thing. Because Camille was still intrigued, still interested in him. "If it''s possible, I''d be grateful if Your Highness is able to escort me around the pce. It''s been ten years since thest time I stepped my foot here. A little tour would be appreciated," Harion said. He hesitated, because he was unsure whether Golden Princess would say yes or just kicked him away. Meanwhile, Camille was taken aback by Harion''s initiative. He was basically asking whether it was okay for him to have a small ''date'' with her. I was how the nobles in Golden Camellia asked for a date when they first met, because a pce or house tour was the sign of eptance. ''He was like a ferocious beast when he talked about business. And he looks so unsure about this? A small date?'' True, Camille never epted anyone to do a pce tour, but maybe, for this moment, she had the urge to say yes. And she did, Camille nodded and said, "I shall give you a tour around the pce." "WWWha thank you, Golden Princess!" Harion''s brooding eyes were filled with happiness that it looked less intimidating. "One more," Camille winked, "You should call me Camille." Chapter 172: Marry Me, Save Me Chapter 172: Marry Me, Save Me "Why are you here again? You were here three days ago," Camille nced at the man who approached her in the garden. The same man whom they called the business devil. He had been returning to the golden pce almost fifteen times in three months. The man approached her nervously, while holding the flower in his hand. True, he visited the pce very frequently for many reasons. Most of them were actually unnecessary reasons, and Harion didn''t like to lie either. But if it was the way for him to meet the Golden Princess, then he would prepare a thousand lies. He was in awkward silence, then Camille asked, "What flower is in your hand?" "Oh, I bring you a bouquet of Aster," Harion replied quickly. He handed the bouquet to Camille and scratched his head awkwardly. He didn''t have anything to do here honestly. He purposely finished all his work earlier even though he had to stay awake for days. So, he could visit Camille sooner. "Aster? You picked so many colors here," Camille frowned. In Golden Camellia, presenting any kind of flower had its own meaning. Harion gave her a bouquet full of colorful aster. "Yes, II just want to show you that uh you have a lot of meaning for me" Harion stood in front of the mirror for hours to say something charming for Camille. But he was always tongue-tied in front of her. Harion lowered his head in shame. Meanwhile, Camille was amused, "Let''s see, red aster as the sign of undying devotion, purple aster as wisdom and royalty, white aster as purity, and pink aster as symbol of sensitive love. You really know how to flirt, huh?" Harion Jolted, he took a step back and shook his head slowly, "II swear I''m not a flirt! II''m just I''m not sure what a Golden Princess takes as an eptable gift." "This is an eptable gift, more than just eptable, honestly," Camille smiled. Harion was surprised, but then, he took a relieved breath. He dared himself to nce at Camille, but he was greeted with Camille''s gentle face. Then he lowered his gaze. "Why do you keep lowering your gaze? Am I unpleasant to look at?" "Not at all! You are just so beautiful, I can''t help it." "If those men and women who adored you knew that the business devil was just a shy little rabbit, they would be disappointed." "That I don''t care much about their opinion," Harion said, "I care about yours though" Days by days, talking with this man was getting more pleasant. Maybe because deep down, they knew each other''s true nature. They were a capable individual able to turn the country upside down. Maybe that was why they could connect well. "Well, I don''t have much time today, but thank you for visiting me," Camille said, she sidestepped Harion and whispered something before she left; ''Harion, treat this as my gratitude.'' Camille kissed Harion''s cheek. She giggled and left the garden. Harion was stupefied, then, his smile bloomed widely. As if he just received something better than just money. He touched his cheek gently, and giggled. He then left the garden, readying for his next visit. From afar, a woman in herte thirties was looking at the couple in love with raging fire in her eyes. She red at the scared maid beside her and said, "Call Apercino Viete now! I have to make this fast before it''s toote!" *** A weekter, Empress Eva was sitting in front of a man in his early thirty. He was tall and handsome, but people could feel that this man was not right. Because he was the famous debauched man that hosted sex parties in his velvet castle frequently. But he was untouchable, because he got the support of the Emperor and Empress. He was indeed talented in governing, although he was a bastard to many. "Why do you have that obvious smirk in your face, I haven''t said anything!" Empress Eva scolded him. But he just chuckled. "Well, Has Your Majesty Empress decided to summon me for our deal?" "Yes, I need you to do it now, today!" "Today?!" Apercino was surprised, how could he do that without any preparation? What if someone caught him red handed? "Don''t you fret over random things, I''ve prepared the room for you to execute the deal," Empress Eva said. "Go stay inside Camille''s room now, I''ve cleared the guards around her room." "She is inside her room?" Apercino asked. "Yes, defile her. Then you can marry her," Empress Eva smirked, "You can also obtain all her wealth and control her all you want. I will persuade my husband to let her go easily." Empress Eva was dead serious with her offer, and Apercino himself was very eager to get this woman. Camille was really the most perfect one for him, if he could get her, he could use her as the main show in his parties. They would do many things, many positions and many toys in front of many people. It would be fantastic. "My gratitude, Your Majesty," Apercino bowed and left the room. Empress Eva smirked maliciously. "Just because you toyed me for so long, do you think I can''t ruin you? Camille, I will destroy your life. Just like your filthy mother, You should be a filthy woman too." *** Camille was sitting in front of the mirror for a while. She couldn''t keep that man away from her thought for at least a day. She kept thinking about him! ''I thought it was just a fun game, until I realized that I had this feeling'' ''What is he thinking about me anyway? Did he just admire me as a golden princess? Then what''s the point? He already knows my true color anyway.'' Camille sighed again. Knock! Knock! Camille''s attention was shifted to the door. Before he could ask who was outside, the door was opened and a tall man was standing in front of her, then he closed the door. Camille was alerted instantly, she took a few steps back, "Sir Apercino, did you enter the wrong room? This is improper for a noble man to enter ady''s room without permission." "Oh, I didn''t enter the wrong room," Apercino smirked, "I want to enter Golden Princess Camille''s room. Or should I say, my future wife''s room." "Sir Apercino is not in the right mind, please leave." "I will leave, after I get what I want," Apercino replied. He took a step forward. Camille had the bad feeling about this, Apercino started unbuttoning his shirt and Camille finally screamed to the guard, "Guard! Guard!" But no one outside was replying. She just realized that the guards outside were nowhere to be seen. Camille was scared. She took a few steps back until her back hit the wall. "I told you before, right? I want you to be my wife, if taking your purity here is the only way, then I will do it!" Apercino rushed to Camille and grabbed her hands. Camille struggled and tried to kick his groin, but he dodged it, "Camille, you know, I''ve had many virgin women who tried to resist, they did the same thing like you! Don''t worry, you won''t resist any more after this!" Apercino kissed Camille''s neck, and then sucked and bit it until a red bite mark was visible. He then ripped Camille''s gown and her upper body was exposed. "Beautiful, perfect indeed~" Apercino chuckled. Camille was so shocked that her struggle onlysted so long when Apercino lost his patience, he punched Camille''s stomach hard. Camille staggered. "Why resist? How did you not realize that our marriage would be a great marriage full of money and fun!" "YOU FILTHY BASTARD! ANYONE, SAVE ME!" Camille screamed out. There was a bang on the door and a man appeared with a knife. "CAMILLE!" Harion appeared on the door. His eyes became sharp when he saw the scene as he lunged his knife toward Apercino Viete. Apercino let go of Camille''s hand and dodged Harions knife. He punched Harion''s chest and Harion took the blow. He staggered and took a few steps back. "What is this? You don''t even know how to use a knife! Is that knife even real?" Apercino mocked. Harion didn''t seem to care and then attacked him again with the knife. But again, Apercino dodged and punched Harion on the stomach. "You just ruined my mood! God damn!" Apercino was going to smash Harion''s face with his boots, but he stopped midair. Camille used a ss vase to hit Apercino''s head. The man fell unconscious instantly. Camille''s hand trembled, the vase on her hand fell to the floor and shattered instantly. She saw how Harion was wounded and helped him. Camille saw the man who tried to save him was probably half conscious now. She could feel the light blow from him was hard enough to almost make her puke. "CCamille, are you okay?" Harion said. His hand gripped Camille''s sleeve tightly. "I am." Camille said, but she couldn''t hold her tears and it fell to Harion''s cheek, "But I can''t get married in the future." "Why?" "That bastard already kissed me, he already groped me, he already defiled me! I am a filthy woman now!" Camille couldn''t hold her tears and cried in Harion''s chest. Harion gently caressed Camille''s golden hair and said, "I will." Harion took out something from his pants pocket and presented it to Camille, "I''ve been keeping this pair of rings for three months, hoping to propose to you. If you think no one would marry you after this incident, I will, and I want to. I will marry you, and save you." Camille stared at the bruised Harion and the rings on his hand. He was stillying on the floor, because Apercino hit him too hard, but he smiled and raised the ring. "Will you marry me, Camille?" Camille was staring at Harion silently, she tried to find a hidden meaning, hidden hostility in Harion with her golden circle eyes. But Harion was indeed sincere to her. She took the smaller ring and put it on her finger, "I ept. I will be your bride, marry me, save me, Harion." Camille''s face drew closer to Harion and then they kissed for the first time. Chapter 173: Marriage of The Year Chapter 173: Marriage of The Year The news about the marriage between the Duke of Stormhill and the Golden Princess of Golden Camellia swept the empire like a thunderstorm. People were shocked because they were still very young, only twenty and eighteen respectively. They had many years ahead to explore things in life before marrying. But it seemed it was the final verdict and the marriage was rushed. They were not engaged, they were married instantly. There was a rumor spreading around that Golden princess Camille was actually pregnant with Duke Harion''s child, thus, they had to marry to cover the truth. Camille and Harion was sitting in the garden after preparing for everything. Theyughed together when they listened the rumor. Because they hadn''t even had a real proper date since their first meeting. "Did they really think we had an illicit affair and produced a baby?" Harion asked, he was chuckling out of wilderment. Because it was baffling that people really spread the rumour that he was actually using his business, a debt trap, to sleep with many unwilling women. "Well, if they really think you use debt traps to make many women sleep with you, I guess you have to find a way to trap me~" Camille teased him. "Ridiculous!" Harion refuted. But not long after, theyughed again. They had finished the wedding preparation, the wedding was supposedly going to take ce in the Golden Pce in three days. Since Harion''s parents had died and he had no other rtives, he didn''t need to ask for permission. For Camille though, she had to ask her father, Emperor Leopold for his permission. It was relieving that Emperor Leopold sent a royal letter to Camille and gave his blessing for them. - Dear my beautiful daughter, Golden Princess Camille Anna Camellia With this letter, I, Emperor Audric III, give my blessing to your marriage with Harion di Arlingdon, Duke of Stormhill. I cannot attend the wedding because I am still too far away, but the wedding shall be held in Golden Pce and will be personally funded with my personal treasury. Your father loves you very much, my daughter Camille. I will send a gift for your wedding. Your Father, Emperor Audric III Camille put the letter down, the smirk on her face bloomed beautifully. Tomorrow was the wedding day, they would tie their oath under the sacred Oath of Gardenia. In order to get his father emperor''s blessing, she had to block all means ofmunication between Emperor and Empress. Because if the Empress dared to send some letter of usation to the Emperor, he would still believe his crazy wife more than her. "Told you, I will obtain his blessing," Camille darted her eyes towards the woman in front of her. She was reprimanded by two shadow guards and her hands were tied. She was looking at Camille with unending hostility. "Wait until Leopold returns home! I will tell him about your" "About what? Tell me, what kind of trick will you be ying now?" Empress Eva said nothing, she just growled and looked away. Camille smiled and stood from her chair, she approached Empress Eva and pped her cheek hard. "Listen, you insecure lowborn," Camille was looking down at Empress Eva with her golden circle turnedpletely ck, "I know you are trying to protect Apercino because he knows your secret. I will deal with both of you after that trash emperor returns home." "If it''s not because of him, I''d skin you alive right now." Empress Eva tried to fight back, "Hah! You still need Leopold, right? Then I will tell him about what you did to me! I will ask him to execute you right in front of my eyes!" "Can you?" Camille smiled maliciously. Empress Eva shuddered seeing Camille''s ink ck eyes. It felt like she was being eaten slowly by fear. "Do you think I will let you two alive for so long? The throne will fare better when my brother is in position," Camille grinned. "Empress, don''t you think your son deserves the throne faster? How about this, I will kill both of you in an assassination attempted by your own son. It will kill you and the Emperor, and Ludwig will have a tarnished reputation before he even sits on the throne." "You! Don''t touch Ludwig!" Empress Eva snarled. "If you can control Emperor Audric III with your words, then I can control Emperor Audric IV with my words. Let''s see what kind of despair will your son''s future see." Empress Eva was utterly frightened with Camille right now. True, Camille could really end Eva''s life if she wanted to, but she still needed her father, Emperor Leopold to recolonize many countries to stabilize Golden Camellia in the long term. It was her only saving card. Camille let Empress go after she finished talking. After the door was closed and the shadow guards had dispersed, Camille was staring outside. Servants were busy preparing for the decoration for tomorrow''s wedding. ''Mom, are you watching me from heaven? I will never yield to anyone, trust me.'' *** The morning of the wedding day, people already gathered in the Golden Pce''s main garden. Harion wore the ssic ck suit, waiting for Camille down the aisle. Camille showed up with Lily Berzhenia and Beatrice Wildbrush, two of her supposed best friends. Because Emperor Leopold was still overseas, and Empress Eva refused to attend the wedding, Camille was apanied with her best friends instead. It roused pity in the audience. For such a gentle, smart and beautiful Golden Princess to have no other rtive during her wedding day. Harion didn''t have anyone on his side either, it could be said that both Harion and Camille were two lonely individuals that found warmth in each other. Harion and Camille faced each other, they smiled and the priest who was between them started reciting the Oath of Gardenia. "We are here to bless the love between a pair of young couples. Harion di Arlingdon, from House of Arlingdon, Duke of Stormhill. And Camille Anna Camellia, from the Royal House of Camellia, Golden Princess of Golden Camellia. They met in Golden Camellia as business partners, and soon developed interest in each other. Please, tell your spouse about the love inside your heart." Harion started first, he stared at Camille with his brooding eyes, but inside his eyes, there was a deep love that was visible to everyone including the audience. It made them jealous, because Harion was indeed a fine man. Young, rich, handsome and aside from his ruthless business record, he was a proper man inside and out. So did Camille, it made people jealous of Harion, because Camille was the best Golden Princess to ever grace Golden Camellia. Many bachelors and bachelorettes were heartbroken with their marriage. Harion opened his mouth, "When I look in your eyes, I see a certain future that I would dly ept. My goddess Camille, you are a perfect partner for me, the woman that I love, and uh just please ept me, because I would never marry if it''s not you." Harion said awkwardly. The audienceughed, Camille giggled and then opened her mouth, "Our first meeting was filled with debate over business. Maybe just like the rumor said, you are trapping me in a debt trap, and you forced me to marry you," Camille smiled, then nced at the audience for a second, "For that, if it really happens, you don''t need to force me. I know your sincere heart and I will dly marry you, Harion di Arlingdon." Camille''s love confession was filled with a sarcastic remark for the people who dared to spread weird rumors about Harion. It was effective to make some of the guest''s faces turn pale. Harion grinned, he nodded gently. "Then, please recite the Oath of Gardenia together, and perform a Gardenia of Blooming Desire Kiss." --To my loved one whom I would give my passion and purity, Hold me tight until I lost my sanity, Only with you I could be happy Only to you, I swore my fidelity. Camille and Harion recited the Oath of Gardenia together, then, Harion took the real Gardenia of Blooming Desire flower in a ss box. It was a fresh gardenia of blooming desire, which signified the wealth or status of the pair who got married today. Because Gardenia of Blooming Desire was a rare flower that was hard to find, and hard to preserve. It also died fast after it was picked. Thus, to be able to perform the gardenia kiss with a true Gardenia of Blooming Desire, it showed how important this pair of lovebirds were. Harion put the bottom of the flower on Camille''s lips. Camille bit it with her lips. Harion closed his eyes and kissed Camille with the Gardenia of Blooming Desire between their lips. Gradually, their kiss turned hotter, more passionate and intense. The petals were scattered one by one and fell to the ground. With thest petal finally falling, their lips finally met and they did a deep kiss. The guests were pping loudly and were mesmerized, because they just saw probably the most beautiful Gardenia Kiss ever. It was intense, passionate, yet gentle at the same time. It was the way it should''ve been. Camille finally took her husband''s surname. Because she never liked to be associated with the royal family anyway. She was now Camille di Arlingdon. Camille moved from the Golden Pce to the Lantern Pce in Dionde City with Harion. But before that, she went to Golden Princess Elena''s pce. She was almost ny now and she couldn''t get up from her bed anymore. When she saw Camille, she cried with joy. "Oh, Camille, you are here, I heard you got married," Elena said with her hoarse voice. "Yes, ma''am," Camille sat on the edge of the bed. She held Elena''s hand gently, "Are you fine nowadays?" "I''m already this old, of course I''m not fine," Elena chuckled, "But don''t worry, I can survive for a few more years. Also, I want to tell you something." "What is it, ma''am?" "I think I need to write ast will and inheritance, but I have no one to inherit." "You can always give it to charity," Camille smiled. Although, she already knew the trajectory of this conversation. She didn''t really want inheritance from Elena. "No, no, I need to inherit it to someone I know," Elena rejected the idea. She then tightened her grip in Camille''s hand. "I know you won''t ept my inheritance, but I will give it to your child instead. I will write the willter." Camille said nothing, because Elena was a tough, stubborn woman. She only nodded. "One more, Camille, I have one request." "Tell me." "Please call me mother, at least once." There was silence in the room, it took a while until Camille opened her mouth and uttered two words, "Yes, mother." Elena smiled, she caressed Camille''s face gently, "I''ve always wanted a daughter." Camille finally left the pce. There was a lingering feeling in her heart. The feeling of warmth. She just realized that Elena really treated her like her child. Camille held her chest. ''Mom, is this the warmth you kept talking about when I was a kid?'' Chapter 174: A Cute Little Brother Chapter 174: A Cute Little Brother The news about the marriage finally reached Ludwig Audric Camellia, the Crown Prince who acted as warmander now. His hand trembled when he read the letter from his subordinate in Golden Camellia. "FUCK!" Ludwig mmed the wooden table with his hand. The wooden table cracked and split in half. His soldiers inside the tent shuddered when they saw theirmander looking extremely furious. As if he just got possessed by a demon. His eyes went fully ck instantly. "That Harion! I trusted my sister because I thought he could help her develop the country!" Ludwig crumpled the letter and threw it. He looked around and asked the soldiers inside the tent. "Tell me, don''t you think I''m perfect inside and out? Don''t you think I deserve her more?!" Everyone in the room didn''t understand who this woman was inside theirmander''s heart. But they nodded instinctively, because theirmander wasn''t clear headed right now. "I will kill him! Even if she tried to stop me, I will kill him!" After that, Ludwig went to the war like a madman. Usually, themander was inside the tent to strategize around, or observed the war. But the enemy soldiers were shocked when they saw a heavily adornedmander with his gold cape lead his army in front. He was like a man possessed by a blood lusted monster. He shed and killed many soldiers without mercy. His movement was swift and sharp, he alone killed an uncountable number of soldiers. The enemy staggered and tried to retreat, but Ludwig kept chasing them. With only one man, the thousands of enemy army scattered, as if they were fighting against a giant demon. The demon had weird eyes that made their knees weak. Crown Prince Ludwig''s eyes were ink ck. There were no iris pupils, just pure ck that gave him a frightening aura. Even Golden Camellia''s soldier begged for theirmander to stop this. Because the enemy soldiers were already begging on their knees. Crown Prince Ludwig finally stopped after there were only a quarter of enemy soldiers left, most of them dead by his bloody hand. The meadow was full of blood and corpses lying around. It was not a war, it was a massacre by one man. Ludwig dropped his sword and looked up. He finally recovered hisposure and his eyes gradually turned into a normal golden circle again. The rain started pouring and it soon turned into a heavy rain that washed away the blood in the battlefield, so Ludwig could cry freely without any soldiers noticing. "Big sis why are you doing this to me? I I love you so much, too much that I will go crazy," Ludwig lowered his head, letting his tears flow freely with the blood in the meadow to wash away his broken heart. Crown Prince Ludwig returned victorious half a year earlier than expected. He returned withplete victory and the rebelling kingdom inside the empire finally surrendered. However, he didn''t look happy at all. His face was cold and he didn''t even greet the people as he used to. He just let his subordinate hold the festival and he immediately went to his room in Golden Pce. He opened a box full of his memory with his big sister, Camille. His first drawing with Camille, his first shawl knitted by Camille, the first painting of Camille. It was all about his big sis. In fact, his life was dedicated to his big sister Camille. It was all ruined in just a few months, she got snatched by somebody else, "That bastard Harion!" Harion was his close friends, they had the same thought process, thus they became familiar instantly. He trusted Harion to help his sister, not to marry her. Ludwig readied to go to Lantern Pce in Dionde City, no matter how, he must kill that man. So he could marry his sister. If his sister was trying to protect Harion, he would forcefully take his sister back and marry her nheless. But, just when he was going to open the door, the door was opened from outside and he saw the woman he had countless dreams of. She was surprised with him already packing a bag of clothes, although he just returned back from war, "Where are you going?" she asked. "BBig sis? But, I thought" "What? I''m here to congratte you for your achievement, you won the war triumphantly," Camille smiled. She gently caressed her brother''s head. Ludwig trembled, then he hugged his big sis tightly, he drowned his face on her nape, trying to feel the warmth that he had been craving for. "Big sis don''t leave me, I will do anything you ask, just don''t leave me" Camille smirked. As she predicted, Ludwig would have a mental breakdown about this. She had long realized that she was Ludwig''s golden circle. Camille resumed her worried expression and tapped his head, "What happened? Of course I won''t leave you, you are my brother!" "I don''t want to be your brother," Ludwig refused. "Huh? Ludwig, are you okay?" "Big sis, I love you. I love you not as a sibling, I love you as a man," Ludwig confessed, "I will kill that bastard Harion, so we can be together." Camille stopped tapping Ludwig''s shoulder and then pushed him, "Ludwig, we are siblings, and thew of Golden Camellia forbids the marriage of direct blood rtives!" "I will erase thatw once I be the emperor," Ludwig said resolutely. Camille shook her head in disapproval. "You will ruin your own reputation in Golden Camellia," Camille warned him, "Ludwig, sit and listen to your sister." Ludwig reluctantly sat on a chair while Camille stood in front of him. It was like the old days, when they were still young and Camille was a lot taller than him. He looked up to Camille and his golden circle started flickering. "Big sis, why do you betray me" "I don''t betray you, Ludwig, I just got married with someone, I''m not leaving anywhere." "But, you got married to someone else, not me" Ludwig was dejected. He was like a child who just lost his favourite person. It was vastly different to the ck eyed monster in the battlefield. Camille gently caressed Ludwig''s head like when he was only a little bratty boy. "Ludwig, you know that we can''t get married, right? But that didn''t mean that I don''t love you." Ludwig looked up again, his eyes now full of hope. Hoping that his sister actually loved him the way he did to her. Camille smiled and took off her ne. The ne had Camille''s personal silver pin hanging in it. "Big sis, this?" "That is my silver pin, of course. I''ve been nning to give it to you." "What about a gold pin" "Ludwig, don''t ask for something you can''t have," Camille warned, "Let me tell you something, I married Harion not because of love, but because my position here was severely in jeopardy. Father Emperor is going overseas for a long time, and I keep getting threatened by your mother." As if recalling a terrible experience, Camille''s eyes started getting wet, "Your mother ordered someone to defile me, so I would be destroyed forever. Of course people wouldn''t ept a dirty Golden Princess. Luckily, Harion saved me and I decided to marry him in order to save myself, I can''t do anything, Ludwig. I need to survive." Ludwig was stupefied when he heard the terrible experience his sister went through, and it was all caused by his mother. He held his big sister''s hand and said, "I will talk to her, and if it''s necessary, I will reprimand her. Then you will be safe and divorce that man, right?" "I can''t divorce him, we are bound by the Pure Oath of Gardenia of Blooming Desire." "GARDENIA OF BLOOMING DESIRE?!" Ludwig slumped on the chair. The sacred oath of Gardenia, coupled with Gardenia of Blooming Desire was the backbone of the Golden Camellia Empire. It was because of this oath, that the people had the same mind to protect the purity of Golden Camellia. It was basically the religion in Golden Camellia. Because there were treachery everywhere and many war crimes before, the first king of Golden Camellia married the widowed queen of the country that had long been annexed by Golden Camellia, but had a never ending rebellion. This marriage started as a political move, but under the Oath of Gardenia and Gardenia of Blooming Desire flower as the symbol, the marriage turned into pure love that brought peace in Golden Camellia for almost five centuries. People were bonded by pure love, pure rtionship, and they would be bonded forever under the Oath of Gardenia. "Is this the end I can have anything, but not you?" Ludwig asked weakly. "Silly, I got married to save myself, not because I love him," Camille giggled. "Then, who is the one in your heart?" Ludwig asked expectantly. Camille didn''t answer and only smiled at him. It was such a beautiful smile that Ludwig''s heart skipped once. He knew it was him, deep inside her heart, it was him along. ''It is me! It is me inside big sis'' heart! As long as her heart is mine, then it doesn''t matter!'' Ludwig was joyful. His broken heart was healed for most part, he hugged Camille again. "But I can''t visit you often, because you are unmarried, it might spark some unwanted rumour," Camille said. "IfIf I got married, will you visit me often? I can talk to you frequently? Can I send letters too? CCan I get a kiss on my forehead again, like when we were kids?" Ludwig asked excitedly. "Yes." *** In that very same year, with only two months of difference, another grand wedding was held. Crown Prince Ludwig Married at such a young age of seventeen. He married one of his sister''s best friends, eighteen years old Beatrice Wildbrush. A yearter, Prince Charles Audric Camellia was born. Basically securing three generations of Golden Camellia rulers. Camilleughed happily in her room, her n went well. With this, Empress Eva had no way to control Ludwig''s marriage, and Beatrice was a really meek girl, she was also a bit nave. So, the next Emperor and Empress in line would be in Camille''s control. ''Oh, I''m sorry my stupid little brother. It seems I misspoke, I DO love Harion. But I know you are in your prime as Golden blood. So the best way to stop you is to trick you into this trap you can''t escape!'' Harion finally finished his work and entered the bedroom. He saw Camilleughing happily and he smiled, "Why are youughing?" Camille shook her head and giggled, "Nothing, I''m just thinking a funny thing." Harion stared at Camille adoringly and hugged her from behind, he kissed her nape and inhaled gently, "I''m busy with work, I hope you don''t feel lonely." "It''s okay, but, tell me when you have finished your work." "Hm? Why?" Camille turned her head and then kissed Harion''s lips, "Because I''m ready to bear your child." Chapter 175: Miscarriages Chapter 175: Miscarriages Camille coughed again and again, her stomach was in so much pain that she almost fainted. She sat on the stool for a while, then she could feel something was wrong down there. She peeked, and screamed. "How is it, doctor?" "I''m not sure how this could happen, Duchess Camille is very healthy and there is no sign of infertility" The pce doctor wiped his sweat with a handkerchief. "But this is her fifth miscarriages, there must be something wrong, maybe ites from me?" Harion asked. It was confusing, because it had been two years after their first consummation after Camille said that she wanted a child. But she got miscarriage three times already. "All I can do is to give her medicine to strengthen her physique again, and hopefully it will strengthen her womb. Because the same medicine she had consumed didn''t have any effect on her." The pce doctor excused himself and left the room. Camille was still crying on the bed, her body was very weak, but she didn''t stop sobbing. The miscarriages she had had traumatized her, she felt like a failure. And every time she saw her husband, she cried even more. Harion also felt guilty, seeing his wife crying and despairing over and over made him somewhat afraid to face his wife. Harion only gently caressed Camille''s head and kissed her forehead. He left her alone in the room, of course, he had locked the window and got rid of any sharp objects, just in case. Harion sat in his office, he pondered over the problem. He was raised alone by his father since his mother died after childbirth. He never knew how to deal with emotional damage. But seeing Camille only gotten worse and worse, her body also deteriorated. She refused to eat, to talk, to sleep. This was the first time Harion saw Camille so heartbroken, she was not like her usual domineering andposed woman he always knew. It made him want to protect her even more. ''But how? I don''t even know what''s causing this.'' Harion decided to leave his office to the garden outside. Since Camille refused to leave her room, to pass her time, she was always staring at the garden below. It was still summer, so the flowers bloomed beautifully. Harion sighed, he sat on the pavilion inside the garden with a checklist. He checked whether the flowers were well tended. He just wanted to make sure that Camille always saw the most beautiful garden whenever she looked outside. ''If this is the only way for me to relieve her stress'' Harion sighed. He marked the checklist for some flowers he had ordered, then he was surprised when there was a gust of wind that blew his papers away and a man kneeled in front of him. He wore all ck, with only his eyes shown. But guessing from his eyes, it looked like a young man. Harion was shocked, because there should be many shadow guards who patrolled over the Lantern Pce. Yet, this man was able to bypass the security and kneeled in front of him. Many shadow guards appeared and tried to reprimand him, but Harion forbade them, "Who are you?" "My name is unimportant, I''m here to tell you something." He opened his palm and presented it in front of Harion. A small bottle with blue liquid inside. Harion hesitantly took it, he opened the bottle and poured some of it on the table. The table didn''t corrode, nor it had weird smell. So, this was not a strong corrosive poison. "What is this?" Harion asked. "That is what your wife has been taking for two years," the man said, "It''s on every food served to you and your wife, for a man, it will reduce your vitality and slowly reduce your fertility. But for women, it will gradually corrode her womb and make her infertile after long consumption." Harion''s hand trembled, he had never been this angry before. Someone dared to hurt Camille like this. He asked the masked man, "Who did this?!" "Interrogate your main cook, he is the one who serves the food. I can only inform you that much, that''s all," the masked man disappeared from his sight. Harion roared with anger. He rushed to the kitchen. The masked man hid in a tree while observing the duke. He opened his mask and wore his sses again, he was around fifteen years old, "My old master, Mdy Celine, this is the only way for me to help your children. I can''t feel the warmth of yours in Lady Camille, but I will devote myself for her son. Just like what I promise you, I will protect your descendants." *** Harion mmed the kitchen door, "GET OUT!" he roared. The staff were so scared, they rushed to leave the kitchen. The main cook was about to escape too before Harion grabbed his cor, "I need some exnation from you." Shadow guards appeared in front of the cook and reprimanded him. They brought him to Duke Harion''s office. He was tied up and scared, he lowered his head, dared not to look at his master in his eye. "Do you know what kind of poison is this?" Duke Harion put the bottle with blue liquid on the table. The cook jolted, but he shook his head quickly, "TThis servant doesn''t know" "Then, under the name of Duchy Stormhill, I order you to pledge your loyalty. If you are my true servant, tell me who is your master and drink this poison." The cook was so scared that he pissed himself. He knew that poison, of course. In fact, he was familiar with it. It was what he gave to the Duke and Duchess'' daily food, he sprinkled some so in a long run, it would make them both unable to get an heir. But he didn''t want to drink it either, because he knew if that one was consumed in high doses, it would corrode your stomach and give you excruciating pain. The cook stayed silent and lowered his head even more. "Fine then, if you don''t want to admit it, the shadow guards will help you admit your treachery, you ungrateful bastard!" The cook struggled and tried to escape immediately, but he was reprimanded again by the shadow guards and was brought into the dungeon below the Lantern Pce for interrogation. Duke Harion was waiting for hours until one shadow guard returned with the result of the interrogation, "Reporting, Milord, the cook is actually a guard medal subordinate of Empress Eva. She is the one who supplied the poison to the cook every week. His task is to make Duke and Duchess of Stormhill unable to conceive a child." Duke Harion mmed the table. He was so furious, and at the same time, he felt guilty for his wife. He was unable to oversee everything around her when she was pregnant, but, for Empress Eva to be able to get this poison every week, then there must be someone behind Empress Eva. "Where does Empress Eva get this poison every week?" " Crown Prince Ludwig helped her, he is the one who supplied the poison. They colluded with each other." ''My god.'' Harion ran to Camille''s room and opened the door. Camille was sitting while knitting another baby sweater for her baby. She already knitted so many kinds of knitwear for her baby, but the baby never came. She saw Harion enter the room with an aghast expression on his face. He approached her and hugged Camille tightly, "Camille, I''m sorry, this is all my fault." Camille frowned, if this was about her miscarriages. She knew that it was her fault, but there was nothing that she could do. In fact, she was the one who felt guilty, "What is it, Harion?" "Empress Eva, she she infiltrated the duchy and used the cook to poison our daily food. She poisoned us to make us infertile" Camille trembled instantly, her hand was gripping the armrest of the chair, "HHow? How could she, how did she get poison?! I already ordered my people to watch over her every day in Golden Pce!" "Because your brother colluded with her. He is the one who supplied the poison," Harion replied in low voice. Like a thunder in clear sky, she was struck until she couldn''t even talk like a normal person. ''I''ve been dreaming to have my own baby for years, and they they colluded just to make me lose my children? They they killed my children! THEY KILLED MY CHILDREN!'' Camille roared like a madwoman. Harion hugged her tightly, afraid that she would do dangerous things. She wed Harion''s back until his shirt was torn and her nails scratched Harion''s back many times. Harion didn''t leave Camille''s side for the whole night, she was screaming and crying frantically until the next morning. The next morning, Camille was still sobbing in Harion''s embrace. She kept saying the same thing, "Harion, all I want is a children from my own flesh and blood. Is that too much to ask?" "No, it''s not too much," Harion replied. Camille''s eyes were puffy because she cried for the whole night. She kissed her husband and whispered, "Harion, I''m sorry that you are marrying me. My life has never been the ideal life of a properdy. IfIf you are going to divorce me and remarry, give me time to cope. Then I will tell them that I''m infertile." Harion tightened his hug on Camille, "I told you, you are the only one for me. I will never divorce you and I will never remarry." "Until death do us apart?" "Until death do us apart." "Harion, I''ve been limiting myself for hurting them because I don''t want to set a bad example for my children. But this is inevitable." Harion understood what she meant, he nodded, "I will support you for whatever you are going to do with them." "I will skin them alive, I will make them beg for their life." Camille said with a gentle, low voice that it creeped Harion slightly. "Yes. Camille." Chapter 176: The Colour of Revenge Chapter 176: The Colour of Revenge "Does she continue to consume the poison?" Empress Eva asked her subordinate. The subordinate who delivered the poison every week nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, the cook keeps requesting more poison. So, I would say that Duchess Camille and Duke Harion consume it daily. They might already be infertile now." Empress Evaughed maliciously. She was trapped in her pce for years because of Camille''s shadow guards looming everywhere, pressuring her to stay hidden. But atst, with the help of her son, she could poison this bitch Camille until she became infertile. ''Ah, Camille. Do you think you are smart enough to stop me? You''ll die old without any child and your duchy will rot. My descendants, Ludwig, Charles, they all would rule Golden Camellia. My blood!'' Empress Eva hummed happily as she handed a bag of gold coins to his subordinate. She was relieved, because with Camille unable to bear a child, the crown for many generations would only be her descendants. ''As dirty as she is, she still has pure golden blood traits, if her child has the same trait as her. They might be able to challenge the throne.'' There was a chance of Camille bing the new Mother of the Golden Land, a title granted for the woman whose child had be the new Emperor. There was no Mother of the Golden Land currently, because Emperor Leopold ughtered his family in order to be the new emperor. Since Leopold was the third in line for the session, and his mother preferred the Crown Prince, he ughtered everyone, including his mother and two brothers. He even ughtered his brother''s children. Thus, there was no one to challenge the crown. Only Elena, the old Golden Princess survived because she was doing an overseas project to support Golden Camellia''s soldiers to war with medicine and also morale boost. At first, Empress Eva was gleeful when she became an Empress. She knew that her husband didn''t have any sibling or branch family left. It was guaranteed that she would be the highest woman in power, something that she had dreamt of. And then, Camille was born. That girl was her doom, she was so sly and cunning, she could also be ruthless to no end. ''Hmph! That bitch Celine is dead when I poisoned her food, I will kill her bitch daughter in the same way too! They will not ruin my happiness!'' *** Camille was drinking another remedy brewed by a famous healer in Golden Camellia. The healer said that the poison inside her body was far too long to be treated, but she could make remedies that would preserve Camille''s womb, at least only for one more pregnancy. A shadow guard appeared in front of her, he kneeled and said, "This subordinate is reporting to Your Highness Duchess." "Say." "Empress Eva is still distributing the poison to the cook and the cook said nothing." "Good." The shadow guards disappeared, Camille smirked. It had been a year since she found out about Empress Eva''s tactic to make her infertile. She threatened the cook to pretend that he still needed more poison. Of course, she had to use his children as hostages. Camille told him that she would poison his three daughters and wife with the same poison, but in high doses until their womb melted inside their body. He was so shocked that he agreed immediately. For a year and a half, she had been taking remedy every day and she tried many times with Harion. Until she finally felt something was different this month. Since she had been pregnant five times already, the sixth time made her extremely careful about everything. She had to hide from the noble circle with depression as the reason, thus, Empress Eva wouldn''t know that she was actually pregnant right now. Harion also rarely attended any party or events, so it could be said that Duchy of Stormhill was withdrawing from the social circle of the high aristocrats. Of course, it was needed to fool the Empress, the more Empress Eva felt that everything was under her control, the better it got. Camille smiled and caressed her stomach gently. "Don''t worry, my baby. I will protect you with all my life." *** Seven months had passed and it felt harder for Camille to walk. She often sat on the sofa and knitted even more clothing for her baby. She doesn''t want any tailor to make clothes for her baby. She was just afraid. Harion returned after a long day of work. He smiled and kissed Camille. "How is my baby today?" Harion caressed Camille''s belly gently. Camille giggled. She flicked Harion''s forehead and said, "Go shower, you smell bad." Harion went to the bathroom and took a night bath. Before Camille and Harion fell asleep, Camille whispered something in Harion''s ears, ''Husband, I need you to leave for tomorrow and the day after. I have a certain craving during my pregnancy. And it will be messy.'' Harion stared at Camille''s beautiful face silently, he knew what Camille was going to do, and he agreed to support her whatever she did. He whispered to Camille, ''Do you need my help?'' Camille smiled and kissed him, ''I just want you to be safe. Trust me, I know what I''m doing.'' Harion was unsure if he would just leave his wife alone with lunatics. But if this was her craving during pregnancy Harion nodded and whispered, ''I believe in you, wife.'' The next day, Harion left the duchy at dawn. He left without telling anyone, he just used a carriage and two guards with him. Camille saw the carriage left the Lantern Pce. Camille was sitting on a sofa in her private chamber. She wore a simple white dress that was in line with her pale skin. She said in a low voice, "Bring her in." The shadow guards appeared instantly in front of Duchess Camille with a human sized crate. The shadow guards opened the crate and a middle aged woman wasying weakly, probably because she was inside that crate for the whole night. The shadow guards kicked the crate rudely and the woman opened her eyes. She looked around confusedly, and her eyes darted at one spot. Where a woman she hated so much was sitting leisurely, as if nothing bad had happened. "How dare you kidnap me like this! If Leopold or Ludwig know this, they will kill you!" Camilleughed. It was the funniest thing she heard today, probably for the whole day too, "Oh, do you think the Emperor and my brother would kill me because I kidnap a peasant maid, Eva?" "I AM THE EMPRESS!" Empress Eva dered recklessly. She tried to get up and choke this woman in front of her, but the shadow guards reprimanded her again. "It seems you are too agitated to realize something," Camille raised her eyebrow and caressed her belly gently. Empress Eva finally noticed it and she was shocked to the bone. "HHow could "Surprised? Well, because I found out about it a year ago." Empress Eva trembled with anger, she struggled as hard as she could. All she really wanted to do right now was to kill this woman and end her suffering. Because this woman and her mother were the source of Eva''s nightmare every day. Camilleughed, she was satisfied with Empress Eva''s reaction. "Well, we should wait for another guest today. I think he wille in about two hours." Empress Eva was bound on a chair with her mouth taped. There were only Camille and Eva in this room. Eva was ring at her with obvious hostility, while Camille''s eyes had turned ck. Knock! Knock! "Big sis, it''s me." ''Ludwig?!'' Empress Eva''s eyes widened in fear. Camilleughed and she said, "Come in, Ludwig!" Ludwig was nervous and excited at the same time. This was the first time after three years since his big sis finally wanted to talk to him again. Maybe because of her miscarriages, but she shouldn''t worry about it honestly. Because his mother said that she would only poison Harion and made him infertile, so Camille wouldn''t be able to have a child with Harion. ''When I be the Emperor, I will tell the people that Harion is infertile, and he should divorce my big sis. Then I can marry my big sis instead and get rid of that filthy fat Beatrice,'' Ludwig thought. "Come in, Ludwig!" Ludwig excitedly opened the door, but he wasn''t greeted with the gentle smile of his sister. Instead, he was greeted with ck eyed big sis and his mother bound in a chair. "Long time no see," Camille greeted coldly. She sneered, "How is it? Your life with your wife? How is Charles now?" Ludwig froze on the spot when he noticed Camille''s stomach, "HHow" "Surprised?" Camille grinned, "Thank you for your poison, I was constantly in pain, I felt like my stomach was melting from inside, I felt like my life had ended." "BBig sis I" "SILENCE!" Camille loudly rebuked him. Ludwig was never scared of anyone but his big sis. Thus, he just lowered his head in shame. His big sis found out about everything. "Why are you doing this to me, Ludwig? Did I ever treat you badly? Do you have any grudge against me that you wanted to poison me like this?!" Ludwig raised his head instantly after thatst sentence, he was stupefied with the appearance of his big sis crying in front of him, "Big sis, I never poisoned you! I just poisoned Harion, so he will be infertile!" Ludwig lowered his head again, "Also, IIf you want a child, you can always ask me" "LUDWIG, YOU ARE SICK!" Camille''s chest was undting, there was so much emotion in her heart that her stomach started cramping. She tried to calm down, because she was afraid it would hurt her baby. "You said you didn''t poison me, but I consume the poison every day!" Camille pointed at Empress Eva, "Go ask your mother!" Ludwig shifted his attention to his mother, he took of the tape on her mouth and asked, "Mother, you said you would only poison Harion, not big sis" "Ludwig, this is for your own good! I did this so you can secure the throne!" "So, you really did" Camilleughed at this funny joke in front of her, "Ludwig, you may leave now with your mother. But I will say this to you. I will never forgive you. You are nothing in my eyes, you are not my brother, not my lover." Ludwig was shaken with Camille''s statement. He hurriedly kneeled in front of Camille and begged her, "BBig sis, please don''t abandon me, I will do anything! Anything!" Ludwig''s eyes had turned golden in front of Camille, which was a contrast with Camille''s ck eyes. Camille caressed Ludwig''s head gently and said, "Ludwig, I can''t forgive you. But I would try to forget it if you can do me a favor." "WWhat is it?! I will do it immediately!" Camille smiled, she took the sharp knife near the sofa and gave it to Ludwig, "She killed my five unborn babies. Skin your mother alive." Chapter 177: The Colour of Revenge II Chapter 177: The Colour of Revenge II "She killed my five unborn babies. Skin her alive." Ludwig was staring at the knife in his hand. He looked up to his big sis and asked, "If I skin her alive, will you forgive me? Will you forget about this?" Camille smiled, "Who knows, you will never know if you don''t try it first." Ludwig pouted like a little kid, "But she only has one life! What if after I skinned and killed her, you still won''t forgive me! Should I skin half of her body and ask for your forgiveness again?" Empress Eva was shocked with Ludwig, "What are you saying Ludwig! You are my son! I did everything for you!" Ludwig red at his mother, his eyes so cold for his own mother, "You have no use for me. If my big sis said that you shall die, then you must." Camilleughed, seeing how ridiculous Empress Eva was, "Oh, Eva. You are facing two golden bloods, you are just an outsider." Camille grinned maliciously, she looked like a demoness who loved to see her victim getting tortured. With a low sarcastic tone, Camille said; "Eva, do you know what is the color of revenge?" "It''s crimson red." Ludwig raised the knife and approached his mother who struggled as much as she could, "Ludwig, Ludwig! She used you! She didn''t love you at all! Trust your mother this time, we need to go now!" *WARNING: GORE* *Please skip for the faint heart* Ludwig clicked his tongue in annoyance and pulled Eva''s hair roughly, "You heard what my Big sis said? You are just an outsider." Ludwig cut his mother''s hair with the knife. Eva was screaming frantically, she screamed for help, but no one wasing. "Big sis, which part do you want me to start first?" Ludwig asked with a smile on his face. He had his golden eyes fully shining when he saw his big sis smile at him. "Skin her arm first, then leg and then face. Remember, Ludwig, you must skin her like an animal, make it as clean as you can, okay?" "Yes, big sis!" Empress Eva could feel the sharp knife slowly prating her skin and then made a vertical cut on her skin. She screamed crazily, she even started to m Ludwig''s head against hers. But Ludwig was unbothered. He was very happy whenever he cut anotheryer of skin, and blood started showing up, his sister would smile at her. ''Ah, this is heaven!'' Ludwig was humming happily and cut part of his mother''s skin more and more. Eva''s head was bleeding because she smashed her forehead against Ludwig''s many times. Ludwig''s head was still perfectly intact, there was no bleeding at all. The pain was getting more unbearable, Eva finally realized that his son was really going to kill her. She started crying and begging, "Mercy, please forgive me! I will do anything, please forgive me!" Camille looked at her disgustedly, "You killed my five unborn child and tortured my husband and I without mercy, why would I be an angel for a devious sinner?" "LLudwig, please please I beg you, spare your mother, your own mother" Eva begged weakly. The pain made her faint a few times, then she was pped again so she could consciously feel the pain. Ludwig didn''t seem to hear her, like skinning an animal, he skinned his own mother, and then showed the flesh to his sister. Whenever he saw his sister''s satisfied expression, his attention was only directed to his sister. Ludwig skinned all of Eva''s arms, legs, and finally half of her face were skinned already. Eva was on the brink of her life, and Ludwig''s shirt and hands were bloody red. "Big sis! Do you forgive me now?" "Well, I will, with one more thing," Camilled smiled, she pointed at Eva''s stomach, "Open her stomach and unravel her guts." Empress Eva looked at Camille and Ludwig for thest time in fear, thest moment she saw was a pair of shining golden eyes and ck eyes staring at her. ''My happiness'' Ludwig stabbed his mother and sliced her stomach open. He took out her guts and presented it in front of his sister, "Big sis! Do you forgive me now?" Camille saw the corpse in front of her, her body was destroyed beyond recognition, it was all flesh and her inside was showing grotesquely. She was extremely satisfied. *End of Gore Section* "I forgive you, my little brother," Camille kissed the edge of Ludwig''s lips and whispered, "My little brother is twenty years old already, he should know how to clean his mess, right?" Ludwig was ecstatic because his lips finally touched his sister''s lips for the first time. He nodded excitedly, "Yes, yes! I will clean the mess up! Big sis doesn''t need to worry about dead things like this!" "Mhm, I know I could rely on you." Ludwig really wanted to ask whether his big sis wanted to abort her baby too, since it was not his baby. It was Harion''s baby. But he already made a grave mistake, he didnt dare to anger his sister even more. ''Besides, I already got my kiss~'' Ludwig leisurely threw the unrecognizable corpse of his mother to the crate and closed it tight. "Thank you for forgiving me, big sis! I will see youter, you know, this thing in the crate. She will create trouble if I don''t dispose of her soon!" Ludwig left the room while carrying the heavy crate in his right arm, because of his golden eyes state right now, his strength was drastically increased, but it suppressed his emotional intelligence to almost zero. It was the signature of golden eyes. The tradeoff between two important things inside them. Camille''s eyes turned normal after few minutes, she caressed her stomach gently and said; "My baby, did you see that? That is the color of revenge, a beautiful red color. Like a crimson of a deep ruby. And it is beautiful." "Once you''ve be an adult, you must find a way to obtain the beautiful color of revenge, it is really important. Because my life, your life, we never have an easy life. Be strong, my cute Aster." "Don''t worry about Ludwig, I will skin his life. I will skin his newborn daughter, Rosalie. I will inherit the Golden Princess title to her, then suppress her until she was nothing but aughing stock. I will ruin Charles until he is unable to think anymore, I will kill Beatrice with my own hand." "I will do everything for you, so you won''t suffer." Camille''s golden circle flickered whilst caressing her belly, soon, few spots of golden color appeared in her eyes. *** Empress Eva was dead. The news finally leaked a month after her supposed death of heart attack. The Emperor was grief stricken that he halted all his schedule to colonize some more countries, he just headed back to Golden Camellia. There was no grand funeral deserved for an Empress. There was no tombstone either. Because Empress Eva was a low born, and she was a really unpopr Empress during her life as a ruler. The court refused to give her a royal funeral. Even more, people were cheering happily in their heart when they heard Empress Eva was dead. Because after Golden Princess Camille''s life was leaked to the public, everyone understood how cruel this woman was. Some people said that her death was well deserved because God didn''t want an evil entity like her creating more havoc in the blessed Golden Camellia, maybe she returned to depths of hell, to her real home. Emperor Leopold was crying while beside a mound of soil who was supposedly Empress Eva''s grave. She was buried near the jungle, because no cemetery would ept her, even her hometown. It was really disgraceful for ate Empress. "Ludwig, who killed her?" Emperor Leopold asked while sobbing incessantly. Ludwig scoffed in his heart, he knew how horrible his Mother Empress was. He replied proudly; "I killed her." "What?!" Emperor Leopold''s heart sank. He stared at his son, "What did you just say?" "I killed her, I stabbed her to death," Ludwig said lightly. Emperor Leopold pulled his son''s cor and harshly warned; "This is not a joke!" Yet, Ludwig feared nothing and pushed his father, "Do you know what she did? She poisoned your daughter, Big sis Camille, with infertility poison. Mother tortured my sister for two years that she had miscarriages five times." Emperor Leopold froze on the spot. He knew that Eva hated Camille so much, but to kill five unborn babies It wasn''t hard to believe, considering Eva''s true nature. But Emperor Leopold still didn''t want to ept it. Ludwig scoffed, "You didn''t know, right? What do you know anyway, you never understand about her suffering. Funny, because you kept saying that Camille is your precious daughter. But you never protect her either. You failed as a father." The Emperor finally loosened his grip in Ludwig''s cor. He looked empty and unresponsive. Ludwigughed and spit on his mother''s grave. "I will take care of the rest, you should know that I''ll announce your dethronement soon. You are not going to be an Emperor anymore." Ludwig left Emperor Leopold alone with his dead wife. He knew that his life as the Emperor was done for. Ludwig must''ve taken control of almost everything in the pce. The Emperor was sitting beside the grave of Empress Eva. ''Eva, no matter how crazy you were. You are always inside my heart. Because you are my golden circle, forever and ever.'' ''But everything is so hard nowadays, maybe because I''m too old'' '' Or maybe, this is our karma?'' Chapter 178: The Birth of an Ugly Baby Chapter 178: The Birth of an Ugly Baby Harion was circling around the front door worriedly. He wanted to break the door and apanied his wife. But Camille said herself that she didn''t want him to look at her crying in pain. It was not the time to argue, Camille was delivering her baby. Thus, Harion could only wait anxiously. One hour, two hours, three hours, four hours, five hours, six hours. "Sir, you need to rest first," Sir Douss, his trusted subordinate advised. Harion constantly circled around the door, bit his lips and fingers anxiously, and jolted whenever he heard Camille screaming in pain. Because of her womb condition before, delivering this baby was especially risky, it was really the matter of life and death for Camille. "I''m afraid if something bad happens" Sir Douss knew about his master''s worry, but there was nothing he could do either, "Please believe in Mdy Camille." Camille was crying and fainting a few times. The pain almost tore her apart. Maybe because this was her first time delivering a baby and due to her current condition, she wasn''t able to deliver a baby like a normal woman. Everything felt like a torture for her, her body was convulsing in pain, and her stomach felt like it was melting inside. It felt like her womb was pulled from inside. If it was a normal woman, they would definitely give up. But Camille didn''t even care about the pain. True, she fainted again and again, but she wouldn''t give up. Because her baby needed her. After eight long hours, a cry of a baby was finally heard. Camille took a deep breath as she almost fainted again. But she couldn''t wait to see her child, "GGive me my baby" Camille said weakly. The midwife trembled with the baby on her hands. She was scared that Duchess Camille would cry because of her son''s appearance. "What''s wrong?" Camille asked. She had a bad hunch when she saw the midwife''s expression. "MMdy, you have a son but" The midwife approached Camille slowly and showed the baby to her. Camille was shocked with her baby''s hideous appearance. He was red, really red. His skin was like a ripe tomato. He was so small and looked frail,bined with his red skin, he did look hideous. But there were strands of golden hair on his head, and his facial feature was really simr to Camille. The baby cried loudly, and Camille couldn''t bear to reject him. He took the baby from the midwife and then carried him in her hands. She kissed the baby''s forehead gently, ''My cute baby, you are finally here. Mom is very happy'' The door was finally opened, Harion was panicked, yet when he saw Camille holding a baby, his anxiety disappeared and was reced with enormous joy. He approached Camille, wanting to hug her. But when he saw the appearance of the baby, he halted his step. "CCamille, what happened to my son?" Camille smiled and said, "It''s okay, he is just a bit different. I will let the best doctor treat him, okay?" Harion was unsure, because his son''s red skin made him look like a little devil. But seeing how genuinely happy Camille was, Harion realized his priority, he nodded and kissed Camille and his son. "Did you prepare a name for him?" "No, because I didn''t know if my baby was going to be a boy or a girl," Harion admitted. "Did you?" Camille nodded, "Few months ago, I had a dream. A very beautiful dream. I was sitting on a bench in a garden full of flowers. I saw an extremely mesmerizing young man and he handed me a bouquet of flowers. When I asked what his name was, he replied" ''My name is Aster. Aster Di Arlingdon.'' "Aster Di Arlingdon" Harion hummed, then nodded. "It is decided, Aster Di Arlingdon, Young Lord of Duchy Stormhill." Camille was satisfied with the name of her son. She kissed Aster''s forehead again and said, "My precious Aster, mom and dad will protect you. We will give you everything, so please, live and survive." Camille''s eyes had turned pure golden for the first time. This is the first time she could feel something really deep inside her heart, and a tingling sensation trailing in her body. Whenever she saw her son, she could only see the perfect existence anyone could ever see. Even though her son was really ugly and a bit scary for people around her, for Camille, Aster was perfect. ''My life is for you, my son. Everything is for you, and you deserve everything.'' *** After some examination, it was determined by the doctor that Aster Di Arlingdon suffered a mysterious illness, which made his skin extremely sensitive to heat. When it was cold, his skin would return pale, like a normal person. But when he was directly exposed to the sun or there was heat around him, his skin would develop rash and then his pores oozed out blood. It was freaky for people. Aster spent his baby period in the hospital in Dionde City, where he would cry every summer because the pain was unbearable. But Camille patiently pacified him and tried to cool his skin down with any way, soon, Aster developed resistance to cold, he could sleep without any warmer in the winter without getting sick. For Camille, her health kept deteriorating overtime. Probably because her condition was actually unsuitable for delivering a baby. But she pushed through. Camille and Aster were inseparable, wherever there was Aster, there was Camille silently watching him. She was constantly paranoid that Aster would get hurt, thus, she tried to stay awake as long as she could to watch her son in his sleep. Because there was one time when Aster''s skin oozed out blood at night, and he was covered with blood in the morning. It had traumatized Camille so much that she dared not to sleep for too long. "Can we treat him, doctor?" The doctor sighed, he checked the condition of this three years old Young Lord, Aster di Arlingdon. He was unsure how to answer that, because aside of his skin condition and fragile health, there was no dangerous condition in him. As if God had yed a trick on this little boy, he was cursed to have this skin condition and his fragile body until his death. The doctor shook his head, "Young Lord''s skin condition forgive my incapability, but I cannot cure him. He has no other dangerous condition, but his skin" "So, he will live like this forever? Trapped inside a room forever?!" Camille was agitated. Imagining her son trapped inside his room forever, unable to go out because of his skin condition, it was like a torment for herself. "I believe his skin condition will get better as he matures, but for now yes. He cannot go outside." "Is this because of my damaged womb? Did he get his skin condition because of me?!" " there is a probability of that, because the poison corrodes the womb slowly. It might be the case." Harion knew how heartbroken Camille was currently. Thus, he held her hand and said, "It''s okay, I won''t me you" "But my son, my son is" "We will find another way," Harion pacified her. The doctor was sympathizing for the duke and duchess, because Aster was their only descendant if they didn''t adopt any child. Three years old Aster was staring at his mom, he was sitting on his mom''sp. Seeing how sad his mom was, Aster hugged his mom''s stomach and said, "Mama, mama don''t be sad, Aster is sad too." Camille wiped the tears on her face and smiled at Aster, "Mom is not sad, mom is just a bit tired. Aster is very kind to mom," Camille chuckled while pinching his cheek gently, afraid that it would hurt Aster. Aster stared at his parents and said, "Because Aster loves mama and papa." Harion gave a bitter smile at his son, and turned his back. He couldn''t hold his tears whenever he remembered the pain his son had when his body oozed out blood. Camille hugged his son gently, but there was so much suppressed emotion inside her heart. She felt guilty for her son, because she caused this. She was too careless that she gave her son a defect for life. Harion brought Camille and Aster back to the Lantern Pce. Aster spent his days inside the pce, unable to leave the hall or corridor, not even an inch. Camille was always watching him, afraid that he would be in danger anytime. Meanwhile, Harion started getting busy with the new project. He had to leave his wife and son for his work. Feeling guilty for leaving Camille alone again, he said, "Wife, please take care of the pce. I will let you control everything here, I trust you." Camille was a bit downcast, but he knew that Duchy of Stormhill had a promising future. If the duchy could develop even further, then Aster wouldn''t have to worry about anything when Camille and Harion died in the future. Camille nodded and said, "We will wait for you here, be careful on your way there." Harion kissed Camille''s lips and Aster''s forehead, then he left the Lantern Pce again. Not long after, a maid knocked on the door, "Mdy, I have an important letter from the Golden Pce." "Come in." The maid handed the letter to Camille. Camille was really familiar with the royal wax stamp, she sneered, ''The stamp of hypocrisy.'' She opened the letter; -To my dearest daughter, Camille. It has been years since we met and you always rejected any invitation from me, I missed you a lot. I wille to Lantern Pce in two days. I wille with Charles and Rosalie, my grandson, Aster, he needs to know his cousins. Camille grinned, then sheughed sarcastically, "What is he going to do anyway? I haven''t got rid of him because of Aster''s condition." "But oh well, I might as well greet him, my dearest Father Emperor." Chapter 179: Charles and His Darling Little Cousin Chapter 179: Charles and His Darling Little Cousin The sound of carriages entering the Lantern Pce took the servants by storm. Never were in their dreams, that Emperor Leopold would visit the Lantern Pce. He was a controversial king, but there were some people who still worshipped him, just like they worshipped every golden blood. Camille was standing in the main hall, holding Aster''s hand. Aster innocently stared at many carriages who parked under the lush dome. The carriages werevish with real gold ornaments and when the guard opened the door, a man around his fifty came out with a boy older than Aster. They approached Camille and Aster and then hugged Camille, "My daughter, I''m sorry. I''m so sorry." Camille froze at this moment, because she didn''t expect his ever powerful father to suddenly hug her and apologized. She didn''t even know what he was apologizing for. ''Is it for his ignorance during my childhood? For letting his dead wife torture me? Or for other things?'' Camille guessed in her heart. But she stayed silent until she responded by hugging him back. "I''m sorry for everything, Camille," Emperor Leopold said. He said truthfully. He was already stripped from all his power by his son, Ludwig. He was dethroned and shamed in front of the court, but what hurt him the most was when Ludwig said something in front of everyone. "The biggest sin you did was abandoning a little girl in front of hundreds of thousands of angry mobs, and then returning without a sliver of regret. Scum." He knew that his son was referring to what he did to Camille when she was a kid. After the war, there was an uprising and he left Golden Camellia without Camille because of pressure from histe wife. He felt guilty indeed, but at that time, he still didn''t have this deep love for his daughter. Until he realized that it was toote. It was fortunate that Camille was able to survive without any wound. Camille was stupefied, but she still couldn''t feel any warmth from him. In fact, she felt nothing. As if his heartfelt apology was insignificant in her eyes. ''I can''t forgive you for what you did to my mom, but I will y along.'' "I forgive you dad." The Emperor kissed his daughter''s forehead and then said, "I can''t bring Rosalie, but I bring Charles with me, he is already seven years old. He should be able to take care of Aster." The Emperor crouched to Aster level and then said, "Aster, this is grandpa, Grandpa Leo." Aster stared at the golden circle eyes, the same eyes he and his mother had, "Grandpa Leo" Camille clenched her fist. He really wanted to hide Aster inside his room because it was too disgusting to hear, ''Aster, you have no grandpa!'' Camille said in her heart. But she kept her silence. "This is Charles, your cousin," Emperor Leopold pulled Charles in front of Aster. For the first time, Aster saw a kid older than him, he was quite tall for a kid, at leastpared to him. He had brown hair and his facial features were really simr to Uncle Ludwig who visited him a few months ago. "Cousin" Aster mumbled, he held Charles'' hand and continued, "Cousin hum I am Aster." Charles never liked to be touched, thus he brushed his hand off. But he identally pushed Aster. Aster was shocked, because he never got this kind of treatment from anyone. His eyes started getting teary and he cried. "Aster!" Camille panicked, he picked Aster up and red at Charles. Emperor Leopold was a bit weirded by his daughter''s reaction to a little kid. "It''s okay, Camille. Charles didn''t mean it in a bad way, he is raised to be the next Emperor in line. The court never let anyone to touch him, because there was an assassination attempt once" Charles didn''t seem to care about his aunt''s re. He was more interested in Aster. Because Aster was so fragile. He didn''t even push him hard, but Aster fell to the ground and cried. In fact, he was a bit pleased. ''He is like a cute kitten, I love a cute kitten.'' Camille was unsure, but seeing Aster stopped crying and wanted to stand on the ground again. When she put him down, Aster did the same thing again. He held Charles'' hand and said, "Cousin it hurt. Please be kind to Aster." This time, Charles didn''t push him. He let this three year old hold his hand gently, ''Interesting'' Camille was seriously disgusted with it, she really wanted to wash Aster''s hand with soap, because she just touched a dirty thing. But this was not the right time. Especially when her father was here. "Well, Charles and Aster need to familiarize with each other, let them be. I want to talk to you about something important," Emperor Leopold said. Camille couldn''t stop staring at her son and nephew. She started panicking, afraid that something bad would happen to Aster, she called Sir Douss and whispered, ''Bring them to Aster''s y room, but assign all shadow guards to watch over him. Don''t let him get hurt.'' Sir Douss had long known about his mistress'' overprotective behaviour, thus, he nodded and brought Charles and Aster to the yroom, while Camille and Emperor Leopold were discussing something in the office. *** This was the first time Charles entered a yroom for a kid. His entire life since he was a baby was filled with tutoring, tutoring, and another tutoring. He was surrounded by books, wooden and steel swords, a geographical map with many pins in it, talking about the political and economic system of Golden Camellia. It wasn''t hellish to him, but it was boring, really boring. Because Charles excelled to everything easily that he had gone bored with the same shocked expression of his tutors. Then they would praise him to the moon and back, saying that Golden Camellia would prosper under his rule, he would be the greatest emperor and hhh. Aster started running around, collecting all his toys and presenting it in front of Charles, he said, "Cousin! These are my toys!" Little Aster said proudly. There were many toys Charles never knew about in his life. He chuckled, "Please tell me which toys do you like to y the most." Aster was in deep thought for a moment, then he innocently said, "I like them all, but I like it better when I have someone to y with. Usually, I y with my dog, or with my nannies." "Then, you want me to y with you?" Aster nodded excitedly. He gave Charles a canvas and a set of paint. He asked, "Cousin, can you draw? My mother is a good painter! But I cannot do it" "I can." "Then, please draw me and my dog, Fleur!" Aster picked Fleur who ran towards him as soon as he called. He gave a big smile and stayed in that position, waiting for Charles to paint him. Charles was amused, he started mixing the paints and started painting. He was a prodigy in painting as well, simply because it was part of his royal training. But he was so proficient in it for his age, that his tutor just gave up and praised him. After a while, Aster couldn''t hold Fleur for so long and he asked, "Are you finished? I can''t hold on for so long" "Yes, I just finished it." Aster approached Charles and checked the painting. He was stunned with the painting, because it was really good. Although it wasn''t as mesmerizing as his mother''s paintings, it was already godlike. "Uwaaa! Cousin is really good!" "It''s easy." When Charles said that it was easy, Aster was slightly downcast. "But it''s not easy for me, I want to paint mama and papa, I want to paint Fleur too. Cousin Charles can teach me painting?" " yes." "Really?!" Aster''s eyes were big and clear. His eyes were slightly different from any golden bloods Charles had encountered before. Aster''s eyes were extremely mesmerizing, the more he stared at his eyes, the more he wanted to dive into it. "I will teach you anytime," Charles said. Aster jumped at Charles and threw his weight to him. Charles was surprised, but he caught Aster in his embrace, both of them fell on the velvet carpet. Aster nuzzled his cheek with Charles'' and then giggled happily. "WWhat is wrong with you?" Charles asked, as he was ufortable with this intimate contact. "Cousin is really good! Aster loves Cousin Charles!" ". Love? Why?" "Um no reason, I just loved Cousin Charles when I saw you!" Aster was excited. Maybe because he never had a friend here, only nannies and his dog, that his cousin''s presence made him really happy. "You love me?" "Yes, yes!" "Aster, do you know, that saying love is not something you should say easily." "Eh?" Aster finally stopped nuzzling and tilted his head, "Why? Mama always said that she loves me, papa too! Why can''t I love Cousin Charles?" "Because" It seems Aster was too young to understand. Or maybe because he was taught about everything at the very young age that his view about this was different. Charles was silent for a while, and then asked, "Aster, if I am not your cousin, will you still love me?" "I do! I love Cousin Charles!" "Someone in love should be married in the future." "Then I will marry Cousin Charles! So Cousin Charles can teach me every day!" Aster said innocently. "Don''t call me cousin," Charles gently patted Aster''s head, "Call me Charles." "Okay, I love you Charles, I will also marry Charles!" Aster said excitedly. He nuzzled his cheek with Charles again and giggled. Charles only patted Aster''s head, but there was something weird in his mind, ''Love and marriage, huh? You don''t even know the meaning of it. You are so nave, Aster. But I don''t mind. I find you very interesting.'' Slowly, Charles'' golden eyes flickered, and a small dot of golden tint appeared in his eyes. Chapter 180: Fate Edict Chapter 180: Fate Edict Camille and Emperor Leopold face each other on the balcony. Emperor Leopold kept talking about his experience during his years of recolonizing many smaller countries or farawaynd. Heughed and joked, and Camille followed through the flow of the conversation, but her heart was frigid. ''I can''t feel anything at all to him.'' Camille sneered when she saw Emperor Leopold tried his best to be close to her. He tried to be familiar to Camille, but he was an Emperor, thus, he came as rude sometimes, at least in Camille''s eyes. "You know, I went to and in the far southeast, I retook thend from the native, because they were rebelling when Golden Camellia was in that war. When the ship was going to sail again, a woman ran towards the ship with a little child, maybe he is around five years old now. She said she would give everything as long as this kid lived," Emperor smiled, "I feel pity for him, so I took him to my boat, but after that day, he just disappeared. Maybe the ship crew took care of him." The Emperor recalled the small boy who was silent the whole time, "I only remembered his name, his name is uh Ramu Ramuja I think." Camille was fed up with this unnecessary story from her father. She didn''t care at all about his stories killing many people for money. Thus she asked, "Dad, your stories are indeed fascinating. But I wonder if you have something important to tell me here. Or else, I will return to watch over my son." "Oh, yes! Forgive your old father," Emperor Leopoldughed, "I don''t want this to be a sad news for you, but as you know, this old father of yours has been dethroned from my power. I still hold the title of Emperor Audric III, but it wouldn''t be long until Ludwig reced me." "In fact, he already stripped me from all power and I was basically a living legacy right now," Emperor Leopold said, there was a bit of sadness in his tone, though he knew that he wasn''t fitting to be an Emperor anymore. He also realized that he wasn''t even a good Emperor from the start. Emperor Leopold said, "Camille, I''m sorry for treating you and your mother horribly. I know deep down, you can''t forgive me." ''It''s toote, Emperor. My mom is dead, I knew your wife poisoned her until her body was too weak to sustain.'' Camille sneered in her heart, ''Shut your hypocritical mouth, you are nothing in my eyes.'' Of course, Emperor Leopold knew what was in his daughter''s mind. He was an old golden blood, he knew how well a golden blood could conceal their true desire. He only saw hatred in her eyes, no matter how skilful Camille tried to hide it, Emperor Leopold knew it from the get go. ''But she still tried to tolerate me instead of chasing me away, that''s better than nothing, I guess'' He got more rity after Eva''s death. He was grieving day and night of course, but he knew that Eva did many horrible things, and it was his job to fix all what she did wrong. Including his daughter. "Camille, Ludwig was concealing this n from everyone except a few important ministers. But the n had been executed roughly half of it. Thus, I wasn''t able to interrupt quick enough." Camille frowned, "Ludwig? n? What n? I don''t remember him talking about anything important to me." "Because this n is about you and your duchy," Emperor Leopold sighed, "Ludwig is going to frame your duchy for treason, notice how many royal guards he had been dispatching around Dionde City and the smaller towns? Because he was going to frame your duchy of conspiring by recruiting these royal guards to work under the Duchy of Stormhill, and then annexed the Duchy of Stormhill''snd. He will erase the House of Arlingdon." Camille was shocked with her father''s exnation, she never expected that her stupid little brother coulde out with a deliberate conspiracy like this. She knew that her brother could also scheme, but to scheme against her "Who helped him?" Camille asked directly. "Well, this might be a bit surprising for you. In fact, I was also surprised at first" Emperor Leopold nced around, checking whether there were shadow guards nearby. When he found that there was no one here, he said, "Charles helped him. Yes, the seven years old Charles helped his father to create the n." "What?!" Camille soon remembered when Charles pushed Aster heartlessly, when she red at him, her eyes had turned slightly ck. But that boy didn''t even budge. He was calm as a deepke. "II have to take my son back, he can''t get near that monster!" Camille stood from the chair urgently, but Emperor Leopold held her hand tight. "I will not allow you," the Emperor said. "Let me go!" Camille struggled, but her dad''s grip was tight. "Camille, if you disturb them right now, it would disturb the process of the golden circle between Aster and Charles." Camille halted, "Golden Circle? Charles and Aster? Dad you?!" "I did this for the Golden Camellia''s best interest. Don''t you see what happened between me, your mother and Eva?" The Emperor forced Camille to sit down and he gripped Camille''s shoulder, "Listen to me, Camille. Charles is probably the greatest golden blood our Empire could ever have. He is amazing in everything. But he is like a deadke. He is emotionless, and never cares about anybody." "You dare to sacrifice my son to that monster!" Camille was frantic, she started imagining the worst thing that would happen to Aster, "I will not forgive you! You disgusting scum!" Emperor Leopold lost his patience gradually, his eyes turned ck and he shouted at Camille harshly, "SIT!" Camille saw the ck eyes of the Emperor and her leg went soft instantly. The ck eyes or golden eyes could intimidate, weaken or hypnotize the people depending on their mood. Camille''s golden eyes were weaker than Emperor Leopold''s, thus she was powerless. "I''m sorry, my daughter, but please listen to me first," the Emperor held his daughter''s hand gently, feeling a bit guilty, he tried to inform her slowly, "Charles is going to be the best Emperor we could ever have. But it''s too risky if his golden circle triggered when he was already an adult. Don''t you see what happened to me? I abandoned your mother heartlessly." "That is why, Camille, this is the first time Charles didn''t storm out of the room in annoyance or boredom. Aster could really be his golden circle. If his golden circle is Aster, then Aster''s life would bevished with luxury and security. Don''t you want that for your son?" "But he is going to be with that monster!" "No, remember this, if you teach Aster how to control Charles when they were adults, and if you could teach Aster how to be ruthless when necessary and how to y inside the political circle of Golden Camellia. He will be the one on top, I promise you." "I don''t want him to jump inside this hell hole, I will protect him forever!" "Camille, you are too emotional right now. Calm down, and think about this. When Charles eventually inherits the throne, he will see your duchy and Aster as an enemy if they are just ''cousins''. Because your duchy is directly linked by blood and a threat to the throne. He will surely kill your son." Camille froze on the spot. It was disgusting to admit, but she found the truth in her father''s words. When that monster called Charles bes the new emperor, and Aster is nobody to him, he will surely kill Aster. ''If Aster is Charles'' golden circle, then my son will still have some way to survive or maybe took the throne'' ''Aster must survive, he must live. No matter how, he must live!'' Camille calmed down, she took a deep breath and stared at her father, "Thank you for your information, I will train Aster when that timees for him to face Charles." "Good," the Emperor breathed in relief, "And, I have one more thing to say. I will protect your duchy from this ongoing conspiracy. Because at this point, this is the only way for this duchy to survive and to give you a permanent way to defend against Ludwig." Camille didn''t expect her father would be so kind to her. Emperor Leopold fished out a paper from his vest and gave it to his daughter, "This is my Fate Edict. When an Emperor dies, he can give hisst edict, and as long as it''s not directly viting the basic principle of Golden Camellia, it will be epted and cannot be refuted." Camille unfolded the paper and read the content; -- I, Leopold Audric Camellia, Emperor Audric III, bestowed my Fate Edict to my daughter, Camille Anna Di Arlingdon. Her house, Duchy of Stormhill shall be autonomous and will be centralized as the economic centre of the Golden Camellia. It will be bestowed the title of''Grand Duchy Stormhill'' tomemorate its autonomous state. But the Grand Duchy of Stormhill is not allowed to have any offensive soldiers unless it is necessary. This Fate Edict is absolute to honour the sixth Emperor of Golden Camellia, Emperor Audric III.''-- Camille nced at her father, her hand trembled. Because this edict was clearly what she needed. This was the way to survive for now, because her duchy was like a small praypared to the royal family. "Why are you doing this to me?" Camille asked, she was suspicious, "You are also a golden blood, you know well that I never forgive you, right?'' "I know, but this is the only way to repay you back. Although, I believe this is still not enoughpared to the damage I did but this is the best I can do." Camille was reluctant to utter this, but right now, her father Emperor really protected her, like a real father should, "Thanks" Emperor Leopold smiled sincerely and held Camille''s hand gently, "Camille, you don''t need to forgive me. I just want to be a real father figure for you, at least once" Slowly, Camille could feel her Father Emperor''s hand emanating the surge of warmth. It was insignificant, but Camille could feel it. "Thanks dad" *** Aster took Charles touring around the Lantern Pce. He was not able to go out, but he showed every corner of the pce to Charles. He was also very talkative. Charles was silent the whole time, but he followed him everywhere. Especially because Aster kept holding his hand. He could feel the surge of warm feeling lingering around their hands. It was incredible. The Lantern Pce was admittedly, a bit boring. Because it was not as big, nor asvish as the Golden Pce. But Charles didn''t care anyway, since his eyes only darted to Aster the whole time. The more they walked around together, the more Charles could feel the warmth slowly trailing around his body. ''This warmth feeling only appears when I''m around Aster'' subconsciously, Charles tightened his grip around Aster''s hand. "Aster, time to rest," Camille appeared from a room with Emperor Leopold. "Charles, we need to go." Aster was a bit sad, but he stared at Charles and then said, "Bye bye Cousin Charles, Can you meet me again someday? Aster is happy when you are around!" Charles'' lips perked up slightly and he replied, "I will. It is pleasant." Camille hurriedly separated Aster and Charles'' hands. Charles returned back to his cold self and he was displeased. He calmly stared at his Aunt Duchess. Camille and Charles'' eyes met, she saw Charles'' eyes had the mix between ck spots and golden spots scattering around his eyes. Camille''s heart skipped. ''The real golden monster'' Chapter 181: Funeral and Coronation Chapter 181: Funeral and Coronation Ludwig''s face turned red with anger, he mmed the table as he tried to contain his wrath. His ministers were scared whenever they saw their Emperor''s wrath first hand. Because his eyes would turn ck and he emanated a powerful aura that made them tremble. "Failed? The mission failed?!" Ludwig red at his ministers. He had been meticulously nning this to annex the duchy, so his sister would have no way to live except staying inside the Golden Pce with him. He already imagined how he would kill Harion, and then married his sister. Aster could live, because he has the blood of his sister, but he would be degraded as a low ss noble. Admittedly, the mission was nned by his ever amazing son, Charles. Charles noticed that his father was staring at his Aunt Camille''s portrait for so long. Out of boredom, Charles offered to n something to destroy the duchy. Now it was all ruined. "PPardon Your Majesty, but Emperor Audric III has released his fate edict to the highest court, and it was epted because technically, it also benefited the country in the long run." "What is the content of the edict?" "He bestowed his edict to Her Highness Duchess Camille, Duchy of Stormhill will be autonomous from Golden Camellia and will be bestowed the title of Grand Duchy Stormhill, because it will also be the new central of our economy, which is logical since Dionde City is the city that contributed almost thirty percent of Golden Camellia''s ie." "I don''t see any problem here. We can carry out the n!" Ludwig was stubborn. This mission to annex the duchy was halfway done, how could it be stopped like that. "YYour Majesty the problem is since the Duchy of Stormhill will be autonomous and be the center of the economy, it is forbidden to recruit any offensive soldiers. It nullifies all the ns, because the Duchy is now a neutral house permanently." Ludwig was furious to the bone, he stormed out to meet his father Leopold. Only the owner of the fate edict could change it, as long as he tortured his father enough. Or maybe even dig out the grave of his mother and chop her body into pieces in front of his father, then his father would yield. ''I will not let anythinge between me and big sis!'' *** Emperor Leopold could hear the footsteps of his soning to his room. He smiled and chuckled, "Ah, my son, you are just like me. You are basically me when I massacred all my royal families." "But I will not allow you to kill me, I don''t want to burden your sin." The door was broken open with one kick from Ludwig. He saw his father sitting leisurely, drinking a coffee and staring at the view outside. Ludwig pulled up his father''s cor and red at him, his eyes were ink ck, "You useless thing, how dare you ruin my n." Emperor Leopoldughed, "Ah, this is also the way I killed my brothers and their children. How nostalgic." "Stop your stupid rambling, go revoke that edict now!" "Oh, I will not, because my daughter deserves her happiness. Let me tell you, Ludwig. You are simr to me, and you will not end up if you are getting too greedy." "Then I will have my way to force you," Ludwig choked his father with enough strength to make him suffer, but not enough to kill him. But, instead of struggling, Emperor Leopoldughed. "You are pitiful Ludwig," Emperor smiled, "You will end up like me." Suddenly, Emperor Leopold coughed and then his face turned blue. White foam came out of his mouth and Ludwig instinctively backed off. Emperor Leopold convulsed on the ground and the white foam came out of his mouth, nose, and even ears. Then he lost hisst breath, just like that. Emperor Leopold died with poison. Rather than surprised, Ludwig was even angrier. He smelled the coffee that his father just drank, then his rage red up. "You stupid old man! You dare killing yourself like this!" Ludwig kicked the lifeless body of his father mercilessly. He stomped at his face, he kicked his head repeatedly. But it was toote, because Emperor Audric III, the Sixth Emperor of Golden Camellia died, the fate edict could not be changed. Ludwig flew into wrath and destroyed all the furniture inside the room, including all the memoirs of his parents. ''Big sis! My big sis!'' *** The funeral was held in the autumn, the official news said that Emperor Audric III died of heart attack. Ludwig gave out his heartfelt speech and in the end, with pitiful eyes said, "To all my loyal subjects, I, Ludwig Audric Camellia, begs your forgiveness for what my Emperor father had done in the past. May his soul rest under the sacred sanctuary of Golden Camellia." Camille attended the funeral of course, and she sneered in her heart, ''My cute little brother has learned how to scheme and pretend. I know you are so resentful to your father because he annulled your n.'' Camille also pretended to be sad of course, because what people saw was the ever loving Golden Princess Camille who forgave his father and gracefully epted him back. Thus, creating a loving father and daughter rtionship. The people didn''t like Emperor Audric III, because of his irresponsible behaviour. But they liked both Golden Princess Camille and Crown Prince Ludwig. Who were righteous and kind to the people. Thus, Golden Camellia also mourned, but not because of Emperor Leopold''s death. They mourned because Camille and Ludwig had just lost a father. However, they couldn''t wait for the real event after this. Because a monthter, the new coronation was being held in the Golden Pce. Roagelt was jam packed with people wanting to see the new king. Ludwig and Beatrice were sitting side by side, the elder of Golden Camellia took the Emperor Crown and put the crown on top of Ludwig''s head. The elder recited the Oath of the Emperor. To our mighty Emperor of Golden Camellia Our blood, bone, our heartbeat are all in your hand And the golden will shall be ced upon your shoulder May Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls. Ludwig Audric Camellia, Emperor Audric IV, the Seventh Emperor of Golden Camellia. Ludwig lowered his head as the elder put the crown golden crown with the Camellia shaped ruby adorning the top of the crown. Then, the elder recited the Oath of Empress. To our Generous Empress of Golden Camellia Our persevered Golden Camellia will be in your care And the gracefulness of Golden Camellia shall be in your embrace May Golden Camellia be graced with your elegance and beauty. Beatrice Wildbrush, Empress Cecilia, the Seventh Empress of Golden Camellia. Beatrice lowered her head and epted the crown. Ludwig was side eyeing his wife with displeasure, although it was subtle enough not to make people suspicious. ''If the one on that seat is big sis, how fantastic would it be.'' He nced at the pair of lovebirds who sat in the honorable aristocrats seating area. Camille and Harion were sitting side by side with little Aster in the middle. Camille kept feeding Aster with little snacks, while Harion watched his wife and son''s cute interaction. They were like a perfect couple that made people stare at them with admire or envy. This was also their first time seeing the Little Aster. And everyone was shocked, because Little Aster was really fascinating. He had the facial features of their beloved Golden Princess, but his eyes were very simr to Duke Harion''s mesmerizing, brooding eyes. Thebination was deadly, because he took the best out of his parents. Little Aster looked around, he noticed many people were staring at him and he hugged his mother''s hand, "Mama, Aster is scared" Camille patted her son''s head, "It''s okay, they like you." "They like me?" "Yes." "Then I like them too!" Aster was excited, he stood on the chair and then said, "My name is Aster! Aster loves you too, please be kind to Aster!" Everyone''s heart melted as they squealed, unable to cope with Aster''s cuteness. But they couldn''t swarm him, because this was a coronation, not a regr party. Ludwig was even more hateful. Because he imagined himself sitting there with his sister, Camille. They would have their own son and people would admire them like that too. Compared to his ugly wife, it was stupid why would he epted the marriage easily. Beatrice was passive, nave and ugly. All the things that Ludwig hated. It was fortunate that Charles and Rosalie didn''t inherit any of her traits except for Charles'' hair color. ''Why am I stuck with this ugly thing? This is ridiculous!'' Meanwhile, Charles was sitting in the seat one step below his parents with Rosalie. He didn''t care about the coronation. In fact, if it was not because of Aster, he would just leave this unnecessary ceremony. But Aster was here, and Charles could watch him all he wanted. When Aster said love to the people, Charles felt something was gripping his chest, as if his chest was being burned from the inside. He hated it, he hated when Aster said love to the people, when Aster smiled at the people, he hated it when Aster showed his face to the people. ''Aster should stay inside, no one is allowed to enjoy his mesmerizing beauty except me.'' Four years old Rosalie noticed that her brother was angry. She asked, "Brother, why are you mad?" "Everyone sees him, everyone indulges their eyes with this rare sight, I want to gouge their eyes." Rosalie followed the line of sight of her brother, it was directed towards their cousin, Aster. Rosalie was only four years old, but she noticed well that her brother never said something like this before. He was always so bored and emotionless. "Brother, you love Aster?" Rosalie asked. "Love? If I say yes, what would you do about it?" "Hum well, I love someone too! He is a boy that came with his dad before, and he is so handsome!" Rosalie recalled the handsome boy, probably around his brother''s age. He was kind and generous to the people, he even helped the servants in Golden pce. Charles had an idea in his mind, he smirked, "My little sister Rosalie, if you help me to obtain Aster, I will also help you obtain that boy, okay?" "Okay!" Rosalie nodded excitedly. She nced at her cousin, Aster, who became the main attraction to the people here. She thought, ''Cousin Aster is so cute! But I can get that boy as long as I can give cousin Aster to brother!'' Charles'' lips perked up, ''When Rosalie grows older, her position will be perfect to control Aster without triggering suspicion from Father Emperor and Empress. Perfect.'' Chapter 182: A Marvellous Woman Chapter 182: A Marvellous Woman Golden Princess Elena died a few days after the coronation, and then everything went back to normal. Emperor Ludwig''s n that was halfway through failed miserably, not only because of the new status of Grand Duchy Stormhill, but because the initiator of this n also retreated all of his troops from Grand Duchy. Charles had some soldiers dedicated to him, because of the growing poprity of this little Crown Prince, the amount of the soldiers kept increasing every day and it could form few troops. Charles retreated all his troops and said to his father that he did not have any interest anymore to annex Grand Duchy, because he had something more important in his mind. Grand Duchess Camille was pleased with this change, her position in Golden Camellia was already cemented, she might not be able to recruit any offensive soldiers, but her priority right now was to protect her son. Because it started to get terrifying for her. Especially when that golden monster kept returning back to the Lantern Pce almost three times every week. Charles kept returning to Lantern Pce to check on Aster, and then he would forbid Aster to talk with his nannies or any other servant. Charles locked Aster and him in Aster''s yroom for hours. Aster celebrated his fourth birthday today, and many nobles and their children came to him. But they were all chased out by Charles. Thus, Aster only talked to Charles, since he knew no one except Charles and Rosalie anyway, he didn''t bother to talk with other noble kids. Camille was concerned, she knew she had to stop Charles somehow. But this little brat was very crafty, he deliberately directed some high aristocrats to have a chat with the new Grand Duchess, thus, Camille was swarmed with many high aristocrats that she couldn''t refuse. Her eyes kept ncing at Aster who talked with Charles and looked happy, but Camille''s heart was dreading. A girl around Aster''s age tried to approach Aster, "UUm I am Esther. Nice to meet you." Aster shifted his attention from Charles to the girl beside him, he smiled cheerfully and said, "Esther wants to be Aster''s friend? Let''s be friends!" Aster dly took Esther''s hand, but Charles came between them. He was already eight years old and he asked Esther. "Miss Estheres from the Kingdom of North Fort, right?" Esther looked up at this tall boy in front of her, of course she knew who this was. This was Charles Audric Camellia, the famous Crown Prince that was perfect in everything. Prodigious, gant and handsome, even at such a young age, every girl dreamed about him. But for young Esther, she was honestly scared of him. He gave an undeniable pressure that scared her. "YYes, Your Highness" "I heard the Kingdom of North Fort is in danger from barbarians, the Golden Pce will send aid as long as there is no misunderstanding between us. Why don''t you return to your parents? I am sure they would like to have you back intact." Little Esther didn''t really understand what the Crown Prince was saying, but even with little understanding she had, by looking at the Crown Prince''s grim face already scared the hell out of her. Her knees trembled, she looked at Aster and then said, "UUm Aster, I have to go." Then she ran as fast as she could from Aster and Charles. Aster was disheartened when he saw the girl run away from him. This was the first time someone finally approached him at his birthday party. "Aster, why are you sad?" Charles patted his head gently. Aster looked up at Charles with his beautiful eyes and said, "Cousin, why does no one want to be my friend? Aster wants to have friends too" "They are not your real friends, you never have one." "But I read that you can have friends as long as you are kind to them" Charles smirked, "They just want your money and status, they don''t want to be your friend. Aster, only the one with a simr or higher position can be close to you." Aster didn''t understand what Charles meant, "higher position?" "There are only two people in this Golden Camellia that have a higher position than you, Aster. Me and Rosalie. The rest never wants to be your friend, they just want your gold." Aster was even more disheartened. He pinched Charles'' shirt with his small fingers, "Cousin Charles and Rosalie are my only friends? Then please don''t hate Aster" Charles was satisfied with Aster''s reaction. He always hated when someone talked to Aster, approached Aster, eyed Aster, or even mentioned about Aster when he was not around. Because Aster was too precious for them to see, if only he had more power, then he couldvish his darling cousin with all the luxuries in life, as long as he was willing to stay inside his room forever. ''Aster, you give me peace in life when you are obedient.'' "How could I leave you? Don''t you remember, we will be married when you are older. You will be an Empress." Aster vaguely remembered something about marriage, but he just nodded obediently, "If I be an Empress, would people like me? Would they want to be my friend?" Charles smiled meaningfully, "You can do anything when you are my Empress." *** After his fourth birthday, Aster didn''t even bother to talk to other noble kids. He onlytched onto Charles and Rosalie. Camille was getting even more worried, because Aster became more detached from the high aristocrat circle of Golden Camellia. It was really dangerous in the long run. A year passed by and Aster was still the same detached kid. Aster wouldn''t listen to his mother either, whenever she invited a noble kid, Aster ignored them. Of course, she knew that there were many noble kids who only came for the status of Grand Duchy Stormhill. But Camille already selected some that had at least simr status to them, yet Aster still ignored them. "Aster, do you want to go somewhere?" Aster nced at his mother and said, "Mom, I want to study. I have to go to school tomorrow." "Son, when you are in preschool, what you will study is just about numbers and letters. You are already far from that, I just want you to socialize with other noble kids." Aster kept his silence and then he just ignored his mother. The next day, the five years old Aster went to the preschool. Everything was alright in the morning, until the sun was finally on its peak and the heat of summer scorched the earth. The previously okay Aster started to have itches around his body, although he was inside the building. The other kids noticed that Aster''s skin turned red slowly, and then it oozed blood. Every inch of his pores oozed blood. "MONSTER! AAAHH!" a girl screamed and cried. Every kid started screaming and ran towards their teacher. Aster who was silent the whole time finally opened his mouth. "IIm not a monster! This isI''m just sick!" "That monster will make us sick! Aaaah!" the kids started throwing their books, pencil and everything to Aster. They were really scared by the devilish appearance of Aster. The teacher was too shocked to understand the condition, because this was the first time he saw something like this. Aster could only cower at the corner of the ssroom until the teacher took him to the hospital. Grand Duchess Camille flew in rage in the hospital, she was going to kill that teacher and all the kids in that school until Aster''s skin oozed out blood again due to stress. Grand Duke Harion rushed to the hospital and tried to calm the situation down. Aster got treated and recovered at night, Camille stayed with him the whole time, she said, "Forgive your mother, my son." Aster looked detached, he looked empty. A single tear dropped and then he said, "Mom, I don''t want to go to school." *** A few monthster, House of Arlingdon moved to a mansion on the top of Storm Hill. The same hill where the previous Lord of Stormhill lived. The hill was the perfect ce to rest due to its serenity. Due to the climate in this hill, Aster could finally go out before dawn, which was his hobby back when they were staying in Grand Duke''s logging business for a few months. Like this day, Grand Duchess Camille was watching the seven years old Aster tending the flowers on the dawn. It was indeed a beautiful scenery, but the storm was yet toe. They were passive for now because the Emperor was way too powerful. And Camille couldn''t imagine how scary it would be when Charles usurped the throne and Aster still acted like a nave and detached little diamond when that time came. Thus, she wrote a letter that she would keep until her demise. -To my dearest son, Aster Di Arlingdon. I am not a good person, by the time you read this book, you must''ve realized that I am conceited and ruthless. But my love for you, for your father, and for your duchy is real. I left this book for you to understand my journey, you may never forgive me. But I''m being ruthless to you because you need to see the true color of the people when I''m not around anymore, I''m sorry for being cruel to you. Because every pain I inflicted to you, made me drown in guilt. But I didn''t want you to be eaten when I''m gone. My son, your life will be much tougher than mine, but I believe you will have a better life than me. You were born in the early summer, when everyone rejoiced. While I was born in the early winter, when everything was tough. I''m not sure if you would forgive me, but I always love you, your father and mother always love you. Please keep the ring from this book, it is the ring of the Great Arctyr royal family. You are also a part of the Great Arctyr. And contact Lady Lucy from House of Walttor. You can im Golden Princess Elena''s inheritance from her. Your Mother, Grand Duchess Camille Anna Di Arlingdon -- Aster took the ring inside the book. It was a silver ring with a lion head adorned with sapphire. He closed the book and sighed heavily. He finally finished reading the book that was given to him before his mother''s death. Aster never hated his mother, but he couldn''t forgive her either. Because what she did was too painful for him and for Ramuja. ''But I never hate you, mom. You are the most important woman in my life. But, the scar you madested in my heart forever.'' Aster was still grieving over the death of his mother. He opened the book again and caressed the handwriting, ''Mom, I don''t want to be ruthless like you, but I don''t want to be weak either.'' ''Trust me, mom. I will protect the Grand Duchy with all my might. Trust me.'' ''Aster also loves you mama.'' "Milord, I bring a night snack for you," Ramuja came to his room with a tray of snacks. It was actually unfitting for his physique. Because he was like a buff bear holding a small tray. Aster smiled, "This is already midnight, you should sleep." Ramuja put the snack on the table, then he said, "I will not sleep before you, Milord. Also, today is quite cold, do you need a warmer?" Aster nodded, he pointed at one of his wardrobe, "Get me any sweater from that wardrobe." Ramuja took one sweater, a white sweater with ''Aster is the best'' in the middle. Ramuja was not a fashion prodigy, but he was conscious enough not to wear this sweater. ''Well, unless Milord gives this to me. I would be happy to wear it, because Milord really is the best'' Aster wore the sweater and ate the snack provided by Ramuja, Ramuja asked "Milord, may I know who made your sweater? She knits really well." Aster chuckled, he stared at the ring on his hand and replied, "This was made by a marvellous woman." ''My marvellous mother, may you rest in peace.'' Chapter 183: An Art Prodigy Chapter 183: An Art Prodigy Two buds blooming together In a clear summer they flourish They are yet to finish their winter But they believe in the love they cherish Ramuja sat on the bench, his face had a tint of blush as he tried to hide his shame. His master carefully caressed him while adorning his face with the flowers from the garden. Ramuja trembled whenever Aster looked satisfied with his decoration and then started painting again. They were in his master''s room, Ramuja sat on the balcony while Aster sat ona chair. Aster mixed the color and started painting again. Ramuja was ordered to stay silent until Aster finished his painting. "MMilord, I don''t think I''m the right person to be painted" Ramuja said sheepishly. Aster frowned, his brush''s movement stopped. He tilted his head so he could see the shy Ramuja. "What are you talking about? You are the best portrait to help me practice my painting skill right now, so stay put!" Astermanded. Ramuja straightened his back again, but whenever Milord Aster observed him with his deep gaze, it melted Ramuja right away. He felt ashamed with his body, because paintings in Golden Camelliamonly featured young, handsome men with lean bodies, or beautiful soft women with fair skin. ''Milord has the money to hire a real model for his painting, but why me?'' ''Why would someone want to paint a bear?'' Ramuja was secretly insecure with his body. He had so many muscles, it was good if it was subtle, but all his muscles were showing. He was big and burly, and his skin was glistening brown skin. He got praised by many maids in the pce because of his handsomeness and great body, but he felt even more ufortable. Because he was only popr with the maid and peasants that came to Lantern Pce, it wasn''t important for him. The most important was this man who painted him. He wanted to be attractive to his master. He knew that being a servant meant his physical appearance wasn''t the priority. But whenever Milord got swarmed with many of those handsome and beautiful graceful nobles, he started to feel inadequate. ''If only I was the shining golden knight for Milord.'' Aster noticed that Ramuja was starting to feel down. He frowned even more, because it would affect the ambience of his painting. He sighed and put on the brush, he approached Ramuja and asked, "What''s in your mind?" "NNothing, Milord," Ramuja shook his head and started to pose again. He felt ridiculous. Aster held his hand and asked again, "What''s in your mind? Tell me." Ramuja conceded. He was never used to this casual touch from his master. Because every time his master touched him, he would shiver and jolt slightly. Out of greediness, Ramuja caressed his master''s hand with his thumb subtly. "MMilord, this servant is just a bit distracted." "Distracted of what? Because you are the object of my painting?" "Yes, I feel like you should be painting someone better looking you will waste your canvas and paint on someone like me. Do you want me to call someone in the pce?" Aster sighed, he shook his head and said, "Ramuja, the object of a painting is the one you desire. There is no such thing as a bad object, just like the old saying, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder." Aster showed a smile as gentle as the morning breeze, he said, "You are my epitome of art, so be proud of it," Aster returned to his chair and started mixing colors again. Ramuja was stupefied, maybe it was his own insecurity that made him question his master''s sincerity over and over. He still had so many doubts in his heart, but for this one. Ramuja tried to fix the adorned flowers in his head and then posed like his master ordered. Two hours had passed, Ramuja still did not feel tired, in fact, after daily rigorous training with Irion, he was almost numb to fatigue like this, especially when it involved Milord. "Done." Aster looked satisfied, he stared at the painting and then smiled at Ramuja, "The painting has been finished, you can move now." Ramuja was nervous, he wondered how his master would paint him. He had certain expectations, knowing how prodigious his master was, he must''ve been really good in art too. Ramuja approached Aster to see the painting, and he was slightly disappointed. ''Thete Grand Duchess was a very skilful artist, but Milord is'' It was not bad, butpared to the Grand Duchess'' paintings, it was like a baby learning to paint. His head was really smallpared to his body, it looked like his head was shrinking, and his thigh and leg was unproportioned, and Milord was really bad at mixing colors too. Aster was quite boastful with his painting, "Be grateful that you are the first object of my painting. I might surpass my mother''s skill soon." "MMilord is amazing! I''ve never seen myself looking this amazing before!" Ramuja pped his hand in excitement. ''AAt least it was created by him, that''s the most important thing, right?'' Ramuja thought in his heart. Aster was really happy and proud after his servant praised him like that. People always said that art was not his forte, at leastpared to his mother. They said he resembled his father more in talent, but with this, it would prove them how capable he really was. "Well, since you like it, I''ll give it to you after the paint driedpletely." Ramuja gulped, it was lucky that they lived here in Lantern Pce; if they lived in the Stormhill mansion, Jean and Dirk would surelyugh at him. Aster noticed Ramuja''s worried expression, "What is it again? Are you scared that you will tear the painting? Don''t worry, I''ll paint again for you. I can also hang this painting in the main hall." "NNo!" Ramuja reacted wildly. "II mean, I um I will take it to my room." "Oh?" Aster raised his brows mischievously, "I didn''t know that my servant is a narcissist. Gaum also did that, but he has seven of his paintings in his own room, and then lines of painting of him and his portrait in the corridor." "II just want to appreciate your art myself, Milord." Aster chuckled, "Fine then, you can take it." Ramuja took a deep relieved breath, he needed to save some of his non-existent dignity first. If this horrible painting was showcased in the main hall, then everyone would see it. They might take it as a new kind of art if Milord stayed silent, but if Milord seriously boasted his painting in front of the people, then the one who would be embarrassed was Ramuja himself. ''AAt least, he only showed it to me" "Milord, I''ve prepared everything for your eighteenth birthday tomorrow," someone barged in Aster''s room. Aster was used to do this because this man was his trusted subordinate, Irion. "Good, all the invitations have been spread?" "Yes, Milord." Aster smiled and raised his hand to pat Irion''s head, "Good dog." Irion smiled joyfully. Aster then pointed at the painting near the balcony, "I painted Ramuja, don''t you think I can surpass my mother''s paintings?" Irion observed the ugly painting of Ramuja in front of him. He was about to burst inughter, but it would hurt his master, he coughed a few times and said, "It is really good, Milord! I believe it''s better if you hang it in the main hall!" "I know right, it would look really good!" Aster agreed. Ramuja anxiously tried to persuade his master, "Milord, the object of the painting is me, can I have it only for myself?" Asterughed and gave the dried out painting to Ramuja, "Keep it well." "Yes, Milord, thank you for your generosity." Aster smiled, Ramuja and Irion finally left the room. When the door was closed, Aster returned to his grim expression and called one of his shadow guards, "How is the Crown prince? Did he return intact?" "Pardon our ipetence, Milord. Yes, Crown Prince Charles is going closer to Dionde City main port." "If he is way too close to Dionde City, then you shouldn''t attack him anymore. Because It might spark some suspicion that the new Grand Duke and Crown Prince had some discord with each other," Aster instructed. "What would you do when he returns, Milord." "Then he might attend my birthday party tomorrow, we don''t know what kind of n is in his head, but I have a hunch that he definitely will not let me go easily. Try to distract him as much as possible." "Understood, Milord," the shadow guard said and he disappeared. Aster gritted his teeth, Because whenever he read the report of Charles, there was nothing but praises and achievements. It was a happy thing for Golden Camellia to have an amazing Crown Prince. But to Aster? It only gave him a crisis. ''At least I could rx a little by painting Ramuja, I''m d he likes it. He should be impressed by how talented I am!'' Chapter 184: Welcoming the Hero of Golden Camellia Chapter 184: Weing the Hero of Golden Camellia Aster sat under a tent set by his guards to protect him from the summer sun, because Charles returned to Golden Camellia withplete glory, Aster had to hold his birthdaybined with the feast to wee the Crown Prince back. Aster was frowning the whole time, he never hated the idea of sharing his special moment with another event, but not with this person. Especially when the people around him kept talking about Charles this, Charles that, Charles was perfect and other praises that made Aster almostshed out to them to keep their mouth shut. The fleet soon approached the port, the people boisterously pped and screamed Crown Prince Charles'' name. They were ecstatic with the arrival of their beloved Crown Prince. The Prince who was ten times better than his predecessor, extremely handsome, very gant and was a gentle man inside. When the fleet pulled over to the dock, the first ship with a gold figurehead of a Golden flower stopped first. The long stairs were pulled, so the star today could walk proudly. Charles wore his gold cape that draped on his right shoulder, he wore a red vest and ck pants and boots. It was casual, but the people got infatuated. Honestly, Charles didn''t care about all these trash that kept calling his name. He didn''t care at all, because his eyes already focused in one spot, the tent with the Grand Duke inside. "Crown Prince Charles!" "So handsome!" "Crown Prince Charles, I love you!" "Crown Prince, you are the best!" Rather than happy, Charles was slightly annoyed with these people unnecessarily chattering. Because Aster didn''t like this kind of noisy environment, that was why he immediately approached Aster in the tent. ''Ugh, why do I have to do this?'' When Aster and Charles were facing each other, Aster bowed his head and then gave him the ceremonial flower bouquet filled with many kinds of flowers, "Wee back, our beloved Crown Prince of Golden Camellia, Charles Audric Camellia. May Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." "Why ''our''? It should be ''my'' beloved, right?" Charles raised his brows mischievously. Aster red at him and muttered in a low, almost inaudible voice, "Improper" Charlesughed, his golden circle flickered as he hugged Aster. However, rather than hugging his shoulder, Charles hugged Aster''s waist and trailed along his backline gently, he whispered, ''I missed you.'' Aster shivered when Charles'' finger trailed in his back. He nced at Ramuja whose face slowly filled with rage, when he saw Ramuja finally going to step to the stage, Aster immediately pushed Charles. "CCrown Prince shouldn''t do that, this is the public, everyone is watching," Aster warned, he saw everyone were silent while watching the intimacy of these two. Charles chuckled, "Then, we can do something more in private?" The people gasped, then the men started pping their hands while the women were blushing. They had been reading the new popr novel in Golden Camellia that had been selling like hotcake for one year already, Love me, Crown Prince. It was talking about the forbidden romance of Aster and Charles during Aster''s life in Golden Pce. It was aplete fiction provided by the rumour about thete Empress Cecilia hurting Aster because of his forbidden romance with Charles. It was widely popr in Golden Camellia due to how gant and strong the Crown Prince in the book and reality was. It even had a new sequel. Grand Duke Aster and Crown Prince Charles are a good match!" someone said from the crowd, then the people agreed and started cheering their name together. "Our beloved Charles and Aster!" "Our beloved Charles and Aster!" Charles chuckled, while Aster kept ncing at Ramuja. Ramuja was raging, he clenched his fist, Aster nced at Charles who didn''t notice how Ramuja was going to step on the stage. Aster signalled Irion to hold Ramuja. Irion nodded, he held Ramuja''s shoulder and said, "Don''t, you will only give Milord a hard time. You are going to harm Milord if you interfere foolishly, let them be, at least for now." At first, Ramuja only lowered his head, since he knew that his master needed to show the good rtion of two popr and strong figures in Golden Camellia. But when the Crown Prince''s fingers trailed his lord''s backline intimately, he had a raging fire inside his heart. And he almost acted out of instinct. ''I can''t put Milord in danger, as long as he is safe then I can bear this.'' ''But the people, the people keep screaming their name together.'' ''Compared to me, the Crown Prince is like a god...'' "It seems everyone is happy about our love story," Charles chuckled, "Also, I bring you a gift for your birthday, but I will give it to youter at night, during the ball in Lantern Pce." Charles smiled mysteriously. Aster had a bad hunch about this, but he was too distracted by Ramuja''s dejected countenance. He lowered his head and cupped his hand together, perhaps to cope with his grieving. At that moment, Aster knew that he had hurt his servant''s heart again. The citizens enjoyed the feast provided by the Grand Duchy for the people of Dionde. Aster excused himself first because he had to prepare for his birthday party tonight, and Charles also left the feast because he needed to rest. *** Aster arrived at the Lantern Pce and immediately said, "Ramuja,e with me to my office." Ramuja followed his master to the office, Aster sat on his chair while Ramuja stood facing him. Ramuja said nothing, but his gesture really showed how much grief he held, he dared not looking directly and he kept his distance. "Ramuja, I you know that I can''t say anything there." "Yes, this servant understands Milord." Aster frowned, "You don''t understand, I said, I can''t say or do anything there. I have no power when it involves Charles, and I don''t want you to act rash either." "I understand, Milord." "Then stop acting like you don''t!" Aster yelled at Ramuja. "Ramuja, you know that I haven''t cemented my position well in Golden Camellia, and Charles is really well loved by everyone. He is the hero of Golden Camellia. The true golden that is worshipped by the people!" "Don''t praise him!" Ramuja suddenly raised his voice to his own master. "Shut your mouth, low born! You have no right to raise your voice to me!" Aster raised his voice even more. He never got refuted by someone below him his whole life, but after all that words had been spouted, Aster knew that he said the wrong thing. "RRamuja, I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to. I''m not praising him, I''m just stating the fact that he is" "Milord, I have to excuse myself. I have to prepare for your birthday tonight," Ramuja left the room after he said that. Aster was left dumbfounded. Aster didn''t move his gaze from the spot where Ramuja stood before he left. He felt guilty, but at the same time, he didn''t feel like apologizing. Because what Charles did was out of his control anyway. ''Besides, he refuses to listen to me. Why would I apologize to him?'' Aster sighed, "Charles has just arrived and it already creates this kind of thing between us." *** Charles was resting on his bathtub, he closed his eyes but the edge of his lips raised and created a smirk, ''My darling Aster got more and more mesmerizing each day, but I have to be patient.'' ''Sponsoring and mass distributing that novel was a great idea. With it, I canpletely shift the people''s support to me and Aster.'' Charles imagined Aster was here in the bathtub with him, he could stare at Aster''s slender figure all he wanted, maybe they could even do something even more intimate Charles'' manhood reacted and it erected instantly as he kept imagining about Aster. Then the door was opened, a handsome medium built man around his mid twenty winked at Charles and then entered the bathroom fully naked. He saw the towering manhood of the Crown Prince. He shrieked, "Oh my god! That''s too big!" Charles kept his calm, his eyes darted at this man who dared to enter his room, he asked, "Who are you?" "Yes, Crown Prince, I''m Apollo. I''m the best man in Dionde city if you are in the mood for se" Charles jumped from the bathtub quickly and then strangled this man, within only a few seconds, the man''s face turned blue, Charles loosened his fingers and the man dropped dead in front of Charles. He was so angry that he called his loyal subordinate immediately, "Acron!" The loyal subordinate appeared in front of Charles and kneeled immediately, "Pardon this subordinate, Your Highness! II just thought that you need some relief and refreshment" "I said I don''t need a prostitute! Men or women, I don''t want them!" "SShould I fetch a virgin for you" Charles kicked his subordinate in the face, "I said, I. DON''T. WANT. IT!" The subordinate recovered his position quickly, his nose was bleeding, but he ignored it, "Your Highness, pardon my impertinence. This subordinate just thinks that you should relieve yourself somehow." "I''ve already relieved myself, I already touched my darling and even felt his smooth back. Now, go dump this filthy whore somewhere! They are disgusting!" Acron finally realized that his master really didn''t want to engage in any kind of romantic or sexual partnership with anyone except his own cousin. Charles sighed, he stared at his hands and he clicked his tongue, "Now I have to wash it again. Goddamn, why are those people so fragile anyway!" Charles washed his hands again, then he stared at the mirror, ''Ah, my darling Aster. I''m sorry I just touched a whore, but I killed him right away, so you won''t feel disgusted. It must be nauseating for you to be close to a whore for so long, right? Don''t worry, I will save you.'' Charles'' golden circle slowly expanded and as he blinked, his eyes had turned pure golden. Chapter 185: A Trap Disguised As Gift Chapter 185: A Trap Disguised As Gift At night, the aristocrats'' carriages arrived in Lantern Pce one by one, they were dressed in one of their best dresses, because the birthday party they attended tonight was not just some regr noble. This was the birthday of the second most important young man after the Crown Prince in Golden Camellia. To be invited to his party was already an honour, and this was the best moment to show off their wealth and status, and to find a new partner. As the nobles soon filled up the Lantern Pce''s main hall, Aster who had been staring at the front gate from the upper balcony smiled, "At least that guy iste, or didn''te? Either way, it''s good." Usually, there would be his servant who would kneel beside him and wait for a guest or something in the upper balcony, but not today. In fact, Ramuja hadn''t attended to him since yesterday''s ident. Aster could feel the sense of loss in him, because whenever he nced at Ramuja when they were in this upper balcony, it soothed his heart. It gave him the sense of security that everything would be alright. "Now it turned out to be like this" Aster''s shoulders dropped slightly. Irion barged in to ask his master toe down, because the party would be starting soon. When he saw the lonely back of his master, Irion sighed slightly. True, he still couldn''t ept Ramujapletely to be the golden circle of his master, if it was possible, he would want his master to be in love with someone in a higher position to cement his footing in Golden Camellia. ''But love is blind I guess.'' Irion approached Aster and then cleared his throat to make a sound. Aster realized that Irion was here, and he fixed his posture again. With slightly cold eyes, he asked, "The audience quota has been filled?" "Yes, Milord. Everyone is waiting for you." Aster smiled, "Good." Aster stepped down from the bifurcated staircase, because he had held his seventeenth birthday a year ago, he only dressed casually, because eighteenth birthday wasn''t that of a big dealpared to the previous birthday. Aster wore a thin and loose cored white shirt coated with rare gold dust, thus it gave the shirt a sparkling effect that made the wearer look luxurious without showing it excessively. He also used a ck leather pants and boots, which gave his top and bottom a dual image of elegance and rigidness. Aster looked indifferent as always, but whenever his eyes darted on someone in the audience, the people would gasp. Because Aster''s eyes were really mesmerizing, one nce from him could make you tremble in awe. Aster stood in front of the audience, he smiled and greeted them, "Wee to Lantern Pce, I, Grand Duke Aster Di Arlingdon, am very grateful for your willingness to attend my eighteenth birthday. I thanked honourabledies and gentlemen for your generosity to attend this birthday of mine. My servants have already prepared the food that would suit your tongue, please enjoy. Also, I''ve noticed that my fellow nobles are bringing me gifts" It wasn''t an obligation for someone to give a gift in a noble''s birthday party, unless it was their own family. But gifting was the sign of friendliness in Golden Camellia anyway. Thus, the nobles who brought gifts lined to present theirs to the Grand Duke. Aster epted every gift enjoyably, he knew that the gifts were mostly menial things like jewellery or gold, but he epted it wholeheartedly. Thest on the line was Gaum Cresthold who smiled at Aster and gave him a small box, "I haven''t seen you for a while, I''m also busy with my task as the king in Rhea. Don''t worry, I''ll spare more time in the future." Aster kept his smile, but he hated when this guy in front of him started spouting his ridiculous romance. He had no willingness to continue the rtionship with Rhea after the invasion, but it was bound. Since Rhea basically helped Aster to be the new grand duke anyway. "King Gaum should focus more in your kingdom," Aster replied. Gaum chuckled and then left. Aster was swarmed with gifts, but before he could open his speech again, the audience were shocked when there was a man who stormed inside the ball confidently. Charles entered the main hall of Lantern Pce with Rosalie beside him. Few royal servants followed them with many gifts. Aster said nothing, but when he saw Charles'' golden circle flickered, his back went cold. Charles and Rosalie stepped in front of Aster and they smiled, Rosalie opened her mouth first, "You are eighteen now, congrattions," she said it lightly, but Aster could feel the sneer and arrogance emanating from Rosalie. He noticed that Rosalie was quite timid before, but after his mother duchess'' death, she became a bit unscrupulous and rude. ''Did she have any connection with my mom? Either way, I shouldn''t let her stomp me just because mom is not here anymore.'' Charles was jealous when Aster stared at Rosalie, although he knew that he was staring at her out of suspiciousness, it still gave him the sense of jealousy in his heart. "Congrattions, my dear Aster. I''m sorry for beingte, I need to look my best on my love''s birthday," Charles threw a smile that melted the heart of the audience there. Compared to Aster''s image, Charles was indeed the ideal man for them. He was gant, powerful, rich, very handsome, and was already crowned by the people as the hero of Golden Camellia. His smile radiated the aura of kindness, whenever the Crown Prince smiled, the people would melt. Meanwhile, Grand Duke Aster was cold , detached, sometimes downright intimidating. Although he had the legendary beauty that was far better than his mother, he didn''t have the aura of kindness that thete Grand Duchess and Charles have. ''They do fit each other though, Charles and Aster.'' The audience thought. Aster''s smile cracked when the people started to gossip about their non-existent rtionship again. "Thank you foring, Your Highness Crown Prince and Golden Princess. You''ve graced this birthday party of mine with your presence." Rosalie gave her gift to Aster and left the stage, while Charles stood still, staring at Aster. He smirked and said, "I want you to open my two gifts right here, right now. So people realize how serious I am." Charles handed the first gift, a medium sized box to Aster. Honestly, Aster didn''t want to open it at all, because every time there was Charles there, then there was bad luck. But when he nced at the audience who was eager for him to open the gift, he had no choice but toply. Aster opened the box slowly, and when the present was revealed, he jumped back out of shock. Everyone was shocked too, no, rather than shock, they were terrified. Because Crown Prince Charles gifted Grand Duke Aster a real, severed human head that had been preserved. Charles proudly said, "My darling, this is the head of a small ind''s tribal chief. It is located far from here, but I can take you there, someday. After I killed their chief, they surrendered and are your property now. You can do anything on that ind, the indes with the inhabitants." Charles winked at Aster. Aster was nothing but terrified, not only due to the crazy gift, but also due to Charles'' eyes that had turned goldenpletely, "Do you like it?" "Are you cra--!?" "Crown Prince is so romantic, aaaaah!" Aster''s words were cut short when a youngdy was seriously excited with the gift, and then others were pping their hands and kept praising him. "The Crown Prince dedicated his life so the Grand Duke can have a great gift!" ''What the?! Are these people insane like him?! He destroyed the lives of innocent small inders for what? A crazy gift for me?! What the hell!'' Aster was pressured by the people to say certain things, or else, he would be portrayed as the viin who rejected their beloved Crown Prince. Aster gulped, he was so disgusted by Charles right now, but he had no choice but to nod, "YYes, I like it." Charles was satisfied with Aster''s answer and the guests were getting more excited. ''Was he surprised because the gift is too good? d I spared a few months of my journey to invade that small ind. It''s indeed a nice gift.'' Aster felt nauseous with the ''gift'', he closed the box quickly. As he was going to leave the party, Charles held his hand and said, "I still have one more gift." Aster was already frightened to the bone, but he kept his calm faade and asked, "What is it?" Charles gave the small box to Aster and whispered to Aster, ''Don''t worry, this one is not so surprising. I bet you''ve expected it for a long time.'' Aster gulped, he opened the box slowly and this gift while it was not visually displeasing like the previous one, but he could feel his heartbeat skipped. Because this one waspletely out of his expectation. "This is my Gardenia of Blooming Desire, I''ve never presented this to anyone but to you. As I promised you before, I will never marry anyone but you. So, please ept it." ''WHAT THE!?'' Aster finally trembled out of nervousness. He had no way out now, the guests were too excited and fiction-filled to care about the reality that Aster was scared. The only saw Grand Duke looked very happy that he almost fainted. Charles tightened his grip in Aster''s hand and he guided Aster''s trembling hand to touch the gardenia and then took the gardenia with him. Charles was relieved when Aster finally took the flower and loosened his grip. "So, what do you think? My love, will you ept me?" Chapter 186: Flowerbed (21+) Chapter 186: Flowerbed (21+) "So, what do you think? My love, will you ept me?" Aster saw the guests behind Charles, they were eager for the Grand Duke to say yes and married their hero, then they would be a happily ever after couple, just like in fairy tales. The pressure numbed Aster, as he stared at Charles'' eyes. That golden eyes of Charles'' were shining brightly, filled with expectations. Forcing Aster to ept or everyone will nder him as heartless for ying with their hero''s heart. Aster gulped, of course he didn''t want to say yes, but a no wasn''t a choice either. "CCharles, I need time" "You are already eighteen, Aster. You are already mature enough to decide. I always see you as a capable man, since you can lead the grand duchy quite well nowadays," Charles smiled, "I''ve always kept track of you, I don''t want you to get hurt, so I checked on your condition everyday through reports. I''m sorry for doing it without your consent" The crowd was again praising their hero as an honest, caring man.Their eyes while shining with expectation, they were ready to chew Aster if he dared to say no. Aster was drenched in cold sweat, he felt really trapped to say yes. "II e" CRASH! The chandelier who was hanging in the middle of the room suddenly fell, luckily, nobody was hurt, but everyone was panicked. Then, all the lighting in the ballroom died out. The whole ballroom was dark. Aster was also panicked with the situation, he took a few steps back, and a big hand hugged him from behind. He felt he was flying with a big hand that kept him safe, he hugged the body of this man and instantly realized this person even though he couldn''t see anything. ''Ramuja!?'' When they finally left the dark ballroom, Ramuja jumped from one balcony to another, he climbed the tall wall of the pce and they were already outside. Ramuja dashed to the hill behind the Lantern Pce and Aster started panicking, "RRamuja, I know you are mad at me! But yyou shouldn''t kidnap me like this!" Ramuja ignored Aster and he dashed through the woods until they were near the top of the hill. Ramuja''s chest was undting, he nced at his master whose face went even paler, Aster ordered him, "Put me down." Ramuja put his master down, but he didn''t kneel as usual. Aster''s eyes pierced straight to Ramuja as he scolded him, "You know that you are basically doing a treason! What are you doing trying to ruin my birthday like this? Are you really that angry so you ruin my birthday?!" "I''M NOT ANGRY!" Ramuja looked directly at his master''s eyes, and continued, "I don''t want you to say yes to him! No matter what, I will not allow you to marry him!" Aster was bbergasted with Ramuja''s disregard of addressing a high aristocrat. It was not like him at all, it was simr to that Ramuja he met in the training ground in Rhea. The Ramuja who possessively took Aster''s body to his embrace and kissed him passionately. Ramuja''s eyes were not like the usual meek Ramuja. It was filled with aggressiveness and constraint. He was constraining himself right now. "I''m not angry with you, I''m disappointed at myself!" Ramuja said desperately, "I am nothingpared to him, how can Ipete?! And if you said yes there, then my chance is gone forever!" Ramuja walked slowly towards Aster, he kneeled with his knees touching the ground and he sunk his face in Aster''s chest. Ramuja''s body trembled, then he hugged Aster''s waist. "Milord, I don''t want to lose you" Ramuja mumbled, "I wanted to test you, to see you saying no to the Crown Prince, so I could be satisfied, but I realized that I got greedy. Of course, you can''t resist his power." "I''m sorry for beingte" Aster was still astonished with Ramuja''s fluctuating emotion. He patted Ramuja''s head and said, "Ramuja, I don''t live in a fantasy world where I could do all I want without punishment. I have a lot of responsibility to bear." Ramuja raised his face, he was crying and there was a snot under his nose. Aster chuckled and took his handkerchief to wipe the tears, and then the snot. "Even if in the end, I have to give up myself to Charles, then I will make sure that you are going to be safe, is that enough?" "It''s not enough!" Ramuja refuted. "Milord, please fight! You need to fight against him! I will not let him touch you again!" Aster could feel that Ramuja''s hand tightened around his waist, like a little boy, he sought salvation in Aster. Aster''s heart wavered, ''I do love you, Ramuja. But, as soon as Charles is here, you be my first priority. Because he will kill you, no matter what. I''d rather give my life to him than seeing you die.'' "I will try, I won''t surrender so easily." Ramuja saw his master grieving countenance, and it made him remember about the gift that he wanted to show to his master. He stood up and pulled Aster with him. Ramuja took him to the top of the hill. Ramuja brought Aster to a small garden full of flowers nted close to each other, that created a bed of flowers. Ramuja carried Aster and put him in the middle of the flowerbed. "Milord, I don''t have the power like him, but I nted this from the start of summer, this flowerbed is my gift for you. I hope you like it." Aster was silent, the flowerbed, unlike its name, was not afortable bed. And nting flowers in this way wasn''t easy to care for one man only. But Ramuja did it alone. Sometimes, Aster failed to understand how deeply in love this man in front of him was. The ve who was scrawny and dirty turned into a big, handsome man. He could''ve asked for his freedom, but he decided to stay with him. Aster smiled sweetly and said, "It''s quitefortable, but I need a pillow." "II haven''t prepared that, I''m sorry" Aster chuckled and pulled Ramuja to the flowerbed. Ramuja fell to the flowerbed, he was lying beside his master. Aster''s skin was getting near his servant ears and then whispered, ''You are my sweet pillow.'' Ramuja''s body was getting hot, and he turned his head to Aster side. Aster and Ramuja''s face were really close and their nose were touching. Aster smiled and caressed Ramuja''s cheek, "You know that you have just sparked the anger of Crown Prince." Instead of showing some scared expression, Ramuja grinned, "I believe Milord is strong enough to rescue me." "How can you be so sure? You just saved me back there, they must have been panicked to the bone seeing me disappearing from the party." ~~WARNING: SMEXY SCENE! OWO~~ Ramujaughed and he boldly pecked his master''s lips. He said nothing, but his eyes indicated something more intimate. He boldly touched his masters shirt and unbuttoned the shirt his master''s fair skin and slender body was exposed. He gently caressed Aster''s body. Aster blushed, his body trembled whenever Ramuja touched his chest. His body was burning in heat, then his slender fingers touched the thing that had been standing up for a while now. "Nggh" Ramuja tried to contain his excitement. Last time when his master touched his manhood was in Rhea Castle, which had been a while. And at that time, he was too ashamed to admit that he had been conscious for a while and had been admiring his master''s body in the bathroom. Ramuja kissed Aster''s forehead, eyes, cheek, and then lips. His kiss trailed down to Aster''s neck, but Aster shook his head, "DDon''t make it obvious, I can''t let anyone see" Ramuja nodded and continued pecking every bit of Aster''s chest and stomach until he was down to Aster''s belly button. Aster shivered when Ramuja''s lips touched his belly button. Ramuja smiled, "Milord has many sensitive spots." "SShut up I can''t help it..." Ramuja grinned mischievously, he pulled Aster''s pants down and he saw a medium sized pink manhood that had been clean shaven, it was standing straight and twitched a few times. Without hesitating, Ramuja took his master''s entire manhood inside his mouth. He had been a sex ve for so long that he became proficient in pleasuring a man. "Haa RRamuja, slowly, this is my first time" Ramuja used his tongue to service his master, he sucked Aster''s manhood gently, while his hand fiddled Aster''s nipples, so his master could feel the ultimate pleasure. This was the first time for Aster, he had never felt this kind of pleasure before, he trembled and his breath became heavier. After a while, Aster tapped Ramuja''s head and hurriedly said, "RRamuja, let go, II can''t hold it. Ahh!" Ramuja let his master shoot his essence inside his mouth. He drank all of it and smiled at his master, "It tastes sweet." Aster blushed and evaded Ramuja''s mischievous gaze, "SHAMELESS!" Ramuja took off his shirt and pants, his big manhood was standing straight. Aster saw the big, familiar manhood that he touched before. He instinctively touched it again with his hand and caressed it. Ramuja tried as hard as he could not to moan. But his master''s innocent expression proved to be deadly. He let Aster y with it and then he said, "Milord, if you are willing, please do the same thing as I did to you." Aster stared at this big manhood, he gulped, "II don''t think it fits my mouth, but I can try" Aster opened his mouth and tried to swallow it, but it was too big and his mouth felt full, he coughed. Ramuja helped him by saying, "Milord, you don''t need to swallow it whole" ''At least not now'' " and please, don''t use your teeth." Aster nodded. He followed his servant''s instruction and he sucked this big manhood in front of him like he sucked a lollipop. Soon, the lust took over him and he sucked Ramuja''s manhood like it was a tasty lollipop. "Milord, you are good Ahh I''m close!" Ramuja took out his manhood and gripped Aster''s hair. He beat his meat a few seconds and ejacted in Aster''s face. There was so muching out that Aster was overwhelmed. He closed his eyes because the white essence was basically covering his face. "YouYoue even quicker than me!" Aster scolded at Ramuja while wiping the cum in his face with his handkerchief. Ramuja felt guilty, he helped his master to wipe his essence, "II''m sorry, Milord. I just can''t hold it if it''s you" Aster clicked his tongue in annoyance, but soon, he chuckled and the chuckle turned into a smallugh. They were lying on the flowerbed, staring at the full moon. Their breaths were heavy and they looked happy. They entangle their hands together and said to each other; "Milord, I love you." "I love you too, Ramuja." Chapter 187: Empty Without You Chapter 187: Empty Without You "What did you say?" Charles tried to brush the strange voices that kept disturbing him in his head. When his spy reported the same thing again, he thought he was inside a nightmare, and the voices were getting clearer and clearer in his head. "His Highness Grand Duke was making love with his servant on the top of the hill behind this pce. Your Highness Prince, give us an order, we will kill that servant as long as you wish for it." "Did he take Aster''s purity?" "NNo, Your Highness. They didn''t have any intercourse, but they do suck each other''s manhood." The aura inside the carriage got chilly instantly. There were three of his men kneeling in front of him, they shivered when their prince emanated this chilling aura. Usually, if the Crown Prince already emanated this aura, it was clear that someone or plenty of people would die today. "Your Highness, that servant and Grand Duke''s guard, Irion was the one who ruined the party. Our men are chasing him right now, but it seems it would take a while until we can subdue him." "No, that''s okay, I know Irion. At least without him, Aster didn''t have anyone to guard him right now." Charles started tapping his finger on the armrest and thenughed mirthlessly, "It seems my darling has forgotten about our promise, maybe that ve is influencing him greatly. That''s why Aster hesitated to say yes." The voices inside his head were getting clearer and clearer, but all of them conflicted with each other. ''Don''t you love him? You should forgive him!'' ''He loves you too, he is just confused!'' ''Kill that ve! And then lock Aster inside his room forever!'' ''Take his purity, own himpletely! He is going to be taken if you are soft!'' Amongst all those contradicting voices, they had one statement that they all agreed on. ''Don''t you feel empty without Aster?'' Charles smirked. His shadow guards already lowered their head, afraid of his anger. It was understandable, because Charles himself knew that he was indeed ruthless. But all his action was based on his best interest and Aster''s. Charles ordered in one word, "I will wait inside Aster''s room, when he returns, make sure he returns to his room, make sure that his servant didn''t bother us." "Understood!" the shadow guards disappeared from the carriage. Charles chuckled with slight irony in his tone. Maybe he wasughing at his own foolishness, his own weakness. "It''s true that I feel empty without you, Aster. The world is a boring ce, everything is too easy and bothersome, but with you I feel wondrous joy, I feel alive." "You will be leaving nowhere without me." *** Aster and Ramuja returned at midnight, they were inside the south garden right now. Aster had created a scenario when he faced the head butler, he will say that a man kidnapped him, but returned him back because he only needed money. ''It''s a bit unreasonable but, I can''t find any other way to reason.'' "Milord, I will return to my room, please rest well," Ramuja said. He smiled and kissed Aster''s forehead, "TThank you for letting me" Aster chuckled, "You have to pay for your sin of touching a high aristocrat." Ramuja took a step back, "II this servant thought that it was mutual" Aster''s chuckle turned intoughter, "Of course, I''m just messing with you. Now go, you need rest." Ramuja nodded and left his master. Aster hummed and walked towards different directions. His face turned beet red whenever he imagined what just happened tonight, maybe he wouldn''t be able to sleep for the whole night. ''My eighteenth birthday is his thick, white cu'' "Aster! You pervert!" Aster pped his own hot cheek. His mind kept reying the scene over and over. But it was indeed a nice experience. At least he did his first time with the one he loved. ''Well, it''s not exactly my official first time, since he didn''t put his umm manhood inside me'' "My god, I need to shower now," Aster sighed. He thought he was free from dirty affairs like this, especially because he was raised as a high aristocrat. But he did read some mature books before and kept the scenes inside his head. Aster passed the corridor and went to his room. There was no servant or guard around his corridor, which was strange, because usually it was packed until Aster ordered them to rest. Aster sharpened his sense, he had a feeling that he was being followed by someone. His eyes checked around the corner, but he found no one. ''Weird, I usually have a keen sense to detect a hostile shadow guard.'' Aster walked to his room, he pushed the door and saw Charles sat on a chair in the middle of the room. He smirked and said, "Wee back, darling. How is your trip to the hill?" Aster instinctively took a step back and was about to run. But when he turned his head, there were already three shadow guards blocking his way. He screamed, "RAMU--!" his mouth was covered with a strong hand. He was pulled to the room and the door was closed. Charles covered Aster''s mouth, he locked the door and threw Aster to the bed. Aster stood again and tried to run to the balcony, he was going to scream so the Lantern Pce''s shadow guards would hear him. "HELMmpf!" Charles caught him again and locked the balcony door. Aster was trapped inside his room with Charles. Aster''s looked around to find a weapon, which was ridiculous in Charles'' eyes. He raised his eyebrows. "My darling, didn''t you remember that you got rid of all the weapons in your room because you hate a dangerous object?" Charles sneered. "HHow did you know?!" Charlesughed sarcastically. He approached Aster and gripped his hand, he pulled Aster to his embrace and Charles whispered, ''I know all about you, your activities, your action, and your heart. I''ve been observing you since you were three years old.'' Aster was scared with this current Charles. This was the same Charles that was going to take his purity in that meadow. He was full of possessiveness and absurdity. Aster struggled, but Charles leisurely sat on the bed with Aster sitting on hisp, "Just face it, Aster. You won''t beat me physically." Aster struggled for thest time, but Charles didn''t even budge. Aster gasped a few times and finally spoke, "What are you going to do?" Charles sighed, he kissed Aster''s cheek and then spat to the side, "He kissed you here too," Charles took his handkerchief and wiped Aster''s cheek gently, then kissed it again. "You are familiar to me, Aster. Even your scent already reced my sweet sense. Because everything sweet always reminds me of you." Aster was going to struggle again, but somehow, Charles'' words only made him feel slightly disturbed. Because all his words had a different impact on him tonight. ''Charles talks with his heart?'' It made Aster feel guilty for not reciprocating Charles'' feeling, but Aster indeed never felt the same attraction to Charles. Because he already regarded Charles as his family. "Maybe I was too soft to you, so you can daringly cheat on me" "We never have that kind of rtionship in the first ce! Charles, wake up! We are cousins!" Aster refuted him. Charles ignored Aster and continued his monologue, "I''ve been preparing for my coronation for years. I went to other countries and racked many achievements for you, Aster. Because I want them to ept you as my Empress when we got married." Charles'' grip in Aster''s waist tightened. Aster was suffocated, "Urk! CCharles, please let go" "Maybe I should take your purity right here right now," Charles kissed Aster''s lips and then neck, "But you need to bathe first, there are too many of that filthy ve''s marks on your body." Charles took Aster to the bathroom, and put Aster gently to the bathtub. He stripped Aster''s clothes and then pushed his head to the water, he held Aster''s head under the water. Aster was drowning inside the bathtub. He struggled as hard as he could, his hand was reaching Charles'' shoulders. "I''m sorry, my darling, it won''t be long. We just need to cleanse you from that filth. Don''t worry, I will kill him after we have our first night together." Aster felt that his consciousness slowly drifting away, but his hand still struggled and he wed Charles'' cheek until it bled. When Charles realized that his cheek was bleeding, let go of his darling. Aster''s head finally came out of the water and he coughed many times. He looked at Charles angrily, but was stunned when he saw something that was unbelievable. Tears fell from Charles'' golden and ck eyes. His eyes were pure golden, but there were many ck spots around the edges. Charles seemed to be in trance, but the tears kept falling to the bathtub. He reached Aster''s hand and put it on his chest. Aster could feel a warm heartbeat of Charles. "Aster, here. It is really painful here." "It never felt like this, it was empty before. Is this what they call grief?" Charles hugged Aster and he let his tears flow on Aster''s shoulder, "You are hurting me, Aster, I can''t bear it." ** My darling, I am a man ready to demolish the world But I am a worshipper for you Please treat me gently, Because you are the only one that could break me. ** Chapter 188: Fragile and Honest Chapter 188: Fragile and Honest "You are hurting me, Aster, I can''t bear it." Aster said nothing. This Charles in front of him was a contrast to what he was used to. He always saw Charles as this threatening existence ready to swallow him whole. Aster always felt that all he did against Charles was in vain, because this guy was obviously too powerful and ruthless. But this Charles? He cried and trembled like a normal human. He hugged Aster without excessive force now, and he begged. He was so fragile. And it made Aster ufortable. Aster wanted to curse on him, he wanted to insult Charles and openly challenged him, because Charles already knew everything anyway. He thought Charles would be furious and acted like a monster he was. Not like this fragile human being. Charles let go of Aster, he drained the bathtub and took a towel. He gently dried Aster''s head and said, "Back then, when you were a kid, you refused to take a bath whenever I was here. You only took a bath when I agreed to bath you instead." Charlesughed as he gently wiped Aster''s body. Somehow, Aster forgot everything about his childhood with Charles right after he forgot about Fleur, his dog. Probably because of the trauma that histe mother inflicted. But he was not a kid anymore, he was a grown eighteen years old. Aster held Charles'' arm and shook his head, "I''m not a three years old anymore, let go, Charles." Charles'' arm trembled, he knew that Aster wasn''t a kid anymore. But he couldn''t ept that Aster didn''t love him anymore. That he already moved on from his childhood memories and promises. Charles inhaled and exhaled deep to calm himself. He saw Aster''s expression, there was no disgust or hatred anymore in him, it''s just pity? Aster pitied him? "Instead of pitying me, you can spare your energy to return my feelings." "Charles, you can''t force someone to love you. I was a kid back then, and I didn''t remember everything, please don''t take a kid seriously." Charlesughed at Aster''s answer. Because back then, he also didn''t take Aster seriously. He was just a kid back then, but Aster insisted that he was serious and he would be Charles'' empress in the future. His cold heart melted from the innocence of a kid. But as Aster said, he was just a kid. ''I am the one who foolishly hangs on the promise of a kid'' Charles ignored him and took Aster back to his bed. Aster didn''t fight at all, he had the feeling that the current Charles wouldn''t dare to do unspeakable things. "I will take your purity right here, right now," Charles said coldly. He caressed Aster''s neck and kissed it gently. Aster shivered. He held Charles'' cheeks with his hands and their eyes were staring at each other directly. "Charles, if you do this, I will hate you forever." Charles'' eyes were still dropping tears. He held Aster''s hand gently and said, "You know that I can destroy this boring country if I want to, I can give you anything as long as you wish for it, I will kill anyone if it''s your order. But I will not let you be taken away by a mere filthy ve." "He is not a filthy ve, not anymore," Aster refuted. "He''s still filthy. At least I''m trying to get you in an honest way, I never lied to you, nor I ever cheated on you. But you didn''t even take me seriously." Charles kissed Aster''s chin and then his chest. Aster couldn''t bear this anymore and he pped Charles hard. Charles paused and nced at Aster. "Don''t. We are not meant to be together." Aster threatened him. His eyes were red, Aster was about to cry. Charles sighed and took a step back. He covered Aster''s body with a nket and he walked off from the bed. Charlesced his hair ribbon in the mirror. "Aster, I can''t bear hurting you. Now that I know our feelings aren''t mutual. I will try to chase you openly. Just so you know," Charles paused. He turned his head to Aster who covered his body with a nket, "I am not going to give up. Even if I have to turn this country upside down, even if I have to destroy the whole world including your duchy. I will not give up." Aster shivered. Charles didn''t look angry at all, he continued to fix his cuff and said that statement easily. However, Aster knew that Charles was dead serious. He would be turning this country upside down as long as he obtained what he wanted. Charles finished tidying his cloth and he smiled at Aster. He approached Aster again, in which Aster responded by hiding himself inside a nket like a kid. Charles chuckled, "You want me to treat you as an adult, but you are still the same Aster I know." Charles pulled the nket down and kissed Aster''s forehead gently, "Remember darling, I will chase you honestly. Unlike that ve who lied to you many times, shady and dirty is not my style of ying this game in Golden Camellia." Charles left the room, leaving Aster alone trying to process the whole situation that just happened. It took him a while until he realized something was missing, "Ramuja!" Aster took any apparel that he had and he ran to Ramuja''s room. He pushed the door, but it was actually locked from the inside, "Open the door! Ramuja, are you okay?!" Aster tried to push the door and he twisted the doorknob like a madman. After a while, the door was unlocked from the inside, and Ramuja was seen wearing short pants and nothing else. He was surprised with his master''s pale countenance, "MMilord, is everything alright?! What happened?" Ramuja was circling around Aster to see if there was a wound or something, but Aster waspletely fine. Aster was petrified in this position, because he thought Charles would surely ended Ramuja right now. But he only left Lantern Pce without touching anything. "Milord, please answer me! Are you okay?!" "II''m okay I had a bad dream just now." "A bad dream? Do you want this servant to apany you to sleep?" Ramuja said mischievously. But Aster didn''t seem to respond in a coquettish way, he shook his head and said, "Sleep well, Ramuja." Aster left Ramuja who was wondering what just happened to his master. Aster went back to his room and he sat for hours, waiting for someone to return back. After about four hours, the wind blew and a man kneeled in front of him. He was bloodied, but he still looked vigorous. "Milord, I''m sorry for leaving you for so long," Irion said. "What happened to you?" "I fought many of the Crown Prince''s shadow guards, but I got overwhelmed. However, when they were about to finish me off, a shadow guard arrived and whispered something to the leader, and they just left me like this." "Where are our shadow guards?" "I ordered them to hide, because they are under trained. They are going to die in vain if they fight the Crown Prince''s shadow guards." "Milord, I''m sorry, I brought you shame" Irion obediently kissed Aster''s feet. Aster didn''t react excessively, he only ordered Irion, "Go wash yourself and return here, I will personally tend your wounds." "HHow could I" Irion was surprised that his master would tend his wounds personally. He was going to refuse, but Aster looked dead serious. "This servant understands." Irion washed himself and returned to Aster''s room with many cut and stab wounds around his body. Fortunately, there was no grievous wound. Aster tended Irion wounds carefully, he asked, "Is this your way to make sure that I didn''t say yes to Charles?" "It is initiated by Ramuja, Milord. I just followed his idea. Your safety and dignity is my highest priority, Milord." Aster''s hand stopped. Irion said that Aster''s dignity is his highest priority, but he didn''t know that he almost lost that dignity to the same person twice. Aster sighed and then continued tending Irion wounds. "Irion, I will ask one question, but you have to answer it truthfully." "I will answer with all my capability, Milord." "About Ramuja, do you know if he ever lied to me?" *** Charles was inside his carriage, the carriage was moving at medium speed, because he had another meeting tomorrow in another vassal kingdom. The leader of his shadow guards appeared in front of him and reported, "Your Highness, all missions have beenpleted. But may this subordinate know why are you letting all the Grand Duke''s servants alive? We could kill them" "I don''t want Aster to hate me even more. He needs to know that I don''t y this game like his ve who lied and cheated on him. I y with honor." Charles smirked. All his fragility in front of Aster disappeared after he left Aster''s room. However, he wasn''t lying there. He was truly grieving in front of Aster. Charles only showed that side of him in front of that person, it didn''t matter if Aster epted his fragile side or not, he just wanted to show it to his dearest person. He caressed the silver pin that he took when he was inside Aster''s room. Indeed, he might''ve lost against that ve for now, because he had been lenient. But Aster needed to know that he was undeniable. ''Even if you said that we are not meant to be together, I will not ept it. Especially because that ve is influencing your decision.'' ''I will show you the truth, Aster. I will clip your wings so you have no way but toe to me. I wille victorious with you on my side, it is fated.'' Chapter 189: Eulogy of the Prince 26 Chapter 189: Eulogy of the Prince 26 I returned to my room with great joy within my heart. This was the first time my master willingly indulged with the pleasure I had given. He was very restrained usually, and would never touch the subject of carnal pleasure like that. ''This is also the first time I did it with someone I love'' I had countless experiences with carnal pleasure, but I''ve never been joyous about it. Because it was full of force and anger, there was no gentleness inside those monsters I called ''master'' before. But with Milord, every touch generated warmth that I was craving for so long. He brought this fuzzy feeling of feeling loved. ''Love'' I do love him. Maybe I had been in love with him since our first meeting in the ve market, or maybe when I first saw him standing in the garden, surrounded by flowers in the dawn that made him look ethereal. In the end, the answer was clear, I had been struck by his mesmerizing beauty. ''Milord, I do love your appearance. But it''s not the only thing. I love when you are seriously working on the documents, when you are reading, when you are sleeping, and even when you are angry.'' ''Maybe I''ve been falling harder than I expected'' I opened my room and then closed it. I sat on the bed and opened the desk. There was a small box that became my treasure for a while now. I opened the box and caressed the treasure. ''Golden pin means you love me and you trust me wholeheartedly. But I can''t trust youpletely, Milord I lied to you a lot, and I''m afraid that you''ll leave me when you recover your memories again'' I devotedly kissed the golden pin and muttered in a low, almost inaudible voice, "I''m sorry, Milord." "How romantic and ironic at the same time, a ve who is devoted to his master, but still lied because of his own egotism," I opened my eyes instantly and my eyes darted to a woman dressed in ck. I hid the golden pin and asked warily, "Who are you?" "My name is not important, I''m tasked to keep you in this room until the Crown Prince finishes his business with Aster." My mind instantly shed the memories of Milord almost getting taken by the Crown Prince in the meadow. Milord was scared and almost cried on the spot that roused my anger. Maybe I was hazy because of the sweet nectar that we indulged tonight, so I forgot about the real threat. "FUCK!" I jumped from the bed and I tried to reach the door. But a whip suddenly wrapped around my leg and I fell to the ground. "I told you, you are not allowed to leave this room until he finishes whatever business he has." I red at her. I kicked the whip that tied my feet and I broke free easily. The woman was surprised as I tried to reach the door again, but this time, she used more force and tied my hand. "What the?! How can you be so strong!" "RRAAGH!" I pulled the whip and the woman was pulled to my direction. I raised my fist. But the woman quickly dodged it and slid under my body and pulled me from behind with her whip. She overturned me to the ground. "Argh!" "Hah Hah... they didn''t tell me that Aster''s ve has crazy strength!" I struggled again and with more force, I sessfully broke free from the bind again. I focused myself to escape this room as soon as possible, because Milord was with that monster right now. "Fine then!" the woman used her second whip and whipped my back. "Ack!" I ignored the stinging pain that was caused by that barbed whip. I walked to the door. "Just give up already!" The woman crazily whipped my back with her barbed whip, each whip made me feel number and number, until I lost count how many times she had whipped my back. I touched the doorknob and fell to the ground. "You are crazy! The barbed whip has toxins to paralyze in each sh! You took almost fifty whips, what are you! "MMilord" I couldn''t feel my body, from head to toe. I couldn''t even feel my face, only my mouth kept muttering Milord again and again. "RRx, the toxin won''t kill you. I also have the antidote to clear it instantly, but" the woman stared at my torn back, it was bleeding horribly. "I''m sorry, you will need some rest before it healedpletely." Strangely, the woman felt guilty to me, she fished out the antidote and calming oil to heal my wound, "You can use this daily, it will heal your grievous wounds quickly." Since I couldn''t say anything, I only stared at her eyes while my lips kept repeating the same line over and over, "Milord Milord" The woman felt a bit disturbed with my chanting, she said, "Rx, Charles will not hurt Aster. I know him well. Although he is coldblooded and ruthless, he will not hurt Aster, trust me." "HHow can I. trtrust you" "Well, I can''t reveal anything, but I''ve been with him for so long, we''ve been partners for ten years. We trained swordsmanship together, and at some point we almost got married. How funny is that? I actually almost got married to him." I stayed silent, the woman seemed to be monologuing, "At first, I thought he just liked Aster as a cousin, maybe he showed excessive favoritism, but it was nothing bad. Until I saw him kissing Aster''s painting with an expression I''ve never seen before." The woman stared at me back and said, "Don''t worry, I don''t hate Aster. In fact, I see him as my little brother, since I only have one little sister who is more mature than me, hahaha." Sheughed dryly. Then she sighed, "Well, maybe I envy him slightly, he has the full attention of a man that is loved by everyone in the empire. But I followed him only because histe mother ordered me to." "Anyway, I might''ve been spoiling too much, but I feel slightly guilty for whipping you fifty times. I''m sorry." After a while she got a signal from outside and she smiled, "It''s okay now, I will give you the antidote first, so you will recover immediately." The woman approached me and chugged the bottle full of antidote to my mouth. I coughed slightly, but I sessfully drank the whole bottle. She nodded and ced the healing oil beside me, "Farewell, I hope we may never encounter each other again." With that, the woman disappeared, leaving me paralyzed here. I kept imagining horrible things that Milord suffered currently, I couldn''t help but to struggle as hard as I could to stand up. Gradually, the toxin wore off and I could move my body again, although I still couldn''t control it fully. The pain in my back was horrible, it was almost simr to that time when thete Grand Duchess punished me by whipping my back and then using saltwater to multiply my pain. "Open the door! Ramuja, are you okay?!" ''Milord?!'' I was panicked. Milord suddenly stood in front of my room and twisted the doorknob repeatedly. I nced at my condition in the mirror. My tunic was ruined with many shes around. ''I don''t want Milord to see this, he must''ve experienced a horrible experience himself.'' I took off my tunic and only wore short pants. I unlocked the door nervously and Milord was in front of me, still with wet hair and untidied pajamas. My heart sank when I noticed a kiss mark on his corbone. It was definitely not mine, because he said he didn''t want anyone to see a kiss mark around his neck. "MMilord, is everything alright?! What happened?" I circled around him, rather than checking Milord''s condition, I just didn''t want Milord to notice that my back had many grievous wounds. I just didn''t want to make him even more stressed out. "Milord, please answer me! Are you okay?!" I asked him again. "II''m okay I had a bad dream just now." I noticed Milord''s pale countenance and my heart felt like it was sliced open. Because it was proof that I failed to protect him again. "A bad dream? Do you want this servant to apany you to sleep?" I raised my eyebrows mischievously, trying as hard as I could to hide the stinging pain in my face. Milord was very sensitive to someone''s facial expression, if he noticed that I was bearing a painful wound, he would notice it immediately. Milord was staring at me for a while and then said, "Sleep well, Ramuja." Milord turned his back and walked through the corridor quietly. I made sure that he had disappeared from my sight and then returned back to my room. I locked the door and my consciousness slowly drifting away, maybe because I tried to bear the pain with tremendous self-control. "Milord, I am sorry" it was thest sentence I uttered before I fainted. Chapter 190: Wounded Heart Chapter 190: Wounded Heart "About Ramuja, do you know if he ever lied to me?" Aster asked Irion. Irion''s heart skipped a bit, of course he knew that Ramuja was covering his lies about that girl called Merry and about his identity as sex ve. It was not like Irion didn''t want to tell his master directly, he just didn''t want Milord to trigger that moment again when he would faint for the whole day and then forget something. ording to Jain back then, Milord had triggered his first shock when he was a kid when the Grand Duchess brutally beat his dog to death, then the second was when he saw Ramuja and Merry. It was already utterly dangerous to even do it for the second time, let alone another one. ''If he finds out that Ramuja is a liar and cheater'' Irion was afraid that something bad would happen to his master, the possibility was too high to risk it. Thus, Irion shook his head reluctantly. Aster caught Irion''s hesitation immediately. He lowered his head and said, It seems I thought too much, I doubted your loyalty to me just now." "Milord, I do things in your best interest. I will not hurt you," Irion said. "How do you know if it''s my best interest?" Irion stared at his Milord and said, "Because I''ve seen you getting hurt, Milord. I will not let you get hurt twice. Trust me." *** After everything had been settled, Aster slept until noon, he was exhausted with the chain of eventsst night. When he woke up and left his room, every servant and guard were acting like nothing was wrong, they still greeted him respectfully and served him as usual. As if they never knew what happened yesterday. ''What a load of bullshit, Charles must''ve controlled them.'' Somehow, Aster started doubting his own authority here. He called the head butler to inquire about the incident yesterday. "Where were you yesterday? Howe there were no guards or servants patrolling around at night? Did all of you suddenly die and then resurrected by someone''s order the next morning?" Aster asked mockingly. The head butler stayed calm, he kneeled and said, "Milord, the second highest authority in this Lantern Pce after you is in the Emperor and his descent''s hands. Since you were missingst night, the Crown Prince directed us to not leave our station or room no matter what, and we are bound to follow his authority." "And, after I returned, did you really not know my presence, or you turned blind eyes because you were afraid that your neck would be sliced open?" The head butler didn''t reply, which already confirmed Aster''s suspicion. These people in Lantern Pce were more afraid of Charles than him, their real master. "Go to the investigation room and I will let my shadow guards deal with your irresponsibility, now." The head butler was shocked, he always thought that his fragile master wouldn''t have the heart to punish him like this, "MMilord, I was just trying to save myself, I" "Your cowardliness cost me my dignity, what kind of redemption you are looking at here?" Aster''s eyes were very cold and detached, as if he was looking at an insect. Since the head butler didn''t move, Aster called the guards to bring him to the investigation room for some torture. Aster lowered his head, he fiddled with his fingers as his heart was uneasy, ''Maybe because I''m too weak, that they don''t obey me like they obey my parents'' Aster knew that it would take a while until the people obeyed him and respected him, but he was thrown into this role prematurely. He didn''t even know much about the people here, because he was not a sociable person, he only knew how to work tirelessly. Aster decided to leave the room and head to Ramuja''s room to feel better. Ramuja must''ve been tired the whole night too, ''It''s relieving that he doesn''t know anything though, I don''t want him to face Charles again.'' Aster knocked the door, but there was no answer, "Ramuja, open the door." Aster said. He knocked again, but there was still no answer from inside. He frowned, it was not usual for Ramuja to take so long to respond. He asked the maid that passed by. "Is this room empty? Where is Ramuja?" "No, Milord, this servant recalls that Ramuja hasn''t left the room," the maid bowed her head. Aster knocked again, but still, no answer. He then ordered the maid, "Give me the spare key for this room, now!" The maid rushed to find the key and not long after, she returned with a small key. Aster unlocked the door and opened it, he saw Ramuja sleeping sideways with his back facing the wall. He was sweating horribly, although it was summer, it shouldn''t be that bad. Aster was worried that something had happened to his servant. "Ramuja, what happened to you" as soon as Aster approached him, he could smell a rancid odourbined with the smell of herbal remedy. He rushed to Ramuja and checked his condition. Ramuja''s body was really hot and he kept trembling, as if he was holding tremendous pain. "Ramuja, are you okay? What happened?!" Aster checked around his body and identally touched Ramuja''s back. He could feel a torn flesh covered with oil and Ramuja reacted by whimpering in pain. Aster checked on Ramuja''s back and he was terrified with the sight of Ramuja''s torn flesh and horrible wounds all over his back, "Oh my god!" Ramuja seemed to be conscious when Aster screamed, he instinctively grabbed his master hand and said, "MMilord, ddon''te near me it''s too disgusting to look at" "What are you talking about! You are in horrible pain right now!" "II''m okay, please leave I don''t smell good." Aster ignored Ramuja and ordered the maid to call the pce doctor immediately. The doctor rushed to meet Aster and also had the same expression as Aster when he saw the wounds in Ramuja''s back. It was so horrible that he excused himself for a minute to calm himself before he vomited. "Milord I am okay" "You are not! Shut up!" The doctor returned and was ready to treat Ramuja, but every time he saw Ramuja''s grievous wounds, it made him nauseous, "MMilord, I''m sorry, it''s just I''ve never seen something this horrible" "Tch, Fine! Just tell me what to do! I will treat him myself!" Aster was angry with the doctor''s unprofessional behaviour. Although, it was understandable, because Ramuja''s wounds were indeed horrible. It looked like his back was torn open by a tiger. The doctor told him to add another oil on top of the oil that Ramuja used and he had to drink a pill to numb the pain slightly. Aster didn''t care about the look of the wound, all he cared right now was to make sure that Ramuja was safe. At first, Ramuja tried to resist, allowing his master to see his horrible wounds were humiliating enough, let alone treating him personally. But Aster was stubborn and in the end, Ramuja let his master treat him personally. The door was locked again and Aster started applying the oil to Ramuja''s wounds slowly. The doctor said that after a day or two, he could be bandaged. Because if he was bandaged now, Ramuja might die out of pain. Aster didn''t feel disgust at all, maybe because he was treating Ramuja, not other people. After some time, Ramuja finally recovered all his consciousness and he said, "Milord, why are you doing this to me? It''s too disgusting" "Shut up!" Aster scolded Ramuja, "You are in this horrible pain and all you think is about disgust? Do I look like someone who hates disgusting things?" " yes." Ramuja mumbled, "You said to me once that you hated filthy things the most, isn''t this considered as filthy?" Aster stopped his hand, he stared at Ramuja who dared not to stare at him back, "MMilord, pardon my impertinence, I was I must''ve been imagining." Ramuja nced at his master, seeing that his master didn''t reply, he continued, "PPlease punish this servant, please don''t be angry. Milord, this servant misspoke" " I''m sorry," Aster said softly, "Back then, I was I was just a bratty kid that wants to look cool in front of everyone. I want you to see me highly I didn''t know that it would hurt you" Aster continued treating Ramuja, but his hands trembled whenever he touched the wounds. Not because of disgust, but because of guilt, "Did you hide this wound yesterday because you thought I hate filth too?" " no, but it might be because of that too." Aster felt like his heart was stabbed with a knife. He always thought that Ramuja viewed him as someone righteous, someone so great. But turned out, Ramuja also had bad memories with him too. Ramuja also felt guilty for spoiling too much. Although he still hated all his master''s wrongdoings, in the end, he already forgave him, "Milord, it''s okay, you don''t need to say sorry. It''s your right to hate filthy things because" "I''m sorry," Aster repeated it. "Milord" Aster wiped the tears that welled up in his eyes, "I''m sorry for being ignorant, I''m sorry for being rude, I''m sorry for not caring about your feelings. You never disgust me, Ramuja, and never will." Ramuja was taken aback with his master''s sincere apology. He tried to calm him down, "Please don''t say sorry anymore. You are my master, it''s insulting if you keep saying sorry to me." Aster stared at Ramuja again, with his golden circle flickering frequently, "Beside our master and servant rtionship, you are also my lover. I said sorry as your lover, not as your master." Aster kissed Ramuja''s lips gently and then whispered, ''Ramuja, I know that you are hiding something from me. But I will not pressure you to confess. I know that you cared for me the most, I just want to say that I love you, no matter what. Please tell me when you are ready.'' Ramuja instantly grabbed his master''s nape and then kissed him back. He kissed him twice, three times, four times. Ramuja indulged in this sincerity for a while, then he whispered, ''I will. Milord, I will tell you everything when I''m ready. Milord, I trust my life in your hand, please treat me gently.'' Chapter 191: Past Sin Chapter 191: Past Sin Florentino Viete quietly sat in his carriage. He was nervous because the new lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill was summoning him to the Lantern Pce. Because he was still aligned with thete Grand Duchess, albeit forcibly, he still had the responsibility to follow the order of Grand Duchy ording to his previous contract. Floren used to go back and forth to Lantern Pce because Grand Duchess Camille kept summoning him to satiate her sadistic grudge against his father. Floren lowered his gaze to the mirror in his hand, there were still plenty of kiss marks left after the wild partyst night. Because there was no contract termination from the grand duchy''s side, Floren still had to obey the humiliating contract for a few more years. He was never used to it, everyscivious party always ended up with him crying in his small chapel, begging for forgiveness from his god. Because he went astray too much, maybe at this point, praying was already a sin for him. ''I just hope that Aster is not the same as his mother'' The carriage stopped inside the Lantern Pce. Floren was expecting that Aster would wait inside his office like a mighty ruler and waited for him kneeling in front of him like a servant, because it was what the Grand Duchess did. To his surprise, Aster was standing in the main hall with his servant behind him. He smiled gently and greeted Floren, "Wee to Lantern Pce, I hope my invitation doesn''t bother your schedule." Floren was a bit flustered with the warm greeting, Aster even waited for him in the main hall. There was a bit of suspiciousness in his heart, ''If his mother can be that crazy, then her son must have some of her quality too.'' Aster knew what was in Floren''s mind. But this was necessary to change the viewpoint of this marquis. Because Aster needed his talent to slowly build his alliance. "NNot at all, Milord is this one''s lord, I still have to obey all your summons." Aster''s lips twitched, Floren''s docile answer might be courteous and polite. But it was directly drawing a line that he was only here because of the contract between Grand Duchy and House of Viete. "Then, shall we discuss more in my office?" Aster invited him again, which Floren nodded in agreement. He followed him to a room in the second floor of the pce. The guards in front of the door immediately greeted him and opened the door. Aster sat on his chair with his servant behind him, tailing silently. Floren was sitting on the opposite side of Aster, "Milord, may I know why did you invite me here? I don''t think I made any mistakes for so long. "It''s not about mistakes," Aster took the document inside his desk and then slid it to Floren, "I just want to return what you own previously." Floren frowned, of course he knew that document. It was the document to own almost half of Viete''snd, but after he fell into a debt trap set by the Grand Duchess, it was the only thing he could do before his house fell apart. Of course, it cost many things, including himself. "ording to my contract, it will be returned in eight years since it was taken. I still have five years to fill before I get it back. What is the meaning behind this generous offer, Milord?" "Well, Marquis of Viete is actually a sharp man. You caught my intention immediately," Asterplimented honestly, "I just think rather than forcing you to do immoral things for the sake of pleasure like my mother did, it is better to ask for your cooperation based on your own willingness." Rather than ttered, Floren became even more vignt. This was simply too good, especially when facing against Grand Duchy Stormhill, Aster might not be as scary as his mother, but who knew about his true nature. "I''d like Milord to exin to me clearly, what kind of cooperation do you need from me?" Floren asked. "I''ve read the data about you and found out that you are really good at managing the social circle, even without my mother''s help. You are able to connect with manydies and gentlemen and convince them to join your party, it was indeed an impressive feat!" "Milord wants me to gather even more people?" Floren guessed. In which, Aster nodded in agreement, "I will return all your assets, but you will be my asset instead. You are going to be the leader of my alliance." "Alliance?!" Floren jolted in shock. "Milord! You are treacherous!" "No need to be so worked up against it. I''m not here to assassinate the Emperor or Crown prince, I created an alliance to measure how big Charles'' power in Golden camellia is." "Crown Prince Charles is absurdly powerful, I suggest you not to touch him, Milord," Floren warned him. But Aster seemed to be unfazed. "That is the reason. Because it''s absurd, so I have to make sure. If you agreed to help me, I will invalidate the previous contract you did with my mother. I will let you be free and do what you want," Aster said gently. Floren was finally moved. This was the thorn in his heart, because the Grand Duchess forced him to act like ascivious manwhore, it cost him all his dignity and he became the whore marquis of Viete. Flore sighed deeply, he nced at Aster who was sitting calmly on his chair with his hands cupped. ''If only my father didn''t try to take Grand Duchess'' purity away, she wouldn''t target us like this.'' ''And I have to repay all his sin. I admit that he is a monster, but the Grand Duchess is also the same malicious monster.'' "Milord, may I know your true intention?" Florentino asked in a low tone, but his eyes changed from that frivolous flirt into the true Floren. A man with a lot of suspiciousness, because his father was killed by the Grand Duchess. He was only a teenager when his parents died, and then he was plunged into a debt trap by the Grand Duchess until he was forced into this state. A manwhore for the entire Golden Camellia. Aster had to admit, what his mother did to Florentino was unjust and downright cruel. He didn''t know anything about his father''s Apercino Viete past. But Aster''s mother forcefully destroyed his life out of vengeance. Aster sighed, "Ramuja, leave." "MMilord, But I''m your guard." "Leave now, go train with Irion." " understood." Ramuja nced at Floren suspiciously, which Floren returned with a sneer. Then, Ramuja left the room. There was only Aster and Floren left, sitting face to face. Aster cleared his throat and said, "I just want to say that you''ve been treated unjustly by my mother. I''m sorry." "It is natural in Golden Camellia. This country is filled with rich people shing their money on cruelty, like ves, exotic pets, expensive prostitutes, and the death arena in Roagelt. They are destroying something to show people that they are rich and powerful," Floren sneered, "Including your mother." Floren expected Grand Duke Aster to get angry, because he just insulted thete Grand Duchess, but Aster nodded instead, "I know. That''s why I said sorry." Floren went silent after that. He always observed Aster Di Arlingdon as a beautiful man, but nave and detached because of his parents'' overprotectiveness. He was also prideful to the bone. But the Aster he saw right now actually uttered the word sorry, twice. "What kind ofpensation do you want from me? I will return thend belonging to your house, I will terminate the contract too." "But in exchange, you want me to be your subordinate? How is that apensation? You are just giving me a choice to be your dead mother''s ve or your ve!" Floren refuted harshly, "Milord, pardon my impertinence, but if you are inviting me only to humiliate me, then I better leave." Floren stood from the chair, he was going to leave this nauseating pce. Aster''s jaw tightened. He needed Floren in his n, because Floren was the only way to gain ess to that woman. And she was a vital piece in Golden Camellia, although she wasn''t exceptional or crafty. "Your house is going to be swallowed by the Crown Prince," Aster said. Floren stopped his step, he nced at Aster, "I never knew that the Crown Prince has particr interest in my house. Or is it just something you made up on the spot to convince me?" "It''s true that the Crown Prince has no interest with your house. But his sister is," Aster showed a note that Rosalie gave to him when he was trapped in Golden Pce. It was supposedly thete Empress'' ridiculous ''n''. At that time, he didn''t notice it. But when Aster turned thest page, there was somethingpletely different written. It was simr to a confession that Rosalie wrote to Florentino. But never got delivered. He showed Floren thest page, which Floren could identify whose handwriting was this. Rosalie wrote many things, but the most ring description was in thest paragraph; -- After this, I would ask my brother to destroy his house. Then he has nowhere to go, then I will take him to Golden Pce. I will nurture him, feed him, and then I can give birth to his children. I will leash him and his children, then we can have a morning walk together around the pce. Ah, imagining Floren barking like a dog and following me devotedly gives me so much happiness! -- Floren felt like his blood was drained out of his body. Because the handwriting was exactly the same handwriting of Rosalie Anna Camellia, Golden Princess of Golden Camellia. She wrote plenty of letters every month, which he always ignored, because he didn''t want her to be entangled with messy problems between him and the Grand Duchess. ''Last time we met, the Grand Duchess forced me to stay with Rosalie who couldn''t stop grinning like a madman, and forced me to give my bronze pin to her. I never knew she has this kind of fantasy'' Floren always felt that there was something wrong with Rosalie. But to be this extreme, "HHow could I know if you didn''t forge this? You might try to nder her for your own gain." Aster sighed helplessly, "Look at the content of the book. It was all her handwriting. She wrote this to inform me about thete Empress'' true nature, but turned out everything was a lie made by her and myte mother to exile the Empress. I know that she likes you, but I didn''t know that she is this crazy" Aster stood from the chair and tapped Floren''s shoulder, "I know that you treasured your house so much, that''s why I want to bear the burden for all my mother''s mistakes. Just like you bear the burden for all your father''s sin." Floren was unsure. He checked almost every page of this small book, if everything was forged, then it was an amazing craft. Because this style of writing, this way of using words, it was a hundred percent simr to Rosalie. Floren gulped, he nced at Aster who looked sympathetic. ''Maybe he is telling the truth. In the end, if I want to save my house, Aster is the only one that can work with me.'' "I will reconsider it. I will be working with you, but in equal ground. I don''t want to be your servant or subordinate," Floren said. Aster''s face brightened, "Of course! I just want the best for both of us. For you to leave the past sin, and for me to relieve the guilt because of my mother''s sin." Aster gave all the documents and immediately destroyed the contract between Floren and his mother right in front of Floren himself. Floren was slightly taken aback by Aster''s eagerness, it showed that he was really sincere about this. It moved him from the inside, but he didn''t say anything to Aster. He also kept his cold expression. "Then, I will excuse myself thank you, Milord." "You are wee! Do you want me to show you the way?" "No, I can leave myself," Floren stared at Aster for thest time and turned his back, "Thank you." He said again before leaving the room. *** Aster made sure that Floren''s carriage had left the pce, and he finally released theugh that he tried to contain for so long, "Ahahahahaha! How funny!" Aster brushed the tears that were about to fall. Because this thing was definitely funny. It was indeed forged. Thest paragraph was forged by one of his shadow guards who also worked as a master handwriting forger before. "He really believed me!" He was satisfied afterughing so much, he cooled down and then nced at the notes that were left by his mother inside her chamber. Aster collected all the notes, and in one note, it was said that; ''Rosalie is working under me, but she has other importance in her. She will turn her back against you after my death.'' "Hmph, sure enough. I knew that both of them are malicious, they are the same golden monster." Aster''s gaze grew cold as ck spots slowly appeared in his eyes. Chapter 192: Rheas Maneuver Chapter 192: Rhea''s Maneuver Gaum was pacing back and forth in his office. His devilishly charming smile was nowhere to be seen and his sleek raven hair was messy. He was restless because of the sudden political changes that Grand Duchy did and the Crown Prince''s heavy pressure onto the political circle of Golden Camellia. Aster announced the neutrality of Grand Duchy Stormhill, to maintain its autonomous presence and as a trading port, Aster released an announcement that Grand Duchy will not be aligned to anyone and will not help anyone unless necessary. All aids that would be sent to another region or houses would be counted as donation, not as a tribute or ''cooperative'' money between two houses. It was not okay for Gaum. Because the citizens of Rhea were very prideful despite their poverty, the king always announced that Grand Duchy of Stormhill was sending aid as food or money for the people because of the alliance created between Grand Duchy and Kingdom Rhea. Citizens of Rhea would be insulted if the kingdom still epted Grand Duchy''s help, as Aster announced that every aid was counted as helping the poor. ''So, this is how he responds to Charles'' pressure. By cutting all the cooperation with other houses, it made Grand Duchy a neutral party, and it also made his Grand Duchy untouchable for the time being.'' ''I know he is ying his cards behind the curtain. He is getting this immunity so Charles couldn''t touch him for a while.'' ''But it also severed our rtionship.'' Gaum had to find a quick way to get more aid. It was true that his kingdom had stabilized after Aster supplied the country for two years straight with money and food. But it quickly got destabilized after Crown Prince Charles returned. "How about the Miriam Coast, is it still heavily guarded by Royal ships?" Gaum asked one of his ministers. "Yes, my king, when we inquired about the ban of all sailors and travelers to go there, the navy general said that the Crown Prince directly ordered them to stay there for a while, because he got the information that there would be an attack from another country soon." "What country?" "Eliesen" "THAT COUNTRY IS SO SMALL, WHAT KIND OF ATTACK WOULD THEY DO? WITH WATER GUN?!" Gaum was frustrated, it was obviously a lie created by the Crown Prince to block any traveler or sailor to ever sail around Miriam Coast. Miriam Coast was one of the most important parts of Rhea. Since the vassal kingdom was actually small, Miriam Coast contributed around thirty five percent of Rhea''s ie. ''Charles deliberately ruined some region''s main ie to force them to ally with him, what a bastard!'' "How about Grand Duke Aster''s letter? Has he replied yet?" "Yes, my king. This is his letter," the minister put a letter with Grand Duchy Stormhill''s official stamp. Gaum impatiently opened the letter, he skipped all the unnecessary greetings and read the content; -Grand Duchy Stormhill will not reconsider the proposal of excluding Vassal Kingdom Rhea from its current neutral status. If Vassal Kingdom Rhea requests an aid from Grand Duchy Stormhill. With our past history as mutual allies, we will send as much aid as possible, but it will still be counted as a charity for the poor and rightfully announced so.'' Gaum''s hand trembled, he was so angry at Aster right now. That crafty little beauty dared to ignore him like this when he was pitted by Charles. ''You little shit! Just because you have the upper hand, you dared to ignore me like this!?'' Gaum was furious. He mmed the table, which surprised all the ministers inside his office. "GET OUT!" Gaum yelled. All of his ministers scurried and left the office as soon as possible. They were scared that King Gaum might punish them out of his anger. Since Rhea was not doing well currently, it was up to his hand with whom he would be allied with. Would he still be allied with Grand Duchy Stormhill? Although the duchy didn''t seem to see them as an ally anymore. "Oh, Aster," Gaum sneered as he reread the content of the letter, "I''m so angry at you right now. You are just a stupid kid with rich parents. I will show you your ce!" Gaum gritted his teeth, he opened another letter that he hid inside his vest, this letter came before Aster''s letter. But he didn''t open it as he waited for Aster to respond first. It was an informal royal family letter, which was sent by no other than the Crown Prince himself. He opened the letter and read the content immediately; -I, Charles Audric Camellia, Crown Prince of Golden Camellia, would like to invite Gaum Cresthold, the King of Vassal Kingdom Rhea to my personal mansion near the Miriam Coast to discuss our potential alliance. I will stay until the day after tomorrow, I will wait for an answer. Thank you. Gaumughed at the ''thank you'' in the end, "You don''t need to say thank you just to be polite. When you are destroying the economy of Rhea without any sliver of guilt. Gaum took a deep breath, it was impossible to ally with Grand Duchy right now, because Rhea''s citizens wouldn''t ept anything stered as ''donation''. "Well, Aster, don''t me me for switching sides. Because you did this to me," Gaum said in a low tone. He stared at the bronze pin that Aster gave to him a while ago. He grasped the pin tightly, "I will show you, Aster. You are just a little bitch, you belong in my room, serving me daily with your beauty. A spoiled little shit like you don''t know how to y the game in Golden Camellia." *** Charles was reading the military spending report inside his small mansion near the Miriam Coast. Because he had a big army for himself, he needed to manage their budget wisely. Something like overspending was inevitable, that was why he ordered his navy to patrol around the Miriam Coast owned by Vassal Kingdom Rhea. Under the guise of skirmish between Golden Camellia and a small country called Eliesen, he could take over the coast and get as many natural resources as possible before leaving. This tactic was unstable, but he needed to do it until he could dethrone his father. In fact, his father was already absent minded although he was still consideredyoung enough to rule. Probably the death of Aunt Duchess hit him way too hard. He was locking himself inside the King Chamber and managed the king''s duty, but he didn''t leave his beautiful golden pce anymore. He already lost his lustre. Charles sneered, ''That''s why I learn from your mistake, father. You let Aunt Duchess did all she wanted. In the name of love, you let her trample you and yed around the golden camellia circle without any hindrance.'' Charles nced at Aster''s silver pin on his desk, ''I''m not stupid like you. I will trample Aster first, I will make sure that he will have me and only me in his heart. I will get him begging to be my lover under me. Then, he will be my perfect empress. The love of my life.'' "We have a few setbacks, but I know how to handle this," Charles assured himself. Knock! Knock! The door was knocked and Charles excused his subordinate to enter the room. His subordinate hurried and reported the news, "Your Highness, King Gaum sent an envoy and he said that King Gaum would personally visit this mansion tomorrow morning." "Good, give the envoy some gold. You may leave now." "Yes, Your Highness." Charles chuckled slightly. He never saw Rhea as a potential ally, they didn''t have any value except for their Miriam Coast. The soldiers of Rhea were headstrong and overly patriotic to their kingdom, and the kingdom constantly needed help to cover its financial loss. But when he got the notice that Rhea was actually helping Aster to invade Lantern Pce, he knew that he had to destroy the rtionship between these two. ''No hard feeling, my sweet Aster. I just need to make sure that you have nowhere to run away but to me, I will destroy Rhea too in the end. But for now, I will treat them as my close ally. Don''t worry, I won''t hurt you... physically'' After Aster announced that Grand Duchy Stormhill would be a neutral party, Charles was amused. Aster was smart enough to avoid entanglement with the Royal Family directly. He must''ve yed behind the curtain. But Aster made one mistake, because he became neutral, he couldn''t take control over many houses that yed honestly and with direct approach. "Some parties, like the Kingdom of Rhea, is an honest country with overly patriotic and honest people. Even though Gaum might be cunning, he couldn''t avoid the demand that he had to be at least slightly transparent in his decision making. This is a mistake for you, Aster." Charlesughed in mirth, "But, you do amuse me. You are so cute, trying to wiggle around in this jungle full of predators with your cute bunny butt. Don''t worry, I will save you when I need to. But you are indeed fascinating, as always, you are fascinating." Chapter 193: Seizing the Chance Chapter 193: Seizing the Chance Gaum arrived at the Crown Prince''s mansion near the Miriam coast. It was supposed to be a ''small mansion'' but it was pretty big even for a nobleman. Gaum sneered in his heart, ''What a humble prince you are.'' Gaum was escorted by the guard to meet the Crown Prince on his patio. When he arrived, he saw the Crown Prince sitting leisurely. Because this patio had sea view, the view of many naval ships surrounding the Miriam Coast was like a thorn pricking Gaum''s eyes. It showed his incapability. Charles was also shameless enough to show his personal workers taking the resources around the coast for his own gain. Crown Prince Charles smiled and greeted Gaum, "King Gaum is here, please have a seat." Gaum sat face to face with Charles. They were in the patio with the sea view and Charles didn''t wear his regr formal apparel, he just used a regr tunic and short pants. Meanwhile, Gaum was fully dressed with his kingly apparel. Gaum clenched his fist under the table, Charles waspletely degrading him as nothing. Charles observed Gaum''s countenance, he almost let a chuckle out. This man, he really thought that he knew how to y the game in Golden Camellia. He was really nothingpared to the real yers here. His kingdom wasn''t even worth checking. Charles was actually bored, while Aster had to y behind the curtain like a crafty little bunny, he was facing a weak man dressed in some heavenly apparel to look mighty. But was actually incapable of leading at all. ''Gamasiel might not be a good king, but at least he knows how to control his emotion.'' "King Gaum must''ve already been well informed about our topic of discussion here, right?" "Yes, Your Highness." "Then, I will cut short the unnecessary talks and directly say, I want Rhea to be on my side, I will provide your Vassal Kingdom with gold and food ration, and I will announce it as an honor tribute for King Gaum''s alliance with the Royal Family. But, I want Miriam coast to contribute at least fifty percent of its ie to me personally." Gaum''s face was red in anger, he tried hard to restrain his anger, "Your Highness should know that Miriam Coast is the lifeline of Rhea. If you took fifty percent of its profit, the people would suffer." "That''s why I''m helping you by keeping the patrol ships around the coast, to protect your country from iing attack, wouldn''t it be fair if I get some contribution money too?" " which country will invade Rhea anyway, Eliesen? We don''t need Your Highness'' help if it is just Eliesen." Charles chuckled, "Of course, I admit that Rhea''s soldiers are all patriotic to the bone. But I will tell you something, Eliesen will be aided by an ally from another country." "Which country?" Gaum asked. Charles'' eyes glinted with ridiculousness, as if he was seeing the hopeless Gaum like a small ant, "Arctyr. Great Arctyr will aid Eliesen to attack Miriam Coast." Gaum almost burst at this point, the new king of Arctyr, Tuskan Hessel Signe was helped by Charles to retake the throne in Great Arctyr, of course he would help Charles whenever possible. Arctyr aiding Eliesen was probably Charles'' idea too, he wasn''t even sure if Eliesen attacked out of pure hostility or because Charles ordered them to. ''Fucking bastard! You really pitted everyone for your ambition!'' however, Gaum kept his calm demeanor and said; "If I said no, what would Your Highness do?" "Well, then these naval ships would stay here indefinitely, we are not sure when will the Eliesen attack us, right?" Charles said. "Will they actually attack us? Or it''s just a guess from Your Highness?" "I wouldn''t call it a guess," Charles chuckled, he put the document on the table and continued, "I will call it an inevitable threat. What would Rhea do when Eliesen and Arctyr attacked without my protection? I couldn''t imagine the deaths of many just because of King Gaum''s hesitation." ''FUCK! Everything is indeed his n! There is no threat from Eliesen or Arctyr, it is a threat from him!'' Gaum gritted his teeth and then hastily signed the document. He had enough of this one-sided deal with Charles. There was no way out, Charles was really heartless to the people of his own empire. "And they call you the Hero of Golden Camellia. Bullshit!" Gaum snarled. Charlesughed and repliedzily, "They are the one who are easy to fool, I never said something like that. But I do enjoy their idiocy." "Whatever, you must let my people work as usual around Miriam Coast after this!" Gaum demanded immediately, another day was another torture for his country. "Don''t worry, I stay true to my promise." Gaum left Charles whoughed at the incapable king. Charles only gave a small pressure and he already let go all his defenses, "See, my sweet Aster? This is how you y the game. Give them no way to return, seize them, and everything will be yours eventually." *** Aster waszing leisurely on the balcony while waiting for someone. He was apanied by Ramuja who huffed-puffed heavily. Aster was slightly concerned with his servant''s growing request to him, including this one, thus he asked again; "Do you really need me to do this?" "YYesh! Yes, milord! IIrion said training with you will give me a strength boost!" "But why do I have to sit on your back while you are doing push-ups? Also, why are you breathing so heavily? I remember seeing you doing push-ups with many heavy bricks on your back and you didn''t even sweat. Am I heavy?" "NNot at all, Milord!" Ramuja continued doing his push-up. He lost count on how many push-ups he had done. But he felt like he was in heaven. ''Milord is sitting on me! His butt is touching my back! Iif both of us are naked, then I can feel his MY GOD!'' "WWha! Ramuja, what are you doing?!" Aster pulled Ramuja''s hair to stabilize himself. Ramuja suddenly did quick push-ups without a rest, the more he pulled Ramuja''s hair, the more he rushed his push-ups. Ramuja was spirited when his master pulled his hair, he quickened his push-ups and Aster bounced on top of his back, "RRamuja! Slow down!" Ramuja ignored his master and continued doing his crazy push-ups. Aster held Ramuja''s neck to get a better grip, but instead of holding his neck, it looked like Aster actually choked Ramuja. And Ramuja quickened his push-ups even more, his breath was heavy like a raging bull. "Ramuja, stop!" Aster warned him. Seeing that Ramuja still ignored him, Aster pped Ramuja''s cheek hard and yelled, "STOP OR I WILL PUNISH YOU!" Ramuja stopped immediately. His mind was hazy because he was thinking about different scenarios in his head. He was imagining his master choked him sensually, and then pped him hard while whispering a degrading word in his ears. ''He can even step on my face and I will say thank you! My god, Irion is right! Training with Milord is ten times better than just training alone!'' While Ramuja was glimmering with happiness, Aster had to take some breather. Because he felt like he was actually riding a mad bull just now. He stood from Ramuja''s back and then sipped the drink on the table. "WWhat is wrong with you?" Ramuja was still lying face down, his face was full of ecstasy, which slightly creeped Aster out. Because it reminded him of Irion. After a while, Ramuja finally recovered and then kneeled in front of his master, "Pardon this servant''s behavior, Milord. I just got too excited with my training." "Well, I''m not sure what kind of training was that, but did it help?" "Certainly! It helped my endurance and motivated me to protect you better!" Aster was still suspicious, but he just nodded and said, "As long as it helps. Also, have your wounds healedpletely? It''s been a month and you are doing well now, even asking me to sit on your back." "Yes, Milord. Because of your meticulous care, I can heal quickly! Especially your daily care!" Aster blushed instantly, he did treat Ramuja''s wound every day. But he also treated his lips by kissing Ramuja whenever he winced in pain. He didn''t think much every time he did it, because Ramuja said he felt better whenever Aster kissed him. ''Hm I''m starting to suspect that he didn''t feel that much pain, he just wanted a kiss everyday'' "AAnyway, you still need a good rest. I also need to prepare for tomorrow. Because there will be an important guest tomorrow morning." "An important guest?" "Yes, Aunt Merse, Duchess of Arion epted my invitation and she wille here tomorrow. Duchy of Arion is one of the strongest houses in the empire, although not as strong as the Grand Duchy or Royal Family. But it has widespread influence, especially because of General Wirgard Thana." Ramuja''s heart skipped a bit. He felt the chill whenever his master mentioned General Wirgard and Lady Merse. ''Duchess Of Arion the crazy woman who tortured me with no mercy'' Chapter 194: Little Rabbit and Little Deer Chapter 194: Little Rabbit and Little Deer "Oh my, this is quite a grand wee for someone humble like me," Lady Merseughed in joy, the silver mask that covered the right side of her face glinted. Aster was considerate enough to line up all the servants in front of the Lantern Pce to greet Lady Merse. Aster gave out his hand to help Lady Merse step down from her carriage and then he said, "Well, I just think that Aunt Merse never came to Lantern Pce, so I want to give you the hospitality of this pce." "It works well," Lady Merse smiled, she looked up to observe the lush dome that covered the main courtyard of Lantern Pce, "It is indeed beautiful, just like what people said." "I''m d you like it," Aster smiled cheerfully, "Well, this dome is also the only reason I can greet you outside, otherwise, I will get rashes" "Then, we shall head inside soon, I don''t want you to get hurt," Lady Merse said anxiously. She grabbed Aster''s hand and took him inside Lantern Pce,pletely ignoring all the servants and guards that greeted her. Aster was a bit surprised as well, but Lady Merse looked genuine enough for him to lower his guard down. The servants followed Aster and Lady Merse inside the pce. Aster already prepared a small feast for Lady Merse personally, but she didn''t seem to be interested. She was only interested in listening to Aster trying to give her a warm wee. "I''ve prepared many of Dionde City''s signature food for Aunt Merse to try," Aster said, he looked at Lady Merse with glittering eyes, as if he was waiting for Lady Merse topliment him. Lady Merseughed and patted Aster''s head gently, "Aster, I''m almost 42, I can''t eat that much. Rather than that, I would like to have a conversation with you." Aster was a bit down casted, because he prepared everything since dawn to greet Lady Merse. Lady Merse seemed to notice Aster''s disappointment, she walked to one of the tables and took a slice of cake. She tasted it and said, "Oh, I love this one, I''ll take the whole cake after we finish our discussion, is that alright?" "Yes!" Aster grinned, "Aunt Merse, let''s go to my chamber, the balcony view is really nice!" *** Aster started to getfortable with Lady Merse, probably because Lady Merse reminded him of histe mother, but with less scheme and more warmth. He went inside his chamber with Lady Merse and apanied her with two maids and Ramuja as Aster''s guard. Lady Merse didn''t take any of her guards, she said that her guards shouldn''t be wary against Aster. Lady Merse and Aster sat face to face, they drank cold tea in this hot summer. She smiled at Aster and asked, "Aster, in your invitation, you said that you want to talk about something. Mind telling me whether it''s regarding our potential political alliance or just because you miss me?" "WWell, it''s thebination of both" Aster smiled sheepishly, "I want to talk about Grand Duchy of Stormhill and Duchy of Arion''s future alliance, but also because Aunt Merse is the mistress of the duchy." "If it''s not me, you are not going to invite Duchy Arion? Why?" Lady Merse asked curiously. "I will not. Because Duchy Arion is a high military house, if it''s not you who rule inside the duchy currently, I''m afraid the Royal Family would''ve snatched the Duchy of Arion before I could do anything." Lady Merse nodded satisfied, "It is wise for you to understand the nature of the houses in Golden Camellia. While Duchy Arion is a high military house, I still take a neutral stance because I see Crown Prince Charles as an ambitious person. I don''t me him for his nature, but if my house joined his alliance, then he would probably use my army to ughter many people." "That''s why, I want to create an alliance between our houses," Aster said. "I don''t n to attack anyone, but Charles said that he would eventually swallow my duchy. Since Grand Duchy is unable to recruit any soldier, except some guards, I can''t protect my region against any iing attack from other houses." Lady Merse smiled amusedly. She was going to ally with Aster anyway, but she wanted to test him. She always had the feeling that Aster was not so innocent and simple, but whether he was cunning or crafty, she never had the feeling that Aster would harm her at all. "I see, tell me then, if I''m allied with you, what kind of benefit will my house get? I know Grand Duchy Stormhill is a rich house, incredibly rich in fact, but my house didn''tck money in particr." "I would create a shortcut for the people inside the region of Duchy Arion to travel easier to Dionde City," Aster said confidently. Lady Merse was surprised, she thought Aster would beg for her alliance, but he actually gave something so promising. "What kind of shortcut?" Aster ordered the maid to take the map on the table and he spread it in front of Lady Merse, he pointed at mountainous region of the map, "This is Duchy Arion, in order for the people to go to big cities, including Dionde, they need to circle around the mountain and had to take farther road because of the border with House of Viete and Fulk. I will grant the permission from Viete and Fulk to open the road for the people of Arion. Thus, it will save them almost five hours to reach Dionde." Lady Merse was stunned with Aster''s idea. Because it was almost impossible to do, knowing that Fulk Barony wouldn''t open the gate for anyone unless they paid a hefty amount of fee. And Viete had itsscivious Marquis that always demanded for a beautiful man or woman to be sold to him. Thus, the people of Arion didn''t even want to touch the Viete region. "This is unexpected," Lady Merse went silent for a second and then asked, "Aster, do you think you can do this? I don''t even mind if you just want my alliance, I will give it to you. No need to give me some sweet promise like this." Aster felt that his pride was hurt because Lady Merse doubted him, "Don''t worry, Aunt Merse. I will open the road for your people!" Lady Merse sighed. Every time she observed Aster, she always noticed this ring trait of his, ''Aster always exudes pride, confident, and sometimes even haughtiness. I''m afraid if I say no, it would hurt his pride even more, he was like a prideful little rabbit.'' ''Well, in the end, I do want to ally with Aster anyway. It doesn''t matter if he is sessful or not in opening the road, but if he is sessful, I will count that as a bonus.'' Lady Merse already saw Aster as her own son. Because she never had any. Aster often invited her to a party or feast, which she rarely attended because it was too far and she was really busy with her work as the mistress of Duchy Arion. However, she was always ready to help Aster whenever possible. "I ept, give me the documents," Lady Merse said lightly. Aster was stunned for a second, because he didn''t know it would be this easy. "YYes! This is the document!" Aster took the document under the table and put it in front of Lady Merse. ady Merse chuckled, "You hid the document under the table, did you in any way already predict that I would say yes?" "NNo" Aster couldn''t help but to grin a bit, "Well, maybe." Lady Merse signed the paper easily and said, "I trust you, Aster. I know that you are not a bad person. But you should remember that the world is not kind to a nave kid. So, I want you to always be careful." "Yes, Aunt Merse" Lady Merse sighed and patted Aster''s head, "Even if you don''t offer me anything, I would dly swear my allegiance to you." Aster stopped his sheepish act and stared at Lady Merse straight in the eyes, he tried to detect any kind of lies. Because that kind of words, although Lady Merse said it lightly, was actually a heavy burden for an aristocrat to say. And he didn''t detect any hostility or lies. Lady Merse really trusted him this much. And it made him feel guilty. He gulped and then said, "TThank you, Aunt Merse. I will not disappoint you." Lady Merse smiled again, then her eyes darted at the figure behind Aster who had been staring at her with obvious hostility, "Aster, may I know who is the guard behind you?" "Oh, this is Ramuja! He is my personal servant and guard," Aster said excitedly, he pulled Ramuja to his side and continued, "AAunt Merse might not notice it, but Ramuja is really strong, so he is a good love--- loyal subordinate." Ramuja said nothing, he only stared at this woman in front of him with great hostility. As if he had been burying a deep hatred towards her. Lady Merse finally realized who this man beside Aster was, her gaze darkened as he scoffed lightly. "I see, well, he must be a good servant for you. Because he is able to gain your trust. You seem to be very excited about him, do you have any special preference for this servant of yours?" Lady Merse asked while she was ring at Ramuja. Aster''s cheek reddened when Lady Merse asked that, he lowered his head and mumbled, "PProbably" "It''s good to have a simple, loyal servant," Lady Merseplimented. But if someone observed her tone and expression attentively, they would realize that Lady Merse was obviously hostile to this servant called Ramuja too. *** Lady Merse spent the night in Lantern Pce, because travelling back to her duchy took so long, so she would return tomorrow morning. She had dinner with Aster before going to her guest room. The guest room was really big and soundproofed well, as expected from the wealthy Grand Duchy. Lady Merse was wearing a white gown, her hair was draped down and she was sitting on her bed. Not long after, a silhouette appeared near the window and the window was opened wide. A big man approached her with his eyes showing tremendous anger. "Do you still remember me?" he asked. Lady Merseughed mockingly, "So we meet again, Little Deer," Lady Merse raised her right brow, "Or should I call you, Little Bitch." Chapter 195: Eulogy of the Prince 27 Chapter 195: Eulogy of the Prince 27 "Or should I call you, Little Bitch," Lady Merse said condescendingly. I gritted my teeth, my hand trembling as I had the urge to smash her head into pieces. This woman was already in her forties and she still had that same condescending, above-all gaze. She might be able to hide it well in front of Milord, but not in front of me! I knew what kind of monster she really was. My gaze darkened and I asked her, "Tell me, what did you do to her?" "Her? Who?" Lady Merse acted as if she was baffled, and then she smiled, "Oh, that little ve girl who was with you all the time? The one who said that you are a good boy and tried to protect you?" Lady Merse''s smile turned into a mocking grin as she replied, "She''s dead. I lynched her." "You!" the surging anger in my mind had blinded me, I directed a strong punch to her face, but a shadow guard appeared instantly and blocked me. Although the shadow guard was able to block me, he fell to the ground groaned in pain. "My my, what a crude big bitch you are," Lady Merseughed, "Do you think I''m not prepared to face you? I guess it''s true, too much semen in your ass makes your brain numb. Maybe you are trying to do that too to Aster?" "SHUT UP!" I roared. I directed another punch at her, but this time, there were three shadow guards blocking my punch and tried to restrain me. Lady Merseughed. She stood from the bed and walked around me. She circled around me and then said, "You''ve be big and strong, but" she flicked my forehead with her sharp nail andughed, "As expected, still empty. There is no brain in you." Lady Merse''s silver mask glinted as the moonlight showered her figure. She had a different aura than Milord, when Milord was showered by the moonlight, he looked like an ethereal goddess. But Lady Merse? She looked like a witch, a phantom ready to devour you. I red at her, the anger in my heart couldn''t be contained anymore. I struggled and pushed all the shadow guards around me. I dashed towards Lady Merse and prepared another punch. And yet again, five shadow guards appeared and restrained me. "You never learn, don''t you?" Lady Merse sighed, "You are still the same bitch that I know, well, maybe worse. Because instead of killing you as I ordered, that executor back then sold you to another ve wagon instead. Did you do something to him? Did you shake your ass so he would spare you?" Lady Merseughed, whenever she saw me in this hopeless state, sheughed happily. "That girl what did you do to her?" I asked again. "I told you already, I killed her," Lady Merse grinned, "What? Do you have any feelings for her? Maybe because you both are disgusting sex ves?" "SHE IS A SISTER FOR ME!" I raged as I struggled again, but this time, Lady Merse''s shadow guard injected a poison to paralyze me, just like that time when the Crown Prince sent his subordinate to stop me. "I WILL KILL YOU! YOU WITCH! I WILL KILL YOU!" I fumed and I tried to move my body, I tried to resist the poison to no avail. "Tch, I thought you are a changed man. I''m going to forgive you if you can serve Aster well, but turns out, you are still the same dumb kid," Lady Merse sneered, "That girl is not dead. She is alive in a small vige, I gave her freedom when Wirgard was too heartbroken after your departure." I was shocked to hear that. I stared at Lady Merse who didn''t seem to care much about me. She scoffed and continued, "I don''t kill without reason. I ordered a torture and execution for you because you influenced Wirgard too much, he became a sex addict with you." "TThen, what is this about?! Why are you lying to me!" At the moment, I had a thought that Lady Merse was actually not a bad woman at all. Which was definitely not true, a monster like her didn''t have any conscience at all. ''There is no way she is a kind woman! After the tortures she did to me and she tried to portray herself as innocent? No way in hell!'' "Because I want to test if you can actually protect Aster or not. Maybe, maybe at one moment, I thought you can be a good servant for Aster. But you disappointed me before, and still disappoint me now." "You are rash, crude, stupid, and didn''t have any logic. You think with your stupid emotion. Aster will die under your protection." Lady Merse was looking at me with both pity and contempt, "I know that Aster has a very high opinion about you, maybe he already fell in love with you. Just like what you did to Wirgard, you also charmed Aster with your innocent dumb look." "What will you do next? Asked Aster to be with you forever, just like what you did to Wirgard? You begged him to divorce me after you fuck with him every day, you begged him to make you a normal citizen or even more, to be his legal partner. You may be able to fool him and Aster, but you can''t fool me." I gritted my teeth, I couldn''t refute her back because what she said was true. At some point, I was sold to General Wirgard Thana as a sex ve, turned out he was gay and couldn''t even have sex with a woman. He was a gentle man and soon our entanglement involved emotion. ''I I did it because I thought he could save my life! I never have any feelings for him, unlike with Milord'' Lady Merse was staring at me, she sighed and turned her back against me. She was looking at the moon outside, "Did you know? That night, I was pregnant with his child. When my water broke, I was alone in my room and screamed, calling for help. What did Wirgard do? He said he just had a wonderful sex with his Little Deer and didn''t want you to be disturbed with my screaming. Thus, he locked me inside the room and my baby died." I could hear her voice tremble as she continued, "When you heard the news, I still remember your indifferent look. Because you think that you are already Wirgard''s favorite, you didn''t see me as the mistress of Arion. You even tell Wirgard that I disturbed you with my frantic screaming." I cooled down and stared at her with stinging pain in my heart. Her back looked so lonely, but Lady Merse still stood straight. At that time, I thought Lady Merse was just making stories about her miscarriage. I thought she was trying to me me so she would get rid of me if this was the whole story ''So, I am the guilty one here'' "You know what''s the worst?" Lady Merse turned her head and nced at me, "It''s because of you, that Wirgard lost so many of his loyal soldiers. At some point, Duchy of Arion was about to be dissolved because they were ashamed that their honorable general actually abandoned his wife and unborn child for a sex ve." "I I" I stuttered, I wanted to say sorry. But at this point, I already almost killed her three times. I lowered my head and epted all my sin. ''I only want to survive no matter how. Back then, I thought everything was so simple. As long as I get General Wirgard''s heart, then I will live'' ''I didn''t know that I hurt her this bad'' "Sex ve are the lowest of the low in Golden Camellia, and your identity was and still a sex ve. You can''t erase your past. It didn''t matter what happened about Wirgard, because he almost died at this point. But you are going to ruin Aster too? First my husband, now my son? I think of him as my son, and I will protect him." I raised my head instantly, this one, I didn''t hesitate at all, "I WILL NOT HURT HIM!" Lady Merse was startled with my reply. She was silent for a moment and continued, "Do you know what the public would say when they know that their beloved Grand Duke is charmed by a sex ve? They will not see him as their legit ruler anymore. In Golden Camellia, any man or woman that got caught having emotional entanglement with their sex ve are as good as dead." ''Yes, of course I knew that. I knew the risk if anyone figured my past.'' ''But I couldn''t leave him'' ''Maybe what she said was right, I am stupid, I only think with emotion'' ''Milord, if you know that... will you sacrifice your position for me? or sacrifice me for your position?'' Lady Merse took something from the small drawer near her bed, a white letter ready to be delivered, "This is the letter to inform Aster about all your past and your entanglement with not only my husband, but also many people in the past. As long as I send this, then Aster will surely kick you out of his life." "NO!" I yelled frantically, "Please don''t! If he really kicked me out of his life, I don''t know if I could live!" "You can always live selling your body like before, I''m sure some sick guys will love to use you again." "It''s not that!" my eyes were unfocused, the thought of Milord kicking me out with disgust in his face almost made me faint out of panic. "Then give me one reason" Lady Merse asked. "I love him!" I said it out loud. "I love him so much, I don''t mind dying for him! I won''t hurt him! I would rather die than seeing him disappointed in me!" The tears in my eyes started flowing, "I love him so much, please don''t make him hate me. I would do anything. I would kiss your feet if you want to, please don''t I can''t lose him" Lady Merse was silenced, she walked in front of me until her feet were right in front of my face, "If you really love him, then kiss my feet. Prove that you will kiss the feet of a woman you hate the most rather than letting him see this letter." Without hesitating, I immediately kissed Lady Merse''s feet not only once, but many times. I didn''t have disgust in my heart, only fear. I feared Milord''s reaction when he read the letter. Lady Merse was ufortable by how obedient I had be after Milord was involved in this conversation, she pulled her feet and said, "I still can''t trust you, but I don''t want Aster to be saddened either. I will give this letter to my loyal subordinate who lives in this pce, you will not notice which one, but this letter shall be delivered when I know that you have hurt Aster." "TThank you" Lady Merse looked ufortable, she sat on her bed and ordered her shadow guards to release me, the shadow guard gave me a pill to stop the poison inside my body. As I could finally move my body again, she said, "You may leave now. Remember, I will watch over you." "" I nodded and disappeared from her room. *** I returned to my room, my heart was beating like crazy. When I came to her room, I had the urge to murder her in my mind. But soon, it turned to me begging for her not to leak anything. ''I''m scared if I said it, you will know that I''m so vile and dirty. I ruined many marriages because I just want to live, I make many men fall into a deep pit so I can survive.'' Tears flowed from my eyes again. I held the gold pin that Milord gave to me, ''Milord, I love you as much as I fear you. My love is so thick on you, but my trust on you is so thin.'' ''I''m sorry, Milord.'' Chapter 196: The Great King Courting Chapter 196: The Great King Courting Lady Merse left Lantern Pce the next morning, she ignored Ramuja like air, as if the incidentst night was just Ramuja''s dream. Meanwhile, she kept giving advice to Aster, "Aster, you shouldn''t be nave, okay? Don''t be fooled with anyone with bad intention, don''t get involved emotionally with anyone, at least don''t be too much, understand?" Aster had been nagged for almost an hour already, he took a deep breath and replied, "Yes, Aunt Merse. I will keep that in mind. In fact, you should trust me! I have a great intuition to spot evil minds!" Lady Merse only looked grievingly at Aster, this young man really didn''t know what was lurking behind him. A vile bitch that would ruin him anytime. Lady Merse ended her nagging with, "I just want you to be safe, please send me a letter if you need something, I will help you whenever possible." "Yes, Aunt Merse, thank you." Lady Merse''s carriage left the pce. Aster turned to Ramuja and said, "Ramuja, why did you have that face in front of Lady Merse?" Ramuja was startled, he tried to tone down his nervousness and asked, "PPardon, Milord, what face?" "That unwilling face, as if you don''t like her at all." "Milord is just imagining things" Aster had naturally high intuition, simr to his mother. He knew that there was something wrong with Ramuja since yesterday, "If it''s because of her weird mask, then please ignore it, there was a misunderstanding between us before." Ramuja didn''t understand what his master was talking about, but he tried his best to evade the topic, "This servant has no other intention, Milord." Aster stared at his servant for a while, and then shrugged, "Well, my word is still valid, I want you to tell me the secret you hide when you are ready, understand?" Ramuja''s heart cooled down. Milord said that lightly, as if his secret was just a small secret, ''Milord, my secret is not cute or funny. I''m afraid you''ll be disgusted when you knew that I was a sex ve, and I cheated on you with Merry'' Aster sighed when Ramuja was dazed again. Every time they talked about this secret, it always ended with Ramuja dazed and said nothing, only lowering his head shamefully. To be honest, he was fine if Ramuja had some dark secret, maybe because of his life as a ve. He would ept him anyway, ''Well, as long as his secret is not about him actually being a sex ve in the past, if that one is true I will still ept him, but it''ll be even harder for us to marry, maybe impossible'' ''Hm maybe cheating too. I won''t forgive him if he cheated on me. But this is Ramuja we are talking about, I couldn''t even imagine Ramuja flirting with a woman like Gaum.'' Aster imagined Ramuja saying flowery words to charm a woman, and somehow, he shuddered. "Milord, are you okay? Why are you shuddering?" Ramuja asked worriedly. "NNothing, never mind. Anyway, I have another guest today. But this one well, they just simply sent their envoy to me this morning, saying that they woulde for dinner," Aster sighed, "Do they think that my pce is just a guest house for them?" Again, Ramuja didn''t understand what his master was talking about, but he just nodded. As long as his master didn''t dwell into this secret of his anymore. "You, maid,e here." "Yes, Milord." "Tell the head chef to prepare another small feast for dinner, use the best ingredients as always. There will be a great kinging tonight." "Understood, Milord." The maid left, and Aster walked to his office to do his usual menial job of administration. Ramuja Wondered a bit, and he asked, "A Great King wille tonight?" "Yes, him and his sister. Honestly, I would love to have a lot of talk with his sister, because she is pleasant and mature enough for a discussion. But the Great King himself ugh." Aster sighed. He only met the twins for a few hours in the academy. Supposedly, after they retook the throne from their greedy uncle, they stayed there to rebuild the Great Kingdom again. ''Why are they here anyway? I thought I wouldn''t see him for a long time.'' *** Mariette was sipping her tea while Tuskan walked back and forth, he looked restless today. Mariette didn''t mind her brother and continued reading the novel she just bought. They were currently inside the luxurious inn in Dionde City with their guards outside. "Mariette, do you think it''s okay for me toe?" "Hm? We are going to visit Aster only for a dinner. We are not going to talk about politics or anything involving money with him. What are you nervous for?" Mariette said, still with her eyes focusing on the book. "BBecause Agh! Never mind, you won''t understand anyway!" Tuskan stormed out of the room, while Mariette shrugged uncaringly. "Well, I would love to see my nephew too," Mariette smiled. They were actually around the same age as Aster, but they were technically his uncle and aunt, "Father said that our cousin, Camille, is a very strong and beautiful woman. Before he died, he wanted us to reunite her back to the Great Arctyr. It''s unfortunate that she died already" "Well, at least we can do that to Aster. He is still part of our family anyway, the only one that''s alive" Mariette nced at the door, Tuskan had just left, probably to cool himself down, "Tuskan, you shouldn''t be rash. Everything needs proper calction." Tuskan was scurrying around, he walked around the city with a regr tunic so people didn''t notice his regal garment. But, because of his handsome appearance and tall figure, it still stood out. Tuskan still remembered when Aster took his first kiss. After he retook the throne and exiled his uncle, the ministers kept asking him about his spouse. There were countless offerings directed to his door, many of them wanted their daughter to be his queen, or at least high concubine. But Tuskan rejected everyone. Because Aster already took his first kiss, and as a man of tradition, it was his duty to take Aster back as his queen. ''Well, Arctyrians are not as liberating and intimate as Camellians, but I think they will ept a male queen. It''s just, how do I propose anyway? Aster is a prideful and stubborn high aristocrat'' Tuskan imagined the moment when Aster kissed him in the garden inside Velvet Castle. He thought he would hate it, since he just got kissed by a man! But surprisingly, ''Well, surprisingly, it''s actually not that bad his lips are soft, tender, and his gaze was very intoxicating.'' Tuskan blushed again, he shook his head, ''Stop it, Tuskan! You are a Great King! What if your loyal subordinate knows that you are easily swayed by a kid like him!'' Tuskan walked around until he stopped outside a flower shop. He nced at the flowers that were lined neatly, and the beautiful bouquet. He stood there for a while until he decided to take his wallet out and purchased one bouquet. *** Mariette and Tuskan arrived in front of the Lantern Pce at night, they were amazed by the lush dome covering the main courtyard and thenterns that were lit beautifully in various colors. It was like in a fantasynd. Aster was standing in front of the main hall again, greeting them politely. He wore a loose blue shirt with thin material, thus, it showed a bit of his skin under the fluorescent light. "Wee to Lantern Pce, Honorable Great King Tuskan Hessel Signe and Great Princess Mariette Hessel Signe," Aster said politely. Mariette approached Aster with a pleasing smile and held his hand, "It''s been awhile, right?" Aster responded positively and replied, "Yes, I thought I wouldn''t see you for a long time!" "Of course not, Tuskan''s poprity has been well-established even before our uncle snatched the throne. So, we finished him without much effort, and people support Tuskan more, right, Tuskan?" Mariette nced at Tuskan, who was dazed with Aster''s appearance. ''So mesmerizing'' ''He matured and became even more charming, he is such an eye candy no, maybe he has a candy factory inside of him, how could someone be so beautiful and handsome at the same time?'' "Tuskan?" Mariette called him again. Aster finally gave Tuskan a nce and smiled at him, "It''s been a while." "YYYou! How could you use that kind of clothing! SShameless!" Tuskan scolded Aster harshly, "Why would you let everyone see your skin! Are you nning to seduce everyone here? Hah! It doesn''t work on me!" Aster frowned in displeasure, while Mariette face palmed hard, "Forgive him, Aster. You know that his social skill is still zero." "I can see that," Aster said curtly. "What he actually wants to say is, you are so incredibly mesmerizing, he thinks you are such an eye candy that he is afraid everyone here will be in love with you. Maybe he likes you?" "IImpossible! How could I like him!" Tuskan blurted, but his face was blushing red like a tomato. "See? Well, Tuskan, don''t you want to give something to Aster?" "II don''t" Tuskan nced at Mariette who sighed deeply, then he lowered his head in shame. He showed the flower bouquet that he hid behind his back since they arrived in Lantern Pce, he said; "Ddon''t misunderstand, this is just our tradition to express respect in Great Arctyr, wwe give flower to respect other." "We don''t have that kind of tradition in the Great Arctyr," Mariette rebuked him briefly. "Shut up, Mariette!" Aster kept switching his gaze to Mariette and Tuskan, and he sighed, he took the flower and said, "Thank you for your uh respect, Great King. "YYou shouldn''t call me Great King, what are you? A low born?" Tuskan said sheepishly, "JJust call me Tuskan." Aster scratched his head, it was really hard to talk with Tuskan when he was nervous. But Aster knew that this man was actually a kind and gant man, he was just awkward, very awkward. "Then, shall we go to the dinner hall? I''ve prepared a small feast for you two." Aster walked with Mariette and Tuskan to the dinner hall, Ramuja was standing near his Milord silently. He tried to minimize his presence. But, when he saw this Great King Tuskan, he could see the hot gaze of this man to Milord and how they were able to talk on equal footing. He clenched his fist silently, there was a surging emotion, a greedy emotion inside of him. He was jealous. Chapter 197: The Great King Courting II Chapter 197: The Great King Courting II Aster had a nice dinner with Mariette and Tuskan. They talked about many things, but mostly about stress-free topics like hobbies or such. None of them werefortable enough to talk about the politics of Golden Camellia and Great Arctyr. "You should try the mango dessert, this is the recipe of myte mother, she often made one herself when I was a child," Aster mentioned. Mariette and Tuskan looked at the ice cream and pudding dessert with diced mango, the ice cream was also made with mango and there was cream cheese to thicken theposition. It was sour heaven indeed. But they were silenced for a while. "What''s the matter?" Aster asked. Mariette and Tuskan were talkative during the whole dinner and now they were suddenly silent? Aster pondered and then continued, "If the mango dessert is not within your liking, then I can order another dessert from the chef." "No, it''s not that," Mariette sighed. This mango dessert was indeed rare to find in Golden Camellia, because this was the royal family of Great Arctyr''s signature dish. Only the royal chef and some noble knew how to make this perfectly. Mariette took a spoonful to taste the dessert and she nodded again. ''Histe mother must''ve known about this recipe fromte Aunt Celine, father said that she was a great cook when she lived in Great Arctyr.'' Mariette said in a low tone to Aster, "Aster, after this, can we talk to you privately? Only three of us though" Mariette nced at the big servant that had been staring with obvious hostility at Tuskan. Although Tuskan himself didn''t seem to take him in his eyes, instead, Tuskan didn''t move his sight from Aster, not even a second. Aster hummed low and then nodded, "We will talk on my balcony after this, is that okay?" "Sure," Mariette smiled. They finished their dinner and then headed to Aster''s room, Ramuja wanted to follow, but Aster ordered him to return to his room instead. "But Milord, I''m here to guard you" Ramuja said, almost whimpered. "What attack? Just leave now, Ramuja. I''ll call you back tomorrow morning," Astermanded him. Ramuja red at Tuskan again, but that guy didn''t seem to care at all. He still had his hot gaze at Aster. Ramuja gritted his teeth and then left them. Aster sighed, he invited Tuskan and Mariette to his room and they sat in the balcony, "So, what is this all about? Is it something important?" "Yes," Mariette replied, "I know this might be sudden for you, but you must know the origin of yourte mother. She was a half-blood, she was both a royal Camellian and Arctyrian." "So, you are part of our family, your mother is technically our cousin, so you''re our nephew" Tuskan added. Aster didn''t seem to be surprised, he just nodded and replied, "Well, that''s not really a surprise anymore for me." Mariette and Tuskan jolted, they really didn''t see any trace of surprise from Aster. Asterughed low and then came inside his room, he opened the drawer and took a silver ring that shaped like a lion head and the eyes were two sapphires. "This is my mother''s ring, she gave it to me after she died" Aster gave it to Mariette and Mariette inspected it, shepared it with hers, ''The shape, the material and even the sapphire eyes, it''s all simr like mine. This ring is the legit signature ring for a Great Princess of Arctyr.'' "Well, she said in her book that this was given by his mother, or should I call, my grandmother, Great Princess Celine Hessel Signe," Aster added. Sure enough, Aster was the legit holder of this ring. Based on his position, if he returned in Great Arctyr, he would bevished with wealth and protection, "Why didn''t tell you tell us sooner!" Mariette asked excitedly. She hugged Aster warmly, there were tears in her eyes, "You are ourst remaining family, we will protect you. You can just ask, right, Tuskan?" While Mariette was excitedly hugging Aster, Tuskan froze on his seat, he nodded hesitatingly. And then said, "Aster, there is some setback about this, but I want to talk to you about something privately, without Mariette." Mariette stared at her brother suspiciously, "Tuskan, don''t say that you" "Yes, I did." "You!" Mariette wanted to curse her brother, but she sighed and held Aster''s hand, "No matter what, I always support you, okay? We are family, well you are my nephew technically, but we are at the same age, so let''s just drop the formality." Aster was also suspicious with Tuskan, but he nodded to Mariette, "I''m d that I still have some loyal family with me," Aster put a pressure on the ''loyal'' while side-eyeing Tuskan. Tuskan''s expression was solemn, but he said nothing. Mariette and Tuskan left the room, but before Tuskan closed the door, Aster said, "Stay for the night, I''ve prepared the room for each of you. And, Tuskan, meet me in the south garden at dawn." "Yes," Tuskan nodded. There was still no expression in his face. He was really solemn, and somehow, looked slightly guilty. Aster closed the door, his intuition said that Tuskan''s deal must''ve been very one-sided with that guy, ''Let''s see how he would exin this'' *** Tuskan was sitting near the fountain, his brain was thinking hard on how to tell Aster about this one-sided agreement with Charles. It was partly his fault too, since he lost the debate against Charles, ''That guy is scary to the bone.'' He was known to be the ruthless great king that would trample any enemy for his country, but against Charles, he found himself losing. Charles was extremely overpowering and he could flip the table with many arguments and choices that bind Tuskan. "Oh, have you been long here?" Aster approached Tuskan alone. "You are not with that big servant of yours?" Of course, Tuskan noticed that big guy was ring at him with overpowering hostility. Not that he cared much about it, ''Well, maybe slightly. Since Aster is too breathtaking, maybe that servant also has feelings for him.'' "No, I told him to stay outside the garden," Aster grinned, "So, what exnation awaits me here?" Tuskan sighed, he scratched his head and stayed silent for a few minutes until he opened his mouth, "Remember when I said that I will have a contract with Charles so he would help me retook the crown? I did, and it''s very one-sided." "What kind of one-sided?" "The contract stated that I should not meddle with the politics of Golden Camellia, and I should obey all his instruction as long as it didn''t harm Great Arctyr, but it''s only for ten months." "Ten months? So Charles will dere a coup against his father during next spring" "Presumably, that''s why I know that you are not allied with Charles, but I feel helpless myself, because I can''t directly support you," Tuskan took Aster''s hand and kissed it gently, "I''m sorry." Aster chuckled, "Is this part of that Great Arctyr''s tradition?" Tuskan blushed, "WWell, not really" Aster smiled and replied, "It''s fine. I know your position back then, I know that you are desperate to take over your kingdom again. So, I could see how you would ept such a burdening contract with Charles. I know how pressuring Charles can be." "I can still support you through Mariette though, she is still neutral. I am the one that is bound by contract with Charles, not her," Tuskan tried topensate Aster, and Aster only nodded, "I will consider it." Aster grinned mischievously and changed the topic, because he thought that his topic was too heavy, "Well, since our Great King Tuskan is now probably the best eligible bachelor in Great Arctyr, do you have anyone in your mind? You need a queen to control the people anyway~ Tuskan''s cheek grew even hotter, he lowered his face in shame, "NNothing in particr well, there is one" he nced at Aster, but lowered his head quickly. He cupped his hands together out of nervousness. Aster was oblivious, and he chuckled, "Wow, what kind of woman is able to charm the great king like this? What an amazing girl!" "He is indeed amazing" Tuskan approved. Aster raised his brow, "Great King is in love with a man? Well, it''s okay~ In Golden Camellia, everyone can have a beautiful love as long as it''s mutual." "Really?" Tuskan asked, he raised his eyes, looking hopefully at Aster. Aster smiled and nodded, "Yes, because love is love. There is no social boundary as long as it''s mutual." Tuskan was gazing at Aster''s profile, he was indeed breathtaking. But it was not only his great beauty, his demeanor, his way of speaking, his status all added to this one dream called Aster. The dream that came to him whenever he tried to ignore his feelings. Asterughed when Tuskan was staring at him with his sparkling eyes. He was at the same height as Ramuja, but Tuskan had beautiful green eyes and auburn short hair. He was handsome, he showed what kind of man that would be the best to represent the Great Arctyr. Aster said, "Sit on the bench." Tuskan obeyed and he sat on the bench while he saw Aster was looking around, trying to find one particr flower, just likest time in Velvet Castle. When Aster found it, he put the purple flower in Tuskan lips and then kissed it gently. Tuskan didn''t fight, nor responded to it. He was simply drowning in Aster''s deep eyes. After Aster put a gentle kiss he said, "Well, the flower kiss today is my gift for you. You might find this disgusting, but it''s a custom in Golden Camellia. I kissed you with a purple peony, a flower symbolizing nobility and value. Because you are you are still the best aristocrat I''ve ever seen. You are gant, responsible, and wise. I know you will be a great king." ''And you make the perfect queen'' Tuskan listened to all Aster''s words and he finally realized that he couldn''t escape anymore, ''I fell in love with you, Aster.'' Tuskan got up from the bench and smiled at Aster, "I will show you that I will be a great king, please wait for me, okay?" "Huh? Of course, I will wait for you, in fact, you should take your time. I will always ept you two with an open door here, we are family." ''Yes, we are family. But Aster, I have more than that in my heart.'' Tuskan nodded and he left Aster with a relieved, yet determined heart. Asterughed heartily, "He really is, the best noble I''ve ever seen. If only I could be as strong as him" Aster had admired this guy''s honesty, nobility and virtue after they met in Velvet Castle, "At least I''m better than him on social skills, if he is 0, at least I''m 20, hahahaha." Ramuja''s gaze darkened. He saw everything as he hid on a tree in the garden. His master ordered him to stay outside the garden, but how could he let his master alone with that guy? ''Sure enough, he would do something like that, he charmed everyone.'' Chapter 198: Swallow (18+) Chapter 198: Swallow (18+) Aster was humming and returned back to the entrance, he wanted to take Ramuja inside the garden as always, since Tuskan had left. When he returned to the entrance, Ramuja was still standing at the same position as he left him, Ramuja''s gaze darkened, but said nothing. Aster felt a bit guilty for leaving him like this, thus, he held Ramuja''s hand and said, "Let''s go, Ramuja." Ramuja silently nodded and he let his master pull him inside the garden. Milord was surprisingly very gentle today, he smiled a lot and he seemed to be trying hard to make him smile by making some small jokes, although it came out as awkward. If Ramuja didn''t know what just happened inside the garden between his master and that Great King, he might think that his master was only tender like this for him, ''Is this how you treat everyone? By acting coquettishly and stealing their hearts?'' Aster was still holding Ramuja''s hand, he caressed some flowers to check whether they were blooming properly or not. After he talked with Tuskan, he just realized one thing. ''When I gave Tuskan a flower kiss, my heart didn''t waver at all. But if I did that to Ramuja, maybe I would faint immediately,'' Aster thought. He nced at Ramuja, and was quite surprised that Ramuja was sulking. Ramuja lowered his head, but his hand still tightly held Aster''s hand. "Ramuja, what''s wrong?" "Nothing." "Eh" Aster realized that something was amiss. Ramuja would usually blush or at least he would be nervous whenever Aster held his hand, but he was surprisingly calm right now. "Ramuja, if you want to stay something, say it." Ramuja raised his head and looked straight at Aster, he gritted his teeth, but dared not to show any hostility, "Milord, is this how you treat every man?" "Huh? What do you mean? That is a bit weird," Aster frowned. Did his servant dream about something ridiculous again? "Holding his hand, giving them your sweet look, talking to him as if your life depended on them, and kissing him gently. Did you do this to everyone?" Ramuja asked. He was calm, but there was undermining anger that Aster noticed immediately. "What are you talking about? I don''t understand" "You don''t understand? You just kissed him!" Ramuja raised his voice. Aster immediately understood what Ramuja meant. His gaze also darkened, his smile dissipated and he asked in a low tone, "Did you stalk us?" Ramuja scoffed, "So what if I did?" "Ramuja, you don''t trust me at all," Aster tried to separate his hand from Ramuja, but Ramuja instinctively tightened his hold on Aster''s hand. Ramuja was mad, with his big body, he exuded this aura of pressure, as if he would swallow Aster whole. "Why do you want to let go? Now that I''m angry, you want to escape? This is why I can''t trust you, Aster. You are seducing everyone, kissing everyone as if it didn''t mean anything!" Ramuja raised his voice even more. Aster staggered, he was honestly scared with Ramuja right now. Because Ramuja actually had that pressuring aura too, simr to Charles. It was just that, Ramuja never showed it to him. He was always meek and docile in front of him. This kind of Ramuja scared him to the bone, because he could feel imminent danger, "RRamuja, calm down, okay?" Instead of calming down, Ramuja''s heart grew even hotter. He could feel his anger piled up more and more, "I will calm down, be docile and meek again in front of you, then what? You are going to cheat on me again?!" "Cheating? I didn''t cheat!" "You kissed him!" Ramuja pushed Aster to the tree behind them, his hand leaned on the wall as his big, muscr body prevented Aster from escaping. Ramuja picked one flower near him and put it in Aster mouth, then he kissed Aster gently, "You did this to him, give me an exnation." Aster was shocked, and then terrified, and thenughed. "Ahahahaha," Asterughed freely. "What''s so funny? Are you admitting that you are cheating on me?!" "Ramuja, your jealousy is ridiculous!" Aster sneered. "I will not let you go until" Ramuja stopped talking when Aster tiptoed and then pecked his lips. It took him a few seconds to fully process what happened just now. "See the difference? You don''t need flowers to kiss me, because our kiss is not a flower kiss. Our kiss does not need to symbolize anything. I love you Ramuja, remember that." Ramuja was dazed, he stared at his master''s golden eyes and then instinctively kissed him roughly! Ramuja kissed Aster and held the back of Aster''s head. He inserted his fingers inside Aster''s hair and then pressed his lips even more. "Nnnh" Aster groaned because it felt like the kiss was very demanding, as if Ramuja wanted to plunder everything. Aster opened his mouth and let Ramuja explore his mouth until he tried to struggle, because it became harder and harder to breathe. Ramuja finally let go of his master and said, "I love you too." Aster took a few heavy breaths because Ramuja was especially rough today, ''It is pleasant, but if he continues, maybe he would do something too obvious, I don''t want Tuskan and Mariette to see some improper hickeys.'' Aster tried to distance himself from Ramuja, but Ramuja gripped his wrist. He didn''t do it roughly now, but there was still some pressure on it, Ramuja smiled, "Milord, where are you going?" "UUm I think I still have to do some documents." "Your schedule only starts after lunch, you said that on Thursday, you want to have some time to rx. This is the day, Milord." "TThen, I think I need to inspect another garden, maybe some of the flowers need to be tended," Aster tried to find another reason. Ramuja grinned, "I''ve tended all the garden every night, I made sure that everything is in line with your taste. You don''t need to check it twice." "I oh, I need to meet Tuskan and Mariette for breakfast!" "Milord, your breakfast starts at nine." "Ugh!" knowing that he didn''t have any more reason, he nced at Ramuja and said in low tone, "Just don''t make it obvious" "Understood," Ramuja had a wide smile on his face. He kissed Aster and then kissed his cheek, he went down and kissed Aster''s smooth jaw and then his neck, "RRamuja, don''t suck it. It will make a mark." Ramujaughed lowly, he unbuttoned Aster''s shirt one by one, everytime Aster had one button off, Ramuja would kiss his chest down until his belly button. Aster reacted when Ramuja wanted to unbuckle his belt. "TTo think about it, we can''t do it here," Aster said, "TThis is in the public what if anyone sees?" "This garden is solely built for you, no one will enter this garden without permission," Ramuja looked up at his master''s red beet face. He smiled and then continued, "What do you want? Do you want me to help you or?" Aster was silent for a while and then replied, "I''ll help you instead." The position switched, Ramuja was leaning on the tree while Aster was kneeling under him. Aster gulped and pulled Ramuja''s pants down. The big monster bounced in front of him and lightly pped his face. Aster was still amazed by the size. He read the book about intercourse before and found out that this big thing would be inserted in his bottom when they did proper lovemaking. Aster gulped, ''No way, I''ll die.'' Aster held then Ramuja''s manhood and then rubbed it up and down gently. Ramuja started breathing heavily, especially at this angle, when his master kneeled in front of him and rubbed his manhood gently. Because Aster''s mouth was too small to fit the whole thing, he decided to put the head of Ramuja''s manhood on his mouth. He licked and sucked it like a lollipop while his hand was rubbing Ramuja''s manhood. The tempo slowly increased and the air around them started getting hot and fuzzy, "Milord, your mouth is so warm" Aster nced at Ramuja, looking at howfortable he had be, he increased his tempo even more. He liked when Ramuja let go of his restrained and docile side and became rougher. "Is it really tasty? You sucked it like candy." "Thaty" Aster replied with the head of Ramuja''s manhood still in his mouth. After a while, Ramuja started feeling that he would about to ejacte, but he grinned and didn''t say it at all. His breath became rougher and rougher, and then he held Aster''s head while ejacting inside his master''s mouth repeatedly. "Mmphh! Mppf!" Aster struggled, but Ramuja kept his head, so he had to swallow some of Ramuja''s white essence. Aster coughed after Ramuja let him go. Some of Ramuja''s essence came out of his mouth, but the majority of it was already swallowed by Aster. "YYou are too much!" Aster red. Ramujaughed, his expression eased and he became docile again. He picked his kneeling master and then carried him in bridal style. "You said that I shouldn''t make it obvious, if I covered your face with it, you wouldin even more." Aster snorted, but then he sighed, "Just take me back. And also, don''t be jealous too often. It''s not good for my kidney and throat." Ramuja chuckled, "This servant will try." Chapter 199: The Golden Princess Pure Love Chapter 199: The Golden Princess'' Pure Love Rosalie was anxious. She was sitting inside her carriage and passed many viges and small towns to attend the small party hosted by Florentino Viete. Yes, her beloved Floren finally invited her to a party. At first, she was afraid that Floren would host another debauched party, but this small party was at noon and it was specifically noted in his letter that all guests should be dressed properly. With that, Rosalie put her heart at ease and headed to the Velvet Castle the next day. After that wicked woman, Aunt Duchess Camille''s death, Floren was naturally free from all of her restraint. He was now able to control his own destiny, Rosalie thought that Floren would immediately invite her to his castle and uttered his gratitude for her, because Rosalie saved his life. But instead, it took more than eight months since Aunt Duchess'' death for Floren to invite her. ''Does he have any internal agenda? No, right? Floren is a righteous man, he is pious and religious. He is forced to create his debauched image because Aunt Duchess forced him to.'' Rosalie hated the fact that Aunt Duchess died not on her hand, but as long as that wicked woman was dead, then she and Floren would definitely reunite. Rosalie held Floren''s bronze pin tightly, ''Maybe he will give me his silver pin today? Or maybe a gold pin'' Rosalie couldn''t help but imagine the beautiful wedding between her and Floren. She was excited and ordered the coachman to hurry up. Rosalie arrived in front of Velvet Castle, nothing had changed, including the neutral g that decorated the g. Viete was still a neutral region and would not adhere to anyone''s political interest. Although, Floren was forced into prostitution by Aunt Duchess, he still retained some of his dignity by staying true to the nature of his house. Rosalie''s maidservant opened the carriage door, Rosalie was greeted by the sight of Floren with the ssic white suit and red rose on his pocket. He had his hairbed back, showing his handsome face. Before, he usually had this frivolous, almost flirtatious face whenever he faced a woman. But now Floren showed his true nature, he had this righteous and calm countenance. He bowed his body slightly and smiled, "Wee to Velvet Castle, Your Highness Golden Princess Rosalie, may I?" Floren extended his hand, Rosalie blushed, she nodded and gave her hand to Floren. She was escorted to the main ballroom. The ballroom was quite big with beautiful decorations, there were many foods already served, but there was no other guest. Rosalie was a bit surprised, and she asked politely, "Pardon, but, where are the other guests?" Floren smiled mysteriously and then replied lightly, "Your Highness, this is a small party hosted by me, by any means, I can invite anyone I want to, right?" "Of course." "Then, I choose to invite only one person," Floren stared at Rosalie meaningfully. Rosalie caught the meaning immediately and she blushed. She took a few steps back and her heels identally slipped on the velvet rug. "Ah!" Floren reacted immediately and caught Rosalie who fell backward, Floren caught her gently, their faces were very close to each other as they could feel each other''s breath. Their eyes met and none of them would break the silence. This was the first time their faces would be this close, Rosalie was stunned, yet at the same time, she didn''t want to break the silence between them. Because Floren was staring at her deeply. As if he was actually in love with her all along. Rosalie understood that he barely knew her. It was her stalking behavior that made her feel like they had known each other for years. Rosalie had been stalking Floren since he was only eight and she was four. The handsome boy that looked very serious and righteous already caught her eyes since she was a kid. But she dared not to get close to him, because she was scared. Especially because she kept overhearing the same words of ''Rosalie is not as good as Camille as Golden Princess'' since she was just a kid. Floren broke the silence by smiling at her and then said, "Be careful, Your Highness, I don''t want my only guest to get hurt." Floren propped Rosalie back and Rosalie thanked him shyly. "It''s almost time for lunch, I know it''s not as romantic as dinner, but you are not going toe if the party is at night, right?" Floren chuckled. Rosalie nodded embarrassingly. In order to protect herself, she would nevere if it was night. But somehow, she felt a bit guilty because Floren had to follow her interest, "I''m sorry for being inflexible." "It''s okay, I think not attending a night party is very wise of you. You are a Golden Princess, your dignity is the priority." Rosalie nodded affirming his words. Floren held Rosalie''s hand and then took her to a small table that was already prepared with many of its tableware. There was a vase filled with two roses in the middle. She sat at the opposite of Floren. Floren called the servant and they began delivering one food after another, a delicious three course meal filled the table one after another. Rosalie ate gracefully as always, but she always tried to steal a nce at Floren, which she immediately regretted everytime, because Floren stared at her deeply, which made her face hotter. He barely touched his food, he was only staring at her with his hot gaze. "Your Highness, have I ever told you that you are exceptionally beautiful?" "TThank you, but you are praising me too much" "No, no. I really think so. You are beautiful like a red rose, that''s why I put a rose on mypel because I want to show what is inside my heart," Floren said. Rosalie jolted slightly. Maybe she was dreaming right now, but it sounded like Floren indirectly confessed to her just now. "Sir Floren is too much, it''s not good to be too flirtatious with everyone" Rosalie tried to dodge the confession, but Floren shook his head. His face looked bitter. "Maybe that is what Your Highness is thinking inside, that I am a debauched man ready to throw some flirtatious words to everyone" Floren bit his lip and then continued, "I did, but that was because the Grand Duchess forced me to, in fact, I never want to go down that path. And I already cut all the contact with them." Rosalie was staring at Floren intently, there was no trace of dishonesty in him. He was purely in pain whenever he mentioned his past, which made Rosalie guilty for bringing up the past, "It''s all just the past, I know you are not like that." Floren looked hopeful, "It is thanks for your help, you freed me from Grand Duchess'' shackle." "WWell, I''m just doing my best for someone that I" Rosalie stopped midway, because she didn''t want to reveal that she was in love with Floren all along. "I know that you are an amazing woman, so I need to prepare myself to face you right now. I hope that you are not turned down by my enthusiasm" "Not at all, I like it very much," Rosalie said sincerely, "In fact, I''ve always wanted to visit this castle. Because they said it is very majestic, it seems true." Floren showed a happy and relieved countenance, "Your Highness, can I call you Miss Rosalie?" Rosalie''s body trembled with excitement, but she tried hard to contain it and replied, "You can just call me Rosalie, and I will call you Floren, is that okay?" "Okay! It is very fine!" Floren nodded excitedly. "But I have one question," Rosalie''s shoulder leaned forward, and she asked, "Why is Marquis Viete inviting me here, is there something I can do?" Floren scratched his head in awkwardness, he shook his head, "You will know it soon. After you are done with lunch, do you want to have a dance with me?" "Certainly." After a while, the music finally started and Floren stood, he extended his hand which was epted by Rosalie. They were walking to the middle of the ballroom and then the butterfly waltz music started ying. They danced through the soft rhythm of the waltz. Both Floren and Rosalie were very trained nobles, they matched each other''s dances and if the guests were here, they could see that Floren and Rosalie almost looked like an old married couple judging by how in sync they were. After the dance slowed, Floren pulled Rosalie to his embrace and then he whispered, ''Rosalie, I''ve been in love with you all this time. I know you never realize it, but I just don''t want to harm your position. That''s why I never approach you. I''m sorry." Rosalie was stunned, she stared at Floren''s meaningful gaze and her golden circle eyes were immediately triggered. She tried hard to focus and searched for lies. But couldn''t find any. Floren was either an expert liar, or he was really sincere. And Rosalie''s heart said thetter option. Floren was a righteous man in her heart, he never lied unless it was necessary. Even if he lied, he would never lie to harm anyone. Rosalie smiled gracefully and replied Floren with a whisper also, ''You should know that you are always in my mind. I''ve been in love with you since I was a kid. Maybe you might find this creepy, but I''ve been dreaming to marry you since I was four years old.'' Floren showed a shocked expression, but it gradually turned into a gentle smile, "It is settled then." Floren took a pin from his pocket and handed it to Rosalie, "This is my silver pin, I''m sorry that I can''t give you my gold pin yet, I will hand it to you after after we got married." Rosalie caressed the silver pin gently, she almost burst inside her body out of happiness, but she tried to act calm and collected as much as she could. "I will be waiting for the day where you hand me your gold pin," Rosalie perked his upper lip up. The two were blending again with the waltz and then stopped after some times. The day was gettingte as the sun was going down, Rosalie had to leave now or else she would be severely reprimanded by her father and brother. Floren escorted Rosalie until the gate and she kissed her hand lovingly, "I will make myself proper enough to marry you. Just you wait." Rosalie felt like she was going to faint with Floren''s sweet sincere promise, she nodded and looked around, since there was no other noble, she kissed Floren''s cheek lightly and said, "I will be waiting." *** The carriage left the castle and Floren''s expression gradually cooled off. He returned to the castle. He went into a room that was guarded by two guards from Grand Duchy. He entered the room without knocking and saw the exquisitely beautiful man sitting near the window. He was reading a book and nced at Floren. He immediately put down his book and chuckled sarcastically, "It went as expected, right?" Floren''s gaze darkened, as reluctant as he wanted to admit, what Aster predicted waspletely correct, Rosalie was obsessed with him and she had been stalking him since they were both a kid and would immediately ept any kind of advance from him. She was simply blind by love. Asterughed, "I know her inside and out, soon, if you didn''t move at all. She would move first and destroy this castle, as long as you are in her hand. That''s why you have to control her first, so you are able to get the upper hand against her." "Fine, I admit that you are right," Floren admitted helplessly. He wished that Rosalie would show some disgust, so he could rebuke this beautiful but dangerous man in front of him, "Just tell me what n you have to stop her from doing anything, I will obey." Aster grinned maliciously, "I have a n." Aster looked outside, the scenery was beautiful from the window, and he could see Rosalie''s carriage arriving and leaving the castle. ''Rosalie, you are in my hand now.'' Chapter 200: Fair Game Chapter 200: Fair Game Aster was working inside the Velvet Castle for a few days because he agreed to help House of Viete to fix the economy after the financial ruin caused by Aster''s mother. He made many ns which were sorted by Floren personally and then they discussed it. Although Velvet Castle was indeed beautiful, he hadn''t seen Ramuja for a while. He ordered Ramuja to stay inside Lantern Pce, because Aster didn''t want Ramuja to get emotional over his work with literally any man. ''His jealousy is getting more and more ridiculous,st time he got jealous of a guard because I promoted him. I promoted him because we need a new chief tomand the guards! Is this what having a rtionship feels like?'' ''Well, I only need to attend thisst party tomorrow and then return back to Lantern Pce.'' This was the first time Aster epted that regr noble gathering invitation. Because he thought that he would get even more allies there. And the social gathering was explicitly stating that it was meant for the nobles to have fun and talk casually with each other, not to discuss anything political. The party organizer said that they wouldn''t allow any royals to attend the party in order to avoid any political movement inside a noble social gathering. *** Charles kept his calm gaze in front of these young maidens. He was in a regr gathering party for aristocrats. Honestly, he hated this kind of unnecessary event, but it was important to show their face to the crowd. Because all these high aristocrats, they were all both powerful and stupid, especially the young nobles. Most of them were spoiled rotten by their family that they couldn''t think for themselves, usually, only one out of all the siblings in a noble family was sensible enough and then took the mantle as the patriarch or matriarch for their noble houses. Besides, he already has a n. "Your Highness Crown Prince is still as handsome as ever!" said one girl with a red dress coquettishly, she winked at him. He replied with a light nod and warm smile, "Miss Erina is also as beautiful as always." The girl called Erina blushed instantly, followed by the giggles of her friends or envious stares from other girls. Charles was used to this, they were all important subjects for him anyway. Their personal value might be less than zero, but their houses were all important to keep the stability. They were also good enough to follow all his instructions whenever he suggested something, which indirectly benefited him. A maiden approached Charles and then asked cautiously, "Pardon me, but is it true, Your Highness and Grand Duke Aster are dating?" Charles stayed silent, he nced at this maiden that asked this, followed by the girls who were expectant. Charles'' lips curled up, "I am but a humble man in love, I do love him, but it seems Aster doesn''t love me that much." "How can it be! Your Highness is perfect in every way! Grand Duke might have an ethereal beauty, but his position is still lower than you! He shouldn''t reject you at all," one girl said. "Yes, besides, Grand Duke is very detached socially. To be very honest, I''ve never seen him with any friends and he didn''t like to get approached too!" "True, true! Your Highness, may I know if you really got rejected by Grand Duke? Because his expression looked reluctant whenever he faced you," another girl asked. Charles clenched his fist, but hid it immediately. He shook his head slightly, "He is the one that asked me to marry him, but Aster is a very shy man. I understand that all of you are anxious, but don''t worry. We will eventually settle down when he is ready." "Then, what about your fianc, Helene?" "Helene and I are on good terms, but we both agree not to continue the entanglement, because it was arranged by my Father Emperor. I allowed Helene to chase the man of her dream, and I shall chase mine too." Charles smiled at the girl and asked, "But please, don''t hate Aster for not admitting it right now. He is not used to be surrounded by people like this." Charles then heard one of his fans rush, and she informed immediately to his idol, "YYour Highness, Grand Duke Aster actually came to the party!" Charles immediately rushed to the main door. Aster was using a slightly yellow doublet and gold embroidered pants. He was standing straight and he got down from the carriage, followed by the unsightly people who tried to approach him and asked him about anything they could think of. Aster looked disturbed, but dared not to curse them. He showed a smile and answered some questions. He was almost like a celebrity. Charles stared at him and proudly approached Aster. He hugged Aster shoulder to lean to his embrace and then he said, "What is my darling Aster doing here? I know you are very kind, but you have to greet the nobles first. Aster was surprised with the sudden appearance of Charles. Because he was informed that Charles wouldn''te to this party, thus this party was suitable for him to attend. Who would''ve known that it was another trick by Charles. The people were crazy about these couples in love, Grand Duke Aster and Crown Prince Charles, it was like seeing two best men fall in love with each other. Aster gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw, but continued acting as a good noble and then went inside the pce. When the main door was closed, Aster immediately brushed Charles'' hand on her, "You are disgusting." "Disgusting? What''s so disgusting about admitting my love." "You are deliberately going to spread the rumor about us in love again, right?" Aster used him. "Rumor? It''s already a fact." "It will stay as a rumor and will not change." Charlesughed, and then whispered, ''Listen here, Aster. I''m patient enough to tter you, but you should know your limit. There are many nobles here, I don''t want to use force in front of them.'' Aster gulped and subconsciously nodded. After that night incident, he felt like his fear, anger and this unspeakable feeling of pity muddled into one. "It''s good that you didn''t bring your useless servant. Or else, he would ruin the fun," Charles said maliciously. But Aster frowned, "I ordered him to stay and train, what is the use of this noble gathering anyway, they only talk about having fun, without knowing their own risk." Charles didn''t reply, he only smiled and pulled Aster inside the party. The people were shocked when Crown Prince brought this ethereal beauty. It had been a long time since they saw Aster. Because Aster was only avable when people wanted to talk about business with him. "Milord Grand Duke ising, wee to the noble party, Milord" Aster looked around, there were many unrecognizable faces, which made him even more disinterested. As much as he hated to admit it, Charles was indeed the only one he knew. Charlesughed, not long after, there were a bunch of young maidens who rushed to them and said, "Lord Grand Duke! My god, you are even more amazing than I imagined!" "Who are you? "I''m Crown Prince''s biggest admirer!" "No! That''s me!" Young maidens fought one after another, trying to im something unattainable for them. Aster''s gaze darkened, he realized that all of them had these admiring eyes to Charles, every single of them, as if they were worshipping him. ''You finally realized it, just now, huh?'' Aster''s back shivered, he took a step back as he tried to escape, but Charles was holding him tightly, ''This is not a regr party, this party is hosted by me, filled with my people too.'' These people were Charles'' worshippers, and they were ready to do anything as long as it was all instruction from Charles, Aster whispered, ''Fine, what are you trying to do?'' Charlesughed, he escorted Aster to the podium. Aster could see everyone, every face, and surprisingly, most of them were young nobles. ''Erina from House of Tule, Visca from House of Veries'' Aster listed them all and he felt dread instantly, "Charles, release me, now." Charles smiled, he tightened the grip on Aster''s hand even more and then kissed him on the lips. He was plundering Aster''s lips greedily. Aster was too slow to react that all his lips and inside his mouth were plundered by Charles. "Taste sweet, as always," Charles said. Heughed while Aster''s face was burning in anger. His chest palpitating violently, he punched Charles as hard as he could, but to Charles, it was like a kitten scratch. So cute. "There you go, everyone! Grand Duke Aster is my lover and is allying with me," Charles announced in front of the crowd, "As a good lover, before striking any deal with him, you should tell me first. Because I want to help him naturally, I don''t want any bad proposal toe directly to Aster, understand?" "Understand, Your Highness." Charlesughed and then whispered at the stunned Aster, ''Darling, I heard that you are ying some tricks against Rosalie. I don''t need her, honestly, but since you cut my connection with the Golden Princess, I believe this is quite fair, right? I cut half of your connections.'' ''Why don''t you just give up and love me instead? Then we don''t need to y the same boring game like this,'' Charles kissed Aster''s neck gently. Aster looked at the people who were looking at him and Charles with their admiring sparkly eyes, he gulped. He couldn''t say anything to refute. Thus, he stayed silent while bearing the humiliation in his heart. ''Am I really hopeless against him?'' Chapter 201: Still A Kid Chapter 201: Still A Kid ''Why don''t you just give up and love me instead? Then we don''t need to y the same boring game like this.'' That sentence lingered in Aster head. He was now inside the room in this castle that had been decorated by Charles to look almost exactly like his room in Lantern Pce, "Is this castle yours too?" Aster asked calmly. Charles smirked, he sipped his wine and noddedzily, "This is also mine. Naturally, I want this castle to be our love nest after we got married." "You are sick," Aster said unhesitatingly. He had the feeling that Charles was getting more and more deranged as he matured. He was not this unreasonable a few years ago, or Charlesughed, he sat beside Aster on the bed and then embraced Aster, "You realized that too just now? My darling, you are really a nave boy. Like a cute kitten thrown into the world full of malice. Yes, your mother has been protecting you until herst breath. I have to admit that she is an extremely cunning fox, I''ve been defeated by her countless times, but there is one thing she couldn''t do." Charles whispered slowly, ''She failed to kill me.'' Aster shuddered, he tried to struggle to no avail, he could feel how powerless he was right now. There was no Irion or Ramuja to protect him, he didn''t allow any of his shadow guards to follow him because he thought it would be better for them to train more. Now he reaped what he sowed. He was careless, nave, and stupid. He thought he already had the upper hand by making Rosalie dance in his palm, but he was dancing in Charles'' palm all along. "WWhat are you trying to do?!" he reacted when Charles was unbuttoning his shirt. Charlesughed, he replied gently, "That ve is able to enjoy your body, why can''t I? I''ve been trying my best to control my urge, but you actually give your precious body to a ve. I am very disappointed." "Don''t worry, I will never hurt you physically." ''But I will tear your beautiful wings, my angel. I will be the demon that would ruin all of you, so you can only see me, even if it contains some fear. It doesn''t matter anyway.'' Charles'' eyes had turned golden with a hint of ck spots around it. He was not angry when he knew that Aster manipted Rosalie''s love. Rosalie wasn''t important anyway, at most, she would hinder him slightly with her insignificant power. But his chest almost burst when he got the report that Aster and that ve did it again in the garden. ''My darling Aster has been confused for too long, I already catch you red-handed for adultery.'' However, what confused Charles the most was the fact that Aster thought Rosalie would be relevant in this game, "My darling, why are you targeting Rosalie anyway? If you want to fight me in this game, then you should y with the big fishes, not a small cricket like Rosalie. She is almost irrelevant." Aster bit his lip, of course he knew that. But his target was not Charles when it came to Rosalie. He had another n for her and would naturally use her status to deter the others. But Charles discovered it instantly. As if Aster was just a small kid ying with toy blocks while Charles was the adult that watched over him, whenever he tried to do something or he hurt himself, Charles would help or scold him in his own way. Aster mustered his courage and asked, "If I am powerless in this game, then why don''t you just destroy me and then make me your Empress?" Charles ignored Aster and focused on the smooth skin of Aster. He almost drooled when he saw the skin that he had always dreamed off. Even after tasting it a few times, he still found it fascinating. He kissed Aster''s shoulder and then his corbone. He made obvious marks that might take a few days to fade. "Charles!" Aster yelled. Charles finally stopped and then muttered lowly, "Hm? Well, I just think you are a cute kitten that I love. I want to see you y with the yearn ball happily, but I will reprimand you when you are being naughty." "I You don''t see me as a threat at all?" Aster asked, unable toprehend what he just heard. He already did so many things and Charles only replied casually like that? As if all his efforts were just a big joke for Charles. Charles smiled and then kissed Aster''s lips gently, "Not only that, I love seeing you grow. If you can actually create some threat for me, then you will be even more qualified to be an Empress. You will be even more perfect than I could ever imagine." Aster felt numb. He felt like he was ridiculed to the point that he was just a trash in front of Charles. He started trembling, as his pride slowly crumbled. Charles noticed that something was wrong with Aster, "Aster, what''s wro" Charles was stunned when he saw Aster crying. Aster didn''t do any fake cry as he always noticed when he did. This one, Aster was actually crying like a kid. It reminded him of a kid Aster who cried whenever he saw something scary or when Charles identally showed his true side in front of Aster. "AAster, calm down, okay, I will not touch you anymore" Charles panicked slightly. He said that he was ready to destroy Aster. But when he saw Aster like this, it made his heart soft and he couldn''t think straight. He forgot that Aster was still a nave kid trying to find his goal in this world. It was fine if he made some mistake or identally became too prideful, because he was still a kid anyway. Aster cried even harder, his pride was shattered in front of Charles. All his shame disappeared as he couldn''t control his hopelessness. He felt like a kid who just lost everything. "Aster please stop crying, tell me what you want, I will give it to you," Charles tried to coax him like what he did when they were young. Charles surprised himself, he did it out of instinct. He felt even more guilty when he realized that he just did something terrible to Aster. He already knew everything that Aster did since the death of his mother, but he kept this a secret, because he didn''t want Aster to be discouraged. It was just that ve, that ve boiled his anger. Yet, Charles couldn''t touch him, because that ve was hiding behind Aster like a coward he was. He never intended to hurt Aster, it was just sometimes he couldn''t control his anger. Aster sobbed as he saw Charles. Charles was now kneeling in front of him. His eyes were soft and he gently covered Aster''s palm with his. He caressed Aster soft fingers gently and repeated, "Am I too harsh on you? I''m sorry Aster, I never meant to scare you too much. But anyway, do you want somepensation from me." Aster was also stunned when he saw this Charles. This Charles reminded him so much of the young Charles who always protected him and was gentle to him. Charles always tried to coax him whenever he was upset. It gave Aster the illusion that Charles was never intended to hurt him. He would never harm him, just like the same promise he did long ago; ''Aster, even if we have a fight, no matter how serious it bes. I will never hurt you.'' ''Ehh but I don''t want to fight Charles! Charles is so kind to Aster!'' ''There will be time when we might fight, but I will never hurt you, trust me.'' It was such a sweet promise and they had a great childhood, then it all changed when Aster finally realized that Charles and him might have to fight to suppress each other. "Charles, why are you" "Kneeling in front of you? Of course, because I''ve never intended to hurt you, Aster. I I never want you to cry or to be harmed, but sometimes I just can''t control myself. As if, whenever something bad happened, my mind just went hazy and there was only wrath and jealousy in my mind." "Charles you''ve gone insane" "I am," Charles smiled bitterly, "That''s why I can''t control myself sometimes, I am sorry." Charles kissed Aster''s hand and then used Aster''s palm as to caress his cheek, "Sometimes, I feel like you are getting farther and farther away. You might think my love for you is just a whim or a crazy idea. But I''ve never betrayed my heart. I will lose you if I lose in this game, that''s why I don''t want to lose, Aster." Charles stared at Aster intently, there was a hint of pleading in his eyes, "Can you please give me a chance? I beg you." Aster''s heart wavered, he only felt pity mixed with fear to his cousin. He loved Charles, but not as a romantic lover. He always saw Charles as his cousin and big brother at the same time. He saw the pleading eyes of Charles. And his heart grew even more unsettled, at some point, he wanted to just say yes, because Charles looked pitiful, unlike his usual gant and brave figure, he looked fragile here. "Charles, you are an amazing man. You are a genius and powerful military man too. You will be a great emperor, probably the best that we can have. When you be the Emperor, you will eventually settle with an amazing Empress but that Empress is not me. You are my beloved big brother." Charles'' gaze sank as he tried to swallow the hard pill. He lowered his head and patted his thigh. Charles returned back to his cold gaze again. He sneered, "Well, since my trick is not working anymore. Then I guess the best way is just to destroy you and chain you by my side." Aster''s eyes widened, "YYou mean" Charles smirked andughed lowly, "What? You mean that I will beg you because I feel hopeless? It''s just a trick, maybe you will be easy to win over. But you are indeed worthy of your title, you can''t be fooled with a cheap trick like that." Aster was speechless at this point. He almost got fooled by Charles. He really thought that Charles actually felt hopeless in front of Aster, that he actually pleaded so Aster would ept him. "Well, I will let you go for now. The game is not fun when you are too easy to beat, try harder, my sweet Aster," Charles lowered his head and pecked Aster''s lips. Aster didn''t respond, nor he said anything. He was just surprised that Charles could be this convincing. Charles whistled as he left the room. Charles closed the door and then went to the bathroom. He looked at his expression in the mirror. He still had that trace of pleading in his face. He punched the mirror until the mirror was shattered. Charles saw his bleeding hands. He felt no pain, really. He opened the faucet and washed his face, but no matter how much he tried to wash over the tears, he felt that his eyes couldn''t stop shedding some useless tears. ''Why? Why can''t you ept me in your heart?'' Chapter 202: How to be A Lord Chapter 202: How to be A Lord Charles let Aster go soon after he left the room. Aster immediately packed all his things and then left the castle. He shuddered all the way, imagining the scary Charles who would swallow him without even spitting the bones. It made him only want to run away as far as he could, maybe to the point that he just wanted to be invisible in front of Charles. Aster was that frightened. Aster returned to Lantern Pce after the whole day of travel, but he didn''t sleep at all. He was guarded all the way until Dionde City and he could finally take a relieved breath after his carriage entered the Lantern Pce. Aster rushed to his room and then took a warm bath, he ignored every servant who greeted him or asked him. He even ignored Ramuja and Irion who followed him and asked what just happened. He just wanted to hide right now. ''I am really weak, useless a fool'' Aster was dazed in the bathtub, he kept having the nightmare of Charles destroying everything and then chained him. It was even worse when he saw Ramuja''s death in his nightmare. ''I will not let that happen! But what can I do I''m so weak and powerless'' Knock. Knock. "Who?!" Aster was alerted. There was a brief silence and then he replied, "This is Irion, Milord. You''ve been inside the bathroom for almost an hour, it is not good for your skin" Aster had just realized that his skin started turning red and painful, he was so observed in his fear that he forgot about his skin condition. He immediately dried himself and then wore a thin garment. He opened the bathroom door and saw Ramuja and Irion kneeling in front of the bathroom door. Their expression was solemn. "Milord, what happened?" Irion asked first. Aster was silent, and then shook his head, "I''m fine, I''m just tired" "Milord, you are not fine," Ramuja added, "This subordinate knows that you have something in your mind" Both Irion and Ramuja stared at him as if they were really worried. Aster sighed and then said, "Ramuja, leave the room first." Ramuja was startled, he wanted to plead, but looking at his master''s solemn expression, he nodded obediently, "This servant will return" There was only Irion and Aster in this room. Irion was kneeling obediently, waiting for his master''s words. "IIrion, why do you want to follow me?" "This subordinate doesn''t understand." "You are a strong knight, you have a good position in the pce. But you decided to resign and be my unknown guard medal subordinate instead, why did you do that?" Irion finally looked up at Aster and then smiled, "Milord, don''t you remember our first meeting when we were young?" "We''ve met before?!" Aster was startled. Irion nodded and continued, "It is understandable for you not to remember, because you never put other noble kids in your eyes. Back then, when my house was still an Earl house, you were invited to a party in Duchy of Silvor. You are cold and aloof, you didn''t take anyone into your eyes, as if everyone was just a speck of dust." Irion''s gaze slowly became gentler, "I was a rough bully back then. Since my family had a great position, I could bully other kids without any consequence. So, at that party, I bullied other kids too" Irion lowered his head slightly out of embarrassment, "Seeing you cold and aloof like that, I decided to approach you to give you a lesson, but instead of being scared, you didn''t show any strange emotion, in fact, you didn''t show any emotion at all." *** ''You, Sissy boy! Just because you are from Grand Duchy, you didn''t even look at me? Huh?'' Child Irion raised his fist to threaten Child Aster who was petite for his age. But Aster didn''t even flinch. ''Do I know you?'' Aster asked lightly. ''You!'' Irion directed his fist towards Aster, but his fist stopped when it was only an inch away from Aster''s cheek. He stopped because he was paralyzed by Aster''s eyes. The golden circle in his eyes slowly dissipated and the blue pupil turned ck. Child Aster pped Irion on the cheek, it wasn''t even a hard p, but Irion staggered and fell on his knees. It was not the physical pain that made him yield, it was the pressure that Aster gave which frightened, yet, fascinated him. ''You are unworthy of my time, filthy mongrel.'' Child Aster left just like that, as if nothing had happened. Irion was looking at his back, and at that moment, he felt like this person was so powerful and domineering in his eyes. *** "I''m sorry for pping you back then" Aster apologized, but Irion frowned instead. "Why is Milord apologizing? You are my master, and I am your humble subordinate. In fact, if it''s possible, I would beg you to recite the line and do it to me again," Irionughed. "I I just got overpowered by Charles. I feel like I''m going to disappear, I was so scared of him, that''s why I don''t want Ramuja to show this fragile side of me" Aster finally confessed. Irion was stunned for a moment, then he looked angry, not at Charles, but at him, "Milord, you are as powerful as him! Why are you scared of another golden blood?! What you just said is disgraceful to me, Milord! Because I only follow the powerful Aster Di Arlingdon, not a weak kid!" Aster was silent in front of Irion. Then he shuddered, "But Ipared to him, I''m just a kid" "But you are indeed a kid, Milord. You have been well protected by your mother for so long, now you are thrown into the politics of Golden Camellia. But that doesn''t mean you should yield in front of the enemy!" Irion''s countenance was tense, as if he was holding a lot of anger. "What can I do anyway maybe I should just yield and admit defeat" "Milord! Pull yourself together!" Irion finally couldn''t contain his anger. He hated this self-deprecating kid in front of him. This was not his powerful lord, "You are still a kid, but you are able to scheme against Empress Ceci, against Gamasiel, and you are able tomand many to reupy your rightful position! You are not weak!" Irion stood and gripped Aster''s shoulders tightly, "Milord, I admire you and I will follow you forever. But I only follow a master that will stand up again after he falls! Please keep it together!" Aster never knew that Irion could be this forceful, yet, when he saw Irion looking frustrated, there was a light in his heart, ''Does he really trust me that much?'' "Will you follow me even during my hard times?" "I will die for you, Milord!" Irion said unhesitatingly, "But I will only die to a master that will not fear, even when facing the storm!" Irion showed his guard medal and earnestly said, "I keep this guard medal close to me in case I died when protecting you, so you can give this to someone else. Milord, I devote myself to you because you are the epitome of power for me, calm and dangerous as a deepke. Unlike Ramuja, he will die for you because he loves you. But I will die for you because I want to protect my honor!" Aster was stunned when he saw how passionate Irion really was. Sometimes, he thought that Irion didn''t have any reason to stick with him except for his weird fetish. Turns out, he was indeed fiery enough to burn thend. Aster clenched his fist and resolutely nodded, "I''m sorry for doubting you, and doubting myself. I will not fear." Irion nodded passionately, he finally had a relievedugh and then said, "Milord, you can be kind to some people that are important to you, but don''t be soft. You are a Lord, our life is in your hand. Use it as you wish because we trust you." ''He really trusts me like this'' somehow, Aster felt ashamed of himself. Because at some point, he just wanted to hide because he was so scared, "Thank you," Aster said. "Um if Milord wants to thank me, can you recite what you said when you were a kid?" Irion looked eager and he kneeled in front of his master. Aster felt funny, because Irion was very fiery before, and then suddenly kneeled and begged for Aster to mock him again. ''I am the prideful lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill after all.'' Aster''s eyes turned sharp as he stood up and looked down at Irion, "You are unworthy of my time, filthy mongrel." Aster recited it cold and unfeeling tone, just like what he said when he was a kid. Irion was dazed, his mouth was open and he drooled. Soon, he trembled out of excitement. It took him a few solid minutes to recover. He wiped the drool on his handsome face and then thanked his master, "Milord, thank you for your reward!" "Go now, call Ramuja. I got tired seeing you for too long," Aster was still doing his cold demeanor, and Irion couldn''t help but squeal happily as he walked with a big smile on his face. When Ramuja saw Irion with dazed expression and few dumbughs, he got suspicious. He entered the room and then kneeled in front of his master, "Milord, what happened to you?" Aster''s gaze softened immediately, he asked Ramuja gently, "Ramuja, do you ever think that I am just a weak kid in your eyes?" "Never, Milord." "Do you ever think of me as undeserving for this powerful title of mine?" "Never, you deserve this more than anyone." "Will you ever leave me against the monster that could kill us?" Ramuja finally looked at his master and he resolutely said, "Milord, my breath is yours. I will never leave you." Aster smiled satisfied and then patted Ramuja''s head, "That''s enough reason for me." Chapter 203: Adversary in the Autumn Chapter 203: Adversary in the Autumn "Charles elerated his progress to take the throne?" Aster was listening to the shadow guard who reported the activity around Roagelt, the capital of Golden Camellia. "Yes, Milord. After your arrival in Lantern Pce, Crown Prince has elerated his progress, he starting to be even more active in many noble events or peasant festival, ording to our informant inside the pce, there are many nobles who went in and out the Golden Pce to meet him," the informant reported everything. "How about the Emperor himself, he must''ve noticed this, right?" It was not right if Uncle Emperor didn''t notice this. Charles was known for his grand stage, where he would steal all the attention and left people mesmerized with his absolute charisma. It was impossible if Uncle Emperor didn''t take any measure into his consideration. The informant shook his head, "Emperor Audric IV has been quiet the whole time. He didn''t participate in any event nor he had interest in maneuvering his position around the politics of Golden Camellia. He is almost soulless, Milord." Aster''s expression became solemn. He couldn''t let Charles ascend smoothly, because it would trouble him even more. ''This should be his revenge after I rejected him again in that castle'' ''Is this intentional? He hastens everything so he could destroy my duchy as soon as possible?'' Aster nodded and said to the informant, "You''ve done a good job, I''ll reward youter. My next order would be, try to observe the Golden Pce''s court order. If you notice any changes in the ministry, immediately inform me. There is a chance that Charles would shift the court to his favor and then tumble his father with the legal power." "Understood, Milord," the informant bowed his head obediently and then disappeared. Aster sighed, he looked outside and noticed that the leaves had turned yellowish, "Autumn is here" Aster never understands why, but every time something bad happened, it always happened during autumn and winter. He had a bad premonition, but it was logical of course. Because Charles was indeed the worst enemy you could ever face. Aster saw Ramuja and Irion training rigorously on the training yard, and he smiled, "But I will not give up. This duchy and everyone in it, I will not fear." Aster took the quill on the table and started writing a letter directed to a woman, ''To Esther Yvette, Second Princess of North Fort Kingdom.'' *** Mariette was preparing to return back to Great Arctyr. She was Great Princess, the second-inmand in Great Arctyr. Unlikes the Golden Princess in Golden Camellia, Great Princess in Arctyr served as the ruler when both the king or queen were absent. "How long will you stay here? You know that everyone in Great Arctyr supports you the most, they will be dissatisfied if I ruled for too long, especially the court ministers who keeps begging you to marry their daughters." Tuskan sighed, he already swore to himself that he would not marry anyone except Aster, so he stayed true to that oath, "I will return when Charles finally releases me from the contract. Also, if I am the one in charge, we cannot help Aster at all. At least, you can still help him in the name of Great Arctyr." Mariette smiled meaningfully, "You seem to be very concerned about Aster." Tuskan blushed instantly, "YYou are just imagining, I don''t care much about him" "Eehh just confess that you are in love with him, right?" Mariette teased his brother and chuckled, "No need to deny it, it''s all written in your face." "TThen, if you know it already, just keep this a secret!" Tuskan tried to reprimand his sister. Mariette giggled and hopped inside the carriage. Tuskan closed the door and said, "Take care." "Tuskan, I am far stronger than you. I should be the one who worries about you," Mariette seemed to be in deep thought for a minute and then continued, "If you want to chase Aster, you must know that he absolutely despises rough and dominating men. Don''t be like that guy" When talking about a rough and dominating man, it immediately reminded Tuskan of Charles, he shook his head, "I will not be like him, trust me." "I trust you, naturally." Mariette and Tuskan said their farewell and then the carriage set off. Tuskan was now alone in this mansion in Dionde City. Of course, he was with his men, but he still kept it low. He didn''t wear his grand robe or guarded by countless soldiers. He looked like a regr rich noble in the big bustling Dionde City. Since Tuskan got the notice from Charles that he was elerating his goal to take the throne, Tuskan had to obey and he had to prepare himself. Because he would be helping Charles whenever possible. ''Well, this is also a good time for me to meet Aster often, I miss him a bit.'' Tuskan blushed immediately when he remembered that moment when Aster kissed him in the Garden in Lantern Pce. Aster''s soft lip brushed his lip slightly when he gave him the flower kiss. Tuskan fiddled with the part where his lips and Aster''s touched, "I I want more." Tuskan fidgeted ufortably, whenever he remembered about Aster, his body was hot all over and his mind became mushy. "Your Majesty, there is a letter from Crown Prince, it is an invitation to Autumn Banquet in Roagelt," hismander entered the room without any permission and briefly saw his powerful great king fidgeted like a maiden in love for a brief moment until he returned back into a cold man. Tuskan cleared his throat and took the letter, he opened it and read the content briefly and said, "Send the letter that I will definitely attend the banquet." "Yes, Your Majesty," themander left the room in a hurry. ''Aster wille too, right? That''s the best time to meet him.'' Tuskan thought as his mind flew into a wondend. *** Lisa and Jon Woods were kneeling deeply in front of Lord Harion, there was a blissful smile stered in their face. As if they just heard great news. "Hm? Why are you twoing to my office? Is there something you want to report?" Lord Harion asked. Jon raised his head and replied; "Yes, Milord, this one and my family will move out from this area, we will resign." "Resign? What will you guys do? Where will you move out to?" Harion was slightly concerned. Although Lord Harion was mostly silent and observed everything from afar, he always took care of all his workers and subordinates. He had known Woods Family since his young days, since they already devoted themselves to House of Di Arlingdon for a long time. "This one''s sister, Merry Woods has be very popr in Dionde City, she collected enough money to buy a house in Dionde City. We will move to the city soon, asking for Milord''s permission" ''Merry that girl who had a rtionship with Ramuja? Didn''t they break up already?'' Ramuja already said that he would devote himself to Aster, so he broke up with Merry in favor of his master. ''It seems that the girl has already moved on from Ramuja, I guess I can let them off without troubling Aster now.'' "Alright, I will grant you permission to leave my business and I will give you rmendation, so you will be treated fairly by the guards around the borders. I will also prepare a carriage for you two." Jon and Lisa were very touched with Lord Harion''s kindness, they prostrated in front of him and thanked him excessively, "Thanking Milord! Milord is very generous!" Lord Harion smiled, and then continued, "If you can''t find a job in Dionde City, I will put you two in Lantern Pce to work as a servant. I''m sure Aster would dly ept you." Again, Lisa and Jon thanked Lord Harion and praised him to the moon and back. Lord Harion scoffed and then told them to leave the room. Lord Harion was alone in his office, nothing changed after the death of his wife, Camille Di Arlingdon. He still did his job as businessman, although he already transferred almost all his assets to Aster anyway. It was his heart that had changed. It felt even emptier than before. Harion opened the drawer and took a medium painting of Camille and Aster. When Aster was still a baby, Camille was beside him all the time. Harion decided to hire a painter to paint Camille and baby Aster. In the painting, Camille was holding baby Aster while Aster was sleeping peacefully. She looked gentle and beautiful as always. She looked a bit tired, but she didn''t lose her luster at all. "At that time, I thought everything would be perfect. You, I, and Aster..." Harion caressed Camille in the painting, "But I know that marrying you means that I have to give up all my freedom, because this is what you are born for, to be the one who bnce the power in Golden Camellia." "Maybe you are ruthless and unforgiving, maybe our son thought so too. But I know that you are protecting him and preparing him to face his fate." "Camille, our son is doing well, I will help him if I need to. But I know he is surrounded by people that love him too, don''t worry about that ve, he is also a prince. His ruined kingdom has been restored after the destruction brought by the royal family. He will be able to protect Aster soon." "Camille, we fought a lot. But when you are not here it feels a bit lonely." Chapter 204: Autumn Banquet in Golden Palace Chapter 204: Autumn Banquet in Golden Pce Aster was staying inside his mansion in Roagelt, the capital of Golden Camellia. He was surrounded by two stylists that tried to give him the best apparel for the autumn banquet, they were supposedly the best tailor and stylist in Dionde City which he brought to Roagelt so they could style him before the banquet. This was a protocol held by Grand Duchy or any high aristocrat houses. There would be stylists and tailors that catered to their apparel, so they always looked good in every public asion. Aster was no difference, at first, he tolerated these two people, but it had been three hours and they hadn''t decided which one for him to wear. They kept repeating the same thing over and over; "This one is good on Milord, he is amazing in diamonds!" "No! He is better in gold! Don''t you see how pale his skin is? Diamonds will only make his skin too pale!" "Are you crazy? Too much gold is tacky! Milord has this aloof aura! Don''t you want him to look untouchable and ssy?!" The vein in Aster''s temple popped, he yelled at them, "You two, go out! I will pick one myself!" The tailor and stylist were shocked, but when they saw the time, they finally realized that they already wasted so much time arguing. Usually, they were very synchronized with their choice, but this was the first time they dressed the new Grand Duke. It was astonishing that Grand Duke Aster basically fit any kind of clothing as long as it didn''t look rough, though he did fit a rough and edgy style, but it wasn''t proper for a nobleman like him. They apologized and left the room. Aster took a deep breath to calm himself, he saw the clothes that were scattered around and frowned. He found everything to be either tacky or in. He looked around to find other good clothes, but he spotted Ramuja instead. He was standing near the door, gazing at him for three hours, but when their eyes met, Ramuja immediately lowered his head. An idea suddenly popped in Aster''s head. He called Ramuja, "Ramuja,e here." Ramuja approached and kneeled to his master, "Yes, Milord." "Pick me one garment for Autumn Banquet, we only have one hour before we have to go." Ramuja stared at his master intently and he thought in his heart, ''Milord is better without any garment at all.'' Ramuja shook his head immediately to dispel his perverted mind, he looked around and then nced at his master who looked at him expectantly, ''Everything you wear is good, Milord.'' Honestly, Ramuja was unsure himself. Because it was true that his master really fit any kind of clothing. His physique was beautifully slender with a hint of fragility, and his face was stunning, yet it didn''t show any weakness, especially with his deep eyes and calm, prideful gait. Ramuja imagined his master stomping him with a boot and whipping his back, his body seemed to be a bit excited. He spotted tight leather pants and slim fit, scarlet colored doublet that would exactly exhibit all his lord''s body features. He picked it for his master. "This is your choice?" Aster was slightly surprised, Ramuja nodded, "Well, you do have a great taste." *** The Golden Pce was twice bigger than Lantern Pce, which was already huge by the world standard. It was adorned with avish gold gate thatsted for hundreds of years, and many golden statues. It was indeed the epitome of a wealthy country. The banquet was held in both the Roagelt square for the peasant, and inside the closed gate of Golden Pce for the aristocrats. Aster''s carriage entered the gate and he was greeted by the sight of the guards guarding the pathway. The banquet was held in the open space of the main courtyard. There was a great amount of food and drinks served for all guests. In the autumn banquet, personal guard was not allowed. So, Aster ordered Ramuja and Irion to watch over the tower, just like other guards from other houses. Aster opened the carriage door and the people already gasped in awe, as always. Aster was used to the stares and gasps, so he ignored them nonchntly and walked straight to Uncle Emperor who sat solemnly on a throne. People gasped because of how alluring Grand Duke Aster looked. He was already a top-ss beauty in the entire country, everybody knew that, but today, he looked alluring and dangerous. Grand Duke Aster''s hair wasbed back neatly, he wore tight leather pants, a slim fit doublet that really showed his body. The doublet was scarlet colored, with golden buttons and he wore a dark red rose choker. Coupled with his cold countenance, it made him simr to a rose. Alluring and tempting, but undoubtedly dangerous with his thorns. Aster smirked and bowed his head slightly, "I am here to pay respect for the powerful Emperor Audric IV, may Golden Camellia prosper until thest eternal petal falls." Emperor Ludwig was staring at his nephew from head to toe, his smirk, his confidence, his absolute beauty to shock people. It reminded him of his beloved big sister Camille. For the first time during the whole banquet, the Emperor finally smiled, "I heard that Dionde City is in great condition after you be the ruler, you inherit many of your mother''s traits." "Thank you, Uncle Emperor." Charles was standing beside the throne, he was gazing deeply at Aster. His fist clenched, ''These people, they dared to see Aster''s alluring disy freely like this. I will gouge their eyeballs!'' ''Why is Aster wearing this kind of alluring garment anyway. He just invited many people to drool over him!'' Aster nced at Charles, and he also grinned at him, "Crown Prince Charles is here too, you look very gant and handsome as always." Charles''s chest palpitating, he grabbed Aster''s hand in front of the Emperor and asked, "Why are you wearing this?" Aster acted confusedly, but there was no fear in his eyes, "It is a statement. Please let go, this is very improper in front of Your Majesty." Emperor Ludwig''s eyes turned ck when he saw this. He heard the news that Charles and Aster were a pair of lovers and the people already epted them as a pair of lovebirds, which was ridiculous. ''If I and my sister can''t be together, they shouldn''t be!'' Aster nced at Uncle Emperor''s dark gaze and he sneered in his heart. After reading the note from his mother, he finally noticed how mentally unstable Uncle Emperor really was. - My brother, Ludwig, Emperor Audric IV, is actually very childish and petty. You should y around this to induce some dissonance. - Charles couldn''t care less about his father. He was really mad because Aster was carelessly taunting him like this. He really hated it when Aster was not under his control, "Are you deliberately taunting me like this?" He put on some force on his grip as he wanted to drag Aster. He wanted to rip Aster''s clothes and get him a regr big tunic, so no one would be able to see Aster''s body at all. Even better, he wanted to lock Aster in his room, so no one would be able to see him at all. Instead of being scared, Aster smiled, "Don''t be rough, there are a lot of people here. I don''t want them to see you as a rough man." Charles finally noticed how everyone''s eyes were on them. He gritted his teeth and let go Aster''s hand. The people actually saw this as a sweet moment between Charles and Aster. Aster was alluring everyone with his clothes, but it only made Charles jealous. ''I know what they are thinking, but this is a golden opportunity to make Charles restless. He is a man full of control andmand. As soon as something is not in line with his prediction, he bes more and more restless.'' Aster left aggravated Charles and the Emperor who was also in deep thought. Hezily leaned on a wall and sipped on a light wine, ''Phew, d I researched a bit about this. This one is very light in alcohol, so I should be able to hold it.'' Everybody stared at Aster, but nobody dared approaching him, because he always looked detached and cold. But today, they didn''t dare to approach because they could feel the dangerous aura around him. And then, a man approached him, he wore a raven colored velvet vest whichplemented his raven hair. He smirked at Aster as he picked a rose and presented it in front of Aster, "This beautiful rose for a beautiful man," he bowed lightly. Aster saw the blood dripping from the man''s finger and he said, "You are bleeding from the thorn." "I know, isn''t that very novel? I''m plucking a beautiful rose, but I have to hurt myself to pluck it, just like when I meet you. Isn''t that right, my dear Aster?" he showed his handsomely devilish smirk, "Or have you forgotten about me?" Aster smiled and epted the rose, "Of course not, how could I forget the one that had helped me to return to Grand Duchy, isn''t that right, King Gaum?" Chapter 205: Overpowered Chapter 205: Overpowered "Of course not, how could I forget the one that had helped me to return to Grand Duchy, isn''t that right, King Gaum?" Gaum was breathing heavily. His mind was clouded when he saw this man in alluring everyone in this feast. He was an incubus ready to take everyone whenever necessary. What made Gaum mad was the fact that Aster did this in front of everyone just to provoke Charles. As if Aster was trying to mock Charles because he was unable to fully control him. There was a sense of jealousy in his heart. ''You love your filthy ve, you actually have Charles in your mind, but not me?'' "If you haven''t forgotten about me, how about we spend the night of the feast in another quieter spot?" Gaum showed his signature devilish smirk that swooned all thedies in the feast, but Aster didn''t falter. Aster only chuckled, "If King Gaum is free like this, you should show your handsome smirk to anydies here, I''m sure they would want to know you more." Tuskan''s jaw tightened, he was holding his lust and anger at this point. Aster was ten times more seductive when he was confident like this. Everybody liked the aloof and untouchable goddess, but a beautiful untouchable incubus almost blew everyone''s minds. "You have been ignoring me like this, do you know how disappointed people in Rhea are? They thought you only use me because you want my army," Gaum said loudly, so everybody noticed. The guests started whispering to one another, Aster gritted his teeth, this was definitely a way for Gaum to threaten him by leaking many secrets, whether it was true or not to the public. Since at this point, all nobles knew that Aster was able to defeat his own mother with the help of Rhea. Tuskan who had been standing near them the whole time finally frowned. At first, he was shocked when he saw Aster in that very alluring garment, it made his face red all along and his certain body part was ufortable. He lowered his head so his eyes couldn''t stare at such beauty. But when he saw Gaum tried to pressure Aster to have a ''private night'' with him, it boiled his anger. Without much thinking, he rushed towards Gaum. He grabbed Gaum''s shoulder, when Gaum turned his head, Tuskan punched his face immediately. The punch was strong enough that Gaum fell immediately, he was still shocked. Tuskan said, "Don''t you dare shame Aster like that, he is more noble than you." The guests were even more shocked, first, it was the Crown Prince who was jealous because Grand Duke Aster wore this kind of garment, then King Gaum was trying to seize him, now the Great King of Great Arctyr was protecting Aster and actually held Aster''s hand worryingly. "Are you okay? Don''t listen to him, he is just trying to take advantage of you," Tuskan said. Aster was stunned with the sudden development, he finally shifted his attention to Tuskan. But, before he could even say anything, a man lurked behind Tuskan with his great pressure. He exuded a deadly aura that made other guests distanced themselves from these great tigers. "Aster, what''s wrong?" Tuskan asked, he touched Aster''s cheek without much thought, because Aster turned paler so suddenly. "OUT OF THE WAY!" a thunderous roar shook everyone with great fear. Tuskan could feel that his shoulder was pushed so hard that his body hit the wall until he almost lost consciousness. Aster turned even paler, his leg trembled, but he tried his best to maintain his prideful figure. He looked at Charles coldly and sneered, "Have you lost your mind? You just scared everyone here." "Do I look like I care?" Charles asked in his deep, almost grunting voice, "I will not let anyone see you," Charles said. He grabbed Aster''s wrist. Aster bit his lip to bear the pain, because he could feel that his wrist might crack at any point. He was dragged forcefully by Charles. "Charles, let go!" "You will seduce everybody here!" Charles tightened his grip that Aster almost cried out the pain. A silhouette suddenly appeared in front of Charles and then said in a low steady tone, "Let my master go." Charles was like a raging bull. Finally, after so long, this ve had a gut to show up in front of Charles. Charles let go of Aster and unsheathed his sword, "OUT OF THE WAY OR YOU WILL FACE DEATH!" Ramuja was calm as a deepke. He also unsheathed his sword. The guests were calling the guards to break up the fight. They were also too scared to move, some of them froze on the spot when they saw Crown Prince''s ink ck eyes. The usually gentle and gant Crown Prince was like a dark demon, his eyes petrified everyone, only some people with great willpower were able to control their bodies. The guards immediately surrounded them, they also unsheathed their sword to help the Crown Prince, but Charles pointed his sword at them, "YOU ANTS ARE IN MY WAY!" Emperor Ludwig scoffed at this scene, Charles was definitely losing control because Aster was already rebelling against him,bined with the eyes all staring at him greedily, and two great men approached Aster romantically. ''He is still my son after all.'' Charles swung the sword and charged at Ramuja, he was incredibly fast that it made him look like he pounced at his prey, like a lion. Ramuja was startled, but he soonposed himself and blocked the Crown Prince''s sword with his. CLANK! CLANK! CLANK! Two swords were shing against each other. The guards were too scared of Crown Prince''s madness, they opened the gate instead and asked all the guests to leave the main courtyard immediately. Some guests who were petrified were carried to leave the courtyard. There were only a few people in the main courtyard right now, Emperor Ludwig, Great King Tuskan, King Gaum, Grand Duke Aster and Ramuja who was fighting the Crown Prince currently. Ramuja soon got overwhelmed with Charles'' enormous power. Their strength and skill were actually simr, although maybe Charles was just slightly better. But Charles seemed to have infinite energy, as if he didn''t tire at all, didn''t stagger at all. He got even stronger and stronger every minute. Charlesughed, "You know, you are the only one that couldst for this long. I appreciate your effort, but you are no more than a rat in front of me!" Ramuja was panting heavily, his hand started trembling. He was in a defensive stance the whole time because Charles was attacking him continuously like a mad demon. There was a trace of shock in his head, because he underestimated how crazy strong Crown Prince truly was. He nced at his master who looked at him worriedly and he fixed his posture once more, "Let my master go!" Charles red at Aster who tried to approach him, "Stay away, Aster! I will kill this servant of yours first!" "Charles! Stop!" the fear of losing his servant finally overcame Aster. He ran and shielded Ramuja with his body, "Stop this! I will follow what you want, just stop this!" Charles scoffed scornfully, "You are rebelling against me before, and now you are going to obey me because you want to protect him?! I will kill him so you have no reason to rebel!" Charles pulled Aster''s cor and flung him to the side with considerable force. Ramuja instinctively went to his master, but he was blocked by the Crown Prince''s sword, "Our fight is not over yet." Ramuja gazed at his bruised master, something was swirling inside his heart. Something painful pricking his heart, something awful. As if, he was being humiliated by his own weakness, ''You let him get hurt, useless, useless, useless, useless, useless.'' He had the same feeling before, the great desire that he thought already dead after he was sold as a sex ve. This was the same desire that got evoked when he saw his master was going to be taken by Charles in the meadow before. Ramuja fixed his stance once more and he said in a low voice, "Come." Charles charged at him again, the fight continued with Charles attacking Ramuja with his infinite stamina. But at some point, Ramuja was able to find an opening and attacked. Charles evaded skillfully, but soon, there was a thin slice on his cheek. Charles was stunned, but it was not only him who got shocked to the bone, Emperor Ludwig was also shocked. ''Impossible! Charles is stronger than me! How could that ve'' "Rraagh!" Charles became fiercer as he attacked, he was able to find many openings and made ten thin slices around Ramuja''s body and face. But Ramuja was able to slice the Crown Prince twice. ''Charles Charles is going to lose. That ve is not backing down at all!'' Emperor Ludwig grew wary. It was true that Charles still had the upper hand, but he got the feeling that Aster''s ve had a resolution in his heart, that he would not back down no matter how. ''If this drags on, both of them will die at one point!'' CLANK!!! Emperor Ludwig jumped from his throne and interfered with the fight with his word. Both Charles and Ramuja staggered back. Emperor Ludwig said solemnly, "Stop your fight, this is pointless." "HOW DARE YOU INTERRUPT ME!" Charles pointed his sword at his own father, but Emperor Ludwig ignored him and said to the ve, "Take Aster back, he has bruises around his body." "And you," Emperor looked at his son, and shook his head, "Look at what you did to your golden circle." Charles took a deep breath and nced at Aster who got carried by Ramuja. He was unconscious, probably he hit his head when Charles threw him to the side. His apparel was torn and he was bruised, even his face was bruised. Like an earthquake in his heart, Charles'' finally regained his sanity, his eyes turned normal slowly and his lips trembled, "AAster, I didn''t mean to hurt you..." "You just did," Ramuja scoffed and then disappeared with his master. Charles'' hand trembled, the sword in his hand fell to the ground and he kneeled. He stared at his trembling hand, he gasped a few times, ''I said I will not hurt him physically. I promise that I will never hurt him with my hands'' Emperor Ludwig sighed and patted his son''s shoulder, "I wouldn''t mind if you take the throne, but you are far too unstable right now, Golden Camellia will be ruined under your stained hands. I will not hand you the throne unless you are able to dethrone me by force." Chapter 206: Eulogy of the Prince 28 Chapter 206: Eulogy of the Prince 28 I dashed as fast as I could to Grand Duke''s mansion in Roagelt, Irion already contacted the best doctor in the capital city and brought him personally to treat Milord. My hand was trembling, because this was the first time I saw Milord get wounded like this. Every time I jumped from one roof to another, I checked Milord''s breath. I felt relieved because he was still breathing constantly. When I finally arrived at the mansion, Irion was already there with the doctor. The doctor was flustered when he saw a beautiful man being carried with wounds and bruises around his body. "Please check him," I asked. The doctor nodded and he checked Milord''s heartbeat, wounds and breathing. He sighed in relief, "Grand Duke Aster is fine, but he must''ve hit his head somehow. But there is no fatal wound, the wounds can be healed quickly with ointment, but the bruises would need some time. However, I suggest him not to move around too much for a few days, because there are many deep bruises, did he fall or something?" I fell silent for a minute before replying to the doctor, "He was flung to the ground by the Crown Prince." "Ah tthen, my bad, Crown Prince must''ve his own reason" the doctor seemed to be nervous when I mentioned Crown Prince Charles. I frowned and said lightly, "He is just insane." The doctor was frightened, he immediately packed all his tools and then excused himself, he said this before he left, "PPlease refrain yourself from insulting Your Highness Crown Prince, he will end you." I was stupefied with his panicked demeanor, as if mentioning the Crown Prince was at the same level as mentioning a god. I nced at Milord pitifully; ''Crown Prince has this great influence towards everyone in Golden Camellia, no wonder you are very stressed about the situation'' ''I am sorry for being insensitive, Milord'' I was immature whenever I got jealous, whenever I felt that I was useless and when I could only watch Milord bing Crown Prince''s lover in the eyes of the public. But when I saw how brave Milord was as he was trying to protect me despite my weakness, I realized that I never looked at Milord as a human, but a god. "Irion, I will treat Milord myself, please leave first," I said. Irion sighed and then left the room. There was only me and Milord now in this room. I kneeled beside the bed, stripped Milord''s shirt and pants, and took the alcohol and cotton to wipe all wounds on his body. Milord unconsciously twitched whenever the alcohol touched his wound, and my heart was shattered whenever he did so. ''Milord, I''m sorry. I''m sorry for being useless. I''m sorry because I can''t protect you.'' ''Milord, you shouldn''t have blocked the Crown Prince. Because I know you are also scared. Your legs are trembling and your pale skin became even paler, but you decided to protect me'' ''Do you really love me so much? How about your own life? Don''t you know that your life is very precious?'' I pinched the wet cotton between my fingers, my heart was pricked with thorns. I continued treating Milord''s wounds although my hand was shaking, "Milord, why did you do that? Did you suddenly realize that I am also a coward, so you decided to protect me? I''m not a coward anymore, Milord. At least for you, I will not yield" "Seeing you like this, I" tears started falling on my cheek, I sobbed and held Milord''s hand gently, "I love you, Milord. But you don''t need to love me back at least don''t love me this much! Your life is more precious than this, what if something bad happened to you" "I will not forgive myself." I continued treating all Milord''s wounds and bruises, and then dressed him with thin garment and covered his body with a warm nket. He looked like a sleeping angel, free from all worldly matters, even though he just got hurt by the Crown Prince. I decided to kneel beside the bed and safeguard Milord for the whole night. I held his hand gently and kissed it, "Milord, I will protect you." *** ''Prince Rama sleep well'' ''Prince Rama, please stay quiet, we will send you to your uncle, he is only a city lord, but he will be able to protect you for the time being. Stay safe'' ''Prince Rama Prince Rama'' "Ramuja, wake up," I heard a familiar voice that woke me from my slumber. Milord was smiling at me, I immediately held his hand and said, "Milord, I''m sorry, I''m sorry" "What are you sorry for? It was me who provoked Charles, you are just protecting me." "But I failed" "You didn''t, dummy. If you failed, I would''ve been captured by Charles," Milord gave his warm smile and then patted my head, "What did you dreamst night? You keep saying Prince Prince Prince." "I don''t know, Milord. I just keep having this weird dream for years" Milordughed at me, "I hope it''s not a naughty dream about us, because I''ll be mad if you really did so." "WWhy?" my cheek felt hot all the sudden. I thought Milord could read my mind at some point, because it was true, that I had a lot of wet dreams with his Milord. Some of it was really wild too. "Mhm~ Ramuja have some wild dreams about his master," Milord teased lightheartedly, "How impudent, you are disrespecting your own master like this, what kind of shameful y was in your dreams about this lord of yours?" Milord raised his brows mischievously. ''Bondage, public, sadism-masochism, anal beads, deep throat, raw, creampie'' I could list almost all kinds of ys inside his daily dreams, but he lowered his head in embarrassment and said, "It''s nothing much." Milordughed again and then he nced at the window, "It''s fine, you are not the one to me. Because to be honest, it went ording to my n. It was ten times more effective than the one in my head in fact." "But everyone will see you as a seductress I''m sorry Milord, I really didn''t mean to ruin your image. I just want them to see you as beautiful but deadly lord, so they would never underestimate you" Aster grinned, "The idea popped because of your garment of choice, so I have to thank you for that. Besides, don''t you see? The impact will be really huge because of yesterday''s event." "What do you mean, Milord?" "Charles'' insane behaviorst night must''ve repelled some of his current allies and potential allies, no one would want a mad king. Camellians are traumatized by my grandpa''s madly-in-love behavior, they don''t want it to repeat." "But they saw you and the Crown Prince as a true lover" this one, I felt like it was partly my fault, because I was the trigger. I tried my best to brush off that stupid jealousy, but I couldn''t. "Some of them will rethink that, because not everyone wants a rough and crazy man as their spouse," Milord pinched my chin, our eyes met, "Just like me, I don''t like a rough and crazy man. Though, I am willing to follow some of your dreams if you want to realize it." I blushed instantly, and something down there was getting really hard. Milord seemed to notice it, he giggled and then pecked my lips. I was stupefied for a moment, and then kissed his lips harder. However, I dared not to continue, because of Milord''s condition right now. "Milord, I will bring you some food. Please wait," I said. Milord pouted like a cute child, "At least calm yourself first before leaving this room, your huge bulge will make every maid outside go crazy for you." "TThen, will you" *** King Chandra was sitting on the throne solemnly with his ministers surrounding a map, they had been searching for their missing crown prince for years without any result. At some point, they were about to give up and dered that Prince Rama had died when Golden Camellia invaded for the second time. There were plenty of other princes from King Chandra, but none was destined by their god to be the one to inherit the throne. To be able to inherit the throne, he must be blessed by the god, proved by the symbol on his back. They already searched in every country possible without any result, until a few months ago, an envoy arrived at their gate. He said that he had news about Prince Rama''s whereabouts, he was an envoy sent by a high aristocrat from the said country. "Prince Rama is in Golden Camellia, sold as a ve for years Your Majesty, what should we do?" King Chandra''s eyes were solemn, he clenched his cane tightly, "Golden Camellia destroyed and colonized our country for years until we finally took it back, it is natural for us to take our prince back. Prince Rama shall return to his kingdom." Chapter 207: Framed Chapter 207: Framed A month after the incident, the aftermath of the autumn banquet in Golden Pce was huge. The news that Crown Prince Charles went rampant because of Grand Duke Aster''s unscrupulous behavior spread like a wildfire, and the public opinion was split in two. ''Crown Prince Charles is too unstable! He can be another Emperor Leopold!'' ''No! He is only like that because Grand Duke Aster was acting like an incubus! He is an outstanding man nevertheless!'' ''So did Emperor Leopold! He was an outstanding man too, but he got crazy because of that witch Empress Eva! Who knows what will happen if Grand Duke Aster bes crazy too? We will be doomed!'' ''Now you me Grand Duke?! He is just trying to enjoy the party! What kind of man would want to chain his spouse inside the bedroom forever! The Crown Prince is a psychopath!'' Asterughed when he heard all these debates over their supposed ''affair''. Some of them supported Aster and Charles in their imagination, Charles only went insane for Aster, which proved that he was really devoted to Aster. Some of them just wanted Charles and Aster to break up, because the rtionship between them gradually became unhealthy. The debate spread like a wildfire that even the people in the remote area would know about the affair between the Crown Prince and Grand Duke. Aster whistling happily while tending the flowers, he made sure that the autumn flower would bloom beautifully. He looked very happy, as if he was free from all the worldly matters about the love story between ''Aster and Charles'' outside. Meanwhile, Ramuja anxiously tried to open the conversation with his master about this, because this news seemed to have created an earthquake in Golden Camellia. The people were traumatized with the war between Golden Camellia and Great Arctyr, caused by the recklessness of Emperor Leopold and his witch wife, Empress Eva. They didn''t want it to repeat when Charles became the new emperor. "Milord about the news," Ramuja tried to open the conversation, Aster nodded and then continued checking the flowers one by one. "Whwhy don''t you rify to the people that you are not involved anymore with the Crown Prince" "I was never involved, he might be in love with me, but I never did," Aster replied lightly, "Withdrawing in this current situation is a stupid idea, because this is the best time to grab some more connection before Charles recovers. He takes a heavy blow with this news, everyone is doubting his capability as a ruler and it will take time to regain the trust back." "But he is still doing his campaign even after the banquet" "Of course, he is trying to stabilize his position first. That''s why I said this is the best time to move, because Charles is handful right now. I already sent a letter to Esther Yvette, Second Princess of North Fort," Aster turned his head to Ramuja and smiled, "Have some trust in me, will you?" "It''s not that I don''t trust you, Milord" Ramuja lowered his head, he fiddled with his fingers, "I''m just nervous, because you seem to be taking this very lightly." "I do not take this lightly, I already know what I can do in this situation, that''s why I am more rxed," Aster sighed and then drew near Ramuja. He flicked Ramuja''s forehead, "You are too dense, I am fine, don''t worry." "If you say so, Milord" "Oh, I forgot to say this, but there will be a new batch of servants in Lantern Pce. Because I have to send many of them back to Stormhill mansion, my father said that he is going to live there for a while," Aster mentioned, "Follow me, I have to introduce myself in front of them, basic etiquettes should be maintained for the new servants." Ramuja followed his master who went towards the main hall, when they arrived in the main hall, there were almost thirty new servants, men and women, some of them were young and some of them were already old enough to have a grandchild, usually olddies. Ramuja pondered in his head, ''My master is a very kind man, he is willing to employ old people to work here, although they don''t not have much usepared to the young ones.'' When Aster showed himself in front of the new servants, they were amazed by the appearance of their new lord. Some of them already saw him a few times when he was inspecting around Dionde City, but he only went out at night because of his mysterious illness, and he was usually covered from head to toe. Aster was used to the stares of the people, he chuckled lightly and smiled at them, "Wee to Lantern Pce, I am Aster Di Arlingdon, Grand Duke of Stormhill and the owner of this pce" Aster started lecturing the new servants about the etiquettes here, while Ramuja was screening the faces of the servants. He was trained to do so by Irion. Because at times, some servants might collude to hurt Milord, so he had to make sure that Milord was safe no matter what. While he was screening the servants, his gaze stopped at a man in his twenties. He was wearing a simple tunic, while the others were staring at Milord, this guy was gazing at him with hostility. Ramuja was shocked, his heartbeat skipped a bit. The guy seemed to notice the change in Ramuja and he smirked. ''JJon?!'' Ramuja started panicking, he had never met the Woods family again after his departure from Lord Harion''s logging business. He simply wanted to leave the past behind, because it would only hurt Milord if he knew about his infidelity. After Aster finished all his exnation, he pointed at Ramuja. Ramuja jolted slightly, but he tried to keep hisposure, "This is my personal guard, Ramuja. He will send you to the servant rooms." Ramuja nodded and said, "Follow me." *** Ramuja''s hand was sweating when he finally assigned all the empty rooms to the servants. One room for two servants, this was what his master said to him. After everyone had been assigned to their destined rooms, there was only one guy left that had a room near his own room, he got a room all for himself, simply because he was lucky. Ramuja unlocked the door and opened it, he said to Jon, "This is your room, you are lucky to have a room for yourself." Ramuja acted as if he didn''t recognize Jon and was about to leave before Jon gripped his hand tightly, "Ramuja, why are you so distant? Did you forget about Woods family?" he said grievingly. "I''m sorry, but I don''t know what you are talking about," Ramuja evaded their eye contacts, he brushed the grip from Jon easily and walked away. Jon watched Ramuja left silently until he opened his mouth again and only said one word, "Merry." Ramuja stopped immediately, he finally walked back to Jon and said nervously, "LLet''s talk inside." Ramuja and Jon were inside Jon''s room. They were like a brother before, but now, Ramuja was too nervous to act all familiar, while Jon was watching him with hostile eyes. Ramuja opened the conversation, "II didn''t mean to ignore you, I just don''t want Milord to know" "Know about what? About your life with us?" "Not that I don''t want him to know about Merry." Jon scoffed sarcastically, "You are a bastard, a bitch bastard." Ramuja was shocked by Jon''s extreme hostility, "I broke up with her because I know she is much better with other men. I didn''t deserve her." "Hah! You said that after you slept with her, bullshit!" Jon raised his voice, he clenched his fist and punched Ramuja in the face immediately. Honestly, Ramuja didn''t feel hurt at all, but he still got stunned when Jon said something about that. "WWhat did you just say?!" Jonughed mirthlessly, "You want to break up after you take her virginity, even forced her to fill your sexual urges. How many times did you do it to her? She is my precious sister, you bastard!" "I never touched her!" Ramuja denied immediately. It was true, he never touched Merry perversely, in fact, he never kissed Merry. It was her who forced him, and it was only once, in the garden. "Don''t lie to me!" Jon pushed Ramuja to the ground, he punched Ramuja again and again, but it seemed Ramuja was too strong for him, because Ramuja didn''t feel the punch at all. Which only aggravated Jon even more. "I didn''t! I never touched her! She is lying to you!" "Lying?! When we arrived at her house, she said you just left after you forced her to have sex! She said you treated her harshly, there are many bruises around her body. And you said that you never touched her?! What''s your alibi? Do you think Merry is a bitch like you? Huh! She is a shy girl, she will not be entangled with other men!" Jon''s hand trembled, he tried to hold his tears, "She she is my precious little sister. She said she might be pregnant because you keep forcing yourself onto her. I trusted you to care for her, why why did you abuse her like this?" Ramuja was pale. He felt like his blood was drained from his body. He had to swallow the hard reality, the reality that Merry was not as innocent as she looked. ''She framed me'' Chapter 208: Familiar Feeling Chapter 208: Familiar Feeling The next morning, Aster went to the garden before dawn, but did not find Ramuja at his usual spot. Ramuja would regrly stand near the entrance, waiting for him to enter the garden, but he was absent today. ''Eh? Where is he?'' Aster pondered, he looked around, ''Does he get sick? Maybe he should reduce his training course, there is no one that can continue doing that crazy training regimen except Irion and Ramuja.'' Aster chuckled lightly, ''I will bring him some medicer.'' Aster entered the garden alone. He hummed lightly and skipped around happily. He tended the flowers as always, making sure that all of them were in proper position and had that healthy glow. He still had to meet Esther Yvette today, she was still in Clearwater academy, but she would graduate soon. This was the best time to recruit her. He felt nothing for the first half hour, until he noticed something was watching over him, and it was not Ramuja or Irion, nor the shadow guards. He could feel that the one who watched over him didn''t have any particr skill to hide themselves, otherwise, it would take a bit longer for Aster to notice this guy. Aster darted his eyes towards the spot he suspected, his soft and beautiful gaze turned into an eagle eyes, he asked, "I know you are there, show yourself." For a few minutes, there was no answer, until a silhouette appeared. Surprisingly, the silhouette was a head shorter than him, and she looked meek. Aster was surprised, so he approached cautiously. "Who are you? This is the private garden of Lantern Pce, no one can enter this garden." The silhouette stood still and replied, "It''s me, don''t you remember me?" "I don''t even know whether you are hostile to me or not, show yourself!" Aster said with a stern tone. The silhouette slowly walked towards Aster and a woman appeared in front of her, a cute woman, probably around his age. She was wearing a regr tunic and her long dark hair was braided on her back. When this girl smiled, she exuded a cuteness that might have overwhelmed many men. But not Aster, instead, he became even more cautious. "Who are you?" The girl lowered her head, as if she was really sad with Aster''s question, "You really don''t remember me? You said that I am your first friend in your life. You said that I am always weed here" "Miss, you might be hallucinating here," Aster frowned, "I never have any friend since I was a kid because of my illness. Please try to fabricate something more believable." The girl''s shoulder trembled, "How could you forget? Don''t you remember me? We are childhood friends!" "No, I don''t." Aster replied with a nonchnt curt tone. Sometimes, there would be some peasant who said that they were close friends, his uncle is Grand Duchess'' close friend, her mother is Grand Duke''s ex-wife and many more. All of them only want one thing, money. They want to get some money from the rich Grand Duchy Stormhill. Aster scoffed, "Please leave before I call the guards." "I am Merry. You said you wouldn''t forget me" Aster paused for one second when the girl mentioned the name ''Merry''. It felt familiar in his head, but he didn''t remember anything. Aster shook his head, this girl might just want to take some advantage of him. Aster snorted, "I don''t know how you could enter the Grand Duchy, let alone enter my private garden. But I will pardon your impertinence, leave now." "I will not leave!" Merry said agitatedly, "I''m here to seek justice!" Aster was taken aback by her overreaction, "Now you are being improper! Shadow guards!" Aster called the shadow guards and two of them appeared behind Aster, "Yes, Milord." "Kick this girl out, I don''t know how she could enter my garden, but she disturbs my morning routine!" There was an idea in Merry''s head, she shook her head in desperation, "MMorning routine! Yes! Milord, don''t you remember about your morning routine in your father''s logging business when you were young? I am that girl you always met during your morning routine in the flower meadow!" Aster''s heartbeat skipped again. Something felt wrong, he felt like this girl did not lie at all, but he couldn''t remember anything. ''Merry, Merry uh morning routine ghost. Goddamnit, I can''t remember anything!'' The shadow guards already reprimanded Merry. Merry struggled as hard as she could to no avail. When the shadow guards were going to escort her out of the garden, she yelled, "Milord! Please remember! I am Merry!" "Hold," Aster ordered. The shadow guards halted their step, Aster seemed to be in deep thought and then said, "Let her stay, but you two must protect me in case something went wrong." "Yes, Milord." The shadow guards nodded in tacit understanding and then disappeared. Merry was trembling all over. Aster watched her over and then sat on the bench, he tapped the spot beside him and ordered, "Sit here." Merry sat beside Aster, her frightened expression seemed to create a memory inside Aster''s head. Something scared of ghosts something about singing. Merry was actually frightened, because the shadow guards gripped her arm tightly, she felt like she would be executed, ''This is not the n she had ordered me to do! Who would''ve expected that Aster became this cautious! That dead bitch!'' "Tell me again, who are you and our background, because I don''t remember you at all," Aster asked. Merry opened her mouth meekly, like a pitiful peasant girl, she started exining, "Milord, when you were five years old, your father brought you to his logging business because it was really cold, suitable for your skin, right?" "Indeed." "Don''t you remember about us meeting in a flower meadow near your mansion? I thought you were a ghost, because you were so pale! You still are though" "I don''t remember, but please continue," Aster said. "Well, a year ago, I came to Dionde City to meet my boyfriend. He worked in Lantern Pce, but when I got here, they said he already resigned from his job here." "Why did you need to meet me then? Your boyfriend might still be in Dionde City," Aster frowned, "Do you want me to help you find him?" "WWell, yes, and um I need a ce to stay. Please let me stay, because I have nowhere to go." "Miss, although we might be acquainted with each other when we were young, I don''t think we are close enough for you to live here. Please leave," Aster said, he stood from the benched and turned his back. He walked away from the spot. But he stopped when he heard a beautiful voice that started singing a small song. ''An oblivious man who lives in his bubble, Dancing without his knowing, That many princes are eyeing him, How could he know? Because his heart is owned by his loved one. A lying loved one~.'' Aster was stunned, because the voice of this girl was incredibly soothing and beautiful. Like a mermaid that would bring you into an illusion, her voice was simply extraordinary. ''Singing beautiful singing'' Still, Aster tried hard to remember whether he knew this girl or not, but nothing came out. However, everything about her was too familiar. Aster stared at this girl called Merry from head to toe, and sighed, "You may stay, I will give you a servant room. But you have to work as a maid here. Remember, I still don''t know who you are, but you are not unfamiliar to me. I will help you out of good will." "Yes!" Merry nodded happily, "Milord, I can also help you to be a singer during any of your high aristocratic events! I was a popr singer in Dionde City for a while." "Huh, if you are a popr singer in Dionde City, why do you want to be a maid here? I find that illogical," Aster eyed her cautiously. If what she said was true, then she had no reason to follow him at all. "Um because there are many men, both peasants and nobles, that want me as their mistress, their kept woman. I was born a ve, so I don''t have anyone to protect me" Aster still eyed this girl cautiously, then he sighed, ''I will investigate thister.'' "Follow me, I will ask my head butler to give you a room." "Certainly, Milord!" Merry followed Aster obediently. She saw Aster was living well, and she had heard the rumor that Aster had a special rtionship with his personal guard called Ramuja. Merry stared at Aster''s back grudgingly. ''I wouldn''t have epted that dead bitch''s n if it''s not because of Ramuja. But as long as it works.'' ''Aster, you said you are best friends. But what kind of friend would steal his best friend''s man! Did you use your body? Your power? Whatever you did, you must''ve seduced him! You are a backstabbing slut!'' ''I will take Ramuja back from you!'' Chapter 209: Steel Beats Iron Chapter 209: Steel Beats Iron Aster was in his office with Esther Yvette. Esther was sitting properly, lips perked up and bowed her head slightly, "Thanking Grand Duke Aster for inviting me here." Asterughed dry, he felt that Esther had changed. Back then, when he was still a Young Lord, Esther would respect him, but would still act informal in front him. But after he became the Grand Duke, it felt like she alienated herself from Aster. "I feel like I''m talking to another person here," Astermented lightly. Esther giggled, she also covered her mouth while doing so. "It is just Milord''s imagination. But you are still my higher-up, nheless. I cannot just act rashly in front of you, proper etiquette should be maintained, is it not?" Esther exined, which Aster nodded in agreement. "Indeed, but the reason why I want you to be here, will be more than just maintaining formality with each other," Aster smiled. "I believe so, there is no reason for you to invite me unless we are going to strike a deal." Aster and Esther seemed to have a tacit understanding with each other. They nodded together and Aster put his hand under the table and then put a document in front of Esther, "I wonder if Second Princess of North Fort would like to ally with me, will you?" Esther stared at the enveloped document, she seemed to have thought of something, and then she shook her head, "That depends whether this will be beneficial for both of us, or I will be your puppet. Because I will deny the second choice, obviously." "That would depend on your perspective," Aster said. He leaned towards Esther and then said in a low voice, "Do you want to topple the country or not?" The grin on Esther''s face seemed to raise a bit more, she also replied in a low voice, "I wonder if it will give me a better position as a woman in my kingdom." "Oh, it will, if we are sessful of course. So, it depends on yourmitment," Aster opened the document and showed the contract to Esther, "You only need to sign here and we shall be an ally." "It seems you are too rash, Milord," Esther''s gaze deepened, she nced at the contract and stared back at Grand Duke Aster, "I will not sign it until we have reached a tacit agreement, I am currently your underling, but doesn''t mean that I will jump into a tiger mouth." "Understandable," Aster closed the document again, and then called his servant, Ramuja, "Give me the rmendation letter on my desk." "Yes, Milord." Ramuja returned with a small letter waxed with Grand Duchy Stormhill stamp and wrote, ''Rmendation letter of Esther Yvette,'' on the front. Aster slid it to Esther''s side and continued the conversation, "This is your rmendation letter, it will give you a spot to any kind of position you want in Dionde City, just tell me. You can also stay in Clearwater Academy as the new headmaster if you are that gutsy too. But I will not guarantee whether you will survive or not." Esther stared at the letter, now her firm ideal started shaking. This rmendation letter specifically made for her by the one and only Grand Duchy Stormhill, was like a gold mine to anyone in Clearwater Academy. Grand Duke Heroin never had any rmendation letter, while thete Grand Duchess Camille made some, but the people that she recruited disappeared the next day, even their record in Clearwater Academy was erased. For Esther, she had been living as the Second Princess of North Fort Kingdom, her position was basically nothing. She was not a man, and she was not the first child like her older sister, Helene. She was not a prominent soldier like Helene either. She was basically a weak child that was lucky enough to be born as a princess. But that was it. She had nothing to boast about. She knew that Grand Duke Aster was not a simple man. This guy said that he wanted to topple Golden Camellia lightly, as if it was like flipping the table, ''Since he has just started, then that means he is going to topple Crown Prince Charles'' era. That guy is so powerful, I don''t know if it''s wise to fight against him.'' "Still not convinced?" Aster raised his brow. "I am considering it," Esther said. "Well, remember that your sister is already a devout follower of Crown Prince Charles, so North Fort will obediently follow your sister as the future queen. Do you want your kingdom to be thep dog of Charles?" "I do not," Esther replied curtly. Thest thing that she wanted was seeing her beloved kingdom be thep dog of the Crown Prince. While it was true that the Crown Prince never treated her kingdom badly, the Crown Prince would only use the kingdom''s manpower for war and suppressing the others. Because Crown Prince Charles was praised for his bravery and his power to conquer many countries already. They got rich because Golden Camellia colonized half of the world. The soldiers were ruthless to the bone, and would suck the resource of the colonized country until there was nothing left. ''I don''t condone colonization; it is just another way to survive. But if he only went to conquer again and again, then North Fort would have no one to protect our own kingdom.'' North Forth Kingdom was located far north, while other soldiers could guard the kingdom well from the barbarians, they were not suited to live in such cold ces. At most, they could only survive for a while before returning to their warm and fuzzy nket. "What is your n?" Esther asked. The grin on Aster''s face seemed to have a hint of maliciousness, "Betray your own kingdom." "WHAT?!" "Yes, betray your own kingdom," Aster hummed lightly, "I want you to make a deal with the barbarian of the north." "WWhy would I do that? This is ridiculous!" Esther reacted wildly, which was understandable. She loved her kingdom so much to even consider treachery. "Rx, this is for the greater good," Aster said. He leaned back to his chair and tapped the armrest with his finger, "The barbarian never gives up, right?" "Yes, they never surrender. Because our kingdom has eternal winter, we have never been able to track their whereabouts. Every time they run away inside the snow storm, they just disappear from our sight, and it''s too risky to chase them." "That''s why, they make the perfect diversion," Aster exined carefully, "Make sure that your kingdom has finally been desecrated by the barbarian by the time Imand you to do so, I will send some of the skilled soldiers from Arion and have them to be your ''loyal'' follower. They will be the one who defend the kingdom while the North Fort soldiers are leaving the kingdom to help Crown Prince Charles. You will be regarded as the hero, and your position would naturally elevate." "Milord, this is crazy" "Indeed, but this is the perfect way to ruin the powerful image of Charles Audric Camellia, the soon-to-be Emperor Audric V. People would think thatCharles is so ambitious that he forgot about his own empire." Esther''s palms were sweating. She never knew that the seemingly innocent Grand Duke of Stormhill could have a solid n to ruin a Great Empire like this, "Milord, if this fails" "Trust me, it will not. But if it does, somehow, then I will be the one who safe you and your kingdom," Aster tried to give Esther that sense of security. "Also, about the soldiers of Arion did you?" "Yes, Duchess of Arion is my ally," Aster nodded. The confidence that Grand Duke Aster exuded was amazing enough to make her unable to think correctly. As if this man in front of her had the power to force her to sign the contract. ''If he really has Duchess of Arion and the legendary soldiers of Arion, then it should be more than fine...'' Soldiers of Arion were as amazing as the best soldiers could be. All of them were skilled fighters, had the perfect obedience, great killing machines and their descendants also inherited the blood of the legendary soldiers. Duchy Arion had always had the best military power in Golden Camellia, but after General Wirgard fell ill, they only followed the powerful Mistress of Arion, Merse Thana. Merse Thana was ruthless and cruel, but she had a deep sense of justice. Since she knew that the political circle of Golden Camellia was very toxic and cutthroat, cutting ties with all of its previous allies was the correct choice to do. Because everyone wanted to have the power of Arion. "How did you ally with her? She is known to be very difficult" "Of course, I have my own way," Aster grinned, "But Arion is in my hand, I just don''t want them to die meaninglessly if the Crown Prince knows about this. So, will you sign?" Aster opened the document again and gave the quilt to Esther. Esther stared at the document for a while, and then decided to sign it. Aster nodded with satisfaction, "A smart choice." "I trust you to direct me, we shall be partners," Esther extended her hand. They shook hands in agreement. *** Esther returned back to Clearwater Academy after they reached an agreement. Irion who knew about the n had something in his mind, "Milord, may I know why do you choose Esther instead of her older sister, Helene? Helene might be on Charles'' side right now, but there is always a chance." Aster grinned, "Steel beats Iron." "Do you mean that Esther is stronger than her sister, Helene?" Irion asked. "I''ve observed how Esther dealt with the pressure in Clearwater Academy. She is the dean of Clearwater Academy, she doesn''t have any backing at all, even her kingdom turned their back on her. But she is able to control everyone and even the royal family couldn''t shake her position, do you think she is simple? "No, Milord. I''m sorry for doubting your choice." Irion stepped back, and not long after, Aster ordered him to leave. There were only Ramuja and Aster inside the room, Aster nced at Ramuja who looked restless and asked, "You missed our daily walk today, what happened?" "Pardon me, Milord, it''s about the new maid called Merry" Chapter 210: Eulogy of the Prince 29 Chapter 210: Eulogy of the Prince 29 I was restless for the whole day. Jon held me in his room, forbidding me to leave the room to attend Milord for his daily morning walk. I could easily overpower him and left, but he only said one sentence and I was locked for the whole day until Milord called me again at nine. "If you dare leave, you will see Merry talking with Milord. She will tell the truth about you sexually abusing her in front of Milord instantly," Jon said maliciously. When he saw my rigid face, he looked very satisfied and he started unpacking his stuff and put it in the drawer. I was breathing heavily, trying hard to contain my anger, "Do you really trust her? Do you think I am cruel enough to abuse her?" Jon paused a bit and replied, "You are just an outside that my mother picked up, so you can live with a ''family''. I never liked you anyway, I will trust my sister naturally. She has always been a nave girl, she loves you too much. Of course, you will take advantage of her, ungrateful bastard." I closed my eyes to contain my anger, seeing the man whom I called brother at some point, actually treated me like this hurt me more. I thought everything would be alright after Merry left, but turned out she never let go of her grudge. When Milord finally summoned me again at nine to his office, Jon held me longer and then let me leave. I rushed to Milord''s office, only to find Irion already attending Milord and him discussing a deal with Esther Yvette. Milord only gave me a cold side nce and then continued talking with Esther. His cold gaze made me nervous, ''Does he already know everything? Or he is just mad because I didn''t attend our daily morning walk?'' After Milord finished his deal with Esther, the woman left and Irion asked about something to Milord. I was so focused with my own nervousness that I only stood like a statue. Irion excused himself, he also gave me a side nce and mouthed the word, ''No.'' Milord finally gave his attention to me, he nced at me and asked, "You look very wary today, what happened?" I walked and kneeled in front of him immediately and said, "Pardon me, Milord, about the new maid called Merry" "How do you know about that weird girl?" Aster raised his brow, "She is suddenly in my private garden and asking for justice because her boyfriend sexually abused her. She said she knows me well, but I only have this uh familiar feeling about her." "TThat did she mention the name of her boyfriend?" I asked, Milord shook his head lightly; "Well, even if she does, what can I do? I might be able to hand out the letter to send the man to the city court, the city court will be the one who would give him a fine or punishment. I might''ve known her at some point in my life, maybe when I was a kid, but I don''t think she is memorable enough. Because I really don''t know who she is." Milord''s answer relieved me a bit, but the fact that Merry and Wood Family became a thorn in our rtionship made me anxious, I gently held his hand and kissed it, "Milord, can I ask you something?" "Yes." "Do you trust me?" Milordughed and patted my head, "Why are you so weird today? Of course, I do. Isn''t it given for? We are in a rtionship, Ramuja. Of course, I trust you, I hope you trust me too though" I lowered my head in shame, ''I I do not trust you, Milord. You are so sweet, I''m afraid it''s only an illusion.'' ''Maybe this is the best time to tell the truth to Milord. At least, if he knows the truth from myself, he will give me a chance. It will be a nightmare if Merry is the one that tells Milord everything.'' "Milord--" I raised my head and stared at Milord''s eyes. But my mouth stopped when I saw Irion hiding in a tree near the balcony. He was holding a knife simr to what Jain usually used back then. He stared at me with hostility. As if, if I tell the truth about my affair, he would immediately execute me. Again, he mouthed the same word, ''NO.'' I gulped. Something felt off, especially when I saw Milord''s eyes constantly showing dots of golden tint here and there, as if he was expecting something good from me, "What is it, Ramuja?" he asked gently. When Milord''s eyes almost turned pure golden, I shook my head immediately, "NNothing Milord, I just want to say that I didn''t attend you because I felt ill this morning, I''m sorry." Aster''s eyes turned normal instantly, and he sighed, "It''s okay, I was quite worried about your wellbeing too. If training with Irion is too hard, you should take a few days of rest." "Yes, Milord. Thank you" "Maybe we should go to the city in the evening? It''s autumn already, the air is not hot, we can go and eat something in the city," Aster said, then his cheek had the tint of pink, "It will be um a date." "Certainly, Milord. I will always apany you," I said. While I maintained my smile, my mind was in chaos right now. Milord finally ordered me to leave first, because he needed to finish a document. When I left the office and closed the door, I was greeted with a knife on my throat. The tip of the knife already touched my skin, "You are almost a dead man," Irion said coldly. I didn''t flinch with the knife, I asked him, "Let''s talk somewhere else." Irion and I went inside the tool room and he started asking, "Do you not know the danger of exposing yourself to Milord like that?" "I I just think that Milord should know it from me, not from Merry or Jon" "Stupid." Irion said curtly, he directed his punch to my face, but I caught his fist, "If you told Milord about your affair, do you know what would happen?" "He might be mad at me, but I believe I still have a chance" "IDIOT!" Irion yelled. He shed the air around my neck, but I didn''t flinch, "Milord has been going through that traumatic memory slip twice! It''s already dangerous even on the first try. If he got traumatized again, we don''t know what would happen to him!" "MMemory slip" I instantly remembered about that time when Milord fainted for more than a day. His breathing was stable, but it looked like he was in a lot of pain in his sleep. ''I suddenly remembered about Fleur, my dog when I was a kid. My mother beat that dog to death and after that, I just forgot about Fleur'' Milord said that to me once. "Golden blood is already unstable since their birth, they have mental defects! You are going to damage Milord''s mental health even more, you reckless idiot!" Irion was really angry at me. He directed his punch again at me, but this time, I didn''t catch his fist. I flinched after the strong punch, "I what should I do" "You are still asking me?! Of course, you must kill that girl and her family immediately! Bury that memory, don''t let Milord get his third traumatic event!" Irion was frustrated, his breathing was unstable and his eyes were red, "Crown Prince is targeting him right now, if something happens to Milord and he gets snatched by the Crown Prince because of your stupidity, I will kill you immediately." My heart sank when I finally realized the severity of the situation. Milord was in his fight against Charles, if something happened to Milord, then Charles would immediately sweep the duchy in one night. "What now? Do you want me to kill that girl and her family instead? Fine, I will do it," Irion took out the knife again and was going to leave, but I gripped his arm immediately, "Don''t," I said. Irion looked at me as if I was being ridiculous, "Now you want to protect that girl? She is a threat to Milord!" "I" I never liked Merry romantically, maybe it was my fault back then. Because I epted the love of a maiden even though I never liked her. But what made me hesitate was Lisa Wood. She epted me as her family, she cared for me for two years, raised me as her own son with Jon and Merry. With her, I felt like I have an actual family. We were always short on food, but we were happy to be together. ''It''s an illusion after all'' Lisa once said that I should protect Merry, because she had her love only for me. My hand trembled, I tightened my grip around Irion''s arm, "Don''t," I repeated. "Then kill her yourself!" "I I will think of a way, please give me time" I let go of his arm and then continued, "I will never harm Milord, please let me clear this myself" Irion still looked at me with hostility, then he scoffed, "You said you love Milord more than anything? What a pathetic hypocrite." Irion left me alone in this tool room, inside my dilemma that made me restless. *** Late at night, I knocked on the door of this new maid. I knocked twice and the sound of the door being unlocked made me nervous. The door creaked and a beautiful girl with dark hair, oval face and sweet look greeted me with a grin, her grin turned into a smirk and he greeted me with her sweet voice, "My husband is back. I miss you a lot, our baby missed you a lot." Merry caressed her t belly, acted as if there was a baby inside her belly, "I know you wouldn''t leave me, I just know it." Chapter 211: Eulogy of the Prince 30 Chapter 211: Eulogy of the Prince 30 "I know you wouldn''t leave me, I just know it." Somehow, I shivered when Merry said that. Something was not right about her, but I said nothing and followed her inside her room. Merry sat on her bed calmly and she grinned at me, "Now now, you must''ve been tired, do you want me to prepare something? A bath? Food? Or me?" Merry said coquettishly, in contrast to what she intended to, my body cringed and shivered. I subconsciously took a few steps back, "Merry, what is your intention?" "My intention? Um Nothing? I just want to meet my boyfriend, and soon to be a husband!" Merry said happily. She caressed her belly again, "Even our child said so too." "Merry! I never touched you! What are you talking about?!" I nced at Merry t belly, now I was sure that Merry was lying about the baby and sexual abuse. "Well, the baby is still in heaven! We can always have one if you want to!" as if something crazy had popped on her head, she approached me and started unbuttoning her tunic, "Ah, why don''t we just do it today? I''m sure you will be a good father!" Merry already unbuttoned her tunic and her bra was already exposed, she approached me closer and closer and I took steps back, until my back hit the wall. Merry smiled and whispered, ''Ramuja, I almost gave my virginity to my client in Dionde city, but I decided to save it just for you. Because you are my loved one. Please treat me gently'' "MERRY!" I pushed Merry back. She stumbled and fell to the floor. Her face was aghast and she looked at me with her red eyes, as if she had been hurt deeply. Tears streamed down on her cheeks and she sobbed. "Ramuja, I why do you need to push me like that? Am I really disgusting to you?" she said while sobbing. She covered her face with her palms. I gulped and kneeled in front of her, "MMerry, you are not disgusting at all. But what you just did is uneptable. You are a good girl, please keep your Chastity" Merry started sobbing even harder, which made me feel really guilty, I patted her back shoulder, and then her back. I hugged her gently, "Merry, you are still my family, I never hate you. But I just don''t have romantic interest with you, please understand" I patted her back gently, then suddenly, I felt a force on my back. Merry wed my back with her fingers and locked my hip with her legs. She pulled me to the ground, the position was now me on top of her. She took my hand and then put it on her breast, she said gleefully, "Feel it, Ramuja. I am yours, everything about me is yours." I was too shocked to react, until I finally realized that it had been a while since my palm touched her breast, I removed my hand immediately, only for Merry to chuckle, "Ramuja, you''ve touched it already, why don''t feel it a bit longer?" "Merry, you are sick!" I tried to stand, but Merry locked my hip tightly. Sheughed, "Ramuja, if you dare to leave the door, I will scream as hard as I can, so everyone will be alerted. What do you think they will do when they see the new maid under Milord''s personal guard?" "You!" I gripped Merry''s slender neck, I put my thumb on her throat, with only one push, Merry would die instantly, ''Do it! Do it, Ramuja! Kill Merry, and then Lisa and Jon! Then you will be free from their torment, you will live happily ever after with Milord!'' ''As long as Milord doesn''t know this, everything should be okay, right?'' I put pressure on Merry''s throat, but Merry didn''t flinch at all, in fact, her face showed bliss, "Is this how you treat him? Is he happy being abused by you?" I stopped and then looked at her, "Who?!" "Hahahaha! Of course, Aster Di Arlingdon, the bitch who shook his ass to you!" Merryughed maniacally, "Who would''ve thought, that cold and aloof Grand Duke Aster is actually a bitch who shook his ass to his ve! What a disgrace!" "WHO TOLD YOU THAT?!" I sped her mouth tightly, but she bit my finger hard. Then, sheughed again, but this time, tears started falling again. "It''s true, right?" Merry said, her expression was very hurt, "I thought I can trust him, he is just a nave kid. He will not do something bad to you, but he did, and he stole you away from me" "He didn''t steal me away, I never love you in the first ce!" "LIE!" Merry rebuked harshly, "We''ve been together for two years, and you said you never love me? You are obviously lying!" Merry sobbed again, but this time, it was not fake tears. She genuinely cried out her grief in front of me, "That''s why, if what you want is sex, then I can give it to you. I can give my everything to you, you can do anything to me, just like what you did to Aster please don''t leave me, I''m begging you" Seeing her like this pained my heart, I bit my lower lip so I could steel my heart, "Merry, I''m not the right guy for you. You are much better than hanging your life to me, and I already made my choice. You are still my little sister and always will." "I don''t want to be your little sister!" Merry cried harder, "IIf that''s your choice, then I will ask you to give me a baby, then I will leave. Right here, right now!" Merry started unbuckling my belt, and I warded her hands, "Merry, stop!" "Do it with me or I will scream!" Merry threatened me, "I will scream and tell everyone that you sexually abused me! Just like what I said to my family, I can hit myself, so they think you are the one that hit me!" I gasped. Merry was really reckless. She didn''t even think about the consequences. In desperation, I took a small bottle in my pocket and chugged the water into Merry''s throat. Merry drank everything and she looked at me nkly, "WWhat did you just give me?" "A weakening potion, you will be unable to move for a while," I replied calmly. Soon, Merry''s leg loosened around my waist and sheid on the floor weakly, only her mouth and her eyes were looking at me desperately. "R Ramuja" she tried to move her hand, but she was too weak to do so, "W why do you leave me" "I never leave you, Merry. I was never by your side since the very beginning," I stared at her pitifully, I carried her to the bed and put her gently. Her eyes still staring at me desperately, "I love you I will save you"" "I know," I said, I took a deep breath. She had to face the reality or she would live in this delusion forever, "But I never love you, and never will." Merry''s body gradually became weaker and weaker, it looked like she was going to faint, she said herst word before falling into deep slumber, "Mommy will be sad" I sighed deeply. I buttoned her tunic again and covered her body with a nket. I gazed at her face deeply, ''You are really beautiful and kind hearted, Merry. It''s my fault for giving you a false promise. Please forgive me, but I only love one person, and he never forced me, I am the one who is willing to jump into his life.'' I stood up and closed the door. I disappeared from the corridor and met Irion who was waiting for me near the training ground, "You didn''t do anything, did you?" Irion asked suspiciously. I gulped and shook my head, "I''m sorry" Irion clenched his fist again, but he tried to hold his anger as much as possible, "What would you do then? That girl and her family will be a problem for Milord." "I will find a way, I will protect Milord from them as much as possible," I know what I said was just apromise, of course I didn''t know how to handle this dilemmatic situation. "I trust you because you are my brother-in-arms, and because you are Milord''s golden circle," Irion said, but he still had that suspicious and hostility in his eyes, "But I will kill you and your little family when Milord ordered me to, or if I find it necessary." "Yes, I understand." Irion disappeared from my sight, and I could only sigh. I jumped to Milord''s balcony at the top of the tower and then watched him from the balcony. Milord never closed the door curtain, he said he liked to watch over the star. I dared not open the balcony door, the balcony was separated by a wide ss door, so I could freely gaze at him. I watched his beautiful face shimmered under the moonlight, he was in tranquility, something that was rare for Milord. He had gone through many traumatizing events, and almost all those traumatizing events were caused by my presence. I touched the ss, "Milord, I wonder if my presence only brings pain to you" ''I wonder if falling in love with me is worth your pain'' Chapter 212: Under the Table (18+) Chapter 212: Under the Table (18+) Aster was in a good mood today, he was in his office, finally finished hisst document and looked outside the window. Autumn was kind enough to give him a cloudy day. No sun would hurt him today, he smiled and fixed his bowtie, "Ramuja, this is the best time to go outside, right?" "Yes, Milord," Ramuja replied obediently, he already wore a ''regr peasant'' apparel. They went to the main hall and Aster put on a thick coat to hide his sapphire coated shirt and then put on a hat, "I bought this cheap coat for my disguise, is it convincing enough? It''s only fifty gold coins!" Aster said lightly. Ramuja held his breath a bit, he still couldn''t adjust with his master''s extravagant wealth, considering how dirt poor he was back then. To put it into perspective, twenty-five gold coins was the equivalent of a year''s rent of a decent house in Dionde city. His master basically bought a coat with the price of two-year house rent of what regr people could afford in the expensive Dionde City, and Milord didn''t even budge. ''It was not this bad before he became Grand Duke, maybe he got used seeing so many golds. It gives him a different standard of what is expensive and cheap'' Ramuja sighed in his heart. They were sitting inside the carriage and the carriage set off to Dionde City. Ramuja constantly watched over his master while kneeling in front of him, Aster nced at Ramuja once and said, "Ramuja, sit beside me." "Milord, that''s your seat." "This seat is wide enough for both of us, sit with me," Aster ordered. Ramuja yielded and sat on the soft couch. He still watched over his master however, his eyes didn''t even blink. At first, Aster didn''t care much about it, but soon, he grew cautious and nervous. "RRamuja, stop staring! You are making me nervous!" Asterined. Ramuja smiled and replied, "Milord, you look really cute today." "WWha? Cute?! But I put on this thick coat and hat!" Aster protested, which made Ramuja chuckle in mirth. ''That''s what makes you cute, Milord. Because you think you have a perfect disguise, your beauty is way beyond normal, a simple coat and hat wouldn''t do anything to hide it.'' ''But I will protect you nheless'' The carriage entered the center of Dionde City, where there were many people scurrying around in hurry, Dionde City never slept. It was a really bustling and busy city, thepetitive nature of the city made everything seem possible. And Aster was the one who managed the city, with his extraordinary capability, he could stabilize Dionde in only a few months and even raised the living standard of the people with all his policies. That was why Aster ordered the servants in Lantern Pce to give him a regr carriage, because his real carriage was easily spotted by the people, especially the one who worshipped histe mother like a goddess. Thus, nobody would expect that the brown carriage actually carried the most important figure in Dionde City. The carriage stopped outside a big restaurant, with wide balcony andvish decoration, everything screamed ''expensive'' from the get go, Aster smiled at Ramuja and said, "We are here." Ramuja went outside first, his eagle eyes looked around, and spotted none of those fanatics that worshipped the golden blood, he nodded at his master, "Milord, everything is clear." Ramuja extended his hand, which Aster epted. Ramuja held Aster''s hand gently and walked inside the restaurant. The head waiter recognized Grand Duke Aster immediately and bowed deeply, "It is an honor to be graced with your presence, Your Highness Grand Duke." "Thank you for your greeting, I believe I already have a reservation here, right?" "Yes, Milord. This way, please," the waiter led Aster and Ramuja to a special reserved seat, with direct view to the evening street of Dionde City. Aster and Ramuja sat on each side, and the waiter prepared the drink before appetizer, "This is a light white wine, specifically ordered by Milord for Milord Grand Duke and his date, Sir...?" "RRamuja," Ramuja replied. "Ah yes, pardon me, and Sir Ramuja, of course," the waiter smiled. Aster was actually a bit ashamed with the drink, because he was a very light drinker, and he wasn''t sure if Ramuja was strong enough to drink alcohol either, "Prepare the hundred-year wine for my date." The waiter seemed to be surprised, but he obediently nodded and left them to take the preserved wine. "Milord how do you know that I am a strong drinker" "Uhm well, I actually don''t know, I just buy it in case you want one," Aster smiled, "Don''t worry, it''s not that expensive." ''Milord that kind of extremely high quality wine cost almost a hundred gold coins, you just bought something even though you don''t know if I will drink it or not.'' "May I know how much you spent to reserve the whole restaurant for our date?" Ramuja asked. "Well, around two hundred gold, it''s fine. It''s just my pocket money anyway," Aster held Ramuja''s hand gently and said, "But I can''t reserve the whole restaurant unfortunately, they said a man already reserve it and will not give up even if I give him as much as he wants, I''m sorry." "IIt''s fine Milord, you don''t need to do this much" ''I know I''m just a ve, but damn, talking with Milord about money will make everyone feel dirt poor.'' The wine came with the appetizer, Aster drank the light wine while Ramuja tried the hundred years wine, the strong taste shocked him a bit, but soon, he found himself fond of the taste. They enjoyed the appetizer and then the main course, "Do you like it?" "Yes, Milord. I do." ''It looks weird, tastes weird, with a ridiculously small portion too, but Milord seems to enjoy it so much'' "I''m d you like it! This is my favorite ce," Aster grinned. They enjoyed the desserts while stealing nce at each other a few times, "DDon''t stare at me too much, you make me embarrassed." The romantic ambience gave Ramuja the mood, he looked around and saw no one, only one waiter turning his back near the main entrance. "Really?" Ramuja grinned mischievously, he leaned towards his master and said in a low hypnotizing voice in his master''s ears, ''Should I lean closer? Maybe I should cover your eyes, you do not need to see me, but feel me instead.'' "RRamuja!" Aster''s face was beet red, his heart was beating rapidly. Ramuja was very brazen right now, probably the wine gave him this shamelessness. He stood from the chair and then embraced his master from behind. His strong hands were hugging Aster''s from behind and he kissed Aster''s ears, he whispered, ''Milord, why are you so seductive tonight? I just want to embrace you more, tasting your soft skin with my lips.'' "RRamuja, stop this, we are in the public" ''Didn''t you reserve this restaurant so we can do anything here? I would like to'' Ramuja started unbuttoning his master''s shirt, Aster tried to brush off Ramuja''s hand, he also said in a low voice, ''II will give it to you when we are home! Sstop!'' As if deaf, Ramuja didn''t listen to his master and kissed his master''s lips gently, ''Milord, do you put an aphrodisiac inside the wine, because I''m barely holding back right now.'' Aster nced at Ramuja''s tipsy face and looked down at his crotch, he was surprised, ''So, Ramuja bes very horny when he is drunk'' Aster thought in his heart. He sighed, he also checked around and saw no one. He checked the waiter who turned blind eyes, probably because he was told not to disturb them. Aster said in a low, demanding tone, his gaze turned cold instantly, "Alright, since you want it, sit on the chair." Ramuja looked at his master, when his master gave him this cold gaze, he felt excited and incredibly aroused, he hurriedly sat on his chair. "Milord, what will we do" Ramuja stopped talking when he felt a boot touch his groin. He looked under the table and the boot instantly kicked his groin area, he felt slight pain, but tons of strange pleasure. Ramuja immediately sat straight, looking at his Milord. Aster grinned seductively, "What? Continue your dessert." "YYes, Milord!" Ramuja continued eating his dessert, and then his master asked him, "Ramuja, do you like the food?" "Yes, Milord, I do--!" Ramuja raised his voice unknowingly. His master kicked his groin again and the pleasure doubled. "Hm, I''m d you enjoyed it. Do you want some more wine? I can order it for you, waiter!" "Ha!" Ramuja clenched his fist. He saw the waiter approach them and asked, "Yes, Milord." Aster nced at Ramuja mischievously and said, "Go on, what do you want?" Ramuja''s lower body was trembling right now, turned out, his master already took off his left boot, and now fiddled his hard manhood with his big toe. "Huff huff I I want moreHI!" Ramuja was trying really hard to contain himself. It would be embarrassing if he ejacted right in front of this waiter. The waiter kept his proper manner, making it as if he was oblivious of what happened under the table. Aster kept fiddling with Ramuja''s manhood under the table. The fabric that covered Ramuja''s groin only added more sensation to Ramuja. Sometimes Aster fiddled with Ramuja''s manhood gently, sometimes he pinched it, sometimes he gave a light kick. Ramuja was sweating nervously, the wine made him unable to contain himself, "I want more wine, pplease! AH!" "Certainly, please wait a minute," the waiter said, and then he left the table. "Ahh! MMilord, slower! You will make me cumAH!" Ramuja ejacted inside his pants. The white, thick cum dampened his pants and also made Aster''s toe wet. Asterughed, "What a pervert, ejacting in the public, with your own lord ying with your cock, is it fun?" Ramuja was breathing heavily, he nced at his master who looked like a mischievous incubus right now, "II need to go to the toilet." Ramuja hurried to the toilet while Asterughed happily. *** Ramuja washed his face after washing his groin inside the toilet, he looked at his appearance, shameless and perverted stered all over his face. He sighed, "Milord can be really wild, I should not taunt him like that." Ramuja had recovered some of his consciousness after washing his face, he turned his back and a man dressed in all ck was standing in front of him. Ramuja was alerted instantly, "Who are you?!" The man stood silent and then said, "My Prince, you... should not be filial to a man..." Chapter 213: Under the Asterite Tower Chapter 213: Under the Asterite Tower "My prince, you should not be filial to a man." "Who are you?!" Ramuja fixed his stance, ready to fight whoever this guy was. But the guy only stood still and continued; "A man is for pleasure, no matter how beautiful or handsome he is. My prince, please reconsider" "I said, who are you!?" Ramuja directed a punch to this guy, but he evaded swiftly, which surprised Ramuja. The guy dressed in ck calmly said, "This one shall return. Again, please reconsider your choice, my prince. You need to have a descendant for the throne." The guy disappeared from the sight, which caught Ramuja off guard. Because the way this mysterious guy disappeared was different from Jain''s technique that he learned from Irion. Jain would sidestep and create a small mirage and then disappeared, while this guy took a step back and casted a small ball filled with a dizzying essence and then disappeared. ''He used an essence ball!'' The essence ball on the floor made Ramuja hallucinated slightly, he kicked the essence ball and gradually regained his consciousness. ''Essence ball that guy must be from the faraway southeast, Irion said that they use essence balls because disappearing technique hasn''t had an advance development there, but poison and potion are very prominent, because they are rich in natural resources to make all of those.'' ''What is someone from faraway southeast doing here!?'' Ramuja got alerted instantly, he rushed to his master, he was afraid that guy was targeting Milord. But he saw Milord enjoying his white wine while watching over the Asterite Tower from his seat, nothing happened. Aster turned his head and smiled sweetly at Ramuja, "Sober?" "Y yes, Milord, are you okay?" Aster raised his brows, "Of course, I am!" heughed, "You said you are sober already, but I see you are still drunk." "No, Milord! There is" Something felt off for Ramuja. He looked around and saw no one except the waiter stood at the same position. He got confused himself, "There is no one leaving the bathroom before me?" Aster was bursting intoughter, "Ahahaha! Of course not! Silly, we are the only one in this restaurant, remember?" "Yes, but" Ramuja looked around again, checking every corner, in case he was still hallucinating. But there was no one, just like what his master said. Ramuja gulped, ''He called me prince Did he really refer to me as a prince?'' ''Who is he?'' Aster looked at the confused Ramuja and giggled funnily, he stood from his chair and then walked towards Ramuja. He held Ramuja''s hand gently and said, "Why don''t we have a night stroll? I''m sure you will be fine after a few minutes of walking." Ramuja stared at his master who looked very sincere, he finally nodded, "Yes, Milord." ''Milord is fine, as long as he is fine maybe that guy is just bluffing, or he got the wrong person.'' Aster wore his coat and hat, and they left the restaurant. Aster ordered his coachman to just go to Asterite Tower and wait for them there, because he wanted to take a walk with Ramuja, and the carriage set off. Aster and Ramuja paced through the crowd in Dionde City main square. Nobody recognized him at night, because the people were busy with their dinner or just rushing to go back home. Dionde City never slept. Although Ramuja said it would be fine, the ident was something that would linger in his mind for a while, because faraway southeast was his hometown. The origin that always stuck in his mind, his real home was not in Golden Camellia, it was a small vige in faraway southeast. Aster nced at Ramuja who was dazed, he sighed and then held Ramuja''s arm tightly, like the other couples in Dionde City''s street, he leaned towards his lover gently and said coquettishly, "Ramuja~ why are you ignoring me?" Ramuja finally snapped out of his daze and saw his mighty master, who usually looked serious with all his documents in the office, clinging in his arm and wing it slightly, like a kitten begging to be petted. Ramuja smiled and patted Aster''s head, "I''m sorry, I mused about something just now. What do you want forpensation?" Aster was slightly surprised that Ramuja actually acted like a real boyfriend, instead of kneeling and asking his need like a servant he was. It was delightful for Aster and increased his mood instantly, he leaned closer and pouted, "Well, I''m a bit tired, can you carry me to Asterite Tower?" Ramuja chuckled, he bowed and scooped Aster''s leg, "Wha" Ramuja carried Aster in bridal style, much to Aster''s dismay, "Pput me down!" Ramujaughed mischievously, "Why? You said you want to be carried to Asterite Tower." "Not like this!" Aster protested. Dionde City was the city of love in Golden Camellia, there were countless couples that showed their romance in public every day and nobody batted an eye. But still, Aster''s protest attracted few eyes. Probably because they noticed his voice, the voice of their mighty ruler. Knowing many eyes were at him, Aster blushed and hid his face in Ramuja''s chest, "Go" he said slowly. "Eh? I was going to put you down," Ramuja teased Aster even more. "JJust go!" "Alright, kitty, no need to roar like that," Ramuja giggled happily. He carried Aster like this while Aster hid his face in Ramuja''s face in embarrassment. Aster could feel the warmth of Ramuja, alongside his quick heartbeat. It gave him assurance in his heart, ''He feels the same as me Ramuja, you feel this too, right? This heartbeat only to you, my heartbeat would pace like this.'' Ramuja paced through the crowd who nced at this cute couple, he hummed lightly and after a while, stopped right in front of Asterite Tower. The Asterite Tower was a big tower symbolizing the purity of love in Golden Camellia. If the Golden Pce in Roagelt symbolized undefeated mightiness of Golden Camellia and the royal bloods, the Asterite Tower symbolized the purity of love with its big diamond-like stone on top of the tower, the stone was called Asterite, which was more expensive than diamond. Nevertheless, both Golden Pce and Asterite Tower basically showed how wealthy Golden Camellia really was. The tall tower was lit at night, which created a romantic atmosphere, many couples woulde to Asterite Tower and confess their love here. The garden around Asterite Tower was not crowded right now, because there were no special events whatsoever. However, the garden was still filled with few couples at some spot. Ramuja found a good spot, he could see the tall tower and there were no other couples around them, he put Aster down gently and then said, "We are here, Aster." Aster finally raised his head, the beautiful Asterite Tower was in front of him. He gazed at this beauty for a while. It had been a while since hest visited this tower, "It''s so beautiful, isn''t it? My parents donated the Asterite on top of the tower to boost our economy back then." "Yes, it is," Ramuja smiled, "But it''s not about the economy, it''s about the symbolism. I believe Lord Harion and Lady Camille put Asterite on top of the tower, because they wished that you will be the light for everyone in this city." Ramuja lowered his head and kissed Aster''s forehead, "Which I believe, their wish doese true." Aster felt like his heart was beating rapidly, he was staring at Ramuja''s sincere eyes, there was no ambition, no greed, no conceitedness. There was only purity and sincerity in Ramuja''s eyes. "Ramuja, why are you so kind to me" "Eh? Because I love you," Ramuja found the question a bit funny, "Aster, you are the one who saved me, the one who nurtured me, the one who protected me. But maybe At some point, I fell in love with you simply because it''s you. I may have fallen in love with you at first sight." "Ramuja, I''ve met many people, many nobles in my life, but none make me like this. Nobody thawed my heart like this" Aster and Ramuja intertwined their hands together, they shared their warmth in this cold autumn. Aster couldn''t stop staring at Ramuja''s eyes, his eyes slowly turned golden, but it was different from Charles'' condensed golden eyes. Aster''s golden eyes looked very clear and soft, there was no greedy obsession in his eyes. He smiled at Ramuja, "I love you." Ramuja had seen Aster''s golden eyes many times, but this time, Aster''s golden eyes were very soft. It was not pressuring, not choking him with his golden blood aura. But it made his heart beat rapidly, he felt hot all over. ''Is this your true golden eyes, Aster? If it is, I beg you to only show this in front of me, not to other men.'' "I wonder if I can fall in love deeper than this, I love you Aster." Aster shed a few tears, he smiled, and they kissed under the luminous Asterite Tower. Chapter 214: Two Wounded Hearts Chapter 214: Two Wounded Hearts Charles was waiting in his chamber, he was waiting for the news toe, and just when he thought about checking it himself, his spy finally returned. "This subordinate has the news for Your Highness Crown Prince," he said. "How is it?" The spy was hesitant, because the news was definitely unpleasant to hear for the Crown Prince. He gulped and mustered his courage, "Milord Grand Duke Aster kissed his servant under the Asterite Tower, they are positively in love." Charles took a deep breath, there was no change in his countenance, he still stood calmly and then gazed at this spy coldly, "Good, you may go now." "YYour Highness, please give this subordinate the order to eliminate Grand Duke Aster''s servant, I will definitely be able to do it!" the spy initiated. But the Crown Prince didn''t seem to be interested. "My n to dethrone my father is more important than just a random servant. All I need to hear is whether Aster is doing well or not, I will take the initiative after that. You may go now before you piss me off," Charles waved his hand in annoyance. The spy nodded and disappeared from the chamber. Charles looked around, there were plenty of these virgin beautiful men and women in his chamber, ready to be deflowered. His loyal subordinate had this weird idea again. He sighed and said to all these people, "All of you, leave the room now." The people were surprised, they were ready to hand their virginity to the mighty Crown Prince, some of them were in for the money, but some were sincerely idolizing the prince. "Your Highness, are you sure you don''t want to try me first? I can" "LEAVE!!" Everyone scurried and left the room hastily, the Crown Prince was way too scary to handle when he got angry or impatient. After the room was empty, Charles walked to the balcony and stared at the sight of Dionde City from his balcony. He could see that Aster was able to increase the living conditions of the majority of the people in this city. The unemployment rate decreased quite significantly, and Dionde City''s GDP contribution for Golden Camellia almost doubled in less than a year. Charles smiled, "You really are an amazing man, Aster. How could I not adore you like this?" Charles caressed the silver pin that he took from Aster''s room. The silver pin was still as clean as the first time he took it. Charles always kept Aster''s silver pin in his pocket, because it was the source of his strength. "Aster, everything hase to this point. I don''t want to hurt you, but I guess there is no choice." "They said, all the Emperors of Golden Camellia are the strongest Emperor in the world. Because they are wealthy, powerful and inherited the golden blood. They said we are blessed to have this golden blood, can you believe that, Aster?" "They said, our golden blood is the blood of the gods. We are blessed with extraordinary talent in everything and we are born to rule. That one, I will not deny." "I wonder how you will see me when I be the strongest in the world. Should I clip your beautiful wings? If I do, you cannot fly anymore, but you will stay with me. If I chain your leg, you cannot leave anymore, you cannot see anyone but me." "It will be the greatest reward for me, no gold can make me feel better." Charles was talking to himself, but if he imagined it hard enough, he could see the mirage of Aster beside him, hugging him tightly, just like what he did when they were young. "I wonder what will I be if I don''t love you, Aster." "I will probably be the greatest killing machine our grandpa always wanted me to. I will feel nothing, but at least I won''t suffer this heartache" Charles imagined that Aster was beside him, pouting his lips cutely, begging to be kissed. Charles bowed his head slightly and kissed the mirage that he created in his eyes. ''I love you, Aster. I will never abandon our childhood promise.'' Few minutester, a shadow emerged behind him. Charles returned his solemn gaze and asked, "How is it?" "Everything has been set, we are waiting for your order." "Hold, I will order you when the timees, thank you, Helene." "Yes, Sir," Helene said firmly. However, she noticed the lonely back of her supposed ''fiance'' and said, "Sir, you need to let it go." "What do you mean?" "About Aster Sir, he has moved on. Please realize that obsessing over him is very foolish of you." Charlesughed, as if it was something really funny. He couldn''t be mad at Helene, because this woman had been with him through thick and thin. He had a thin smile on his face and said, "Maybe, if I didn''t fall in love with Aster, I would dly marry you instead." Charles leaned his elbow on the rail and he chuckled again, "But my golden blood said that my true love is Aster. I''m sorry for abandoning you, Helene." Helene fell silent. She didn''t know how to react in this situation, he raised her voice hesitatingly and then changed her mind, "I I''m okay, Sir. You cannot force love." "Yeah, you cannot force love" Charles seemed to mumble that sentence a few times, "If you want to marry someone, just tell me. I will be funding a grand ceremony for your marriage." "No need, Sir. I will not marry." "Oh? Really?" Charles finally turned his back. He leaned his back on the railing and he raised his brow, "You are a beautiful warrior from North Fort Kingdom, you are also the first princess. There are plenty of suitors." Helene sighed, she drew near Charles and then tiptoed. She kissed Charles on the lips and then took a few steps back, acting as if nothing had happened, "Because I will not marry someone that I don''t love. I love you, but just like what I said, you cannot force love. Now if you excuse me, I have to check the surroundings first." Helene disappeared, leaving the stunned Charles alone. Charles was unresponsive for a while, then he wiped his lips with his thumb, ''As expected, that hot sensation onlyes when I kissed Aster.'' ''But you cannot force love'' An hourter, the door was knocked, and the voice of his loyal subordinate was heard from outside, "Your Highness, the girl called Merry has arrived, as you requested!" "Let her in," Charles replied. His subordinate, Acron, was excited. Because this was the first time his master finally requested a girl. When he saw the appearance of Merry, he was positive that this girl was his master''s type. Merry entered the chamber, the chamber was spacious, though not as spacious as Milord Aster''s chamber. There were many books and papers scattered around, "Come here," she heard a voice calling her. A man, probably around his early-mid twenty, was leaning on the railing. He rested his elbow on the railing, showing his robust figure. He had a shoulder length brown hair that was tied back with silver ribbon. ''His face is definitely sculpted by god so perfect'' Merry had never seen anyone so handsome before. This was the first time he saw Crown Prince Charles up close. He was handsome, sharp, and exuded a domineering aura that made anyone kneel in front of him. ''Aster is a cold, soft beauty that will make anyone drown in fantasy, especially with his mesmerizing eyes. Ramuja is handsome too, his sexy chocte skin and unadorned facial feature. But Crown Prince Charles is just. Something else.'' ''I guess it''s logical that people think Charles and Aster fit together well. Because nobody could beat their beauty in this country, hm'' ''And Ramuja should''ve been mine! What is he doing mixing with these two gods anyway!'' Merry drew near Charles cautiously and kneeled, "This peasant heeds to the Crown Prince''s summon." Charles saw this girl from head to toe, he chuckled, "You do fit Aster''s servant well, you will be a good couple together." ''Because both of you are ungrateful, conceited trash.'' Charles could see this girl''s real nature with his golden eyes easily. It was a wonder how Aster could be fooled by this girl and that servant of his. Merry raised her head expectantly, "Your Highness knows Ramuja? YYes! We are made for each other, until Grand Duke Asteres between us" Charles rolled his eyes, he was not interested to hear a stupid girl story about that filthy servant, he said, "You don''t need to tell me your story, I already know everything." Charles pointed at a big bag on the desk and said, "That is two thousand gold coins, I believe you can live well with that servant until you grow old." Merry stared at the bag greedily, she already counted the big house that she could buy and all the business she could purchase, then she would still have at least half of it saved until her old age. ''Wait until Ramuja sees this, he might change his mind!'' Charles noticed the greedy eyes of this girl, and he sneered in his heart, ''Truly, a match made from heaven.'' Charles walked towards Merry and crouched in front of her, "If you want that, and want your lover back, you only need to do one thing." "WWhat is it, Your Highness? I''m ready to do anything!" Charles grinned and whispered something to Merry''s ears. Chapter 215: Unfavorable Situation Chapter 215: Unfavorable Situation Aster had a headache for a few days already. He had been trying his best to stay afloat amidst Charles'' aggressive intervention. Charles had been elerating his quest to usurp the throne far too aggressive for Aster to handle. ''First, he already cut my connection with Gaum. He took over the control for Fulk, the shortcuts I nned are all closed off for Duchy Arion. And I can''t use Viete''s road, because Floren is in a ''rtionship'' with Rosalie. I cannot raise the suspicion of the Golden Princess.'' ''What is he doing targeting me anyway? There are a lot of other houses to suppress, I''m not even on his father''s side!'' Aster ruffled his hair in frustration. He threw the gold quill to the floor and then stood from his chair. He left his office and walked around the corridor to calm his nerves. He paced around the corridors of Lantern Pce, from one side to another, then he stopped in front of a room that he had never visited for almost ten years, probably more than that. The door was carved with a small deer and a bunny ying together, depicting a happy time, cartoonish indeed. Aster chuckled, ''I still remember I keep talking to these two carved figures, uh the deer''s name was Bimbi and the bunny was Jack.'' Aster would usually ask for Bimbi and Jack''s permission to enter the room, as if they were the guardian of the room. Asterughed, "Miss Bimbi, Mr Jack, I want to enter!" Aster spoke with the carved images in the way he used to speak it back when he was just a five-year-old. He twisted the knob and the door was opened, Aster hopped as he entered the room, maybe the stress made him do ridiculous things, but he would love to revisit his old ying room, "Aster is here! Let''s y everyone~!" The toys that he had yed when he was a kid were scattered around in the purple carpet. Toy swords, toy houses, toy soldiers, blocks, dolls, all kinds of toys. In the middle of everything, a big, bear-like figure was sitting dumbly. He was holding two toy soldiers that were actually too small for his big and rough hands. Aster was staring at Ramuja astonished, while Ramuja was staring at his master dumbly. The situation was indeed very awkward. "WWWhat are you doing here?!" Aster pointed at Ramuja, his face was beet red. He remembered that he actually talked to the figures on the door, and even hopped to go inside. Ramuja must''ve heard and saw everything. Ramuja was still sitting dumbly, trying to process the situation. He put down the toy soldier carefully and tiptoed, so he didn''t step on any toys. After a while, Ramuja finally got out of the swarm of toys and then kneeled in front of his master, "MMilord, what are you doing here" "THAT WAS MY LINE!" "I uh I was just checking the room, Milord," Ramuja replied, of course it was not convincing enough. Looking at all the toys that were scattered around, Ramuja must''ve taken his time here to y with everything. "Did you actually yed with all my toys?" Ramuja was ashamed, he kneeled deeper, almost prostrating and murmured softly, "Yes, Milord" Aster facepalmed, "It''s been a week since our date, and you said you are busy training with Irion. Is this your training? This is the reason why you couldn''t attend me for a week straight?" " pardon this servant, Milord" Ramuja replied softly. Actually, Aster wasn''t mad at all, but it was just so ridiculous that he had to process everything in his brain. A twenty-year-old man, ying with all these toys every day for a week straight without a break, what kind of joke was that? Ramuja seemed to notice the ridiculing eyes of his master, he started speaking, "Milord, this servant has never seen so many weird toys. Back then, in my real hometown, my only toy was a spinning top. When I was brought here, I never saw any toys anymore. I''m sorry for being childish, Milord." Aster looked at Ramuja''s deeply ashamed kneel, he sighed and then turned his back, "Go y, but return all the toys back to the chest after you are done." "MMilord" Ramuja wanted to interfere, but Aster walked out and closed the door. Aster peeked from the window, this window was used by his parents to watch over him while he was ying. Ramuja was standing still, seemingly in big dilemma. He looked around, and then decided to sit between the toys and yed again. Aster smiled and walked away from the corridor. ''It''s a bit ridiculous, but Ramuja seems to be having fun with so many toys.'' Aster sighed, ''But it''s been a week since we have our time together, he''s just ying with toys the whole time. This is just like dad did, he would spend days without talking to anyone, adorning his weapon collection.'' Aster was grieving in his heart. Just when he was about to return back to the office, a man appeared in front of him and kneeled, "Milord, I have news." Aster was startled, but he quickly fixed his countenance and asked, "What is it?" "Crown Prince got the support from North Fort, since he already got the support of half of the noble houses in Golden Camellia, I believe he will usurp the throne soon." Aster took a heavy breath, he had been thinking about this, but this called for a n B, "Irion, follow me." Irion followed his master back to the office, Aster sat on his chair again and then took a new nk paper and took another gold quill. He started writing something with full concentration. After a while, he wiped his sweat with a tissue and then handed the letter to Irion. "This is my will to transfer, in case the situation went out of control, I will transfer the power over my shadow guards and all matters that I hid from the public eyes to you. Of course, I have my father to transfer all my visible wealth in case something happens to me, he is still eligible to lead anyway," Aster said solemnly. Irion read the will of transfer, and his hand was shaking horribly. He looked at his master with his lips slightly trembling, "MMMilord, nothing nothing will happen to you! You will be okay! I promise that you will be alright!" Irion was looking at the will of transfer again and it felt like his eyes were burning, he wanted to tear this piece of paper, "YYou will not need this paper, Milord!" Aster was looking at Irion''s exaggerated reaction, it was understandable that Irion or Ramuja would be frantic if he gave this letter to any of them. Because it was basically a way to transfer over your power after your death. But Aster seemed to have something in his mind, he had the bad feeling that a terrible omen would happen soon. Maybe it was just a feeling, but it was better to be prepared in any situation. "I will not die, but in case something happens, I just want my people to stay united. Because I will never give up. As long as my blood is still running, I will not give up," Aster said resolutely. Which pacified Irion a bit, but he was still anxious. "Milord, I will tighten the security around the Lantern Pce from now on, you don''t need to panic!" Irion said anxiously. Aster chuckled, "It''s you who are panicked. Rx, I will find a way to deal with Charles," Aster stood from the chair and took the letter that he stored inside a drawer near the window, "Anyway, I''ve heard the news about Winter Feast, they said they are going to held the Winter Feast in Lantern Pce this year, is it right?" "Yes, Milord. The envoy from the Golden Pce said to me that the Emperor would like to host the Winter Feast in Lantern Pce," Irion exined. "Hm after the incident in Autumn Banquet, it would be quite distasteful for Uncle Emperor to host another grand ball in Golden Pce," Aster hummed slightly, and then said, "Alright, say to the envoy that Grand Duchy Stormhill will host the Winter Feast, but I want the feast to be held in the Dionde City Main square, we can use the Dionde Grand Hall for the aristocrats, and the peasants will also be able to enjoy Winter Feast with free meal in the street." "Milord, It will be really expensive" "Yes, I will fund the Winter Feast. Don''t worry, I have more than enough to host thirty more simr Winter Feasts before I have to rethink, just say it to the envoy." "Understood, Milord." Irion left the room and hastily went to meet Golden Pce''s envoy. Aster was staring at the scenery outside his office solemnly, ''This is the only way Charles wouldn''t do a sudden intervention during the feast, because the public eyes are all on him. He has to think twice before raiding the main square with his men.'' ''This is also the way for me to promote the vast disparity of wealth between the Royal Family and Grand Duchy. I may have nothing more than money, but I have plenty for them to shut up.'' Aster sighed, "The situation is quite unfavorable now." Chapter 216: The Singer of Winter Feast Chapter 216: The Singer of Winter Feast Aster was busy preparing for the Winter Feast, there would be many things to amodate. He barely had any time to rest, let alone a time to enjoy the scenery outside with Ramuja. Speaking of Ramuja, the big boy was finally standing near the door, casting his eyes down in shame. It took him two more weeks until he finally left that yroom. It must have been shameful for him to be holed inside his master''s room and yed with countless toys until he finally realized that he had abandoned many things, his training, his duty, and his lover. Aster messaged his temple, he closed his tired eyes and rested his back on the chair. He took a deep breath and nced at Ramuja who was still standing shamefully, "Are you satisfied?" Aster asked casually. Like a thunder on a clear sky, Ramuja jolted slightly, he approached his master slowly and then kneeled in front of him, "MMilord, I''m sorry for being unreasonable. My mind just nks out when I see the toys, it is very childish of me to y with toys while you are busy with many things, I am sorry" Aster chuckled, he patted Ramuja''s head, "It''s fine. As long as you are doing well, I know that your childhood must''ve been rough, since you were brought from your homnd to a foreignnd as a ve. It must''ve been quite surprising for you to see so many toys." Aster caressed Ramuja''s face gently and pinched Ramuja''s chin, he held the chin up, so their eyes could meet, "In fact, it''s fine if you spend some more time there. I''m doing fine here." "BBut, you are obviously very tired. Milord, I''m sorry for being ignorant" Ramuja stared at his master''s flickering golden circle eyes. He noticed the dark eye bags under Milord''s beautiful eyes and felt even guiltier, "Is there anything I can do, Milord?" "Why? Do you feel guilty for ignoring me for almost a month?" Asterughed, "Ramuja, it''s fine" "It''s not fine!" Ramuja rebuked, he held his master''s hand and immediately noticed his master''s calluses, "Milord, how long have you been staying in this office? Your hand is full of calluses!" Aster instinctively tried to pull his hand, but Ramuja held it firmly, there was a determination in Ramuja''s face, "Milord, I will help you! Please order me to do anything!" Ramuja''s firm determination gave Aster a funny idea, he grinned mischievously, "Anything?" "Anything!" "Well, you see, my hand is full of calluses. Must''ve been because I write too much, I need a remedy," Aster said. "I will go to the pce doctor" "No need, just use your mouth," Aster said calmly. Which left Ramuja dumbfounded, he stared at his master as if he wanted to say something, but decided to keep his mouth shut. Aster almostughed from Ramuja''s funny face, he repeated, "Just use your mouth, lick it." "Yes, Milord" Ramuja opened his mouth, his red tongue touched the middle finger first. He put his master''s slender middle finger inside his mouth and twirled around it with his tongue. Ramuja closed his eyes and did the same to all his master''s fingers, one by one entered his mouth and Ramuja tried his best to not let his master''s precious finger touch his teeth. Aster bit his lower lip, trying hard not to make weird noises. Ramuja was extremely skilled with his tongue, thest time he used it to lick over his nipple, it made him almost faint out of pleasure, "Do you like it?" Aster asked. "Hhike it" Ramuja replied with his master''s finger still inside his mouth. "Ramuja, I" "Milord, Ie here to volunteer!" the office door was suddenly opened without any regard. Merry was opening the door carelessly. She saw Milord Aster sitting on his office chair and Ramuja was kneeling beside him. He had Milord''s fingers inside his mouth, while sucking it deliciously. As if it was a delicious candy. The three of them were staring at each other. Aster drew his fingers from Ramuja''s mouth and then wiped it with his handkerchief. Ramuja stood straight and instantly blocked Milord from Merry''s sight. "What are you doing here!?" Ramuja yelled fiercely to Merry. It took a while for Merry to process the whole thing, after she finally reacted, she pushed Ramuja, but Ramuja didn''t budge at all. "I''m here to talk with Milord! Move!" Merry yelled back. "I will not let you see him!" "Ramuja," Aster called him in a firm tone, and then said, "She wants to meet me, go stand on the corner." Ramuja turned his head to his master, his eyes were a bit confused. As if begging, he wanted to persuade his master to kick Merry away. But Aster firmly said, "She wants to meet me." Ramuja grudgingly stood in the corner, with anxiety in his eyes. He saw Merry clenched her fists tight before loosened it and put on her innocent face again. "Milord, I''m here to volunteer!" Merry said. "Volunteer? For what? You are just a simple maid here," Aster disapproved, he was already displeased because this girl had no manner at all. This office was his private office, but she barged in without any permission, "Also, remember, this is the Grand Duke office, you are prohibited to enter without my permission. You might get prose--" Merry didn''t seem to care, she cut Aster''s sentence halfway, "I''m here to volunteer as a singer!" Merry said proudly. She nced at Ramuja who was fuming in rage on the corner and her lips perked up, "I''m a very good singer, Milord can ask Ramuja about that." "Ramuja? Why would I ask him?" Aster nced at Ramuja and then Merry suspiciously, "Did he ever hear you singing?" "NNo! Milord, I never heard this girl sing, never!" Ramuja rebuked immediately, while Merry said nothing, but still kept her prideful posture. Aster was a bit surprised with Ramuja''s overreaction. He asked Merry, "Well, to be the Singer of Winter Feast, you need to be really good and really popr. I don''t think you fit for the second requirement." "I do! If you go around Dionde and ask the people if they know about Merry Wood, the Dionde Diva, they will say yes! That''s why Ramuja is lying to you, Milord! I am really popr in Dionde! He is lying if he said he never heard me singing!" Merry said confidently. "Really? Howe I''ve never heard of you before" "Maybe Milord has some screw loose? Howe you don''t know about me! That means you are not a good lord!" Merry said, half insulting to Aster. "How dare you insult Milord!" Ramuja wanted to push this girl out, but Aster stopped Ramuja; "Stop right there, you have no right to intervene," Aster ordered. He was actually quite angry when Merry insulted his capability, Dionde City and all regions under Grand Duchy Stormhill were like his children. He took care of them really carefully. But if it was true that Merry was really popr in Dionde, howe he never heard of her? Not even once. Aster observed Merry from head to toe, and then nodded solemnly, "Alright then, I will allow you to be the Singer of Winter Feast. Just don''t do something stupid, and don''t embarrass me. The Emperor and Crown Prince will attend the Winter Feast in Dionde this year." "Trust me, you will not be disappointed!" Merry said smugly. She then turned her back and walked off without any permission. As if she didn''t put Aster in her eyes. Ramuja gnashed furiously. This girl was very different from the sweet Merry he had known for a long time. This girl had no manners and she didn''t have any respect for Milord Aster at all. "Milord, please excuse me for a bit," Ramuja said rashly. He disappeared instantly. Aster was alone in his room, he tried to put his suspicion at rest, but looking at Ramuja''s overreaction, it only sprouted the seed of doubt in his heart, ''Why is Ramuja acting so anxious whenever that girl is around?'' ''Was there something I missed? Did I really forget something?'' Aster sighed and then rested his back on the chair again. He looked at his fingers that had been licked by Ramuja, then he clenched his fist, "I will not forgive anyone who lied to me." *** Ramuja rushed out to find Merry who was humming lightly on the corridor, she didn''t notice that Ramuja rushed to her with his speed. In a split second, Merry could feel that her waist was gripped and she disappeared from the corridor. She felt like she was flying, not long after, she appeared again in the private garden of Milord Aster. She looked around confusedly, but when she turned her back, she saw Ramuja with his furious eyes. "You dare to disrespect Milord like that," Ramuja said in a low, almost grunting voice. Merry didn''t seem to be scared of Ramuja, she put her hand on her hips and her chest rose proudly, "Of course! Who would respect a bitch lord like him anyway! I can be much more than him, hmph!" "Apologize before I kill you!" Ramuja gnashed in anger. But instead of yielding, Merry smugly said; "Crown Prince Charles said to me that he will give me a lot of money and noble position as long as I help him! I can be more than Aster! We can be rich and powerful together!" Chapter 217: Trust and Doubt Chapter 217: Trust and Doubt "Crown Prince Charles said to me that he will give me a lot of money and noble position as long as I help him! I can be more than Aster! He is just a useless bitch lord!" Ramuja zipped his lips and directly choked Merry with considerable strength. Slowly, Merry''s feet lifted up to the air as Ramuja pulled the girl up. Merry struggled to catch a breath, she kicked Ramuja''s body repeatedly to no avail. Ramuja was really furious at this point, seeing this girl who was once he treated as a dearest little sister became a despicable woman, "You really have a loose mouth, staying in Dionde for too long is not good for your personality, I think." Ramuja pinched Merry''s neck slightly, Merry was struggling and her face turned red, "Hhelp" Seeing the powerless face of Merry and her call for help softened Ramuja a bit, he sighed and dropped Merry slowly. Merry coughed as she tried to inhale as much air as possible, she really thought that she would die in the hand of her future husband. "I''m sorry, Merry. I got too angry. You should reconsider" "HELP! RAMUJA IS TRYING TO KILL ME! HELP!!"Merry screamed as loud as she could, which startled Ramuja. Ramuja immediately covered Merry''s mouth, but Merry bit Ramuja''s fingers hard and struggled. "SShut up!" Ramuja was hesitating. He didn''t want to hurt Merry, but Merry was getting out of control. "RRAMUJA IS TRYING TO RAPE ME! HELP ME!" Merry screamed frantically. Ramuja was stunned with the sudden usation, he would never touch Merry with perverted thought, let alone take her virginity. Knowing there was no other choice, Ramuja took a potion inside his pocket and chugged Merry with it. Then he let Merry go. Merry took few steps back, she wanted to curse at Ramuja, "Ramuja! You are blind! Just follow Crown Prince, we can be rich! Don''t you want to have a rich life like the nobles?! Crown Prince will Urk!" Merry could feel her stomach churned and she fell to the ground, "WWhat" "It''s just another form of low dose paralyzing potion, you will be fine," Ramuja said coldly. He approached Merry and carried her. He put her on the bench and then said, "If you won''t calm down, I will not give you the antidote." "YYou! Ramuja, you are my boyfriend, my future husband! You should be protecting me! Don''t you know about those gant men in many tales? They are handsome and gant, like the Crown Prince! I still love you, but you should be more like them!" "Stop your bullshit fantasy!" Ramuja rebuked harshly. "I''ve lived a life of hell since my childhood, nobody every protected me and nobody ever cared about me, until I met Milord!" Ramuja''s chest was rising up and down, he was in a constant battle with his wrathful side inside his mind. He really wanted to choke Merry to death right now, because he had offended Milord Aster and himself. But at the same time, his conscience still said no. "Merry, what are you thinking right now? Do you really think that submitting to the Crown Prince willnd you goldmine? You are dead wrong!" "Hmph! You can say that, but he already gave me a hundred gold coins! Unlike that stingy bitch lord, the Crown Prince is generous!" though Merry''s body was paralyzed right now, she could still move her head and spit on the sidewalk, "I would never kneel in front of that bitch lord! Disgusting!" Ramuja raised his hand, ready to p Merry with enough power to dislocate her jaw at least. "Stop." A calm voice interrupted him from behind. Ramuja turned his head and his body shook instantly. His heart sank to the deepest level, as if the world had shattered in front of him. Milord was standing calmly, his expression was lukewarm, and he crossed his arms. Behind him, Irion lowered his head, dared not to see what would happen next. After that, the silence filled the atmosphere, nobody dared to start a conversation, until Merry opened her mouth first, "Milord, Ramuja is trying to harass me! Look, he paralyzed me like this." "Hm I see, maybe you thought that I''ve just arrived. I guess I will believe your silly little mouth," Aster said sarcastically, which shut Merry instantly. Aster smirked at Merry, "I really had yet to hear anything, if that is the case, then I will give Ramuja proper punishment." Aster shifted his gaze at Ramuja and then ordered him, "Give her the antidote, who allowed you to use potion and poison like that inside my Lantern Pce?" "MMilord, I" "The antidote." Ramuja gulped, his master was in no room to negotiate now. He took the antidote from his pocket and chugged Merry with it. Not long after, Merry was finally able to move her body back to normal. She ignored Ramuja and went straight to Aster. She didn''t kneel, instead she stood straight in front of Aster and said, "Milord, about my job as the singer of winter feast" "Hm? I told you that I hadn''t heard anything, right? You will be the Singer of Winter Feast, worry not. Now, go, I need to punish this servant of mine for harassing a maid here," Aster said coldly. "Thank you, Milord!" Merry nced at Ramuja and said to Aster anxiously, "Milord, don''t punish him severely, we just had a small fight. That''s all." Aster smiled meaningfully, "I thought there was a big fight with almost a sexual harassment here, did I mishear?" "JJust don''t kill him! He is mmy boyfriend!" Merry said, then she ran away from the garden, leaving Ramuja, Aster and Irion in the garden. The atmosphere was dreadful at this point. "Irion, you can go now. Remember to return when I call you," Aster ordered. Irion nced at Ramuja whose blood had been drained from his face. He gritted his teeth and nodded obediently, "Certainly, Milord." Aster calmly sat on the chair and patted the chair beside him, "Sit here." Ramuja was standing like a statue, there were countless doubts and dread in his heart, but he followed his master order and sat beside his master cautiously. He saw that Milord''s eyes didn''t turn ink ck, but he just heard Merry say that she was his girlfriend. ''W what is going on inside Milord''s head?'' Aster took a deep. He put his hand on Ramuja''s palm and held it gently. He asked, "Ramuja, care to exin?" "I" Ramuja was ready to drank the suicide poison inside his pocket, or killed himself with a knife, in case Milord''s eyes turned ck and became crazed like Crown Prince or Late Grand Duchess. But no, Milord''s eyes were still clear as sky, although it did be slightly colder than usual. "I I amI am not her boyfriend" Ramuja said slowly. "That one, of course I know, you are not that kind of person," Aster chuckled, "I just wonder what did you hide behind me? What was your rtionship with Merry before?" Ramuja gulped, his eyes were unfocused and he was afraid that this was just a calm before the storm. This was just Milord''s way to execute him, maybe he would also be mutted into pieces and bing stray dogs'' food. Aster saw how horrified Ramuja was, he intertwined his fingers with Ramuja''s fingers and said, "Whatever you said, I believe in you." Ramuja and Aster''s eyes met. Aster''s eyes were ever so gentle, there was no trace of hostility in his eyes, "I I have known Merry and her family since thete Grand Duchess sent me to Grand Duchy''s logging business. Her family was a peasant that got liberated and stayed to work in the logging business I live with them because I have no one there." "Then, what do you think about that girl called Merry? Why is she like this?" Ramuja gulped, ''If I said everything truthfully, it will definitely trigger Milord''s memory slip, I don''t know what would happen with Milord if he triggered his memory slip now'' ''Milord, I''m sorry.'' "She confessed that she likes me, but I rejected her. After that, she keeps chasing me, even chasing me to Dionde city like this" "So, you never epted her confession? You two have never been in a rtionship before?" Aster asked again. Ramuja felt that he was already lying too much, he couldn''t utter other words, so he just shook his head. Aster hummed for a moment and then nodded, "Well, I believe in you." "WWait wha" Ramuja was dumbfounded. He noticed that there was no doubt in his master''s eyes. It was, as if, Aster really trusted him. "I trust you, because you are my lover," Aster said, "Besides, I wouldn''t trust that girl. She is a bit crazy in her head." "Milord" "That being said, I still want her to be the Singer of Winter Feast. I will try to bait Charles with it," Aster said, "I trust you because I love you, Ramuja. Do you trust me too?" When Ramuja and Aster''s eyes met again, this time, Ramuja shifted his eyes, because he couldn''t bear lying to his lover even more, "Of course, I trust you too, Milord" "Then it''s fine. I do hope that you can be more careful though. Don''t be angry over small things, I didn''t take that girl''s insult at heart, because I know that she''s just a lunatic," Aster said. "Yes, Milord" "Alright, I will head back to my room, you should go and take a rest," Aster smiled. "Milord, should I escort you back to your room?" "No need, I will have Irion for that," Aster called Irion and in a split second, Irion appeared. Irion held Aster''s hand and they disappeared. Leaving Ramuja in his doubt. ''Milord, how could you trust someone this much now I''m unsure whether everything right now is just an illusion or not'' *** Aster arrived inside his room and then ordered Irion to leave. Irion hesitated and asked his master first, "Milord, about Ramuja and that girl Merry." "I trust him, and I know what I''m doing. I will use the girl to bait Charles, so I know what is his full n. You may leave now," Aster said firmly. There was no room for a talk, so Irion only clenched his fist and disappeared. Aster sighed, he sat on the bed, nkly staring at the balcony, ''In fact, I don''t think I know what I''m doing. I am simply doing everything with my feelings right now. I want to trust him, but I know it''s not that simple.'' ''Maybe I am the coward, because I don''t want to face the reality.'' Aster clenched his heart, because it started to grow painful, ''I refuse to doubt him. I believe him, because I know that he has a pure heart.'' ''Ramuja, don''t disappoint me. I''m begging you.'' Chapter 218: Preparation for the Bloody Winter Chapter 218: Preparation for the Bloody Winter Charles was standing still in front of his army. He stood on a podium, if one saw the wave of army troops flooded a very wide meadow with their presence, they would be surprised that Crown Prince Charles owned all those vigorous soldiers. Most of them were following the Crown Prince by their own willingness. Crown Prince Charles was famous for his military tactics against skirmishes with other countries. He could also recolonize many countries that broke away from Golden Camellia''s restraint. Those small countries had had their short-lived freedom until Charles came and massacred them ruthlessly and recolonized them again, just with a steel hand. He was quite different from Emperor Leopold or Emperor Ludwig, Charles was ruthless to the bone, naturally cunning, since he could break the trust of many countries and create internal conflict in ease. Charles was also a golden blood that had enormous pressure aura, all that traitsbined, he made an exceptional leader for many. Thus, many people volunteered to be his underlings, Charles was that charismatic. Charles inhaled deeply and said with a firm, deep voice, "My loyal soldiers, we are here to prepare ourselves to a new age. I am deeply saddened to tell you this, but our beloved Golden Camellia has been rotting under the rule of my father, Emperor Audric IV. His rule is wed, because he is very lenient to everything. Corruptions are rising, abuse ofw urs everywhere, and our glorious Golden Camellia has been ndered by other countries because we are not as strong as we were. Rally with me, I shall put your trust on my shoulder and carry it with pride, with your power, Golden Camellia shall bloom as the jewel of the earth!" The soldiers'' chest was raising with pride, they were hypnotized with the charisma of Crown Prince Charles, they yelled the war cry of old Golden Camellia, "LONG LIVE OUR GOLDEN EMPEROR, LONG LIVE THE JEWEL OF THE EARTH, GOLDEN CAMELLIA SHALL BLOOM!" Charles'' golden circle glinted, he saw the wave of soldiers who cheered up his name in this wide meadow, this was not even half of his real army. Because he stationed many of his armies to colonize many new countries. ''Aster, if you see this, will you understand the disparity of our power?'' *** Ramuja was frustrated with his master''s confusing behavior. He kneeled in front of his master and asked, "Milord, what will you do to Merry? She is going to be the Singer of the Winter Feast." "What will I do? Of course, amodate her job as the Singer of Winter Feast, what else?" Aster raised his brow. "But what if she starts ndering you to the crowd while in Winter Feast? She is quite an unstable girl, Milord. I don''t want anyone to think bad about you." "I''ve been ndered my whole life, when you live a life better than the majority of the people, you are bound to be ndered by the envious. But doesn''t mean that I got deterred because of that." Asterughed and put the document down. He patted Ramuja''s hair and continued, "In fact, if she dares to nder me in Winter Feast, I doubt anyone would believe her. She has no credibility, no nobles or peasants would be stupid enough to believe her." Ramuja was silent, listening to Milord''s exnation made him feel even more doubtful, ''Milord made too many holes, as if he was setting up on something.'' Aster saw that Ramuja was dazed, he said gently, "Ramuja, what is in your mind right now? Do you have any new ideas? Tell me then." "It''s It''s nothing, Milord. I just want to make sure that you are alright," Ramuja evaded. He rose from his kneeling position and took a few steps back, "Milord, I believe that you have the best judgement, I will not doubt you." ''But you doubted me just now, it''s clear in your eyes,'' Aster''s mood was low, but he put up a mirthful smile and said, "Ramuja, can you call Irion? I want to talk to him about something. Also, you should do more, you''ve been apanying me every day, you should stay in shape." " yes, Milord." Not long after, Irion showed in the office. He kneeled in front of Aster and asked, "I''m here to serve, Milord." Aster saw the rugged look of Irion and few wounds, and then asked, "What happened to you?" "I had just returned after I spied on the Crown Prince''s mass soldiers, I scouted with two of your shadow guards. We escaped after the Crown Prince noticed us, but one of the shadow guards was wounded quite severely." Aster frowned, he said to Irion, "Go bring that shadow guard to the pce doctor." "I already did, Milord," Irion replied, then he continued his report, "Crown Prince is ready to usurp the throne Milord, his mass soldier has been scouted camping in Grand Duchy''s region, in a side meadow near the border with Viete." "I see, I guess my prediction is correct. Charles will raid the Winter Feast," Aster nodded and then took his quill to write a new announcement for the people of Grand Duchy Stormhill. Then he handed it to Irion. "Give this to the city secretary, make it an announcement for the people. That visiting Dionde City during Winter Feast is obligatory. We will give the people who participated a ration of food for the winter." Irion was staring at the paper for a while, he was what was his master nning right now, but it was his duty to trust his master, "Certainly, please excuse me, Milord." Irion disappeared and Aster finally slumped on the chair again. He was tired, very tired about many state affairs, and even more tired thinking about Ramuja. Because his head and his heart were conflicting against each other. ''My heart said that I should trust Ramuja, but it is logical for me to doubt him. Everything feels too sketchy about him and Merry'' ''Ramuja never trusted me, he was always inside his little bubble, doubting whether I hate him or not'' Aster noticed that the more he interacted with Ramuja. There was no doubt that Ramuja''s love was true, but Ramuja didn''t trust him at all. ''What should I do to get his trust? I keep telling him that I will always trust him and love him no matter what, why doesn''t he believe in me?'' ''And now, Charles is going to raid the winter feast. At least I know that Merry wants to nder me during the winter feast with her song, for that I have a n.'' ''About Charles As long as there are so many people when Winter Feast starts, I think it should''ve deterred him, at least he won''t go all out.'' Aster looked at the window and saw Ramuja training hard. Aster''s hand touched the window and then he said, "Ramuja, please give me your trust. I promise I will never get angry at you" *** King Tuskan was talking to a man in his ship, since the Winter Feast is going to be held in Dionde City, he said to Charles before that he would be attending the Winter Feast for a short time before leaving Golden Camellia. He had been helping Charles with many things, especially his military coup and giving pressure to many smaller houses, so they would take Charles'' side instead of Aster or Emperor Ludwig. Of course, he was feeling guilty, because he helped Aster''s enemy, but a contract is a contract. Tuskan was sitting on the deck while the ship crews were checking the condition of the ship. He was dazed, thinking about Aster the whole time, ''I have yet to meet Aster again, it feels very shameless of me if I dare show up in front of him after aiding Charles to almost everything up until now.'' ''I miss him though'' "My King, a man wants to talk with you, he said he is Grand Duke Aster''s subordinate," his guardmander''s words snapped him out of his daze instantly, he replied, "Let him in." Irion was bowing in front of Great King Tuskan, he cut short all the unnecessary greetings and went straight to his point, "Your Majesty, I am here for a request." "A request? Did Aster need something from me? I will definitely try my best to help him!" Tuskan said excitedly. "No, Your Majesty, this is my request, because there is a growing uncertainty to what will happen in the Winter Feast, I have a request based on my prediction, this is for Milord Aster''s safety." Tuskan was startled, "Did something happen to him?!" "No, Your Majesty. At least, not yet" Tuskan inhaled deeply and said, "Tell me, as long as it''s about Aster''s safety, then I will help him." "Yes, Your Majesty, I''m begging you to take" *** Five men were sitting in a room inside an inn. They were the trained soldiers that had the important mission to escort Prince Rama back to the Sun Kingdom. "Everything has been set, we will rescue Prince Rama when the timees. Leave no error, failure means death, understand?" "Yes, sir!" "This is for Prince Rama, for the Sun Kingdom. We shall rise under the rule of the true monarch." Chapter 219: The Last Winter Feast Chapter 219: The Last Winter Feast "Milord, this year''s winter is very cold, please be mindful of your health," Anne, the head maid said. She was picking good clothing for today''s Winter Feast. She was busy picking a good set of clothes for her master, while Aster himself was still busy writing in some documents. Anne noticed that her master was still busy with documents, she scolded Aster, "Milord, today is Winter Feast, please take a rest. You''ve been shouldering all the administrative and business of Grand Duchy Stormhill, you are going to die overworked in your own room!" Aster finally stopped writing after he finished thest document, the documents that he had just finished was to transfer all his asset temporarily to his father, Lord Harion. Because somehow, Aster had a bad feeling about this day, ''Just in case.'' He put down the quill and nced at Anne who looked wary. Heughed in mirth, "Anne, I am already the Grand Duke of Grand Duchy Stormhill, not the little boy that you nursed and carried around." Anne felt wronged, she sighed, "Well, in my eyes, you are still the little boy who would cry over many things. Ah, Milord, I''m getting old now." Anne put down the set of garments she had selected in front of Milord, "Milord, maybe I should retire and rest. But I am just a widow, where will I go if I leave the duchy?" "Then, don''t leave," Aster smiled, "You''re a senior maid here, everyone is looking up on you, it would be quite a menace if you left abruptly." "Milord, you''re willing to take an old widow like me here? To stay here?" "I don''t see any problem with that, in fact, if you want, I can always make a home for you in Dionde City or the countryside, so you can retire whenever you want to." "No need, I will live and die serving Grand Duchy Stormhill," Anne said proudly, her wrinkles were showing, but she looked vigorous. Aster smiled, Anne had been serving the duchy for a long time, she was fifty-four years old right now. But she always executed all the maid tasks perfectly. "Thank you, Anne. Now if you excuse me, I will wear the garments that you chose." "Yes, Milord," Anne bowed her head and left the room. Aster started undressing and wore the clothing that had been chosen. An ink ck cored shirt, a trouser and he wore a soft white coat with patterned ck shapes around the neck and the sleeves, ''Ermine coat eh? Well, I usually don''t like fur coats, but today is indeed too cold for everyone'' ''Wait until Ramuja sees this, he will be charmed! Hehe~'' Aster readied himself andbed his hair, he looked at the clock and nodded. The Winter Feast would be held at seven in the evening, and this was already three. Aster left the room to meet his lover whom he ordered to stay at the bottom of the staircase that led to his room. He still used his old bedroom, simply because it was morefortable. Everything inside the main room in Lantern Pce reminded him of his father andte mother, too many memories stored inside, and he wanted to keep it that way. Aster walked down the stairs, the spiral staircase was quite a pain, especially since he wore this thick coat, but he managed to descend. He reached the end, and saw a big figure stood near the staircase, Aster grinned happily, "Ramu" "Mmh!" Aster stopped midway, he saw right in front of his eyes, Merry draped her hands around Ramuja''s neck, while Ramuja stood still unblinking. Merry indulged with the kiss while Ramuja was unresponsive. Ramuja pushed Merry immediately and yelled at Merry, "Merry, you''ve gone too far!" "But I just want my kiss, aren''t we supposed to be a couple? A kiss in Winter Feast between a couple is a tradition, we should keep each other warm!" "You are crazy! Crazy bitch! What if Milord saw this!" Aster gripped the stair handrail and calmly said, "It''s fine, I already saw it." Both Merry and Ramuja were shocked when Milord was already behind them, still standing in the staircase. His eyes were cold, and finally, there were dark spots scattered in his eyes. "Why did you need to hide it? You two are couples, right?" Aster looked at Merry and repeated his question, "Merry, answer me, you two are couples, right?" "Milord, this is not" "Silence! I''m asking Merry here, not you!" Aster red at Ramuja, the ink ck spots around his pupils started to thicken. Merry was scared with Milord Aster right now, because somehow, Aster exuded a wrathful thick aura that made her tremble, she nervously replied, "YYes, Milord, we are a couple, it''s been three years!" Aster''s grip around the handrail tightened so that his hand became bloodless, he trembled in anger and his pupils almost turned ck. "Milord, listen to me, she just shoved herself to me! I never want to kiss her like that!" Aster sneered, "If you don''t want to kiss her, why are you letting her kiss you for a good minute? You are a trained soldier, don''t say that you''re just surprised. Because that alibi is bullshit!" "No, Milord! She is threatening to to" Ramuja was tongue-tied, because it would directly reveal everything about him to Milord. He lowered his head in shame, it was indeed his fault for being careless. Aster''s pupils finally turned pure ck and he called the guards and shadow guards, "Irion! Shadow guards! Arrest this man!" In a few seconds, many guards and shadow guards gathered around, including Irion who already unsheathed his sword. What surprised him was that he thought there was an intruder wanting to hurt his master, but it was Ramuja who lowered his head in shame, while he clenched his fists until his nails pierced his palm and blood dripped to the floor. "Arrest this man, take him to our underground jail," Aster said while pointing at Ramuja. Irion and the shadow guards hesitated, especially since Ramuja didn''t even fight when the regr guards tried to reprimand him. "Don''t hurt him, just put him in the jail, I have a few questions for him," Aster nced angrily at Ramuja and then continued, "You, I will see you again after the Winter Feast, don''t even think about escaping!" "I will not escape, Milord. But please, I''m begging you please don''t let Merry to join the Winter Feast, she she is going to ruin everything!" Ramuja tried his best not to be too blunt, because it would bring shame to Milord if all the guards here knew about it. "You are not the one to rule over me," Aster said coldly, he nced at the girl beside Ramuja, "Why are you still here?! Go to your carriage! Sing a song before I slit your throat!" Merry was too scared to provoke Aster, she ran to her carriage instantly. Aster ignored the rest of the people and left Ramuja with the guards. Aster sat inside his carriage and his carriage set off. Irion appeared inside his master''s carriage and asked carefully, "Milord, if you are willing to tell, what happened? Why do you need to imprison Ramuja?" "He cheated on me," Aster said curtly. Irion''s breath shortened, he nced at his master''s pupils that had yet to return back to normal, ''It is pure ck'' ''Ramuja could easily struggle and fight all the guards there, but he epted everything. What did he do?!'' "Milord, are you alright? You may need to take a rest, going to the Winter Feast would only worsen your mood" "I don''t need your advice, Irion. Go scout outside before you worsen my mood," Aster said. Irion nodded immediately and disappeared. Aster was finally alone in his carriage. He had been trying his hard to keep his calm, at least to not cry in front of the people, especially Ramuja himself. Because if he cried like a distressed pitiful maiden, it would only hurt his pride. Aster shook his head many times so he could brush off those crazy imaginations inside his head, ''Ramuja, do you know how much I want to cut your limbs right now? I want to cut your limbs so you can''t leave. I want to pull out your eyes so you can''t see anyone, and I want to cut your tongue and lips, so you won''t be kissing anyone!'' "But I can''t" Aster sobbed softly, fearing that the coachman outside would hear his sobs, "Why am I soft hearted for you? It is me who is in denial, everything has been quite clear since the first day she entered the door" Aster nced at the carriage in front beside him, it contained Merry, the Singer of Winter Feast, his eyes grew cold, ''I don''t know who you are, but I will never give you mercy after this, treat this night as yourst day to sing. So, sing with your heart content before I scald your throat.'' *** Ramuja was sitting behind the bar silently. His hands and feet were chained, but he didn''t struggle at all. Ramuja could easily break the steel bar, he could also defeat all the guards here, but he decided not to, because this was supposed to be his punishment. It was Merry who caught him off guard, she suddenly said, ''I will sing the song where Aster shook his ass in the flowerbed, under a sex ve he moaned like a bitch! I will sing the song of a cheater like you too! But don''t worry, we will be together after this!'' It was so sudden that Ramuja was unresponsive for a minute. It was indeed his fault for being careless. He didn''t mind if his master killed him after the Winter Feast, as long as Aster survived the Winter Feast. ''Milord, It''s fine for you to punish me, kill me, as long as you are safe. I''m begging you, please stay alive tonight.'' Chapter 220: The Last Winter Feast II Chapter 220: The Last Winter Feast II Aster''s carriage paced through the street full of people, they were already feasting on the food that was free for them. Just like what he did during the Winter Feastst year, he also generously provided food that was lined neatly on the side of the road of Dionde City''s main square. People were free to take as much as they wanted, and the food would always be supplied on the table until the Winter Feast ended. Everything was neat this evening, the people were lined up peacefully for food, and most of them were taking small portions and chatted with their friends. When they saw the carriage of the Grand Duke paced through the road, they sang tons ofpliments to Aster, thanking his generosity and hard work. Because Grand Duchy Stormhill was better than ever after he took over the control of the duchy. Everything was really neat, and the people were really peaceful. Which only set anxiety inside Aster''s heart. He looked outside, and noticed that, while the streets were packed, they were all dressed properly and properly lined up for food, properly eating their food, properly chitchatting. There was no mess at all. ''All of them all of them are Diondian!'' Aster observed their expensive clothing for a peasant, their clean appearance and their manner. They were all the people of Dionde City. ''Where are the people from the countryside? Where are the people from my other regions!?'' Aster already announced that the Winter Feast was free for every resident inside Grand Duchy Stormhill''s area. He predicted that the people from the countryside would dly enjoy the Winter Feast, because they could take many foods home and store them as stock during this harsh winter. But what he saw was that everyone around the street were the people of Dionde City. They were all too clean and preppy, almost like a semi noble. Aster''s hand started sweating, he used his handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat on his forehead, ''There is no way people would miss this event, did Charles do something to prevent people outside of Dionde to enter the city?'' The carriage slowed down, and then stopped in the middle of the road. Aster looked outside, they were still midway to Dionde City''s Grand Hall, where the nobles were gathering for this Winter Feast. Aster opened the ss that separated him from the coachman, he slid the small curtain and asked, "Why did you stop--!" The real coachman that came with Aster was nowhere to be seen, presumably already ran away because of this man that reced him as the coachman. The man turned his head, with his perfectly sculptured face, he grinned and said, "Pardon for the inconvenience, Milord." Aster propelled back to his seat out of reflex, his heart was beating crazily, "CCharles, what are you doing here?!" "I''m just thinking it would be better if I escort you personally to the Grand Hall, this year''s national Winter Feast is being held in your city anyway. Wouldn''t it be a great honor if the Crown Prince escorts you to the Grand Hall personally?" Charles grinned. The carriage started running again. "I WWhat did you do?!" "Hm? What is it?" "How in hell the people outside of Dionde City cannot enter the city at all?!" Aster was breathing heavily, trying to muster up his courage, "You threaten them, didn''t you?" Charles smiled, he said nothing and spurred the horse, so the carriage moved faster. Not long after, they were in front of the Grand Hall. Charles finally turned his head to Aster and saw him sitting on the corner with an anxious expression, like a cute little rabbit that had been trapped by the hunter, ''Cute,'' Charles thought. "Looks like you haven''t been paying attention, I never threaten them. They are free to leave their viges and towns, after they passed the security check, of course." "Security check?" "I ordered some of my men to guard around every region of Grand Duchy Stormhill, so your people are now trapped inside their own viges and towns until the Winter Feast ends," Charles said lightly, "Oh, don''t take it in a bad way, I''m just protecting your region, free of charge." "You are imprisoning them!" Aster was mad, he pointed his fingers at Charles, "I held this Winter Feast, so they can stock their ration during this harsh winter, while enjoying the festival!" Charles'' gaze deepened when Aster said that, he smirked, "Are you sure that is your only intention? Because what I see, you are trying to cram as many people as possible inside Dionde City, so when I raid Dionde, you will have many volunteers to defend the city, right?" Aster''s pale skin grew even paler, he was almost as pale as the snow. His bloodless lips trembled. He wanted to curse, but at this point, he finally realized that he was trapped by Charles again. With a simple flick, all his ns were blown away. Charles sighed when he saw the scared Aster, ''Aster is really cute when he is scared, it makes me want to bully him more. But I guess I shouldn''t make him cry, he needs to attend the feast anyway.'' Charles got off from the coach seat and then opened the carriage door, he entered the carriage and then kneeled in front of Aster. He took Aster''s hand and said, "Just enjoy the party tonight, it will be painless." "Do you n the whole thing? Including Ramuja and Merry? Do you already n everything, including that girl''s song in this Winter Feast?" Aster asked, which Charles only replied with a nod, "I see" Aster seemed to be in deep thought for a moment and nodded, he brushed Charles'' hand rudely. "If you want to assassinate your father here, I don''t mind, but you shall never touch Ramuja or Lantern Pce," Aster said. He left the carriage and walked toward the Grand Hall to meet other nobles. Charles could feel that Aster''s hand was sweaty, probably because he was actually very scared in his heart. Charles chuckled, his golden circle showed a trace of madness, the golden circle flickered and took over his pupil until his pupil turned pure gold, but there were ck dots that started thickening beside his golden pupil, gradually condensing into another ink ck pupil in the same eyes. Each of his eyes now had two pupils, a golden pupil and an ink ck pupil, lining side by side. Charles grinned maliciously, "It will be more than that, my sweet Aster. You shall be mine, today is the day where I can finally have you. I will destroy everything, so you have nowhere to run. Including that filthy ve of yours." *** Aster entered the Grand Hall and saw nobles chattering together. When they saw Aster entering the Grand Hall with his gorgeous ermine coat, the nobles were pping and also praising his capability and beauty, though, many were still dazed with his appearance as always. They just couldn''t get used to Aster''s beauty. Aster saw that Emperor Audric IV already sat on their designated throne, while Golden Princess Rosalie sat on the VIP section with Florentino Viete. Aster sneered in his heart, ''Do these people know that everything will be bloody soon?'' Aster saw his uncle, Emperor Ludwig sitting solemnly on his seat. When their eyes met, the Emperor gave him a light smile. Aster almost chuckled in irony, ''You are going to die soon, why give me a smile? Was that a farewell?'' Aster felt that someone circled his hand around his waist, he looked at his right side. Charles smiled at him, his handsome face was beaming with happiness, as if tonight would be his best day. Aster yed along, he smiled at Charles, tiptoed and kissed his cheek gently, "Let''s go," Aster said. Charles felt that he was flying around the cloud right now, everything was just pure bliss today, ''Ah, my sweet Aster. You even kissed me gently, I should''ve done this since the very beginning. I should have destroyed everything since the very beginning, I was too softhearted. You are like a cute rabbit that jumped around elusively, waiting for me to hunt your cute little bunny butt.'' Aster was solemn as he paced through the crowd, he sat on his throne, side by side with Charles and his Uncle Emperor. Aster could see the whole hall from his seat, he took a deep breath and showed his gentle smile to the people, "Honorabledies and gentleman, wee to the Winter Feast in Dionde City. I, Grand Duke Aster, feel very honored to have hosted the feast tonight. Please enjoy the food and the music, we will have a special performance. Thank you." Merry who was sitting on her chair, preparing for her performance grinned mysteriously, this was the time for her to shine. As soon as she sang what the Crown Prince had ordered, she would have everything, including Ramuja. ''Oh, I forgot about the Grand Duchess'' note, she said I should sing something about me and Ramuja dating, it should be sung without changing any word at all,'' Merry fished out the piece of memo from her pocket, this was the memo from thete Grand Duchess. She read it carefully and nodded, ''Alright, the note said Aster will faint after hearing this, I guess it will make everything easier for the Crown Prince! He should reward me with more gold! Hehe~'' Chapter 221: The Last Winter Feast III Chapter 221: The Last Winter Feast III Aster was sulky during the party, everyone was eating, chatting some were going to the dance floor and started dancing with their spouse or new partner. It was like a regr Winter Feast where all you had to worry about was whether your stomach had enough room to eat more. But for Aster, all of this happiness was just a mirage that soon would shatter. He nced at Charles whom, since the moment the Winter Feast started, hadn''t let go of Aster''s hand at all. Charles grinned, "Are you nervous?" "Not really," Aster chuckled mirthlessly, he gave a sharp re at Charles and then looked away. There was no use of fighting against him right now anyway, maybe it was just because Charles was too powerful and cunning, or maybe he was just too stupid to outfox this guy. He still lost in the end. Charles caressed Aster''s cheek in front of the crowd like it was nothing and whispered, ''It will be painless, in a blink of an eye, everything will end, and you will be my Empress.'' Aster clicked his tongue in annoyance and ignored Charles, he looked around, trying to spot the soldiers that would raid the Winter Feast. Dionde City was a military-free zone, it was forbidden byw to wage a war inside Dionde City, because this city was a neutral economic capital of Golden Camellia. However, because of this, Dionde City didn''t have any soldiers to defend against any attack, the city relied on the soldiers sent by the Emperor to defend against any foreign attack. ''Of course, it only applies against foreign attacks, what about internal attacks? From the Crown Prince himself?'' Aster sneered, he had to admit that Charles was skillful enough to use Dionde City as the battlefield. Because Emperor Ludwig didn''t bring many soldiers with him anyway, because it would scare the Diondians. ''He also knows that most Diondians are city people who are not capable of defending their house against foreign attack, they are mostly peaceful business people.'' Charlesughed at Aster, he knew that his sweet Aster must''ve been trying to spot the soldiers that would raid the party soon. He leaned to Aster and said, ''They are not here, because you see, I know that you are working with Merse Thana. Some of her legendary soldiers are guarding outside. I will have to attack your citizens first, so Merse is forced to use her soldiers to rescue the people before they got massacred.'' ''Now, it''s really up to you, my Sweet Aster. Will you use her legendary soldiers to save your people, or to save yourself? It is your choice in the end.'' ''Oh, also, don''t try to stop Merry''s song. If you dare to do it, I will give no mercy all the people of Dionde, and you will know how Dionde has turned scarlet red tonight.'' Aster''s hand trembled in both anger and fear, he wanted to get up from his seat and started rescuing his citizen, but Charles gripped his hand hard, so hard that he could hear the bones cracked slightly. Aster winced in pain, "Llet go" Charles smiled meaningfully, where do you want to go? The party isn''t over yet, no, the main attraction has yet to be delivered. You are the host of the Winter Feast, you should enjoy the party." "Charles, you are a sick bastard," Aster said harshly. Charles only replied with a light smile. "It is you who make me like this. But I will never hurt you, trust me," Charles replied gently. But in his gentle tone, the maliciousness was unveiled, which made Aster shivered. The noble guests were enjoying, but amidst the good atmosphere, a man was standing still, directly staring at Aster. The ss in his hand cracked as he tried to hold his anger, his eyes were pained. ''I''m sorry, Aster. My contract with Charles only gives you pain,'' Tuskan put the ss on the table and looked at his pocket watch, ''Almost time.'' Tuskan walked to the throne and gave a respectful nod towards Emperor Ludwig, "Your Majesty, I have to leave now, it has been a pleasure staying in Golden Camellia for a visit." Emperor Ludwig gave a light smile and stood from his throne, he shook hands with Tuskan and said, "When the timees, pleasee back to Golden Camellia again, you still have an unfinished business, right?" Tuskan was a bit surprised with the Emperor''s words, ''Does he know about Charles'' n? What is he going to do? Or he is'' "Certainly, Your Majesty." Tuskan didn''t want to specte for now, what he needed to do now was to save his loved one, he walked towards Aster who was sulky the whole time. There was a trace of anxiety in his face, which only pained Tuskan even more, he bowed his head lightly, "Grand Duke Aster, thank you for your hospitality, Dionde City is really a nice city. I would love to stay for a long time, but I have my duty." Aster stared at Tuskan for a moment and immediately said, "Thank you for your visit, but you need to leave now." ''You want me to leave now, is it to save me from the iing massacre? What about you? Your life is at stake, and you still have your people and your friends in your mind.'' ''Aster, sometimes, I wish you can be more selfish, ignore your duty.'' Tuskan nodded, "Yes, I shall leave." Tuskan ignored Charles and immediately left the party. The party continued, until at one point, Charles stood up and said, "We have a special performance from the popr Diva of Dionde, Merry Wood!" Aster''s breath stagnated, the chatter was no more as Merry stepped up to the stage. Merry nced at the Emperor and bowed deeply, she nced at the Crown Prince and did the same, but she didn''t bow at Grand Duke Aster at all. Merry cleared her throat and opened her mouth with, "I shall sing a new song, this is called The Dream of Flowerbed." Merry opened her mouth and started singing. ~ In my dream, I met you in the Flowerbed. You were beautiful, when the moon showered upon you, you were ethereal. Youid on the flowerbed, hugging me tightly, Singing a song about our pure love. ~ Everyone was enjoying the song, it was beautiful as always, Merry had the voice that could hypnotize the people, since it was really beautiful, like a mermaid song. And then, Merry''s expression changed, it became malicious and she continued; ~ I was just a sex ve, but you shake your ass to me. You suck my cock,sciviously begging me to stuff it inside. You are my lord, my master, my bitch. You are Aster Di Arlingdon, Bitch Duke of Stormhill who shake his ass to a sex ve. ~ Everyone gasped in horror as Merry seemed to be unbothered with her vulgar song that directly used Grand Duke Aster. Everybody looked at Aster whose face went pale, blood had been drained from his body. He swallowed his saliva a few times, but it got stuck in his throat. He wanted to stop her, but Charles bound him with his threat. ~ ''Oh, a poor bitch lord, not knowing that his sex ve is lying to him. His mother tried to warn him plenty of times, but he is busy with his stupidity. Just like what she said once, Ramuja and Merry have been dating for years behind your back, he lied to you the whole time. ~ Thest sentence shook Aster greatly, he felt like his head was pounded by a thousand hammers and soon, his eyes changed colour. ck, Golden, ck, Golden, repeatedly. "He lied to me?" Soon, Aster''s couldn''t see anything, but he could still move his body. Everything was pitch ck in front of him. ''He lied to me, lied to me, lied to me.'' ''He really did, didn''t he? It''s just me who is in denial.'' ''But what does it matter in the end.'' ''Because I love him, so I will forgive him, all of his sin. Because I love him. I love him. I love him. I love Ramuja.'' Charles saw the change in Aster, he thought Aster had fainted, since he was unresponsive. He grinned andmanded, "ATTACK!" In a few minutes, countless soldiers swarmed the Grand Ballroom of Dionde, the noble guests were scared and confused. They gathered together, trying to protect thedies and kids. "ATTACK THE PEOPLE OF DIONDE CITY, DESTROY LANTERN PALACE AND THAT SEX SLAVE CALLED RAMUJA!" Charlesmanded loudly. Lady Merse who was inside the Grand Ballroom was going to use her legendary soldiers to protect Aster, but when she heard the loud cries from the citizens of Dionde City, shemanded, "Protect the people, Grand Duke Aster wants you to protect the people of Dionde city!" The legendary soldiers obediently went to the city and protected the citizens of Dionde City. Charlesughed maniacally, "You are mine Aster, everything about you is mine!" Aster, whose body was getting weaker, finally stood from his chair and walked to the front weakly. He was blind, everything was pitch ck in front of him, but his instinct moved his body. "I must protect my people Ramuja my duchy I must" Aster said weakly as he tried to move his body as hard as he could, tears dropped from his blind eyes. "I am sorry" Aster couldn''t maintain his consciousness any longer and he finally fainted. Chapter 222: The Last Winter Feast IV Chapter 222: The Last Winter Feast IV Aster couldn''t maintain his consciousness any longer and he finally fainted. Charles agilely caught Aster in his hands and put him on the throne gently. He checked his breathing, his breathing was uneven, which was normal for a Golden Blood that went through trauma like this. Charles kissed Aster''s lips gently and said, "It''s okay, darling. Sleep well, you''ll forget about that ve after this, and you will devote yourself to our childhood promise. Just like I said, I will never abandon our promise, if you forgot, then I will make you remember." The situation inside the Grand Ballroom was tense as Charles'' men swarmed the aristocrats, and when they saw Grand Duke Aster fainted, panic aroused around the guests. Grand Duke Aster was the man in charge, once he was incapacitated, the duchy and all his men were bound to scatter. The scream of the peasants outside the Grand Ballroom scared the nobles, the kids started crying. But none of them dared to challenge Charles right now. Because the majority of them had been bribed to keep their silence, some were just too scared to fight him. Lady Merse herself kept staring at unconscious Aster, she was extremely worried about his condition. But once Charles noticed Lady Merse''s line of sight, he blocked Aster with his body, "Aunt Merse may have to prioritize your safety first, since your legendary soldiers are busy helping the peasants," Charles said. Lady Merse sneered, "You are such a hypocrite, Charles. You loved him, but you destroyed him and all he has, do you think he will love you after he recovers?" Charles smirked, his smirk turned into a malicious grin, "I will help him with that. I will tell him that we are in love and we are going to marry because of our promise, I will whisper to him every day in his sleep." "You are going to manipte his mind?!" Lady Merse was speechless, her lips trembled as her anger rose, "YOU ARE BREAKING HIM!" "I am going to be his only memory, his only love. Old wretch, you need to shut up," Charles said coldly. He turned his back and went to Aster again, "You need a better ce to rest, right?" Charles wanted to carry Aster again, but before his hand touched Aster, a sharp dagger was thrown directly to his head. He evaded swiftly and his ink ck eyes darted at the man with gold-ted armor, Irion unsheathed his sword, "You will not touch my master!" Charles chuckled, "Another rat trying to interfere, I thought Aunt Duchess is capable enough to eliminate all rats around Aster." Charles unsheathed his sword and then charged at Irion. CLASH! CLANK! Their swords shed against each other, both Irion and Charles went offensive and could not careless about any potentially fatal wound. But Charles was extremely skillful, as Irion attacked, he used his elbow to hit Irion''s side chest and then kicked him hard on the back. "Argh!" Irion fell down on his arm first, his left arm got dislocated and Charlesughed, "You are even weaker than that ve! You think you can fight me just because you have that gold-ted armor? You are a waste of time!" Charles swung his sword as he was about to sh Irion''s neck. nk! Charles'' sword was deflected by a great sword. Emperor Ludwig sighed as he held the Great Sword with one hand, "I''m fine with you usurping my throne, but you are indeed too far, my son." Emperor Ludwig nced at Aster and then Irion, he said, "Take Aster away." Irion nodded and he swiftly went towards his master and grabbed his body with one hand. "WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO!?" Charles dashed towards Irion with his sword, but again, Emperor Ludwig deflected his sword with the great sword. Emperor Ludwig swept his sword towards his son''s body, so Charles had to take a few steps back to evade it. Irion nced at Emperor Ludwig for a few seconds, and then nodded. He disappeared with Aster. "ASTER!" Charles''s ink ck eyes condensed even more. He wanted to jump and chase Aster and Irion, but Emperor Ludwig jumped and swept his great sword at Charles again, "I am your target, Charles." "I WILL KILL YOU LATER, ASTER ISASTER IS!!" "I will not let you," Emperor Ludwig said solemnly. He saw the pure ck, crazed eyes of Charles and finally realized that Charles was unbeatable in his current state. Charles soon couldn''t detect Aster and Irion''s whereabouts anymore, he red at his father, he said in a low, grunting voice, "If you want to die badly, then I shall help you." Charles lunged at Emperor Ludwig, their swords shed. Emperor Ludwig used his big sword to protect himself and swept the great sword to the air, Charles jumped back and then thrusted his sword to the front. He was very agile and skilful, that Emperor Ludwig was forced to take defensive stance, he shielded himself with his great sword again. The great sword was undoubtedly stronger than Charles'' regr sword, but it was much slower. Charles sidestepped and thrusted his sword to Emperor Ludwig''s stomach. Knowing he couldn''t escape this without leaving his sword behind, Emperor Ludwig finally left his sword and jumped back. "You have no sword, surrender!" "I will never surrender," Emperor Ludwig said solemnly, "I still have my body, and I will protect him, my sister''s blood." "What a load of bullshit!" Charles lunged his sword directly at his Father Emperor''s chest, heughed, "Father Emperor, you''ve grown senile!" Emperor Ludwig coughed up blood, "I am, that''s why I let you scheme behind me without doing anything. My light has faded, my sister" "Then join her," Charles grinned, "Isn''t it very novel of our family? My grandfather killed his father, you killed your father, so do I, I killed my father too." Emperor Ludwig felt that his consciousness started to drift away, he closed his eyes and smiled, ''Big Sis, just like what you said in your letter, I have to save Aster no matter what after your death. This is the best I can do for him, I hope you won''t be mad once we meet again, soon'' Emperor Ludwig finally died in Charles'' hand. Charles looked at his father coldly and pulled his sword mercilessly, he cut his father''s head and showed it to the nobles inside the Grand Ballroom, "THIS IS THE HEAD OF YOUR EMPEROR, I SHALL BE YOUR NEW EMPEROR, KNEEL BEFORE ME, EMPEROR AUDRIC V" The soldiers immediately kneeled to Charles, and then the nobles who saw the horrible massacre and the death of their Emperor immediately kneeled out of fear, "Long live Emperor Audric V, Long live Golden Camellia!" Everybody kneeled except one woman who stood straight, not budging at all, "You guys are all cowards," she said curtly. "Aunt Merse is not going to kneel before me?" Charles asked, but his tone sounded more like a threat. "I do not kneel to a monster, I would rather die than kneeling to someone like you, disgusting." "Then you shall die as a warning for everybody else!" Charles pointed the tip of his sword at Lady Merse. Lady Merse only chuckled in response to that threat, "You don''t need to kill me with your bloody sword, I am the Mistress of Thana, the Mistress of Legendary Soldiers, I do not kneel to a tyrant!" Lady Merse looked around, she chuckled, "For all of you, cowards, you hide under your noble name, while nothing about you here is noble. I will not die a shame!" Lady Merse walked out of the circle and then walked in front, directly facing Charles. She was still not budging even though the tip of the bloody sword was touching her throat, "He shall return, he is a better ruler than you." Charles didn''t stab Lady Merse''s throat, he waited what she would do next. Instead of running away, Lady Merse walked to Aster''s throne and sat, she could see the confused eyes of the people, how some of them were staring at her with hostility, and Charles was standing near her with his extremely pressuring aura. At some point, she forgot to breathe because Charles aura choked her. ''It must''ve been painful for you, right, Aster?'' ''Seeing everyone from this seat, judging you, waiting for your fall. And you have to see everything crumble in front of your eyes.'' ''I''m sorry, Aster. I couldn''t do much, but I entrusted my soldiers, my house, my wealth for you. I hope it is enough.'' ''Aster, if it''s possible, I want you to call me mom, just once. Because you are the son that I''ve always been longing for. So, please, take the words of the mother that loves you from the bottom of my heart'' ''Stay safe, my son.'' Lady Merse took the pill under her sleeve and swallowed it immediately. She coughed up blood plenty of times and after a few minutes, on herst breath, she slumped on the throne. Charles nced uninterestedly at the corpse of his aunt and said to the nobles, "This is what will happen to you if you dare to rebel against me, understand?" "Yes, Your Majesty!" Charles finally called all his shadow guards, then he said, "Find Aster! No matter what, find him! He and his servant must''ve not been too far from here!" "Yes, sir!" Charles looked at the bloody mess that he made and the kneeling nobles in front of him, he took a deep breath, ''Still not enough, without you, all of these are worthless. I will not be satisfied before you be my empress, Aster.'' *** Irion winced in pain as he appeared on a ship that was about to sail. The Great King immediately helped Irion and carried Aster to the bed gently. "Thank you for your help, My King." Tuskan checked Aster''s breath, it was still unsteady, he asked worriedly, "How long will he stay unconscious?" Irion was silent for a moment, and replied, "I am unsure about it, this is his third time of trauma phase. In fact, I''m not sure what would happen next but I entrusted him to you, I have to go now." "You are not going with me to Great Arctyr?" "No, My King, Milord Aster entrusted me with everything in Golden Camellia. He will return someday, I believe in him," Irion bowed his head respectfully, "Thank you for your help." Irion disappeared from his room. Tuskan immediately checked on Aster''s condition, he had high fever, and his breathing was unsteady. Tuskan wiped Aster''s sweat with his handkerchief, "Aster I will protect you, Great Arctyr is also your home." Irion jumped from the harbor to the forest, he had to take a roundabout road to return back to Lantern Pce, ''Ramuja! You must be safe, you must survive, or Milord will die brokenhearted!'' Chapter 223: The Last Winter Feast V Chapter 223: The Last Winter Feast V Ramuja was sitting solemnly on the ground, he was waiting for his Milord toe back after the Winter Feast. He was in a sullen mood, ''Now that Milord had known everything, I guess I really have no way to lie to him.'' ''Maybe he will recover his memory after the Winter Feast, he didn''t faint when he saw me kissing Merry.'' ''Everything is unsalvageable, huh?'' Ramuja chuckled lightly, ''For once, I thought I could hide everything from Milord and let him live in a bubble. Because I don''t want to lose him, I don''t want to lose this illusion of happiness.'' "Ramuja, you are ridiculous. You wanted to lie to someone that you loved the most, and you wanted to lie about your adultery. Do you really have the guts to say that you love him now?" Ramuja said to himself. ''When I said it''s okay for you to kill me, I really mean it, Milord. But when I think about it again, I guess it will hurt, a little, in my heart.'' There is no way for him to retain this false pretense, Merry and Charles would soon unveil everything anyway. Ramuja looked around and saw there was no one to guard him in this underground jail. Maybe because today was Winter Feast, so Milord already dispatched many of his guards to patrol around Dionde City for the safety of the people. Ramuja stared at the iron bar that ''jailed'' him. It would be easy to destroy. In fact, even if it was steel instead of iron, Ramuja could still destroy it, it just took more time. But he didn''t want to. ''Maybe I should just sleep and wait before my execution'' BAM! CRASH! Ramuja was startled with the sound from above. Soon, the ground above him shook and then the entire underground jail shook slightly. "What happened?!" Ramuja got up from his sitting position and listened carefully, after that, the ground above shook again, now with cries of women above. The underground jail shook for the third time with greater magnitude. At this point, the jail might copse and kill him. Ramuja was silent and looked around, ''I don''t know what is happening above, but if I die buried here, wouldn''t it be an honor? To die under Lantern Pce, where Milord was born and spent his life every day. At least I''m still here'' Just when he thought he wanted to sit down again, a man in ck appeared outside of the iron bars, he said, "It''s time to go." "What" Five more men in ck appeared and then threw five smoke bombs towards his bar. The smoke bomb immediately triggered and released a smoke with a certain faint fragrance that Ramuja actually knew. ''This smell smoke bomb to put people in deep sleep?!'' Ramuja closed his nose and mouth immediately. He identally broke his chain, which surprised the men in ck. Because ording to their information, that was a steel chain that had been tampered greatly with the Golden Camellia standard for dangerous criminals! That was why they thought this was the best time to take their prince away. Knowing that he couldn''t stay here and might be killed by these mysterious men, he pulled all the chains in his hands and legs, "RARGH!" Ramuja broke off all the chains and then gripped the iron bars. He bent the bars with his hand and then got out of the jail. The men were so awed that it took them a few seconds to react, "Catch him! Don''t let him see the pce!" Ramuja dashed forward to leave six men in cks that chased him. But they seemed to be a trained assassin, they could appear in front of him to block him, "Out of the way!" Ramuja dashed and elbowed the man until he could hear his bone crack. Everyone was too scared and awed at the same time with their Prince Rama, because they didn''t know that Prince Rama who had been a ve for his whole life, actually had this kind of monstrous strength. Some of them tried to put sleeping darts on him, but Ramuja brushed it off as if it was nothing. He finally came up to the surface and saw something unspeakable. "What in the world" Ramuja saw many servants and maids running away from soldiers that wore the Royal Camellia armors. They were fighting against the grand duchy''s guards that were unable to defend against those extremely skilled soldiers. The women were running away, trying to hide somewhere as some of them were already ughtered. Ramuja noticed few of the young maids from the vige that had just started working here died with their blood flowing on the ground. "What" Ramuja then saw a soldier that targeted an older woman that tried to hide under a bush, he noticed the woman and immediately moved, "Anne!" Ramuja kicked the soldier on the back and he died instantly after his back broke in half. Ramuja saw Anne, the head maid who was trembling, "What happened?!" "CCrown Prince, CCrown Prince Charles is ughtering Dionde City! Run away! Milord will not want you to be dead!" "Where is Milord?!" "I don''t know! He is in the party right now!" Anne was trembling, the fear in her eyes was true as she saw many of the guards and young maids die in front of her eyes. "Run away to the hill behind Lantern Pce, take anyone you know!" Ramuja said. He propped Anne and pushed her. "What about you?!" Anne tried to resist, no matter what, Milord was in love with this man. She didn''t want to see his Milord die brokenhearted. "I will hold them off, run!" Ramuja said. A soldier saw them and dashed with his sword. Ramuja used the dead soldier''s sword and shed that soldier''s throat. "I SAID RUN!" Anne trembled in fear, she pulled a few more maids and led some of them to leave the pce. Ramuja''s sharp eyes observed around, and then realized that there were only grand duchy''s guards that still fought with the soldiers. Corpses of many innocents died in horrible manner and it shocked him, ''Milord!'' Ramuja wanted to run towards the gate and find his master, but he soon realized that the situation was far worse than he imagined. There were too many soldiers that fought against Legendary Soldiers of Thana. Turned out, Lady Merse dispatched some of them to defend Lantern Pce. They were able to hold on, but Charles'' soldiers were too many that they were unable to hold them all. Some soldiers attacked Ramuja again, which killed all of them easily. He saw the soldiers start breaking through the main pce, ''Milord''s office!'' Ramuja stopped for a moment, he was conflicted whether he should go to see his master or protect his office. Because there were so many documents inside his office, and Charles'' men probably aimed those documents. Ramuja gritted his teeth, ''Irion will protect him, I will protect Milord''s pce first!'' Ramuja dashed to the main pce and shed every soldier on the corridor. When he arrived in front of the Grand Duke office, the soldiers were ready to destroy the door and the painting of Milord and his family in front of the door was already torn. Ramuja''s aura condensed, his hand trembled in anger, "I WILL KILL YOU ALL!" Ramuja roared as he readied his stance, he jumped and swept his sword, two soldiers immediately lost their heads. The soldiers were surprised with the sudden appearance of the man that they had been searching for a while, since their order was to destroy all Grand Duke''s documents and kill this ve called Ramuja. They charged with their swords, Ramuja deflected most of the attacks, it was one versus ten. Ramuja used his right hand to attack with his sword and his left arm to punch or crush his enemies. But he was alone and he felt that the soldiers kept increasing in number. He was also wounded in some parts of his body. ''Will I die like this? Will I die after I failed to protect only a room behind me?'' Ramuja gritted his teeth, he tightened his grip on his sword. ''No! I will not die in vain! I will protect this pce! This is also Milord''s life!'' ''MILORD! I WILL PROTECT YOU! I WILL PROTECT EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU!'' "RAAAAAAAAARGH!" Ramuja''s aura became increasingly frightening, he felt that his sense had be a lot sharper as he swiftly evaded any attacks directed at him. The scream of the soldiers was filling the corridor as Ramuja crushed their heads with his bare hand. He crushed their heads through their helmet, as if crumpling a paper. The soldiers got scared because it seemed that one touch from Ramuja could kill them instantly. Ramuja let go of his sword and fought these soldiers with bare hands. He deflected the sword with his hand and the soldiers would lose bnce immediately. The soldiers soon realized that they were facing a monster. If Crown Prince Charles was a monster because of his extraordinary swordsmanship and intelligence. The ve in front of them was a monster because of his raw strength. "Sir, should we help his highness?" one of the men in ck asked his leader. The leader was staring at his prince from afar, and shook his head. "If we are near Prince Rama right now, he is going to treat us as an enemy, you will die in his hand." "HHow could Prince Rama suddenly be like this" The leader observed Prince Rama and said, "He has been blessed by our god. He is truly our destined prince, a pure hearted man with desire to protect" ''But who is the one he is protecting? Is it a woman? Or is it really the Lord of this pce? Why would he protect someone who enved him?!'' The soldiers scattered as they tried to run away from Ramuja, "RUN! HE IS NOT A HUMAN!" Themander said. He had just arrived with a reinforcement to destroy the main pce, but when he saw his soldiers die with their body mangled without a shape anymore, his face went pale. Some of the soldier corpses were mangled beyond identification, their heads were crushed like a crumpled paper, their backs were broken in half, some of the soldier''s bodies were thrown on the wall and their bodies were crushed. In the corridor, a bear like man, with his chocte skin that seemed to emitted a dark, menacing aura walked on the corridor. In his bloody hands, he dragged a headless corpse as he banged the corpse to the wall and destroyed that corpse in pieces. The soldiers started running away from Ramuja, including themander who ran away. "I WILL NOT FORGIVE!" Ramuja jumped and blocked the way for themander, he punched themander''s heart and his heart became hollow instantly. The soldiers finally couldn''t suppress their fear and they fell to the ground in fear. Ramuja kicked and stepped on them one by one until there was nothing on the corridor, only Ramuja and countless horrible corpses. Ramuja''s eyes had been hazy the whole time. His eyes seemed to only focus at Milord''s office door. He pushed the door and the door broke instantly, he said in gentle tone, "Milord, are you here?" No answer. There was no one inside the office, as expected. Ramuja smiled. He seemed to have returned back to normal, "I''m d you didn''t see me like this, I don''t want to scare you and make you cry." Ramuja closed his eyes and he fainted. The men in ck caught their prince. They checked his condition and found that Prince Rama had just fainted because of exhaustion. They nodded to each other with tacit agreement and disappeared with Prince Rama. *** Irion passed through many corpses inside the Lantern Pce. The sight made him sick, but he had to find Ramuja. He already checked the underground jail and saw the iron bar had been bent. He checked the corpses and didn''t find him at all. He went inside the main pce and saw the corridor with tons of horrible mangled corpses. "Urk!" Irion couldn''t hold his vomit and he puked. The sight was too terrible even for someone like him, "Who did this unspeakable horror?!" He steeled his guts and checked the corpses to see whether there was a corpse with Ramuja''sst apparel at least, but he didn''t find it, they were all the soldiers'' corpses. He noticed that Milord''s office was open. But when he entered, there was no one. But the office was intact, left untouched. Only bloody footprints that had walked inside. He followed the footprints and saw a silver glinted at the end of it. He took the silver and inspected it, ''MMilord''s personal silver pin?!'' Chapter 224: The Coronation of Emperor Audric V Chapter 224: The Coronation of Emperor Audric V Charles was sitting on the throne that belonged to him. This golden throne was the sign of power in Golden Camellia. The only one for the Emperor to sit on and rule the empire. He was wearing the golden robe and golden crown. His perfectly sculptured face showed a cold countenance that made everyone''s legs tremble. Charles observed the people who gathered in this huge chamber, most of them were ministers that were too afraid to speak out their opinion, and few high ranked nobilities that were already intimidated by the power of the new Golden Emperor. The head minister read the same, official text to coronate the new emperor, which was boring to Charles. He had the coronation text at the back of his head since his childhood. Since he was expected to be the new Emperor, so ready many official texts were also in his daily studies. ''Today, we are here to worship our new Golden Emperor of Golden Camellia, the man with honor, perseverance, extraordinary intelligence and strength, the new emperor that will lead us to glory. We are here to celebrate his coronation, as he is our ruler, our blood. He is the fated Golden Blood that will protect us, lead us, and enrich ournd as the jewel of the world. I, High Minister of Golden Camellia, announce our new king, Emperor Audric V, Charles Audric Camellia.'' Everyone in the chamber prostrated before him. Charles looked down at these people, he sighed in an annoyed manner, "Rise, my subject." He looked around uninterestedly and said, "I am your new ruler, I shall carry my responsibility as the emperor and I shall make Golden Camellia as the Jewel of the world, the jewel of the country." He also said it in a boring tone. In fact, he wasn''t into this coronation at all. Because it wasn''t as beautiful as he expected. It had been a week since the Winter Feast. His dead father had been buried and Dionde City had been restored partly. ''Aster was smart enough to transfer all his power back to his father, Grand Duke Harion, since he came back as the ruler of Grand Duchy Stormhill, I cannot touch him, because it might invoke unnecessary war.'' ''Dionde no, the whole Grand Duchy Stormhill and its allies are being hostile to me after that Winter Feast, and since Aster had gone missing, their hostility won''t end soon. Maybe it will never end.'' ''Well, I can suppress any rebellion easily, since the whole Grand Duchy is an economic zone, they have no rebellious power.'' Charles'' right hand was caressing something inside his robe, a golden personal pin from Aster. He actually only had the silver pin, but he was unable to find Aster''s only golden pin anywhere inside the Lantern Pce after the massacre ended. So, Charles had one made only for him. He took the silver pin and then created the replica with gold instead. ''I have your golden pin, Aster. We are married already,'' Charles nced at the empty throne beside him, ''But you are not here, I''ve been searching far and wide, but you just simply disappeared.'' ''I refuse to say that you are dead, I know that you are alive somewhere. Because once the golden circle of golden blood dies, the golden blood will slowly wither, even if he didn''t know, his body will react on its own and die heartbroken.'' ''I am still alive and well, so you must be too.'' The nobles starteding up to him and then greeted him one by one, he just nodded and said the standard blessing for these people. Most of them brought their daughters and sons, "Your Majesty, I have my daughter, Ophelia, she is only eighteen years old and a very properdy. Perhaps if Your Majesty is interested?" "I don''t," Charles rejected curtly. The man didn''t give up easily, he took his soon and presented him in front of Emperor Charles too. "This one is my son, Lucas, he is a young schr of age twenty. Maybe he can rece" Charles'' eyes glinted with hostility, he observed the young man in front of him, and then chuckled sarcastically, "You think this son of yours can rece Aster? He is irreceable!" "PPardon this one''s word, Your Majesty, this one misspoke" Charles kicked both father and son with his feet and both of them fainted immediately, "Listen! I don''t want anyone here to offer me their daughter and son anymore! The Empress throne has been reserved only for Aster di Arlingdon, if I see one more like this, I will kill them personally!" Everyone gulped in fear, they nodded dared not disturb Charles with matchmaking anymore. Then, a girl walked in front to face him, she was wearing a blue dress and her dark hair was let loose, "Your Majesty, this one, Merry Wood, present in front of Your Majesty Emperor Audric V." Merry bobbed a curtsy to Emperor Charles. Charles nced at this girl, and he nodded. Merry had sessfully triggered Aster''s memory slip and it was her song that became the signal for his soldier to invade Dionde City. Maybe because she saw how horrible the massacre was, she dared not asking about Ramuja''s safety there. Instead, she only asked for her reward after the massacre. ''Your Majesty, I want my reward!'' ''Fine, what do you want?'' ''I want to be a noble and I want a lot of gold!'' Charles was a bit surprised since this seemingly innocent girl didn''t even have any remorse on her face. She was still beaming with happiness even though blood was everywhere and she fully understood that she had indirectly killed many people that night. Thus, to reward her ruthlessness, Charles gave her the title Countess Merry of Belleresse. He also gave hernd and a lot of gold. She was basically living as a noble after massacring the peasants. Charles smirked, atst, there was someone that was even more horrible than him, ''I might have killed many, but I don''t hide under the pretense of naivety like her. I love Aster and I will destroy him if I need to, so he can only see me. She thought by killing Aster and everyone, she would get the love of that ve and live happily ever after in a castle. What a horrible demoness.'' Now, Charles remembered that ve. When he received the report of Lantern Pce, he thought everything would be cleared and that ve must''ve died. But what he got instead was his men getting massacred by a monster in a corridor. Yes, he dispatched more than one hundred men solely to destroy Lantern Pce and everything inside, on the courtyard, it looked like it worked. Because there were countless corpses of servants, maids, and guards of Lantern Pce died outside. But when he entered the corridor leading to Aster''s room, he went pale when he saw the scenery. The usual clean corridors with red carpet were bloodied beyond recognition. There were countless soldiers that died here. However, their bodies were irrecoverable and unidentifiable, because whatever lurked inside this corridor, had also massacred everyone. He killed probably more than fifty people in this corridor alone. ''Was it really that ve who did it? No, I don''t think so. I am the strongest in Golden Camellia and logically, I will not be able to defeat fifty trained soldiers alone. That is simply impossible.'' However, when Charles noticed that the corpses were only his men, based on their armor, it was no doubt that the one who fought against his soldiers in this corridor suffered no casualty. It was even stranger when that ve was nowhere to be seen. He disappeared without a trace. However, Charles doubted that the ve was able to meet Aster on that day. Because he already blocked the road outside Dionde after the massacre ended, and he ordered his men to sweep every corner possible around Dionde City to search for that ve. Now, both Aster and that ve slipped from his hands. After that, he ordered his men to kill all the family line of Swordheart, Irion''s family. They had the history of rebelling against the Emperor and sided with Grand Duchy since the very start, Charles thought that it was his fault for ignoring them. But when his men broke through the Swordheart Mansion, they found nothing inside. Not even a servant or guard. The mansion had been deserted for a while. All of them slipped out of his hand, which irritated Charles even more. He stood from the throne and said, "I''m going to rest, enjoy the party." Charles left the coronation abruptly and then returned to his new emperor chamber. He had this chamber decorated with all Aster''s belongings inside his room in Lantern Pce. From Aster''s clothes, books, even essories. He also had all his collection of Aster''s paintings hanging inside his new room. A faint smile finally appeared on his face. "I decorated everything for you, Aster. When you return home, you will be joyful with my effort, right? Don''t worry, I will kill anything that tried toe between us." "Your memory about that ve has been erased, we can start over again, right?" Charles took the small portrait of Aster in the drawer and kissed it gently. *** The mighty ship of Great King Tuskan had arrived on the harbor of Saintess Celine City, the capital of Great Arctyr. Tuskan had been holding his nerves since he departed from Dionde City to his kingdom. It took him way longer than he expected to reach Great Arctyr, because there were plenty of Golden Camellia''s naval ships patrolling around their sea border, asking to check the ship. They are searching for the missing Aster di Arlingdon. Tuskan looked at Aster who had been unconscious one full week, he could eat and drink slowly, but Aster was still trapped inside his seemingly neverending nightmare. Tuskan wiped Aster''s sweat gently with his handkerchief, he whispered, "Aster, we are home." Chapter 225: A Hefty Price to Pay Chapter 225: A Hefty Price to Pay I wonder if you are just in my head, One day, you will defeat this darkness and rescue me. Maybe you are too good to be true, but I have a reason to believe, Because we are connected, like two butterflies flying together under the Golden Moon. Aster was trapped in this endless darkness since thest time he fainted. He could feel his body, definitely, he could walk around, jumped, or even danced awkwardly if he wanted to. But he was still in this darkness. No, rather than darkness, it felt more like emptiness, hollowness. There was no sound except himself, nobody except himself, and nothing. Aster forgot how long he had been here. Because it felt like an eternity. He sat on the ground and sighed, still thinking about the event in Winter Feast. ''Ramuja, you really cheated on me, don''t you?'' ''Even if I want to pull your guts, I don''t want you to get hurt. Yet, I don''t want to listen to your reason, because I will get hurt in the end.'' ''Is it stupid if I just want to see you here? I don''t mind even if you have cheated on me. I will still ept you.'' ''Call me nave and foolish, but I still love you. Maybe it''s me who is too dense, too busy with everything, that I ignored you, so you cheated on me.'' Aster wiped the tears on his eyes and said, "Ramuja, I will be a better person for you. So please, just once, I want to see you again." "Milord!" Aster''s head rose immediately, he looked around to find the source of the familiar voice, "Milord!" Aster saw a bear-like figure run towards him with his usual worried expression. "Ramuja!" Aster ran towards Ramuja as he wanted to hug him, Ramuja vanished into thin air. Aster was shocked as he just hugged the air. He looked around again for Ramuja, but he was alone again in this hollow room. "Ah, I''m stuck in this room for too long that I start hallucinating about Ramuja how ridiculous. Of course, he is with Merry right now. Well, maybe" "Well, that may be true~" Aster turned his head and he was stunned. A man walked to him, but that man was very simr in terms of appearance to him. No, it was more like a doppelgnger in front of him. Aster was cautious, "Who are you?" "Me? I am you, of course," the doppelgnger smirked. He circled around Aster and then said, "You''ve been unconscious for ten days in the real world, it''s miraculous how you can still survive for that long." "Ten days?!" Aster''s body trembled, ten days of being unconscious. It was indeed miraculous that he was still alive, "Who took care of me, is it Ramuja?!" "Oh my, what a positive mind you have there," the doppelganger in front of Aster taunted him, "You still think about him even after you know that he cheated on you? You already recovered your memory, right? They have been in a rtionship for three years, you saw them kissing in the garden and you hid your memory about Merry to hide your pain. Now that everything has been unveiled, you can''t hide any memory again~" Yes, Aster finally remembered everything. This time, he had no memory slip anymore. He remembered about Fleur, his childhood dog, remembered about Merry, his childhood friend and he didn''t forget Ramuja. "Eh? Why are you silent? Don''t you feel betrayed? The one that you share your first night, your first love, cheated on you and lied to you for three years. That''s not a short time, you know~" "Yes, it is not a short time" "Well, it doesn''t matter, because you will wake up soon. Maybe in a few hours!" The doppelgangerughed, "You will be surprised on where you are right now, but you should be grateful that someone loves you more than Ramuja!" the doppelganger winked, "He protects you, he feeds you cautiously every day, and he is also a good man with no bad background, unlike that cheating sex ve Ramuja!" Aster clenched his fist, somehow, he wanted to rebuke it. But what he said was true, "I don''t care, I want to wake up soon. I can''t stand living in this ce for so long." "Alright! You will wake up in a few hours, of course, with Ramuja erased forever in your memory!" "WHAT?!" "Hm? Why act so surprised? Of course, you still have a memory slip! But this time, the pain is so severe, Ramuja will be erased in your memory forever. Don''t you want that? You will have no painful memory lingering inside your head if he is erased!" "No, don''t!" Aster was panicked, he grabbed the doppelganger''s shoulder and shook him hard, "II don''t want to forget him, I will not forget him!" "Toote~" the doppelganger brushed off Aster''s hand and continued, "Well, since everything had happened, I can''t reverse it. You might die heartbroken if you remember everything after you wake up." "I will not! I will forgive him and" "You will." The man said firmly, "You know that you will die heartbroken, especially when you saw Merry and Ramuja kissed, I know your heart was crushed, but you act strong as always and fiercely detain him. I know that deep down, you really have no will to live when you see that." "Now that everybody in Golden Camellia knew that Grand Duke of Stormhill had an affair with a sex ve, and that sex ve ruthlessly cheated on him for three years and lied to him. Do you think your body in real life can handle that kind of pain? Your pride has been crushed by a sex ve!" "I I" Aster''s lips trembled. He tried his best to rebuke this doppelganger in front of him, but deep down, he knew that the doppelganger was right. He wouldn''t be able to bear the pain. Especially since he already saw Merry and Ramuja kissed, twice. "Well, you just need to say goodbye for Ramuja, you can live happily after that~" "I don''t want to!" Aster rebuked again, "I will not forget him!" The doppelganger hummed for a moment and said, "Well, you can keep Ramuja in your memory intact after you wake up, but it wille with a price. A hefty price for that." "Tell me the price, I don''t want to lose him!" The doppelganger smirked and then said, "Deep down, what is the most regretful thing you have with Ramuja." "I don''t have any" "LIE!" "I I regret seeing him kissing Merry like that. I regret seeing everything happening right in front of my eyes. I regret seeing how everyone judged me with their hostile eyes in Winter Feast. I regret seeing Ramuja and Merry being intimate together, the imagination of it made me sick!" "Bingo!" the doppelgangerughed happily, he caressed Aster''s cheek from behind and whispered, ''You regret seeing them right? You regret seeing everything.'' ''So, I will take your eyes for the price.'' *** Tuskan was wiping Aster''s sweat again. He was the one who personally changed his clothes, taking care of his necessities and feeding Aster daily. He abandoned all the king''s workloads and trusted his sister, Mariette, to take care of it. At least until Aster woke up. "Aster, please wake up. You are making me anxious. I don''t want anything bad to happen to you," Tuskan said. He sighed and took another dry towel and wiped Aster''s sweat again. "Ngh" Tuskan stopped his hand, he observed Aster''s face who finally, after ten days of being unconscious, Aster''s eyes finally twitched and he let out a small groan. Aster opened his eyes slowly. He could feel a strong hand was holding his palm gently, but with considerable strength. As if he was expecting something gleeful to happen. "AAster! Thank god, Aster, you are finally awake!" Tuskan kissed Aster''s hand and then his cheek out of happiness. He was relieved that Aster finally recovered, because as he studied about the Golden Bloods, once they hit the third trauma, something unthinkable might happen. "Tuskan?" Aster asked. "Yes, it''s me!" Tuskan said gleefully, "You are in the Great Arctyr Kingdom right now, to be precise, you are in Saintess Celine City, the capital of Great Arctyr. You in uhm in my room right now." Tuskan''s cheek blushed red, he had been taking care of Aster inside his own room, because he was afraid that something would happen if Aster was put in another room. "I It''s not like I want you to stay here or something! YYou see, when you fainted, your guard brought you to me," Tuskan said, "But Great Arctyr in also your home, so.. uhm.. don''t be shy." "How long had I been unconscious?" "Ten days straight, you can barely eat and drink, barely. But you are still in a deep sleep. I hope you are alright." " thank you for saving and taking care of me, Tuskan. I owe you a lot." "YYou are a hassle, honestly! But uhm I don''t mind taking care of you" Tuskan mumbled thest sentence, as if he was afraid that Aster would hear it. "Anyway, you need to drink first," Tuskan took a ss of fresh water and handed it in front of Aster, "Here, take this drink." The drink was in front of Aster, but Aster didn''t take it, in fact, he was still unresponsive. Somehow, Tuskan had a bad hunch about this, "Aster?" Aster smiled faintly, his voice was light, as if it was nothing grievous, "Pardon my impudence, but I can''t see anything." Chapter 226: The Burning Love of an Enslaved Prince Chapter 226: The Burning Love of an Enved Prince King Chandra entered the room after he got the news that the ship from Golden Camellia finally arrived at Sun Kingdom. Usually, it only took them a week to return, but because of the Golden Camellia patrol ships, they had to take another route and it took them almost two weeks until they arrived. "My King, this is the sixth weakening potion we gave to His Highness Prince Rama, don''t you think this is already too much? This is our most potent potion" "Has he finally regained his sanity?" "Yes, but he treated all of us with hostility. One time, he broke the chain and killed two guards." "Then, keep giving him the weakening potion, Prince Rama is still recovering his sanity. Since we don''t know who is the identity of his woman yet, this woman is the one that he desired to protect. Unless he met his loved one, he''ll still be in this hostile state for a while." "Then will he recover anytime soon? It has been two weeks, and he is still like this" the guard pointed at a man who was chained on the neck, hands, and legs. King Chandra took a deep breath, "I think I can bring him back, leave the room, I need to talk with my son." The guards left the room and the old King Chandra put down his cane. He sat cross legged in front of chained Ramuja and asked, "What is your name?" Chained Ramuja''s eyes were crazed, vignt, as if everything in front of him was his enemy. But he heard someone asking his name, thus he replied, "Ra mu ja" King Chandra held his breath, the sharp pain invaded his heart. Ramuja, that name was the alias that he gave to his son, Prince Rama of the Sun. His hand trembled, King Chandra tapped Ramuja''s shoulder, "Who is the one in your heart to protect?" Ramuja was silent for a moment, then he replied, but this time, his voice sounded gentler and soft. As if he held this person as a treasure in his heart, "Master Aster" "Aster? So that girl''s name is Aster," King Chandra hummed, he had thought of something. Traditionally, the destined king of Sun Kingdom would be tampered, so he would have the country and the people in his heart. His raging state would be triggered when his country was invaded. But for Prince Rama, because of the Queen that wanted him dead, he was sent to his uncle in Lal Coast, the farthest region of the kingdom and lived as a normal civilian until King Chandra could get rid of his queen''s power and then took Prince Rama back to the pce. ''And Golden Camellia suddenly invaded the Sun Kingdom, especially around Lal Coast. They destroyed everything, including my son''s future'' King Chandra clenched his fist. His anger towards Golden Camellia was immeasurable, it would take years until Sun Kingdom could finally regain its freedom, that was after so much sacrifice. King Chandra looked at his son pitifully, he stood up and checked the back of Ramuja, ''The Sun Emblem is there'' The Sun Emblem was the true sign of the king in the Sun Kingdom. But it was invisible, until the destined king bathed in the Sacred Pool, or when his desire to protect was triggered. Desire to protect itself was veryplicated, it was a condition where the greatest love of the destined king of Sun Kingdom was threatened, then it would be triggered. When triggered, the destined king would have his raw strength multiplied at immeasurable power. He would be a demigod until his enemy was defeated, but of course, it had a drawback. It would be hard to return back to normal until the destined king met his pure love again. That was why, the destined king would be tampered since he was a kid, so the pure love of the destined king would be his country and people. He would recover as he saw the people called and praised his glorious name. It was the default process, but right now, it seemed Prince Rama already had a girl in his heart. King Chandra med his ipetence, but there was nothing he could do to reverse it, ''All I can do now is to find this girl called Aster and bring him back to Sun Kingdom, and make her the next queen.'' King Chandra inspected his son''s back and then his whole body. There were so many hideous scars around Prince Rama''s body, almost every inch of his skin had been scarred. Whip, stab, sh, all kinds of wounds were present. King Chandra bit his lip as he tried to hold his anger. He dropped his cane and then hugged his son, "I''m sorry for being weak, my son. I''m sorry that I can''t save you sooner" Ramuja was unresponsive, he was still thinking about someone in his head. His mind was like a typing machine that could only type one word, ''Aster''. When King Chandra hugged him, he reacted wildly, thinking that it was an enemy that would hurt his Milord. But King Chandra hugged him tightly and he said in a gentle voice, "You will meet you Aster soon, you will meet Aster soon. But you need to help me." Ramuja finally stopped struggling, he asked, his tone was still gentle whenever he mentioned his Milord''s name. His tone also started getting a bit excited when King Chandra said that he would meet his Milord soon, "I meet Aster?" "Yes, you will meet Aster again, but you need to calm down, take a deep breath." For the first time in ten days, Ramuja finally cooperated with anyone near him. He woke up the next day after he fainted, but he didn''t find his Aster anywhere, thus he went crazy. Ramuja cooperated and took a deep breath, King Chandra could feel that Ramuja was finally rxed. King Chandra took a deep breath and then tapped Ramuja''s sun emblem on his back. King Chandra could feel that his hands were getting hotter and hotter, he frowned as he tried to ignore the burning sensation. But soon, he realized that his hand was actually melting. King Chandra was surprised and he retracted his hand back. He looked at his son in both confusion and horror, "You how deep is your love for Aster?" "Aster is sun" Ramuja smiled dumbly, whenever he mentioned ''Aster'' he would be gentle and sometimes smiled stupidly. But to King Chandra, it was horrible, so horrible. He was going to erase Ramuja''s monstrous state with his own power, and the heat was just a measurement of how much love the destined king had to his pure love. No king in the history of the Sun Kingdom had this kind of heat. The heat in Ramuja''s back was scorching hot, like a burning phoenix that wouldn''t be able to be extinguished. King Chandra''s hand was actually melting. He looked at his hand and was horrified. "HHow could you love someone this much? Whatwhat if Aster died in front of you? You might destroy the whole country by yourself," King Chandra said. Ramuja heard ''Aster'' and ''died'', he went silent for a moment. And then he pulled his chain and broke all the chains. A scarlet aura started appearing in naked eyes, and King Chandra saw every furniture inside this room was actually melting. "ASTER WILL NOT DIE!" Ramuja roared. King Chandra knew that he had misspoke. If this continued, Prince Rama would destroy his own country. "RRx, Aster is fine. He is healthy, I''m just lying to you" King Chandra tried to pacify his son. But Ramuja was still vignt. "II will show you Aster, he is waiting for you," King Chandra said. In a matter of seconds, the scarlet aura disappeared instantly. Ramuja was still in his crazed state, but he became very meek and soft. Ramuja asked in a very gentle tone, "Aster is fine? Aster must have been scared! I will protect Aster first!" King Chandra was baffled and horrified at the same time with the duality of his son. Aster seemed to be Prince Rama''s switch, he could turn him extremely hostile or extremely docile. King Chandra held his son''s hand and then said, "Let me show you Aster." Ramuja meekly followed this old man''s lead, he was expecting to see his master, but instead, he was led to a deep pool outside the room. Turned out, he was in a temple since his first time here. "Aster is inside this sacred pool, he is under water, go save" Without any doubt, Ramuja jumped into the deep pool and the emblem on his back shone brightly, even under the deep blue pool, King Chandra could see it clearly. In a matter of minutes, the air was getting hotter and soon, thick steam came out of the pool. "My god" King Chandra was shocked that, for the first time in the history of the Sun Kingdom. The Sacred Pool evaporated. The pool was really deep and it would take a year to be filled until it was full again. But Ramuja''s burning love for this girl called Aster was so much that it evaporated the whole pool. Ramuja was sitting at the bottom of the pool, his sun emblem finally disappeared and he looked around with confused eyes. He didn''t know where he was, but there was a sense of loss in his heart, "Where is my Aster?" Chapter 227: Blissful Darkness Chapter 227: Blissful Darkness Aster was sitting near the balcony at night. Of course, he didn''t know that it was a balcony. In fact, he didn''t know what was in front of him at all. Because it was all dark. When the light finally hit a room every morning, the darkness in front of him seemed to lighten a bit, but that was it. It was all dark. Aster was not used to it. Who could''ve predicted that the proud Grand Duke Aster would be ruined until this point? Where he couldn''t even see and couldn''t move freely, because he was constantly under Tuskan''s surveince. ''What can I do anyway, I''m literally blind'' Aster sighed. He knew that Tuskan meant well, he took care of him since he fainted and Tuskan protected him well. But he was too much. Aster tried to use the walking stick and he walked out of the room, although he must''ve knocked a few things on the way. But when he finally left the room, Tuskan was chasing him anxiously and then nagged him because he might be in danger walking out alone at night. Especially since he was blind. ''Well, I have to do something, I can''t stay here for too long.'' ''But How could a blind man do anything? I can''t even read or write, should I just end my life here? At least I won''t be a burden to Tuskan, he is the Great King of Arctyr, taking care of a blind man must''ve been tiring.'' Aster took his walking stick and walked towards the railing of the balcony. He touched everything around him, trying to figure out the shape of the balcony, ''Square table highly polished chair, the railing is made out of wood, strange, why would someone make a railing out of wood. That is too fragile. Well, at least the wood''s diameter is quite thick, I can sit on this.'' Then he tried to touch something in front of him and he only caught the air. It was already the end. Aster could feel the cold breeze of winter in Great Arctyr. He took a deep breath. ''Do you regret it?'' Suddenly, Aster heard a voice, it was the same voice of the doppelganger inside his head, ''Do you regret living as a blind, useless man like this?'' Aster smiled faintly, "Of course, I have my grievance. But if the choices are either erasing Ramuja or sacrificing my eyes. I will still choose thetter one. I will not forget him, even if I die now, I will die remembering him fondly in my head." ''He is that precious for you? He is a cheating sex ve! You''ve been hurt too much by him. Why don''t you just erase the memory of him and start over?'' Aster''s faint smile didn''t disappear from his face, he gripped the railing with his hands and then climbed slowly. He was now sitting on the wooden balcony. Everything was still dark in front of him. But somehow, it was less scary. "You know, I wonder about that too, why do I fall in love with Ramuja? True, he is handsome, but Charles is, Gaum is, even Tuskan. They are all very handsome, but I still choose Ramuja." ''Exactly! There are so many choices! Just pick somebody else!'' Aster shook his head, "I can''t imagine myself ending with anyone other than Ramuja. Call me stupid, but I am very loyal to my love." ''Stupid!'' Aster chuckled lightly, "I am. Hey, can you tell me the height of the balcony right now? I want to make sure that I will die instantly when I jump. Because I don''t want to live, it might give even more trouble for Tuskan." ''Do you really want to jump? How about Ramuja? You said you want to meet him again.'' "I do, but let''s be real. Even if I do, he is going to find out that I''m blind. I''m not his mighty lord that ruled over the Grand Duchy Stormhill anymore. I am just a fugitive from my own country that just happens to be blind." ''He he will be sad if you die'' "Well, he might be. But I know he can move on fast, you see, he can cheat with Merry for three years, and then take my first night. He might''ve taken Merry''s first night too. Not that I could me him though, it''s his right to be with anyone he wanted" Aster''s lips trembled when he said it. He tried to brush off the sadness stacking inside his heart. "In fact, isn''t it better if he ends up with anyone else? I want him to be happy. He should''ve married Merry, or any other girl. I don''t think he is suitable with a man, honestly. He is like a stallion, he should pass his good gene to his children." "Maybe, well, maybe, if there is heaven. I can see him from above, with his wife and children. Maybe I can y with his children as a ghost." "Wait, hahaha, that sounds ridiculous!" Asterughed at himself. Everything was still dark, but he could feel his eyes were getting wet. He wiped it gently. "Why am I crying? I said I will not regret anything." ''Because deep down, you want him to save you. You want him to be devoted to you, even after he knows that you are blind and useless, you want him to be solely devoted to you, isn''t it right?'' " yes." Aster sighed, "Of course, I want him to be devoted to me. But I must face reality, what is the use of him being with me? A blind, useless man, I can''t take care of him, I can''t protect him, I can''t work, and I can''t even bear a child for him." "Don''t worry, he will forget me quickly enough, I won''t leave a scar inside his heart even if I die." Aster took a deep breath and slowly leaned forward, he let loose of his grip on the railing and he could feel that his body the cold breeze hit his face. Aster gave in a little push and he jumped from the railing. ''I love you, Ramuja.'' Tuskan who had finally finished all the daily tasks as the Great King came to Aster''s room tiredly, and already saw Aster leaning forward, about to fall from the balcony railing. "ASTER!" Tuskan rushed and caught Aster''s hand. Aster was still dangling midair. Tuskan tried to pull him back up, but he actually struggled. Tuskan saw that Aster was crying and said, "Aster, what are you doing?!" "Let me go, I''ve made enough hassle for you, I don''t think I need to stay longer." "YOU ARE NOT A HASSLE!" Tuskan used all his strength and pulled Aster back up. He hugged Aster tightly, his heartbeat was beating fast. If he waste for one second, Aster would be dead. "YYou are not a hassle, you are never an inconvenience!" Tuskan assured him, "Please, get yourself together!" Aster was unresponsive for a minute, then he responded to Tuskan''s hug, "You are too kind, really. But kindness and loyalty is only a passing feeling. You will get tired of taking care of a blind man like me. Tuskan, we might be blood rtives, but you don''t have the responsibility to take care of me." "I didn''t take care of you just because you are still my rtive!" Tuskan rebuked. "Huh?" Aster raised his brow. "I take care of you because I I" somehow, Tuskan couldn''t mutter the words ''love'' and ''like.'' He tried a few times, but he was tongue-tied, "Argh!" Tuskan frustratedly pulled Aster back inside the room and locked the balcony door. He sat Aster on the bed and then took a few steps back. His chest was palpitating with thebination of shock and shame. "It''s not important, but I truly want to take care of you," Tuskan said, he carefully approached Aster and then kneeled in front of him, "Aster, tell me, what was the reason for your action just now?" "Isn''t it clear already? I''m a waste!" Aster said frustratedly, "I am a blind, useless man which is also a fugitive of my own country!" "But Golden Camellia is not your only country," Tuskan took out something from his vest, and then put it in Aster''s palm, "Great Arctyr is also your country, in fact, if we announce to the people that the grandson of Saintess Celine came to Great Arctyr, they will hold a feast solely to celebrate your arrival." Aster tried to feel something that had been given by Tuskan, he guessed, "A crest?" "The Crest of Lion Head, the symbol of rulers in the Great Arctyr. Only people with Great Princess or Great Prince''s rings are able to obtain this. At bare minimum, you will be a high noble with this crest." "You are giving a ruling crest to someone from another country?! Tuskan, you are a king! A king should stay aware of everything that he does!" Aster pushed the crest back to Tuskan and scolded him, "What if the one you gave this crest was a bad person? He might also be a spy! My god, Tuskan, you are a Great King! How could you be so dumb!" Tuskan chuckled lightly as he was getting scolded by Aster, then he put on the small drawer near the bed, "I put it on the drawer near your bed, it is rightfully yours." " stupid." Aster pouted. "Yes, yes, I am stupid," Tuskan mischievously grinned, "But who was about to jump from the balcony because he feels useless? I''m here calling many doctors that might be able to help you, I''m preparing the best, so you can live properly in Great Arctyr, and you are paying me with your death? Stupid!" "SShut up! I have a solid reason to do so!" Tuskan smiled and then whispered to Aster, ''Then, how about this, we will try to heal your eyes first, and once you are healed, we can return to Golden Camellia and I will personally aid you. So, don''t give up when you haven''t tried at all.'' Aster was stunned. He swiftly grabbed Tuskan''s hand and then said, "If my eyes can be recovered, I will do anything for you." Chapter 228: The Tale of Prince Rama Chapter 228: The Tale of Prince Rama ''Milord'' Ramuja was sitting inside a huge room, the room was probably twice as big as his Milord''s room in Lantern Pce. There was plenty ofvish furniture and decorations, even the seat that he was sitting in right now was probably made out of real gold. He didn''t know how he ended up in this strange ce, with people that suddenly brought him and locked him inside this room after he regained his consciousness in that so-called ''Sacred Pool''. Ramuja observed the door attentively and sighed, "That is really easy to break, but, where should I go if I run away from this ce? I don''t even know where I am right now." The door was opened from outside and a man around his sixties approached me with his cane tapped the floor. He still looked vigorous for an old man and his posture was still straight, he shouldn''t have used a cane unless it was only for decoration. The old man stood two feet away from Ramuja and then said, "You resemble my young self, with a hint of her in your nose and your jawline." "Who are you?" Ramuja asked cautiously. The man stood still for a moment, and then replied, "Let me tell you a story." "Once, in a kingdom called the Sun Kingdom, there was a king with many concubines and a powerful queen. In that kingdom, there is a continuous prophecy that one of the sons of the king or his royal siblings will be the next king, proven by the sun emblem on his back. The king had been married with the queen for ten years and was only given one son, and that son was not the destined king." "Thus, the king married concubines, one after another, they birthed many sons but there was no sign of that destined king. In hisst effort, he married a woman from a small vige, she was just a normal peasant, but she had extraordinary beauty. Thus, the king married her and made her a concubine. She was thest hope, because the king was thinking that there would be no more destined king after him." "Miraculously, the girl birthed a son, and that son had the sun emblem on his back. He was the destined king, so the king named him Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom and made him the Crown Prince." "But the queen was very jealous, she had been killing many of the concubines'' children, so her son would be the next king. The queen already killed Prince Rama''s mother by poisoning her." "The King was anxious, because the queen was indeed very powerful with her backing. Thus, in order to protect Prince Rama, the king gave him an alias, Ramuja, and sent him to Lal Coast, where his brother lived as the local lord with his wife and daughter. The Coast was the farthest from Sun Kingdom capital, so the queen wouldn''t be able to reach him easily." "The King was nning to eliminate the queen first and then escort Prince Rama back, but who would have predicted that Golden Camellia suddenly invaded the country, and they targeted Lal Coast first. In a matter of hours, the entire poption of Lal Coast was erased from existence. Nobody survived in that tragic ce." "The King was heartbroken, because Prince Rama was still there, living with his brother as his ''son''. He thought that Prince Rama died already, but the fire in the sacred temple should''ve been extinguished once the destined king died. The fire only dimmed out, but didn''t die out. Which meant that Prince Rama was just very far from the Sun Kingdom. After the Sun Kingdom had repelled Golden Camellia, the King sent as many expeditions as he could to search for Prince Rama for years." "Until a noble man from Golden Camellia suddenly sent an envoy to Sun Kingdom and told them that Prince Rama was in Golden Camellia, having been enved since he was seven years old" King Chandra finally stopped speaking, he only stared at his son who seemed to have been astonished, "And Prince Rama is" "Yes, my son, it''s you," King Chandra nodded solemnly, "I''m sorry for being too weak, you have to bear the grievance of being a ve" Ramuja was so astonished that he was both speechless and froze on the spot. He tried to recall my childhood memory, ''Living in a vige near the coast, my big sister, my loving father and mother'' "The coast is no more?" King Chandra shook his head, "No one survived the bloody hands of Golden Camellia, you are the only one alive" My body shook greatly, he still remembered that his vige did get invaded by Golden Camellia, but he had always wished that his small family would survive, at least his big sister, because she had just been married before the incident happened. King Chandra saw the sadness in Ramuja''s countenance, he walked slowly and then hugged his son, "The vigers of the coast, including my brother and his family sacrificed themselves, so you could be saved. They begged to that golden-eyed demon to spare you, so you could at least live" "Golden eyed" "Yes, we were invaded by the golden blood, Leopold Audric Camellia invaded and massacred the whole coast just for a warning, so we would kiss his feet. I''ve heard that the new emperor, Charles Audric Camellia, also massacred his own people in Dionde City, the ce where you lived. They are truly monstrous." King Chandra''s aura thickened, his breath became heavier. He held a great grudge against Golden Camellia and all the golden blood descendants, "With you here, we will exterminate all those golden bloods, we will not spare anyone. They are monsters with human skin." "I know that you hold a grudge against them too, I''ve investigated and found out that you were sold as a ve directly after you arrived at Golden Camellia. That golden monster sold a five years old kid as a ve and turned him into into a sex ve at the age of seven, heartless," King Chandra imagined how much pain his son had to bear for years, degraded, tarnished and abused. ''Golden blood Milord'' Ramuja was still thinking about his master, he wanted to say that the golden bloods were indeed monsters, but there was one special case, a man named Aster Di Arlingdon, a golden blood that was pure hearted and gentle. "Also, I know that you already have the sun in your heart, tell me, who is this girl called Aster? Is she a peasant girl? Or a noble girl? My son, you are a very handsome and vigorous man, I don''t think Aster is just a regr girl by any means," King Chandra said while tapped Ramuja''s back. Ramuja gulped, he tried to hide my nervousness, ''Should I say that Aster is a man, and he is a noble, a direct line of a golden blood noble from Golden Camellia.'' ''As much as I wanted to tell the truth, it seemed that Sun Kingdom is still very conservative, and I''m not sure where Milord''s whereabout right now. I have to find a clue how to leave this ce, I have to return to Golden Camellia and search for Milord. He must be somewhere out there.'' Aster is special," he lowered his head, his master once said that he wasn''t good at lying. So, he had to hide my facial expression, this person that he should be calling father looked very excited about a girl called Aster. "Where is she right now? We need to bring her to Sun Kingdom as soon as possible, once you are enthroned as the King of Sun Kingdom, she will be your queen." "SShe is in Golden Camellia" "Great, then, I will send an expedition and take her to Sun Kingdom as soon as possible!" King Chandra said excitedly, "After you have been enthroned with a queen by your side, Sun Kingdom will rise once more!" "Don''t send an expedition to Golden Camellia!" Ramuja reacted immediately. If an expedition was sent to Golden Camellia and they started asking about Aster Di Arlingdon, his master''s identity would be revealed immediately, because he was really popr. King Chandra frowned, "Why? Don''t you miss her?" "I I will search for her by myself I will return to Golden Camellia." King Chandra''s eyes widened, "My son, I know that you are a mentally strong man, but Golden Camellia left so many scars in your mind, I don''t want you to drown in grief!" ''Yes, Golden Camellia does give me countless amounts of grief, but there is one sun that clears all the grief in my heart. As long as there is him, I can live'' He took a deep breath and replied, "Aster is my precious sun, I will search for her where about myself." Ramuja was resolute with his decision, King Chandra was silent for a moment and said, "You are truly the destined king. My son, I will support you. But you need to familiarize yourself with Sun Kingdom, you''ve been living as a ve for too long. You need some education on how to be a prince." King Chandra tapped his son''s shoulder and said, "I will call the servants to serve you, you can also request some women of your liking if you want to relieve yourself. Ramuja no, Rama, remember, you are a crown prince. So, act like one." King Chandra left the room, Ramuja was still stunned with the sudden development, in honesty, he didn''t even care about his background anymore. Because they were nothing, this kingdom didn''t save him when he was dying in hopelessness and starvation. But if he could take advantage of this kingdom and helped his master with an army, wouldn''t it be better? ''It was you, Aster Di Arlingdon, Milord. You are the sun of my heart, you are my savior, the light in my never-ending darkness. So, I will return to you, I will chase my sun. Wait for me.'' Chapter 229: Eulogy of the Prince 31 Chapter 229: Eulogy of the Prince 31 After my supposed father left the room, few servants and maids entered the room and bowed to me, they were all dressed quite uniquely, they were topless, the man wore a knee length pants and the woman wore a long skirt and a piece of long cloth wrapped around their chest, so they covered their chest like that. It was totally outrageous in Golden Camellia to wear something like this. In Golden Camellia, a peasant should at least be wearing a long tunic, and the woman wore a long dress to cover their body. The only body parts for women that were allowed to be shown are neck and shoulders. It was the unspoken etiquette, or else, you would be seen as a whore or debauched man or woman. I remembered that Milord often wore an almost see through shirt, which was quite outrageous for a noble man, especially a high aristocrat like Milord, because it showed fragility. Sometimes, if one observed his clothing attentively, they could even see the skin beneath his cloth. ''Wait what did I do?!'' I was shocked by the sudden realization, ''I let everyone see Milord''s skin! Goddamn it!'' Maybe I was so awed by Milord''s appearance, that I forgot, everyone could also see him like that, ''Argh! I will not let Milord use thin clothing anymore! I''m so stupid!'' The servants and maids were ncing at each other, seeing Prince Rama''s various expressions of shock, anger, and frustration changed quickly one after another. Prince Rama was circling around back and forth while biting his nails, as if he was seriously thinking about an important thing. ''Does Prince Rama think about the future of Sun Kingdom? He had a harsh life in Golden Camellia, yet, once he is inside Sun Kingdom, he immediately thinks about our prosperity amazing'' the servants and maids thought collectively. I was circling around anxiously, ''No, I have to count how many people are inside the Autumn Banquet, they must''ve seen how alluring Milord was! I will make amends to Milord! It was me who suggested that provocative garment! I will make sure that everybody at the Autumn Banquet apologizes to Milord for seeing his slender body! Ramuja, you are an idiot!'' One of the servants approached Prince Rama slowly and said, "My Prince, please rest assured, everything is fine nowadays. I know you care a lot about us." Hearing someone call me, I stopped my step and then observed each of the servants and maids present, then said, "What do you want?" The maids felt weak when their eyes met with Prince Rama''s deep eyes. Prince Rama was really handsome, and he had a robust body. He had a small, straight nose and thin lips, his eyes were deep, but it wasn''t scary. It was cautious, like a tiger observing his surroundings. Prince Rama was the epitome of a handsome man in the Sun Kingdom, just like the prophecy said. He was even better looking than King Chandra. The servant meekly said, "WWe are here to change your clothing, My Prince," the servant showed a stack of clothing with gold jewelries. I checked the clothing and then saw the maids were blushing, I frowned and said, "The servants can stay, the maid should leave." There was a trace of disappointment in their faces, but the maids obeyed and left the room. I took off my tunic, and the first thing the servant said was, "My Prince you are too big down there." Somehow, I could feel the embarrassment. I ordered them immediately, "Just give me my new clothes!" "Yes!" The servants were circling around my body and then put all my supposed princely clothing and essories. After everything was done, I checked my appearance on the mirror and was stunned myself. Arge hat with peacock feather as essory, I was topless up to my belly button, but my shoulders were covered by a garment adorned with gold. I wore short pants, and my waist was covered by a white fabric made out of silk and decorated with gold and jewels. "My Prince, you look really amazing, even with daily attire like this" "THIS IS DAILY ATTIRE?" I was shocked, this was too much, even for the Golden Camellia standard, I didn''t think that Milord was this much for his daily clothing, and he was the richest man in Golden Camellia. "Yes, My Prince, this is your daily attire" "But ugh fine then. My father said that I should be looking around the pce first to be familiar with my surroundings." "Certainly, My Prince, I will lead the way," the servant said. I left the room with a servant leading in front, the maids who were waiting outside finally saw me in this kind of clothing and they were shaken greatly. "My Prince! You are so handsome! By god!" one of the maids said. But she covered her mouth immediately. ''He has scars all over his body, but it only makes him look majestic and robust at the same time! He is like a strong tiger!'' the maids thought. I wondered what kind of imagination was in their head, but I decided to ignore them and then followed the servant around. The Pce of the Sun Kingdom was big, but it was empty. It was probably the same size of Golden Pce in Golden Camellia, just with less gold. One thing that I noticed was the air, the temperature in Sun Kingdom was a lot hotter than in Golden Camellia. "Isn''t it winter right now?" I asked. The servant replied courteously, "Sun Kingdom doesn''t have four seasons, My Prince. We are always in this temperature, the temperature is really good for farming" '' I don''t think I can bring Milord here, he will die by the heat'' After some time, the servant finally stopped in front of a big door, and he turned his back, "My Prince, you''ve looked around the main pce, this is the king chamber, King Chandra is waiting inside." I nodded, the guards in front bowed to me and then opened the door. The man whom I should be calling father was sitting on his throne, while a man probably ten years older than me was standing close by. My eyes darted at that man and I could feel the sense of familiarity, but I couldn''t remember. I walked in and greeted the king, "This one is here after walking around the main pce." King Chandra seemed to be surprised with my greeting, he immediately corrected me, "My son, never address yourself like that! You should be addressing yourself ''This Prince'' or ''This sun''. You shouldn''t be degrading yourself!" ''Ah yes, I am a prince right now it feels weird though'' "This prince is present in front of father" King Chandra took a deep breath, a smile bloomed on his old face, he said, "I want you to know your brother, this is Arjun. He is your big brother," King Chandra nced at the man called Arjun and then said, "Go talk with your brother." "Yes, father." The man stepped down and then bowed his head slightly, "Greetings to the holy sun, Crown Prince Rama. My name is Arjun, I am your brother, but please treat me as your follower." I was weirded out by his greeting, he sounded very polite and obedient. I tried to inspect whether this man had ulterior motives, because the nobles in Golden Camellia were all crooked and cunning. But this man, he was more like a servant dressed in prince attire. "Uh I am RamuI mean Rama" I said awkwardly. Arjun smiled and turned his head at King Chandra and said, "Father, I will take Prince Rama around, please excuse us." They left the king''s chamber, Arjun led me to another pce, and as we walked in silent, he finally said, "You don''t remember me at all?" "No," I said curtly. He was indeed familiar in my head, but really couldn''t remember him. Arjun grinned and stopped in front of a door, "Maybe this will make you remember." Arjun opened the door and I was greeted with a big room with a pregnant woman sitting on a sofa. When the woman saw me, she immediately stood and then threw all her weight on me, she hugged me. Her body was shaking and she said, "I miss you so much." I was unresponsive. I inspected this woman in her mid-thirties and then noticed something, ''That lips, that eyes, that gentle face'' "BBig sister?" The woman nodded as she wiped her tears, she patted my head although she had to tiptoe to do that. She smiled and said, "You''ve grown, Ramuja. I miss you so much." I was trying to wrap my head around this sudden esction. I shifted my eyes to the woman with my big sister''s face and to my brother that I called Arjun. I suddenly remembered that a big brother probably in histe teens usually helped me and my big sister to walk around the coast and collected shells. Arjun nodded, "Ramuja, I''m d that you are back." Chapter 230: Eulogy of the Prince 32 Chapter 230: Eulogy of the Prince 32 "Ramuja, I''m d that you are back." His words were like an electrifying surge branching inside my body. Arjun, I remembered that handsomete teen who helped me and my sister often, in the end, he married my sister. They were like a perfect couple, until Golden Camellia invaded. "Let''s just talk inside!" my sister pulled me inside the room and we sat face to face. They sat together, facing me with happiness beaming on their faces. "Ramuja, do you still remember me? Do you remember my name?" my sister pointed at herself. I nodded. Even though I was taken at the age of five, I still remembered about a few things fondly inside my head. My parents, my sister, and the coast that I always missed, "You are my sister, Anya" "Correct!" Anya looked very happy, "Ramuja, I missed you so much!" "I missed you too big sister" "Ah, big sister," Anya started getting teary, "You are still calling me big sister, back then, I thought, after you know your true identity, you will forget Lal Coast and be the King of Sun Kingdom but because of Golden Camellia" Anya seemed to hold deep anger whenever Golden Camellia was mentioned, "Those pig-skinned invaders! They are killing everyone in Lal Coast without any clear reason! They just want to show their power! They are monsters!" I was silenced for a moment, because what she said was actually true. For people like Charles or Milord Aster, invading and colonizing was a regr thing to do. Because it brought money to them, but to the people that had been colonized, it was a living hell. Even my life as a ve was a living hell. "Father said that everybody in Lal Coast died, but how could you have survived?" I asked. Anya nced at Arjun and then replied; "After our parents smuggled you in the Golden Camellia ship, they pushed me to the forest. They tried to guard the entrance to the forest and got killed alongside the people. I was chased by a few soldiers of Golden Camellia, until Arjun showed up and killed all of them. But Golden Camellia''s soldiers were too many, so we had to run away." Anya''s lips trembled, there was an expression of terror on her face, "They ughtered everyone, they didn''t even spare the women and kids. Their red and gold uniform was full of blood, but they didn''t even budge, in fact, I could see some of them looked amused. As if everything was just a game for them!" Anya stared at me, "Ramuja, the king told me that you''ve been enved in Golden Camellia, and looking at the scars all over your body I couldn''t imagine how brutal they are" Anya started crying, "I''m sorry for being weak, I can''t bring you with me. Father and Mother said that thete Queen was the one that colluded with Golden Camellia. If I bring you back to the pce, the queen will kill you instantly!" "So father and mother smuggled me to a random soldier, because if I survived and stayed inside the Sun Kingdom, I would be killed by the queen?" "Yes" Arjun who had been silent the whole time finally spoke, "Maybe you don''t know this, but thete queen is my mother. You know that she is targeting you because you are the real Crown Prince of Sun Kingdom, not me." I was trying to process everything that they just said, "You arete queen''s son?" Arjun nodded, "I am the previous crown prince, my mother told me about her n to eliminate you. She colluded with Golden Camellia and gave a rmendation letter, that was the reason why Golden Camellia''s naval ships could go inside our border unguarded" Arjun bowed his head deeply, "I''m sorry for the pain caused by myte mother. She had paid the price, I reported everything to our father and she had been executed shortly after. Although, it took many years until we could repel Golden Camellia out of our kingdom. I also led the expedition myself for years to search for you, although it is not enough topensate for your suffering in Golden Camellia, I hope you can ept my goodwill." ''So, he is the crown prince before me'' I observed Arjun from head to toe. I tried my best to see his insincerity, his hostility, but Arjun was really sincere. I didn''t see any trace of ambition. "You know that you have the chance to be the real king if you didn''t search for me, right?" I asked. "No, Sun Kingdom is my priority. I don''t want our country to be destroyed just because it is led by a fake ruler. You are the destined king, and you are the true ruler," Arjun replied virtuously. Somehow, I still couldn''t wrap my head around this, ''How could a man be so virtuous? In Golden Camellia, everyone is killing each other for the throne, even against their own family. Treachery, scheme, and ambition are like a tradition in Golden Camellia'' I wasn''t sure whether this man was truly sincere, because this was my first time seeing someone so peaceful. But I tried to shift the conversation first to avoid his suspicion, "Did you two got married?" Arjun and Anya blushed and they nodded together, "Don''t misunderstand. Anya''s father and our father are not blood brothers, they are sworn brothers. Sun Kingdom doesn''t allow incestuous rtionship. That is why King Chandra approved our marriage," Arjun said. "I see Big Sister, the baby inside your belly is Arjun''s?" "Correct!" Anya looked very happy, she caressed her belly gently, "This little girl inside, her name is Arya." "Arya?" I repeated. Arjun smiled and said, "The prophecy said that the next Destined King will be a woman, and that destined king is inside your sister''s belly right now, we named her Arya." "I see" I pondered for a minute. I was getting anxious over nothing. I was afraid that I had to have a child myself to continue the destined king lifeline, since the throne should be passed like that. But it seemed, the destined king could be born from any direct descendant of the royal family. I sighed in relief. ''Then, my rtionship with Milord is no problem at all, since the next king after me has been decided.'' However, Arjun and my sister, Anya, seemed to assume my relieved breath as something unpleasant, they anxiously tried to pacify me, "PPrince Rama, please don''t misunderstand! Arya is just an unborn baby! She will not threaten your position at all!" "Yyes! Ramuja, you are an adult right now, I know you are wise enough to spare us and Arya!" my sister tried to kneel in front of me, following Arjun who already prostrated on the floor. I immediately got up and helped her to sit back on the chair. "I''m not mad at all, I''m just surprised yet relieved at the same time," I said. "Relieved?" "Yes, with the presence of the baby, then the session of the throne after me has been decided," I said. I smiled gently and said, "In fact, after I cleared my unfinished business in Golden Camellia, I''m intending to abdicate." "What?!" Arjun and Anya reacted at the same time. They stared at each other, and then said, "Ramuja, you are yet to be the king. Maybe you''ve already noticed it, but there will be a trial for you. Our father already prepared the trial, maybe you''ll start your trial a week from now." "But you are the rightful ruler of the Sun Kingdom, to abdicate so quickly" "Then I will abdicate after Arya has be an adult, is that a deal?" " what''s with you?" Arjun started getting anxious, "Don''t you want to announce your own descendant to be the next ruler? Arya can wait, in fact, you can just put her as the high minister or themander of the army if you want to. As long as the destined king has power in the Sun Kingdom, there will be no riot" "That one, because I will never have a child of my own," I said lightly. "YYou will not marry?!" Arjun was shocked, "DDid you get eerectile dysfunction or something? Did Camellians hurt you until you can''t reproduce anymore? I will call the country healer first!" Iughed, the tradition in Sun Kingdom and Golden Camellia was truly different, ''In Golden Camellia, if someone said that they will not have a blood child, they will automatically assume that the partner of this person was the same sex. But in the Sun Kingdom I doubt they even know about same-sex rtionship.'' I observed Arjun and Anya''s curious faces, a faint smile bloomed on my face, "I function normally, vigorously in fact. I can do it every day and night when HE is ready to give me HIS virginity." "WhatHE? A MAN?!" Arjun reacted exaggeratedly. I nodded assuredly. Anya seemed to be too shocked to react, thus Arjun immediately asked, "Iis it just for fun? There are some of the old kings who like to enjoy the taste of men too, but it is only for pleasure. YYou don''t need to scare me like that, you can bring as many men as" "No, I love him. I will spend my whole life with him and only him, and it will not change," my eyes started to look up as I imagined the vivid imagery of Milord. His shining hair, his milk skin, his slender body and his deep mesmerizing eyes. I imagined Milord smiling at me and the mole under his left eyes made him even cuter. Just imagining him already made my heart beating loudly, "He is like the sun for me" Both Arjun and Anya were stupefied, especially after seeing Ramuja''s blissful expression, as if he was imagining heaven, "Who is he?" I smiled and then said, "He is my master, Aster Di Arlingdon, he is the Grand Duke of Grand Duchy Stormhill." *** Merry walked slowly with her diamond high heels on the expensive carpet. She was in the Emperor Chamber, there was no one right now, only Emperor Charles sitting on the throne. "Merry Wood, Countess of Belleresse has been summoned. Does the Emperor need anything?" Charles stared at this girl who looked innocent, she adorned her dark hair with various expensive jewelries. Somehow, it didn''t fit her humble, innocent face at all, it only made her look tacky. Charles tried to suppress his ridiculingugh, "Do you miss Ramuja?" he asked. Merry paused for a minute, and then replied, "Well, yes but I don''t know where he is right now besides, you will kill him if you find him, right?" Charles chuckled, "At first, indeed I will. But I just want my Aster to be back, I still don''t know Aster''s whereabouts, but I know Ramuja''s whereabouts." Merry''s eyes widened, "Really?! Where is he?!" "He is in Sun Kingdom, a kingdom on the south," Charles tapped his chair and then continued, "I can make a deal with you, you must bring him back to Golden Camellia, so I can use him as a bait for Aster. Once Aster has been captured, I will free him and I will bestow a Gardenia Marriage for you two. With Gardenia Marriage, two people must be married, it is an obligation." Merry''s eyes lit up instantly, "Oh my! Thank you, Your Majesty, you are truly a kind person!" Merry twirled around in front of Charles, she already imagined her marriage with Ramuja, "Ramuja must see my gorgeous castle and many servants! He will forget Aster and immediately fall in love with me!" Merry said innocently. Charles chuckled in amusement,''Stupid and heartless, a match for that ve.'' Chapter 231: The Fragrance of a Beauty Chapter 231: The Fragrance of a Beauty "Milord, please open your eyes carefully," the healer said. Aster opened his eyes slowly, there was no emotion in his eyes, nothing had changed. "How is it?" Tuskan asked anxiously. Aster smiled and shook his head, "I still can''t see anything." Tuskan took a deep disappointed sigh, he gave the healer a bag of gold coins and said, "You are free to go." "Pardon my inability to heal Milord Aster, Your Majesty, but Milord Aster''s blindness is really a mystery. It is almost like magic" Tuskan nced at Aster, worrying that might take this healer''s word to heart. It might discourage him. Tuskan red at the healer and then repeated his words with a threatening manner, "You are free to go." The healer seemed to understand that he misspoke, he shouldn''t say something like that in front of Milord Aster. He bowed his head and then rushed out with the bag of gold coins. Aster''s sense had sharpened drastically after he lost his vision. He seemed to be able to read the situation even though everything was dark. In a simpler way, he could predict people''s hearts without even seeing their expression. Aster chuckled lightly, "Do you need to be so harsh on him? He is just telling the truth." Tuskan scratched his head, "I I just don''t want you to be sad, don''t worry, Great Arctyr have a lot of traditional healers and doctors. I can also call the doctors from other countries, we just need to try more and more. I know you can be healed!" Aster smiled, he wanted to say that it was useless. Because his blindness was not logical either, it was simr to a magic, ''And that magic caused by myself, I traded my vision for Ramuja''s memory.'' ''But, Tuskan seems to be very eager to help me, I don''t want to ruin his passion,'' Aster nodded in agreement, "I believe in you, when you are this eager to help me, how could I reject you?" Tuskan''s cheek turned beet red immediately, he lowered his head in embarrassment. He knew that Aster was blind right now, but somehow, he felt that Aster could read all his emotions like an open book. Asterughed as he could feel Tuskan''s embarrassment, he reached for his walking stick and stood from the chair, "The spring is here, would you mind escorting a blind man outside? He wants to sightsee the garden in your pce," Aster joked. "Certainly!" Tuskan held Aster''s hand and then escorted him slowly. He led the way for Aster as Aster tapped the floor with his walking stick. Halfway through, Tuskan felt that Aster was too slow, and a mischievous idea popped in his mind. "Tuskan, do you think the gardenWHA!" Aster immediately circled his hand around Tuskan''s neck out of surprise. Tuskan grinned mischievously as he carried Aster in bridal style. "Are you crazy?!" Aster scolded Tuskan, "Put me down! If the guards and servants saw you carrying a blind man like me, there will be gossip!" "Well, let''s just pretend that there is no one here," Tuskan seemed to be unbothered, he walked leisurely while carrying Aster in his hand. He carried Aster to his private garden, which he named after the man in his embrace, it was named Aster Garden. "We''ve arrived, Mdy," Tuskan said, he put Aster down gently and put the walking stick in Aster''s hand gain. Aster used the walking stick to hit Tuskan repeatedly, "Ouch, ouch! Is this how you treat someone that has carried you to the garden?" "I didn''t ask to be carried!" Aster continued hitting Tuskan with his walking stick, "What if someone saw us? They will think that Great King of Great Arctyr has been seduced by a blind man, you are an idiot!" ''Well it''s notpletely wrong'' Tuskan mumbled softly. "What?" "Nothing," Tuskan shook his head. He held Aster''s hand so he stopped hitting him, "You are here to enjoy the garden, right? So, let''s just continue, I will lead the way." Aster still pouted, he was sincerely worried that this guy would get in trouble by his ministers because he did something ridiculous, "Hmph! You lead the way! Not carry the way!" Tuskan chuckled, "Sure thing, Mdy." "It''s Milord! Arghh, whatever!" Aster tried to pacify himself. It seemed that Tuskan had grown ustomed to tease him. It had been a few months since his arrival in Great Arctyr, and Tuskan seemed to have been very rxed around him. At first, he was still that brat who would try to talk him down and even scold him, but Aster already knew that Tuskan meant well. It was just his way to show his care. Speaking of Mariette, she had been in charge as one of the high ministers, acting as art and tradition minister for the Great Arctyr. It was a simr position like a Golden Princess in Golden Camellia, but it seemed the Mariette was much more active than that useless Rosalie. Mariette visited Aster a few times, but it seemed that she was very busy. She often left the pce to attend a party and traditional gathering, something that was unthinkable for a Golden Princess. Aster and Tuskan walked around the garden, and then Aster asked, "Where is Mariette? It has been a while since herst visit to me." Tuskan sighed, "She is meeting her future husband''s parents, a noble duchy at the south. It will take a while until she returns." "Ah, that''s unfortunate, it will be good if she can enjoy this garden with us," Aster said. He smiled and turned his head at Tuskan, "I think I know where this fragrancees from, I will show you the way." Aster asked Tuskan to let him go and then he walked by himself with Tuskan behind him. Tuskan was curious what Aster would do. Since he was blind, there was no way that he could navigate around the garden maze. Because the garden was quite big. But Tuskan was left surprised as soon as Aster took a few routes, even the one that was shorter than the usual route. He walked steadily as he navigated around the trail of flowers, and then, he finally stopped in front of the center of the garden full of flowers in front of him. Aster inhaled deeply, trying to fill his lung with this familiar sweet scent around him. There was a satisfied smile on his face, as if he finally found peace in this garden. ''This is the familiar smell where I would spend my day with Ramuja in the garden, the smell of spring asters.'' ''Ramuja would be the one who tends the garden personally, the smell of this garden is just as strong as the flowers that Ramuja tended personally. I guess Tuskan hired many skilled gardeners for this garden.'' Aster remembered that Ramuja was very meticulous whenever he entered the garden. He was a big man, but he tried to be as delicate as possible for the flowers, which was why the garden that had been tended personally by Ramuja would have all the flowers blooming beautifully with strong sweet scents. ''Maybe it''s his way to show his love to me'' Aster smiled sheepishly. "Tuskan, may I know who tended this garden? He is such a skilled gardener." " I tended this garden personally," Tuskan replied. Aster was stupefied, "You you tended it personally? You? Without any help?" "No." "Why would you? You are a Great King! There are many things you need to do! Why would you spend your time tending the flowers! Tuskan, you should know your priority!" "Uh there is a sentimental reason for that," Tuskan was too embarrassed to admit that he tended the garden personally for these past couple months because he knew Aster would visit this garden sooner orter. So, he wanted Aster to be happy with all the flowers in the garden. Since he knew that Aster treasured the delicate flowers more than gold. Aster was stupefied for a few more minutes, and then a beautiful smile bloomed on his face, he approached Tuskan gently and then ced his hand on Tuskan''s heart. Then he caressed Tuskan''s cheek gently with his other hand, "You might sound harsh many times, and I know that you can be very stubborn as a Great King, but that is what we call as tempered by fate. I know that deep down, you are a kind man, Tuskan." Tuskan''s body became hotter, especially on his cheek and chest. He could feel that Aster''s hand gave him heat that was unbelievable to him, "Eh? Why is your heart beating rapidly? Are you okay?" Aster asked. "Pardon me," Tuskan plucked an aster flower near him and then put the flower on her lips. He held Aster''s back gently. He inserted his fingers on Aster''s back head and then kissed Aster''s lips with the flower gently. Tuskan could smell all the flowers in this garden, but no fragrance was more tasteful than the fragrance of a beauty in front of him. Aster always smelled like an mystical flower that got you intoxicated, ''Aster, you intoxicate me more than any flowers could ever do.'' Chapter 232: A Girl Named Aster Chapter 232: A Girl Named Aster "Ah, it gets warmer the closer we got!" Merry said excitedly. She went out of her room and hopped to the upper deck. She saw the blue sea that was clear and serene, she smiled sweetly, imagining about something beautiful, ''If Ramuja is here, maybe he will take my hand and then kissed me, we will enjoy this hot sun together, ah, so romantic~'' Merry started her expedition with few royal guards and a proper naval ship at the start of summer. She wanted to take her brother and mother with her. But they refused, her brother, Jon, was busy ying with girls. After they struck the goldmine, he had all the money to have fun with different girls each day, and her mother was simply unwell. "It''s unfortunate, I wish they could help me convince Ramuja, of course, Ramuja would be softened when they saw my weak and sickly mother," Merry was down casted for a moment, but she shook her head after that, "It doesn''t matter! I will bring Ramuja back with me!" Merry was excited to meet Ramuja. Of course, she had some doubt in herself, especially because Ramuja disappeared out of nowhere. She didn''t even know whether Ramuja would ept her or not. But she had one thing for sure, ''Ramuja loves money. I mean, why would he be a gay suddenly for Milord? It''s so disgusting! How could two men be together? How would they do it? Ramuja must''ve been brainwashed by Aster!'' Merry gritted her teeth as she was angry whenever she remembered about Aster. That man was truly a manwhore ready to seduce every man with his enchanting beauty. ''Ramuja has been in love with me for two years! We''ve been steady without any trouble at all, suddenly, after he returned to Grand Duchy Stormhill, he forgot about me and cheated with Aster! I know that Ramuja is a very devoted and kind man, he is very humble. There is no way he could be like this if it is not because of Aster!'' She felt ridiculous, because she really trusted Aster, she thought that Aster could take care of Ramuja as a master. Instead, he shook his ass like a bitch for Ramuja. Who would''ve rejected a high aristocrat who would offer his body to you? ''Hmph! I''m also an aristocrat now! I have a lot of money too! We don''t have to be worried about money now, we have plenty! Our life is pretty much guaranteed, as long as I can bring Ramuja to Emperor Charles, and then use him to bait that bitch Aster, we will be married~'' Merry nodded and looked happy with Emperor Charles'' n, "He is such a good man, handsome, smart, strong, powerful and rich. I wonder why would he fall in love with a bitch like Aster, but oh well, I guess he is just one of Aster''s victims." "As long as Aster returns to Golden Camellia, I can marry Ramuja in the castle withvish decorations, it will be happily ever after!" Merry giggled happily as she twirled around with her dress. A guard suddenly approached her and then reported, "Miss, we are near the Sun City, the capital of Sun Kingdom, we will be arriving shortly." Merry turned her head and her sweet smile became even brighter, "That''s great! Just remember to report to the Sun Kingdom''s guards that his girlfriend wants to see Ramuja. I heard from Emperor Charles that Ramuja is actually a noble in the Sun Kingdom, I don''t know what kind of aristocrat he is though." "Yes, Miss," the guard left Merry alone. Merry walked back to her room and started dressing up for the asion, ''Ramuja must''ve missed me so much! I have to look stunning for him!'' When the Golden Camellia guard whispered to the Sun Kingdom guards on the harbor about ''Ramuja''s girlfriend from Golden Camellia'' the Sun Kingdom guards were surprised. Because Ramuja was Prince Rama''s small name, nobody knew his small name unless they were working with the Sun Kingdom royal family, or was very close to Prince Rama himself. The guards hurried to inform the pce that Prince Rama''s girlfriend had arrived from Golden Camellia, solely to see him. And the Sun Pce had been turned upside down by this news. "Prince Rama''s girlfriend is here?!" King Chandra stood from his chair. He suddenly regained all his vigor for a few seconds, he was really excited with the sudden news. "Yes, Your Majesty, Golden Camellia''s royal guard said that Ramuja''s girlfriend is here to visit him." "She knows about his small name, Ramuja! This girlfriend of his must''ve been Aster! This is the girl that is very important for Prince Rama!" King Chandra hurriedly picked his cane and stormed out of the room, "Hurry, give her our best treatment! Prince Rama will be very happy to see Aster when he returns back!" Merry was pleasantly surprised when he saw the Sun kingdom suddenly brought in a royal carriage only for her. This royal carriage was actually simr to Golden Camellia''s royal carriage that had been used by Emperor Charles a few times. In fact, it looked even more expensive with all the jewels. Merry stepped out of the ship and immediately stunned everyone, she had her long dark hair let loose, she put a flower pin on her hair to make it cuter, and she wore a white dress. It made her look like a sweet maiden. "Honorable guest, please enter the carriage! The King wants to meet you personally!" the sun kingdom guard said. Merry happily entered the carriage and the carriage passed through the Sun City. The city was actually quite big, although not as big as Dionde City, it was actually quite prosperous. There were no malnourished people as far as she could see too, ''Anyway, why would the king see me personally? Is Ramuja''s position that important here? But he was just a ve in Golden Camellia.'' Merry was escorted to a pce as big as the Lantern Pce of Grand Duchy Stormhill, she passed through the gate and was escorted directly in front of the main pce. A man in his sixties was standing with his royal garb, his right hand was holding a cane. He was smiling from ear to ear, as if he was really happy to see Merry. Merry stepped down from the carriage, and the old man approached her immediately and said, "Wee to Sun Kingdom, you must be Ramuja''s girlfriend, right?" "Um yes, I am! But, why is Your Majesty greeting me like this, I just want to see Ramuja" King Chandra smiled meaningfully, he said, "Let''s just talk in my office, I will tell you about Ramuja''s real identity." Merry followed King Chandra and they saw face to face in King Chandra''s office. King Chandra observed this girl in front of him from head to toe, ''Innocent look, beautiful slender body, and very beautiful. My son really has a good taste." "My name is King Chandra of the Sun Kingdom, I sincerely wee you here, in our kingdom. Well, the reason why you are here with me is because Ramuja is actually my son, his real name is Prince Rama of the Sun Kingdom. He is the Crown Prince of Sun Kingdom." Merry was stupefied. She tried to observe this old man''s face once more, and she finally realized that there was a trace of Ramuja''s facial feature in this old man. King Chandra smiled at Merry''s reaction, it must''ve been surprising for her, ''Ah, this girl called Aster must''ve been surprised with this fact. She had been loving Ramuja through all his pain as a ve and still wanted to see Ramuja here. What a loyal lover.'' "You must be Aster, right?" King Chandra asked. Merry was even more surprised, "Aster?" "Yes, Ramuja said that Aster is his lover, his sun. He pushed through all the pain because Aster is in his mind!" King Chandra said excitedly. Merry''s face retained the surprised countenance, but her hands under the table were clenching her dress tightly, she was holding her anger in her heart, ''THAT BITCH ASTER! RAMUJA STILL REMEMBERS ABOUT ASTER INSTEAD OF ME? FUCK! ASTER HAD BRAINWASHED HIM TOO MUCH!'' Merry tried to contain her anger, but then, a malicious idea popped in her head, she smiled and acted as if she was surprised, "Did Ramuja tell Your Majesty about me? My name is Merry Aster of Belleresse, I am the Countess of Belleresse." There was a relieved expression in King Chandra''s face, "So you are Aster, only few people know about Prince Rama''s little name. So, I instantly know that Aster ising to meet Ramuja." King Chandra excitedly asked Merry, "Would you mind telling me about your meeting with Ramuja? He said that you are his sun, you are his savior and lover!" Merry smiled gracefully and thought of a good story, "Yes, I am the Countess of Belleresse. When I was fifteen, I met Ramuja being sold as a ve, when I met him for the first time, I bought him instantly, I just know that I have to save him." "Our love blooms beautifully, at first, my powerful mother opposed our rtionship. Because my house is actually quite powerful even though I am just a countess. But I keep fighting for his safety, I sacrificed a lot of things as long as he is safe. And at some point, he finally confessed in a garden of flowers and we are officially in a rtionship." "There are many people who opposed our rtionship, since he is just a ve. But I ignored all of them and kept loving Ramuja! Until that day During the Winter Feast, I brought him as mypanion to attend the party in Dionde City. Who would''ve expected that Crown Prince Charles assassinated his father Emperor that day and the city was thrown into chaos! And, at that point, we were separated and he disappeared. I searched far and wide about Ramuja''s whereabouts until I got the news about him staying in Sun Kingdom." Merry wiped her tears with a handkerchief and continued, "I love Ramuja so much, I don''t want anything bad to happen to him" King Chandra was silent for a moment and then asked, "During your life with Ramuja, when you two are in rtionship, did he ever get hurt? Did something really bad happen to him that left a scar in his heart?" Again, Merry showed a surprised expression and shook her head, "I always protect him with all my life! When he is with me, he has always been in peace and he found his heaven in me!" Merry imed. King Chandra was silent, he felt something was off, ''Is it really possible? Usually, a destined king would need to be tempered with many bad incidents and be saved countless times by his loved one, so the sun in his heart will be molded slowly. There must be the sense of dependency, self-me, torment, and deep love blended into one for a destined king to trigger his sun emblem. If Aster said that nothing bad had ever happened between them, I doubt Ramuja would think of Aster as his sun.'' ''But this is the girl called Aster, and all the things she said sounds believable.'' King Chandra casted away the doubt in his heart and he said, "Ramuja is still in his training and trial to be the next king, I am not sure whether he will return soon, but you are free to stay here. You are Ramuja''s future wife, of course you are the future queen." "FUTURE QUEEN?!" Merry was shocked for real this time. "Yes, isn''t it obvious already?" ''Future Queen, me? A future queen? That is fantastic!'' Merry''s eyes were gleaming with the glory of being a queen, the gold, the throne, the power. ''Ah, this must have been destiny! I know that god loves me so much! He gives me everything like this, from a peasant girl to a queen! This must''ve been my fate to be a great queen!'' Chapter 233: A Heroine called Merry Chapter 233: A Heroine called Merry "Aahh, this is boring!" Merry screamed out of her frustration. She had been holed up in this Sun Pce for almost a month. Although the treatment given by King Chandra was amazing, she still felt bored. While waiting for Prince Rama to return after his trial, she was treated as a first ss guest. She would be given the best food of the pce, probably the same food that His Highness Prince Rama ate daily, and she was given the biggest guest room. There were a dozen maids serving her, from her dress, her needs for jewelries and even her nail care. She looked at three maids around her that were patiently polishing her toe nail, and messaging her shoulder and holding the fruit for her to eat. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, she kicked the maid who polished her nail on the jaw and the maid fell backward. She was holding the pain, she immediately prostrated in front of Merry and asked, "Ddid this lowly maid make a mistake, Miss Aster? Begging for graceful Miss Aster to forgive this lowly maid." Merry was even more annoyed, she pped the fruit tray from another maid''s hand and the tray fell to the ground, "Don''t call me Aster! Call me Miss Merry instead!" The maids looked at each other and then replied, "But, Your Majesty King Chandra said that we should address you as Miss Aster no matter what, this is the sign that you are our Prince Rama''s future wife." "Urgh! Get out!" Merry kicked all of them. The maid hurried and left the room, leaving Merry alone with her muddle thought. She thought that pretending to be Aster, with Aster name would be easy. ''What would Aster do anyway? He was born lucky, he was born wealthy, with a good family! I bet he is alwaysying around, doing nothing and sometimes fucked with Ramuja when he wants. I bet he doesn''t even need to work. Pfftt, what an easy life.'' Well, she was living like Aster, at least this is what she thought what Aster would do daily, just being an idle prince. But turned out, being too idle was not good either, she became bored fast. ''Ah, I miss Ramuja. He must''ve been thinking about me while doing his trial. The servants said that his trial was really rough and time consuming, but once he finished it, he will be crowned as the next king.'' ''I can''t wait to be the next queen,'' Merry jumped around her bed, she was still happy that her first love turned out to be a jackpot, ''At that time, I thought love didn''t need money at all. But, after I know about the truth, turns out money is everything! Ah, I''m so d that Ramuja and I are in love!'' ''Wait until we got married, and he got a child in me. Then he will bepletely in love with me and our children~'' Merry was imagining her life as a queen. Surrounded by many great servants, and with King Rama as her beloved one, it would be the perfect life that she had always dreamed off. ''I must be a heroine in a novel!'' Merry giggled happily. Then, the door was knocked. Merry stopped jumping around, she sat gracefully on the seat and said, "Come in." Golden Camellia''s guard showed up and said, "Miss, Emperor Charles has replied to your letter, this is his letter." The guard handed a letter stamped with Golden Camellia''s royal wax. She smiled and raised her chin in front of the guard, "Even Emperor Charles has been admiring me, ah, who should I pick? Prince Rama or Emperor Charles?" The guard was silent the whole time, and then lowered his head and excused himself. Merryughed as she imagined about it, "Maybe Emperor Charles does have a feeling for me? Maybe he already moved on from bitch Aster! I mean, I am really beautiful, I have a great voice, and I helped him through his invasion." Merry started imagining the scenario where Ramuja, as King Rama fought against Emperor Charles, they would be fighting for her love. And she had to separate them, "Hmm who should I pick? I mean, I like Ramuja-type more, he is vigorous, handsome, and still looks humble. Emperor Charles is indeed really handsome, he has that unmatched sculpted face, and he is really charming, but sometimes, he feels unreal, I don''t think I can match him," Merry thought for a second and then recused herself, "But I am a noblewoman now! I should aim higher!" "Alright, I will just marry both! Since they are in love with me so much, when both of them proposed to me, I will say that I can marry both of them!" Merry giggled happily, "Merry, you are a genius! You will be the queen of two powerful monarchies!" Merry hurriedly opened the letter and read the content; *By the time this letter arrives, you must have been living in Sun Kingdom for about a month. Ramuja might return soon, I advise you to leave the pce, return to Golden Camellia soon. Don''t worry, even if you return without Ramuja, he will chase you as long as you said this to his father and possibly all his family, ''The real Aster is in Golden Camellia, he has been bedded by the Emperor and he is begging for his Ramuja.'' Merry, you need to return soon, I cannot wait to see you and your progress.* Merry''s heart was beating loudly, she didn''t expect that her guess would be right. Emperor Charles must''ve been in love with her, at least he slowly developed that feeling for her, this was his way to separate her from Ramuja. ''Hm I should say that to King Chandra, well, I need to return home soon! This hot kingdom is blegh!'' Merry called all the maids and her Golden Camellia''s guards. She ordered them to pack her things because she wanted to return home as soon as possible. As the maids and servants were busy with her stuff, she walked around the corridor and happened to meet an open door, she peeked and saw a woman that was in herte pregnancy. She was drinking an herbal tea, and when she saw Merry, she was instantly on guard, "Excuse me, but who are you? This is my private room,'' she asked. Merry raised her chin up and replied, "Don''t you know me? I am Miss Aster, I am the future queen of Sun Kingdom!" Anya who had been hearing about the rumor of this so-called ''Miss Aster'' had finally met this girl. She was beautiful, with dark hair and a sweet face. Maybe it was her own intuition, but Anya could feel the ruthlessness of this girl. Since Arjun had apanied Ramuja to his trial and she was in herte stage of pregnancy, she couldn''t confront this con artist before. She chuckled, "Miss Aster? Are you really Aster?" Merry''s expression turned sharp instantly, she gritted her teeth and stormed in, she pointed her fingers directly at Anya, "How dare you! I can call the guards and you will be executed for that! Don''t you know that Ramuja has a deep love for me?!" Anya smiled faintly, "I know that Ramuja has a deep love for Aster. Aster is the sun in his heart, Aster''s ce is irreceable even if there are countless men and women offering themselves in front of him. But you missed one point," Anya grinned, and her grin turned into hostility in her expression, "Aster is a man. Ramuja said it himself, that he is in love with a man called Aster." Merry was shocked with this girl that suddenly knew about Aster''s real identity, "GGuards!" "Don''t you try, your position here is still a nobody. Since Ramuja hasn''t confirmed it himself, your ce is still in jeopardy here," Anya said, "How do I know about Aster? Well, because I am Ramuja''s older sister, so, if you are really my brother''s future wife, you ought to behave in front of me." Merry felt that her feet were shaking, "II don''t care! Hmph, yeah, I''m not that bitch Aster, I am Merry! But Ramuja loves me more, he just got brainwashed by Aster!" "You can say all you want, you are just an imposter. I suggest you leave the kingdom now before King Chandra knows and you will be executed here," Anya said calmly. "I am going to leave! Just you see, when I be the queen of the Sun Kingdom, I will order an execution to you myself!" Merry threatened. She saw the pregnant belly of this woman and she raised her hand. She wanted to punch Anya''s belly, but Anya immediately caught her hand and twisted it. "I will not let anyone touch my baby," Anya said calmly, but her eyes revealed extreme hostility. Merry got scared with her stare and she ran away immediately, before she mmed the door, she said, "The real Aster is in Golden Camellia, he has been bedded by the Emperor and he is begging for his Ramuja!" Then Merry mmed the door. She hurried back to her room and saw that everything had been unpacked, she immediately informed the pce head servant that she needed to leave right now, because something urgent had happened in Golden Camellia. Thus, the chain of events led to King Chandra hurriedly apanying Miss Aster back to her ship. In the harbor, Merry met King Chandra who had been standing near her ship and smiled faintly at her, "Miss Aster, why are you leaving so suddenly?" "Ah uhm something bad is happening in Golden Camellia, I cannot leave my noble house, I''m sorry for leaving in a hurry like this. Also, thank you for your hospitality, Sun Kingdom is really a great ce! I cannot wait to reunite with Ramuja againter!" Merry fished something out of her pockets and handed it to King Chandra, "This is my note for Your Majesty, this is my gratitude. But please, open this once you''ve returned back to Sun Pce, I want to keep it a secret." King Chandra was slightly surprised, but he nodded, "Alright then, farewell, Miss Aster. I will inform Ramuja as soon as possible about your arrival here." Merry nodded and she boarded the ship immediately. The Golden Camellia ship left the harbor shortly after. King Chandra watched the ship going further and further, he returned back to Sun Pce, and then sat in his office. There was some doubt in his heart about the identity of this girl called Aster, ''She sings often in the corridor and balcony, but Ramuja once said that Aster is talented in everything other than art. He said that Aster is really bad with any kind of art.'' King Chandra opened the note that Miss Aster had left for him, and his hands trembled in great anger once he read the content, ''The real Aster is in Golden Camellia, he is a man and he has been bedded by the Emperor and he is begging for his Ramuja.'' King Chandra red at his guards and then roared, "GUARDS, FIND PRINCE RAMA, I WANT HIM TO RETURN NOW!" Chapter 234: The Sun Rises Chapter 234: The Sun Rises Ramuja finally pulled the sword in the stone, like that tale of a great hero, he finally finished his training after months. He raised the sword and said, "I, Prince Rama of the Sun Kingdom, have finished the trial. I am worthy of your worship!" "Long Live Prince Rama! Sun Kingdom will rise once more!" the soldiers that apanied Ramuja yelled their heart out. After months of gruelling torture to apany their Prince Rama, they could finally rest in their home. Although they were only apanying Prince Rama, their exhaustion was immeasurable, but they dared not toin, because Prince Rama endured ten times the exhaustion they had. However, Prince Rama seemed to be just fine, sometimes he closed his eyes, as if he was imagining something beautiful in his mind, then he smiled and continued his gruelling trial in this mountain. ''Prince Rama must''ve been thinking about the future of our kingdom, that''s why he often closes his eyes, maybe he is imagining the bright future of the Sun Kingdom. Our Prince is really great'' the soldiers thought in their mind. Ramuja was indeed tired, but, whenever he closed his eyes and imagined Milord kissing his lips and then whispered, ''Almost there, you know that you cannot give up now. Because I''m waiting for you, Ramuja.'' ''Please wait for me, Milord. I will find you, and this time, I will never let you go, I will never let anyone touch you ever again,'' Ramuja imagined the same thing over and over, but miraculously, he always pushed through all the challenges in this mountain with ease. Although, Arjun and his soldiers were dead tired. Arjun was observing Ramuja who finally cleared his trial, there was a sense of satisfaction in his heart. Because he was finally able to do his duty to assist the real king. He saw Ramuja was still vigorous and his physique was incredible even after days of tough challenges. However, since he already knew what was in Ramuja''s mind, he held hisughter whenever he saw Ramuja close his eyes and pouted his lips slightly, ''That imaginary Aster in his mind must''ve been tired of kissing Ramuja countless times.'' After Ramuja pulled the sword in the stone, they went down the mountain, and was immediately greeted by the sight of worried soldiers who ran towards him once they saw him descended from the mountain, "Prince Rama! His Majesty is summoning you to his office immediately!" Ramuja frowned, "Right now? But I had just finished my trial. At least, let me rest for a day." "YYour Highness, but His Majesty said that it is urgent, and he will not ept any refusal" "Fine then," Ramuja turned his back and looked at his soldiers and Arjun who looked tired, "Thank you for assisting me, I will reward all of you properlyter, now, disperse." "Yes, My Prince!" *** Ramuja opened the door of the king chamber, his father, King Chandra was sitting solemnly on his throne. He cupped his hands together, he was holding terrible anger, it seemed. Ramuja had a hunch in his heart, but he was already prepared for this, he already nned to escape Sun Kingdom with the soldiers that he recruited himself once his father wanted him to forget about Milord. King Chandra saw his son that had been rugged by the trial. However, unlike others, he was still vigorous and strong. Ramuja''s eyes were still steady, no, after knowing the truth, it was not steady because he was a mature man. He was steady because he had this man called Aster in his heart as a support. King Chandra clenched his fist, and then loosened it, he asked, "When you were out of the kingdom, a girl came from Golden Camellia. She said that she knew you personally, and she said that she was Miss Aster." "She is a beautiful girl, a very pretty girl. If you are married to her, your babies will be very handsome and beautiful, but she is definitely not the Aster that you meant, right? She is talented in singing, unlike your Aster that is bad at any kind of art, she is also quite conceited andzy, you once said that your Aster is a nave kid, but good hearted and a hard worker." There was no trace of shock in Ramuja''s face. He nodded and steadily walked towards his father and presented the sword that he had just pulled, "This is the sword that Your Majesty has requested." King Chandra looked at the sword, he picked it and pointed it at the kneeling Ramuja. His eyes sharpened for a moment, and then his gaze softened. His hands clenched the sword, he could stab his defective son like this, but he took a deep breath and sighed, he tapped Ramuja''s shoulder with the sword and then said, "With this, I hand all my sovereignty to my son, Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom. From now on, you will be called King Rama" Ramuja raised his head immediately, and he said, "Father, I do not want to be the king, at least not yet." King Chandra was startled, "Why? Is it because of Aster?" "Yes, I will admit everything right now, so you can reconsider it," Ramuja took a deep breath and confessed everything, "I have been sold as a ve since I was five, and at the age of seven, I was sold as a sex ve to many nobles. They tasted my body since I was a child, I experienced countless abuse and after I reached the age of seventeen, I was sold again. I was nning to end my life after the Summer Market, because the world is so bleak for me. There is nothing for me to live for, I have no dignity, nothing to fight for, and my heart has been numbed." Ramuja smiled faintly, he lowered his head, imagining his first meeting with his master, "Until a young man showed up, he was younger than me. He had a very pale skin which he covered his entire body to hide from the sun. He was not rough to any ve, in fact, he protested to his father about the treatment that the ve received. In my heart, I had a little hope that I would be picked by a kind man that would protect me, that would give me love, and give me a ce I can call home." "That man is Aster, Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill. He was awkward, nave, and sometimes can be a bit stubborn. But he has a good heart, he never wanted to hurt me, in fact, he was the first person that cared for me." "Our rtionship has had many twists and turns, our road is not smooth. But I will never leave him, no matter how hard it will be, I will not leave my Aster. He is the sun in my heart, he is the one that makes my heart beat, he is the one that warmed my numb heart, and he is the one that gives me peace." "Father, Aster is a man, and he is my sun. If you want me to be a king and then marry a woman for the sake of the kingdom, then I would request you to crown Arjun as the king instead." King Chandra was silent, and then he sighed. He tapped Ramuja''s shoulder with the sword and then continued the private ceremony, "With this, I handed all my sovereignty to my son, Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom. From now on, you will be called King Rama of Sun Kingdom, you will lead the Sun Kingdom to its glory. But with one condition" King Chandra showed a small smile, "I will crown you personally when you are finally able to bring the real Aster here. You said that Aster is very, very mesmerizing, Aster is like a sun, right? Then, I will crown you two as the King and Queen once you return here with the real future queen." Ramuja was speechless for a moment, he stammered, "TTThen that means" "Yes, my son, Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom. I give you my blessing to marry this man called Aster. But you must bring him here to the Sun Kingdom. You are the only one worthy to lead the Sun Kingdom. Don''t worry about the next destined king, I already know that the girl inside Anya is the next king after you." "FFather, I" Ramuja was trying his best to not be impulsive, he was about to hug his father out of happiness. King Chandra saw how his son was trying not to show is extreme happiness, he let go of his cane and hugged his son; "Ramuja, I just want to be a good father to you, I will support you no matter what. Well, take it as mypensation for your suffering, if this is even enough for that." "It is! Father, thank you!" "Oh, also," King Chandra fished the note from Merry and handed it to Aster, "That imposter girl handed me this note, my son, if you want to rescue Aster to Golden Camellia, then I will support you. But, please be careful." Ramuja opened the note and read it; ''The real Aster is in Golden Camellia, he is a man and he has been bedded by the Emperor and he is begging for his Ramuja.'' Ramuja crumpled the paper, there was only one girl that could do this shamelessly. He had been forgiving enough to let her go countless times, but to lie to the Sun Kingdom that she was Milord Aster it was such a shameless, disgraceful act. But Merry was still a nave girl, so everything must have been Emperor Charles'' n to use Merry as a pawn. ''They dared to provoke me like this, I will show them how a ve can crush their power. Milord, please wait for me, I will save you.'' Slowly, Ramuja''s back was shining with a scarlet hue around his body. The Sun Emblem showed on his back once more. Chapter 235: Two Sides of the War Chapter 235: Two Sides of the War It took almost a month for Ramuja''s ship to finally enter the Golden Camellia''s sea border. Ramuja saw the familiar Golden Camellia''s g, ships with blue, white and red horizontal gs with a golden star in the middle of the g surrounded his ship immediately. He took a deep breath and then said to his men, "Disperse, this is the moment we should separate, no matter how, hide near the coast. If you get found out, immediately drink your death pill, so they can''t extract any information about our n. I will give you further instructionter on." His men were unsure, because they didn''t want to leave Prince Rama alone in this ship. Prince Rama only brought limited ship crews who were also soldiers, he brought plenty of shadow assassins with him, but that was it. He also only came with one ship, even though King Chandra already prepared dozens of naval fleets for him. The ship crews had already escaped through a small boat, while the soldiers followed with another boat. When the shadow assassins dispersed, they would escape from this boat also, leaving Prince Rama alone in this ship, probably going to be surrounded by Golden Camellia''s soldiers. "My Prince, why don''t you escape with us? We are already near the Miriam Coast of Vassal Kingdom Rhea," one of his men said. Ramuja shook his head; "If I escaped with all of you, Emperor Charles will destroy the entire Miriam Coast and probably the ruin the whole Kingdom Rhea only to find me, I don''t want to shed the blood of innocent lives in here," Ramuja''s eyes darted at the blue white red g, "Besides, I have someone that need to be notified immediately about my presence, now, disperse." ''I have nned this with Arjun, but I need the time to be precise, we cannot lose the momentum.'' "Yes, My Prince!" The shadow assassins disappeared from the ships, leaving Ramuja alone in this ship. Soon after, the ship was surrounded by Golden Camellia''s navies with their swords drawn out. They knew that this ship was that of Sun Kingdom''s. And Sun Kingdom was once a colony that was able to fight for their freedom, in short, Sun Kingdom was not a country to be scoffed at. The navies looked around the empty ship, with only a tall, muscr man standing near the captain deck, "Hands up!" they yelled at Ramuja. Ramuja raised his hands, he was calm when the soldiers rushed to him and pinned him down. Honestly, they couldn''t really pin him down because of his strength, it was Ramuja who voluntarily got down to the floor. "You are under arrest for trespassing Golden Camellia''s border!" *** Charles heard about the news of the Sun Kingdom''s ship appearing at his border, it was positive that Ramuja hade to Golden Camellia. However, rather than smiling andughing happily because he finally caught Ramuja, he frowned instead. ''He surrendered easily, without any men in his ship at all. He also only bring one ship Charles was not stupid, that ve must''ve been nning something. He had a deep thought about it, he circled around his Royal Chamber and then came to a conclusion after he saw Aster''s supposed seat, the Queen throne. "Do you want me to execute you in front of everyone, so you can notify Aster and Irion about your presence in Golden Camellia? Well, I will not y with your tune, I will not be yed by a ve," Charles grinned, he called his minister andmanded, "Put that fugitive Ramuja to the Golden Pce''s prison, don''t let anyone know about the news of his capture, I will deal with him personally." "Understood, Your Majesty." Charles grinned from ear to ear, "That ve already knew that he would be used to bait Aster, so he wants me to do a public execution for him, but I know how to bait Aster without notifying his allies in Golden Camellia." "As long as Aster is by my side, then I can finally be at ease," Charles said. He walked to his throne again and then drank the pill that had been prescribed by the doctor. After Aster''s departure, he passed the whole winter and spring without the presence of Aster at all, Charles was trying to control himself, but this emptiness got him mad. Sometimes, he went through a series of manic-depression alone in his room, thinking about Aster. Sometimes, he could feel that his sanity was slipping every day. He just wanted to meet Aster again, to chain him by his side, so he could end his mental torture. ''Aster, don''t you feel pity for me? Your disappearance tortured me physically and mentally, I am tired of this pain, please return to me. I will end everything as long as you are with me.'' *** A few dayster, Ramuja was brought to the underground prison of Golden Pce. He was put to the deepest part of the prison, with his hands and feet chained with strong steel chains, Ramuja tried to pull the chain, ''This is ten times stronger than the chain in Lantern Pce''s underground prison. Charles doesn''t y around this time.'' Ramuja sat on the floor silently, he had the hunch that Charles would not meet him before he ''roughed'' him up first. Ramuja was prepared for any kind of torture that he would face. He didn''t care about pain at all at this point. There was only umting anger in his heart, because his Milord must''ve been suffering somewhere. His master was a fragile man physically, now that he was stripped from his power, he had no one to protect him by his side, nofortable bedding, and no servants to cater for his needs. ''No matter what, I want the public execution to happen soon, I want Irion and Milord to be notified about my presence here, then I can finally run my n.'' Ramuja heard a step from the prison corridor, the one who walked to his prison must''ve been rushing. After a minute, a man appeared in front of his jail, he was wearing all ck and he was scared as he looked around. "II am a shadow guard under Sir Irion''s order, he already knows about your presence," the shadow guard said. Ramuja was startled, "Irion already knows? Where is he? Where is Milord Aster?!" "Sssh! Calm down," the shadow guard fished out something from his pocket and then threw it near Ramuja''s chained hands, "Although Sir Irion already knows about your presence in Golden Camellia, he still wants you to bear through the torture until the public execution has been ordered. That is a crystal ball that produces a deafening sound when shattered. He said that he knew you can break free easily during your execution, once you break free in front of everyone, please crush the crystal ball." Ramuja took the crystal ball and hid it inside his coat, he nodded without much question, "I will do it." The shadow guard nodded, "Under the Order of Ethereal Gardenia, Sir Irion guarantees that you will not die." "Order of Ethereal Gardenia?" Ramuja asked. The shadow guard shook his head, "There is not much time, please take care." With that, the shadow guard disappeared from his sight. Although Ramuja could still spot his presence near in the corridor, he smiled faintly, ''Irion should''ve trained that kid better, he is still not as proficient as himself or Jain.'' Ramuja could feel the small crystal ball inside his coat pocket. This crystal was definitely strong enough, he doubted that smashing it to the ground would shatter the crystal ball, ''I don''t know what Irion is nning, but this Order of Ethereal Gardenia I know that he is also a fugitive here.'' ''Is he nning for rebellion? But where is Milord?'' Ramuja immediately resumed his weak, powerless posture once he noticed someone rushed in the corridor, but this one, this person had a light step and was also rushing here. This person must be a girl. Merry rushed to Golden Pce''s underground prison as soon as she was notified that Ramuja had been captured. When she arrived at the end of the prison corridor, she saw one prison had been locked, she saw Ramuja was chained with many strong chains around his hands and ankle. "Ramuja!" Merry called her loved one, "Ramuja, are you okay?!" Ramuja raised his head, he saw this girl that had been lying to his father and entire Sun Kingdom that she was Milord Aster. This was also the same girl that had created the rift between him and Milord Aster. This girl this girl was also the same girl that indirectly caused the Winter Feast Massacre in Dionde City. Ramuja gritted his teeth, his body almost reacted by breaking all the chains with his strength, but he tried to hold back, "What are you doing here, Merry?" *** Aster was sitting under a gazebo near the pond with Mariette. Mariette finally returned back to Great Arctyr Pce after she spent the whole spring she spent with her future inw''s castle. They talked about many things, as Mariette tried not to make Aster sad about his mysterious blindness. But Aster immediately stopped talking as soon as he felt something in his heart. "Aster, what''s wrong?" Mariette asked. Aster shook his head gently, "It''s nothing." Mariette sighed and then said, "You know, I can''t be in peace while you are here in the Great Pce alone, I don''t want you to get hurt by Tuskan''s enemies. The ministers in Great Arctyr are vicious." "I know, that''s why I don''t leave my room much," Aster replied. Mariette sighed, her finger circled around her teacup and then she said, "I wonder if this is a good idea, but have you considered having an engagement with Tuskan?" Chapter 236: Truth and Temptation Chapter 236: Truth and Temptation "I wonder if this is a good idea, but have you considered having an engagement with Tuskan?" Mariette said. Aster froze on the spot, he expected that sentenceing from Mariette the least. Because Mariette was like a big sister to him. "I I don''t think it''s a good idea," Aster refused, "In fact, if I''m allowed to be crude, that is simply crazy. Tuskan is a Great King of Great Arctyr, well, he is still inexperienced, and sometimes very stubborn. But he can fight against many of his colluding ministers by himself, he is a strong man." "Indeed, he is a strong man," Mariette sighed again, "So, I don''t see any reason to discount Tuskan here? Granted that he is still young and he can be emotional sometimes, but trust me, he still has that permanent zero social skill. He is just nervous around you most of the time." "I know that," Aster hummed a bit, then he pointed at his eyes, "But still, your idea is indeed crazy, I am blind, useless without power too. Second, I am a fugitive in my country, escaping and hiding in Great Arctyr. And third, I am a man, how can a man be a queen? Who will inherit the throne if there is no descendant?" Marietteughed to Aster''s reasoning, she held Aster''s hand gently, "Aster, you might be a fugitive in Golden Camellia, but your position here is very important, wait, I will give you something," Mariette called the maid and then ordered her to bring the sculpture from the holy temple. The maid returned with a small statue, then Mariette put it on the table and put Aster''s hand on the statue. Aster''s hand was feeling the thing in front of him, "A carved statuette of a woman?" Mariette nodded, "Indeed, this is the carved statuette of Saintess Celine of Great Arctyr, this is your grandmother''s statue. People in Great Arctyr worshipped her as a saintess and goddess. Because she could maintain her pure heart whilst the pain and suffering under the hand of the evil Golden Blood royal family signifies the fighting spirit of the Great Arctyr. With this statuette, the people of the Great Arctyr could unite together. They don''t want another Saintess Celine to happen." "I am also a Golden Blood" "But you and yourte mother are different, even though you are not a pure Arctyrian, you have Saintess Celine''s blood, you are also greatly adored in Great Arctyr," Mariette smiled, she seemed to hint something, "I''m pretty sure they''d want you to be their queen, especially Tuskan." Mariette sipped her tea and then continued, "I just want you to consider my suggestion, Aster, no matter what, I will always support you. But sometimes, supportes at a cost, right?" Aster was silent, deep inside his heart, he had nobody except Ramuja. He didn''t want to love and didn''t want to marry anyone but Ramuja. He would rather stay single forever if he couldn''t marry Ramuja. But, he couldn''t live like this forever, now that he didn''t know Ramuja''s whereabouts, he was left with no choice but to stay here forever as a useless blind man or surrender himself to Charles. ''I just hope there is no incident that demands me to take emergency action, I don''t want to be forced into another situation I don''t like.'' *** "What are you doing here, Merry?" Ramuja asked, his tone was bone-chilling, there was no warmth, let alone kindness in him. Merry shivered a bit, but she shook the uneasy feeling inside her. "Ramuja! I know that you will return to Golden Camellia to meet me, but I don''t know that you are this eager! I will ask Emperor Charles to free you right away, don''t worry, he loves me too!" Merry imed. Ramuja''s gaze sharpened, "He loves you?" Merry blushed and her finger twirling on her dress, "WWell, I know that he is, he said that I am favourable and a good woman! But, don''t worry, Ramuja, you are the first one in my heart!" Ramuja was silent, he was toozy to argue with this delusional girl, it was clearly a trick used by Emperor Charles to gain Merry''s trust and absolute loyalty. But he doubted that Merry would be able to think that far. "Wait here, I will call the Emperor to go down here, okay?" Merry rushed back to the entrance, leaving Ramuja chuckled because it was too ridiculous for him. Emperor Charles had been waiting outside the underground prison, he smiled when Merry arrived, "How is it?" Charles asked the situation, but really, he already knew what was happening inside. That ve must''ve felt the same ridiculousness as him. But the difference was, Charles catered to this girl''s delusion. Once this girl returned back to Golden Camellia, she suddenly tried to approach him romantically, which was really obvious with her demeanour. Charles found that this stupid girl was skilful enough to create havoc between Aster and Ramuja, to trick the whole Sun Kingdom, and to signal the Massacre of Dionde City. Thus, Charles had the n to squeeze thest drop of her usefulness before killing her, ''She has one more job after I know Aster''s whereabouts'' "Umm Your Majesty, can you release Ramuja?" Merry asked sheepishly. Charles grinned and he shook his head gently, "Why would I? So you can reunite with Ramuja? Merry, you know how to provoke me like this." Merry was panicked, she rashly put Charles'' arm around his breast and she leaned in Charles'' arm, "NNo, it''s not like that, Your Majesty! I''m just uhm" Charles'' heart felt that his body was reacting wildly, probably because of his golden blood trait, whenever someone touched him other than Aster, he just wanted to kill that person and chop them to pieces. But he tried holding back with all his willpower, then pinched Merry''s chin gently, "You are not making this easy, Merry." Merry blushed, ''This is positive! Emperor Charles is in love with me! He will forget about Aster soon! Ah, being loved by two powerful, handsome men, Ramuja and Charles, that bitch Aster must be jealous once he knows the truth!'' ''Fucking disgusting!'' Charles thought, he let go of his pinch and then walked to the underground prison by himself, "I order you to go back to your residence, I will handle this myself. Trust me, I will not kill Ramuja here." "YYou promise?!" Merry was asking for assurement, and Charles nodded once, "Then, I trust you!" Merry left Charles and immediately went to the Roagelt shopping square, ''Ah, when I''m married to both of them, I will need a fantastic wedding!'' Charles walked through the corridor steadily, once he arrived in front of Ramuja''s cell, he saw this ve had been chained by many strong chains, "I think, this is the first time we talk normally, but the situation hasn''t changed, eh? I''m still powerful, and you are still a ve." Ramuja who had been nonchnt since the beginning finally showed a reaction once he saw Charles. The sun emblem on his back glowed slightly, and the scarlet aura emanated from his body, "Where is Milord?" Charles was startled with Ramuja''s scarlet aura, for the first time in his life, he could feel a pressure emanating from someone other than him. If he could measure someone''s pressure based on their aura, then Charles had to admit that both of them were evenly matched. Charles chuckled, "Do you think I know where Aster is right now? The reason why I bait you here with that delusional girl is because Aster would likelye out once your execution has gone public." "I''ve tortured many of Aster''s shadow guards, I''ve investigated every kind of person that has ever met Aster. I searched far and wide in Golden Camellia, and I still cannot find Aster, he simply vanished," Charles had a faint smile on his face, "But I know that he is alive, somewhere. Because that is the trait of the Golden Blood, I can read his heart, I will always know whether he is well or not even though we are far apart." Ramuja was startled, "You can read Milord''s heart?" "Yes, besides my superior nning, I already know what is in his heart. In fact, I already know everything about him since he was three," Charles recalled the beautiful memories of their childhood and then smirked, "I remember that I have to execute an old maid in Lantern Pce because she noticed that I''ve been controlling Aster since he was a kid, so she tried to prohibit me of meeting Aster, so I had to do the deed, nothing cane between us." "You are sick," Ramuja said. He gritted his teeth, he really wanted to kill Charles right now, but he knew that Charles was not alone. If he was alone, then he would have a chance to kill Charles, although probably with the cost of his own life. Ramuja''s eyes looked around, he noticed many of Charles'' shadow guards lurking around. "I am sick," Charles smirked, "But I''m never a liar to Aster. You know, since the moment you be Aster''s golden circle, he instinctively knows everything in your heart. He knows about your deceitful nature, your dirty affair, and even your past. But he just denies it, that''s why I noticed that Aster''s health has been deteriorating periodically." "When a golden blood denies the hard truth in his heart, it would cost his own physical and mental health. Aster always denies all your mistakes, he just wants to see you as a good person," Charles exined everything to this ve before he turned his back, "But you are not a good person, you are hurting him. Once I capture Aster and execute you, I will make sure that Aster saw your head chopped off, Aster will forget about you and about everything for real this time." "He might break and be a lifeless doll, but he will be sitting beside me, atst," Charles called the guards and the guards immediately showed up in front of him, "Torture this guy, don''t worry, he will not fight. I don''t want him dead, just give him a good round of pain, his public execution will be announced tomorrow. I will make sure that everybody in Golden Camellia knows about his public execution." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Charles nced at Ramuja who seemed to be shocked by the sudden reveal of Aster''s golden blood, he scoffed, "You are nothing in front of me, I am the Emperor, and I am the only one worthy of Aster." Chapter 237: The Monster with Dark Scarlet Aura Chapter 237: The Monster with Dark Scarlet Aura "Impossible" the guards who were tasked to torture this ve called Ramuja was sweating as they tried to do as many torture methods with various torture devices, but none of these devices pierced the skin of this ve. Especially since they could clearly see a thin scarlet hue around this ve''s body with their naked eyes. It was almost simr to Emperor Audric V, Emperor Charles'' golden aura. However, Emperor Charles'' aura gave them overwhelming pressure that could make them obey hismand, Emperor Charles'' aura was that of a majestic lion aura. Pressuring, yet inspiring for the people that followed him. However, this ve''s aura it was dark scarlet, like a thick blood. This ve looked handsome and calm, but he emanated the aura that was simply frightening. The ve was silent the whole time, even though he had been subjected to many kinds of tortures, he didn''t budge at all. But, every minute passed, the dark scarlet aura around him started thickening slowly, and it gave them an unknown fright. ''It''s like I''m facing a monster that could wake up anytime soon'' The barbed whipshed on Ramuja''s back once more, but he was left unscathed, whenever he got hit by anything, the sun emblem on his back would show a dim light and then his skin would came out smooth, as if the wounds on his skin would magically be healed. "SSir, this this is illogical," one of the guards said. He was the one who held the barbed whip, his hands trembled when the scarlet aura around this ve started thickening again. The head guard was also sweating, he had trouble breathing, not because of the underground prison''s air. But because the scarlet aura emanated by this ve made him nervous. He clenched his fist to fight this imminent fear inside of him. "His Majesty said that we cannot kill him, he will be publicly executed tomorrow, do whatever possible, but don''t report this anomaly to the Emperor, or else, we will be killed for being unable to do our job," the head guard said. Even though this ve has a frightening aura, nothing was more frightening than a guillotine in their head, Emperor Charles was a lot more ruthless than histe father, although he had that perfect gentleman demeanor in front of the aristocrats. "Yes, sir!" The guards continued torturing Ramuja although Ramuja was still unscathed no matter what they did. Ramuja himself, he was not inside the underground prison. He couldn''t physically feel anything because his mind flew off somewhere. He had been worrying about the truth that Charles said just now. ''Did I cause that much pain in Milord? But he seems fine every day.'' ''No maybe he is not fine'' Ramuja remembered how many times Milord''s face would turn even paler than the usual, how his back looked really fragile and lonely sometimes, how he would smile faintly and then locked his room for hours. ''Maybe he has never been fine since the moment I entered his life'' ''I thought everything was alright, because I thought Milord was simply a sickly child who grew up into a sickly adult. Maybe he is just tired, so, I didn''t pay much attention to that, if... if I am the one who caused his pain then I I don''t deserve to be with him'' The scarlet aura around Ramuja started thickening, the guards who surrounded Ramuja to torture him suddenly lost control of their mind as they ran away, leaving all the tools inside the prison, "Sir! II can''t do this! He is too frightening!" one of the guards said to his captain, then he ran away himself. The head guard was shocked when he peeked inside the open wide jail, he saw the scarlet aura around the ve had thickened that his naked eyes could see the dark red aura blurred his eyesight. He could barely see a figure curled at the corner, the torture tools were scattered around him, the figure at the corner muttered about the same thing over and over, "I don''t deserve him, I don''t deserve him, I don''t deserve him" The head guard knew that he couldn''t disturb this man, his instinct said that he would face death once he was stupid enough to stand in front of this guy. Thus, he silently closed the jail bar and locked it, he gulped and said to himself, "It''s okay, this guy will return back normal tomorrow" *** "Your Majesty, the execution has been announced, we followed your order to hold the public execution the day after tomorrow, so it could be attended by as many people as possible," the minister said. "Perfect," Emperor Charles said, "Make sure that every single living thing in Golden Camellia knows about this." "Yes, Your Majesty," The minister nodded and left the Emperor Chamber. ''Aster, I wonder how you will react to this. As long as he is dead, I don''t care if you be a soulless doll. As long as that soulless doll is mine, I will keep you forever, you forced me to do this, but I will take care of you well'' *** The day of the execution, the guards who ran away two days ago finally entered the underground prison once more, he thought this ve would have returned normal, especially since he hadn''t eaten for two days. But to their aghast, when they opened the jail again, the same scarlet aura still surrounded Ramuja''s jail and it only thickened. The guards gulped, they approached Ramuja, as they wanted to unlock the chain and reprimand him, so he wouldn''t fight back. When a guard was going to touch his hand, the captain immediately stopped him, "Don''t touch him!" The guards were frightened by their captain''s warning. They stepped back and looked at their captain, the captain had the feeling that this ve was the same monster who massacred countless soldiers in Lantern Pce. He caught a passing rat and then threw it to Ramuja, Ramuja instinctively reacted and caught the rat, but instead of catching it gently, the rat exploded in his hand, leaving only its blood and crumbs of bone. Ramuja noticed what just happened and he only said, "I didn''t mean it" The guard almost fainted, this person was definitely a monster. They didn''t know what triggered this person, but they didn''t dare to approach him at all. The head guard took a deep breath and then said, "Follow me, if you want to meet your master." Ramuja stood immediately, "Master, I''m sorry" Ramuja broke all the steel chains effortlessly, when he walked to follow the head guard, the chains just broke as if they were made out of paper. The head guard led Ramuja slowly, his men screamed to everyone that they should give some space or else they would die. The civilians who waited for the public execution ran away immediately when they saw Ramuja. The dark scarlet aura around this bear-like handsome man gave them the unspeakable horror. He looked calm, rather nonchnt to his surroundings. He just kept following the head guard who said that he would lead him to his master. Charles saw Ramuja had been led without anyone near him, the chains around his hands and feet were still dangling, a sign that nobody had touched the chain to free him. Charles could see the thick dark scarlet aura around Ramuja, and somehow, it became even thicker than before. Charles gulped subconsciously, somehow, he could feel a bad omen was near. Nobody said anything, they saw Ramuja standing on the small wooden stage with a guillotine ready to cut his head. Before Charles could say anything, Ramuja asked the head guard first, "Where is Milord?" he asked calmly. "You need toy under the guillotine first, then you can meet your master." "I''m willing die," Ramuja said, he stared at the guillotine and continued, "I will die, but I want to see Milord first." "YYou will see your master once you die," the head guard lied, honestly, he was already scared enough that he couldn''t even feel his own body. It felt like his body just froze on the spot. No civilians dared to watch the execution near, they were all watching from afar, something just scared them about this guy. Ramuja closed his eyes for a second, and then said in a more agitated tone, "Milord is not dead, are you lying to me?" "II''m not" SMASH! Ramuja smacked the head guard''s head and his head flew off the stage. Everyone was too shocked to react, the dark scarlet aura around Ramuja started thickening again, and he screamed, "THERE IS NO MILORD HERE! WHERE IS HE?!" Ramuja walked off the small stage and he walked aimlessly. The other guards unsheathed their sword, but once any of them charged their sword at Ramuja, Ramuja would deflect their sword with the back of his hand and then pushed the soldier out of his way. However, Ramuja''s push was so strong that the guard would be pushed far away and their ribs would be broken. The civilians finally panicked, they ran away from Ramuja and the situation soon turned into chaos. Emperor Charles saw how many of his guards were trying to attack Ramuja, but would soon suffer the same fate as the other previous guards, they would die, some of them died gruesomely. "ALL OF YOU LIED TO ME! WHERE IS MILORD! I WANT TO SEE MY MASTER!'''' The sun emblem on Ramuja''s back shone really bright this time, and somehow, Charles started sweating out of nervousness himself. He pulled his sword, but his ministers immediately grabbed his hands. "Your Majesty, that guy is too dangerous! We need to run away now!" "I can fight him! I can stop him here before he kills everyone!" Charles insisted. "No! Your Majesty, let the soldiers handle this, your safety is the priority! You will not see Empress Aster if you died fighting against a monster like that!" the minister was panicked, Ramuja started approaching the main stage. Charles looked down at Ramuja whose figure seemed to be cked out and the dark scarlet aura was making many people faint out of fear. Charles gulped, ''What is he?'' "Fine then, I will leave," Charles said. He sheathed his sword and then fled with his ministers. Meanwhile, Ramuja was still wreaking havoc in Roagelt City Center. There were not many civilian casualties, but there were already so many guards that died gruesomely. Some died with their head crushed, some died with their ribs crushed and others died being stomped by Ramuja''s enormous strength. "RUN! HE IS A MONSTER! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" the scream of terror soon filled Roagelt City Center. People were running aimlessly, trying to escape Ramuja. But many building entrances were locked from inside, probably because everybody inside their buildings were too scared. Ramuja still walked aimlessly, his mind was hazy, there was only anger and disappointment in his heart. He really thought he could meet his master, ''I will ask for his forgiveness, because I did him wrong, I neglected him I am undeserving'' Amidst the chaos, a hooded man walked across the corpses of the guards, soldiers and some civilians, he approached Ramuja at a safe distance. He saw many corpses around him and had guessed that the one behind the crazy massacre in Lantern Pce must be Ramuja. Somehow, he had the hunch that Ramuja was not simple at all. He opened his hood and the handsome face of one of the fugitives in Golden Camellia appeared in front of everyone, "Ramuja, do you want to meet Milord?" Ramuja''s was grunting, it became distinct and it didn''t sound like Ramuja at all, "I do." Ramuja replied. "Alright," Irion took Milord''s handkerchief and then sprayed it with Milord''s perfume, ''God, I hope this crazy trick works, if Ramuja really wants to meet Milord, then he needs to have a hint of Milord''s sweetness. Crazy idea for crazy guy!'' Irion prayed in his heart, and then he jumped on top of Ramuja''s back. Ramuja''s hand swiftly caught Irion''s leg, but before Ramuja mmed Irion to the ground, Irion covered Ramuja''s mouth and nose with Milord Aster''s handkerchief. Magically, Ramuja stopped moving, he grabbed the handkerchief and sniffed it deeply. Tears started falling and Ramuja sobbed, "Milord Aster Aster I''m sorry" Ramuja became unresponsive for a moment, and then fainted, still holding Aster''s handkerchief tightly. The guards saw the monster finally fainted and rushed to attack Irion and Ramuja. Irion wiped the sweat off his face, then he took the small crystal ball that his disciple had given to Ramuja. Everything had defied far from his original n, but at least, the main objective could be reached, he could escape safely with Ramuja while still giving terror to Golden Camellia. "I know you are always unreliable, Ramuja, you owe me this time," Irion said. Irion covered his ears with cotton and then smashed the crystal ball to the ground. A deafening sound suddenly echoed and hurt everyone''s ears. They covered their ears instantly, because the sound was piercing their ears. Aster''s shadow guards finally appeared and they carried Ramuja together. In a matter of seconds, they disappeared from the Roagelt City Center, leaving the bloody mess behind. As Irion jumped from one tree to another, one of his disciples asked, "Sir, should we contact Milord Aster about this?" Irion nced at unconscious Ramuja, and he nodded, "Yes, contact Milord, but be careful, this is our first time contacting Milord after Winter Feast." Chapter 238: The Heart that Bears All Woes Chapter 238: The Heart that Bears All Woes Aster was sitting silently in his balcony, the night spring breeze blew his hair gently. Aster twirled his long, wavy hair, it had been a while since he cut his hair. His hair had elongated up to his shoulder, He forbade Tuskan to bring any barber to his room, because this hair he didn''t understand, but it became painful whenever he tried to cut it. Aster sighed, he took a scissor that he had prepared himself, and then tried to cut his hair, but whenever the scissor touched his hair, his body would shiver, as if his hair had the nerve by itself. "Forget it," Aster said. He put down the scissor and caressed the statuette of his grandmother, Saintess Celine of Great Arctyr. By feeling the statuette, he could imagine the face of his grandma, ''She had simr facial features like my mother, just less intimidating.'' Aster imagined how gentle this person must be. She had been tortured by Emperor Leopold and his wife, she had been stripped of all her previous ranks, she was a Great Princess in Arctyr, but she became a prisoner in Golden Camellia. ''Yet, she always taught mother to be generous and forgiving, it barely worked though'' Aster hade in peace with himself, with his current status and disability. He had no grudge in his heart anymore, just tranquillity. ''Yeah, don''t lie to yourself, Aster. You don''t have that tranquillity at all,'' the voice in his head started buzzing again, he often rebuked Aster with all his unnecessary spiteful talks. Aster tried to ignore this stupid doppelganger in his head, but he was very nosy and rebuked all his positivity with toxicity, as if nothing was ever good in this world. Nothing was worth it. ''Now, tell me, you are blind and useless, where is your handsome Ramuja? You know that your golden circle allows you to know whether he is alive or not. You know that he is alive, right? Yet, he neveres to you, he didn''t even give you any news!'' the doppelganger said. ''That''s because he didn''t know where I am right now,'' Aster tried to rebuke that, but the doppelganger snorted. ''He can always ask Irion about your location, but he didn''t. Maybe he already married someone, you are blind, and you are not a high aristocrat anymore. Maybe your father is still in position as temporary Grand Duke right now, but what can he do? His position has been weakened severely by Charles!'' Aster didn''t rebuke this one, because deep down, what this doppelganger said had some truth in it. Ramuja could always ask Irion about his whereabouts, but he didn''t. ''You''ve helped Ramuja, treated him well as a ve, you gave him life, and you even gave him your love and body, but what did he do to you? He cheated on you, he lied to you, and now, he didn''t even care about your current condition. Truly, what an ungrateful bastard!'' "He is not an ungrateful bastard! He is" this time, Aster voiced himself, as if he was talking to himself, luckily, he was alone in his room or else it would be a bit creepy. ''Hah! You are still in denial!''the doppelganger sneered, ''Rather than thinking about that stupid ve, why don''t you reconsider marrying Charles? He is really in love with you right now." "I WILL NEVER MARRY CHARLES, I WOULD RATHER DIE!" Aster yelled. This time, there was no uncertainty in his heart. He would never ever marry someone who had destroyed his life in the name of love. He was just sick to the bone. ''Alright then, how about Tuskan? He is kind hearted, awkwardly cute, and he is a great king! He is also in love with you, probably more than that treacherous Ramuja could ever will!'' the doppelganger suggested. This time, Aster didn''t deny it immediately. He seemed to be in deep thought. He sighed and tried to brush away the voice in his head. He slowly reached for his tea and then drank it cautiously. He could smell the scent of the Aster Garden down his balcony, ''Ah, it smells wonderful, I wonder if it looks wonderful too.'' Aster shook his head quickly, "No, Aster, you shouldn''t think about seeing anything. The more you are thinking about seeing, the more you got depressed," Aster said to himself. "Want me to tell you the shape of the garden and the flowers?" a man suddenly whispered to his ear from behind, Aster jolted and Tuskan held Aster''s shoulder gently, "Rx, it''s just me." "HHow long have you been here?" Aster asked. Tuskan smiled meaningly, "Not long, I''ve just finished my work." Tuskan sat beside Aster and then held Aster''s hand gently, he used Aster''s finger to pinpoint the position of each garden, "On your left, there is tulip and freesia garden, I asked the gardener to put two colourful flowers in one garden, so it bes very colourful and beautiful. On your left, there is the entrance of the garden. I didn''t n many flowers there, but I did nt some spring lc trailing to the centre. And in the centre, there is a spring aster garden, I make them gathered in one big heart shape." Aster''s mood had lifted up a bit, "Beautiful, you should be a garden nner when you are not a king," Aster joked, "Maybe you should be my garden nner and I will help you to take care the garden!" Tuskan ears were red, his heartbeat was going crazy, he was silent for a minute and then inserted his fingers between Aster''s finger and their hand intertwined together. He replied, "It is a good idea, maybe when we purchase a new home? Maybe a small vi to rest." Aster didn''t want to think much about his depression and that doppelganger that kept haunting him, so he nodded, "You should choose the vi carefully, I am a very nosy person, you know. If I don''t like it, I will never step my foot on it." "I will. I will make sure that it caters to all your needs," Tuskan said. Like a promise, he kept this in his heart. He observed the side profile of Aster and Tuskan drew near, ''You are in so much woe, but you are still stunning. I wonder if you''ve bewitched me with your beauty, Aster.'' Tuskan''s lips were so close to Aster''s cheek, and then Aster turned his head and their lips inevitable met. They kissed. Tuskan immediately retreated, but Aster was still dazed, "AAster, I''m sorry, I didn''t mean it!" Tuskan said. Aster who finally regained his sense lowered his head in shame. "It''s alright, you just surprised me" Aster replied. Tuskan was panicked and ashamed at the same time. He excused himself and ran away from Aster''s room. He was greeted with Mariette who stood in front of the door. "OOh how was it?" Mariette awkwardly asked. "Did you peek on us?!" Tuskan was angry, no, rather than angry to his twin sister. He was just ashamed, but didn''t know how to react. Marietteughed and replied, "I''m just wondering about the future king and queen." "You are talking nonsense!" Tuskan rushed and left Mariette. He had to clear his mind, it felt like his mind had been filled with roses nowadays. He didn''t mean to kiss Aster like that, it was all idental. Yet, the aftertaste of tingling sweetness on his lipssted quite long. *** ''Do you have that sweet tingle in your heart when you kissed Tuskan?'' the doppelganger teased him in his mind, Aster thought for a second and then he shook his head firmly. ''There is no feeling, it feels like a good kiss, but it was nothing more than that. When I kissed Ramuja, I feel like I would melt into a puddle,'' Aster replied in his head, and then he smiled again. Remembering about Ramuja always made him happy, although it was only a memory, he was d that he could preserve the memory about Ramuja. ''Tch! Well, you can''t live like this forever, what if Tuskan proposed to you someday, you might never love him, but don''t you want to have someone that loved you wholeheartedly? Someone that will not cheat on you? Ramuja already did, but trust me, Tuskan is too awkward to even consider cheating.'' ''You might never love him, but you can ept him.'' Aster didn''t say anything to this stupid voice inside his head. He was already considering it since the moment Mariette suggested it. He was unsure about what kind of support Mariette could give that Tuskan couldn''t, but she said that it was directly linked to a marriage with the Great King. In short, Aster needed to be the queen first to gain this support from Mariette. ''Maybe it''s not a bad idea, if I''m marrying Tuskan, at least I have someone that loves me truly'' Aster pondered about this for a long time. The moon was already hanging at the top, shining brightly. Although Aster couldn''t see it, he could feel the gentle shower of the moon. Then, in a blink of a second, he suddenly sensed something and he asked, "Who is there?" A shadow emerged slowly and then walked to Aster. He kneeled obediently, but Aster was still unresponsive although he was already kneeling in front of him. The shadow guard finally noticed that Aster had lost the golden circle in his eyes, in fact, his eyes were still like a deadke. The sudden realization pinched his heart, as if he had failed to protect his master, "Milord, I am one of your Shadow guard." Aster didn''t reply immediately, and then he said gently, "Nate, right? Your name is Nate." The shadow guard was shocked that his Milord knew him, "HHow could you?" "I am your direct master, of course I should know your name," Aster smiled, "This is the first time you contacted me, did Irion send you? What is happening in Golden Camellia?" It seemed that Milord Aster didn''t want to talk about his blindness, thus, the shadow guard also talked normally, "Milord, I''m here to send you a news." The shadow guard looked around, and then stood and whispered in Aster''s ear, ''Ramuja is a prince, he is the Crown Prince of Sun Kingdom. He went berserk when he got captured because he tried to find you, but now he is safe with Sir Irion although he is still unconscious. Milord, Sir Irion wants you to know that he has already recruited some houses under your name, he has started a rebellion, ''The Ethereal Gardenia''. Milord, he is waiting for yourmand.'' Chapter 239: Perspective Chapter 239: Perspective ''Milord, he is waiting for yourmand.'' The news that the shadow guard delivered was like a sudden storm swept all his doubt and consideration. Aster gripped the armrest tightly, his body shook as the shadow guard called Nate finished his report. The shadow guard returned to his original kneeling position and then continued, "Milord, I''ll be waiting for your order, I will return back to you three days after this, the time is tight, please give us your direct order." The shadow guard then disappeared into thin air, Aster could feel his presence for a fleeting moment until he was fully alone again. ''So Ramuja hasn''t forgotten about me? He he went berserk because he searched for me'' Aster''s body trembled out of excitement and panic, because he needed to meet his lover soon. He wanted to touch Ramuja, he wanted Ramuja to tell him that everything was alright. Aster reached for his walking stick on the table, he stretched it and then walked towards his door. When he finally reached the door, the door was opened from outside and he was surprised to hear the voice of a woman asking him, "Aster? Your face is red, did something happen?" Aster knew the voice of this woman, "MMariette, I need to meet Tuskan soon!" Aster said, he tried to sidestep Mariette, but she blocked the doorway. She was bringing a drink to Aster, thus, she reached for Aster''s walking stick and then led him back to his room. "I will call Tuskan back here, but you need to tell me what happened, you look so agitated," Mariette said. She held Aster''s hand tightly and they sat again in Aster''s room. Aster was in a rush, but he didn''t want to disrespect Mariette, thus, he nodded and then returned back. "Mariette, Iuh I want to meet Tuskan, because only he can help me," Aster said. Mariette frowned, somehow, she had the feeling that agitated Aster meant that there was something really important that had just happened. Aster was always calm and collected, like a deepke. But when he got agitated, then that meant something had touched his deep consciousness. Mariette could vaguely guess what it was. But she was unsure that the news from Golden Camellia could reach Aster this quick, "You need to tell me the clear picture Aster, I can help you too if you can give me a good reason. You seem in a hurry." "Mariette, it''s just Tuskan can definitely help me with his power," Aster felt helpless, he didn''t want to spoil anything to Mariette, because she was far more perceptive and neutral than Tuskan. ''If I talk with Tuskan directly, then I can ask and pressure him on the spot, I''m sure Tuskan couldn''t reject me, I think he can help me with this, but with Mariette she is far trickier than him.'' Mariette had sensed that this must be because the news about Aster''s servant went berserk in Roagelt. Mariette had worked hard to cover this story from Aster''s ears. She even covered this story, so Tuskan couldn''t hear it as well. She nned to give Aster and Tuskan more time together before conflict started rising. "Is this about the news?" Mariette asked. "No, it''s not about the news," Aster quickly denied, but it also showed that he already knew about the news in Golden Camellia. He closed his mouth immediately, but it was toote. "I know that soon orter, you''ll know about this, Aster," Mariette sighed. She took the walking stick from Aster hand and put it on the drawer. She then closed the balcony door and locked it, he also closed the front door and locked it. "Mariette, what are you doing?" Aster asked suspiciously. He could hear the click of the doors getting locked. "Im just making sure that you didn''t do anything stupid, Aster," Mariette replied, "I''m sure the news about your servant went berserk in Roagelt surprised you, but you should know that getting agitated over it would only harm you." "Wait, you know this already, don''t you? Why didn''t you tell me!? Did you deliberately hide it from me?!" Mariette sighed. She sat beside Aster again and replied, "I told you just now, getting agitated over it would only harm you. You only spend a few minutes with me here and you already used me of hiding the news, this kind of news is just simply not good for your health. You are still recovering, remember?" "I''m in great health!" Aster struggled, he tried to rise from the sofa, but fell back to the sofa because he didn''t have his walking stick. "I didn''t mean to hide it from you, but I want you to have more time thinking about your decision. Since it''s toote like this, then you might as well know about this cold truth," Mariette took a deep breath and then continued, "Your servant, Ramuja, went berserk during his public execution in Roagelt City Centre. It became a massacre there and he killed countless guards and many citizens with his own hand. Aster, I know that you are in love with this person, but, he doesn''t seem to be a good guy" Aster was stumped to learn the truth from Mariette. He thought that Ramuja simply went angry and fought against many soldiers and then fled, at least he was safe, "That''s a lie, my Ramuja would never kill innocent people! He is so gentle even to a flower, how could he kill someone ruthlessly?" "The report said that he killed these innocent bystanders without mercy. It was too grotesque that Roagelt was now in its mourning period, because this servant of yours killed a ten years old kid hopefully he didn''t mean it. Maybe it was idental, but yes, it is the same person in your mind." Aster doubted the authenticity of the news, but with Mariette in front of him, he sensed that Mariette was serious this time, "Aster, you are my family, I already take you as my little brother. I want you to reconsider your choice, I don''t know how you get this news about your servant, but I don''t want you to get blinded by love and then proceed to get hurt." "He he is not that kind of guy, Ramuja is a very gentle person" Aster tried to rebuke. But Mariette seemed to have ignored him and stood from the sofa, she opened the door and then said, "I will call Tuskan, but looking at your demeanour just now, even the news about this guy already made you unreasonable. I don''t want you to be illogical because of love, any love that is not logical is just simply not worth it." Mariette closed the door and locked Aster from outside. Thest sentence from Mariette lingered in his head, ''any love that is not logical is just simply not worth it.'' Aster was silent, he lowered his head because he still couldn''t believe that Ramuja could kill a ten years old kid and many other innocent bystanders. Did Ramuja kill them on his name? Did he want to avenge the massacre in Dionde City? ''Any love that is not logical is just simply not worth it, but I love him more than my logic. Ramuja, are you really that ruthless? The Ramuja I know is a gentle sweetheart...'' *** Mariette stormed inside Tuskan''s room, and he found that Tuskan''s face was still red as he was dazed while staring at the moonlight. Mariette walked toward her brother and hit her head gently, "Wake up, daydreamer, time to face the reality now." "HHuh? What?" Tuskan finally turned his head. He saw that Mariette''s countenance was deadly serious, thus he also resumed his straight posture. They sat face to face as Tuskan was waiting for Mariette to open the conversation. "It''s about Aster," Mariette said. Tuskan reacted immediately, his eyes became sharp and he was all ears. Mariette observed her twin brother, and a pity arose in her heart, her little brother already fell in love with Aster this much. Tuskan was a stubborn and ruthless guy. He never liked anyone and never let anyone near him, not even their own family except Mariette. His life was filled with governing, treachery, and war. Maybe because Aster was a nave guy, Mariette knew that Tuskan had realized that Aster''s background was not simple, but Aster attracted him like a ma. It was inevitable that Tuskan would fall in love with Aster sooner orter. ''I don''t want to ruin his happiness he never likes anyone before, he never opens his heart to anyone. Why would I let a servant ruin his happiness? And I don''t want Aster to get hurt more than this, my two cute little brothers, I will help you two.'' "Tuskan, do you know about the massacre in Roagelt, the capital of Golden Camellia?" "I do, I heard that the culprit escaped, he killed many people and even killed an innocent ten years old kid, he is currently a big fugitive in Golden Camellia," Tuskan heard the news, but he was too busy to inquire about the further information of the news. "The truth is, it was Aster''s servant who was the culprit of the massacre. Maybe he wanted to avenge Emperor Charles for what he did in Dionde City, and another terror mighte soon. That monster Aster is in love with that monster." Tuskan froze on the spot, he could feel the chill down his spine, and his heart slowly shattered. He already imagined a good life with Aster, only to have his heart broken by this news. He clenched his fist tightly, but still didn''t show any change in his expression. "But I want you to change his mind, Tuskan, Aster has been hurt many times because of this servant. My informant said that Charles massacred the people in Dionde city because of this servant too, to give a warning to Aster. He is simply bad news for Aster," Mariette sighed, "I want you to persuade Aster, but don''t fall for his begging. He will beg for your help, you need to have the heart to reject his plea. It is for his own good" "But Aster loves this guy" "Love is a tentative thing, especially for the young minds like you and Aster. But Aster is a good guy, and he is rted to us. He is our only fragment of Saintess Celine. He is a treasure in Great Arctyr. I don''t want him to be broken by a cruel man like his servant." Mariette tapped Tuskan''s shoulder and then said, "I know that you love him, sometimes, love is something you fought for, you need to rece this servant in Aster''s heart. This is to save him." Tuskan pondered in his heart, he sought for an answer deep inside and he came to the conclusion that he just wanted Aster to be safe and happy. Because, seeing a smile bloomed on Aster''s face was his greatest happiness, ''To save Aster'' Chapter 240: The Great King Cried Chapter 240: The Great King Cried "Does the news about the Roagelt Massacre be controversial around the continent?" Charles asked his minister. He was sitting leisurely in his throne, but deep inside, his sanity was slowly deteriorating because of Aster''s absence. "Yes, Your Majesty, that monstrous guy had been portrayed as a monster all across the continent and had been condemned for his heinous act," the minister replied. "Good, we are lucky that ve had killed a boy, or else, the news wouldn''t be as controversial, make sure that everybody knows. I don''t know where Empress Aster is right now, but as long as we can portray that ve in a bad way, I''m sure Aster will also be in trouble." "Yes, Your Majesty," The minister left the Emperor Chamber after reporting about the news. Charlesughed maniacally, he took Aster''s small portrait from his pocket and kissed it gently. ''You are really stubborn, even after that ve showed up, you are still hiding somewhere. I will make sure that everybody knows how terrible this guy is, so you know that your road with him will not be smooth sailing.'' ''Compared to me, why wouldn''t you just pick me? I am loyal to you, I love you for years and I have a clean record, I''m also powerful.'' ''Aster, you are making me crazy. But it''s fine, the reward will be more satisfying the more we y this cat and mouse game, my sweet Aster,'' Charles smirked as he kissed the portrait again. *** "Tuskan, why did you dispatch many of your shadow guards around my room? You know that I''m still a golden blood albeit a blind one. I know that they are all around me," Aster said. Tuskan seemed to be shocked by Aster''s sharp deduction. What he said was true, a day after Mariette told him about Aster and his criminal servant who was a bad influence on Aster, Tuskan started dispatching as many shadow guards as possible around Aster room. In case something happened to Aster. "III didn''t mean it in a bad way" Tuskan reasoned, "I''m just anxious that something bad would happen. I just want to protect you." Aster had the hunch that this would happen, but he just didn''t know how to react to Tuskan. He was adept to sense people''s emotions and inner thought, although he couldn''t read their minds, he would usually guess what was in their minds and it would usually be the correct one. ''He really didn''t mean it in a bad way, Tuskan, if you are like Charles who is ruthless and unforgiving, it might be easier to deal with you,'' Aster said in his heart. Aster took his walking stick and walked out from the room, he wanted to get some fresh air, maybe taking an evening walk around the garden. Tuskan said nothing, because Aster was definitely in a bad mood today, he just silently followed Aster from behind and tried to be as stealthy as possible, but Aster immediately ruined it, "If you want to follow me, just walk beside me, why do you need to be a stalker. Tuskan, you are a great king, stand tall and walk proudly!" Aster lectured Tuskan. "Also, get your shadow guards away. You are here with me, do I need even more supervision? You alone is enough to watch over me!" "YES!" Tuskan immediately stood straight and walked side by side with Aster. Aster was still frowning in a bad mood, but he didn''t want to have a meaningless fight with Tuskan. Because Tuskan was a good guy, ''Maybe in a different perspective, Ramuja does look viinous...'' Aster had a deep thought for the whole night about what Ramuja did, and he came to the conclusion that, either Ramuja went berserk and lost his mind temporarily, or because Charles baited him with a kid. Knowing Charles, it was possible that he took a random kid and baited Ramuja with it, so he was forced to kill that kid. "Stay here for a moment, I will bring you some fruits, maybe it will lighten up your mood," Tuskan said. He rushed out, but Aster ignored Tuskan''s suggestion and kept walking. ''I know that Ramuja is not that kind of guy, but how to prove to Tuskan and Mariette that Ramuja is not a viin?'' Aster pondered in his heart, he didn''t realize that he walked to the pond near the center of the garden. When he felt that his walking stick didn''t tap to anything, he lost his bnce and fell to the pond. Aster couldn''t swim at all, he struggled but the pond was actually deep, "Help! Help me!" he struggled for a while and slowly lost his consciousness. Aster couldn''t see anything, couldn''t feel anything, as his consciousness drifted away, he closed his eyes and calmly epted his fate. ''If only you are here, Ramuja. If only you are here to protect me'' Aster thought in hisst piece of consciousness. "ASTER!" Tuskan who had just returned with a box of fruits immediately jumped in and dove to save Aster. He took Aster out of the pond and found that Aster had been there for a while. His face was pale and his body temperature was cold. Tuskan''s eyes started getting red, seeing Asterying weakly like this crushed his heart. Tuskan pumped Aster''s chest to get the water out of his lung. He also kissed Aster to give him some respiration. Tuskan started crying while he didn''t stop pumping the water out of Aster''s chest, "Aster! Aster! Don''t break me like this! Don''t kill yourself because of this!" After a while, Aster reacted and he coughed all the water. He was shivering because of the cold, the first thing he noticed was Tuskan who sobbed and he was hugged immediately by this guy. "Aster don''t do this to me" Tuskan said while sobbing, "I will never forgive myself if you died because of me." Aster could feel that Tuskan''s hand trembled, but he was trying to be as gentle as possible, "Sorry, and thank you" Aster said. He felt guilty himself, because Tuskan rarely cried, if he ever actually cried. Aster patted Tuskan''s head gently, "I''m fine, I didn''t do it on purpose too. I was just careless." Tuskan still sobbed and whimpered like a small kid, he hugged Aster gently, "Aster, I didn''t want you to get hurt by anything. I don''t want to force you over anything either, but" Tuskan held Aster''s shoulder with his hands, he observed Aster''s pale face, blindness, and overall fragile appearance. He started crying again, "But I will never forgive myself if you got hurt by someone because I couldn''t protect you." "Tuskan, rx, I''m fine" "Fine? I only left you for a moment and you almost drowned. Don''t you see this? I did all of this because I love you, Aster!" Tuskan dered his love for the first time. Aster already knew that Tuskan loved him, but faced with his boldness did take him by storm. Aster was silent. He was silent because he already knew that he couldn''t reciprocate Tuskan''s feelings. ''This is not the right time to reject him, besides he is the one that saved me. I''m not a man without conscience'' Aster thought. Aster pinched Tuskan''s cheek, "Why did you cry? You are a great king! You shouldn''t cry over a small matter!" "This is not a small matter!" Tuskan argued, "This is the matter of life and death of someone that I love! Of course, I will cry!" "Alright alright," Aster sighed and then kissed Tuskan''s cheek gently, "Thank you, my hero. You saved me," Aster said and he smiled. Tuskan was again stupefied. And for the first time, he had the urge to do something spontaneously. He held Aster''s back head and then kissed him consciously without any flower between their lips. A feeling of wanting grew inside his heart, and he wanted more. The conflicted feeling of greed and protective behavior shed inside his head, as he didn''t want to hurt Aster, but he wanted Aster for himself. "Aster..." *** At night, Aster had taken a warm bath after the incident this evening. He was sitting on the sofa, waiting for that shadow guard called Nate toe to his room. He doubted it though, since Tuskan really dispatched many people to protect him. Surprisingly, he could feel a shadow lurking somewhere. The shadow condensed and turned into a man that already kneeled in front of him, Aster smiled, "Irion trained you well, that is Jain''s technique, right?" The shadow guard called Nate felt ttered that he wasplimented by his master, he replied excitedly, "Yes, Milord! Sir Irion said that I''m his best disciple! He even gave me his needle choker, he said that it will remind me that I should be your dog forever!" Asterughed dryly, ''Wow, Irion hadn''t changed at all.'' "Well, you are here to hear mymand, right? I suppose you will be back to Golden Camellia after this," Aster asked. And the shadow guard nodded. ''I couldn''t leave Great Arctyr right now, Mariette and Tuskan''s men are lurking around, besides, what can a blind man do in the vtile Golden Camellia? I will only be a hindrance for Irion. ''But I miss Ramuja I really miss him. Whenever I recall the moment about us, he will alwayse as a humble and gentle person.'' ''Ramuja, I can''t meet you right now. But I will make sure that you are safe, I just hope that your love still lingers for me when we meet again.'' Aster took a deep breath and then voiced hismand, "Tell Irion to contact Florentino Viete, since his position is in danger. Also, contact my father, Grand Duke Harion. I''m sure that I''ve left him the note to hold a charity event in case something bad happens in Dionde City while I''m gone. Irion will know what I''m talking about once you told him about charity." "Also, for Ramuja" Aster wanted to write a letter, but he was blind, thus, he asked Nate the shadow guard to write something down for him, "Write this, and I will sign it after you write it." The shadow guard prepared the quill and paper. Aster coughed and told him a small poetry; My handsome knight, I cannot see you, but you are always the man I dreamed every night. Be strong, because you are going for a fight. My handsome Ramuja, you are my hope. I Believe that you will fight for our right. Chapter 241: Deep Love of An Awkward Duke Chapter 241: Deep Love of An Awkward Duke Nate, the shadow guard that had the news about Milord sessfully bypassed the tight security check around the Dionde City Harbor, he disguised himself as a normal trader and could easily fool Emperor Charles'' soldiers. Nate quickly disappeared from the city once everything had been settled and then rushed to his mentor, Sir Irion''s hideout. Funnily, while Emperor Charles had turned the country upside down to find Sir Irion and his group of rebels, he was actually hiding in the abandoned mansion of Swordheart Family. The Swordheart House had been officially erased from the Golden Camellia Emperor record. After the day of the massacre in Dionde City, Emperor Charles rallied to Swordheart Mansion to take the family as hostage, so Irion would surrender or else, his family would all be killed. But to Emperor surprise, there was no one inside the Swordheart Mansion. No maid, no guards, the mansion was practically abandoned overnight. Turned out, Milord Aster had relocated all of them and provided them with enough money to live well in another smaller ind near Golden Camellia even before the massacre happened. ''It felt like Milord Aster already had the hunch that Emperor Charles would do the unthinkable soon, so he relocated Sir Irion''s family and transferred all his power. So, Emperor Charles wouldn''t be able to tamper with anything,'' Nate thought. He finally stopped at the back door of the abandoned Swordheart Mansion. The door was opened and he entered the mansion. Inside, it was nowhere as abandoned as it was portrayed outside. There were many shadow guards training in the indoor training ground, Sir Irion also provided them with good food and normal sry. Thanks to Milord Aster''s extravagant wealth, Sir Irion could still maintain the presence of his power even though his situation in Great Arctyr was tragic. Nate knocked the door at the end of the corridor and the door was opened by Sir Irion himself. Nate gave his salute to Sir Irion and then reported, "Sir, I have the news andmand from Milord Aster." The grim face of Sir Irion finally disappeared and he was expectant, he pulled Nate inside and then held him with many questions, "How is Milord? Is he in a good health? Does the Great Arctyr treated him well? Does he want to return back to Golden Camellia and meet us?" Nate took a deep breath and replied everything in one go, "Sir, Milord has been treated well by Great King Tuskan. In fact, he has been treated too well, since there are so many Arctyr''s shadow guards around Milord''s room. It''s quite hard for me to slip inside his room. But he is not in a good condition and he doesn''t want to return anytime soon" "Not in a good condition? Did something happen?!" "I''m not sure what happened to him, but" Nate gulped, he really didn''t want to tell this tragic condition of their master, but Sir Irion had been worrying about Milord''s condition every day, "Milord Aster ispletely blind." "WHAT?!" Irion was shocked to the bone that he couldn''t react at all. He was stupefied, unable to ept the truth. Then, his face tightened, his hands trembled, and he smashed the table until the wooden table broke into two. "Does Milord still remember about Ramuja?" Irion asked, but his tone was agitated, he was so close to killing someone in this mansion. "Yes, he still remembers about Ramuja. In fact, he asked me to write this and deliver this to Ramuja," Nate fished out the note from Milord. Irion snatched it and read the content, now, his anger had burst. He pushed Nate to the side and then went to the second room from his door, he kicked the door open until the hinge broke. He saw Ramuja was still in this stupid, dishonorable condition, where he would be dazed for hours, sometimes he sniffed and kissed Aster''s handkerchief and golden pin, and then cried slowly. ''Milord went blind because of this loser! And instead of rising back like a man, he locked himself here like a loser! Goddamnit!'' Irion kicked Ramuja from behind, he spared no mercy as he kicked Ramuja with his full power. Ramuja fell to the ground and his back was bruised. But he only nced at Irion for a moment, and continued his useless daze. Irion gritted his teeth, he pulled Ramuja and then pped him on the face, "Wake up, idiot! Milord has sacrificed something so important so he wouldn''t lose his memory about you, but you are here acting like a bitch!" Hearing the word ''Milord'' and ''Sacrifice'', Ramuja immediately responded and he brushed Irion''s hand aside, his dazed eyes turned sharp instantly and he asked, "What happened to Milord?" "He is blind! He is fucking blind because his golden blood! Because he doesn''t want to lose your memory, so he would rather lose his eyesight! Don''t you see how much damage you did to him?! And you are still crying like a little bitch, man up, idiot!" Ramuja froze on the spot, his expression was twisted, but there was something in his expression that baffled even the angry Irion in front of him, "How could he do that? How could he sacrifice his eye for me? His eye is the sun, how could he sacrifice his most precious thing for someone like me?" "BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU! GODDAMN, MILORD ASTER LOVES YOU SO MUCH, STOP WITH YOUR STUPID INSECURITY, HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING!" Irion screamed in front of Ramuja''s face. He was really pissed with Ramuja''s unnecessary insecurity. His insecurity was probably the same thing that had caused Milord''s blindness in the first ce. "You might be a ve to anyone, but you are a servant and a lover to Milord! I saved you and helped you train because Milord wants me to help you, he wants you to have a good position, that is why he wants you to be strong!" Irion''s chest palpitated up and down, he was agitated, because Ramuja still hadn''t realized how deep Milord''s love for him. "He gave his first time with you, although you haven''t taken his virginity, but he let you do anything to him. He is different from us, he never let anyone be close to him, and he is extremely sensitive. If he got touched by someone randomly, he would have that wretched feeling!" "He kept telling me to train you well, he always asked me about your condition every day after your training. Didn''t you see how his health has been slowly deteriorating because of the pressure from the Emperor? And you only added the fire with your stupid infidelity!" "Yet, even after your girlfriend Merry sang about your cheating days, also stripped from his power forcefully, and fled the country after seeing a horrible massacre in his own duchy, he still sacrificed his eyesight instead of the memory with you! My god, wake up, Ramuja! You are far more privileged than anyone in Milord''s life. You are his golden circle!" Irion knew that Ramuja couldn''t read, thus, he opened the note from Milord and read it aloud in front of Ramuja; My handsome knight, I cannot see you, but you are always the man I dreamed every night. Be strong, because you are going for a fight. My handsome Ramuja, you are my hope. I Believe that you will fight for our right. Irion gave the note to Ramuja and tried to calm himself down, "That is Milord''s personal letter for you. I know that you had a harsh life before and probably after meeting Milord. But if you could push your ego aside, you would''ve realized that Milord sacrificed a lot for you, and he demands nothing from you." "You should know that you are luckier than me, Jain, King Gaum, Great King Tuskan, even Emperor Charles. There are people who would want to see Milord smiling for them, but you got that every day." Irion left the room to calm himself, "If you really love him, you already know that he never betrays you, and he always has you in his mind. Don''t make the same mistake twice." After Irion left, Ramuja held the note from Milord carefully, he couldn''t read, but he knew that the signature was that of Milord''s. He caressed the signature and the content of the note that Irion had just read made his whole body tremble. There were no tears left to cry, but he felt that his heart was finally beating again, ''Milord, really, everything is about me, right?'' ''I always want you to know my feelings, to understand me, to give me security about this twisted rtionship between us. I want everything about you, but I never really see your position'' ''I never asked about your position because I thought you already have everything in your hand, I thought that you are going to be invincible forever.'' ''That is why I never realize how many thankless sacrifices you made for me, but I never notice it no, it is just me who is ignorant. I used my life as a ve to make everything about me I didn''t even consider your feeling.'' ''Yet, you never tell me about all your sacrifices, you bear the burden all by himself.'' ''I truly am an egoist.'' Ramuja had an assuring feeling in his heart, he always thought that Milord really didn''t love him as much as he did to him. Ramuja also thought that Milord didn''t sacrifice as much as him, but he finally realized that he was being an egoist. Because not everything was about him, and Milord daringly falling in love to an ex-sex ve was already a sacrifice by itself. Ramuja could feel that his heart was pinched from the inside, he could feel theplicated feeling of guilt and assurance. Ramuja was sitting in the same position for a few more hours before he stood from the chair and then his long-lost deep gaze of Prince Rama finally returned back. "My Sun, I will prove to you that I am worthy as your partner." Chapter 242: Uniting Chapter 242: Uniting Ramuja came out of his room with his deep gaze screening around the Swordheart mansion, he was thinking about his now-in-hiding soldiers and shadow assassins. He saw Irion was still standing near the training ground, watching over the new trainees, but his solemn expression told Ramuja that he was not happy with how things went. Ramuja sighed and then approached Irion, he said in a low voice, "I want to relocate my people here, but I need your help for it." Irion finally turned his head, he thought that this guy would still wail over meaningless things for days, but he had surprisingly recovered and when their eyes met, Irion was a bit startled with Ramuja''s deep gaze. The servant Ramuja was never this serious, he always had that meek expression in him, but the person in front of him right now was apletely different person. "Who are you?" Irion asked. Ramuja pulled Irion to the side and then replied; "I am Prince Rama of the Sun Kingdom, I thought you knew that already." "I do, but I didn''t know that Prince Rama and Ramuja are twopletely different people," Irion frowned, "Is this really Prince Rama, or you are just Ramuja acting majestic? I won''t believe that you can act regal so suddenly after leaving Golden Camellia for a couple of months. Ramuja scratched his head, he didn''t understand why did Irion make this trivial thing a problem? He was both Ramuja and Prince Rama, it was just he didn''t want to act like Ramuja in front of anyone anymore. "I''m only Ramuja in front of Milord, I don''t want to scare him," Ramuja replied, "So, from now on, please address me as Prince Rama or just Rama. Only Milord is allowed to call me Ramuja." Irion''s lips twitched, he really couldn''t understand the dynamic between his master and this guy in front of him. They were so bizarre, Milord was prideful to the bone, but fragile on the inside. And the Ramuja looked meek and humble on the outside, but he definitely didn''t take anyone in his eyes as Prince Rama. Yet, they fit each other like two puzzle pieces. Irion sighed, "Well, it can''t be helped. Fine then, Prince Rama, if you want to relocate your men here, then you cannot just search for them. Because we are a high ss fugitive in Golden Camellia. You must y it safe by signalling them in a big event, so they could gather in one ce without alerting the Emperor,e, I will tell you my n," Irion walked to his room and Ramuja followed him. Irion locked the door and then immediately took the letter from the drawer and put it on the desk, "It is fortunate that Milord''smand is exactly the same as what I have in mind. Milord told me once, if something happened to him and the morale of the people in Dionde City was low, we should hold a charity event in Dionde City. But don''t forget to put the slogan ''A life worth cherishing'' for the event." "Is that the code for Milord''s allies?" "Indeed. I already sent my subordinate to deliver the copy of this letter to Grand Duke Harion. We should get the news soon," Irion seemed to ponder for a second, "Do you have a code to gather your soldiers?" "Yes, our code is light. So, if it''s possible, I would like you to put the code ''sun'' for the event," Ramuja said. Irion hummed for a moment, and then said, "Light for the people, A life worth cherishing. I think that is a good name for the supposed event." "Perfect," Ramuja nodded, "That is good enough, we can attract Milord''s allies and my men to the event. But, would Emperor Charles allow the event to take ce in Dionde City? Knowing that he was still searching for Milord, it will look too suspicious for him." "Milord has already cut ties with the royal family long ago, Grand Duchy Stormhill is already autonomous. Besides, this is a charity event for the one in need, if the Emperor wants to forbid it for some ridiculous reason, he would only anger the people even more. Everything has been pre-nned by Milord." Ramuja lowered his head in shame, while Milord had been working day and night to prepare for the worst, he was busy dealing with his endless insecurities. Ramuja clenched his fist, ''I should''ve been more useful, things may not end up like this if I know my priority.'' "We will need to wait for the response from Lord Harion about this. He is in so much pressure right now, especially because his son was nowhere to be found and the Emperor was trying to suppress him," Irion looked outside, the view of the abandoned courtyard also hurt him. Because he grew up in this mansion, "Don''t worry, we all take part in this. Milord willingly helped my stubborn family, they didn''t want to submit to Emperor Ludwig, let alone the cruel Charles. They would be executed by Charles sooner orter, since he was much more unforgiving than Emperor Ludwig. Thus, Milord relocated all of them and gave them a nice life on a smaller ind. I am also indebted to Milord." *** Grand Duke Harion read the letter from Irion just now. He was in so much stress for months after he resumed the position as Grand Duke in Grand Duchy Stormhill. He thought that he could live a retiree life, living by only managing onepany. But the sudden invasion from Charles instantly swept everything, including his son. He still didn''t know where Aster was right now, because Irion kept it a secret even to him. Irion was too afraid to tell anyone, because the safety of his son was the utmost priority, which Duke Harion agreed. ''I didn''t know that Aster bears this much responsibility and stress every day. It must have been really tiring for him. Before Camille''s death, she was the one who managed the politics of Grand Duchy, while I managed the economy, thus, the workload wasn''t as big. But Aster handled everything by himself and said nothing.'' ''This charity event, I''ve read about it from Aster''s note. He said that he has many connections that he built over the past two years. But he didn''t want to tell me which houses he was allied to, only Duchy of Arion was tantly siding with him.'' ''I still believe in him, I know that my son can handle this. He might be in a bad position right now, but he knows how to find a way to return back. I just need to support him while he''s gone. Besides Prince Rama from the Sun Kingdom must''ve been training with Irion right now, I hope he can save his lover from Charles.'' Harion nced at another copy of the letter that he had kept inside the drawer and secured it tightly. He opened it briefly and sighed, "I guess, telling King Chandra about his son wasn''t a bad idea. Took me a couple of years to trace Prince Rama''s background back to his original." "It might be stupiding from my mouth, but I believe the fairy tale about golden blood from hundred years ago," Harion said to himself, "When the golden eyes meet the golden sun, they will be unbeatable" Harion was silent for a moment, and then chuckled. He wrote another letter to let his ministers prepare the event as soon as possible, "Under the name of Grand Duke Harion, he would not let anyone disrupt this event." *** After a month of preparation, the people in Dionde City had a pleasant surpriseing from their beloved Grand Duke, there was a charity event called''Light for the people, A life worth cherishing''. The event was open for public feasting in the spring. The main event was to collect donations for the poor people around the country, and Grand Duke Harion would also donaterge sums of money for the people who had been affected by the massacre during the previous Winter Feast. The massacre had deeply scarred the people of Dionde City, they always had this resentment towards the new emperor, but he was way too powerful to fight. Their hatred only doubled since the disappearance of their beloved Grand Duke Aster. Aster''s disappearance only ignited even more hatred and displeasure towards Emperor Charles. Because Aster was a prominent figure who could magically improve the life quality of the residents inside the Grand Duchy Stormhill area. He was also graceful with a kind heart. They didn''t expect that Emperor Charles'' jealousy and obsession to Grand Duke Aster could be this extreme to the point that he could massacre many innocent lives. However, since they were unable to fight, these kinds of events could help them show off their wealth to the people outside of Grand Duchy Stormhill. It was the only way for Diondians to show that their Grand Duke Aster was brilliant enough to increase the living standard for the majority of the Diondians. Ramuja was hiding in a dark alley during the event. His figure was too striking, he was afraid that Charles'' soldiers could notice him. Meanwhile, Irion was trying to check which one of the attending nobles were Milord''s allies. Ramuja waited for hours until a man around his thirty turned to the dark alleyway and then kneeled in front of him, "My Prince, I''m d that you are safe. We are at yourmand." Chapter 243: Uniting II Chapter 243: Uniting II "My Prince, I''m d that you are safe. We are at yourmand," the man in front of him said. Ramuja stared down at this guy, somehow, he couldn''t recall the guy''s name, but he knew that this guy was one of his soldiers, ''Wha I really don''t have Milord''s intelligence, he can remember every shadow guard and soldiers that work under him.'' Ramuja coughed lightly and then replied, "Where are the others?" "They are still scattered outside Grand Duchy Stormhill, it is only me who attend this event, we do this to avoid the Emperor''s suspicion. Prince Arjun also heard about your condition and he already sent more shadow assassins and rations for us, we don''t need to worry about our food, My Prince," the man exined. Ramuja nodded and then he walked to the darkest area of the alleyway. The man followed him and then they stopped at apletely dark alley. Ramuja said in a low voice, "Listen to me well, because I will not repeat thismand twice," Ramuja warned. The man was all ears, if Prince Rama didn''t want to repeat themand, then this was extremely important. "Gather your men to the abandoned Swordheart mansion, the mansion is located far east from the main gate of Dionde City, I will dispatch one Irion''s subordinate to give you the directionter on, we will discuss our next n there. Also, do any of you have an experience in espionage?" "Yes, My Prince, we have one man who is a veteran spy," the guy said, Ramuja nodded, "That man will be my priority, bring him first to Swordheart mansion. I want him to go to another country." "Another country? My Prince, I thought we would fight here" "Yes, but I need him to watch over someone in another country, I want him to give me detailed information of what happened to someone in that country," Ramuja was resolute, and the man seemed to have noticed how the air in the dark alleyway started getting bleak. He shuddered and agreed immediately; "Certainly, My Prince! I will move him as the top priority!" "Good, now go," Ramujamanded. The man left the dark alley, leaving Ramuja standing in silence. Whenever he saw someone passing by, he masked his presence, although he could barely do it, since he was not trained as a stealth-user by Irion. He had been trained like what Milord ordered Irion to do, Ramuja had been trained as a fierce warrior. ''Milord, I know that you are fine there, but I cannot rx my guard. Wherever you are, I will be protecting you. Milord, I will save you soon.'' *** Meanwhile, Irion disguised as a regr citizen who was enjoying the feasting, but he was secretly eyeing every noble in this public party. Milord said in his letter that there were plenty of nobles who sided with him, but they were too scared to show their support in the public, because Emperor Charles would butcher them, however they already made a secret sign that they were part of Grand Duke Aster''s alliance. They would use a blue and yellow somewhere around their body as an essory. The first one that Irion noticed was the Second Princess of Kingdom North Fort, Esther Yvette. Esther wore two hairpins, one blue and one yellow. She looked pretty with the hairpins, Irion grinned and then approached Esther. He tapped Esther''s back of the hand three times and then walked away. Esther immediately noticed it, she nced to her left and saw a man had just turned left from a building. Esther acted normal and walked around before she turned left on the same building. Irion had been waiting for her while still acting like a normal civilian. Esther fished out a small paper from her glove and then put it on a chair and then walked away. Irion grabbed it immediately and then went inside a building. He read the note from Esther. ''I know all of our allies, but I need reassurance that you are trustworthy enough. Go meet me near the 34th street of East Dionde, inside a barbershop. Tell the barber that you want Aster''s haircut.'' Irion immediately understood what this girl meant about ''Aster''s haircut''. Milord''s medium length, wavy haircut was popr because Milord was already treated as a celebrity in Dionde City. But nobody named it as ''Aster''s haircut'', they simply said Grand Duke''s hair. Irion went to the designated 34th street of East Dionde, he found the barbershop easily and when he entered, the barber was an old man with sharp eyes, he asked, "What kind of haircut do you want, sir?" "I want Aster''s haircut," Irion said lightly, as if it was nothing different. The barber nodded and smiled, "This way, sir." He led Irion to the back of the barbershop and then, Irion saw the same girl, Esther Yvette, already sitting on a chair, drinking a fresh cocktail. When she saw Irion, she smiled and said, "Sir Irion Swordheart, the Guard Medal Subordinate of Milord Aster, and also the top fugitive in Golden Camellia, my name is Esther Yvette, pleasure to meet you." "Oh, it seems I don''t need to introduce myself," Irion grinned, "I followed Miss Esther because you said that you know about the list of Milord''s allies. Mind to tell me who they are?" "Sir, I will not tantly tell a secret list full of important people, their life will be in danger if I deliver it to the wrong person. I need reassurance," Esther said firmly. Irion was amused, this girl looked like a regr noble girl, she was pretty, but not stunning, she didn''t dress shy either. But she was very careful and talked in a lukewarm manner, her tone made everything sound like a mundane topic, which was great as a secret keeper, ''Milord is really right to pick this girl, she is talented.'' "I will give you my guard medal subordinate, look at the engraving, Milord already carved something special behind," Irion fished out his guard medal subordinate and gave it to Esther. Esther checked the guard medal subordinate, and there was an engraving at the back of the medal, ''To Irion Swordheart, my trustworthy subordinate. The bearer of my secrets.'' Esther finally showed a relieved smile, this was the same code that Aster had said to her once, that his subordinate will have the same code engraved on the back of his guard medal. "Fine then, I will tell you all of them, but you have to make sure that you can remember all of it, because I will not write it down," Esther took a deep breath, "Esther Yvette, Second Princess of North Fort Kingdom, she is also allied with the barbarians, we are waiting for Milord''s order. Florentino Viete, Marquis of Viete, the Late Merse Thana, Duchess of Arion. Duchy of Arion is still controlled by the minister, but they are waiting for Milord." "Great King Tuskan and Great Princess Mariette, the Great Arctyr is secretly colluding with Milord. Based on my deduction, Milord must''ve been hiding there, correct?" "Indeed, Irion said firmly. This girl was too skilled for him to lie. Esther smirked, "I know that you already know all of them, but you wouldn''t even guess thisst ally of Aster." Irion frowned. Indeed, he already knew about the people that Esther had mentioned, but he didn''t know that Milord had more connections than these people, "Who?" Esther stood from the chair and whispered, ''Golden Princess Rosalie and all the houses that are following her, including the barons and baronesses, counts and countesses, and even some earls. The deal had been sealed a few months before the Winter Feast. Sir Irion, she betrayed her mother, and now she also betrayed her brother. Milord knows this, he said to me once, in this game of chess, you kill anything that could turn white and ck easily after they have no more use. Please use this knowledge wisely.'' *** Emperor Charles was in a very bad mood today, he had killed three ves that he just captured from a new conquerednd. But his mood didn''t seem to improve at all, in fact, he became even more angry. He wiped the blood from the severed head in front of him, "I still don''t get that satisfied feeling, maybe it''s true that I should be hunting that ve before I could be satisfied." Charles sat on the throne and called the servants to clean the corpses. He was annoyed because he couldn''t interfere with the charity event at all, he knew that this charity event was just a farce to hide the fact that Aster''s allies must''ve been gathering there. All he could do was just watch over and deploy as many guards as possible, but Aster''s allies were not just some random houses, they were all skilled houses that could survive hundred years of conflicts in Golden Camellia. However, Charles also had this relieved feeling, ''I already have such an amazing Empress, with him, we can conquer the world and be the legendary lovers in history, like the one in the fairy tale.'' Chapter 244: The Princess Who Walked on A Thin Ice Chapter 244: The Princess Who Walked on A Thin Ice Rosalie was staring at the mirror while her maidbed her hair. She was expressionless the whole time, but her heart was in turmoil. She thought that everything would be fine, with the death of Aunt Duchess Camille, she would be free from her shackle and live freely with her loved one, Florentino Viete. But turned out, her brother and cousin, Aster, were just the same wolves. ''Maybe I am also a wolf, it''s true, thew of the jungle still applies here, eat or be eaten.'' The maids were worried, because their Golden Princess was dazed every day except when Marquis Viete came to visit. She either looked expressionless, or anxious. As if she was walking on a thin ice. "Princess, maybe you want to take a little walk outside? The spring is very beautiful, you should get some sunlight," the maid suggested. Rosalie nced at the window, and she sighed, "You''re right, I need to take some breather." She stood from her seat and then wore a simple hairpin before leaving the maids, she said, "Do not follow me, all of you can take a rest." Rosalie walked around the Golden Pce''s garden. She walked aimlessly, because all she needed right now was just a breath of fresh air. Something had been haunting her for days. ''I struck a deal with Aster a few months before his disappearance, but it is my brother''s reign now. If he ever discovers that I''m colluding with Aster, I will be dead in the next morning.'' ''But, I cannot leave Aster''s alliance too right now. Because Aster had my contract with him. If he showed that contract to Charles, then my life would be over, maybe my darling Floren''s life too,'' Rosalie was anxious because her innocent Floren confessed that he was colluding with Aster. Floren''s contract with Aster was also in Aster''s hand, which made him susceptible to any kind of danger of being discovered. For Rosalie, Floren''s safety was the utmost important. Rosalie sat on a sofa in the pavilion, she bit her lower lip as the anxiety grew in her, ''This is why I encouraged Charles not only killing the people in Dionde City, but also destroying and burning Lantern Pce. If he burned that pce, the proof about me and Floren colluding with Aster would also disappear.'' ''Who would''ve expected that Aster''s personal servant went berserk and killed the soldiers,'' Rosalie thought that she was in a deadlock, because all she could do was just waiting for Aster to return, or to confess everything to Charles and hoped that Charles would forgive her and then protected her. ''No, the second option is simply impossible, I know how cruel Charles can be,'' Rosalie thought, ''Ah Floren''s condition after Aunt Duchess'' death was no better anyway.'' Floren had been shackled and tormented by Grand Duchess Camille for years, she made him a manwhore for high ss old noblewomen, he also became this debauched, good-for-nothing marquis that was hated by his people. Yet, even after Aunt Duchess'' death, he still couldn''t get his release. Because Aster decided to hold Floren a little longer, he also manipted him to do whatever he wanted because the contract was still continuing, just with a different owner. ''All I want is a little peace for us, I don''t even challenge Charles'' power. I let him do whatever he wanted although I should be holding him not to go overboard. Isn''t that generous enough from me?'' Rosalie sighed and closed his eyes to rx herself, she opened her eyes gently again but saw a man in ck standing in front of her. She gasped and was about to scream, but the man in ck immediately shushed her, "Your Highness, I am Milord Aster''s subordinate." "Aster? He will finally reappear after hiding for months?" Rosalie asked. "Yes, Your Highness Princess should contact Marquis Viete, because something bad will be happening soon." "Wait, something bad? Did something happen to Floren?!" "Rx, Your Highness, he is fine, but Milord is holding him hostage again. He said that you should ept whatever Emperor Charles said to you, or else, he would forcefully turn Marquis Viete into a whore once more, just like what thete Grand Duchess did to him before" Rosalie gritted her teeth, "He is cruel enough to do what his mother did before, and yet, he still has that innocent and soft-hearted high aristocrat in the public, how shameless!" Rosalie said. But the man in ck didn''t respond at all, he just nodded and then disappeared. Rosalie was really angry this time, she agreed to join Aster because he was holding Floren like this. He couldn''t do anything as his life depended on Aster''s contract, ''Just like his mother, Aster is just as insane as her!'' Charles was inside his chamber as usual, he was reading on some important administration until his shadow guard appeared in front of him and kneeled immediately, "Your Majesty, Golden Princess Rosalie is positively colluding with Empress Aster, should we execute her now?" Charles raised his brow, he replied nonchntly while still reading the administration paper, "Aster allowed his subordinate to get spotted by you, so he is deliberately using Rosalie as a bait to see my next move. He might be hiding somewhere, but he still has his sharp mind. Just call her here, I will bestow her something important." "Yes, Your Majesty!" Rosalie felt that her knees under her dress trembled in fear as she entered the Emperor Chamber. She visited this chamber often back when her father was the emperor, but now that her brother took his ce, she dared not disturb him here. "Golden Princess Rosalie is presenting herself in front of Emperor Audric V," Rosalie said. Charles finally put down his work and then said to Rosalie, "You have a rtionship with Marquis of Viete, right?" "Yes, Your Majesty," Rosalie replied. He was scared that Charles would execute Floren for some ridiculous reason. But Charles only smirked and then took a letter under the desk and threw it to Rosalie. Rosalie caught it and then asked, "What is this?" "Open it, it is a pleasant surprise for you," Charles smirked. Rosalie opened it slowly, and when she read the content, her hands trembled in awe and fear at the same time. - Under the name of Emperor Audric V, I bestow the marriage between Florentino Viete, Marquis of Viete and Rosalie Anna Camellia, Golden Princess of Golden Camellia Charles scoffed and said, "Since you want to marry that manwhore so much, then I might as well help you here." *** Florentino was signing on a document inside his office as always. He nced at the man who leaned on the wall near the window. His expression was rxed, perhaps with a trace of ridicule in his face. He asked, "Sir Florentino Viete doesn''t have anything to say?" Floren scoffed, "Well, if this is what I should do to gain my freedom, then why not? My public image is beyond repair, I am just living with thest trace of usefulness in me before I also got executed." "Don''t say that. This is Milord''s own n, although it involves you getting married with someone like her. But he will make sure that you will be just fine when the timees, in fact, he will give you freedom and safety at the same time after the table has turned." "Fine then, I know he is nning this to ruin Emperor Charles'' reputation, right? By marrying the Golden Princess to a dirty man like me, Emperor Charles will be seen as an ill-willed emperor who didn''t even care the slightest bit about his sister''s feelings." "Sir Floren is quite knowledgeable," Irion smiled, "Just don''t fall in love with her, because there would be time that she would turn her back on us and it would be painful if we spare her." "I know," Floren replied curtly. He already knew that Rosalie persuaded her brother to also massacre the people inside Lantern Pce. He already knew that she nned to burn the Lantern Pce, so the proof of their contract with Aster would be destroyed. "Maybe Aster didn''t realize that Rosalie could be that evil, right?" "Probably, Milord got caught off guard, because he didn''t think that Emperor Charles would also target his mansion," Irion replied. ''As expected, she is not a good woman'' Floren had tested Rosalie many times, because he was afraid that he would be betraying a good, innocent woman. But the more he knew Rosalie, the more he realized that Rosalie was no different than her brother and thete Grand Duchess. ''They are all golden eyed monsters.'' Floren had a thought about Aster too, but somehow, he couldn''t fathom whether Aster was a kind-hearted man or not. He was definitely not innocent, but he didn''t have a trace of malice in him. ''Pick the better out of the worst he is the one I should be siding with'' *** Aster had given his order for almost a month now, and the summer wasing. There must be some news about it soon. He waited anxiously, but there was no sign of Nate anywhere. Knock. Knock. "Aster, it''s me," the familiar voice from outside returned Aster back to reality. He replied, "Come in, Tuskan." Tuskan opened the door with a tray full of sweet and put it near Aster. He started talking about daily life as always, and Aster responded positively. It had been like this for a couple of weeks, which made Tuskan happy, because Aster could finally ept him slowly. "You know, I just got an invitation from Golden Camellia," Tuskan mentioned. "What invitation?" "The marriage between your cousin, Golden Princess Rosalie and Marquis of Viete. I shoulde to pay respect to Golden Camellia. I don''t want Charles to get suspicious of me, because he still doesn''t know that you are hiding here." ''This is the perfect time!'' Aster leaned to the side until his shoulder touched Tuskan''s shoulder, then he asked, "That''s good, but it''s better if I can go too. Please take me with you." Chapter 245: Two Desperate Lovers Chapter 245: Two Desperate Lovers "That''s good, but it''s better if I can go too. Please take me with you," Aster said. Tuskan jolted slightly, he looked at Aster who tried to reach his hand, once Aster reached Tuskan''s hand, he continued, "I missed my duchy, I missed my work, and I missed my servants" "It''s too dangerous if youe to Golden Camellia now, besides, didn''t I treat you well here? Do you have anything you feel dissatisfied of? I will try to make youfortable in this pce," Tuskan said. "You treated me very well, Tuskan," Aster lowered his head, as if he was trying to contain his despair, "But I am also a Camellian, I still want to return back home." "What will you do there?" Tuskan asked warily. In honesty, Tuskan already knew that Aster just wanted to see that murderous servant of his, but Tuskan was determined to make Aster forget about this servant in his mind. But it was proven to be a lot more challenging that it looked like. Because Aster was a very stubborn man. He might look delicate, but he was as tough as steel. He was still very persistent with this servant who had killed many innocent civilians. Tuskan could feel the gentle touch of Aster. Aster caressed Tuskan''s hand gently and then replied, "I will not interfere with the marriage between Rosalie and Floren, but I want to visit Lantern Pce, just once." "No, Charles will definitely find you and take you away by force," Tuskan shook his head, he was anxious, because Charles had an extraordinarily sharp intuition. Tuskan had plenty of cold sweats whenever they talked about the missing Grand Duke Aster. He could always feel that Charles was getting more suspicious overtime. Aster''s excitement deted. He let go of Tuskan''s hand and then turned his back at him, "Alright then, be careful on your way to Golden Camellia," Aster said. Tuskan knew that Aster was disappointed, but this was for his own safety. He was the top fugitive in Golden Camellia, any trace left by Aster would alert Emperor Charles immediately. "This is for your wellbeing too, Aster," Tuskan felt guilty in his heart. He was not sure how to pacify Aster, but Aster stayed silent and Tuskan had to leave the room to pacify his own guilt. Tuskan stumbled upon Mariette who had been listening to the conversation from the door, Mariette seemed to be concerned about Aster''s wellbeing. But she only said, "You did the right thing, Tuskan. Aster shouldn''t return to Golden Camellia, at least not now." Tuskan said nothing, he sighed and left. The next day, Tuskan was busy in the court as usual and he didn''t visit Aster for the whole day until the sunset. He took off his reading sses and headed to Aster''s room, only to find a few maids standing outside the door, worrying about something. "What happened?" Tuskan asked. "YYour Majesty! Milord Aster hadn''t eaten at all since yesterday, he hadn''t eaten for more than twenty four hours!" the maid reported. Tuskan was shocked, he opened the door and found Asterying weakly on his bed. His eyes were hollow and he was expressionless. "Tuskan, is that you?" Aster asked. Tuskan rushed to Aster and then hugged him tight, "Aster, what is in your mind? You haven''t eaten for the whole day!" Aster smiled faintly, "I''m doing my hunger strike, maybe you will change your mind when I''m dying..." "You are being ridiculous!" Tuskan yelled. He took a bread from the table and then split it into two, "Please eat this, you are going to die of hunger! Aster, you are being unreasonable here!" Aster didn''t open his mouth and then turned his head. Tuskan started to get desperate, because he didn''t have the heart to force Aster to eat, but he couldn''t bring Aster to Golden Camellia too, it was just too risky. Mariette saw the maid whispering to each other from outside of Aster''s room, she drew near and asked, "What is happening? Did something happen to Aster?" The maid replied to their Great Princess'' question with the same answer. Mariette sighed and then entered the room. Inside the room, Aster looked more fragile than usual, and Tuskan desperately pleaded to Aster. ''It''s more challenging than I thought it would be'' Mariette tapped her brother''s shoulder and then said, "Tuskan, let me handle this." Tuskan nced at his twin sister, he nced at Aster who was still refusing to eat. He nodded and then stood from the bed, "Please, I just don''t want anything bad to happen to Aster." "I know." The room waspletely silent, the door had been shut and the maids had been ordered to leave. Mariette was sitting at the corner of the bed, and then she asked, "Is this because of that servant of yours?" Aster who had been silent the whole time finally moved his head, he looked at the calm gaze of Mariette and then nodded slowly. Mariette took bread and cheese from the table and then gave it to Aster, "Eat this first, I will give you a way to meet your servant after you eat the whole dinner." Aster immediately ate the food as fast as he could, he choked slightly and drank fast. Aster looked so desperate today. Mariette clenched his finger, she was not an evil monster, of course she wouldn''t want Aster to suffer. But to separate Aster from this evil servant seemed to be almost impossible without hurting Aster. After Aster finished his food, Mariette said, "I will allow you toe with us to Golden Camellia, with two rules. First, you must not leave the ship, in fact, you must not leave your room inside the ship at all. Second, if you want to meet your servant at the ship, I will be guarding outside the door, so you may not face him. If you don''t ept this, then I cannot help you at all, Aster." Aster felt that these rules were ridiculous, he wanted to meet Ramuja because he had a bad feeling that something bad was going on with Ramuja. However, he felt that he only needed to meet Ramuja for a few moments to relieve his longing and to make sure that his lover was alright. "Alright then, I ept," Aster said. Mariette finally let a relieved breath, he caressed Aster''s head and then said, "Aster, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to be harsh to you, but sometimes, you have to be firm to stand on your ground. Or else, you will be trampled, you know this very well, right?" "Yes, I do, thank you, Mariette" "Remember, Aster. I am not your enemy, I am your sister. You and Tuskan are my dearest little brothers, so your safety and wellbeing will always be my priority," Mariette said. She closed the door and the air was silent again. "Come here, Nate," Nate the shadow guard who had been hiding the whole time finally appeared in front of Aster, "You heard it, right?" "Yes, Milord." "Charles and I have the same approach, but different goals in marrying Rosalie and Floren. But they do generate some profit for both of us. Just tell Irion that the n stays the same, Rosalie and Floren MUST get married. Also, I will be waiting for Ramuja on the ship, but I only want him toe to me, I have a bad hunch about him" "Yes, Milord!" Nate nodded and then disappeared again from his room. A faint smile finally appeared on Aster''s face, ''I am being ridiculous and unreasonable, that is true.'' ''I keep having this nightmare where I can see Ramuja''s silhouette, but he was not like Ramuja. He was monstrous, with a dark scarlet aura around him, he didn''t smile nor talk, but his gaze was frightening.'' ''They were so many people around us, and the majority of them are my family and colleagues. Ramuja killed all of them one by one in a gut-wrenching method, after he killed everyone, he approached me and then kissed my feet and said that he did everything because he loved me'' ''After he said that, his face distorted and his face turned into Charles.'' Aster was afraid that this nightmare might be a bad omen for Ramuja. He might slowly turn into the second Charles, the man that he despised the most. ''Maybe it''s just a nightmare but I don''t want that nightmare to transcend in real life. Ramuja, I don''t know what is happening with you right now, but I hope that you are not the monster everyone talked about.'' *** Ramuja was sword training with his soldiers in the abandoned mansion of Swordheart. He was still not as agile as Charles, and still not as skilled as Irion. Although, his strength was already enormous without the help of his sun emblem. However, it frustrated him because he still couldn''t catch up. ''How can I save Milord if I''m still too weak?! I can''t rely on that cursed power too much, I might kill so many innocent lives just like before!'' After a long hours of training, Ramuja took a short break. And then, his spy in Great Arctyr showed up to report about Milord''s condition in Great Arctyr every week. "My Prince, I''m here for the report," the spy said. Ramuja nodded and waited expectantly. The spy gulped, because he was sure that this wasn''t good news, "As much as I observed Milord daily, it seems that his rtionship with Great King Tuskan has been progressing very well. They they are having an intimate walk every morning at the pce garden and and they are always having dinner together in Milord''s balcony." "Did they kiss?" "Sometimes" CRACK! Ramuja punched the stone wall behind him with his fist, the stone wall had arge crack and Ramuja''s fist was bleeding. His men immediately took a few steps back, because they were afraid that their prince would unleash his anger on them. ''It''s true, I''m just too weak, so everyone can easily covet Milord like that.'' ''Maybe I should just use my sun emblem and kill everyone in Great Arctyr and Golden Camellia, so I can end this stupid hide and seek. Milord will not see anyone other than me once everyone is dead.'' The dark scarlet hue appeared around Ramuja''s body and the atmosphere started getting heavy, ''I have been too kind.'' Chapter 246: Intertwined by Fate Chapter 246: Intertwined by Fate The Royal Great Arctyr ship finally departed from the harbour to Golden Camellia, they were going to attend the wedding of Golden Princess Rosalie. Tuskan was standing still inside Great Princess Mariette''s room, there was a blind manand a noblewoman sitting calmly in front of him while drinking their tea, as if what they did wasn''t rebellious enough. Tuskan messaged his brows, he red at Mariette, demanding an exnation, "You said you wouldn''t bring Aster with us!" Tuskan yelled. Mariette leaned on the chair and then said, "I just said that Aster will not be attending the wedding, so you don''t need to worry." "But he is with us! He is going to Golden Camellia with us!" Tuskan was getting angry. It wasn''t because he didn''t like Aster, in fact, he loved him too much that he was anxious whether Aster would do something stupid in Golden Camellia. Tuskan pulled Aster''s hand with a bit of force and then carried him and put him in his room. He then returned to Mariette''s room to discuss this problem. "What is the meaning of this? What if Aster got discovered by Charles?!" Tuskan yelled at Mariette. "Well, what can you do right now? We already departed from Saintess Celine City, do you want to go back?" Mariette nced at Aster, "Don''t you see, Aster is sitting calmly, he didn''t even make a noise." "Mariette, I thought you were against them" "I am," Mariette replied, "But you cannot force yourself to separate them, or else, you will be portrayed as an evil force. Aster is very soft-hearted, although he is stubborn. Tuskan, I want the best for both of you, and forcing yourself into Aster''s life while pushing everyone will only make Aster hate you, trust me." Tuskan couldn''t say anything anymore, he sighed and then said, "I don''t want anything bad to happen to Aster, I know that you will not join the wedding because you will be staying with Aster, right?" "Yes, besides, the invitation is only for the Great King, not the Great Princess too. Either way, I''m not really interested in such a boring party. Charles is bestowing a marriage to his sister out of malice anyway, it is crystal clear of what he is going to do with his sister," Mariette''s gaze turned sharp, and then she continued, "That''s why, I will guarantee you that Charles will not see Aster. I will not let Aster fall into that monster''s hand." Tuskan noticed how serious Mariette was. Mariette had always been aid back Great Princess, she was ambitionless and all she wanted was just to have her little twin brother to rule the country well, Tuskan nodded, "I trust Aster with you, I know that you have better judgement and assessment than me." "I want to see how crazy this servant called Ramuja is, if I see that he is also insane and murderous like Charles, I will never allow Aster to meet him again," Mariette said. *** After three days, the ship finally arrived at the Dionde City harbour. The harbour was actually crowded with many ships from outside the country. Because this was the Golden Princess'' wedding day, it was important for the royals from other countries to attend or at least send a few envoys. Tuskan knocked at the door and when he opened the door, Aster was sleeping peacefully on his bed. Tuskan approached the sleeping Aster and then stroked Aster''s messy hair, "Are you tired? Honestly, I don''t want to leave you here, you make me worried so much," Tuskan sighed, "But I have to attend the wedding, please be safe, I will return in two days." Tuskan kissed Aster''s forehead and then left the room. After the door had been closed shut, Aster opened his eyes and sat on the bed. He was silent for a long time, because what Tuskan said just now reminded him of Ramuja. ''Ramuja often kissed me on my cheek and forehead when I was sleeping. Maybe he thought that I was asleep, so I wouldn''t notice'' He had informed Nate a week ago that he would be waiting for Ramuja on this ship. Aster knew that Ramuja would definitelye to this ship, but regarding the strict rules from Mariette. The door was opened again, but this time, the light showed a lean figure approaching, "Mariette" "Yes, Aster. Just like what I said before, I will allow you to meet your servant, but I will not allow you to touch your servant physically. You two can only talk to each other while you are inside your room and your servant is outside. I will be on guard," Mariette said. Aster was definitely dissatisfied with this rule, but he was the one in need right now. It was natural for him to obey Mariette or Tuskan. In fact, giving him the chance to talk to Ramuja was already very generous of them. "I understand" Aster said unwillingly. *** Ramuja had been waiting in a small inn near the harbour. He could see the mighty ship of the Great Arctyr, the ship that imprisoned his master. His eyes were dark and deep, like a tiger waiting for his prey. The veteran soldier was afraid that something had happened to their prince. It was said that the destined king whose sun emblem was active, but was trapped in constant torment were more prone to emotional bursts, insanity and random triggers of berserk state that might kill many. The veteran soldier said, "My Prince, you will meet Milord Aster tonight, please be more gentle to Milord Aster, you said that Milord was very sensitive" Ramuja didn''t listen to his soldier at all, he only eyed the ship, especially one small window that he was sure to be Milord''s room, ''Soon.'' When the night came, Ramuja jumped alone to the ship and thennded on the main deck. The soldiers who guarded the main deck immediately brandished their spear to Ramuja''s neck, "Who are you!" Ramuja was silent, he was displeased with these weak guards who dared to stop his way. He raised his hand, about to crush all of these people with one hand, but a woman appeared from the quarterdeck and then said, "He is my guest, let him follow me." The soldiers were confused, but dared not deny their Great Princess'' order. Thus, they put down their spear and let this scary, mysterious man followthe Great Princess. Ramuja followed Mariette, the Great Princess of Arctyr with suspicion in his heart, ''Did this woman imprison Milord in this ship and tortured him?'' Mariette could feel the monstrous gaze lurking behind her, she shuddered slightly, but stayed strong. She led Ramuja to a room with the door closed. Then, she leaned on the side of the door and said, "Aster, he is here." Ramuja was confused, he didn''t see Milord around. He thought that he could meet Milord tonight. After a few minutes, a low voice called his name from inside the room, "Ramuja" Ramuja reacted immediately, he pulled the door handle, but found that the door was locked. He clenched his fist and was about to destroy the door before Mariette said, "You are not allowed to destroy the door, you are not allowed to see and touch Aster." "?!" The anger that Ramuja had kept for a while burst instantly, the sun emblem on his back shone brightly and the dark scarlet aura around his body started emanating. Mariette''s leg trembled, her face paled, but she still stood on her feet. "Milord is inside why should I care about little thing like you" the scarlet aura around Ramuja thickened and he was going to grab Mariette''s neck and then crushed her neck. But before he could do it, Aster interfered, "Ramuja listen to me" Ramuja shifted his attention on the door, he wanted to push this door and break it immediately, and then destroy this evil ship who had imprisoned his master and ran away with Milord. "Milord" Ramuja said. His voice had changed, it was not the same gentle Ramuja. His voice was low, almost grunting, with the hint of unidentified intention. He emanated the dark scarlet aura that also changed the air around Aster. "Ramuja, do you know who I am?" "Milord Aster my sun..." "Yes, I am your Aster. Ramuja, do you miss me?" "Miss miss a lot" "I miss you too," Aster smiled faintly, "I missed my handsome Ramuja, the Ramuja who would tend the flowers every morning, Ramuja who would constantly worry and nag that I should take more rest, the Ramuja that that would not hurt me." Aster ced his palm and forehead on the door, "Ramuja, is that really you that I''m talking to right now?" Ramuja instinctively knelt in front of the door and then put his palm and forehead on the door. They were separated by this piece of wooden door, but they could feel each other''s heat. The dark scarlet aura subsided slightly, and Ramuja replied, "Milord sorry sorry" Aster could feel that his tears started falling, he smiled, "Sorry for what? Why do you need to say sorry? Did you forget to water the flower in the garden again today? Did you identally knock the vase in the corridor? Or did you identally break the door when you tried to open it?" Ramuja was silent, "Ramuja Ramuja hurt Milord Ramuja want to die" "Why do you want to die because of hurting me? Silly," Aster joked. But his voice was already trembling, "If you hurt me, all you ever need to do is say sorry. You know that I cannot be mad with you for so long, right?" " Sorry Sorry Sorry Sorry" Ramuja repeated the word sorry again and again, which made Aster snickered in joy. "Hey, you only need to say sorry once, I already forgive you," Aster snickered joyfully. He tried his hardest not to whimper, because he didn''t want Ramuja to get hurt, "You may not be able to see me, but I''m perfectly fine!" "Milord is not fine" the dark scarlet aura subsided again, "Milord is blind because of Ramuja" "Oh, I am fine. Because I can remember you well," Aster smiled, "Ramuja, I exchanged my eyes for our memories because you are far more important than just my eyes. Trust me, you did nothing wrong." "Milord Ramuja loves you" Aster''s whole body trembled, he bit his lips for a moment so he didn''t sob and cry like a baby, he replied, "I love you too, Ramuja." The sun emblem on Ramuja''s back finally disappeared and then the dark scarlet aura disappeared. Ramuja finally could get a hold of his own consciousness again, he looked at the wooden door in front of him. "Milord, I''m here." Chapter 247: Intertwined By Fate II Chapter 247: Intertwined By Fate II "Milord, I''m here." Aster could finally hear the voice of the man that he loved the most. Although they were separated by this piece of wooden door, Aster felt that their forehead touched each other''s, sharing the connection that he had longed for so long. "Ramuja, are you alright?" That was the first question that came out of Aster''s mouth. Ramuja lowered his head in shame, he didn''t know what happened to him, but he almost took an innocent woman like Mariette. "Ramuja, answer me," Aster ordered him to speak. "I am not okay, Milord" Ramuja replied, "I feel like losing my sanity every day because I couldn''t see you. I got frustrated," He already knew his fault, and Milord must''ve known about his heinous deed of killing many innocent lives in Roagelt, although he was controlled by his anger and guilt, he was by any means, still responsible. Because he let this monster inside his body go berserk. "Milord you just faced the same monster who killed the people in Roagelt City Center," Ramuja''s head drooped low, he almost prostrated in front of the wooden door, "Milord, if I''m begging for you merci, will you spare a merci on me? I am a mass murderer who ruined many family''s lives." Aster was silent. He could feel that Ramuja prostrated in front of the door, thus he got off from the chair and sat on the ground. They couldn''t see each other, but Aster could definitely feel what Ramuja was doing right now. ''He is prostrating to me, even though his position right now is obviously stronger than me. He can live a free life as the Crown Prince of Sun Kingdom. He will be crowned as the new Sun King too'' "Ramuja, don''t lower your head in front of anyone who is lower than you" Aster said, "You are a prince now, the Crown Prince of Sun Kingdom. Please don''t beg and prostrate in front of me. I am currently sitting on the ground too, so your head will not face my feet." Rather than seeing this as a suggestion, Ramuja saw this as a rejection. His body trembled instantly, his face paled. Although the wooden door in front of him blocked the view, Ramuja was paranoid that he thought Milord already rejected him because of his newfound power. Ramuja unhesitatingly said, "Milord, I will step down from my position as the Crown Prince now. I will never have anything with Sun Kingdom anymore! Milord, I will live as a ve forever as long as I can be with you!" Ramuja put his forehead on the ground, his forehead tapped the wooden floor a few times, the sign that he was desperately begging. "RAMUJA!" Aster''s voice thundered inside, "Don''t you dare saying such thing! Your life is important!" Ramuja saw this as an even more firm rejection from his master. He almost couldn''t handle it, he whimpered, "MMilord please, I''m begging you. I will serve you forever, I will never ask for anything please don''t reject me" Ramuja sincerely begged, which surprised Aster and Mariette together, especially Mariette. She had been the bystander who watched this drama between Aster and this servant. She was terrified with the monster that almost killed her a few minutes ago, and she was already determined to keep Aster in Great Arctyr forever, so he would be separated from this unknown beast called Ramuja until his death. But this guy in front of him was so different, he didn''t have the terrifying dark scarlet aura that almost suffocated her to death, he didn''t have that low grunting voice that gave off this alien feeling that almost made her faint. This guy called Ramuja was also the same guy titled as Crown Prince Rama of The Sun Kingdom. His name soared in only a few months because he would be the next Sun King, and he would inherit all the newfound richness of the Sun Kingdom. His name also soared even more after he was used of killing many civilians in Roagelt City Center, but the Sun Kingdom didn''t budge at all. In fact, they let their prince roam around the Golden Camellia and became the top fugitive instead. He could just livefortably with all the gold mines under the Sun Kingdom, but he decided to return back to the ce where he was enved and abused for so long only to find Aster again. For the first time, Mariette felt uncertain, because this was simply illogical, ''This is Crown Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom, the man that could live with all thevishness the world could offer. He could get as many men and women as possible and fathered a lot of healthy children.'' ''But the same Prince is now smashing his forehead on the wooden floor, prostrating and begging lowly. He didn''t even think twice about letting go all his power and wealth'' Mariette gulped. She finally realized that Prince Rama was serious. She observed Prince Rama''s deeply saddened eyes, as if one rejection from Aster could break him. ''Does Tuskan have the same amount of love to Aster? Will he let go of everything as long as he could live with Aster?'' Mariette questioned herself in her heart, while she already knew the answer to that, she still denied it firmly. ''Tuskan also loves Aster, this is his first love and I don''t want him to get hurt'' Mariette observed the situation again. Aster kept telling Prince Rama not to be rash and not to say something like stepping down or let go of power, the more he said it, the more Ramuja felt that he could die by his Milord''s words. ''Even Aster''s love is strangely powerful. He is a golden blood, his love should be that of greed and possessiveness, recalling the other golden bloods, they wouldn''t hesitate to break the leg of their loved one as long as they got what they wanted.'' ''Yet, Aster told Prince Rama again and again that his position is more important. He truly wants his golden circle to live well even without him'' Mariette bit her lips, her hand trembled as she reached the door key on her pocket. She walked to the door and then put the key in, then she unlocked the door. Ramuja and Aster reacted immediately and Ramuja looked at Mariette dazedly, he didn''t say anything, but his face was hesitant. He didn''t want this to be a test that would put his master at disadvantage again, "I will open the door slightly, you can hold Aster''s hands, but no more than that, you cannot see him." "But!" Ramuja wanted to protest, but Aster inside immediately stopped him, "Ramuja, follow her instruction. She is the one that saved me, and she is the one that protects me." Mariette nodded and took a few steps back again. She was still the bystander who watched over this love drama, ''Tuskan, this is the best I can do. I will always support you, but I cannot lie that their love is just something else'' When Aster reached out his hand towards Ramuja, Ramuja immediately held his master''s hand gently and then kissed the palm lovingly. His tears dripped to Aster''s palm, in which Aster chuckled, "Hey, I just want to hold your hands." Ramuja immediately realized that he had made his master''s hand wet from his tears and kisses. He took out his handkerchief and then wiped Aster''s hand gently, "Milord, are you holding a cane or something? I can see that you are using it so much, your creases are getting deeper" "Ramuja, you are nitpicking!" Asterughed. Ramuja also chuckled lightly. Then, he put his fingers around Aster''s and their fingers intertwined perfectly. They shared each other''s warmth and then Aster said, "Ramuja, promise me that you will not bow to anyone, you will be a new king." "I will not bow to anyone but you, Milord," Ramuja said, "Anyone who called me Ramuja is considered as offending me, but for you you are the only one I will be bowing to, you are the only who can call me Ramuja." "Milord, I may be the next sun king, but I am still your Ramuja. I am still your ve, servant and lover" Ramuja blushed slightly, "I am also your future husband" "What? I am THE husband!" Aster protested, in which, Ramuja also argued, "Milord, you are very delicate and beautiful, although you are a man, you also have a great tenderness to everyone, you fit well as a wife" "A HUSBAND CAN DO THAT TOO!" Aster protested even more, his pride was at stake, "I don''t care! I will be the husband!" Aster was throwing a tantrum. "Milord but can you do it in our first ni" Cough! Mariette stopped this embarrassing conversation because she was the third wheeler here, "This will end soon," she reminded. Ramuja was unwilling, but he nodded and took a small box from his pocket. He opened the box and a ring popped out. The ring was a small diamond ring, he put the ring in Aster''s ring finger. "Milord, this is the ring that I bought with my own money, I swear that I didn''t use the Sun Kingdom''s money for this. I collected all my payment from you and bought you this" Ramuja finally let go of Aster''s hand. Aster felt the ring in his finger. He almost cried out of joy, but the door was slightly opened, Mariette could definitely see his expression, thus he refused to cry and said, "It''s beautiful, does this mean?" "Uhm that''s not the wedding ring, but I want you to keep yourself, so you will not marry someone while I''m trying to fight in Golden Camellia" Asterughed. He put his index and middle fingers together and kissed it, "Ramuja, put your face near the door." Ramuja followed his master''smand, and when he put his face near the door, Milord''s middle and index fingers touched his lips gently, "That is an indirect kiss. Now, fight for our freedom, my knight. I will be waiting for you." Ramuja was stunned with that indirect kiss, he wanted more, but Aster closed the door by his own initiative. Ramuja was disappointed, but he promised to his master, "Milord, I will definitely win our freedom, trust me." Ramuja looked at Mariette and he bowed politely, "Thank you, I''m sorry for scaring you," and with that, Ramuja disappeared. Mariette was watching the whole thing. After Ramuja left, one thing that popped in her mind, ''Ah, I want to have this kind of love in my life'' Chapter 248: Suspicion Chapter 248: Suspicion Ramujanded on the harbor again and then went inside his hiding house near the harbor. When Ramuja opened the shack, he was surprised with the sight of his men ready with theirbat armor, even the assassins were already sharpening their knives. When they saw their prince returned unscathed, they were stupefied. "What are you guys getting ready for?" Ramuja asked. "MMy Prince! I thought you were already fighting with the soldiers of the Great Arctyr in the royal ship" themander said. He was already holding his helmet, ready for a war. Ramuja raised his brows, "I was just visiting my master, I don''t wage war on them." "But My Prince you were so different before, we thought you would kill everyone on your way to Grand Duke Aster. You were really frightening a few hours ago." Ramuja smiled thin, he shook his head, "I''m sorry for making you worry, I''m fine now. Besides" Ramuja fished out the small box in his pocket and then opened it. The soldiers saw nothing, it was simply an empty ring box. "I put a ring on it," Ramuja smiled, "Sun Kingdom will have a queen soon." The soldiers were cheering happily and the house became boisterous, full with anticipation. They took off theirbat armor and then congratted their prince, "My Prince! Congrattions on your engagement!" "NoNo, I only put the ring on him, so he wouldn''t be married to anyone until I can save him," Ramuja blushed slightly. He lowered his head as he observed the empty ring box, ''Milord, I bought this ring with the money I collected to buy my freedom back then. And, I regret nothing.'' After the boisterousness, themander ordered his men to lower their voice and then bowed to Ramuja, "My Prince, I promise that we will be able to save our future queen, Aster Di Arlingdon!" Ramuja regained his sense of regal again, he had been kneeling so low for his master that he forgot for a minute that he was still Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom, he nodded and said, "Good." *** Meanwhile, the celebration for the wedding of Florentino Viete, Marquis of Viete, and Rosalie Anna Camellia, Golden Princess of Golden Camellia was held in Velvet Castle. There were many people attending, from the regr nobles who often attended parties, to new faces that came from faraway kingdoms to congratte the newly wed Golden Princess. Although the groom was a very unpopr choice, due to his debauched past, it seemed that the Golden Princess truly loved the marquis. They looked happy together, sharing their first dances and enjoying the wedding party. The nobles couldn''t me this marriage on the groom and brides, because they truly loved each other. Instead, they med it on Emperor Charles. He was the one who bestowed the marriage of the Golden Princess and Marquis Viete. ''The Emperor forced his sister to marry thatscivious marquis, he could have wed the Golden Princess to marry somebody else.'' ''Maybe he is trying to nder his sister. Since Golden Princess Rosalie married a wasteful marquis like Florentino, she wouldn''t have enough reputation to keep herself high and mighty. Besides, Golden Princess Rosalie really has nothing on her,pared to her predecessor, thete Golden Princess Camille.'' ''Yeah, she is already a waste either way.'' Charles heard everything, and he only scoffed. These stupid nobles always saw everything through the value and power. They didn''t even see the most basic use of a man and woman. Charles didn''t care who Rosalie would marry, but that slut Florentino Viete was her golden circle, he doubted that Rosalie would be willing to bear any child other than with Floren. ''I just need her toplete one simple task, so Aster wouldn''t be pressured about children once he became an Empress. After that, Rosalie can die and I could care less about it.'' ''Maybe I should do that so there will be no power struggleing from Rosalieter on'' Charles smirked as he developed his n. He was talking with some high nobles from other countries, and when he faced the Great King of Arctyr, he shook his hand warmly. "It is a pleasure to meet Great King Tuskan here," Charles said. Tuskan smiled and responded, "Congrattions for Golden Princess'' marriage. I wonder if Emperor Charles will marry soon." "Oh, I will marry, but I''m waiting for my Empress. He has been a bit stubborn," Charles chuckled, "But it''s fine, he will return sooner orter. I will find him and make sure that he will never be able to escape." Tuskan shuddered. He thought, after half a year of separation between Charles and Aster, he would slowly forget about Aster and moved on. He could just marry anyone and they would kiss his feet out of gratitude. ''Golden circle is truly a terrifying curse'' They talked about trading between Golden Camellia and Great Arctyr, so far, the rtions between these two rulers were really good, partly because Great Arctyr helped Emperor Charles to invade Dionde City. It was the thing that made Tuskan feel really guilty towards Aster. After Charles finished talking with Tuskan, his eagle eyes were looking around. He was waiting for that guy to appear, ''Irion Swordheart, Aster''s guard medal subordinate. No matter how you try to disguise yourself, I will know that it''s you.'' As his eyes were screening the party, he noticed that Great King Tuskan was making some suspicious gesture. He was sitting on a chair sideways with other guests, but his hands were hanging behind the chair. Then, a man walked past Great King Tuskan and then his hand brushed with that guy. That guy was wearing quite thick makeup, it wasn''t unusual within the noble circle, but it was still frowned upon. ''Tuskan is suspicious, he was always an awkward guy. How could he talk with these people so openly? They are all women from other countries. Also, that guy'' Charles tried to find the guy with thick make up who brushed past Tuskan, but he just vanished into thin air. Charles was getting even more suspicious, he didn''t want to suspect Tuskan for hiding Aster. Because the chance was almost impossible. Tuskan helped him destroy Dionde City. Knowing how dedicated Aster was for Dionde City, if Aster was in hiding right now, thest ce he would visit was definitely the Great Arctyr. ''Aster is someone with high pride, he would rather die than hide under the guy who helped destroy his city.'' ''But there is always possibility for everything'' Charles knew that his instinct was rarely wrong, he recalled the next schedule he would have in Great Arctyr, ''I remember that I have to send an envoy to attend the Autumn Festival in Great Arctyrter.'' Charles observed around, and he immediately found the best candidate, "Merry,e here," Charles said. Merry who had been enjoying the party while being surrounded by many men immediately came to Emperor Charles'' side. ''Ah, it worked! Emperor Charles must''ve been jealous because I got flirted with by many men!'' Merry was joyful, since the disappearance of Ramuja, she was a bit lonely. Because she lost one of her lovers, temporarily. ''Ah, Ramuja must''ve been changing his mind now. Instead of fighting for Bitch Aster''s freedom, he must be fighting to steal me away from the Emperor!'' Merry was dancing in the cloud, not knowing that Charles scoffed at her. ''What a ridiculous woman, but she is really unique indeed. Somehow, wherever she goes, she can stir up some huge trouble without even knowing what she did wrong. She is that epitome of disaster, a good pawn.'' "Why are you letting yourself be surrounded by many men?" Charles asked Merry. He grabbed Merry''s hand tightly, "It''s very unpleasant to look at." "DDon''t misunderstand, Your Majesty! I don''t have any feelings for any of them! I uhm" Merry blushed, she sat beside the Emperor, "I am only loyal to you." Charles almost crushed this girl''s hand, because she dared to sit beside him. He was holding his anger, but she was always getting on his nerves. "Well, I want you to prove your loyalty to me then. You see, that guy over there" Charles pointed at Tuskan, "He said that you are a gorgeousdy, but he is a very awkward man. He is the Great King Tuskan from Great Arctyr." Hearing the word ''Great King'' and ''Great Arctyr'' already made Merry excited. She knew that she was gorgeous, but to also attract a Great King, that was legendary! ''Oh my god, Great King is also very handsome. He is very tall, and he has a gorgeous skin! He will fit well with me!'' ''Ah, Prince Rama, Emperor Charles, and now Great King Tuskan, they are all in love with me. What to do should I be the ruler of three big monarchy?'' ''I mean, it''s inevitable. I am beautiful, I''m also a noble now, and my voice is amazing!'' ''Also, it seems Emperor Charles is already epting that I will also marry other men. His love for me must be really big, because he let me marry other men too'' Charles almostughed out loud, because he could read everything in Merry''s mind. This girl was delusional, but this was the perfect pawn he needed, "You see, I love you so much, but I will never stop you for anything that you want. There will be an Autumn Festival, simr to Autumn Banquet in Great Arctyrter. I will send you as an envoy there. If you want to talk with Tuskan, you have to chase him during that event, since he is very shy. Understand?" Merry nodded excitedly, "I''m d that Emperor Charles is fine with me marrying other men too. I know that your love is so great for me," Merry''s head was on the cloud, "Thank you, Emperor, for letting me be the future queen of other ces too. But I will rule justly!" Merry was already imagining how she would be hailed by three giant kingdoms as their ruler. ''Ah, I am like a heroine in a novel.'' Chapter 249: Ungrateful Chapter 249: Ungrateful After the wedding between the Golden Princess and Marquis Viete had ended, the distinguished guests left earlier because most of them were from other countries. Meanwhile, the Golden Camellia noblewomen were still gossiping to each other untilte at night, they were still gossiping about the evil Emperor Charles who wed his sister to a wasteful marquis. And they gossip about his cruelty in Dionde City and the fact that Grand Duke Aster was still missing, ''Maybe Grand Duke Aster is dead already, or at least locked in a tower created by Emperor Charles. You know, our Emperor is a bit sick.'' ''My god, I couldn''t believe that I was a diehard fan of the Charles and Aster romance book. I thought it was all real, maybe everything has always been one-sided, maybe Emperor Charles is just stuck in his fantasy with Grand Duke Aster. While Grand Duke has someone else in his mind'' ''Someone else? You mean, that ve that''s actually the Prince of Sun Kingdom? The top fugitive, Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom?'' ''Well, that shameless girl sang about the affair between Grand Duke Aster and his ve, who turned to be Prince Rama, not knowing that Prince Rama also cheated on him with that girl'' ''Speaking of that girl, she is definitely low born! My god, I can''t stand her act, she is obnoxious and manner less! Emperor Charles graced her with noble status, but it doesn''t change the fact that she is a low born!'' Merry heard everything and she stormed into the crowd of gossiping noblewomen, "How dare you all nder me behind my back! Don''t you know who I am?!" The noblewomen were startled because of Merry''s loud yell, but they soon regained theirposure. They closed their lips with their fans and sneered, "Ah, Countess of Belleresse, it''s very inappropriate for you to yell in front of us, mind your manner, thank you." "Sure thing, maybe you are just not used to manners anyway, I can rmend you a manner teacher, but I can only rmend up to preschool kids'' level." Merry was furious, but she couldn''t rebuke these noblewomen, they were just very skilled in this kind of indirect attack. She said, "You two are just regr nobles, you two are not within the level of high aristocrats like Emperor Charles, Great King Tuskan, and Crown Prince Rama!" The noblewomen snorted, "We are not within the same level as them, just like you. You are not even worth their time, stop thinking that you are a prize. You are barely a human." "Foul-mouthed girl, no wonder you don''t have any friends here." Merry''s anger had reached the top, she screamed on top of her lung, so every Golden Camellia''s nobles could hear her voices, "OH, YOU DON''T KNOW? BECAUSE EMPEROR CHARLES, GREAT KING TUSKAN, AND CROWN PRINCE RAMA ARE ALL IN LOVE WITH ME!" Merry said proudly. All heads turned over her, they were all surprised with the bold and brazen im from this woman. Charles who was still talking with other nobles were stupefied with the sudden im. Not in million years that he expected this woman to announce to the people that he ''loved'' her. The noblewomen were also shocked, they nced over to see Emperor Charles'' reaction, seeing his stupefied reaction, the noblewomen became bold again, "You are crazy! Don''t you see, His Majesty Emperor has Grand Duke Aster in his heart!" "He will soon forget about Aster and love me!" Merry imed. She was very confident that Emperor Charles would agree. Imagining about having the handsome Golden Emperor loving her made Merry very happy, she turned her head towards the Emperor, expected him to smile, but what she got waspletely different. Emperor Charles'' face was really scary, the people who were around him scattered, because the Emperor already exuded his pressuring golden aura, as if, what she said just now was something extremely offensive. "WWhat did I do wrong? Your Majesty, don''t you love me?" "SHUT UP!" Charles walked towards Merry whose leg trembled and fell on her knees. She didn''t know that her loving Emperor would show her that face. He was like a monster with ink ck eyes that made her almost forget to breath. "You dare ndering Aster," Emperor Charles said. He raised his hand, he was going to p this stupid girl until her skull cracked. Merry immediately shielded herself, trying to reason with the angered Emperor, "YYour Majesty! Spare me, I will help you catch Aster, so he will stay beside you! He is the only one worthy of being your Empress!" Emperor Charles finally regained some sense, he looked around and saw the remaining nobles almost fainted with fear. He looked at the stupid Merry and then scoffed, "Don''t ever say something thoughtless again, I warn you." He said. Charles left the party and the nobles around could finally breathe. They were all staring down at Merry with disgust, the two noblewomen before scoffed and said, "Look what you did, you almost killed us all with your thoughtless remark. Stupid, mannerless, and shameless, even my ve has more senses than you." Merry gritted her teeth and she stormed off the building, she jumped to her carriage and her carriage set off. She cried inside her carriage, ''Why did the Emperor say that?! He said that he loves me! Now I''m being shamed by some random low noblewomen!" ''Ah, this must be because Emperor Charles still has some love left for Bitch Aster! His love must have been split 50/50 between me and Aster, goddamnit!'' Merry clenched her fist, this was the first time she felt humiliated and shamed by many people, ''I will kill that stupid Bitch Aster! I know that Ramuja, Charles, and Tuskan love me, but they still have small love towards that Bitch! That bitch must''ve been drugging them with his charm! That Bitch already stole Ramuja from me, now he also wants to take everyone only for him! I can''t forgive his greediness!'' ''I will kill him! I will find his hiding and I will w his bitch face! Argh!'' Merry had never felt this much determination in her. She knew that she was the heroine, she was the girl that should get all the attention, but Aster stole everything from her! *** When she arrived at her castle, she stomped her feet and ran to her room. She cried because she felt that she had been humiliated, she had been persecuted by people who must have been sided with Aster. ''Those people must''ve been secretly colluding with Aster! I will execute them when I be the queen of three kingdoms!'' Knock. Knock. "Merry, it''s your mom, can Ie in?" Merry still sobbed, but she replied, "Yes, mom,e in" Lisa opened the door, she looked a bit older than two years ago, and she looked even thinner. Because she never enjoyed this noble life. Her life suddenly turned upside down after her daughter colluded with Emperor Charles and sang about the affair between Grand Duke Aster and Ramuja. She was disappointed in Ramuja, indeed, but looking at her daughter and wild son who always went out with many prostitutes, it pained her even more. She looked at her haggard daughter. Lisa sat beside Merry, shebed her disheveled hair and asked, "Merry, what happened?" "Mom Aster has been ruining our life. He stole Ramuja from me before, so Ramuja betrayed us, he also stole two men who had also fallen in love with me. I have been humiliated by the noblewomen in the Golden Princess party for saying the right thing" Lisa was a bit surprised. She knew that Merry and Milord Aster had a bit of resentment, most of it came from Merry though. But it was inevitable, because Merry loved Ramuja so much. But what about these two men? "Honestly, that Bitch Aster should just die" "MERRY!" Lisa snapped, "Don''t say such thing towards Milord Aster! His family has been helping us before you were even born!" Lisa scolded Merry relentlessly. "House of Arlingdon protected yourte grandparents because they stole a bag of bread, they were about to be executed, but Lord Harion''s father saved them and gave them shelter and job." "Later, Lord Harion and Lady Camille herself gave your father and I freedom, so we are not a ve anymore, they also gave us a plot ofnd, retaining our job and paying us decently!" "Don''t you know, Milord Aster himself provided us with enough food ration for every season after he returned back from Golden Pce! He said that you are his childhood friend! My daughter, don''t be ungrateful! House of Arlingdon is our lifeline!" Merry brushed her mother''s hand off her head and yelled back at her, "But we are rich now! We don''t need their help anymore! I can pay them all the cost they used to take care of us! I don''t have to respect that Bitch Aster anymore, I will w his face when I meet him again!" SLAP! Lisa''s hand hit her daughter''s cheek, it was spontaneous and Lisa immediately trembled out of guilt, "MMerry I just don''t want you to be an ungrateful person, Milord Aster really thinks of you as his best friend, he can always kill you if he wants to with only one order, but he never does such heinous things" Merry rubbed her bruised cheek, she red at her mother and called the guard, "GUARDS, TAKE MY MOTHER AWAY!" The guards outside opened the door immediately and dragged Lisa out of Merry''s room. Merry rubbed her bruised cheek again and she wiped the tears on her face. ''Even my mother takes Aster''s side. I can''t forgive him! He takes away every happiness that I have! Bitch Aster, I will burn your evil face!'' Chapter 250: Nineteenth Birthday Chapter 250: Neenth Birthday "You don''t need to do this, Tuskan. This is really unnecessary, you have a lot of documents to work on today, right?" Aster pulled Tuskan''s sleeve. Although he couldn''t see, he could hear the maids entering his room and loud chatters filled his room. They were preparing for his birthday today. "What do you mean unnecessary?" Tuskan frowned, he had been busy nning Aster''s birthday in this room. It would be attended by only two people, Tuskan and Mariette. But this was the least that he could do, because Aster turned neen today. "You don''t have to do this, my guests would only be you and Mariette anyway," Aster said. Tuskan sighed and continued ordering the maids around for the decoration. It took four hours until everything was ready, and the cake was brought to the room. It was a tall, three-levels cake befitting for a high aristocrat birthday. Mariette came to the room a bitte, when she arrived, everything had been settled. Tuskan led Aster to a chair near the cake and then looked at Mariette, "Perfect time, we are about to start." Marietteughed out loud, she pointed at Aster''s dazed expression, "Tuskan, you are more excited about Aster''s birthday than Aster himself! Look at his expression!" Tuskan nced at Aster who was still dazed. He was wearing a funny hat that was simr to what a kid would use during their birthday. Tuskan felt funny himself, "Ahahaha, I just want Aster to be happy for his neenth birthday!" Mariette drew near Aster and then said, "Aster, congrattions on your birthday today. I know that you are unhappy because of the situation, but at least you still have both of us, is that okay?" Aster finally responded, he smiled at Mariette''s direction and replied, "It''s fine, you guys did more than necessary to be honest. But I appreciate it a lot." Aster pulled Mariette''s sleeve, so Mariette''s cheek was at the same level as Aster''s face. Aster pecked Mariette''s cheek lightly, "Thank you." Aster grabbed Tuskan''s sleeve on his left, he also did the same and kissed Tuskan''s cheek, but it missed slightly and Aster kissed the end of Tuskan''s lips instead, "You too, Tuskan." Mariette felt that her heart turned soft. She never had this kind of little brother in her life. Because Tuskan had a hard shell, he was born to rule and was raised as a tough king in the future. There was no sign of Tuskan kissing her cheek or cuddling her like a dependent little brother. Mariette hugged Aster from behind and then showered him with kisses on the cheek, "Ahhh! Aster, you are so cute! You should be my twin brother instead! I will spoil you to death!" Aster was a bit surprised with Mariette''s sudden intimacy, but he epted it. After what Mariette did for him and Ramuja, he had a solid respect for Mariette. She wasmanding, firm, but did not abuse her power at all. Meanwhile, Tuskan was silent, but his hot gaze prated through Aster''s consciousness, Aster asked, "Tuskan, what''s wrong?" "Nothing," Tuskan casted his eyes down. He was afraid that staring at Aster for too long would be bad for his heart. There was an awkward silence for a few minutes, Mariette broke the silence by cutting the head of the cake and put it in front of Aster, "This is the head of the cake with candle, I''ll sing for you." "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Aster~ Happy birthday to you~ Go make a wish and blow the candle." Aster giggled, he blew the candle in front of him and the excited ps from Mariette filled the room, "Congrattions for your neenth birthday! What is your wish?" Aster grinned, "It''s something unachievable for the time being, it''s not worth mentioning." Mariete knew what was in Aster''s mind, but decided to y it dumb and ignored it. Meanwhile, Tuskan was still silent, he still gazed at Aster. Although Aster was blind currently, but somehow, Tuskan felt that Aster could read all his thoughts. He felt that Aster already knew everything within his heart, which made Tuskan feel vulnerable. Mariette took the knife and then held Aster''s hand, she cut the cake with Aster and then said, "Do you want to give the first slice to me or Tuskan?" "Tuskan," Aster said without hesitation. Mariette pouted, "I thought we are closer than this, I feel betrayed," she joked. She pulled Tuskan who was dazed to Aster''s side and then ordered Tuskan to kneel, so he was at the same level as Aster who was sitting. Tuskan was unsure whether Aster chose him first because there were only two people on his birthday, or there was something more about it. "Open your mouth, Tuskan," Aster said. Tuskan opened his mouth and ate the small slice of cake from the fork. "Aster, may I ask you something?" Tuskan opened his voice suddenly. "Hm? What is it?" "If" Tuskan gulped. He had been thinking about this for so long, but when faced with Aster''s curious expression, it got him chickened out. Tuskan clenched his fist, ''Don''t be the loser that will never say his love! Aster is your first love, you must try it! Man up, Tuskan!'' Tuskan took a deep breath and then continued, "If you are to be the Great Queen of Arctyr, would you ept the proposal?" There was silence for one minute, two minutes, three minutes, both Mariette and Aster werepletely stunned with Tuskan''s question. No, rather than a question, this was an indirect marriage proposal! "TTuskan, what in the world?!" Mariette reacted first, she wanted to pull Tuskan away, but he seemed to have a firm resolution in his heart, he continued, "Think about it, once you have bing the Great Queen of Arctyr, you will have enough power to show up again in the public, you will definitely be epted by the people of Great Arctyr. You can also return back to Golden Camellia without fearing Charles anymore" Aster was stupefied, but he was notpletely surprised. Because he knew that Tuskan loved him, it was just a matter of time that Tuskan would propose to him. But Tuskan proposed on his neenth birthday instead, ''So bold'' "So you are proposing to me?" Aster asked. "More or so yes," Tuskan nodded firmly. He was ready for rejection, he knew that Aster''s heart was already upied, but he didn''t want to lose before fighting. He didn''t want to regret his cowardliness. He waited for a reply from Aster, but what he got was silence instead. Aster seemed to be in a huge dilemma in his head. Aster bit his lip, ''I don''t want to break his heart Tuskan is far too kind, I don''t want to be the heartless bastard who destroyed the heart of my biggest benefactor'' ''But I don''t want to marry him either. Because because I''m already engaged with Ramuja, I think'' Aster took a deep breath and then replied, I''m not sure, but we have plenty of time, right? I don''t want to marry someone out of the blue, the best answer I can provide is that, I will think about it. Is that enough for you?" "Yes," Tuskan nodded firmly again. This was far better than he expected, because he expected an outright rejection from Aster. ''So that means, I still have a chance,'' Tuskan thought. Mariette was looking at this scene from the side and she sighed; ''It was clear that Aster just didn''t want to hurt Tuskan''s feelings. I know that his heart has been taken by Prince Rama. As much as I want to support my brother, I can''t lie that Aster and Prince Rama''s love is different.'' Mariette said nothing and acted as if nothing had happened, she tried to shift the topic, "How about we y some games?" *** It was a tiring day for Aster, but it was fun. Because he got to celebrate his neenth birthday, although he did it in the Great Arctyr with only Mariette and Tuskan as the guests. But he was happy. ''I just wish that Ramuja is here though'' Aster recalled his wish, his wish was very simple indeed, he just wanted to see Ramuja again. He finally met him about a month ago, but it was barely a reunion due to the restriction. When midnight came, the moon was at its peak and the balcony was opened. Aster was immediately awakened by the sound and he asked, "Who''s there?" A man approached Aster and then knelt in front of him, "Milord, I am Prince Rama''s subordinate. I''ve been watching over you from time to time because Prince Rama wants to know about your wellbeing here." "He said that he really wants toe for your birthday, but he is not really good at stealth and he has been sleeping for more than three days now." "Three days?! What happened?" Aster was panicked. He thought that everything would be fine until their next n, but Ramuja slept for three days means that something was wrong. "Yes, Milord, but it is not due to illness. He was just tired. He spent almost the whole month searching through the mountains and jungles of Golden Camellia, he is searching for something. He finally found it a week ago." "What is he searching for! If he needs something, I can just ask Irion to give him the money. His health is the most important!" "Milord, this thing that he is searching for cannot be bought by money, Milord, this is his gift for your birthday," the spy took out the medium sized box in his bag and then opened it, he took the thing inside the box gently and ced it in Aster''s hand. Aster''s finger trifled around the gift from Ramuja, and then he knew it immediately. "This is" "Yes, Milord. Prince Rama gifted you the Gardenia of Blooming Desire, the flower of eternal marriage. He doesn''t buy it with money, nor is it gifted by someone else. He searched far and wide without rest to find this sacred flower for you." The spy remembered how Prince Rama had lost weight and looked really haggard, but he was really happy. Prince Rama handed the flower to him and left a message for Milord Aster. "Milord, Prince Rama wants me to tell you this" I will be thest person who gives you the Gardenia of Blooming Desire. Ramuja. Chapter 251: A Ruthless Talent Chapter 251: A Ruthless Talent "Lord Harion, the people in Dionde City had been protesting nonstop for the whole summer. There were at least three protests in one week for the whole season. We cannot let turn blind eyes over this forever." "I know," Grand Duke Harion said. He sighed, he sipped his coffee as he watched over the beautiful garden designed by his son. ''Aster has a talent as a garden nner, maybe if he is not born in this house, he will be a sessful garden nner. He will be able to live free with someone he loved without so much pain like this'' Grand Duke Harion nced at his minister and then said, "You should leave, I will take care of itter." "But Milord, the people are dissatisfied with Emperor Audric V. Especially since Grand Duke Aster has been missing for more than eight months. The people are on our side, but if Emperor Audric V feels that the crowd is bugging him, he can sentence those people with treason and order execution for many people in Dionde. We don''t want another massacre to happen" "I have another thing in my mind, I will solve this soon. Don''t worry, you can leave now," Lord Harion said. The minister was also dissatisfied with Grand Duke Harion''s answer, but there was no room for discussion here. He left the room. ''Irion said that Aster ordered them to stay put. Let the dissatisfaction rise, they said there have been many smaller cities who grow dissatisfied with Charles. He is indeed a strong emperor, more than his father. But he is a warmonger. He waged war, conquered and colonized many smaller countries, but it took years for the colony to stabilize in a newnd.'' ''Meanwhile, the country is weakening for those first few years, because Golden Camellia depleted many soldiers that got killed during the campaign.'' ''And also about Empress. Charles should marry someone as soon as possible, or the Empress seat will be his downfall. Because Empress has the power to manage the politics of smaller houses. Without an Empress, those smaller houses have the power to scheme, bully the peasants and many more without any repercussion.'' Grand Duke Harion knew exactly what was in his son''s mind, it was indeed a despicable n, at least based on his pure image, this was definitely evil enough, ''Aster is nning to overthrow Emperor Charles by torturing his heart and sanity.'' Grand Duke gazed at the beautiful garden under him again, ''I know that you have your mother''s talent. But my son, sometimes, I wished that you weren''t born from us, I can''t bear seeing you ying this ruthless game like your mother did'' ''I''m sorry I can''t protect you well enough.'' *** Charles was sitting alone in his room. His breath was heavy, he drank the medicine that the pce doctor prescribed for him. Charles was in no way ill, he was perfectly healthy physically. It was just, the mental torture Aster had put into him started to corrode his sanity slowly. After drinking the medicine, Charles calmed down a bit, but the pain in his heart was still quite prominent. He put his hand on his heart and then said, "Aster, I know that you hate me so much, but can you please help me for a minute?" Charles gazed at the big painting of Aster in his room, "Please save me, my heart is hurting, I can barely control my breath and I can''t sleep. I just want to see you once." "Is this how you want to torture me? You want me to be driven mad by your disappearance, and then kill myself because of the excruciating pain? Aster, I thought I am the evil one here" Charles said. His eyes had turned golden, but his tears flowed freely. He didn''t sob, he didn''t whimper weakly, but his tears dropped to the ground, there was pain deeper, indescribable by just sobbing and whimpering. "Aster, don''t me me when I kill everyone who tries to hide you. You know our golden curse, Aster. You want me to die because of our bloodline curse, right?" Charles gritted his teeth, "I will, but after I killed you too. Don''t me me when I set the whole world on fire, I will kill everyone who tries to protect you, then we can die together." Charles felt that his sanity was slipping every day. He didn''t even care about the country administration anymore. He conquered many smaller countries to satiate his craving for that ve''s death for a few moments before he had to conquer another ce and enve most of the people again and again. "I will rule the people justly when you are by my side, Aster. I know that you love you Dionde so much, this might be the only way for you to return back." Charles had ordered his minister to announce that the government would execute anyone who dared to protest against the Emperor, including those in Dionde City, "When the winter starts, I will massacre your city again Aster. I will not stop unless you return, you love your people so much, right?" *** Irion checked on Prince Rama''s condition. He was still asleep after he searched far and wide around Golden Camellia''s mountains and jungles to find a Gardenia of Blooming Desire. The flower was indeed extremely rare, and it wilted within only a day after blooming if not picked and preserved immediately. It didn''t have any specific season to bloom, it just bloomed beautifully and wilted within the same day. It was more of a luck rather than hard work for someone to find a Gardenia of Blooming Desire himself. ''Well, he is extremely lucky, to find Gardenia of Blooming Desire by himself,'' Tuskan saw the Gardenia of Blooming Desire Prince Rama found before he gave it to his spy. Prince Rama''s Gardenia of Blooming Desire was pink and white on the edges. It was fresh and beautiful, which was rare. Irion recalled the nobles who had eternal Gardenia of Blooming Desire, there are some of the flowers who would stay fresh forever without any method of preservation, it had a specific characteristic, a golden pistil and three golden anthers. ''Let''s see Emperor Charles, Prince Rama, and uh Great King Tuskan? I remembered reading in a book that his father had a Gardenia of Blooming Desire, and it was passed down on him. But he is an Arctyrian, the flower doesn''t have deep meaning there, it was simply an extremely rare flower.'' There were only three men with Eternal Gardenia of Blooming Desire, but Prince Rama''s flower was even better than Charles and Tuskan''s because of one trait; ''Should I tell Prince Rama that his flower is the legendary Gardenia of Blooming Desire? His flower is self-preserving, and it has a golden pistil and four golden anthers instead of three. Hm'' Golden Pistil and four golden anthers in the flower were like four leaf clovers, ''The legend said that anyone with four anthers eternal Gardenia of Blooming Desire have the power to marry anyone without rejection. The person who proposed with this flower cannot be rejected, and his proposal will topple those of the kings. Even if he is a ve, he will be able to marry a queen of a country.'' ''I mean, I''m positive that Prince Rama''s Gardenia of Blooming Desire is that legendary flower, but if I tell him now, he will definitely march to Great Arctyr and marry Milord immediately, knowing how careless and emotional he is, he will definitely ruin our n. Best to keep it a secret for now'' Irion subordinate appeared in front of him and asked, "Sir, the protests have been quite effective to destabilize the country. The peasants grow dissatisfied because the localndlords and nobles pressure them without any repercussion, and the Golden Pce turns blind eyes about this. The people in Dionde City have beenpletely losing their trust to Emperor Charles. "Good, did the protests in Dionde City was driven by Milord Aster''s disappearance?" "Yes, it is the main problem. They really resented Emperor Charles after what he did during Winter Feast, and Grand Duchy Stormhill had lost their best Grand Duke due to the Emperor''s insanity," the subordinate reported. "Good, keep a good watch over the situation, Milord Aster says that we will execute our next n when the harsh winter starts," Irionmanded. The subordinate nodded and then disappeared. "Well, there is something that we can do soon, we can help King Gaum Cresthold to realize that he is not a good ruler Milord already suggested this for a while, but I think next autumn will be the best time to do this," Irion checked the document in his table. It was a letter prepared by Milord before the winter massacre, it was about Gaum and Gamasiel Cresthold. I already nted a mole disguised as Vassal Kingdom Rhea''s new economy minister. He will be destroying Rhea''s unstable economy once Gaum dares to betray me. Once the economy is unstable again, frame Gaum by killing theatose Gamasiel. - Aster Irion nodded, he gulped because he was nervous after reading this, "Milord, is much more capable and ruthless than I expected. But it is bound to happen, I just discovered that Gaum was already colluding with Emperor Charles. Gaum was the one who secretly ordered his men to participate in the Winter Massacre of Dionde City, his shadow guards were the one who doubled the casualty of the people." Irion sighed, "Maybe he already found out about the death of thete Empress Beatrice that was caused by Milord Aster. This might be his way to avenge Empress Beatrice''s death, by doubling the casualty of the people ruled by Aster." "Well, since he dug his own grave, don''t me me for being ruthless. I am just following Milord''s order." Chapter 252: Connection Chapter 252: Connection Ramuja was finally woken after he slept for the whole week, he only woke up, dazed, ate and then slept again. He was like a hibernating sloth for the whole week. It was reasonable though, he spent the previous month searching for Gardenia of Blooming Desire, at first, there were plenty of his soldiers who followed and helped him search. But they were unable to keep up because Ramuja refused to take a rest at all. He only slept one hour at most daily during his expedition. It was understandable that almost ny percent of his initial followers decided to give up and begged him to rest, any normal person would die under such circumstances. But Ramuja was determined to find that flower, since he was unable to meet his master, then at least, he could give him something really memorable, ''Also, I already gave Milord a temporary engagement ring, of course I have to give him the Gardenia of Blooming Desire too! If Gaum and Charles can give him that flower, then I can too!'' After Ramuja woke up from his deep slumber, the first thing he did was to take a bath and then searched for Irion. He went out and then looked around, the soldiers were still training and some were resting on the side. But Irion was nowhere to be seen. "You, where is Irion?" Ramuja asked one of the soldiers, he bowed deeply at Prince Rama and then replied, "My Prince, Sir Irion left the mansion yesterday, he is preparing to attack Vassal Kingdom Rhea." "Vassal Kingdom Rhea? Attack?" Ramuja was startled. There was no information about this previously, and he thought that they had to stay still until autumn season came. Ramuja went inside Irion''s office and found a letter, and found the head butler was clearing the office. When Prince Rama entered, the head butler bowed immediately and said, "My Prince, Sir Irion said to me that Prince Rama should stay put, because something would happen soon in Vassal Kingdom Rhea. *** At midnight, Irion entered the Rhea Pce with ease. He had lived in this pce for a short period of time when Milord had to run away from his mother, ''How nostalgic, this pce was the shelter for Milord who tried to regain his footing.'' He jumped from one building to another, he slipped through the night watchers and then appeared behind them, he shed their necks clean and then jumped andnded on a balcony. ''Ah, damn, I think I''m still too slow, there is so much blood in my knife,'' Irion sighed and wiped the bloodstained knife with his handkerchief. Irion was already a highly skilled assassin, although he was still not as proficient as Jain Teh. ''Jain died too early, it would''ve been easier if Jain is here. He can kill this vegetative king without even a drop of blood on his knife,'' Irion never liked to kill someone stealthily. Because he took pride of himself being a royal knight. But assassination had so many use, including silently killing someone and framed his rtives. Irion opened the balcony door and saw Gamasiel Crestholdying on his bed. His vigorous body was just a matter in the past, he was now thin and pale. He closed his eyes peacefully, unmoving like a dead person. But if you checked his heartbeat, he was still alive, barely. Irion walked to his side and checked his breathing, "Wow, Prince Rama really did you harsh, I feel bad." Irion scratched his head, he really did underestimate Prince Rama. Because Gamasiel was in this state after fighting with Prince Rama. Irion checked Gamasiel''s condition, "Broken backbones,cerated tissue, uh cracked skull. Man, you are lucky that you are not dead, yet. But, it''s your fault for touching Milord Aster. You know that he is not someone to be messed around with." "Anyway, I will kill you right here, right now. No hard feelings, but I need your kingdom to fall down. You will see from heaven that your people are killing each other for a slice of bread, and you will see your gorgeous pce ransacked by angry civilians. Don''t me me though, me it on your brother. He is just too willful. What''s the use of him participating in the massacre anyway? To avenge thete Empress Beatrice? She is bound to die because of her own naivety." "Oh well, you can me yourself too, at least you partake in this downfall by easily jumping into the honey trap set by Milord. He is far more dangerous than you think!" Irion was very happy when he recalled the moment his master schemed against many people, "Ah, Milord is just so awesome, I hope he can return soon. I can''t wait to be whipped by him, I will ask for a hundred whips!" "Ah, I talked to much, pardon my impertinence," Irion put his knife on Gamasiel''s neck and shed it clean, ''Well, it''s clean kill kind of,'' Irion wiped the knife again and confirmed that Gamasiel was dead. ''It''s time to meet Milord''s mole, I remember that he lives in this pce because he is an important minister for the livelihood of the people in Rhea.'' Irion closed the balcony and then jumped to one building after another, he ended at the top of the western pce, it was mostly inhabited by high ranking ministers whom Gaum ordered to stay and live in Rhea Pce, ''Milord said that he is living in the room at the end of the building.'' Irion jumped from one balcony to another andnded on a balcony at the furthest side of the building. Irion knocked the balcony door politely and after three knocks, the man inside lit a candle and stared at Irion in his corridor. Irion showed his guard medal to the man and the balcony door was finally opened. Irion opened his mask and then asked, "Ah, I really don''t realize that you are Minister of Economy in Vassal Kingdom Rhea." "That is alright, I don''t like attention anyway. Any attention from the nobles in Golden Camellia is deadly," the man said. Irion nodded in tacit agreement. "How is Aster?" the man asked. "Well, Milord is alright, but he does need your help in this. But is it alright though? Your life might be in danger after this, because your decision will inevitably ruin the kingdom in one go." "It''s fine, I just want to help Aster. We are still distant cousins, but because I fell in love with a ve, Aunt Camille casted my family away." "That''s unfortunate but did you?" "Yes, I married her. I already have two sons," the man said, "If you are curious why I would help Aster after years of anonymity, that''s because Aster is secretly helping my family to survive, because King Gaum forbade me to bring my wife who was a former ve here." "Since Aster also fell in love with a ve, I guess it makes us arade." Irion nodded, Milord Aster mentioned from time to time that he had a distant cousin that was talented in economy, but got exiled because he chose to marry his ve lover rather than retaining his noble status. Turned out, this guy had been hiding in Rhea and was secretly hired by Gamasiel due to his talent. "Well, let''s make this a sess for Milord Aster and for all of us, Sir Adder," Irion said. *** Merry was pacing back and forth as she wiped the sweat on her forehead. She had been summoned by her lover, Emperor Charles to his chamber. ''Emperor Charles finally summons me back, does this mean that he already forgives my slip-up that time? I mean, he shouldn''t be angry for too long! Even though his love is divided between me and that bitch Aster, I obviously have more worth!'' The chamber door was finally opened and the head butler escorted Merry to meet Emperor Charles. "This noble, beautifuldy is present in front of Your Majesty Emperor Charles," Merry bobbed a curtsy in front of Charles. Charles scoffed, ''Noble, beautifuldy, what a superb confidence.'' "Well, Merry, you know that I can''t be angry with you for too long," Charles said. "Yes! Your Majesty, you shouldn''t be angry for too long! I mean, look at your appearance right now, you look sleepless and tired, you must''ve been thinking about me day and night. But it''s alright I forgive you, Your Majesty. Because uhm because I love you" Merry responded enthusiastically. Charlesughed and ignored her usual stupidity, he smirked, "Well, it''s fine. I am alright now. I''ve been sleepless because I keep thinking about sharing you with Great King Tuskan and Prince Rama. I think I''m ready now." Charles almostughed because what he said sounded very stupid, but Merry was so moved with his words, she thanked him happily, "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will be your good Empress too!" "I want you to meet Great King Tuskan in Great Arctyr, there is an Autumn Festival in Great Arctyr Pce soon. You will be the representative from Golden Camellia, you''re a graceful woman, I''m sure you can be a great representative," Charles smirked, "Make sure to look around the pce, it will be your pce too after all." "Yes! Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!" Merry wanted to hug Charles, but Charles just pushed her lightly and he left the chamber. Merry looked at Charles who finally left the chamber and she pouted, ''Ah, he is still embarrassed to hug me. Oh well, at least now I have Emperor Charles'' love in my pocket! Once I get Great King Tuskan''s love, I''m ready to be the queen of three kingdoms!'' Chapter 253: A Walking Disaster Chapter 253: A Walking Disaster The news about the death of King Gamasiel spread fast. Because Vassal Kingdom Rhea itself was a small vassal state, the news already made it to the ears of the people in the afternoon, on the same day of King Gamasiel''s death. The court ruled the king''s death because of prolonged injury and he simply couldn''t sustain his life longer. But, the rumor about an assassination also spread as fast, or maybe faster than the actual news from the court. It was rumored that King Gaum himself was the one who ordered an assassination to his older brother, why? Because the head doctor who took care of King Gamasiel said that his health has been getting better and better, and there was a high chance that King Gamasiel would recover soon. King Gaum himself wasn''t a bad ruler, butpared to his mighty older brother, what he had was just his charming face. Which was not enough to rule the kingdom. The monarch''s funeral was held in the evening to prevent the body from dposing. King Gaum made a heartfelt speech about his older brother, but there were whispers everywhere, they were using King Gaum of being greedy and killing his own brother for power. Gaum heard everything, but he kept a straight face, until the night arrived and he returned back to his pce. He went to his room and then raged inside his room, "ARGH!" Gaum destroyed everything inside his room to calm his rage. He was furious because that useless Gamasiel still created trouble even after his death, and the real culprit behind the assassination was still missing. "This must''ve been Aster''s doing. He finally realized that I colluded with Emperor Charles during the Winter Feast Massacre," Gaum''s handsome face twisted and turned ugly, he gritted his teeth, "It is him that killed Empress Beatrice, and it is him that pulled out his money aid after he became Grand Duke. He deserves it! He is the ruthless one!" Gaum kept raging, he imagined Aster was standing in front of him, he grabbed the thin air and then choked the imaginary Aster until Aster begged, "Aster, do you know how much I want to make you my useless bitch!" After a while, Gaum finally rxed and he ordered the guard to call Sir Adder, the Minister of Economy in Vassal Kingdom Rhea. Sir Adder entered the King''s room, and he saw the furiousness in King Gaum''s eyes. Sir Adder bowed his head respectfully, "Does Your Majesty have any task for this minister?" "Yes, the economy in Rhea will be in turmoil soon. Because there are people who still live in Rhea because they are loyal to Gamasiel, once he is dead, they will leave. Go create a policy that prioritizes the peasant first, they are the top priority, I don''t want any riot to happen." "Yes, I understand, Your Majesty," Adder eyed Gaum and said, "Your Majesty should take a rest, you look very tired." Gaum hummed and then kicked Adder out, Adder smirked as he walked through the corridor, ''I pledge my servitude to Gamasiel, since he is dead now, you have no control over me, Gaum.'' *** "Ah, everything is ready." Merry checked three luggage she would bring to the Autumn Festival in Great Arctyr. She was satisfied with the choice of clothing, she was actually thinking about asking Emperor Charles for dresses just now. However, fortunately, Emperor Charles was sensible enough to send some new dresses as gifts, "Ah~ Emperor Charles is so generous! He must''ve been thinking that I am the most beautiful, of course I have to wear the most beautiful dress too!" Merry danced around the hallway as she asked her servants to bring the luggage to the carriage. She had to leave her pce early, because she would board the ship in the evening. "Merry Do you really have to go? Be careful there, I sew a dress for you," Lisa came out of her room and asked her about the decision. Merry was tired of seeing his nagging mother, because she was still not used to thisvish lifestyle. She still dressed like a regr peasant, and she still ate like a regr peasant! ''If only I have parents like Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Stormhill, that would be nice. They are two good looking aristocrats with distinguished backgrounds and looked very good together.'' ''Meanwhile, I''m stuck with my mother,'' Merry looked up and down and checked the clothing that her mother wore today, she scoffed and sneered to her mother, "Just shut up mom, you are not helping at all with your useless preaches! Just go throw away your rag clothes instead!" Lisa was holding a dress that she sewed alone, she wanted her daughter to look good in Great Arctyr, since she was the representative of Golden Camellia, "At least, take this dress with you, I sewed it myself, it should look good on you." Merry looked at the dress on her mother''s hand. It was an orange dress, while it looked good at the first nce, but if one inspected a bit more, they would realize that it wasn''t an expensive dress. Merry was disgusted. "I am a noblewoman now, I don''t wear this kind of cheap dress! You are going to embarrass me in Great Arctyr with your ve dress! Throw it away!" Merry yelled at her mother. Lisa was shocked with her daughter''s remark, she stared at the dress that she made. "But I made it myself" Lisa said. "Ugh, I don''t have time for your low taste!" Merry didn''t seem to care about his mother''s words anymore and she jumped to the carriage, and then she left her mother with a scoff. ''What is she thinking anyway! I told her many times that we are a noble now, we don''t wear cheap stuff! I will be the queen of three kingdoms, and that kind of dress she sewed is like the dust cloth! Ugh, why do I have to be born from a ve like her, it''d be better if I''m born straight as an aristocrat instead!'' Merry scowled. ''This is why that Bitch Aster has a fun and easy life! Because he is born from a rich, high aristocratic family. His parents are very handsome and pretty, so he got the best out of both. He also has many people protecting him! He was born lucky, and he still manages to be a bitch, what a waste!'' *** "The Autumn Festival will be held tomorrow morning?" Aster asked Tuskan who was walking side by side with him. They were walking around the garden filled with autumn flowers. "Yes, everything has been prepared, I''m sorry that I can''t meet you for the whole day tomorrow, because I have a lot of guests from other countries as well," Tuskan said. Aster chuckled, "What of it? It''s fine, remember, your duty as a king is really important, you can''t just abandon your duty because of nobody like me." "You are not a nobody," Tuskan replied firmly. He held Aster''s hand tightly, "You are not a nobody for me." Aster had a faint smile on his face, he was unable to refute it either. Because what Tuskan said was true, Aster was important in Tuskan''s heart. The premise was clear. It was Aster that wanted to distance himself, but Tuskan was a tough and stubborn man. "Well, just do your duty well. Oh, you said that the guests are free to roam around the pce during the Autumn Festival, right?" "Yes, the noble guests can roam around freely, while the selected peasants can only enjoy the party in the main courtyard. That''s why, it''s really dangerous for you to roam around, I hope you understand," Tuskan said. "I will hide inside my room for the whole day, no need to worry," Aster smiled, but his smile turned into a bitter one, "How about the representative from Golden Camellia? Will Charles attend the festival?" "No, Golden Camellia said that they will be sending a representative, a noblewoman will attend the festival instead." "A noblewoman? You mean, Golden Princess Rosalie? She just got married for a few months, I don''t think she will ept being separated with her husband for now," Aster frowned. "No, it''s not Golden Princess Rosalie. The identity of this distinguished noblewoman is well hidden, Golden Camellia said that she will be a surprise for the party," Tuskan looked at Aster worryingly, "We know that Charles is a sly fox, we don''t know whether he already realizes that you are hiding here or not. But it''s better for you to stay safe. DO NOT leave your room, okay? I will put two servants in front of your room instead of guards to avoid suspicion." Aster chuckled, "You worry too much, it will be fine." Tuskan gazed at Aster''s sunny face. The more he stared at this person, the more he couldn''t take his eyes off Aster. Like a deep fantasy, Aster simply drowned him into a never-ending dream full of sweet love. ''Even if you got discovered, I have a way so Charles will never take you back. Although you might resist, this is for your own good Aster'' Chapter 254: A Walking Disaster II Chapter 254: A Walking Disaster II The Autumn Festival in Great Arctyr was held on Sunday. Saintess Celine City harbor was crowded withvish ships from other neighboring countries and there were also smaller ships from other smaller countries colonized by the Great Arctyr to attend the Autumn Festival. The Autumn Festival in Great Arctyr was slightly different than Autumn Banquet in Golden Camellia. Because the Autumn Festival was held only once every five years, and it was always five timesrger than any Autumn Banquet in Golden Camellia. The festival was tomemorate the good harvest for thest five years in Great Arctyr. Aster heard the crowd of people chattering andughing together in the corridor. He smiled and then continued to enjoy the autumn breeze in his room. He was unable to sit on the balcony, fearing that someone might saw a mysterious man on the balcony. Thus, Aster asked the maid to open the balcony door and he sat on the sofa inside the room instead. The cool breeze of autumn was always his favorite, because of his condition, he was unable to endure the summer heat. Although his skin condition got better as he aged, he still had the ufortable rash when the heat was too much, thus, his affinity to cold season never really disappeared. ''The only thing missing here is Ramuja who would constantly nag at me for not taking care of my health seriously. He is an even worse nagger than Anne or any kind of grandma, seriously,'' Aster chuckled. Honestly, Aster was a bit scared that someone from Golden Camellia would discover him, but Tuskan said that the maids outside will tightly guard the door. He was unable to dispatch guards to protect the door though, because it would raise suspicion from other nobles instead, in which Aster agreed. ''I hope everything will go well'' *** "Wow, Great Arctyr Pce is much more majestic than what I expected," Merry was amazed by the architecture of Great Arctyr Pce. Although it didn''t have that golden gate, or golden statue like in Golden Pce, it was twicerger than Golden Pce. And it looked like everything was in order in Great Arctyr Pce. The carriage stopped and then the coachman opened the door, Merry stepped outside with her white heels, she wore a purple dress with star decoration surrounding the waistline, her dark hair was thickly braided. She created an air of a beautiful, soft and dignifieddy. Everyone in the main hall knew that thisdy was definitely from Golden Camellia, because the dress looked really expensive,pletely out of reach from a regr noble. All eyes were instantly focused on her. Merry was indeed very beautiful, she had a doe eyes, full cheek, and she had an ideal stature. However, she emitted this innocent aura around her, which drew the attention of the men. Merry smiled beautifully, inside her heart, she was enjoying all the attention, ''Ah, I know I''m born to be a queen. I am extremely beautiful, much more beautiful than Aster. Of course, people will like me, I was just unlucky to be born from ve parents. But the priority is not these low nobles, I know that Great King Tuskan must have been waiting for me.'' The crowd of men who flocked around Merry started courting on her, trying to woo her with their charm and wealth, but Merry did not budge at all. She only smiled faintly and responded politely, ''Disgusting! They are all low nobles! Emperor Charles is like a hundred times richer, stronger, and more handsome than them and he never mentioned anything about his appearance!'' ''I am fit with the high aristocrats, not some low scum like them!'' Merry excused herself from the crowd and she looked around to find the Great King. Tuskan was actually busy talking with the other kings from other nations, discussing further possibilities of trade or diplomatic rtions. He didn''t bother with some random nobles. After Merry spotted the Great King, she was getting excited, because Tuskan was wearing his Great King garment instead of a regr noble garment like he did during the Golden Princess'' wedding. Tuskanwore a white and silver tuxedo with a red rose in his pocket. He wore a waist length, star blue robe on his left shoulder, and he wore the crown of the Great King. Tuskan was really tall as he was slightly taller than big Ramuja, he also looked handsome and vigorous with his short auburn hair and beautiful green eyes. When Merry saw the crown, she already imagined how beautiful the crown was for the Great Queen. She approached the crowd of the kings slowly and then acted as if she tripped, "Ouch!" the ss of wine in her hand fell and wet Tuskan''s suede shoes. "AAh! Pardon me, Your Majesty, I tripped!" Merry looked up to Tuskan and other kings. She already lowered her dress a bit, so her cleavage was showing slightly, the other kings were instantly enchanted with such beauty that they were stunned silly. Tuskan himself noticed that this girl was the one who was with Emperor Charles during the Golden Princess wedding. He was actually a bit annoyed, because this girl was definitely intentionally trying to show her charm, because her cleavage was showing slightly, as if she was inviting the kings to indulge in it. He sighed and then helped thedy get up, "I''m fine, are you alright though? Did you get hurt?" Tuskan asked out of politeness. Merry blushed instantly, "I I am alright, I''m sorry, Your Majesty" Merry tried to lean closer to Tuskan''s arm, so her chest was pressed on Tuskan''s arm, she smiled charmingly, "Thank you for the help" Tuskan was disgusted with such undignified act, in front of the kings, this girl shamelessly seduced him. But he couldn''t get angry at her either, because she was the guest from Golden Camellia, thus, he still had to respect her. Technically, although Golden Camellia and Great Arctyr was in the same power hierarchy, Golden Camellia still had a slight upper hand due to their enormous economy, which, at least thirty percent of it came from the contribution of Grand Duchy Stormhill to the country. "Miss, your face is a bit red, is the wine too much for your tolerance? If you are tipsy, please drink water and take a walk around the pce. I''m sure you will get better once you take a tour around," Tuskan suggested. Merry''s smile got wider as her beautiful dark pupils dted. "Thank you for Your Majesty''s suggestion, I will take a walk around, to familiarize myself with Great Arctyr Pce," Merry said, ''Because this will be my third pce~'' Tuskan frowned upon hearing her response, but he had a serious talk with the kings here, he almost struck a trade deal with a neighboring country, thus he nodded and Merry finally let go of her hands. She was happy with how Tuskan reacted. ''Ah, he reacted positively. He must''ve been wanting to kiss and embrace me, but because there are so many kings in front of him, he was embarrassed! Maybe he will be the one who takes my virginity right after this autumn festival? Oh my, what should I say to Emperor Charles and Prince Rama! Hm well, they loved me too much, of course they will forgive me and love me unconditionally!'' Merry walked around the Great Arctyr Pce. The pce was indeed majestic from the outside and the inside. The pce was decorated mostly with white marble, and the porcin vases nted with rare flowers in the corridor gave this Great Pce the clean and fresh atmosphere. Merry was deep inside her imagination that she forgot the corridor she walked. The Great Arctyr Pce was twice bigger than Golden Pce, which was already huge. She looked around and saw no one on this side of the pce. Not even a guard or servant, maybe because the event had started, so the nobles and servants gathered in the main pce. She walked around to find a servant to help her go back to the main pce, until she stumbled upon a corridor with a single room. There were two maids chatting outside, tightly guarding the door. She walked to them, wanting them to guide her back. When she was near the maids, the maids didn''t realize that someone was near them. "Ah, Milord must have been sad, his beauty was breathtaking, it is a waste that he cannot join the party!" "Yeah, that''s right, but maybe when he bes our next queen, he will be able to attend parties with His Majesty Great King. Maybe he can attend a party in Golden Camellia too, his birthce" Merry was shocked with the words ''he'', ''queen'', and ''Golden Camellia.'' ''The queen position is mine! Who is this guy! Dares taking my throne!'' Merry rushed and confronted the maid, "Open the door! I want to talk with the one inside this room!" The maids were shocked with the sudden appearance of this woman, but they did their duty and said, "Pardon us, Miss. But His Majesty Great King does not allow any visitor to enter this room." Merry didn''t care, he pushed the maids to the side and she pushed the door, but it was locked, "Unlock the door!" "MMiss, no one is allowed, this is the direct order from the king himself" "Do you know who I am? I am the distinguished noblewoman from Golden Camellia, I am the important guest here! I am also the fiance of Emperor Audric V! Do you want to lose your head for disrespecting the next Empress of Golden Camellia?!" The maids were so scared when this woman boldly imed that she was the next empress of Golden Camellia. Great Arctyr and Golden Camellia had a long bloody history, they didn''t want to cause another war. The maid gulped, her hands trembled as she took the key and unlocked the door. Merry pushed the door and went immediately. Aster was dazed as he sat on the sofa, he was half asleep, but he heard the door was mmed open. His head turned at the door and asked warily, "Who''s there?!" Merry couldn''t believe what she saw. She saw the man with his signature ethereal beauty, sitting leisurely on the sofa, her gaze darkened as the umted anger inside her heart finally burst. Merry cursed at this guy in front of him with a voice almost like a hiss, "You dirty bitch." Chapter 255: A Walking Disaster III Chapter 255: A Walking Disaster III "I didn''t know that after you became a slut to Ramuja, now you sell yourself to the Great King so he would give you shelter, you dirty bitch," Merry cursed. She had deep hatred towards the man in front of him, especially when she noticed that nothing had changed much from his appearance. In fact, after almost a year of hiding, this guy had grown to be even more stunning. He had his soft features defined slowly, he still had that beautiful golden hair, seductive thin lips, and his golden eyes Merry was surprised when she found that Aster''s golden eyes had gone, his eyes were just light blue right now, there was no golden circle around his pupil. Merry approached Aster hastily, but Aster didn''t seem to respond, in fact, he didn''t blink at all. Merry realized that something was wrong with Aster. She pushed the sofa and Aster fell backwards with the sofa without much fight, "Ah!" The sofa fell and Aster hit his head, he tried to find his walking stick, his hand searched around panicky. ''He is blind! He is really blind! Thank god!'' Merry was joyous in her heart. Sheughed happily as she pulled Aster''s hair forcefully, "Wow, Grand Duke Aster really lost his eyesight, his beautiful eyes disappear too, now he is worthless, hiding in this room like a beggar~" Merry taunted. Aster hand trembled, he couldn''t see anything in front of him, but he felt that Merry in front of him was a different Merry that he knew in his childhood memory, "Merry let go." "Let go? Bitch, you took everything from me, you took Ramuja''s love, you took you took" Merry had a hard time remembering what kind of thing Aster took from her, but she shook her head, "It''s not important! You are just a slut!" "You are unreasonable," Aster said low, "Let me go now," Aster ordered. "Please, didn''t you see our position has changed? You are now a fugitive, I am the future Empress of Golden Camellia! I am the future Great Queen of Arctyr! And I''m also the future Sun Queen of Sun Kingdom! They all love me!" Aster was startled with such a bold im. But the more he listened to it, the more he realized that Merry was deluded beyond help. Somehow, Aster took a pity on her. She must''ve been craving for love. Merry noticed Aster pitying her, which made her blood boil. She pulled Aster''s hair and then pushed him again, his head hit the wall, "DON''T PITY ME! I AM ALSO A NOBLE NOW!" Aster gritted his teeth, he was at such disadvantage because he couldn''t see anything. His hand frantically searched around for his walking stick, but Merry found it first. She tapped Aster''s head with his walking stick and said, "Are you searching for this? Too bad, you are a blind bitch now!" SMACK! SMACK! Merry hit Aster with the walking stick ruthlessly. Aster cowered on the corner while trying to shield himself, "Help! Ramuja, Irion!" Aster tried to call for the shadow guards to protect him. But no one came. Aster gritted his teeth, ''I don''t want to be abused by someone like her!'' Aster tried to catch the end of the walking stick, when he finally caught it, he pulled the walking stick towards him and then punched the ck figure in front of his eyes. "Ack!" Merry fell to the ground as her left cheek was punched. Meanwhile, her right jaw hit the table and she was dizzy for a minute due to the concussion. "Ugh" Merry felt that something was missing in her mouth. She spat and two of her front teeth fell to the ground. Merry was shocked for a moment and she screamed; "AAAAH!" She looked in the mirror and saw that two of her front teeth were hollow. She red at Aster furiously, she was thinking to y around and taunt this bitch for a moment before ruining his face, but all she wanted right now was to ruin Aster''s face, "YOU BITCH!" *** The scream inside Milord Aster''s room could be heard by Irion''s shadow guard and Ramuja''s spy. They instantly nodded together and jumped to save Milord Aster, but two poisonous needles flew towards them. They dodged in hurry and fell to the private garden. They stuck together and observed the surrounding, trying to find the culprit. "No need to look around like that, we are here," two women emerged from the tree, they were fully covered with only their hawk eyes ring at them, "Irion Swordheart and Prince Rama''s subordinates. So, Grand Duke Aster is really hiding in Great Arctyr, no wonder we cannot find him anywhere, Milord Aster is indeed a smart man." "Emperor Charles will be very happy with the news, he will be married soon with Milord Aster," the two women prepared their daggers and attacked. Irion and Ramuja''s subordinates were forced to fight these women, unable to help at all. *** Mariette was walking towards the direction of Aster''s room, when she heard the scream from far away, she immediately rushed to the room. She saw the two maids who were supposed to guard Aster''s room was missing and the door was open wide. ''Where are the shadow guards!?'' Merry panicked. She ran towards Aster''s room. When she was at the doorway, she saw a foreign woman attack Aster. She was madly trying to w Aster''s face with her sharp nails. Aster''s shirt had been forcefully stripped and he had been cornered. "YOU ARE A DIRTY BITCH! YOU SHOULD BE UGLY AND DISGUSTING! WHAT IS THE USE OF THAT FACE! ARGGH!" Merry was wing Aster who curled up to protect himself. Thus, his body was scratched badly with many scratches prating his thin skin. "ASTER!" Mariette rushed and she pulled the madwoman. Merry lost her bnce and she fell to the ground again. She red at Mariette who dared to disturb her, her red eyes looked scary and intimidating, as if the gentle Merry who stole all the attention in the Autumn Festival never existed. "You are Great Princess Mariette, right?! Why in hell you let a bitch like him take a shelter in this pce! You guys have been seduced by him!" SLAP! "Watch your mouth!" Mariette yelled. She nced at Aster who was trembling with all the scratches on his body. He still buried his head in his folded thigh. Mariette cracked her finger as she shifted her attention to this woman called Merry. Mariette had never been this angry before, "You are bullying my little brother." Mariette took the candlestick on the table and smashed Merry''s face with it. Merry screamed, she tried to fight by trying to pull Mariette''s leg. But Mariette raised her feet and stomped at Merry''s hand with her high heel, "I''m not blind." Mariette said coldly. "Arrgghh!" Merry screamed. The sharp heel was piercing her hand. She struggled to get up, but Mariette ruthlessly beat Merry''s back with the candlestick. "YOU ARE HITTING THE FUTURE QUEEN! YOU ARE HITTING THE FUTURE EMPRESS! I WILL EXECUTE YOU!" Merry cursed uncontrobly. The prolonged pain had made her stupid. Mariette scoffed, "Hmph, I will beat you until you wake up." Mariette beat Merry until Merry''s consciousness drifted away slowly. Feeling that the madwoman finally lost her consciousness, Mariette finally stopped hitting her. She took a deep breath as her chest palpitated. "I will report you to the ministry and execute you for" BOOM! Mariette was startled with the sudden smoke bomb. She coughed and tried to find Aster who was still cowering on the corner. Slowly, the smoke dissipated and the body of that madwoman had gone. "GOLDEN CAMELLIA BROUGHT THEIR SHADOW GUARDS!" Mariette screamed. She took her crystal ball to alert the soldiers. She smashed the ball on the ground and the loud ringing was heard throughout the pce. Aster who was still cowering on the corner finally raised his head, he saw a ck figure in front of him, he trembled and reacted by hitting the air in front of him. Mariette caught Aster''s hands and said, "Aster, it''s me, Mariette." Aster stopped hitting and he was stunned for a moment, "MMariette!" he hugged the woman in front of him. His body still trembled out of fear, "II don''t know how Merry could find me I" "It''s fine, she''s gone now," Mariette tried to pacify Aster. She wanted to pat Aster''s back, but looking at the grievous scratches on his back, she only gritted her teeth and patted Aster''s hair. Tuskan who heard the crystal rm ran as fast as he could to Aster''s room. He was stupefied with the sight of messy room, blood sttered on the floor and furniture, and Mariette who hugged shirtless Aster with many grievous scratches on Aster''s body. "WWhat happened?" Mariette red at Tuskan who was toote for everything, if she hadn''t had the initiative to check on Aster, she didn''t want to imagine the aftermath. Mariette said calmly, Golden Camellia used that woman as a bait, Charles has been suspecting you. Tuskan, you''ve failed to protect Aster." Chapter 256: Last Resort Chapter 256: Last Resort "Tuskan, you''ve failed to protect Aster," Mariette said. Tuskan was dazed with his twin sister''s words. As if she was ming everything on him, he nced at Aster who was bruised badly and the scratches around his body was quite horrendous. Because Aster had a very thin skin, it made him look very pitiful. Tuskan gulped, he approached Aster and Mariette slowly, and then kneeled in front of Aster who was still in Mariette''s embrace. It must have been a very scary experience for Aster, because he couldn''t see anything except a ck figure who screamed and attacked him. "Aster, I''m sorry" Mariette red at her brother again. Tuskan was indeed careless, he was the one to me in this, because he got tricked so easily by Emperor Charles, "Tuskan, are you really the Great King? Because what I see is a fool that got deceived easily by Charles." Tuskan lowered his head, facing Aster who was still burying his face in Mariette''s shoulder was already hurtful enough for him. And now, he had to face the wrath of his twin sister. But it was indeed his fault, he got tricked so easily by Charles. When the Golden Camellia ship arrived, hismander noticed that Golden Camellia brought a lot of soldiers, probably to guard this distinguished noblewoman. Tuskan didn''t want to scare other guests and civilians by dispatching many soldiers around the Golden Camellia ships, thus, he dispatched his shadow guards instead. Tuskan dispatched almost all his shadow guards and regr guards to watch around the Autumn Festival. Because he thought nobody would evere to the farthest side of the pce once the festival started, he didn''t give Aster any watchman. Little did he know that Charles had predicted everything, probably due to his past experience visiting Autumn Festival twice. Tuskan felt angry and disappointed at himself, he wanted to beg for forgiveness, but at this point, it was toote. He nced at Aster again and then Mariette who still had that disappointed look at him, "Why are you weeping like a little kid here, go call the pce doctor!" Mariette scolded him again. *** The Autumn Festival was cut short due to the sudden intervention of Golden Camellia''s shadow guards. It was deemed unsafe for the nobles. However, Tuskanpensated the guests with Great Arctyr''s hospitality, he gave them a luxurious hotel to stay for a while. Themander was summoned to face Tuskan. He was also scared, because it was partly his fault, he also overestimated Golden Camellia''s soldiers, but didn''t expect shadow guards at all. He kneeled in front of Tuskan; "Your Majesty, this guard has failed to protect the pce, asking for punishment!" Tuskan sighed, "I don''t me you, it is all my fault for being nave. Golden Camellia ship has left early, right? Sweep the city and check whether there is any Golden Camellia''s shadow guard left in our city." "Yes, Your Majesty!" After giving orders, Tuskan returned back to Aster''s room. He was standing stupidly, watching Aster lying on his stomach while the pce doctor smeared alcohol on his back. Because the grievous scratches on his back were really horrible to look at, He bit his pillow hard to bear the pain. Mariette couldn''t bear to see Aster in so much pain because of her brother''s carelessness, she pulled Tuskan out of the room, "Tuskan, what is in your mind, really. How could you be fooled by such a cheap trick?" Tuskan lowered his head, "I didn''t expect that woman from Golden Camellia to be so willful, she tried to seduce me and disturbed my talk with other kings. So I just advised her to look around, maybe she already nned everything." Mariette snorted, "Well, you see how bad Aster wounds are. But it is toote to ponder about something that had happened, we should think about the aftermath, Emperor Charles must have been preparing to attack Great Arctyr soon, because he wants Aster back." "I will not allow that!" Tuskan refused wilfully. He already promised to himself that he would protect Aster at all cost, "If we have to go to a war, then so be it! I will not yield!" Mariette looked at her brother, she understood that Tuskan loved Aster. And he already nned almost everything to propose to Aster. She knew that Tuskan already purchased a small home near theke at the outskirts ofNoire City for his ''honeymoon'' with Aster. But to wage a war with Golden Camellia again "Tuskan, I also love Aster dearly, but think logically, we are still rebuilding the Great Arctyr after our uncle ruled the country with an iron fist. We have a small chance to win against Golden Camellia, but even if we win, the people will suffer horribly," Mariette said. "But the people love Saintess Celine and all her descendants! They will fight for Aster! Don''t you see, Mariette? Our failure to bring back Saintess Celine and Lady Camille alive to the Great Arctyr has a great impact in people''s hearts. If we have to burn to protect Aster, then we will burn!" Tuskan said stubbornly. Aster heard everything that Tuskan said. When the doctor went to the bathroom to wash his tools, Aster took his walking stick and went to the door. He grabbed Tuskan''s hand and replied immediately, "What did you say? You want to wage a war against Golden Camellia?" Tuskan and Mariette were startled with Aster''s sudden appearance, "AAster, you are recovering! Don''t leave your bed, yet!" Mariette scolded Aster and escorted him back to the room. The doctor came out of the bathroom, he was surprised when the Great King and Great Princess was inside the room. Tuskan looked at the doctor and asked, "How is his condition?" "Milord is fine, Your Majesty. But he has many deep scratches, and he has a naturally thin skin. Although he will recover, it will leave scars" the doctor exined, "Milord also needs to rest, because that woman actually stabbed Milord''s stomach with the walking stick. It hurt his kidney." Tuskan''s breath was heavy. He felt horrible, so horrible that he just wanted to repeat the time and guarded Aster forever. "I already prescribed medicine for Milord, it will help him. Please excuse me, Your Majesty King, Your Majesty Princess," the doctor bowed and left the room. Mariette and Tuskan sat on the edge of the bed, "Aster, I''m sorry" Tuskan said. Aster shook his head and chuckled lightly, "It happened, I know that you tried your best, Tuskan. But I guess Charles is just way too cunning. I also didn''t expect that Merry would find me here." "I know that Charles wille to Golden Camellia soon to take me back, thank you for your protection in Great Arctyr. I appreciate it," Aster said. He already resigned to his fate, because Charles would massacre the Great Arctyr if he refused to surrender. However, Tuskan seemed to have another thing in mind, "No, you will not leave the Great Arctyr. If Charles is going to wage a war against us, then so be it. I will fight." Tuskan said. "No, I will not let you," Aster sighed, "You are doing too much for me, I will not let the civilians die because of my own ego. I would rather die myself than instruct hundreds of thousands of people to die for my name." Aster smiled and reached Tuskan''s hand, "You are a really kind person, but I''m not worth it." Tuskan couldn''t hold his tears, Aster''s word made him realize how he had failed as a king and a lover. Mariette bit her lips and then stood from the bed, she left Aster and Tuskan alone, ''Tuskan you are a great king, and Aster knows that. Think carefully.'' Tuskan held Aster''s hand tightly and kissed it, "You are worth it. You are worth everything for me, Aster." Aster could feel Tuskan''s tears fall on his palm, he shook his head, "It takes more than feeling to be a Great King. You know that well, use your logic, Tuskan. I would rather kill myself than letting you killing hundred thousands of people like this." Tuskan felt that his chest had been stabbed with thousand swords, the more Aster tried to warn him, the more he felt useless, "But I promised that I will protect you, I will not let anyone hurt you" "Then, I will be the one that breaks that promise," Aster smiled, "You''ve kept your promise well. Tuskan, I am ever so grateful," Aster pulled Tuskan''s hand gently and then kissed it. ''No it shouldn''t end like this. I am alright if Aster married someone else, as long as he is happy. But I will not let him marry someone like Charles and be locked like a caged canary forever.'' ''Aster, I may have failed. But I will not let you suffer. I will protect you.'' Tuskan took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, his determination was solid, because this was the best way to protect Aster without hurting the people, "Aster, I can protect you from Charles without hurting anyone, and you will be able to stay in Great Arctyr forever." Aster frowned, "Is there such a way? You don''t need tofort me like that. I''m alright, really." "There is a way," Tuskan held Aster''s hand, and then he kneeled in front of Aster. He kissed Aster''s hand again and said, "You can live in Great Arctyr forever, you will be protected forever. As long as you are the ruler of Great Arctyr, Charles cannot touch you at all." Tuskan took a deep breath. "Aster, I want you to be my queen, the Great Queen of Great Arctyr." Chapter 257: A True Love and Priority Chapter 257: A True Love and Priority "Milord got discovered?!" The news shocked the whole Swordheart mansion in Golden Camellia. The news from Nate arrivedte, because he got wounded after he fought against Emperor Charles'' twin assassins. Although he and Prince Rama''s spy were quite skillful, the twin assassins were proved to be too much for them to handle. They were lucky because they got reinforcement from Great King''s shadow guards. While Nate returned back to Golden Camellia as soon as possible, Prince Rama''s spy, who introduced himself as Adah, stayed in Golden Camellia in case something terrible happened again to Milord Aster. "Yes, Sir, Milord also got attacked by Countess Merry of Belleresse and he got many grievous scratches on his back, he had been treated, but the doctor said that it would leave scar and also his kidney is damaged because Countess Merry stabbed his kidney with walking stick" "Why don''t you protect him!? What are you doing with Prince Rama''s spy? You guys are dispatched to protect Milord! Useless fucks!" Irion scolded, he was so angry at this point that he wanted to smash Nate''s head to pieces. "I''m sorry, Sir. But Emperor Charles already nned everything, he fooled King Tuskan and smuggled a few of his shadow guards with Countess Merry, including his famous twin assassins It is my fault because I''m too weak, this subordinate deserves punishment." Irion gritted his teeth, he turned his back, "At least you are brave enough to report everything to me, Milord Aster is the one that will give you punishment, not me. Leave now, I will think about our next move." "Sir I have one more piece of news" Nate gulped. He nced at Prince Rama who was standing on the corner, unmoving. But the way he looked at him, and his gesture, it was clear that Prince Rama was about to burst. Nate had more respect than fear for Sir Irion, but it was reversed for Prince Rama. Nate was scared of him, especially when he saw with his own eyes, how Prince Rama killed countless soldiers as if he was crushing ants in Roagelt. "What is it?" Irion gave his full attention again. Nate gulped, he nced at Prince Rama and Sir Irion consecutively, then lowered his head, "Great King Tuskan have an idea to protect Milord from the iing invasion from Emperor Charles. He he proposed Milord Aster to marry him and bing the Great Queen of Great Arctyr, he said, there is a treaty among the nations in this continent that high aristocrats or royals that were married to another country and became a ruler, be it for a better diplomatic rtion between two countries, or simply because of love, cannot be retrieved back once he or she wedded to another country. If one party wanted to forcefully retrieve the high aristocrats or royals back, then he would face other countries'' wrath too." "Great King Tuskan said that if Milord got married to him, he would be eligible for this treaty. Emperor Charles would think twice before invading, because this treaty was quite important, in order to maintain order and stabilization throughout the nations." "But Milord Aster cannot leave Great Arctyr at all after he got bound by this treaty. He would stay in Great Arctyr forever, his legacy in Golden Camellia may continue, and he may visit the country from time to time, but he is, by the rules, will forever be a Great Arctyr ruler." BOOM! Irion and Nate were shocked by the sudden shock around the room. They looked at Prince Rama who hit the wall behind him with his bare hand until there were cracks trailed from the epicenter. Prince Rama side-nced Nate and said, "Leave." Without thinking twice, Nate immediately fled from the room. Prince Rama cracked his neck and then headed to the door. Irion immediately blocked the entrance and asked, "Where are you going?" Prince Rama nced down at Irion who was slightly shorter than him, "Isn''t it obvious? I will go to Merry and crush her head for hurting Milord. I will kill Charles and then head to the Great Arctyr to kill Tuskan and all his men. I will return back to Sun Kingdom with Milord." Prince Rama said it lightly, as if what he said wasn''t crazy enough. Irion actually shivered a bit, because although Prince Rama said it lightly, he had all the determination enough to crush a mountain. "You will not be able to do it, Charles is much stronger than you think." "It is possible. I will make a deal with my own devil, I will burn my sun emblem. I can crush Charles in a split second. As long as Charles is dead, then nothing will hurt Milord anymore," Prince Rama said determinedly. "Are you crazy? Last time you went berserk, you lost control and killed a child! You will kill everyone if you do more than that!" "It doesn''t matter," Prince Rama said, "Nothing matters if I cannot see Milord." Prince Rama clenched his fist, "I would rather destroy Golden Camellia and Great Arctyr rather than seeing Milord marrying someone else." "Milord will not like it," Irion''s leg trembled out of fear. The more he stood in front of Prince Rama like this, the more he could feel the same dark scarlet hue at Roagelt. But this time, it was a lot thicker. As if Ramuja was in desperation himself. Prince Rama finally hesitated, Aster was like a magical word that could stir Prince Rama easily, "Prince Rama, your love with Milord is very deep, I know that. That is why I let you with him, because I know that your love trampled above everyone who courted Milord. But your current condition will scare Milord." "Remember, Milord Aster fell in love with you because of your tenderness. He is also forged by the bloody Grand Duchess. You know that he hated unnecessary violence more than anything." Prince Rama hesitated, and the dark scarlet aura around his body dissipated slowly. He knew that hard truth. Milord loved him because of his attentiveness and tenderness towards him. "I researched more about Milord''s current blindness, although it is only a legend, it is said that once the Golden Blood became blind out of his own choice, he wouldn''t be able to love his golden circle anymore. Because the one that could make him blind was his own golden circle. But look at Milord right now, he still loves you wholeheartedly, his love doesn''te out of his bloodline, his love to you is not a curse like Emperor Charles has." "Prince Rama, Milord Aster''s love towards you is pure and true." The dark scarlet aura finally disappeared, but Prince Rama was still standing still. His heart was heavy, remembering Milord''s calluses because he held the walking stick a lot, it hurt his conscience. ''Milord, your pain is double my pain, and you suffered too much. I cannot bear with this anymore.'' Prince Rama closed his eyes, and reopened it. He already decided something in his heart. He pushed Irion to the side and then opened the door, "Hey! Where are you going?!" Irion tried to stop Prince Rama gain, worried that he would do something stupid. "I will go to Great Arctyr, alone. Don''t worry about me, I will not hurt anyone probably," Ramuja said. *** Mariette told Aster about the ultimatum from Emperor Charles. Although Tuskan tried to hide it, Mariette thought that it was hical to hide anything from Aster at this point. Aster was sitting on his bed right now. It was autumn night, he hadn''t met Tuskan for almost a week now, he said that he needed time, and Tuskan tried to contain his own nervousness by not appearing in front of Aster, although he still waited for his answer. ''Charles wants me to return to Golden Camellia by myself, or else, he will abolish Grand Duchy Stormhill because I got sentenced for Treason by the court. What is the difference anyway? If I return back to Golden Camellia and marry him, he will still abolish Grand Duchy Stormhill slowly, so I dont have any ce to return other than him.'' ''But I don''t want to marry Tuskan. I don''t love him at all,'' Aster bit his lips, ''But if if I marry Tuskan and be the Great Queen, there is a possibility for Charles to back off, because Great Arctyr is on par with Golden Camellia in military, and other nations will help Great Arctyr because of the treaty too.'' ''I am also able to protect Grand Duchy Stormhill because I represent the duchy in Great Arctyr, this is a way to announce a forced diplomatic rtion between two countries'' In a normal situation, Aster wouldn''t think twice about it, he would immediately ept Tuskan''s proposal. Because his duty as Grand Duke of Stormhill was the priority over everything. But there is his true love now, Ramuja. Aster gripped his heart who was in pain again, he couldn''t imagine how heartbroken Ramuja would be if he got married to someone else. ''Is this your way to tell me that my duty as Grand Duke is still a priority over my true love, mother? You often said that my duty involves the livelihood of a hundred thousand people, I cannot be an egoist.'' ''But it hurts so much.'' Aster bit his lips, he whimpered as his sweet memories with Ramuja kept shing in his mind. ''Ramuja, I love you. I love you truly. I love you whether you are a prince or a ve. But I have to save the lives of my people. My duty is of the utmost importance.'' ''If there is a next life, I wish I could meet you again. I wish we could be two regr peasants, and we will marry and live together forever in our small home. Because this glimmer of nobility is worth no more than my love towards you.'' ''I love you, Ramuja, my first and only love.'' Aster opened his mouth and called Adah, Ramuja''s spy. Adah finally appeared in front of him, "How is your wound? Have you recovered?" "Yes, Milord, I have recovered and will not leave my spot. I''m sorry for being useless when that woman attacked you" Aster chuckled, "It''s alright, I am fine anyway. But I have one more request for you." "Yes, Milord, I am ready." Aster smiled deeply, he had to do this before Charles burned everything to the ground, "Go back to Golden Camellia, and tell Prince Rama that he should return back to Sun Kingdom and marry someone else. I love him truly, but my duty involves the lives of many people. I hope he understands." Chapter 258: Eulogy of the Prince 33 Chapter 258: Eulogy of the Prince 33 It had been three days since I left Golden Camellia and I finally arrived at the Saintess Celine harbor. I used a smaller ship and hid inside my room to avoid suspicion from Golden Camellia to Great Arctyr, I slid the curtain and looked outside, the harbor in the capital city of Great Arctyr was identical to the one in Dionde City. Saintess Celine City itself was double the size of Dionde City, because Golden Camellia was geographically a medium-sized country at best, while Great Arctyr was a quite big country. ''And Sun Kingdom is twice bigger than Great Arctyr and triple the size of Golden Camellia, but we got invaded and defeated by Golden Camellia, then got colonized for years. Shameful.'' I know that it was stupid to take things of the past, because Sun Kingdom was thriving after that tyrannous queen and all her underlings were executed. And then, Sun Kingdom struck gold, literally. Father said that the Sun Kingdom discovered gold and diamond reserves after they warded Golden Camellia off the country. But it needed a strong Sun King to stabilize again, that was why father searched for my whereabouts for years, not giving hope at all. ''When it is my time to be the king, I can give Milord twice, thrice the amount of wealth he has in Golden Camellia. But what is the use of it anyway,'' I snorted displeased, ''What is the use of all the golds when I can''t be with him, I would rather melt the gold with all the countries in this world.'' ''If I can''t be with Milord, then I will not let anyone in this world be happy with their spouse,'' these dark thoughts had lingered in me for a while. After I went berserk during that Winter Feast Massacre in Dionde City, I discovered that my back had a sun emblem. And that sun emblem was the source of all these dark thoughts in my head. I felt different as my conscience started to depart from me slowly, and I naturally felt less human emotion. My gaze would start to blur slightly if I didn''t think of Milord for a while. As if, without Milord, there would be no sun in me. ''But I don''t want to scare you, Milord, I know that you hate violence the most. But these thoughts in my head are uncontroble unless you are by my side. Milord, is it allowed for me to be greedy? I am now a Crown Prince, but I feel nothing but emptiness, because you are not with me.'' Knock. Knock. "My Prince, it''s me, Adah," the man outside said. I let him in and Adah, my spy immediately kneeled in front of me, "My Prince, I''m sorry for my failure to protect Milord, I am too weak." I snorted, I folded my hands on my chest and asked, "What is the news about Milord? I heard that you have a message for me." "Yes, My Prince. I was going to return to Golden Camellia after I got the message from Milord. But my colleague said that you are going here, so I halted my trip" Adah gulped, he nced for a split second at me and then lowered his head again, "My Prince, this is Milord''s message for you, I love him truly, but my duty involves the lives of many people. I hope he understands." My brain had to take a minute to process the message from Milord. I could feel my chest start burning and then the sun emblem on my back started to heat up, "Milord said that, are you sure?" "Yes, I am sure," as Adah raised his head to face Ramuja again, he instantly regretted it. Because Adah got petrified by fear, "MMy prince! Please control yourself." I looked down at Adah and scoffed, "I will meet Great King Tuskan first, and then I will meet Milord. Go tell Great King''s shadow guard that Crown Prince Rama wanted to see him to talk about private matters," I ordered. But Adah seemed to be very worried, "MMay this subordinate suggest, My Prince, please don''t lose control once you meet Milord or Great King, because you might" "Because I might massacre everyone here?" Iughed loudly and then showed a mysterious smile at Adah, "I will try. Now go before it''s toote." Adah didn''t dare to say anything anymore and then disappeared from my room. I looked at the window again, I could see the magnificent white castle on top of the hill, towering above the city. I clenched my fist, I had so many dark thoughts in my head, but whenever I remembered about Milord''s sad and happy face, these dark thoughts dissipated. Iughed mirthlessly. ''Ah, Milord. What to do, I don''t want to be like Charles, the man you hate the most. But the world feels so empty and bleak without you, I''m afraid that you''ll see me losing control, and you will hate me'' *** I got an immediate answer a few hours after I dispatched Adah to Great Arctyr Pce. Adah returned to the ship with an anxious expression, "Speak," I said. "My Prince, Great King said that he wants to meet you this night, and he wants it to be punctual, because Milord Aster already epted his proposal, they will marry in secret two days from now," Adah reported. I took a deep breath in order to calm myself. These thoughts were getting scarier as I tried to suppress the dark hue and the sun emblem on my back, "I will meet him at night." Later at midnight, a medium sized carriage stopped in front of the ship, they bowed to me and then opened the carriage door. I entered hastily and the carriage ran through the Saintess Celine City. I looked left and right to see the appearance of this big city, feeling that my pride was hurt with such rich city, I snorted contemptuously, ''This and Dionde City, I will make the Sun City Capital twice as big andvish than both of thembined, so Milord will feelfortable when we rule the country.'' The carriage entered the big gate of Great Arctyr Pce and it took a while until the carriage stopped in front of a small courtyard, I frowned and then asked the coachman in front, "Great King wants to meet me here?" "Yes, Your Highness, Great King said that he wanted to keep this a very important secret before the wedding day," the coachman replied honestly. The carriage door was opened and I was led inside the small courtyard. When I entered the main room, Tuskan was already sitting at the sofa, solemnly waiting, he stood and greeted me. He offered his handshake and we sat face to face. There was no one in this room except me and Tuskan, while Tuskan looked quite nervous, I was solemn and calm, because I already set the worst possibility in my head and already prepared the way to destroy Great Arctyr and Golden Camellia before bringing Milord back to Sun Kingdom. Tuskan opened the conversation first, "I don''t know why are you so calm, but I am nervous in here, because Aster have a wedding in the next two days," Tuskan said, "But this is all to protect Aster from the iing attack from Charles. You see, Charles gave Aster a week to surrender, so Aster had to marry fast and in secret. After the marriage got recorded by the ministry, it would immediately give Aster the immunity and Charles would have to face the wrath of many nations in case he really wanted to invade Great Arctyr to take Aster back. That is my n," Tuskan exined clearly and honestly. I stayed silent, but I could feel that my gaze started blurring. I tried my best to hold on, so I didn''t go berserk again. Tuskan seemed to notice my change and he continued, "Crown Prince Rama, I investigated your past in Golden Camellia, your life with Aster and your affair with him. I know that you love him so much and Aster" Tuskan casted his eyes down, he had a self-deprecating smile on his face, "I tried my best to move Aster''s heart from you, because I think that you are a selfish, ungrateful man. And that opinion from me hasn''t changed, even right now. I still think of you as a selfish, ungrateful man. While I am far better than you, I am a better marriage candidate for Aster, I will never cheat on him, I will never hurt him, and I will not force myself upon him. But you are the one that Aster loves, not me." Tuskan raised his eyes and stared directly at me, "Crown Prince Rama, I want to propose something that you will not reject, this is the only way to strengthen Aster''s position and give him absolute advantage over Charles. My n is" *** After we discussed the n, my opinion towards Tuskan turned upside down, I immediately had a deep respect for him. He even escorted me personally to Aster''s room. He unlocked the door and then said, "Be gentle, Aster hasn''t slept for days, he cried for days and ate almost nothing," Tuskan said and he closed the door. I gazed at the thin figure on the bed, he was sleeping soundly. His body looked fragile and the tear marks were clearly visible on his eyelid. But Milord still hadn''t lost his luster. Showered by autumn moonlight, he still had that divine beauty that cleared all that dark thoughts in my head. My firm and strong prowess dissipated immediately once I faced him like this. I tiptoed like a little kid and then kneeled in front of his bed. I gazed at Milord''s face again, I whispered lowly, ''Milord, you are so thin, what to do'' I looked at the half-finished bread on the table, I gently propped sleeping Milord on my embrace, I tried to be as gentle as possible, so he wouldn''t wake up. Milord was now in my embrace, ''Look at that tear mark, Milord, if you cried too much, you will get wrinkles I mean, I will still love you even if you get wrinkles, but you will be the one thatins over it...'' ''Milord, why aren''t you eating well? Is it because of me? I am happy because you are thinking of me, but your health is the utmost importance. You are a beauty, II mean, um not like a feminine beauty, but your have ethereal ambiguous beauty, I I didn''t mean to nder you as a sissy! You are far more manly than that. I swear! YYou can also top me if you want to, Milord is still the strongest!'' I started to stutter in my whisper anxiously, I finally figured out that I might be stuck with this subservience forever with Milord. Even when I became the Sun King. Milord hummed in his sleep and then sleep talked, "Ramuja you big too big" I was shocked by Milord''s sleep talk, I nced down under Milord''s belly and I saw something bulging. I giggled and tried to hold myughter, even in this kind of dire situation, Milord actually had a wet dream. I whispered directly at Milord''s ears, ''Yes, Milord, please bear with it, it''s already halfway through'' Milord groaned and he moved around, his butt rubbed around my crotch. Although we were both fully clothed, it only gave even more stimtion on me. I took a deep breath to control my urge and kissed his pale lips gently, "Milord, I''m so excited for the day after tomorrow." Chapter 259: Miracle for A Good Person Chapter 259: Miracle for A Good Person "Milord, today is the big day," the maid who would take care of him every day woke him up. Aster woke up groggily. The maid busily prepared everything, including his bath. Aster looked around and it was still grey or ck. He chuckled self-deprecating, ''I really thought a miracle would happen and my eyesight will be restored the day of my marriage. But I almost forgot, miracle is only for a good person, it doesn''t happen in this dirty royal life. Everything should be prenned or it will be ruined, just like me.'' The maid nced at Milord Aster and saw the sadness in his eyes. She sighed and then said, "Milord, may I say something?" "Hm?" Aster immediately resumed his dignified expression and nodded, "Speak." "Milord, I don''t know whether you love our Great King or not, but I know that you treasure life a lot. I heard from others that you did this in order to protect your duchy and to prevent our Great King to wage a war with Golden Camellia, you are very wise, Milord," the maid smiled, "You may not know about us, the peasants of Great Arctyr. But we have known about you since our childhood. We are taught about Saintess Celine of Great Arctyr, she died a martyr, wishing that Great Arctyr would save her. Lady Camille painted her dream to live in Great Arctyr when she was only a kid, and that painting is still in our possession up until now." "We are taught that Saintess Celine and Lady Camille are true Arctyrians, because we, Arctyrians, carry the willpower and wisdom that would never be extinguished. At first, when I saw you, I thought the Great King must''ve been seduced by your beauty, but I respect you because you are the only child of Lady Camille. All Saintess Celine''s descendants are all noble Arctyrian by birth." "But after I served you for a few months, I finally realized why Emperor Audric V and our Great King fell in love with you. Milord, you have such extraordinary beauty, but what makes you shine like a gemstone is your wisdom. I am just a regr maid, but I will support you when you be the Great Queen. In fact, I think the majority of the people will support you once you be our Great Queen. Because you are that well-loved in this country." Aster listened to everything that this maid said to him. He was stunned, indeed, this maid was just serving him daily and he didn''t care much to even ask her name. But this maid already has such a high opinion on him, "What is your name?" Aster asked. The maid blushed, "Um this maid''s name is Celine." Aster smiled and said, "You have the same name as my grandmother, I believe that you are also as kind hearted as she is. When I be your ruler, I will make sure that I will rule justly. I will make Great Arctyr''s economy thrive." "Thank you, Milord," the maid giggled happily, "Milord, you should take a bath first, the marriage will be held soon." "Alright," Aster nodded, he took his walking stick and head to the bathroom, before he entered the bathroom, he said, "For my flower bouquet, open the drawer near my bed, there is a Gardenia there, ce it on the middle of the bouquet, arrange it and make the gardenia as the center of the bouquet." "Yes, Milord." *** "Aster, you look stunning!" Mariette entered the room after Aster had been fully dressed up. Mariette strode to Aster and then said, "I will help Aster styling his hair, you go prepare his shoes," she said to the maid. Mariette helped Aster to style his hair, Aster''s hair was bright golden and wavy, Mariette put on some gel and then styled his hair and parted it to the side, it made him look sleek. Aster smiled, "Thank you for helping me, Mariette." "Today is my cute little brother''s wedding, how can I not help you!" Mariette seemed excited, she helped Aster tidied his white suit and when the maid returned with the shoes, Mariette personally helped Aster to put on the shoes. "I think you should help Tuskan, he must''ve been very nervous now, right?" Aster said. Marietteughed heartily and then smiled ambiguously, "He already prepared himself for the whole two days, he is our wise Great King, still inexperienced, but a good hearted one nheless." Aster zipped his mouth and stood from the chair. Mariette guided Aster to the church by holding his arm tightly. It took a while until Aster could see that Mariette had led him to a building with few more people inside. Mariette whispered, ''We are here, don''t worry, there are not a lot of people, only the priest, Tuskan, me and a few important ministers to record your marriage. Oh, there is also a very important guest waiting for you here.'' Aster smiled stiffly and walked on the aisle. Everyone was stunned at how gorgeous Aster was. Aster was really pale, so pale that everyone could see the vein underneath his skin, he wore a white suit and he held a flower bouquet that was arranged with a stunning flower in the middle. The flower was a gardenia, pink and white on the edges. The flower looked fresh and lustrous, as if it had only been plucked this morning. The gardenia had a golden pistil and four golden anthers. Most of the people in this church knew that Aster had the legendary Gardenia of Blooming Desire. Aster was guided until he stood in front, facing someone in front of him. But he frowned slightly, ''Why is Tuskan''s figure so big? He is a tall man and a bit slender, but Tuskan has a very wide shoulder today'' The priest started reciting the Oath of the Marriage in Great Arctyr, it waspletely different than in Golden Camellia. But Aster couldn''t focus at all, his eyes casted down to the bouquet in his hand. ''I cannot see anything, but Ramuja, I wish that I could see you for thest time here. I''m sorry that I still cannot let go of my heart, so I bring your Gardenia of Blooming Desire in my marriage.'' Aster put the bouquet closer to his chest, ''You are always in my heart, forever. But I wished you are here, I wish you are the one that marries me here, but what is a miracle anyway. This is my life, I have never been free in my life.'' ''I am bound by duty, I hope you understand, my love.'' "Aster Di Arlingdon, Grand Duke of Stormhill, Honored Great Prince of Great Arctyr, will you ept him as your only spouse in your life?" the priest asked. Aster was dazed, he wanted to say ''I ept'' but he was tongue tied. His body trembled as he tried his best to ept his fate. The man in front of Aster smiled and said, "Milord, why are you nervous?" Aster jolted immediately, he almost lost his bnce as his leg trembled, ''Did I hear Ramuja''s voice? No, Ramuja is not here! II must stay strong, this is what I choose, I cannot be haunted by him forever!'' Ramuja looked funnily at his master, and he said again, "Milord, I can''t wait to marry you. But you seem nervous, you hurt me, you know," Ramuja teased Aster who looked like he had been struck by a thunder. Aster shook his head twice, but it was clear that it was Ramuja''s voice, he asked doubtfully, "Ramuja?" "Yes, Milord, I am standing in front of you. Today is our marriage, don''t you remember?" "No, I must have been dreaming. I''ve dreamed about you every day, I guess it takes a toll on me." Ramuja shook his head, "No, Milord. This is not a dream, I am standing in front of you. We are marrying the Great Arctyr. You even bring the Gardenia of Blooming Desire that I picked for you." Ramuja took one step forward and then held Aster''s back with one hand and then caressed his cheek, "I cannot kiss you right now, because everyone is watching and we are not yet a husband and wife, but you see, this is not a dream." "RRamuja? Ramuja? Ramuja! It''s really you?!" Aster was unsure, but this familiar warmth, this familiar hand, this familiar embrace. "It is me, please continue with the ceremony, I can''t wait to make you my spouse," Ramuja said. The priest coughed and recited the same thing, Aster still couldn''t understand what happened, but when the priest asked him the same thing, he just wanted to say yes. He didn''t care about anything anymore, whether this was a dream or reality, he just wanted to be with Ramuja. "Aster Di Arlingdon, Grand Duke of Stormhill, Honored Great Prince of Great Arctyr, will you ept him as your only spouse in your life?" "I ept!" "And you, Crown Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom, will you ept him as your only spouse in your life and death?" "I ept," Ramuja nodded, "Through life and death, I ept Aster Di Arlingdon as my only love, I will never marry anybody else, and may my soul be burned by the Sun God if I broke my vows." Ramuja added the line with marriage vows from Sun Kingdom. He practiced in front of the mirror for the whole day, he was relieved that he could deliver it sessfully today. The priest recited some more vows and then said, "You may kiss the bride." Ramuja gently held the back of Aster''s head, and then kissed Aster''s lips passionately, he whispered to Aster, ''Milord, you may not be able to see right now. But you are truly my love, my savior, my sun. Trust me, you are the only one in my heart.'' Aster heard everything that Ramuja said, he had this doubt in his heart whether Ramuja truly loved him or not, or he cheated because he felt bored with him. But Ramuja''s words just now had so much sincerity and power, that the doppelganger that was lingering in his head for so long finally dissipated slowly. The doppelganger said something in his head before he vanished forever, ''Aster, you are truly well loved.'' Suddenly, everyone in the church was taken aback with the golden shine in Aster''s eyes. It was bright that everyone stood still, gasped in awe. Ramuja hugged Aster tight, fearing that something would happen to his Milord. Aster didn''t know what happened, but he felt a soothing sensation in his eyes. After the shine dissipated, he blinked several times. Everything was blurry for a minute, until he saw the first thing in front of his eyes. A strong, handsome man with chocte skin, short dark hair, deep dark eyes, and straight nose. He stared at Aster with awe and said, "Milord, your eyes you pupils are now pure golden." Aster couldn''t hold back his tears, he took the initiative and kissed Ramuja, he draped his hand around Ramuja''s neck and deepened the kiss. He opened his eyes again and said, "Ramuja, a miracle, a miracle happened to me!" Ramuja almost teared up too, but he was a bit embarrassed, so he wiped the tears on his eyes and then said, "Of course there is a miracle, because you are a good person, Milord." Aster nced to the side, he saw Tuskan and Mariette standing side by side, both were smiling at him, "Thank you." Tuskan bit his lips, but Mariette clenched his arm and they nodded, Mariette giggled, "What did I tell you, there is an important guest, right?" Aster focused his gaze at Ramuja again and then said, "I love you, husband." Ramuja had a tinge of blush on his cheek, "II love you too, wife." Chapter 260: Short Honeymoon Chapter 260: Short Honeymoon The minister that witnessed the marriage between Crown Prince of Sun Kingdom and Golden Camellia''s honored grand duke in Great Arctyr could only shake his head. He was taught that Saintess Celine''s descendants all shared the same wisdom and sense of duty like her, although he doubted it first, but seeing it with his own eyes, it made sense now. Grand Duke Aster, who was also honored as Great Prince of Arctyr, could walk the aisle with such courage, even though he didn''t like Great King Tuskan at all, he still persevered to make sure that there was no bloodshed between two countries while saving the lives of the people under his duchy. He was d that Grand Duke Aster could get the marriage that he wanted, with someone that he loved and loved him. The minister nced at Great King Tuskan who squeezed out a smile and then said to Prince Rama and Duke Aster, "Congrattions for your marriage, Aster. You will be officially crowned as Great Queen of Arctyrter, but you are already the Great Queen right now. With you marrying Prince Rama, you have the affiliations with both Great Arctyr and Sun Kingdom, alongside the support of other nations in this continent, and also Grand Duchy Stormhill. Aster, I wish you happ" Aster didn''t let Tuskan finish his words and then hugged him immediately, Aster hugged him tightly and said, "Tuskan, thank you. You are truly a good man. I will never forget this," Aster said, and then kissed Tuskan''s cheek gently. Ramuja pulled his wife immediately, his gaze darkened, but he said nothing. Tuskan was still stunned with the kiss, this was the first time he felt that Aster truly kissed him sincerely. There was no hidden intention or maniption. Tuskan gazed at Aster and his tears broke down, "II will never forgive you for making me fall in love with you! YYou have to rule the country justly with me!" he said. He shifted his nce at Prince Rama, and then boldly pulled Prince Rama''s cor, Tuskan was slightly taller than Prince Rama, although Prince Rama was obviously a lot more muscr, "You must protect Aster with your life. You are an ungrateful, shameless, cheating man, I will never forgive you if you dare to hurt him again." Tuskan said with a low voice, he was obviously threatening Prince Rama, but Prince Rama nodded resolutely and circled his hand around Aster''s waist and pulled him closer. Tuskan saw this and he could only step down. He said to his minister, "Make sure that you record this well, Charles will have to think twice, or to prepare for a long time if he wants to invade us." "Yes, Your Majesty," the minister said. He nced again at his Great Queen, he stared at his beautiful golden eyes and could only sigh, ''His Majesty Queen is too beautiful and mesmerizing, I guess this is what happens when you happen to be the grandson of Saintess Celine.'' Tuskan stepped down and left the church first, Mariette stepped up and giggled at Aster, "My cute little brother got married, what should I do? I will lose my tea friend." Aster chuckled, but he curiously asked, "Mariette, I wonder if this is possible. I''m not married to Tuskan, but I can be a Great Queen? How can this be?" "Well, unlike in Golden Camellia, in the Great Arctyr, the power between the king and the queen is divided by the area of governance. In Golden Camellia, the Empress has the power to manage all the smaller scale nobles, right? In Great Arctyr, both King and Queen rule over all the people, but they split the region, the coastal, military and trade heavy region are ruled by the king, and the agricultural, tourism, and traditional region are ruled by the queen." "I know that, but it still doesn''t make sense if I be the queen without marrying the king" "The thing is, it can be either the Great Prince or Princess that ruled over the Great Arctyr first, and then get married to crown their spouse as the ruler too. But there was one instance long ago, when both the Great Prince and Princess had the same influence and same power over the country. Both of them wanted to be the Great Ruler, thus, to avoid civil war, the elders back then made aw, that the Great Prince and Princess can be both King and Queen, even though they are siblings and not married to each other. As long as they rule justly. Their spouse will not take over the throne though." "Technically, you are our nephew, and you are Saintess Celine''s direct grandson, you have had the title Honored Great Prince of Arctyr for a while actually, Tuskan is already well prepared for everything," Mariette smiled, "Aster, I know your capability, I hope that you can rule the country well. Of course, I will always support you and Tuskan. Who knows, maybe you have a fight with Prince Rama and you will beforted by Tuskan, perhaps you will get married with Tuskan next year?" Mariette winked and nced at Prince Rama provocatively. Ramuja tightened his hand around Aster again and replied, "Absolutely not! I will never have a fight with Milord, and I will never let him leave me!" "My my~ Scary~ Like an overprotective mama bear," Marietteughed and tapped Ramuja''s shoulder, "Take care of my little brother, I will not spare you if you dare to hurt him again," Mariette said. Ramuja didn''t have a slightest bit of fear against Tuskan''s threat, but when Mariette threatened him, he was taken aback by the pressure and gulped. He nodded subconsciously. Aster saw this and scolded Mariette, "Mariette! You are such a bully!" Marietteughed, "Now, now, I know that you two lovebirds need sometimes alone, I already prepared the room for you. The room is soundproof enough, don''t worry," Mariette winked and left the church. The butler bowed deeply at Prince Rama and Queen Aster, and he escorted them to the bridal chamber. He closed the door silently. Ramuja locked the door and then slid all the curtains down, thus the previously bright room became dim. There were romantic candles and sweet aromatherapy for stimtion though, Aster was surprised, "It is still noon, why do you need to close everything?" Ramuja''s breath was heavy, he could see the gentle face of his Milord that was now his wife. He caressed Milord''s face gently, "Because I can''t wait anymore. I''ve been waiting for this since our first meeting." "You mean, our first meeting in the ve market?" "Yes. I''ve been imagining how it would feel to have you as my spouse," Ramuja said. He lowered his head and then kissed Aster''s lips gently, "I''ve been imagining how it would feel to make you my wife since you brought me to your Stormhill Mansion." "And you also imagine how it would feel to fuck me, huh?" Aster shot Ramuja right through his conscience. Ramuja became meek instantly and his eyes tried to avoid Aster''s gaze and he nodded shyly, "Uhm yeah, not often." "Did you imagine me when you masturbate?" Ramuja''s became even meeker, he instinctively kneeled in front of Aster and nodded too. As if he was confessing all his crime. "Did you get a hard on when you saw me with tight or see through clothes?" "YYes but I hide it pretty well uhm wife" Asterughed heartily and then pinched Ramuja''s chin, he said with such condescending tone, "You are a shameless pervert." "PPlease punish me, wife" "You still dare to call me wife after confessing all your crimes today?" Aster raised his brows, "How brazen, I am not surprised though." Ramuja''s body trembled with both awe and excitement, he felt that the Milord''s new permanently golden eyes gave him ten times the pressure than what he previously had, but it only gave Ramuja an erection, "PPlease punish me, Milord" Aster smirked, "As you wish." *** (WARNING: A SHORT SMUT WITH FEET FETISH) O//w//O "Ahhh! a manly, blissful scream full of ecstasy filled the room. Ramuja was fully naked, while Aster still had his white suit on. But he took off his shoes, his right toes fiddled around Ramuja''s huge cock, while his left foot was in Ramuja''s face. Ramuja was licking the toes one by one obediently. After Aster has been locked inside Great Arctyr for so long, his feet be even softer and beautifully arched. Ramuja worshipped this feet and sucked it as if it was delicious candy. Aster smirked, "You really like this kind of game, huh, Crown Prince Rama?" "Yyesh Milord" "You are the Crown Prince, but you act shamelessly like this. Truly despicable," Aster mocked. Feeling that Ramuja''s cock was getting bigger, he clicked his tongue and then fiddled with Ramuja''s cock faster with his right feet. Ramuja felt that he was in heaven, he grunted and groaned, his breath was getting quickened. Suddenly, Aster stomped at Ramuja''s stomach, right around his belly button few times. "Argh! MilordMilord! Too much!" Ramuja ejacted everytime Aster stomped his belly button. It took Aster twenty stomps until Ramuja couldn''t ejacte anymore. Aster gasped in awe, "Wow, you shot twenty times, what are you? A stud?" Ramuja blushed, he covered his face with his hands, "TThat''s because you stimte me too much!" Asterughed, "I mean, it''s you who initiates this first." "WWell, Milord. Your body is still very weak, I don''t want to lose control and hurt you" Ramuja said. He then mumbled, ''I will make sure to stuff him with food until I can do it twenty times a day.'' "What did you say?" "NNothing!" Ramuja shook his head. Aster smiled, heid on top of Ramuja''s body and said, "I am very happy Ramuja. But the war has just been started, we have to fight for our freedom." Ramuja hugged his wife and then kissed his head, "Don''t worry, I will not let anyone hurt you anymore." Ramuja''s aura didn''t change, but in his heart, he was ready to burn Golden Camellia to the ground, ''I will make them pay for hurting you, wife.'' Chapter 261: Two Shattered Hearts Chapter 261: Two Shattered Hearts Charles'' golden eyes turned jet ck immediately. His hand trembled, but he tried to maintain his sanity at this point, his jet-ck eyes silently gazing at the minister who reported about the news to him. He asked calmly, but with enormous pressure that filled the room immediately, "Was that true?" "Yyes Your Majesty. MMilord got married with Crown prince Rama in Great Arctyr and he got crowned as Great Queen on the same day. He is now eligible for the multteral treaty between nations across the continent. We cannot touch him immediately, because it would spark the wrath of all other nations, and the Sun Kingdom has also participated to protect their soon to be queen." "I see," Charles nodded calmly, "You can leave now." "YYour majesty, what should we" "LEAVE!" Charles'' voice thundered inside the room. The minister went pale instantly. He scuttled out of the room like a frightened mouse. The door was closed and Charles was alone in this room. He stared at every decoration inside his room, he felt that everything was ridiculous at this point. He already prepared everything, he already prepared for Aster''s arrival, he prepared for his room, he even went through the length of studying all Aster''s favored food, books, and garments, so he would feelfortable once he returned to Golden Camellia. But it was all a joke now. Aster got married with that ve who cheated on him, who didn''t trust him and went around hurting him like an ungrateful bastard. Meanwhile, he had been loyal to Aster since he was a child. He had been protecting Aster and he put all his heart in Aster. ''Why'' Charles walked to Aster''s portrait that he hanged in this room. Aster was still a child, smiling at him and depended on him. It was probably the best time of his life. Charles slowly touched Aster''s portrait with his fingers, ''His soft cheeks, his sweet voice, his beautiful eyes all should be mine.'' Charles didn''t hold back his tears at all, he almost never cried in his life. But when it involved Aster, everything about Aster simply broke him like a shattered ss, ''Aster, why can''t you look at me? I love you, I love you so much.'' ''Why would you choose a ve who cheated on you, he never trusted you. If you think that he is a saint that would never hurt anyone, he already killed many innocent bystanders when he went berserk. Do you still think of me as the bigger monster here?'' Charles caressed Aster''s cheek in the portrait, ''I think so too, right? That ve must''ve been ruining your brain. You are a brilliant man, Aster. But look at what that ve had done to you after he entered your life. You lost your innocence, you lost your mother, your childhood friend, your wealth, and your status. You lost everything because of that ve, but why'' Like two hot stones that got shed together, Charles felt that his brain and his heart shed against each other and it created countless sparks in his eyes. Charles'' smile became twisted and he said, "No, it''s okay. As long as you''re not dead, I can still have you." Charles looked around, it was all Aster''s possession in this room. It only made him nauseous. He felt that Aster was particrly disgusting here. He hated adult Aster who would scheme against him, who would fight him and would run away and betray their love. Charles breathed deeply and then punched Aster''s portrait in front of him. His twisted smile bloomed as he destroyed everything in this room, one by one. Nothing was spared in this room except one small portrait inside a drawer. He took the small portrait inside the drawer, it was his seven years old portrait with three years old Aster, holding hands together. It was painted when they were kids. Charles hugged the portrait in his embrace, ''Ah, it should be like this. I will take you back here, Aster. And I will make sure that you will return to your three years old self. You don''t need to be a functional Empress, I can do everything for you. I will make sure that you can''t think of anything, it is better for you not to think at all. Because when you have your own independence from me, you''ll start doing these troublesome things, right?'' Charles closed his eyes, but tears didn''t stop falling from his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, each of his eyes now had two pupils, a golden pupil and an ink ck pupil, lining side by side, just like what happened during the Winter Feast. But this time, it didn''t waver at all. As if, his eyes had been turned permanently like that. Charles smiled thin, he called the guards outside. When the guard entered the room, they were frightened with Emperor Charles'' terrifying aura. This aura waspletely different from any of his previous aura. It was bleak, frightening and undecipherable, it was almost simr to that monster that killed many people and soldiers in Roagelt City Center. "Tell the ministers to prepare everything, we are going to have a big war. We are going to invade Great Arctyr and take Aster Di Arlingdon back to Golden Camellia," Charles'' thin smile turned into a wide grin, "Station as much soldiers as possible around Dionde City, we don''t want those things in Dionde to live if Aster dares to run away again this time." The guards nodded immediately, he just wanted to run away from their Emperor. Because the Emperor was simply too frightening to look at the moment, especially the double pupil in both of his eyes. ''I will burn your beloved Dionde to the ground this time, Aster. I will not spare anyone. You may have the advantage, but let''s see if you can abandon your duty for a sex ve like him.'' *** Merry trembled as she heard the news about Aster and Ramuja''s marriage. And Aster''s coronation as the new Great Queen, ruling side by side with Great King Tuskan, while getting married with Prince Rama and would soon be the new Sun Queen of Sun Kingdom. And now, Emperor Charles prepared to invade Great Arctyr no matter what. cing Golden Camellia into jeopardy because the war would cost a lot. If it was Golden Camellia against Great Arctyr, it was high possible for Golden Camellia to win, but if Golden Camellia faced ten big nations, including Sun Kingdom, it was simply suicide. Emperor Charles would go that far only to have Aster back. Merry felt robbed. Yes, she felt that Aster did too much injustice for her, "It''s not fair." "You stole Ramuja from me, you stole Tuskan from me, now you also stole Charles from me. You stole the hearts of three men that were in love with me before. Bitch, did you really let three men fuck you consecutively only to get their love? You are cheap, Aster." Merry clenched her bed sheet tightly, she gritted her teeth because she felt powerless at this point. She nced at the mirror, and saw that she lost two of her front teeth, making her look funny whenever she smiled or talked. "Did I ever do something wrong to you, bitch? You tormented me like this, you tormented a good woman like me, who never did nefarious stuff. Unlike you, you are simply a despicable monster," Merry''s smile creeped out the two maids who were standing on the door and listened to everything in the first ce. They knew that Countess Merry was unreasonable, maybe downright delusional and crazy, but this was beyond their expectation. To me Grand Duke Aster for all her misfortunes that she created herself. Merry''s eyes darted at the maids who shuddered out of fear, she smiled, "Don''t you think so too? I am the victim here, all I want is someone to love me. But of course, I want someone with the same level as me as my husband. I am a noble, I am worthy of the kings. But Aster steals everything from me. He is a greedy bitch." "You must''ve thought that Aster is a good person because Dionde thrives under his rule, right? Trust me, he shook his ass every day and begged for other nobles to give Dionde City money, so it would thrive. I have some dignity myself, so I won''t prostitute myself like him." The maids were too scared to say everything, they only nodded. Merry scoffed, she looked around and saw a knife on the table, "Whatever, a good person always wins in the end, right? In every tale, the protagonist always wins after so many hardships. I''ve had so many hardships, of course I will win in the end." Merry took the knife on the table and stabbed the bed a few times mercilessly, "Don''t worry, I am the protagonist, I am the good maiden who has been tormented for so long. But I don''t want a prince to save me, I will end this evil Aster and then save the day. The princes will naturally return back to me after I banished the slutty evil from their head." Merry red at her maids and pointed the knife at them, "This is a secret, okay? If any of you want to live, you must keep this a secret, or I will also kill you two. You two are not evil, right?" "NNo! Countess, we are not evil! We are good people!" the maids said desperately. Merry hummed for a moment and then nodded, "Well, I trust you two." The door was knocked hurriedly from outside, the maids opened the door, and Merry''s mother, Lisa said panicky, "Merry! Your brother your brother! His condition gets worse! Please call the doctor now!" Merry scoffed at her ve mother, "Big brother contacted a sexually transmitted disease, the doctor said that there is no cure for his illness," Merry rolled her eyes in annoyance, "It is his fault anyway. Why would he y with many prostitutes every day? He is a debauched man like that bitch Aster. He is not a good person, of course he got what he deserved. Let him die." "Merry!" Lisa snapped. She wanted to scold her daughter, but her daughter pointed the knife at her, "Shut up, you ve! You are not worthy of a noble like me! I should''ve been born from high aristocrats, not from your filthy womb!" "I am a good person, I didn''t deserve all this!" Merry''s voice thundered, Lisa fell on her knees weakly. She couldn''t believe that both of her children had turned like this because of wealth and status. ''Just wait, you bitch Aster. I swear I will kill you with my own hands,'' Merry swore in his heart with firm determination. Chapter 262: A Servant and A Husband Chapter 262: A Servant and A Husband "Have you contacted your kingdom about our marriage? And about the uing war?" Aster asked Ramuja who was standing behind him. "Yes, Adah said that the Sun Kingdom is getting prepared for the war." Ramuja replied. Aster was sitting in the Great Queen personal chamber, reading the documents about Great Arctyr''s economy growth. The previously beautiful and artistic chamber full of unnecessary stuff was turnedpletely into a regr office once Aster entered. There was a small argument between him and Tuskan about it, because Great Queen chamber was usually to have leisure time of ying chess or having evening tea, not to work restlessly like Aster, Aster scoffed, "Since I am the Great Queen, I have the right to utilize this room based on my needs. If you want a useless queen that only knows how to buy useless stuff and gossip all day, then I am not the one you need. I know that you need a queen that can help you handle the Great Arctyr''s economy, right?" Tuskan could only lower his head and nodded slightly, because in reality, it was true. He struggled to stabilize the economy of Great Arctyr, unlike Golden Camellia who had Aster as the backbone, with his policies, he could stabilize and improve Golden Camellia''s economy easily. Grand Duke Harion was the minister of economy before, now his son should also be one, because Aster is a lot more capable than his father. Ramuja who was standing behind his wife could only mutter in his heart, ''But, Milord, did you forget that you bought many useless things in Golden Camellia? You bought a twenty gold coins coat, you got ripped off easily, but you thought everything was a bargain, so naive'' Ramuja could only say that in his heart though, he was afraid that Milord would throw a tantrum at him and kick him out of his office. Ramuja soon realized that his subservience to his wife was already embedded deep in his bones. As soon as Aster ordered him to do things, his body moved on its own. Ramuja silently gazed at his master from above, Aster''s eyshes fluttered whenever he made a small move, Ramuja could see his wife''s chest from this point of view, because Aster always used a loose shirt forfort. Aster''s profile was always beautiful no matter the angle. ''I think, I''d rather stay like this, to be your servant and husband forever, Aster. So, no one can serve you,'' Ramuja thought. The day after their marriage, a maid knocked the door of their chamber, they were dressed with their night pajamas when Aster allowed the maid to go in. Aster didn''t seem to be bothered by the maid''s intimate care. She brought a basin of warm water and wanted to wipe Aster''s hands and feet, once her fingers touched Aster''s fingers, Ramuja was burning in jealousy. Ramuja''s gaze darkened and he said, "You go out, I will take care of Aster myself." The maid was surprised, never in a million that he heard a husband would wipe his wife''s hands and feet, it was simply unbelievable. But looking at Prince Rama''s serious gaze, the maid shuddered and nodded, she left the room immediately. Aster chuckled, "Why are you acting like this? She is just doing her job." "But she is touching you!" Ramuja protested, "No one is allowed to touch you!" Aster found that after bing a prince, Ramuja would be very open to express himself and show his jealousy. He would frown, angry, and even red at people who tried to get close to Aster, "If you are like this, I don''t think I can live long." "WWhat! Why?!" Ramuja panicked and hugged Aster immediately, "YYou will live long, I guarantee it! I will make sure that you live long!" "Ramuja, you are overreacting," Aster sighed, "Human needs to socialize, especially a noble like us. I need to have many colleagues. I''ll be depressed if Great Arctyr or Grand Duchy Stormhill suffered because I don''t have supports from the localndlords and nobles." Aster flicked Ramuja''s forehead and said, "I am yours. My body and soul are all yours, you don''t need to be so insecure about it." "But you are beautiful so I''m just afraid that" Ramuja mumbled meekly. But in the end, he could only nod. He had one request though, that no one should be allowed to be Aster''s personal servant. Ramuja took all that duty. Aster nced at Ramuja who was dazed while staring down at him, he sighed, "Ramuja, if you are tired, you should rest." "I''m not tired." Ramuja said resolutely. He really didn''t tire at all. "Are you seriously going to retain your status as my servant forever?" "Yes!" Ramuja nodded vigorously, "I will be your husband and servant forever!" Aster felt a little helpless himself, how could his spouse be his servant? He found it ridiculous, but Ramuja was firm about it, "When you rule the Sun Kingdom, I don''t want you to abandon your duty just because you''re stubborn to serve me." "That uhm I don''t know how to govern I''m nning to give all the governing stuff to Arjun," Ramuja was a bit embarrassed with the situation, because he lived as a ve for his entire life, he couldn''t read, and knew nothing about administration and governing. "Well, of course, you can, but you shouldn''t put all the burden in him," Aster smiled, "I will teach you how to readter, I will also teach you about administration and governing, lest, you won''t bepletely blind about it. But teaching a grown adult is hard, you should learn seriously, it will be rewarding though, I promise." ''Teaching. Adults. Hard. Reward. Promise.'' Ramuja''s head popped an idea immediately. He held Aster''s hand and said enthusiastically, "Can I get reward each time I learned something from your teaching?" Aster raised his brows, "What kind of reward? I don''t think you need money at this point. If you are talking about having a second or third wife, I will not allow it! I know that Sun Kingdom practiced polygamy for their kings, I will not allow you or I will divo" Aster was stunned when Ramuja bowed down and then kissed his lips gently, "This kind of reward," Ramuja said. He hugged Aster to his embrace and his hand slid to Aster''s shirt, ''The more I learn, the better the reward should be, right?'' Aster''s pale face turnedpletely red and he pushed Ramuja, "PPervert!" Ramuja smiled meaningfully, "I told you that you are the only one, right? I will never marry anybody else, and I will never divorce you. I will never let you divorce me too." Ramuja said it calmly, but there was a thin dark scarlet aura around his body, Ramuja lowered his head, so Aster couldn''t see his dark gaze, "I will not let you marry anybody else too, I will break their neck if they dare to court you romantically." Aster hit Ramuja''s head with a document and said, "Stop making scary remarks, I''m marrying my gentle Ramuja, not that violent Charles." Ramuja''s dark scarlet hue vanished instantly and he pouted, "Wife, you just beat me, this is domestic violence" Aster rolled his eyes, "I just hit your head with a bunch of papers! You trained with Irion everyday with all those weird stuff! You also survived so many battles, including a battle with Charles! You''re nitpicking again!" "But I feel nothing when fighting against them, when you beat me with the document, my heart got hurt instead" Aster was getting annoyed with Ramuja''s trick, he pulled Ramuja''s cor and then kissed his lips deeply, "There, satisfied?" Ramuja''s smile bloomed, he was satisfied when Aster took the initiative. Aster read the document that had just arrived, it contained a letter and a new military enlistment in Golden Camellia. Aster read the letter, it was from Irion. Aster wrote a new letter and then called Nate. Nate appeared after a brief moment. Aster put the letter in an envelope and gave it to Nate, "Give this letter to Irion, that is my order. Also, tell him that I will not return to Golden Camellia until Charles is ready to invade Arctyr." "Yes, Milord!" Nate said and he disappeared. Aster nced at Ramuja who was curious about the n, he smiled, "I''m instructing Irion tomand Esther, so the northern barbarian will invade North Fort Kingdom during Golden Camellia''s weakest state. Once Charles leaves Golden Camellia with all the troops he formed, we will attack Golden Camellia from the inside and force him to return back empty handed from the Great Arctyr. He will have no time to fight against Tuskan at all, knowing that Golden Camellia is in a crisis. It will be our advantage after that." Ramuja nodded, somehow, he still thought that his wife didn''t fit well as Minister of economy, or Grand Duke. Because the scale that he controlled was too small, Aster was worth more than that. He was an expert in everything except art andmon sense. ''He fits more as the Emperor of Golden Camellia'' Chapter 263: Two Sisters of North Fort Chapter 263: Two Sisters of North Fort Helene looked at the forced enlistment that had been personally instructed by the Emperor himself. Charles did a force enlistment for almost all young men between the age of eighteen to thirty to go to war against the Great Arctyr. He also didn''t try to conceal his intention of the sudden war, he wanted Aster back. He wanted to destroy Great Arctyr because Aster didn''t surrender, instead, he married Crown Prince Rama in Great Arctyr and was also officially crowned as Great Queen. Aster position was simply like a giant tree that you couldn''t chop with an axe right now, going to a war against the Great Arctyr was reckless. "Sir, is this really virtuous for us to go to war right now?" Helene asked doubtfully. She knew that Charles loved Aster so much, it was already imprinted in his bone that Aster was irreceable. But this was simply madness. Charles nced at Helene and chuckled, "What of it? I want him back, I want him to return here, be my Empress, and I will chain him on the throne. If it''s necessary, I will fuck him in front of all ministers, even in public, so everybody will know that he is mine." Helene shuddered when she saw Charles'' permanent twin pupils, he had four pupils in his eyes and it was simply fascinating, yet creepy at the same time. She was also scared with Charles right now, because what he said was ridiculous, but he would really do it if he was angry. If he said that he wanted to fuck Aster in front of the citizen of Golden Camellia, then he would really do it. Helene gulped, she tried to persuade Charles a little more, "It''s just that winter ising, and it is predicted that this year''s winter would be very harsh. I don''t think it''s wise to draft the breadwinners of many families, who would help the women and children to prepare for harsh winter? "Justpensate them with enough money," Charles said carelessly. He couldn''t be bothered with this kind of mundane stuff. It was usually Aster who would help the people of Golden Camellia to prepare for winter, he was capable of protecting almost everyone, so there was no one that would die out of starvation or frozen to death during winter, at least eighty percent sess rate. But now that Aster had defected, Charles had to take him back, "When Aster returned back, he would naturally do this. He is the one in charge of the country''s economic stability after his father, right?" Helene was speechless, it was correct that Grand Duke Aster was previously the one that would prepare everyone for winter, but without him, it was left to the breadwinners of all families to survive. "This is madness, sir. You will kill so many people over the war, including the women and children, your image in Dionde is already ruined. You''ll ruin your image all over Golden Camellia! Sir, we cannot do this!" "Silence!" Charles stood from the chair, he red at Helene, "You are talking too much," Charles said. He was already impatient to invade Great Arctyr, he didn''t want someone to try to lecture him about the risk of it. Because he already knew about the risk, he just didn''t care. Charles scoffed, "Helene, I will burn Golden Camellia to the ground myself if I cannot have Aster here. I will make everyone suffer the same feeling like me, being separated with their loved one, so don''t try to lecture me. I know all the risks, and I will take it all." Helene gulped over and over, she was scared to the bone, but dared not show weakness. She took a deep breath and then nodded calmly, "Alright then, Sir, I will follow your invasion, I will enlist all the able soldiers from North Fort Kingdom to assist in this war." "Good," Charles said nonchntly. Before leaving, Helene wanted to give Charles the box that she had kept for almost four years, the box from her real master thatmitted suicide the same day after her trial, Empress Cecilia. She took out the box from her bag and then handed it to Emperor Charles, "Sir, this is a box from your mother, thete Empress Cecilia. She wanted me to give it to you when you need it the most. I think this is the right time for it," Helene handed the box to Charles and then bowed her head, "Please excuse me, I will return to North Fort and immediately prepare the soldiers." "Go," Charles said, he stared at Helene for a moment and told her, "You are my best lieutenant, I know your capability and I know that you are trustworthy. Don''t betray me." "I will not betray you, sir," Helene said. She turned her back and left the Emperor Chamber. *** Helene was travelling in thete cold autumn throughout the country, North Fort was the farthest area of Golden Camellia, and it was snowing all year round. She saw many children crying on the street, begging the soldiers not to take their father and brothers to war, and the women could only cry silently. ''This war is unnecessary, if Aster sees this, he will not agree in such a brutal method,'' Helene sighed, she had been together with Charles since they were young, but Charles'' love was only for Aster. He was so obsessively in love with Aster, that he could disregard anything as long as Aster was involved. ''If love is a madness, then I would never fall in love'' Helene swore in her heart. But then, she remembered about that ve that turned out to be a Crown Prince of a powerful kingdom, ''Prince Rama when I fought him before, he was just a ve, he should''ve been paralyzed for days because of the poison, but he persistently trying to open the door to help Aster even though the pain must''ve been unbearable for him maybe that kind of love is what I idealize.'' After five days of travel, Helene finally arrived at North Fort Kingdom. The Kingdom wasn''t big, but it was surely lively. They didn''t care much about winter, because they were used to it, no matter how cold, as long as they stuffed some warmers inside their clothes, it would be fine. Her father had been sick for a few years already, and his mother was just a regr woman who happened to hold the title of Queen, but she didn''t fit at all. Thus, Helene took the mantle of his father as the King of North Fort. The door of her room was knocked, Helene who was reading the enlistment documents looked up and then said, "Come in." The door was opened and Esther was standing with a cute orange dress, she stepped in and closed the door. Helene put the document and then rubbed Esther''s hair gently, "What are you doing here? Is it about your trouble in Clearwater Academy?" Esther shook her head and avoided Esther''s hand on her head, "Sister, I want to tell you something." "Hm? What is it?" Helene was curious. Esther had always been a cute, little sister that had no ambition about the throne at all. All she wanted to have was just safety andfort, which was given for a princess to have that. "Sister, are you going to the war with Emperor Charles?" Esther asked. "Yes," Helene nodded firmly, "It is my duty." "Don''t go," Esther said, half pleading, "TTrust me this time, don''t go, or you will die a shame to North Fort." Helene''s eyes widened immediately, "What do you mean? Esther, do you know something?" Esther nodded, she took a letter from her pocket and gave it to Helene, "That is my order letter, sister, I''m not as innocent as you think." Helene took the letter and read it hurriedly. Her face went pale immediately and she turned her head to her sister, the kind eyes that her sister had were gone. It was only coldness and ambition inside her eyes, "YYou''re colluding with Aster?!" "I am," Esther replied, "I''ve been cooperating with Aster for a year and a half now. Are you surprised? Well, the order letter is here, I cannot stop it. It has been nned for a long time, that''s why, sister, I urge you not to go with the Emperor. You''ll die a shame because you let North Fort being raided to the ground by the barbarians." "EEsther you will kill many people" "Sister, I have the deal with the barbarians, they could loot everything, but don''t hurt the innocent civilians who didn''t fight back at all," Esther smiled, her knees bent a little and she whispered to Helene, ''I also want to rule, Sister. I don''t want to be a stand-in princess that would be married for political ties, I''m much more than that. The only way to do it is to show myself as the strong princess, just like you.'' "IIf you are nning to do this, why are you telling me this?" "Because I respect you a lot. You are still my sister, so I want to give you thest chance. You can tell this to Emperor Charles, but his head is a mess right now because of Milord Aster. Do you know, Milord Aster also use Emperor Charles'' love for him to torture the Emperor until he went insane. Both of them are not saints, but I stand with the winner." Helene was speechless, she didn''t expect that Esther, her cute sister suddenly dropped a bomb on her face. She observed Esther from head to toe again, and whenever she met Esther''s eyes, she realized that Esther was much more cunning than she looked. After knowing the truth that her kingdom would be raided by the barbarian and she couldn''t protect it at all, Helene could only stare at her sister, "Can you rule North Fort efficiently? Can you stand on your ground, be strong enough to lead the tough men?" "I am more capable than I look," Esther smiled, "Do you know, I make the deal with the barbarian chief myself, without any guards or whatsoever. I make him submit to my deal and would never invade anymore. In fact, they would dly protect the kingdom from foreign attack after this raid." "Did did you really do that?" Helene was in doubt, and Esther replied with a slight nod, ''So if Aster already prepared everything, Charles will inevitably lose this because Aster is his weakness, and I I will die with him.'' Helene knew that she didn''t need to die for Charles, but she was devoted to Charles since their first meeting. She couldn''t leave him alone, even if he didn''t love her at all. Helene stared deeply at Esther and put her hands at Esther''s shoulders, "Esther, remember this, you will be the Queen of North Fort, the people are tough and you must be tougher. But I believe in you, if you are sure that you can do it, then North Fort is under your watch, my little sister, Queen Esther." Esther saw the determination in her sister''s eyes, and she realized that Helene was ready to die in the war with Charles. Esther was grieved in her heart, she wanted her sister to stay and helped her to rule the kingdom, but it seemed that there was no other way. Esther hugged her big sister instead, and then sad, "Big Sister, you are my inspiration, I will be a powerful ruler of North Fort. I wish I hope you can see my coronationter." Helene chuckled, it was impossible to watch that coronation to happen, but it was her sister''s choice anyway, "I will watch from above even if I die, don''t worry." Helene could feel that Esther''s body trembled, she patted Esther''s back, "You are going to lead this kingdom soon! Why are you crying?!" "Because I will miss you, sister," Esther confessed truthfully. "You are already neen," Helene chuckled, "Remember to take care of everything after I''m gone. I trust you." "Thank you, sister," Esther said, as she closed her eyes, trying to feel thest warmth before Helene went to a war with an obvious oue. Chapter 264: The Winter War Chapter 264: The Winter War That day, on the end of the Autumn, Dionde City Port was closed temporarily for the merchants and peasants. The soldiers were ready and boarded in the ship, they were wearing their Golden Camellia''s signature ck and gold soldier uniform, many of them had a sheathed sword on their waist, while the rest had bow and arrow on their back. Charles was standing on Golden Camellia''s royal naval ship, the giant ck and gold ship was standing proudly. He looked down on the soldiers who went inside the ship one by one, he nced at Helene who was standing behind him, "No peasant to send us off?" Helene lowered her head, she already ordered Grand Duke Harion to put an announcement, so the people of Dionde City could send them off in a grand manner, because this was a big war. While Grand Duke agreed, the people collectively went against their duke''s order and stayed inside their house, there was no one who wanted to send the Emperor who just massacred many of their family members and forced their beloved Grand Duke Aster to run away to Great Arctyr. "No, Your Majesty the people refused" Helene said in a disappointed manner. The hatred of the people in this city towards their Emperor was too big, it would demoralize the soldiers. However, Charles didn''t seem to care much about it, in fact, a faint smile stered on his chiseled handsome face, "That is fine, when Aster is in my hand, I will fuck him in Dionde City Square, I will make sure that everybody in Dionde City watch how their beloved duke has submit to my power and be my Empress." Charles nced at Helene again and said, "Don''t forget, station some of our men around Dionde, lest an uprising starts in Golden Camellia, we have enough manpower to handle them until we return." Helene nodded obediently. Charles seemed to guess that Aster wouldn''t be so stupid to just wait for his arrival in Great Arctyr. He knew that Aster wasn''t a stupid kid, in fact, he knew that Aster was incredibly talented in scheming, just like histe mother, Grand Duchess Camille. He didn''t want to be outwitted by Aster, thus, he stationed many of his real soldiers around Dionde and drafted the regr men to war. With this, when an uprising started inside Golden Camellia, the people wouldn''t be able to outfight the real soldiers, because the able men were all drafted to war. Charles'' faint smile turned into a grin, ''I know that you must''ve been nning something, you''re always like a firefly that fascinates all people, including me. But unlike them, I will catch you and put you in a ss cage, so I can enjoy your flicker myself. I know that you will make sure that everyone obeys you, that is our inherent nature as golden blood. So, I will see what is in your head, do you want to start an uprising in Golden Camellia? It won''t be easy.'' The naval fleet set off to Great Arctyr and the people of Dionde finally opened their windows. When the ships were already far away, they signaled the messenger boy who was hiding in an alleyway to deliver the news to Grand Duke Harion. They had been informed that Emperor Charles had so many soldiers besieging around Dionde City, in order to effectively beat down the Emperor, they needed a coordinated attack. The people had the same thing in mind, when Grand Duke Aster said that he would return, they wanted to help as much as possible. Some people helped because they were idolizing Grand Duke so much, and the rest after Grand Duke Aster disappeared, the economy in all states in Golden Camellia got a lot worse. Grand Duke Harion simply couldn''t cope with all the pressure since he alienated himself from the Emperor. Grand Duke Harion himself finally got the news from the messenger and then called Sir Douss, "Yes, sir, I am present," Sir Douss said. He still wore his usual butler attire, but today, the aura around him seemed to me more serious. "The Emperor has set off, go to Irion and tell him to carry out the mission. Remember not to get caught, the Emperor has so many of his soldiers around the gate," Grand Duke Harion said. "Definitely sir," Sir Douss smiled faintly, "Must I say, Milord Aster''s n is really bold, but he is a golden blood. I trust that he has more in his arsenal." Grand Duke smiled and replied, "He has Camille''s blood, he is a lot more capable than he looks." *** When Irion got the news about the Emperor''s departure, he had gathered all the envoys from high ranked nobles who colluded with Milord, "Alright, since the Emperor has left, we will carry out the mission. The Emperor has dispatched his soldiers in each region and each of these battalions have amander. Remember, this is a structured rebellion, make sure that you can overwhelm one state. So, themander of the soldiers would need a reinforcement, they would naturally request their nearest soldiers that sieged another region. And then, the rebellion around that region could start. Our biggest advantage is surprise attack, the Emperor doesn''t know which noble has colluded with Milord Aster. Thus, he spread all the soldiers in each region evenly. Any question?" Esther''s envoy asked, "Since we are the gate of the barbarian, Princess Esther said that we will let the barbarian enter Golden Camellia and attack other nearby regions, will we be the one to start first?" "Don''t, the forecaster said that this year''s winter will be heavy and a blizzard will happen in the northern region, let the barbarian attacks during the blizzard. It will hinder the Emperor''s soldiers, they will definitely lose against the barbarian at that time." House of Thana''s envoy opened his mouth, "The legendary soldiers said that they are ready to aid other regions for the rebellion, they are eager to do it, since they just lost their beloved Mistress, Lady Merse." "The legendary soldiers will be our catalyst, since the able men are all drafted to war, they are our main power inside Golden Camellia. Since Emperor Charles knows that the legendary soldiers are all unidentifiable threat, he concentrates more soldiers around Duchy Arion region," Irion took a deep breath, "This is Milord''s order, we will start the rebellion tomorrow morning right when the first day of winter starts, and we will start from the bordering region of Arion Region, we will start from Viete region, Golden Princess Rosalie already ordered many of her allies to concentrate their first rebellion in Viete." The envoys nodded and thest one opened her mouth, it was the only woman in this meeting, she was Rosalie''s maid, "Golden Princess Rosalie is staying in Golden Pce for safety, because she is in herte stage of pregnancy, but Marquis Florentino is staying in Velvet Castle. Golden Princess asked me to tell all of you this, she said that you should strike Roagelt City after Dionde city, because she got the leak from Charles'' minister that Charles is ready to double the protection around Dionde City, because he sees Dionde City as the epicenter of the threat. Once the rebellion around Dionde City starts, themander will immediately concentrate everything around the city, that is the moment when Roagelt is truly vulnerable." Irion seemed to think for a while, and then nodded, "Noted. Milord is already on his way to Golden Camellia anyway, I think when the rebellion around Dionde City starts, he should''ve arrived." *** Aster already predicted that Charles would rush to Great Arctyr as soon as he finished all the drafting. Thus, he set off earlier and took another route to avoid meeting with Charles'' naval fleet. He looked at the vast sea around him and took a deep breath, suddenly, someone hugged him from behind gently, "What are you thinking?" the man who hugged him asked. Aster smiled faintly, "We are halfway to Golden Camellia, we should arrive in Miriam Coast in a few days. Fortunately, we already dismantled Vassal Kingdom Rhea, Gaum is now hiding in his castle against the uprising, they are all using him of killing Gamasiel." "I see, it is you who wants toe earlier though. I actually want us to go to my kingdom first, so you can meet my father," the arms around Aster''s waist tightened, "I can''t wait for all of this to end, I want us to have a grand wedding." Aster turned his head and grinned, "A grand wedding? We have to do it in Dionde and in your kingdom, we will have two grand weddings. Also, why are you acting so serious right now? An hour ago, you were begging me because I refused to let you wash my feet." A crack appeared on the man''s serious face. He had been acting majestic the whole time and the soldiers from Sun Kingdom could only stare at him with awe and worship. But when Aster asked him about this, his tone seemed to be whimpering slightly, "MMilord I thought we agreed not to talk about this in public there are a lot of soldiers from Sun Kingdom" Ramuja said. They were actually inside the Sun Kingdom''s royal ship. Sun Kingdom had dispatched half of its naval fleet to aid Crown Prince Rama in Golden Camellia. Thus, there are a lot of smaller ships who followed behind their ship. Aster chuckled and flicked Ramuja''s forehead, "So, because there are a lot of Sun Kingdom''s soldiers with us, you want to act like a real Crown Prince who lead the country?" "Yes" Ramuja pouted, "MMilord, I want to maintain uhm at least a bit of dignity in front of them Please" Asterughed, but when the soldiers heard hisugh, they turned their heads towards Crown Prince Rama''s upper deck. In an instant, Ramuja resumed his serious, majestic expression, but there was a cold sweat on his forehead, much to Aster''s amusement. Aster raised his eyebrows "Alright then, Crown Prince Rama, please hug me tight, don''t you want to look strong in front of them?" Ramuja tightened the hug, it made Aster feel that he was hugged by a big, warm bear. The soldiers who saw this could only stare in awe, ''Amazing, our Prince can overwhelm a powerful noble like Milord Aster, even making him his wife. Milord Aster must''ve been very submissive to Crown Prince Rama.'' Chapter 265: The Winter War II Chapter 265: The Winter War II The day after Emperor Charles left Golden Camellia, a small uprising broke out in Viete Region. Starting with a heavy snowfall on the first day of winter, a small uprising consisting of some peasants rallied and protested in front of Velvet Castle, demanding Marquis Florentino to give them food to survive the winter. At first, nobody cared about it, even themander who was tasked by the Emperor to guard the Viete regionughed at it. But soon, more and more peasants rallied and they demanded the same thing, soon, Velvet Castle was surrounded by angry mobs. They hadn''t broken through the gate of the castle yet, but they were all ready to do it. Themander was surprised with the sudden wave of angry mobs, because they were too many, he ordered his soldiers to surround the angry mobs and guard Velvet Castle. "Sir, this is unnatural" one soldier said to themander, "I don''t think the people of Viete would rally this fast, Marquis Florentino is not a popr lord, but he has enough money to feed the people during this harsh winter." "Indeed, this is really strange," themander stroked his long beard, "Marquis Florentino cherishes Velvet Castle so much because of the inherited history, he would definitely try to defend his castle no matter what. But it doesn''t seem that he wille out soon to calm these people." Seeing the gate was getting crowded, another soldier reported anxiously, "Sir, the people are getting ready to break Velvet Castle and loot! Marquis Florentino is inside the castle!" Themander who only observed carefully finally couldn''t control his anxiety. If Velvet Castle fell to the people, then he would definitely be executed by Emperor Audric V. Since the Golden Princess married Marquis Florentino in this castle, Velvet Castle has been marked as an important ce by the minister. It would bring the country to shame if a small uprising was able to break through the gate and looted everything inside. "Have you contacted Marquis Florentino?" Themander asked. "Yes, sir. He said that he will not give these people more food, also, he he threatened us by saying that he would report this to the court if we, Emperor''s soldiers cannot protect Velvet Castle from a small uprising!" Themander''s eyes widened, he didn''t expect Marquis Florentino to throw them under the bus. He indirectly threatened them to protect Velvet Castle or all of them would be executed once the Emperor returned. Themander gritted his teeth andmanded, "Fine then! Dispatch all soldiers to protect Velvet Castle!" The soldiers finally moved and sieged the crowd of protestants, they thought that there were only women and old men who would rally in this protest, since most of the able men were drafted to war. To their surprise, there were plenty of obviously young and able men who rallied in this protest. "Sir, there are many young and able men who joined in this protest!" the soldier reported. Themander started getting more and more anxious, "Where do theye from?! Almost all able men have been drafted to war!" Themander saw that more and more people showed up in this protest and soon, he predicted that he needed help from othermanders who protected neighboring regions. Floren was watching the rally from the third floor of the castle, he slid the curtain slightly to observe the situation, seeing that more and more soldiers were trying to contain the masses, he turned his head, his eyes darted to a man who had been waiting for his order, "Go tell Irion that Duchy of Arion should be ready to siege these soldiers. In about five hours, I predict that themander here would request the help of themander from Fulk Region." "Yes, sir!" the messenger nodded and disappeared. Floren frowned at the crowd who rallied out of hunger, "Aster he is really smart, yet ruthless, just like his mother. To starve the people like this" Floren got the instruction from Aster to hold all the food distribution during the war, because only the people of Dionde who wanted to cooperate voluntarily in this uprising. In order for the people to move and initiate and uprising themselves, they needed stimtion, and the best stimtion was of course, hunger. It was superbly effective, and the people of Viete didn''t even realize that there had been many foreign faces that joined their rally. In fact, they got even more fired up once they saw how many people were joining, Aster was ying with the herd mentality. Where did these foreign able men who joined the rally came from? Of course Rosalie helped bymanding all the servants and shadow guards that were owned by many smaller houses under her to join the rally. Floren''s hand clenched the curtain, he remembered that Rosalie was still in Golden Pce and was in herte stage of pregnancy, they were separated for this war. Although he did say that he didn''t like Rosalie at all, when his child was in her stomach, he was bound to be concerned. ''I just hope that he will fulfil his promise and give me my freedom.'' *** Irion got the news three hourster, he was in Duchy of Arion, he nodded andmanded the legendary soldiers. He counted and found that there were around fifty legendary soldiers. The amount might sound meager, but each of them have the capability of ten up to twenty regr soldiers at the same time. The legendary soldiers didn''t have a leader, they only took orders from their mistress or general, in which there would be a mandate from the previous leader about the change. Thus, Lady Merse appointed Aster as the new leader of the legendary soldiers. Irion pped his hand once to gather the attention, "Alright, I am Irion Swordheart. As you know, yourmander, Milord Aster Di Arlingdon is on his way to Golden Camellia. I will be acting as your temporarymander. The uprising in Viete is now getting more intense, get ready, because we are going to rally through three regions and finally helped the uprising in Dionde City!" "YES SIR!" Irion nodded as he mapped the route for the legendary soldiers, ''Alright then, from Arion, to Viete, Mynes, and then Dionde City. We should be able to reach Dionde after killing three regionmanders within only four days. To confuse themanders more, Swordheart soldiers should start the uprising in Fulk soon.'' Irion had stationed his soldiers in Fulk Region, the neighboring region of Viete and Arion. Right now, themander in Viete should''ve already requested reinforcement from Fulk. Milord told him to start the uprising in Fulk right after, so themanders were forced to send the reinforcements from neighboring Arion and Mynes because the uprising in Viete and Fulk were getting out of control. By that time, legendary soldiers could sweep themanders in four regions easily because they were confused and couldn''t gather their troops. Irion smiled as he could finally guess Milord''splete n. At first, Irion thought by sending all the troops to Dionde City, it would be enough, but with this structured rebellion, it would also raise the dissatisfaction of the people. Because their life was much worse after Aster disappeared from Golden Camellia. ''Milord wants to make sure that the people remembered him as apetent minister of economy, and he wants to nder Emperor Charles as much as possible, so Charles will gradually lose his foothold in his own Empire. He is not a saint, but he is indeedpetent.'' *** Grand Duke Harion got the news from his messenger that all Diondians were ready for revenge. They were already preparing their weapon to attack the soldiers. But they were still waiting for Grand Duke''s order. Grand Duke Harion himself didn''t have any initiative in this war, he hadpletely given all the authority to Aster. He got the list of what he should do in this war from his son. And he knew that the uprising in the Viete region was getting more and more out of control, and the Fulk region would start soon. As for Dionde City? Aster told him to hold on for two days and then give the soldiers a cup of tea during the heavy snowfall. -- Dear Father, on the third day of winter, Charles'' soldiers must''ve been cold and tired due to heavy winter, seeing that nothing has happened in Dionde City, they will feel dispirited. At this moment, please give all of them a loaf of warm bread and a cup of tea for each soldier, although they are not allowed to take anything from us, I am sure they will ept it due to hunger. Don''t forget to put a small dose of poison in each tea and bread, a small dose is enough so it won''t raise suspicion between the soldiers. Make sure that they feel really weak and feverish on the fourth day, and victory is ours.'' Aster Di Arlingdon. Chapter 266: The Winter War III Chapter 266: The Winter War III Emperor''s soldiers around Viete and Fulk finally got divided into two, they were trying to contain the growing masses who soon turned violent. Once the uprising in Mynes region broke, they were unable to gather a central power. Seeing that the legendary soldiers in Duchy Arion didn''t move at all, they assumed that they didn''t have any order to rebel. Thus, themander sent half of the soldiers in Duchy Arion to aid the soldiers in other regions. Although the masses got more violent, they were still strong enough to handle the masses until an earth-shattering war cry was heard in the Arion Region. A man with his shining armor led the cavalry full of legendary soldiers with their weapon ready. Themander in Duchy Arion was shocked, he tried to defend against the sudden aggression, but since he had sent half of his soldiers to another region, his soldiers soon got massacred and a legendary soldier shed his neck clean with his sword. Irion saw the severed head of themander and nodded, "HEAD TO VIETE REGION, OUR GOAL IS DIONDE CITY! FOR MILORD ASTER!" "FOR MILORD ASTER!" The cry of the legendary soldiers echoed across the Golden Camellia, soon, Emperor''s soldiers in Viete were crushed by the legendary soldiers. When Marquis Floren saw that the legendary soldiers only attacked the Emperor''s soldiers, he was relieved. The uprising had disappeared instantly, because they were afraid of getting killed by the legendary soldiers, ''Now, I can finally go to Golden Pce to see Rosalie, the baby may be born anytime soon. After Irion stabbed themander, he led the soldiers to Fulk and cleared it easily. Then, Irion led the legendary soldiers to Mynes. Because the distance between Fulk and Mynes was quite far, it took them five hours to finally arrive in Mynes. Themander was already anxious because of the growing uprising in Mynes, but once he saw the legendary soldiers charging at them with full force, he could only take a deep breath and resigned to his fate. After the legendary soldiers killed themander in Mynes. He told the soldiers, "Alright, we''ve cleared Mynes!" Irion counted at the number of legendary soldiers, seeing that the amount had only decreased by two, he nodded satisfiedly, "We will rest for the day, we will attack Dionde City tomorrow!" The head of the legendary soldier was surprised, "Sir, why don''t we attack them now? We are not yet tired," he said. Irion shook his head, "Milord said that we should attack on the fourth day, trust Milord Aster, I know that he has a n." The legendary soldiers could only look at each other and then nodded. Milord Aster was their new leader, and he had been generous enough to maintain their wellbeing after Lady Merse''s death. In fact, Milord Aster specifically ordered Sir Irion to build a good barrack for all of them,plete with all the necessary equipment for training and living. Even though Milord Aster had disappeared, he didn''t forget about his responsibility at all, that was why the legendary soldiers banded together to follow their new master. *** "Grand Duke, the remaining soldiers who survived from Mynes have reported to themander in Dionde City about the invasion from legendary soldiers. The legendary soldiers already defeated Emperor''s soldiers in Arion, Viete, Fulk, and Mynes. Themander already issued reinforcements from all regions near Dionde City," the messenger said to Grand Duke Harion. Grand Duke Harion called Sir Douss immediately and ordered, "When the reinforcementes, go give them all two loaf of bread and a cup of tea for each soldier, poison the first bread and the tea, a small dose is enough. As long as they will be weaker the next day." "Yes, sir," Sir Douss bowed his head and immediately ordered all servants to prepare everything, once the servantspleted all the orders, the wave after wave of reinforcement surrounded Dionde City. The amount of soldiers who got stationed outside Dionde City was simply astonishing, it would be impossible even for legendary soldiers to defeat them because of the amount. Grand Duke Harion saw this and ordered, "Go give all of them the best hospitality of Grand Duchy Stormhill, ignore the protest of the people, they will be angered because we give the soldiers food and drink. In fact, the more protest there is, the better it gets. Because it will eliminate suspicion from the Emperor''s soldiers." Sir Douss followed the order and the hundreds of wagons full of freshly baked bread were dispatched during the middle of cold winter night. The wagons traveled across the empty Dionde City street western and eastern gate of Dionde City. Emperor''s soldiers were alerted once the wagons arrived at them, "Stop, what is inside?" themander asked Sir Douss who led the wagon. Sir Douss bowed his head and replied, "Grand Duke Harion ordered us to supply the soldiers with food and drink. We have two loaves of bread and a cup of warm tea for each soldier. The battle will be arduous tomorrow, please ept this goodwill." Themander didn''t agree immediately, he knew that Grand Duchy must''ve had something in their mind, knowing that Milord Aster was going to be forcefully taken back to Golden Camellia. "You, go eat one first," themander said to one of his men. The soldier reluctantly approached one wagon and ate the warm bread. They were waiting for almost an hour and knowing that the soldier didn''t get poisoned, themander was getting doubtful. ''Grand Duke Harion is really giving us some food? This is simply weird'' ''But the bread isn''t poisoned anyway,'' themander looked at his soldiers, and all of them were starving and cold. Although they had supply and money, the supply quickly depleted and the money couldn''t be spent, because nobody in Dionde City would sell them any food. "Alright then, go distribute the food to the soldiers," themander said. Sir Douss watched in silence as the soldiers got two loaves of bread and a cup of warm tea each, a faint smile was pasted on his face, although nobody could see during this cold winter night. *** Aster stepped down from the Sun Kingdom''s royal ship. His eyes observed around the Miriam Coast of Vassal Kingdom Rhea. It was pretty vacant, as he expected, but it was surprisingly more vacant around the viges too. As if, the previously popr Miriam Coast had been deserted. But there was Nate who had waited for his arrival today. When Nate saw Milord Aster and Crown Prince Rama, he immediately jumped and appeared in front of them, "This shadow guard greets Milord Aster and Crown Prince Rama." Aster frowned, "Has Miriam Coast been abandoned by people? This ce is the heart of Rhea''s economy." "No, Milord. But the people are all joined within the riot in front of Rhea Pce. Gaum Cresthold, King of Rhea had made a terrible mistake and epted an economic treaty with a neighboring state. It ultimately destroyed Rhea''s economy in only a few months. Also, Gamasiel''s death had sparked their anger, because the people thought that King Gaum was ruthless enough to kill his own brother for power," Nate exined. Aster smiled brightly, he pulled Ramuja''s hand and walked towards the carriage that had been prepared for them, "Where do you want to go? Didn''t you say that we are going to rest for a day here?" Ramuja asked, seemingly puzzled with Aster''s sudden excitement. "I''m not tired yet," Aster replied, "Why don''t we go to Gaum first? I really want to see his terrified face, he dares to kill my people during the massacre, so I will let him taste blood in his own pce." Aster said it lightly, but it was a threat real enough to scare Nate and many soldiers who were standing nearby. Ramuja gazed lovingly at his wife, "I will follow you, do you want me to crush his head?" "No, no. Don''t, just let him get killed by his own people," Aster''s smile bloomed even more beautifully. In which, itpletely enamoured Ramuja who was enticed with Aster''s beautiful smile. He nodded obediently, "Fine then, I will break the gate and let the people kill Gaum by themselves. Do you want me to bring soldiers with us?" "No need~" Aster giggled, "I want to have a short walk with you to Rhea Pce, let''s go." Sun Kingdom soldiers could only hear this conversation in both shock and awe, ''Are they really going to fight the soldiers in Rhea Pce alone?'' Chapter 267: The Winter War: Gaum Cresthold Chapter 267: The Winter War: Gaum Cresthold Ramuja and Aster traversed through the wood, heading to Rhea Pce. Ramuja carried Aster on his left arm, while his right arm was used to support himself from one tree to another. Aster''s hands were hugging tightly on Ramuja''s neck, fearing that he could fall anytime. "Ramuja,pared to Jain and Irion, you''re still bad at this," Aster said while frowning. Indeed, Ramuja could jump from one tree to another skillfully, but sometimes, Aster noticed that it took more time for him to bnce himself, unlike Irion and Jain. Ramuja''s cheek flushed in shame, "II will train harder." "It''s alright," Aster smiled, "You are an excellent warrior, not a shadow guard. I will ask Irion to carry me next time, so you won''t be burdened," Aster said lightly, as if it was nothing. However, it severely hurt Ramuja''s pride. Ramuja''s gaze darkened and his left arm, which was used for Aster to sit on tightened and pinched Aster''s butt, "WWhy are you pinching my butt like that? I am thin, I don''t have fat in there." Ramuja stayed silent, but he jumped faster from one tree to another. Aster felt that Ramuja was being weird, it felt like Ramuja tried to show that he was as capable as Irion and Jain. Aster could feel that their speed increased dramatically. "RRamuja, slow down! it''s scary!" Aster said panicky. But Ramuja only hastened their pace, thus, Aster closed his eyes and hid his face on Ramuja''s shoulder, fearing that he could fall from this height. Ramuja''s gaze finally softened after seeing that his wife was scared, he slowed down the pace and said, "I will train harder, but you are not allowed be carried by anybody else except me." "Wait, are you jealous? Just because I said Irion will carry me instead?" "" Ramuja lowered his head, which answered Aster''s question. Aster rolled his eyes, he noticed Ramuja''s ashamed expression and could only look away, ''What a strange man with ridiculous pride, he doesn''t mind being stomped by me, but got emotional over something trivial like this.'' "We''ve arrived," Aster said, trying to shift the awkward situation. They were at a hill behind Rhea Pce. They could see the huge amount of masses rallying in front of Rhea Pce''s gate, some of them already brought a big log and tried to break open the pce gate. "Milord, do you want to help them break the gate or do you want to meet Gaum first?" Ramuja asked. "I don''t think the people need our help, they are ready to break through the gate themselves, let''s just check Gaum first," Astermanded. Ramuja nodded and they disappeared from the tree. Both of them already knew Gaum''s room, thus, Ramuja jumped to the balcony of the King''s chamber. The curtain was slid open, they could see Gaum who looked anxious as he paced back and forth. He was deep in his worry that he didn''t notice Aster and Ramuja were standing on his balcony, looking at him amusedly. Aster stepped down from Ramuja''s arm and knocked the ss door. He knocked three times until Gaum noticed him. He was shocked when he saw Aster with Prince Rama standing on his balcony. As if discovering a beacon of hope, he rushed and opened the ss door instantly. His eyes were only on Aster, "Aster!" Gaum jumped on Aster, trying to hug him. But Ramuja came between the two and pushed Gaum slightly. However, Ramuja''s enormous strength pushed Gaum far and his back hit the cupboard behind him. Aster chuckled, he tapped Ramuja''s shoulder and sidestepped him. He walked towards Gaum who was in pain, "Long time no see, Your Highness King Gaum Cresthold. You''re still as handsome as always." Gaum looked up and his eyes met with Aster''s permanent golden eyes, he subconsciously said, "Aster your eyes it''s beautiful." Aster''s grin turned to frown instantly, "Why are you still trying to flirt with me? After you colluded with Charles to massacre my people in Winter Feast. You have no shame." Gaum gritted his teeth, "I just want to avenge my master, Empress Cecilia. But I don''t want to avenge her to you, because I know that your mother is the real culprit. Look, Aster, did I hurt you? Did my soldiers attack you at all? They are attacking the regr peasants! Aster, I have my duty to avenge my master!" Aster didn''t react at all, but Gaum could see that Aster was really mad right now, as if what he said just now was something offensive, "Why are you getting angry over something like that? I love you, that''s why I didn''t avenge Empress Ceci on you, you should be grateful for that!" Aster still didn''t say anything, he crouched, so his head was on the same level with Gaum, "You think that my people are nothing? Do you think the peasant is worth nothing?" "Compared to you, to us, of course they are nothing!" Gaum rebuked, "Now help me! I need to escape this pce first. I''ll need your support to suppress the uprising, and then I can rule safely again." Aster''s fist clenched, he tried his best to stay calm, but this guy in front of him really knew nothing aboutpassion. Aster pped Gaum''s cheek hard, then said in a low voice, "I love my people, they are all my blood. I live to serve for their prosperity. What you just said is truly offensive, King Gaum. Gamasiel is a better ruler than you." Gaum never had someone pped him on the face like this, he red at Aster and raised his hand, "BITCH!" Gaum was going to p Aster''s head, but Ramuja reacted quickly and caught Gaum''s hand. He broke Gaum''s wrist. Gaum screamed in agony, but Aster didn''t flinch at all, he kept staring at Gaum. "Gaum Cresthold, you should repent and beg for forgiveness in front of the peasant. If you can kiss their feet one by one, I will rethink about helping you," Aster offered. But Gaum got even angrier. He thought that he did so much for Aster, he helped him to invade Dionde City. After Charles told him about the real culprit behind Empress Ceci, Gaum didn''t want to hurt Aster at all, thus, he avenged Empress Ceci by massacring the citizens of Dionde City. Aster should be grateful for him, ''No, in fact, he should''ve been on his knees right now, sucking my cock and begged me to marry him.'' "You are an ungrateful bitch!" Gaum cursed, "Do you know how many people want to be my wife? And now I fell in love with you and you treat me like this?!" Aster snorted, "I count that as a no, so you don''t want to repent at all," Aster nced at Ramuja and coquettishly called him, "Husband~ please break his leg for me~" "YES!" Ramuja didn''t care about Gaum at all, but when Aster called him husband, he felt that he got an instruction and his body moved immediately. He kicked Gaum''s right shin and the sound of cracked bone was loud enough to ensure that Gaum''s shin had been broken. Gaum''s cry alerted the people who already broke the castle. They were searching for King Gaum''s chamber, but hearing the king''s scream, they rushed to the room with their weapon. Aster''s smile deepened, "Honestly, I''m not sure how you fall in love with me. You never enter my eyes, not even once, besides" Aster nced at Ramuja and then kissed his lips gently, "I am already married to Prince Rama." Gaum watched the two kiss and he fumed out of rage, "YOU JUST KISSED A SLAVE! THAT GUY USED TO BE A DIRTY SEX SLAVE. I KNOW YOU ARE A CHEAP BITCH, BUT YOU ARE DISGUSTING, ASTER!" Aster chuckled, "Well, do you know what causes your kingdom''s downfall? Sir Adder, Rhea''s minister of economy, is my distant cousin. He married a ve woman, that''s why he got outcast. Thanks to your brother, Gamasiel, he is recruited based on hispetence. However, he is the one that colluded with me. I ordered him to ruin Rhea''s economy until there is no way to survive for Rhea. In exchange for freedom, I gave him and his ve wife a plot ofnd and I removed his wife''s ve status." "So, your country''s downfall, and your own downfall as well, has been indirectly caused by a ve. Also, I ordered my subordinate to assassinate Gamasiel Cresthold. Gaum, do you know why I want Rhea to be destroyed? Well, aside from avenging my people, it is because I need Miriam Coast as my husband''s naval fleet base, simple as that." "IImpossible" Gaum watched in horror as he finally saw the guise of Aster Di Arlingdon. Aster''s golden eyes shone brightly, but Gaum only felt that he was being stared by a pair of cold golden balls. "You think you are a great king, but Gaum Cresthold, you are nothing in my eyes. Your power is nothing, and your kingdom is nothing. I just want you to know that I''m not someone that will bow down to a humble thing like you." Aster pinched Ramuja''s shirt, signaling him to go, because the violent rioters were getting closer. Ramuja carried his wife and went to the balcony. Aster gave Gaum onest look and then smiled beautifully, "If you meet your brother in hell, tell him that he is no better than you. You two brothers are simply worthless." "NNo! Aster! Save me! Save" Aster and Ramuja disappeared and the violent peasants broke the door. Aster and Ramuja were sitting on a tree branch near the balcony, listening to Gaum''s painful scream as the rioters beat him to a pulp, then he got carried outside to be guillotined. Ramuja watched everything and seemed to mumble, ''I should''ve broken his other leg too. Aster would have kissed me twice goddamn I missed the chance.'' Aster heard everything and could only chuckle, he kissed Ramuja''s cheek and said, "Another reward for you, my hero." Chapter 268: The Winter War IV Chapter 268: The Winter War IV On the early dawn, Irion had prepared the legendary soldiers, they were all lined up, ready for instruction from Sir Irion. Irion checked the legendary soldiers'' steed, after he found that most of them were in great shape, he nodded and then stood in front of the legendary soldiers. "My fellow soldiers, today, we are going to a big fight. We are going to fight for the freedom of our master, Aster Di Arlingdon, his freedom is also our freedom. My fellow soldiers, we are going to a bloody war soon, if you are afraid of death, then I urge you to step aside and return to your home now. Milord Aster does not tolerate cowardice!" Irion gave thest warning to the soldiers, then he paused for almost thirty minutes, waiting for any soldier to step aside and left. But after thirty minutes, nobody moved at all, their determination was solid and they were even more fired up after Sir Irion reminded them about the massacre in Dionde City. How Milord Aster got humiliated by the Emperor, and how their beloved Mistress, Lady Merse Thana decided tomit suicide rather than kneel to that mad emperor. Most of the legendary soldiers were also present during that eventful day, and Lady Merse ordered them to protect the citizens, but there were just too many soldiers in Emperor Charles'' hand. Although they could repel at least fifty percent of them, they were powerless when the rest massacred the people. Legendary soldiers never treated their failure lightly, they carved it in their bones. And this was the right time for them to avenge their failure. "My fellow soldiers, our total soldiers might consist of less than a hundred soldiers. But all of us are legendary soldiers, we are born to fight! We are born to protect our master! Trust our master, he will give us handsome reward when we can carry his name to glory!" "YES SIR!" "FOR THE GLORY OF GRAND DUKE!" "FOR THE GLORY OF GRAND DUKE!" Irion was satisfied with the fighting spirit of the soldiers. When his shadow guard reported that the poisonous bread sent by the duchyst night had taken effect as many of the soldiers got sick and felt weak and feverish, Irion realized that this was the best time to attack. He got on his horse andmanded, "RALLY, MY FELLOW SOLDIERS!" *** "Sir, there are a lot of soldiers that got sick today. We dont know what causes it, but it maye from the bread that was given by the Grand Duchyst night," one of the soldiers reported to themander. Themander saw how many soldiers had been affected by the poison. Most of them suddenly fell ill and had a high fever, though it was not enough to kill them. In fact, most of them would be able to recover after two or three days of rest. ''But the war ising soon, it will be hard if they are not ready.'' ''That goddamn duke must''ve poisoned the bread, I was too nave,'' themander cursed on himself for not being aware enough. Maybe the cold winter night made his mind groggy, but it was toote anyway, all he could do right now was to immediately treat the ill and be prepared for war. "Go treat the ill and" "CCommander! Commander! They areing!" the soldier said while pointing on the road. "WHAT?!" themander looked at the direction and saw a cavalry full of legendary soldiers with their silver gold armor. They were wielding their weapon and they were led by Irion Swordheart, the knight prodigy. ''IIrion?!'' themander who had just been stationed far from the capital didn''t know what happened to his fellow soldier. Him and Irion trained in the same ce together, but they were separated by their talent. He was actually quite talented, but Irion was on the whole another level. All about him screamed prodigious and he was indeed talented, everyone admitted that. However, once they graduated from the knight training, Irion refused to be titled asmander or stationed far with all the facility from the empire, instead, he wanted to be a regr pce guard in Golden Pce. Who would''ve expected that the same man actually led the legendary soldiers to rebel against the Emperor? Irion led the soldiers fiercely and themander could only grit his teeth andmanded, "Prepare yourself, we are going to a tough war." The soldiers prepared themselves, they got on their horse and lined up together. The disparity between Irion''s soldiers and the Emperor''s soldiers were really obvious, but Irion didn''t quiver at all, he was sure that he would win today. Meanwhile, the soldiers in themander side were afraid. Because they had never fought the full force of fierce legendary soldiers. They were afraid of death and almost half of them were ill because of the poison. Irion opened the conversation first, "We are going to take over Dionde City, surrender now or you''ll face death," Irion said calmly. Themander shook his head firmly and replied, "Our order from the Emperor is to protect Dionde City, we shall not surrender!" Irion unsheathed his sword and pointed the end at themander, "We shall end you here, my fellow soldiers, ATTACK!" The war cry of legendary soldiers was heard throughout the battlefield, and the people inside Dioned City also heard the war cry. Their fighting spirit lit up again, and they came out of their house and gathered in front of the gate of Lantern Pce. Surprisingly, Grand Duke Harion already stood in front of the gate with the pce guards. They were already prepared to help the soldiers. Grand Duke Harion were surprised with the sudden wave of civilians with their weapon, ready to war. "Why are all of you here? Didn''t I order you to stay inside your house?" Grand Duke Harion asked. The representative of the civilian came forward and said, "Milord, we are here to help! We are going to war against the Emperor''s soldiers. We are ready to avenge Milord Aster and our family!" "YES!" Grand Duke frowned, "It is really dangerous, you might die, it''s best for you to stay inside." "Milord Harion, let us help! We Diondians owed Milord Aster, because he had worked tirelessly for our wellbeing. This time, we will help him!" Harion were appalled by the crowd, never in his life, he saw the regr citizens would voluntarily help their ruler like this. Aster was obviously bearing so many responsibilities on his shoulder, but he neverined. ''It all pays off, Aster.'' "If you insist, then let us fight together. For my son, Aster Di Arlingdon, and ournd! We will not let Emperor Charles do as he wished, we will fight until the end!" The citizen''s warcry filled the air with courage, Grand Duke Harion led the citizen to the battlefield and when he opened the gate, the legendary soldiers, led by Irion, were fighting courageously against the huge number of Emperor''s soldiers. The Emperor soldiers were handful fighting against those powerful legendary soldiers, they didn''t tire at all, in fact, the longer the fight dragged on, the legendary soldiers seemed to get fiercer. "ATTACK!" Grand Duke Harion ordered the citizens to attack from behind, most of them were fighting against the weakened soldiers on the backline. There were young men, youngdies, mothers and even the elderly joined the war. They used their sharpest weapon on their shed to attack. Emperor soldiers were caught off guard by the surprise attack from behind, they were surrounded by the legendary soldiers and the angry citizens from Dionde City. "Sir, we need to retreat!" the soldier said to themander. "We cannot retreat! Dionde City is important, don''t let it fall to the rebel''s hands!" themander stubbornly defended the city. But soon, he finally faced the fact that his impending doom was near. Because the legendary soldiers were indeed fierce and amazing in battle, and the angry mobs were also fierce. No matter how they defended against these regr citizens, they feared nothing. All of the anger was probably umted from the massacre that the Emperor did a year ago. Because what the Emperor did was indeed cruel and mad. He killed many innocent civilians without mercy. Themander gazed at the falling soldiers that had died brutally. Some of them even showed a shameful disy of getting killed by an old grandma or a little boy. "This" before themander could even say anything more, Irion charged towards him and shed his neck clean with one swipe. Themander head fell off and Irion caught it with his hand. He raised themander''s head to the masses and said, "I''VE GOT YOUR COMMANDER''S HEAD, RETREAT NOW OR YOU ALL WILL DIE RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW!" Thest remaining Emperor soldiers were speechless by the speed of the war. Almost seventy five percent of their initial soldiers were killed. They could only retreat in a hurry, trying to return back to their base in another region. After Irion saw the Emperor soldiers had retreated, he announced to the masses, "MY FELLOW SOLDIERS, WE''VE WON! DIONDE CITY IS OURS! LONG LIVE MILORD ASTER! LONG LIVE GRAND DUCHY STORMHILL!" "LONG LIVE MILORD ASTER! LONG LIVE GRAND DUCHY STORMHILL!" the cry sounded across the city once more. The people had avenged many of their rtives, they were satisfied and with this, the war in Dionde City was over. Although Milord Aster''s battle was yet to finish. Grand Duke Harion watched the masses in awe, he could only sighed and a small smile pasted on his face, ''Camille, our son is truly well loved, the people love him so much.'' Chapter 269: Slow Dancing on the Snow Chapter 269: Slow Dancing on the Snow "What is this?" Charles''s fleet arrived at Saintess Celine Port. He was ready to desecrate the city without mercy only to take Aster back, but what he saw was Great King Tuskan sitting on a small ship near the port, looking at him ridiculously. Emperor Charles frowned, "Does he really want to face me like this? He will die for sure," Charles said to Helene. Meanwhile, Helene had just got the news from the shadow guard in Golden Camellia that Golden Camellia was under attack. Her face paled and she whispered to the Emperor, ''Your Majesty, we should return to Golden Camellia as soon as possible, my men said that Golden Camellia is under attack from inside and outside, a rebel under the name of Milord Aster Di Arlingdon, and there is also an attack from Sun Kingdom, under Crown Prince Rama. My men went to find us as soon as he saw the soldiers got poisoned by Grand Duke Harion, and victory under Irion Swordheart rebellion was certain. By the time the news got to me, Dionde City has been taken away, we''ve lost almost all southern region of Golden Camellia.'' Charles was surprised with the sudden news, he didn''t expect that Aster''s rebellion could actually beat that many soldiers and even be able to take over almost all the southern region of Golden Camellia in only five days. He stared down at Tuskan who had a chuckle and looked at him as if he was seeing a joke. Charles gritted his teeth, he took a deep breath and jumped from his ship to the smaller ship where King Tuskan sat. The tip of many spears pointed near his neck immediately, but the Great King said, "Let him be, you don''t need to be so guarded with Emperor Audric V." The spears were put down, but the soldiers didn''t rx their vignce. To them, all Golden royal bloods were all evil and cruel. The story about Saintess Celine, and now, how their new queen, Great Queen Aster had to leave Great Arctyr because he didn''t want Great Arctyr to get hurt, it only gave them even more determination to beat this evil emperor, Emperor Audric V. Charles ignored all of them and walked straight to face Tuskan who stood from his chair, "What is this childish trickery? You want to say that Aster is not here?" Tuskan smiled and nodded, "Our queen, Great Queen Aster, has been leaving the kingdom for almost ten days. He took another route so he wouldn''t meet you. He is probably already heading to Roagelt right now." Charles pulled Tuskan''s cor, "You dare to trick me." Tuskan scoffed, "Aster has outwitted you, he nned everything and you fell into the trap like a clueless mouse. What a shame for a Golden Emperor." Charles gritted his teeth, he pushed Tuskan and turned his back, the Golden Camellia''s soldiers immediately helped him to get back to their ship, and then the Emperor ordered, "Return back to Golden Camellia! We need to defend the country!" Tuskan''s smile turned into a wide grin, soon, the Golden Camellia''s fleet were surrounded by many ships, Charles looked back at Tuskan and Tuskan said, "We will not let you return unscathed. Especially my sister, she is very protective to her cute little brother." Charless gritted his teeth, he jumped back to his ship, he saw the bigger ship who led the siege from the Great Arctyr, Mariette was standing in front, with a thick coat that highlighted her beauty. She smiled coldly. Mariettemanded her soldiers, "Attack with your fury, I will not let that mad Emperor touch my little brother without blood on his face." *** Aster got the news that Dionde City had been taken over by Irion''s soldiers. He finally showed a relieved expression, "Atst, Dionde City is my most treasured city, if Irion failed then I will definitely have to detour and go to Dionde City myself." Ramuja nced at Aster and then asked, "Do you want us to return to Dionde City now?" "No, Dionde City is now safe, we need to head to the north soon. Miriam Coast is right in the middle between Northern and Southern Golden Camellia, it is best for us to immediately attack Northern Camellia as soon as possible." Ramuja pursed his lips, then he asked, "Aster, can I talk to you for a second?" Ramuja put his hand on Aster''s waist and disappeared in front of his soldiers, they reappeared near the forest and Ramuja said seriously, "Aster, you don''t need to go. I will take care of it by myself." Aster was slightly dizzy by how Ramuja carried him here, but he got his bnce immediately once Ramuja said that, "What are you saying? You want us to retreat now?" "No, I want you to return to Dionde City or to Sun Kingdom. I will take care of Roagelt and Charles by myself, trust me," Ramuja said, his eyes were serious. Usually, he would call him Milord or Master and acted like a puppy, but what Aster saw right now was Crown Prince Rama. "Why so sudden? Did you hit your head or something?" Aster raised his brows, and jokingly said, "Did you find something to be insecure again? Ramuja, you don''t need to be so insecure about every little thing." Ramuja gritted his teeth and then pulled Aster in his embrace, Aster''s ears were on Ramuja''s chest and he could hear the palpitating heartbeat of Ramuja, "I am very nervous, but I''m not nervous because I''m afraid to lose. I''m nervous because I''m afraid something will happen to you during the war. Charles is not an easy enemy, he is strong, maybe stronger than me to some extent. I can''t guarantee that I can protect you when we got to the real war." Aster listened to Ramuja''s heartbeat and he instinctively leaned his arms on Ramuja''s shoulder. He replied, "This is the war between me and Charles, I will go no matter what. If you want to leave, then leave, Ramuja." Ramuja tightened his embrace, lowered his head slightly, so he could whisper on Aster, ''And I will not let you go until you will ept my request.'' Nate who followed the trail of Prince Rama and Milord Aster stumbled upon this scene of Prince Rama and Milord Aster embracing each other, their feet stepped on the snow and created a rhythm, as if they were slow dancing and the snow started falling slowly. Nate was stunned with such a beautiful pair, he could only stare silently. Little did he know that the pair of lovebirds who were dancing on the snow were secretly arguing with each other. ''This is my personal affair, if you are afraid, you should not mix yourself up.'' ''No, Aster. Your personal affair is my personal affair. Your wound is double my wound, and your joy is double my joy. I will never leave you. But you should know that I will not let you put yourself in a dangerous situation.'' ''Do you think I can''t protect myself?'' Aster started to feel that Ramuja was looking down on him, and Aster hated that the most, ''I am not your typical weak damsel in distress. I will not let you decide what should and what shouldn''t.'' ''I am your husband, I have the right to control you, at least preventing you from hurting yourself,'' Ramuja said calmly, but there was so much pressure on his tone, he was demanding Aster''s obedience. ''If this is what you call marriage, with you controlling me, then I would rather get a divorce Mmph!'' Aster was kissed and pushed on the tree trunk behind him. Ramuja pushed his tongue and he tasted every inch of Aster''s mouth, he was greedy and demanding, the gentle Ramuja mysteriously disappeared right now, it was only Crown Prince Rama. "I will not let you say that again, I will I will" Ramuja''s fingers gripped the tree trunk behind Aster and the tree trunk got crushed as Ramuja used more force on it, "You will never say it again, I will never let you divorce me and I will never let you leave me," Ramuja said, there was an obsession in his eyes, but he didn''t dare to show it much in front of Aster. Nate saw everything, including how Prince Rama suddenly pushed Milord Aster to the tree trunk behind Milord and then kissed him passionately, and then suddenly, Prince Rama gripped the tree trunk behind him and the tree actually got crushed. ''WWait, I thought they are having their intimate time together, why is everything suddenly turned upside down like this?!'' Aster red at Ramuja, he pped Ramuja''s cheek, "I hate being controlled, I am the master of my own destiny. I love you, but I will not bow down on you, Ramuja. If you really want a subservient and obedient wife, go marry someone from your kingdom, you might as well have a child for yourself." Ramuja was shocked by Aster''s p, and then Aster pushed him and left him alone. Ramuja caressed his cheek, and then he casted his gaze down. He had an umted anger in his heart, because he didn''t want to hurt Aster at all, but sometimes, he was unsure whether Aster actually loved him or just needed the Sun Kingdom power. Because he felt that Aster didn''t show enough love for him. He still acted like he was the master of everything and didn''t put him in his eyes. Lest, if Aster really only loved his power, Ramuja wanted to tie Aster with his good deed. Ramuja knew that Aster was someone who kept his word. If he could kill Charles, Aster would feel indebted, and he would stay beside him forever. Even if Aster didn''t love him, at least Aster would never leave him. But his tactic turned into an argument and he got pped instead, it was just that, what Aster said really hurt him, and it made Ramuja get out of control for a moment. Aster said divorce as if it was a trivial thing, while for Ramuja, he never had a second thought about divorce. No, it didn''t even enter his mind once. All he wanted to do was just live with his beloved Aster day and night, never being separated by anything anymore. The dark crimson hue around Ramuja started showing, he said gritting his teeth, ''Maybe Aster doesn''t really love me maybe it is just one-sided. But I love him and will always love him or maybe everything is just my insecurity again. Aster, do you really see me as your spouse, or your dog?'' Chapter 270: Kidnapped Chapter 270: Kidnapped Aster wandered around just to leave Ramuja who was shocked. Before he decisively left Ramuja, he looked back at his husband for a second and found him stunned while holding his cheek, as if Aster''s p was that of a painful one. Aster bit his lips and could only leave if he wanted to retain his dignity, however, his hand didn''t lie. The hand that had just pped Ramuja trembled, Aster felt very guilty, because he never intended to hurt Ramuja. But what Ramuja said was indeed offensive to someone like him, he dared to question his power, and even use his status as his husband so he could suppress Aster. "Of course, I can''t let him!" Aster said loudly. He was talking to himself, of course. He just hated the fact that Ramuja looked down on him, no, he hated it if anyone dared to look down on him. "I am Aster Di Arlingdon, Grand Duke of Stormhill, the only son of Grand Duke Harion and Golden Princess Camille, and I am a golden blood. I am also the Great Queen of Arctyr now. Why would someone so foolishly try to suppress me like that? Did he think that I couldn''t do it by myself?!" "I will not forgive him if he dares to limit anything about me, I am born to be a golden pride! EEven if I''m married, I will not let him press me down!" Aster gritted his teeth, "Just because he is now a Crown Prince, he thought that I will be obedient and subservient to him. What a load of bullcrap!" "I will prove to him that I don''t need his help at all, I will dididivodivorce him after I finished the war!" Aster said willfully, although he stammered when he was about to say divorce. After Aster spouted all his anger, his mind cleared up a bit, he casted his eyes down to the snow on the ground, ''But he must''ve been feeling hurt his expression looks like he was too shocked to react.'' ''I didn''t p him hard, at least, based on his power, he wouldn''t feel pain at all. But why is he so fragile in front of me?'' ''Ramuja Ifif he apologized first and kissed my feet, I will forgive his willfulness just now. Ifif he kissed my feet, I might give him a smile and I will let him help me in this war, but I will still be the one in charge for everything!'' ''He must''ve been following me, he will arrive anytime soon.'' Aster waited for almost fifteen minutes and saw no sight of Ramuja at all. He looked around he then realized that he didn''t know this ce at all. He was in a forest covered with snow, but it was just trees and snow everywhere, it gave of a creepy atmosphere. He shuddered, "RRamuja?" he called Ramuja again, "Ramuja,e out now, II will forgive you this time" No answer. Aster started to get scared, until a shadow appeared in front of him and he jumped out of fear, "GYAAH! RAMUJA HELP!" "MMilord, it''s me," Nate said as he appeared in front of Milord Aster. Aster had shown an embarrassing disy of terrified noble, he coughed slightly and adjusted his posture, "AAlright then, carry me back to Miriam Coast, I''m sure everyone''s been waiting for me." Nate nodded, but as soon as his hand reached Aster, his gaze sharped and he sensed something. He unsheathed his sword immediately and defended Aster from an iing projectile. CLANK! An axe got deflected and fell to the ground. Aster was shocked as he saw ten mercenaries suddenly appeared in front of them. They were holding axes and theyughed vulgarly after he saw Aster. "Whoa whoa, so this is the famous Grand Duke Aster Di Arlingdon. I can''t believe there is a man that can be this beautiful. Although he is not feminine, he is even more beautiful than that top-ss brotheldy!" "Yeah, brother! This guy is indeed shining like a treasure. I guess there is a reason why that young miss wants us to hunt this guy and take him to her castle," another mercenary said. "How about we kill his guardian first, and then taste him for ourselves? We can take turns on him, and then we can sell him to the brothel for a high price!" The mercenariesughed together, and then they saw a wedding ring on Aster''s finger, his smile disappeared, "This guy has been married." "Wait, really? Damn, what a lucky bastard!" "He must be married to a man, I don''t think any man can resist his face! Look at that face, I might want to kidnap him in the middle of the night and make him my wife in my vige!" "Hmmm I don''t know much about outside news, I just know that he is a famous beauty since his teenage years, and he is also a top fugitive for the Emperor. I heard that the new emperor, Emperor Charles will pay anything to get him." "Yeah, I heard that too, they said that the Emperor wants to make him his Empress. What a sick bastard!" "But, aren''t they cousins? If they are first cousins and the Emperor still wants to make him, a man, the empress I guess the rumour is true. The Emperor is mentally ill." "Of course, he is mentally ill, he is a golden blood! All golden bloods are mentally deranged by nature!" the leader finally spoke and he continued, "It''s unfortunate that we can''t taste him, but that Miss already promised us a lot of money and food in exchange for this guy. If we give him to the Emperor now, we will also die, I guarantee that." Nate found out that these ten men were discussing what they should do. Nate found a chance to grab Aster''s arm and was about to disappear, but an axe was flying at a high speed towards Milord Aster, thus, Nate let go of Milord Aster''s hand and deflected the axe once more. CLANK! The mercenaries finally shifted their attention towards Aster and his guardian. Aster''s face paled, he had guessed about the identity of these ten mercenaries. He had read about some mercenaries who were ignorant about state matters, they hid and plunder from one ce to another. They were more like bandits who would also work for money like mercenaries. Although they were criminals, they didn''t plunder much and they rarely killed anyone, they just took some gold and then left. They are also very hard to arrest. Thus, the state didn''t really take them seriously. The mercenary leader smiled at Aster, but the smile didn''t reach his eyes, "My Lord, please follow us peacefully, we will not hurt you." Aster was on guard immediately, he hid behind Nate and then replied, "The court will not forgive you for your heinous crime if you dare to do anything to me." The mercenariesughed, "Do you think we care about those old bastards?! We''ve been living as criminals for years! C''mon beauty, I will take you to young miss. I need money." "Money? I can give you a lot more money," Aster said, "Just name the price, I will give double the amount." The mercenary leader replied, "We are bound with contract to that young miss. Also, we cannot trust you at all." "Who is that young miss?" Aster tried to interrogate. "She is a beautifulss, she is a new noblewoman and sings very well too. But she also looks crazy, damn, why are all beautiful people always looking crazy," the mercenary leaderined, "Anyway, surrender yourself now or we will use force." Nate gritted his teeth, "I will not let you touch Milord." "Oh, what a brave young man. Did you fuck that Milord of yours already? If you haven''t, what a pity, because you''ll die a virgin here!" The mercenary leader charged towards Nate. Aster took a few steps back, and two swords shed. If it was a fair fight, Nate would''ve won obviously. But these are bandits, they grouped on Nate and soon, Nate was beaten to the ground. "Nate!" Aster called. The mercenary leader saw this young man was beaten until he was dying, heughed, "Such a fine young man, you should''ve followed us instead." The mercenary leader raised his sword, about to end Nate''s life. Aster decisively yelled, "WAIT!" The mercenary leader paused, then nced at Aster. Aster clenched his fist and said, "I will follow you, but do not kill him." The mercenary leader finally sheathed his sword and forcefully pulled Aster to his side. Aster frowned as he got pulled with force. Aster''s hand was tied and the mercenary soldier carried Aster on his shoulder, "Ah, you are so lightweight. What a pity that we must give you to that crazyss." The mercenary leader nced at the unconscious Nate again, and then he slipped a paper on Nate''s pocket, "I know you''re not dead yet, go give that note to Aster Di Arlingdon''s ally." The mercenaries finally left the unconscious Nate alone. Aster was silent, but he was incredibly scared at this point, ''Ramuja, save me!'' *** Ramuja was frantically searching around the forest with his soldiers. He returned to the base after he calmed himself down, he thought that Aster would''ve returned. But soon, the soldiers also asked him the whereabouts of Milord Aster. Ramuja had just realized that Aster didn''t know how to return back. Ramuja basically brought him to the middle of a forest, and then left him alone there. Which led to Ramuja frantically searching the forest. He was followed by his soldiers, and he was so anxious, he didn''t control his strength at all. The soldiers could only stand from afar, because right now, their prince had unrooted many big trees with his bare hand. As if he was only pushing the trees gently, and the trees instantly came crashing down. After almost an hour of searching, Ramuja finally saw someoneid on the ground. His face was covered with snow, but when Ramuja checked, the man was still alive. However, it was not Aster. It was Nate, Aster''s bodyguard. "WAKE UP! WHERE IS ASTER!" Ramuja shook Nate as he was panicked. Nate finally regained a bit of his consciousness and he said in a low, almost inaudible voice, ''Note pocket'' Ramuja took the note in Nate''s pocket: He is with me,e if you want to see how his slutty face got ruined for life. I will make him know that he shouldn''t mess with us, I''m sure you will never love him anymore after you see his disfigured face. - Your Beloved, Lady Merry Belleresse. Ramuja crumpled the paper, his eyes were red. He was so furious that the dark crimson aura around him thickened immediately, "I will crush her to dust if she dares to do something." Chapter 271: True Nature Chapter 271: True Nature Aster regretted his fight with Ramuja a while ago. He never thought that his pride and willfulness would lead him to be captured by mercenaries and got him into this current situation. Aster looked around, trying to find escape, but Merry already calcted everything. She didn''t want her prey to run away again this time. Yeah, Aster was now in the Bellleresse Castle, owned by Lady Merry Belleresse. He was tied to a chair with a steel chain and he was ced inside a big, in room on the third floor, presumably a guest room. This Belleresse Castle was just an old castle that was empty, because thest Countess of Belleresse died old, childless, without any rtives. She donated all her wealth to the charity and this castle was left deserted under the care of the empire. Until on that fateful day, Merry sang a song signaling the Emperor soldiers to start attacking innocent civilians in Dionde city, and then she got the castle, including servants, and money from the Emperor. She shot up from a regr peasant singer to the honorable Countess of Belleresse in just one month. She was infamous for her nefarious deed, but she didn''t seem to regret anything. "Merry, we can talk this out," Aster said nervously. Merry had just entered the room, she wore a thick gown and fox fur because this winter was indeed cold. Merry who had just entered the room raised her brows and scoffed, "In less than five minutes, you want to escape already? Bitch, I know you are weak and stupid, but you should use your brain more, not your ass." Aster observed Merry''s temperament and countenance, her face was indeed beautiful. She has that girl next door face and she was pretty cute, but her temperament showed a bitter girl that seemingly could mentally break, burst into tears, or throw a huge rage with a knife on her hands in a matter of seconds. Aster dared not to provoke her right now. And her countenance? Aster didn''t know why, but looking at Merry right now reminded him of the evil witch from the children ''s story book. Her face was beautiful indeed, but her gaze was malicious and her smirk made him shudder. Merry approached Aster slowly, and then she looked down on him and asked, "Do you know your fault?" Before Aster could answer, Merry answered the question herself, "Your fault is because you are born lucky." "You are lucky to be born as a high noble, from two good looking parents. Your parents dotted you a lot and you livevishly. You never know how to work hard and you never know what suffering truly is. You are also born incredibly beautiful, so you easily snatched everyone''s attention, including Tuskan, Charles, and Ramuja." "You''ve had Emperor Charles who loves you wholeheartedly, but you still dare to give your ass to Tuskan and Ramuja. Tell me, how many times did you get fucked by three of them? Are you letting them fuck you everywhere like a slutty bitch?" Merry''s vulgar words made Aster really ufortable, because he was not used to talk with such vulgar person, he frowned and rebuked, "I never let Charles and Tuskan touch me, I am yet to consummate my marriage with Ramuja wholly, you are making things up without evidence at all." Merryughed suddenly, as if what he said was so funny, "Oh, Aster. Do you think I''m stupid? Hah!" she kicked Aster''s shin with her heel. Aster winced in pain but didn''t let any sounde out of his mouth. "I know what men truly want! I''ve worked in that filthy city for almost three years to know that all men only want sex! They want to have fun, to screw around! They flirt with me, giving me tips generously and attended my singing because they want to fuck me! Do you think I''m just a pure maiden that can be fooled?!" Aster shook his head, "Not every man acts like that" Merry''sugh was even more hysterical and then she said, "Yeah, there is one man that is really good and kind hearted. He works hard and he has not yet to be tainted by the lust of men. Although he had a terrible past, I know that he is a good guy deep down. That''s why I fell in love with him," Merry said. Her eyes looked up and she smiled, as if she reminisced about something beautiful in the past. Then, her eyes looked at Aster and she red instantly, "Until he meets you! You slutty Lord, you use your body to tempt my Ramuja! Ramuja will not leave me if you didn''t use your body!" "I never" "SHUT UP!" Merry screamed unreasonably, "I am tired of a slut trying to reason! A slut is a slut! To you, Ramuja is just another man you can y with, but to me, Ramuja is my first love! He is mine!" Merry proimed. Merry''s im somehow stimted Aster, he rebuked angrily, "NO! Ramuja is never another man! He is my first and only love!" Aster''s golden eyes glinted with a trace of hostility, "Ramuja is mine! He is wholeheartedly mine! He said that he is mine!" Aster''s golden eyes finally shone bright, which shocked Merry. She had seen the same golden eyes from Emperor Charles. And she felt the same pressure. Her legs went weak immediately, Aster thenmanded her, "Release me now or you will face death." Merry shook her head many times. He felt that Aster''s golden eyes hypnotized her into submission. She gritted her teeth, ''I don''t want to be submissive to a slut! He is a slut, not a golden blood! His blood is no longer pure, his blood also contains the semen of all the men he seduced! He is a slut, A SLUT!'' Aster was shocked when he saw Merry got up even after Astermanded her. Her disheveled hair, wide smirk and bloodshot eyes created an image of a ghost, a banshee. Merry thenughed, "Your cheap trick doesn''t work here, slut. Let''s get this over with." Merry took off her gloves and showed her razor-sharp nails, the nails still have blood on the tip and Merry said proudly, "I had just killed my mother after she kept nagging me about my sanity. I am perfectly fine, but she is not. She said she would rather live in our previous small wooden house, as long as we are together. What a load of bullshit." Merry pointed her fingers at Aster and said, "I will ruin your face first, so Ramuja will never look at you again." *** Ramuja''s horse stopped in front of the Belleresse Castle. There were not many guards, but the small number of guards seemed to have expected his arrival and prepared their weapon in advance. Ramuja was sure that Aster was inside, ''Milord, Milord, Milord, Milord!'' Ramuja didn''t have time to bother with these guards. He ordered his soldier to fight them and charged forward. He passed through the guards, but was stopped right in the main courtyard with ten mercenaries with their axes. "Who is this guy? He looks really strong," one mercenary said. "Not sure, but I guess he ising for Milord Aster," the other replied. "Oh, Milord Aster is really beautiful, I touched his waist for a mome" SMASH! SPURT! The mercenary who had just talked fell to the ground with his head smashed into pieces. Ramuja punched his face until his face exploded. Ramuja looked at them like they were a dead meat, the sun emblem behind his back shone brightly and the dark crimson aura around him was already suffocating enough, "I don''t have time for useless humans," he said coldly. The other mercenaries were stunned, and then terrified at the next moment. They never saw someone could blow a head with only a punch. The mercenary leader however, he stood on his ground and unsheathed his sword, "I am the leader, I will fight you head on, I am the one who brings Aster" The mercenary leader couldn''t speak at all when Ramuja shed in front of him like he teleported from thin air, Ramuja''s dark crimson aura was scorching hot, and when his hand held the leader''s sword, the sword melted. "Go away," Ramuja said coldly. The leader and his underlings saw this monstrous feat, they couldn''t control their fear and they scattered, trying to run away from the monster, "MONSTER! A MONSTER!" The mercenary leader was rooted on his feet, not because he was brave. But because he was too scared to move, he even pissed himself. Ramuja asked him, "Did you touch my wife, Aster?" The mercenary leader didn''t answer, but the monster in front of him didn''t seem to need an answer at all. "Your hands touched my wife," Ramuja said. He gripped the leader''s arm and then pulled it gently, "AAAAAAHH!!!" the mercenary leader screamed in agony, because this monster ripped his arm with only one gentle pull. Ramuja didn''t stop, he pulled the other hand and ripped it too. The mercenary leader finally fell to the ground, he didn''t know whether he was dead or not, because he was sure that the man in front of him was a grim reaper. "Mercy" the leader begged. Ramuja looked down on the guy who fell to the ground, his expression didn''t change at all. The dark crimson aura around Ramuja turned color into blood scarlet immediately, "You touched my wife, my sun." Ramuja stepped on the man''s heart gently and he crushed the man''s heart like this. It left a huge hole on his chest. Ramuja didn''t care about the small ants. He entered the castle. Ramuja''s blood scarlet aura made all the servants who were inside the castle fainted immediately, and the old maids and butler died of heart attack on the spot. However, Ramuja himself didn''t seem to mind at all. He just mindlessly stepped from one floor to another, he only chanted the same thing over and over; ''Aster, Aster, Aster, Aster, Aster.'' Chapter 272: True Heart Chapter 272: True Heart Ramuja walked from one floor to another until he could sense Aster''s presence in one room. He jumped in front of the door, he was going to bust up the door until he heard a voice from the inside. "You look horrendous now! Ahahahaha!" Merryughed hysterically. She sounded very happy. However, her happiness was fleeting, because she felt dissatisfied the next minute. Her face scrunched and she pped Aster''s bleeding face, "WHY DON''T YOU SCREAM?" Aster bit his lips until it bled, but he didn''t scream at all. He didn''t even whimper even after his face got scratched up badly. He red at Merry and then replied, "You said that you would stop if I admit that I am a bitch and I only love Ramuja for his power, right?" "You already scratched my face badly, and you may scratch more if you want to. But I am the Grand Duke of Stormhill, a noble born and golden blood. And I have loved Ramuja ever since my first meeting with him! I love him because he is a gentle and kind man! I will always love him even if he is still a ve, I will protect him myself!" "SCRATCH ME MORE, HERE!" Aster offered the part of his face that was yet to bleed. Merry clenched her fist, her nails dug on her palm, but she only felt more and more desperate. She already scratched Aster''s face many times, but Aster didn''t want to admit the truth. She just wanted him to admit that he is a bitch and he never loves Ramuja, then Ramuja will naturally return back to her. Besides, looking at Aster''s horrendous face would definitely make Ramuja vomit out of disgust. But this bitch was so resilient, he didn''t even scream when his face got scratched badly. "YOU ARE FAKING IT! YOU ARE A BITCH, YOU SHOULD JUST ADMIT IT!" Merry yelled. But Aster didn''t react and only clenched his fist, waiting for the next scratch on his face, because Merry''s scratches were really painful. He said in a low tone this time, "Even if Ramuja left me after he sees my current appearance, I will still love him. I love him not because of my golden circle curse. I truly love him because he touched my steel heart." "YOU LYING BITCH!" Before Merry could scratch Aster''s face again, Ramuja broke the door. The blood scarlet aura around his body thickened immediately when he saw the scratches on Aster''s face. Merry instinctively took a few steps back, because she felt that this guy was not the Ramuja that she knew. The blood scarlet aura around Ramuja''s hand disappeared immediately when he kneeled in front of his master and then touched his chin gently, "Aster Ramuja has Ramuja has failed to protect you." Ramuja''s whole body trembled, tears suddenly welled on his face and streamed down on his cheek, "Ramuja has failed." However, Aster only smiled at Ramuja and said, "I am fine, the scratches don''t hurt at all. You are covered in blood, Ramuja. Are you alright?" "Ramuja knows it hurts. Ramuja can feel your pain," Ramuja said. He nced at Merry who shrieked to the wall. Merry felt that she was being stared at by something unknown, she tried to use Aster first, "Ramuja! That bitch Aster hurt me first, he he hurt us! Don''t you see? He is a bitch, you are just confused and seduced by his looks! That''s why I ruined his face, now you will see that I''m more beautiful!" "." Merry yelled, "I am far more deserving than him! I am beautiful, I can sing well, and we''ve known each other for so long! Oh, one more thing, I have something that a bitch like him doesn''t have, I am a woman! I can bear your child! Will you let yourself marry a guy for the rest of your life?! You will die childless! You are a Crown Prince from a wealthy kingdom, you need a better queen!" "" "SSay something!" "Who are you?" Ramuja asked curtly. "Ha" Merry''s jaw dropped, she knew that this was not the same Ramuja she knew, but if he remembered Aster, then he must have remembered about her too! Merry gritted her teeth, "I am Merry! I am your first love and your only spouse! What you said is not funny!" "I don''t know you. My first love is Aster. He is my sun and the only one in my heart. Don''t put yourself in his position, you are not worthy," Ramuja said, his gaze darkened and he shed in front of Merry and then gripped her wrist. "WWhat are you going to do!? Ramuja, I am a noblewoman! I am a beautiful maiden, you should protect me instead!" Merry yelled as she struggled, but it felt that her wrist had been stuck inside a boulder. Ramuja observed her hands for a moment and then said, "Your nails hurt my wife." Ramuja pulled Merry''s right middle finger gently and it was ripped instantly, "AAAHH!" Merry screamed, "Ramuja! It hurt, it hurt!" Ramuja didn''t seem to hear Merry at all. He pulled Merry''s fingers one by one, he ignored Merry''s scream and plea, until all his fingers had been ripped off, he stared at Merry''s pale face. Merry already fainted due to shock and pain. "Your face your face is filled with hatred ugly" Ramuja said. He covered Merry''s beautiful face with his palm and then pinched it gently. CRUSH! SPURT! With that, Merry''s head exploded and blood sttered everywhere. Ramuja dropped the lifeless corpse of someone he didn''t recognize, then he walked towards Aster again. Aster was still chained up, thus, Ramuja pinched the chain and the chain broke immediately. Ramuja kneeled in front of Aster, he rested his chest on Aster''s knee and then said, "Wife Ramuja has failed, Ramuja deserves to die." Aster held on the throbbing wound on his face and then said, "You did a good job." "But Aster''s face is wounded Ramuja cannot redeem himself" Aster smiled and rubbed Ramuja''s head. In this position, Ramuja was looking up to him, his bloodlust aura disappeared instantly, somehow, Aster could feel the warm orange aura around Ramuja''s body. He looked up at Aster like an obedient dog with his pure eyes. "Ramuja, it''s alright. Even if you don''t like me after my face got ruined it''s alright," Aster assured Ramuja. He also assured himself, because after Merry forced him to say that he didn''t love Ramuja at all, his heart denied it immediately. He would rather get his face ruined than lying to himself. He did love Ramuja, he loved this guy a lot. ''Even if your love is superficial, as long as you are happy, then I''m happy too, Ramuja. You deserve someone better anyway.'' ''Because I just realized how much I love you, more than my pride. My pride has hurt you a lot, so I don''t want to trap you with me if you are disgusted in me." Ramuja tilted his head slightly and then said, "Ramuja loves Aster''s face. Ramuja loves Aster''s skin, Aster''s heart, Aster''s smile, Aster''s eyes, Aster''s everything. Ramuja loves everything about Aster." "But my face it''s not beautiful anymore" Aster said dispiritedly. Ramuja wanted to touch Aster''s cheek, but realized that he was covered in blood. Thus, he hid his hand, afraid that his wife might find him scary, "Aster is always beautiful. Aster is perfect." Aster chuckled, "You are good at coaxing me, but it''s alright, I don''t want you to lie." Ramuja seemed to be annoyed with Aster''s words. He held Aster''s hand gently and ced it on his chest, "Ramuja is true to his heart. Ramuja never tell lies." Aster frowned, "Who are you, really?" Ramuja blinked innocently and said, "I am Ramuja, I am Sun King, I am my wife Aster Di Arlingdon''s husband, servant, protector. My Sun is Aster. Aster, please believe Ramuja, Ramuja''s heart will explode if he tells lie!." "The Sun King can''t lie?" Ramuja nodded vigorously, "Sun King cannot lie!" Aster concluded that the Sun King was Ramuja''s true nature. All that he said right now was the truth inside his heart. "You don''t see me as ugly?" "No," Ramuja replied shortly. Then, in a matter of a minute, Ramuja''s eyes became watery again and he cried. He drowned his face on Aster''s thigh, sobbing. He said, "Aster, please don''t leave Ramuja. Ramuja is very scared." "Scared? Why are you scared? I will not leave you" "Aster said divorce. Ramuja feels that my world is crumbling. Ramuja wants to cry, but Ramuja doesn''t want Aster to see me as weak" "Aster, Ramuja loves you a lot. Aster is the only one in my heart, my sun. Ramuja doesn''t want to be separated from you" "Ramuja did my words hurt you a lot?" Aster asked gently. His heart was also hurting when he heard thising from Ramuja''s true heart. "Yes," Ramuja sobbed harder, "Ramuja is scared Ramuja only has Aster in his heart. If Aster leaves, then Ramuja can only die." "I I said that because I was angry, I didn''t really mean it I''m sorry," Aster said. He had regretted everything, he didn''t know that his words would make Ramuja''s heart suffer like this. "Ramuja will never marry anybody else. Ramuja will never love anybody else. Ramuja doesn''t need a child, Ramuja only needs Aster. Ramuja will do anything for Aster. Aster can say anything, Ramuja will always believe you. Aster can say that Ramuja should die now, Ramuja will kill himself immediately." "Don''t!" Aster''s eyes widened, "Don''t say something like that!" Ramuja raised his face and stared deeply at Aster, "Ramuja doesn''t care if Aster only wants Ramuja''s power. Even if Aster take advantage of Ramuja''s power, as long as Aster is happy, Ramuja will do anything." Aster bit his lips. He didn''t realize that Ramuja felt this way. Ramuja thought that he was using him for the power of the Sun Kingdom, yet, Ramuja said nothing at all. Aster wiped Ramuja''s tears gently and then gave him reassurance, "Ramuja, even if you are still a servant and have nothing, I will still love you. I love you since our first meeting, and when you be old and weak, I will protect you instead. You might be my servant Ramuja or Crown Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom, but to me, you are still my adorable Ramuja nheless. I will always love you either way, my hero." Aster smiled sweetly and then lowered his head and kissed Ramuja''s lips softly. Both of them closed their eyes, Aster could feel that his body was surrounded by Ramuja''s warm aura. Soon, he felt that his strength got replenished immediately and he felt something tingling on his face. Aster''s wound closed one by one, leaving a perfectly smooth skin. After the long gentle kiss had ended, Aster was stunned as he touched his face, "Ramuja you" Ramuja giggled happily and then said, "Ramuja sensed Aster''s heart. Aster''s heart is true Ramuja is truly happy" With that, Ramuja had a peaceful smile on his face and he closed his eyes. He fainted on Aster''s thighs. Aster checked Ramuja''s heartbeat immediately and found him alive, just fainting out of exhaustion. Aster caressed Ramuja''s dark short hair and said, "My hero, you saved me again. You saved me many times, I will forever be indebted with you. Your heart whispered that you want me to be indebted, so I will never leave you." "I will pay my debt, I willingly stay with you forever husband." Chapter 273: Blizzard Chapter 273: Blizzard Esther stood on her balcony, the winter wind is freezing, but she got used to it since her childhood. In fact, she liked this cold weather more than the warm, sunny weather of Dionde City. She was in herst year of school in Clearwater Academy, but due to the current war, the academy had been closed temporarily, a great reason for her to return back to her hometown. ''North Fort Kingdom, my precious cold home,'' Esther smiled, ''It is time for you to thrive under my rule. I will not be a disposable princess that will be married to a random man out of benefit.'' The maid opened the princess'' door and saw Princess Esther standing alone on the balcony without a proper warmer, she rushed and said, "Princess, the winter is very cold this year! Please wear a proper coat!" Esther nced at her back, she grinned and replied, "I''m waiting for the blizzard." Surprisingly, in a few minutes, the blizzard did start. The blizzard was tough and would scratch one''s skin if they were not careful. But once Esther saw the terrible blizzard hit North Fort, her smile bloomed and she said in a low tone, "They areing, the blizzard of my victory." The guards in North Fort were not many, because Princess Helene brought almost eighty percent of their total to help Emperor Charles to war against the Great Arctyr. It was a bit unfortunate, really, because the barbarian usually would do a small invasion during the cold winter in North Fort. They thought that they could handle the usual invasion this winter, but there was a sudden blizzard hitting North Fort right now. The guardmander was not a native from North Fort. He was Emperor Charles'' man stationed to guard North Fort and all the remaining soldiers to defend against invasion from the barbarian. The guardmander saw the blizzard was rough, thus, he ordered all his men to seek shelter inside the fort, because the barbarian wouldn''t dare to invade during this harsh blizzard. Thus, nobody was watching on the watchtower, because everyone was busy trying to find warmth inside the fort. After a few hours, the blizzard didn''t stop, it continued and probably would stay for a while. Esther came to the guards inside the fort wearing her wolf coat, she looked really anxious, "Where is themander?" Esther asked. Themander raised his eyebrows, he didn''t expect the sweet, schrly second princess woulde to the fort during the blizzard. He bowed in front of the second princess and said, "My name is Valen, I am the Emperor''s guardmander in charge here, Princess." Esther bit her lips, she looked even more anxious and then decided to say it, "Why aren''t you guarding your designated post? How could you know if an attack ising?" "Princess, the blizzard is tough, the barbarian would not attack during the long blizzard like this," themander found that the second princess'' worry wasn''t reasonable. Of course, nobody would want to die out of hypothermia during a tough blizzard like this. But the second princess seemed to have something else in mind; "But" Esther hesitated, then she yielded, "Alright then, I''m here to deliver food for the guards, I brought my servants here." Not long after, many servants brought the bread and fishes and served it to the guard. Themander was pleased with such treatment, he heard that the second princess was out of the kingdom for so long for useless studies, she should''ve just stayed inside the kingdom and be a good wife of some nobles rather than trying hard for nothing. Themandermented, "Thank you for the second princess'' generosity, the second princess should be a good wife for someone. Second princess doesn''t need to study hard, you just need to be an obedient wife and please your husband! You can also be my wife if you want, I am strong and single!" themander boasted. He was already forty this year, but he never married because he was busy leading the troops. Themander obviously was trying to knock some sense out of the stupid princess. But Esther smiled awkwardly and replied, "Thank you formander''s advice" Esther turned her back and the awkward smile disappeared, ''Wait until the barbarians destroyed everything, you''ll not be able to talk after your heart stops beating.'' And, true to her words, the barbarian suddenly invaded during the harsh blizzard. They came in suchrge amounts and they wore the perfect coat for blizzard. The emperor soldier''s were full after eating good food delivered by the second princess, they felt a bit sleepy. Some barbarians used rope to climb, but the majority entered through the wide open gate, as promised by Second Princess Esther, the barbarian king nced at a slender, hooded woman who smirked at him. The barbarian king nodded at her and he sieged the soldiers inside the fort. The guards were instantly awakened when they heard the war cry of the barbarians, "Attack the soldiers!" the barbarian kingmanded. The barbarians suddenly invaded the fort from inside and surrounded the obviously ungeared soldiers. Themander who was sleeping inside his room withfort suddenly got awakened with a spear on his neck, the barbarians had sessfully prated North Fort Kingdom for the first time in decades. "II am Emperor Charles'' subordinate! All of you will suffer fate worse than death if you dare to hurt me!" themander tried to scare them, but the barbarianughed contemptuously. Themander was dragged outside and met with many corpses of the Emperor''s soldiers. In front of the pile of corpses, a woman stood with a mocking smile on her face. The same woman was giving the soldiers food a few hours ago. "SSecond Princess?!" themander''s eyes widened, "DDid you collude with these wild barbarians?!" Esther kept her calm, the barbarian king was standing behind him, "I made a deal with them. Of course, it would benefit the kingdom more. But I do need to eliminate all the Emperor''s soldiers in North Fort." Esther mocked contemptuously, "You dare to step your foot in North Fort, insulting me, and you didn''t even protect the kingdom properly. Isn''t that a recipe of disaster?" Themander gritted his teeth, he didn''t expect that the seemingly stupid and weak woman could actually scheme against her own country and kingdom with the barbarians, "You vile woman! Wait until the Emperor and Lieutenant Helene hear your treachery! Your sister is the Emperor''s greatest subordinate!" Esther chuckled as she heard such a ramble, "It''s funny that you mention my sister. You think that I nned everything like a treacherous woman, while in fact, my sister knows everything about this n, and she agreed." Themander was speechless, how could Lieutenant Helene, the Princess of North Fort, betray the Emperor like this? However, looking at the strangeness around, he realized that Helene had drafted much more soldiers than the requisite to go to war against the Great Arctyr. Esther raised her brow, "Did you realize that just now? My sister drafted almost all talents and able soldiers to help the Emperor because she wants to save them from the barbarians. You are just a sacrificial pawn here for my ambition, Commander Valen." Esther signaled the barbarian to execute this man. Thus, the barbarian stabbed the man''s neck and he was dead on the spot. The Barbarian king was somewhat appalled by the princess, he had a deal with this princess, but didn''t expect her to be this helpful. "Princess, as you promised, we can loot the city, right?" the barbarian king asked. He was somewhat wary that Esther had another trick on her sleeve. "Yes, you can even go to another defenseless region next to North Fort and loot more, but you have to be careful," Esther warned. Then she had a big smirk on her face, "We can do the act now." *** The barbarians had sessfully invaded the North Fort Kingdom. The main city was attacked and the barbarian king had gathered all residents of the main city on the city square. The blizzard was still ongoing, thus, there were a lot of kids and old people who tried to fight the cold by holding each other. In front of them, the mighty barbarian king held hostage Second Princess of North Fort, Esther Yvette. Esther was famous for being a beautiful, weak flower. Unlike Princess Helene who was fierce and unyielding, Princess Esther was gentle and intelligent, although she was not appreciated much in this harsh environment, where nobody had time to raise a tender flower. The barbarian king pulled Esther in front of the people and said, "I''ve got your princess. North Fort belongs to me now!" The people were shocked, they didn''t expect that the barbarians could actually break through the fort. But then, the amount of guards was so miniscule due to the majority of them getting drafted to the war by the Emperor. It was inevitable. Esther red at the barbarian king, unyielding, "What do you want? Do you want gold? Do you want to loot everything in this city?!" The barbarian king smirked maliciously, "Of course, the winter is harsh, my fairdy. We want to survive." "My people also want to survive! Don''t take their food!" Esther yelled, which got responded with a sneer on the barbarian king''s face. "What can you do anyway? You are just a useless princess." Esther gazed at the barbarian king with persistence and determination, "You can take me as hostage instead, in exchange, don''t loot or hurt my people." The people heard their weak princess suddenly dere something crazy, "Princess!" some people called her to stop, but Esther ignored them. "Take me as a hostage, you can ask for a huge sum of money from my sister. She is outside the country as she leaves to aid the Emperor, but she will give you money more than you''d expect." "Eh, I heard that you are a useless princess, nobody really loves you in North Fort. What makes you so sure that your sister will free you?" the barbarian kingughed. "If she does not free me, then you can kill me instead," Esther said steadily, "Or you can sell me to some brothel, I am a virgin. I''m sure I fetch a big price with my identity." "Princess! Stop talking!" the people who watched everything were distressed by the im of the princess. The barbarian king nced at the people and saw them genuinely worrying about their princess. Knowing it was the time, the barbarian king smirked and said to the people, "Then, let just ask the people. Since you are a princess that has no value, let''s just hear which one the people will choose, their princess, or the food and money in their houses." Esther gazed at her people, and then said, "My people! Please choose wisely! I know that the winter is harsh, don''t let them take your money and food! I am but a worthless princess here, but I want to serve the kingdom at least once before my demise!" Esther made it sound like her fate was already certain. She expected that her sister wouldn''t pay arge amount of money for her, and her people wouldn''t choose her over their wellbeing. "Glory to North Fort! Glory to the eternal winter!" Esther yelled as loud and courageous as she could. The blizzard grew harder, but she yelled it over and over courageously. The people were shocked and awed by their second princess. She was brave to face death for her people, and she was courageous enough to protect her people. The barbarian king pped her face, "Stop saying nonsense! Now, if all of you want to protect this princess, go to your house and return back with your money and food here! Or else, I will take her hostage instead!" Without any hesitation, everyone stood from the ground and rushed back to their houses, they returned with everything they had, they screamed at the barbarian king, "Set our princess free! She is our precious princess!" More and more people rallied to protect their princess. Esther lowered his head and her hair covered her face. People thought that the p from the barbarian king had made their princess faint. They were even more furious and yelled at the king. Although they have no power to fight the barbarian king, they were courageous enough to tell him to release their princess. In actuality, Esther had a wide smirk on her face, ''Such cheap encouragement, I know that my people are verypassionate deep down.'' ''Sister, I''ve established my position in North Fort.'' Chapter 274: The Winter War V Chapter 274: The Winter War V Aster and Ramuja were rescued not long after Ramuja fainted. They returned to Miriam Coast, but Ramuja hadn''t woken up since then. The old doctor said that Crown Prince Rama had fainted due to exhaustion, and it might take him a few days to regain his consciousness. "Do you have any way to make him recover faster?" Aster asked the doctor. But the old doctor from Sun Kingdom shook his head, "Milord, Sun King is a legendary entity. Crown Prince Rama is new to this sun king state, it would take him a few days to recover naturally. But he will be okay. Also, you told me before that Crown Prince Rama and you kissed, and you recover all your wounds, right?" "Yes." The old doctor sighed, "Sun king has natural regenerative capability. Crown Prince Rama has had this since his childhood, that is also the reason why he can survive being a ve and tortured for so long without losing any limbs or dying out of pain. Once the Crown Prince was in his sun king state, his regeneration would be enhanced tremendously. In my deduction, it seems that Sun King can share his regenerative capability to his loved one too, but this is the first time such a thing has ever happened." "First time?" Aster frowned, "The previous sun kings never have this?" "We don''t know about that, because Crown Prince Rama is the first Sun King who fell in love with a human. Previously, Sun King would be subjected to various methods so he would fall in love with his country, and would protect his country in a battle, he would grow stronger as long as the people cheered on him." The old doctor tapped Aster''s shoulder like an elder giving advice to the young ones, "Milord, naturally, Crown Prince Rama will grow stronger as long as you give him encouragement. The next time Crown Prince''s Sun King berserk state triggers, please encourage him." The old doctor left the room after that. Aster was left with Ramuja who was still sleeping soundly. He bit his lips, he wanted to wait until Ramuja woke up. But if he took more than a few days, he couldn''t afford losing momentum by staying in Miriam Coast. Aster nced at the sleeping Ramuja again andnded a kiss on his lips, "Ramuja, this time, I will lead the war. Wake up soon, my hero. I want you to show how gant you are." Aster opened the door and headed to the ship''s meeting room. There were plenty of people inside, most of them were Ramuja''s direct general from Sun Kingdom, and he had few shadow guards who were waiting for his order. The generals naturally know the identity of their soon-to-be Sun Queen. They bowed respectfully, and one of the generals asked, "How is Our Prince? We are waiting for hismand." Aster took Ramuja''s Sun King order crest and then put it on the table, "My husband is recovering, he is yet to awaken. I will be the one in charge." "How can this be?!" one general rebuked immediately. Although he didn''t hate Aster, he didn''t want to be ordered by someone from Golden Camellia, let alone the golden blood identity that Aster held. "I will not let youmand me!" the general harshly rejected. Which was followed by another general. Facing rejections, Aster didn''t change his countenance at all. He calmly scanned through the generals'' faces and then replied; "Emperor Charles is probably on his way back to Golden Camellia. If we don''t move fast, then he will catch us off guard and everything will be in vain. Even worse, he might recover from the invasion and then attack the Sun Kingdom. I am doing this for our survivability. Once you enter the fray, there is no way to escape." There was a long silence in the room, until half of the generals finally conceded. But the other half was still headstrong. Aster knew that there was not much time left, Charles must be on his way back now, he couldn''t waste anymore time. He closed his eyes and then reopened it. His golden eyes shone bright and hypnotized the people inside, "I am Crown Prince Rama''s spouse, I am as powerful as him. Follow my lead just like how you follow his lead." The generals finally nodded in unison, Aster smiled as he was satisfied, he pointed his finger at a region in the map, "We are going to attack Duchy of Silvor next, this duchy is my duchy''s old friend, but surprisingly take side with the Emperor. We need to attack Silvor, and then Leinbell region. Silvor and Leinbell are the big region of the north, alongside Roagelt the capital city and North Fort. But Esther should''ve taken care of the north fort, the defenses around Silvor and Leinbell must be lenient right now, because the soldiers would focus more on trying to repel the north barbarian from attacking the smaller towns around these four regions." "Understand," the generals said in unison again. "Good," Aster nodded and continued, "Head to Silvor now, the uprising within the city must''ve started after the execution of Gaum Cresthold two days ago." Aster turned his back and left the room. The generals snapped out of their daze, but they felt that they were in unison, they thought the same thing. Thus, the Sun Kingdom army headed to Duchy of Silvor. *** Aster saw the Silvor city had burned down to the ground from afar. He was satisfied with the damage the riot had done to the city. Duchy of Silvor was led by Lady Lily Berzhenia, Duchess of Silvor. She was Aster''s mother''s good friend before Aster was even born, but Lady Berzhenia actually sided with the Emperor in this war. As soon as the Sun Kingdom''s soldiers approached the gate, the Emperor soldiers were already too tired, because they fought against the terrible uprising inside the city. The uprising was incredibly tough that the Emperor soldiers already lost almost seventy percent of their soldiers because of it. Now the barbarians had sessfully entered North Fort, many smaller towns in Silvor were attacked. Thus, themander decided to dispatch almost all his remaining soldiers to help the small towns. Since there was nothing left inside Silvor City other than the Duchess'' mansion. When themander saw the Sun Kingdom''s huge rally. He knew that he was already hopeless. Thus, he stood alone in front of the Sun Kingdom soldiers and bowed his head once he saw Aster Di Arlingdone out of the carriage. "Milord Aster, begging you to give thismander a clean, quick death," themander begged. Aster nodded and ordered his men to kill themander quickly. Aster entered the Silvor City that had been desecrated to the ground, he frowned slightly, ''I don''t think I have enough manpower to create this much mess. Silvor City has basically destroyed to ashes. There must be someone behind this other than my people who staged the uprising.'' Aster entered the open gate of Duchess Pce. There were not many guards and servants, once they saw the rally of the soldiers that was led by Aster, they tried to hide, fearing for their lives. Aster frowned even, ''Even the guards are this scared, what is happening.'' Aster ordered his soldiers to stay put as he entered the main pce with few shadow guards. He walked and saw that all the servants avoided him like he was some sort of monster. Aster caught an old maid who shrieked and begged for her life, "BBenevolent Milord! Please spare me! Please spare me! I have a young grandkid that needs me!" "I will not hurt you," Aster said gently, "I want you to escort me to Lady Berzhenia, she is inside this pce, right?" The maid nodded vigorously and then escorted Aster to a door at the end of the corridor. Aster''s anxiety was exploding at this point. Everything in Silvor city was very strange. Aster pushed the door, and he saw Lady Lily Berzhenia who sat on the sofa weakly, she looked outside the big window, which she directly saw countless corpses of soldiers in her garden and she could see the city got burned to the ground from afar. When their eyes met, Lady Berzhenia chuckled and looked outside again. "Lady Berzhenia, I suppose you know my intention here," Aster said. "Yes, and you won. If you need to kill me now, just kill me directly. I am tired of your family shit. That woman already destroyed everything before you came anyway." "A Woman? Who is she?" Aster asked. He felt that this woman''s identity must not be simple, to be able to destroy Silvor and destroy all the fighting spirit of the people here. Lady Berzheniaughed mirthlessly, then she looked at Aster with her cold gaze, "That woman is your vile mother, she destroyed everything and terrorized Silvor for days. My soldiers slowly sumbed to their death because of fear." Aster''s gaze stilled, he replied, "My mother is dead. You are making things up." Lady Berzhenia red at Aster and then rebutted, "Her body might be buried under the ground. But she has so many devoted followers everywhere. She nned to destroy my duchy for so long I guess she really seeded now, ahahahaha!" Lady berzhenia pointed at the burned down city and continued, "I know that you staged the uprising, so I prepared my guardsbined with Emperor''s soldiers to defend the city. I didn''t expect that your dead mother has prepared for everything to avenge my betrayal to her. She actually tripled, no, quadrupled the threat that you''ve set. Everything she killed and destroyed everything. There is nothing left" There was a deep terror inside Lady Berzhenia''s eyes. Aster was silent the whole moment, he only ordered the shadow guard to give Lady Berzhenia a quick death. Once Lady Berzhenia was killed, Aster stood still, looking at her corpse. It took awhile for Aster to process everything. He didn''t expect that his mother would still have ns to help him even though she was already dead. He thought that defeating Lady Berzhenia would be a hard task to do, but turned out, histe mother had prepared everything for him. ''Mother, I don''t know whether I should be happy or terrified right now. But thank you for helping me again and again. I will not disappoint'' Chapter 275: The Winter War VI Chapter 275: The Winter War VI Charles was finally able to escape the ambush set by the Great Arctyr. He lost almost half of his troops already, that princess called Mariette was so vicious, that she wouldn''t give him a chance to escape without spilling some blood. Helene was no better either, because she stayed with the Emperor all the time, the Great Arctyr sent many assassins to jump and on the Emperor''s seat and attacked, thus, Helene defended Charles against so many enemies. Meanwhile, Great Princess Mariette and Great King Tuskan looked satisfied with the result of the ambush. They didn''t lose many soldiers, but Golden Camellia suffered heavy casualties. Aster ordered them not to decimate everyone from Golden Camellia, as it might incite the anger of the Camellian. By killing half of the Golden Camellia''s soldiers, it gave the impression that the Golden Camellia could still survive through ambush although they lost half of their soldiers. "Do you think Aster can handle it himself in Golden Camellia? I I can send some help for him. No, I can send all troops to help him in Golden Camellia," Tuskan said. He was anxious, because Aster was only apanied by Prince Rama. Although he decided to let Aster marry Crown Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom instead, he still didn''t believe that guy. That guy had lied and cheated Aster numerous times before, there was a probability that he would cheat on him again. Mariette nced at her brother and smiled, "Aster will be fine, I trust him. Besides, Prince Rama is with him." Tuskan deted because his sister decided to support Prince Rama instead of him, "I still can''t trust that Rama guy" Tuskan said. "It''s not important whether you trust him or not, it''s alle down to Aster''s decision. Besides, I know that you have more jealousy than distrust towards that guy, right?" Mariette teased her brother. Tuskan had a slight blush on his face. "IIf that Rama guy dares to cheat on Aster again, I will marry Aster instead!" Tuskan said with determination. He still couldn''t let go of Aster, but he respected Aster''s decision. Mariette nced at her brother and gave him a deep, meaningful smile. "As long as you can rule well, I believe you can do anything, Tuskan," Mariette giggled, "But not trying to chain Aster like he is some sort of pet, don''t be like Emperor Charles. He is simply insane. As much as you love Aster, he is a prideful lord and he is my little brother." Tuskan lowered his head, there was aplex feeling in his eyes. *** Charles'' was inside his room in the ship, he was furious, but he didn''t let his anger control him at this point. He buried all his anger towards Aster deep inside his heart, and then he ordered Helene, "Immediately head to Miriam Coast and return to Roagelt. We don''t have much time." "Yes, Your Majesty," Helene nodded. "Your Majesty, do you want to use that" Charles looked at the military tally given by his deceased mother empress. The tally was given to the Empress by a neighboring country and can be used once to gain immediate reinforcement. Charles remembered that his mother had helped the neighboring country, Kingdom of Politrea long ago. It seemed that this was her reward. Charles gave the military tally to Helene and said, "Send an envoy to Politrea, I''d want to request as many soldiers as possible to help me in Roagelt. Roagelt will be a war zone soon," Charles said. Helene affirmed and then disappeared with the military tally from Emperor Charles. Charles'' gaze stilled at Aster'' portrait, he took the portrait and kissed it gently, but there was no tenderness in his eyes. There was only gloom mixed with obsession in his double pupil eyes. Charles'' handsome face twisted as if he was in agony, and he chuckled mirthlessly, "My little kitten, you''ve yed enough. You''ve made enough mess, it''s time for you to return back to your cage. Don''t worry, this time, I will not spare you. I will capture you and put a leash on you." *** Aster marched to Leinbell next. Leinbell was ruled by a Marquis, Marquis Dirac. Aster wasn''t really tense when facing this one, because Leinbell was a peaceful region, and as he saw the peaceful city of Leinbell, he sighed in relief. To be truthful, he didn''t want to shed so much bloodshed to some of the non-hostile regions. But Charles still stationed amander in this region, thus, he had to fight the soldiers. Aster sat on a carriage as Sun Kingdom soldiers directly attacked the Emperor''s soldiers. There was not much struggle happening anyway, because it seemed that the uprising in Silvor also affected themander in Leinbell. At least, it seemed that themander in Leinbell dispatched many soldiers to help his allies in Silvor. Thus, in a matter of a few hours, the Emperor''s soldiers were defeated and themander was killed. The Sun Kingdom general presented the head of themander in front of Aster and said, "Milord, Leinbell is in our hand now." "Good, don''t attack the civilians, Leinbell is a neutral region, Marquis Dirac doesn''t ally with anyone," there was a slight pause from Aster, and then he continued, "In fact, bring me to the Marquis'' mansion, I need to talk to him." The civilians inside the city hid themselves in their home, they peeked slightly to see the golden carriage got escorted by six other carriages, the carriages were heading to Marquis'' mansion. Leinbell was indeed a neutral faction, thus, when Aster''s golden carriage entered the mansion gate, the guards bowed down to him and then escorted his carriage to the main mansion. Marquis Dirac was an old man, he was sixty years old this year. But he still looked vigorous. He held a cane on his right hand and then bowed to Aster gently when Aster stepped down from his carriage, "I, Marquis Dirac, warmly greeted Milord Aster Di Arlingdon. Pardon my inability to help the war, I am but an old man." "It is no problem," Aster said. Histe mother said in her note about Leinbell: ''Marquis Dirac is not my ally, but he was nobody''s ally. Leinbell has been keeping its neutrality for decades. However, Marquis Dirac would definitely help those who helped him, but he would not support war.'' In fact, Aster could just skip and left Leinbell right after he defeated the Emperor''s soldier, but he had something that he wanted to ask here. Marquis Dirac seemed to know what was in Aster''s head, he invited Aster inside his mansion and they sat in a room face to face. The guards were guarding the door. "I suppose Milord Aster wants to get something after you defeated the Emperor''s soldier, correct?" Marquis Dirac guessed. "I I don''t want you to help me through the war, nor I want gold. I just I heard that Marquis Dirac has a potent tonic to replenish energy. My mother once said that Marquis Dirac''s potent tonic can save a dying person." Marquis Dirac was surprised, he observed Aster from head to toe andmented, "Milord is in great health, I have the tonic, but it will be a waste if you drink it." "No, it''s not for me. It''s for my husband," Aster said steadily. "My husband was unconscious right now, he will recover eventually. But it will be an indefinite time until he wakes up. I want him to recover soon, it worries me" Marquis Dirac seemed to be in deep thought, he then turned his back and took a small bottle of thick, white liquid and gave it to Aster, "This is the tonic, it will help Milord''s husband to recover soon, but there is a side effect." "Side effect?" Marquis Dirac was too embarrassed to exin, then he said, "Just once he wakes up after drinking this tonic, please leave him alone in his room. Or else, he will prove his strength as a man." Aster frowned, he didn''t seem to understand about the side effect, ''Prove his strength as a man? Ramuja is already strong, what kind of proof does he need to show that he is a real man anyway?'' "The side effect will not harm him, right?" Marquis Dirac got even more embarrassed, and he lowered his head, "NNot at all, but it might harm your kidney, Milord." Aster didn''t understand at all, but as long as it didn''t harm Ramuja, then he doesn''t have anything to worry about. He bowed his head and thanked Marquis Dirac, "Thank you for Marquis'' generosity, I will station some of my guards at the city gate if you are willing. Because we don''t know when the Emperor''s soldiers return with reinforcement." Marquis Dirac was delighted, although he was not allied with Aster, a bit of protection wouldn''t hurt, "I will dly take Milord''s offer." Aster excused himself, but Marquis Dirac warned him for thest time, "Milord, please listen to my advice. Lock your husband inside the room alone after you give him the tonic, if you still want to save your kidney. YYour chrysanthemum might not be saved if you are with him inside." Aster nodded without caring much, he didn''t understand what this old man meant with saving his kidney, proving the strength of a man, and his chrysanthemum. He was worried about Ramuja''s health, that was it. Aster pondered as his carriage returned back to the Sun Kingdom''s soldier camp outside the city, ''Hmm maybe that old man is reciting an old poem about chrysanthemum and the strength of a man? I''ve read so many poetries and elegies, but I haven''t heard this piece of poetry. It does sounds interesting though, maybe I should ask him after the war ends.'' Chapter 276: Seven Hours Itch (18+) Chapter 276: Seven Hours Itch (18+) Aster returned to the base outside Leinbell City at night. The generals had waited for him, but Aster just ordered them to rest for the night and they would go to Roagelt tomorrow morning. Although the war was important, there was someone more important lying on a bed inside a big tent. The tent was really big and it was furnished with Sun Kingdom''s furniture. As expected, the tent for the Crown Prince was definitelyvish, even the ground was covered with avish carpet. Aster went inside the tent and saw Ramuja still sleeping soundly on the bed. There was no sign of him waking up anytime soon. Aster sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. He took the warm towel that had been prepared before and wiped Ramuja''s face gently. ''Ramuja, please wake up, you are making me worried'' After wiping Ramuja''s face, Aster fished out the thick, white tonic from his pocket and then opened Ramuja''s lips. He poured the tonic gently and helped Ramuja to swallow it. After he made sure that Ramuja drank the whole tonic, he remembered Marquis Dirac''s advice. That he should leave Ramuja alone in the room, or else something might happen, ''No, Ramuja will not hurt me. But if he wakes up in his berserk state, he might attack the soldiers. I will apany him, in case something bad happened.'' Aster had an idea, he went outside and said to the guards who were guarding outside the tent, "If you hear anything inside my tent, do not interfere. Do not enter the tent or you might lose your head, understand?" "Yes, Your Highness," the guards nodded in unison. They were curious about what was happening inside Prince Rama and Milord Aster''s tent, but they dared not to ask Milord Aster. Because he was one-hundred percent their next Sun Queen, questioning the queen''s order was punishable by death. Aster entered the tent again. When he turned his eyes back to Ramuja, he was shocked when he saw Ramuja already opened his eyes, but he didn''t move at all. Aster rushed to Ramuja and held his hands, "Ramuja! Oh my god! Ramuja, I''m d you woke up!" Ramuja didn''t respond, he kept staring at Aster and then his hoarse voice came out, "Wife" Aster felt ridiculous, because Ramuja had been unconscious to the point of looking like a corpse for days, he was scared, "After so long, your first word is just that? Ramuja, I was so worried about you!" Ramuja still didn''t respond much, but he suddenly circled his arms on Aster''s narrow waist and then said, "Wife what did you give me?" Aster frowned, "I gave you a tonic, the tonic will help you recover fast, but it is said to have a side effect, that you will prove your strength as a man. I don''t know much about it, but you are not feeling anything wrong, right?" Ramuja stared at Aster''s beautiful golden eyes deeply, and then his hands that were circling around Aster''s waist suddenly caressed Aster''s thigh. Aster jolted, but Ramuja held him down, "Since you are the one who gives me the tonic, then I shall prove my strength to you." "RRamuja, what are you saying?" WARNING: BERRY SMUTTY! >//w//< "You truly don''t understand?" Ramuja smiled meaningfully at Aster and then nced down around his crotch. Aster''s line of sight followed Ramuja''s eyes and his eyes darted on Ramuja''s crotch. There was a huge bulge that couldn''t be more obvious. "WWait! Ramuja" Aster immediately reacted by struggling, but Ramuja''s strength was undeniable, that Ramuja only pinched Aster gently to hold him down. Ramuja sat on the bed and then lifted Aster gently. He lifted Aster to sat on top of his crotch, then Ramuja grinded his cock with Aster''s cute butt, "Since you are giving me an aphrodisiac, then you must be inviting me in." Aster was flustered, he tried to struggle to no avail, "RRamuja, there is a misunderstanding here! You are notpletely yourself right now!" Aster felt that Ramuja''s consciousness hadn''t exactly returned, only his horniness had returned right now, but what shocked him was Ramuja''s next sentence, "I ampletely conscious right now, Aster. But you are giving meat to a starving tiger, of course I will not miss it. This is a very strong aphrodisiac, seven hours itch. Can''t you feel it? My cock is rock hard right now." Aster waspletely foreign with aphrodisiac and such, he was raised to be a sheltered little flower. Now that he heard such vulgar words, his body unwillingly heated up. Aster stopped struggling and stared at Ramuja''s face, it seemed that Ramuja was actually holding back so much, so he wouldn''t hurt Aster. Aster could feel Ramuja''s thick cock was grinding under. Aster bit his lips and replied weakly, "But we are at war we can''t do this" "I promise that I will defeat anyone as long as you give it to me now, I will burn that golden pce to the ground, just wife I can''t hold this." Aster was silent for a moment, and then nodded. He started unbuttoning his vest, "Be careful, this is my first time to have um a manhood inside me, don''t be too rough" How could Ramuja resist such coquettish words from his wife? He immediately tore Aster''s shirt and saw the slender, pale body of Aster. He buried his head on Aster''s corbone, and then kissed and sucked it gently, "AAhn Ramuja, you will make marks!" Ramuja didn''t care about Aster''s protest at all. He kissed Aster''s lips, neck and corbone. He sucked and bit Aster''s skin gently until there were various kiss marks around his neck and corbone. Aster could only moan as Ramuja''s lips explored his body, from his chest down to his navel. Ramuja seemed to be fond of his navel, he took his time down there. Ramuja pulled Aster''s pants roughly and then held Aster''s hips with his hands. Aster was lying on the bed, his raised and the rim of his eyes were red. He was holding his shame. Aster was biting his nails, trying not to moan too much, because there were guards outside. "Aster, don''t make such a face. I''m going to lose control here," Ramuja warned. "EhAh!" Ramuja raised Aster''s hips and sucked Aster''s cock inside his mouth. Ramuja was very skillful with his tongue. Aster felt that his mind was over the cloud at this point, he let out some small moans, "Ah RRamuja, I" Ramuja stopped as he felt that Aster''s cock trembled inside his mouth. He grinned mischievously at Aster, "You can''t cum now, darling. You are going to cum when I nted my seed inside your belly." Aster''s eyes widened as Ramuja turned his body, Aster was now lying on his stomach, his beautiful back was arched and his cute, upturned butt was all exposed in front of Ramuja. Aster had never felt this vulnerable before, he felt ashamed, but at the same time, he had an anticipation in his heart. Ramuja was admiring his wifes pink chrysanthemum for a moment and then chuckled, "So beautiful, I''m d that you are mine, Aster Di Arlingdon." Aster was at Ramuja''s mercy at this point, he blushed and said, "Take me, husband. My virginity is yours." Ramuja''s hard cock twitched as he heard his wife''s submissive words. He took something in the drawer beside him and then smeared it on Aster''s chrysanthemum. Aster felt a warm, slightly itchy sensation down there, "What is that?" "This is a lubricant from Sun Kingdom, Ie prepared, darling," Ramuja grinned mischievously and then put his middle finger inside. "Ah!" Aster was surprised, no, he didn''t feel hurt at all. But he was surprised, because the feeling of Ramuja''s finger entered his ass was weird, yet delightful. Ramuja put his other fingers inside Aster and there were already three fingers inside Aster''s ass right now. Ramuja''s fingers yed inside Aster, in and out. Aster was moaning again and again, but the stimtion made him angry, "Just put it in, goddamnit!" he said loudly. Then, Aster realized that he was too loud. The guards outside could definitely hear him. Aster buried his face on the pillow, which made Ramuja feel even more delightful. "As you wish," Ramuja smeared the lubricant on his shaft and then the head of his cock slowly entered Aster. Ramuja had never felt this sensation, to him, this was also his first experience as a top. Meanwhile, Aster''s mouth was wide open as Ramuja''s cock slowly entered him. "Ah Ah! Ha Ramuja, it''s too big, it won''t fit!" "Rx darling, I''m halfway through," Ramuja said near Aster''s ear. Slowly, Ramuja pushed his cock deeper and deeper and he felt a bump as he finally burrowed his cock deep inside Aster''s ass. "AH!" Aster reacted wildly for the first time. His gaze blurred for a moment and his eyes rolled back because of the strange, ticklish sensation. Ramujaughed, "For a high noble like you, your sensitive spot is really easy to find. Aster, you are a perfect fit for me." Pa. pa. pa. Ramuja started to move his hips, he fucked Aster in doggy style, in and out with steady pace. Aster felt that he was in heaven at a moment, and then got thrown into deep hell at the next. "Ah! Ah! HHusband, you are too big! You are going to kill me!" Asterined, but his ass moved along, trying to cooperate and to find the pleasure. Ramujaughed and after half an hour, he started increasing his movement. PA! PA! PA! The sound of Ramuja''s crotch and Aster''s butt rammed each other were so obvious, that the guards outside tried to ignore the sound inside, but it was getting more and more steamy. "Ah! AH! RAMUJA!" Aster never knew that such an act of letting yourself drown in debauchery could be this amazing. He had forgotten about his pride and power, all he wanted to do was now getting fucked by Ramuja. After an hour, Aster felt that he was on the edge. "RRamuja, Husband! Fuck me!" "Do you want me to shoot inside? Do you want it?" "Yes! Oh god!" Ramuja quickly increased his tempo and then bit Aster''s nape, "Rrggh!" "Aaaaahh!" Aster''s eyes rolled back and he also ejacted as Ramuja shot his cum inside. Aster felt that Ramuja shot him exactly twenty times.Aster copsed on the bed, his ass still raised high. Ramuja pulled his cock out, but it was still rock hard. After Aster regained some of his souls, he nced at Ramuja and almost shrieked when he saw Ramuja''s big, rock hard cock still standing proudly. "RRamuja?" Ramuja smiled meaningfully and then held Aster''s hips again, "It''s seven hours itch, I think we can go for seven hours, maybe until dawn, what do you think?" After seven hours, Ramuja still looked vigorous while Aster felt that he couldn''t feel his body at all, especially his ass, it was so sore. Aster was basically covered in cum at this point, from his hair down to his toes, all covered in Ramuja''s thick, white cum. Since Aster couldn''t feel his body at all, Ramuja helped him take a bath and then helped him to rub the ointment on Aster''s chrysanthemum. The poor chrysanthemum was still wide open, unable to close after so much ramming. Aster gritted his teeth as Ramuja rubbed the ointment there, "YOU BASTARD! YOU DID IT NONSTOP FOR SEVEN HOURS! YOU FUCKING MONSTER BREEDER!" Like a wronged puppy, Ramuja resumed his submissive status, "Wu wife I can''t control it. I''ve heard that Sun Kings usually have a harem full of men and women because of their incredible vitality, but you have to obviously take everything yourself" "Don''t try to y it again! I said you must rub the ointment, not ying with my ass again! Aren''t you satisfied?!" ''Not really, I can do it all day though'' Ramuja whimpered as Aster threw the pillow to his face. "II will try to control myselfter" "You better to! Or else I will definitely kill you, Ramuja!" Aster said angrily. Although his waist was so sore, he wouldn''t lie that he enjoyed that seven hours although he could only feel the first three hours, because he started to feel very weak and could only beg for Ramuja''s mercy. Ramuja smiled at Aster and then kissed his lips gently, "Thank you, darling. You must rest now, I will definitely destroy Roagelt, just like what I promised." Aster hummed slightly and he finally fell asleep due to exhaustion. Chapter 277: The Winter War VII Chapter 277: The Winter War VII Aster was sleeping throughout the whole journey to Roagelt, because Ramuja did so much that he couldn''t feel his body waist down. However, the culprit was in high spirit as he acted like a proper, majestic Crown Prince Rama andmanded his army to march to Roagelt. Roagelt was the capital city of Golden Camellia. Although it wasn''t as big and luxurious as Dionde City, it was indeed suitable to be the capital, because it was well protected. Roagelt also had the biggest military base across the country. It was no wonder when Crown Prince Rama marched to Roagelt, the soldiers were all ready to fight him. The people were still angered with this Prince Rama from Sun Kingdom, because he went berserk and killed an innocent kid and many bystanders. Thus, they supported their soldiers with food rations. The soldiers in Roagelt waspletely different than those station in other regions, because the soldiers here was a lot stronger and well fed. Sun Kingdom''s soldiers were intercepted by lines of cavalries ready with their weapon. The generals from the Sun Kingdom were fierce, they didn''t falter at all, especially after their Sun King, Prince Rama woke up in great health. Ramuja gazed at the lines of cavalry, a shallow smirk stered on his face. He turned back and entered a big carriage, the carriage was reserved for Milord Aster who was still recovering. Ramuja entered the carriage and then pinched Aster''s cheek gently, "Wake up, wife. We are in Roagelt." "Hum huh?!" Aster opened his eyes immediately. His eyes darted at Ramuja who was ready with his war armor. Ramuja looked very handsome with shining white gold and diamonds embedded on the chest te and shoulder te. "Why didn''t you wake me up sooner!" Aster was vexed, "I have to be prepared! I''m still in my pajamas goddamnit!" Ramuja chuckled and then kissed Aster''s head, "Take your time. We will win this war anyway." "Why are you so confident? We haven''t seen Charles yet!" Aster was worried, today was the big day. This was supposed to be the biggest war between him and Charles, but he was still in pajamas and his waist was still sore. Ramuja smiled deeply, "Honestly, I can exterminate everyone inside Roagelt, including the soldiers and Charles. But you don''t want me to hurt innocent civilian again by ident, right?" Ramuja''s hot gaze was focusing on Aster''s slightly open pajamas, revealing his beautifully arched corbone and his narrow waist, "Maybe if you can give me one more right here, right now. I will consider speeding up the war," Ramuja said ambiguously. Aster pped Ramuja''s cheek, but due to their strength difference, Ramuja felt that his wife was ticking his cheek instead, "WE ARE AT WAR, YOU PERVERT!" Aster yelled. He hurriedly opened the chest full of his clothes to get ready. Ramuja pouted, but he didn''t dare to say more, afraid that Aster would be really angry, Ramuja said in his heart, ''I will speed up the war anyway, I want to do it again. Next time, I will do it for ten hours straight.'' Ramuja helped Aster to prepare himself. While Aster wasbing his hair, Ramuja put the shoes on Aster''s beautiful feet. While Aster was busy putting on his coat, Ramuja helped to tighten his belt. After Aster was ready, he held Ramuja''s hand and pulled him, "Ramuja, hold me tight. We don''t know whether there will be an assassin or not, I don''t want you to get hurt," Aster said while he hurriedly left the carriage. Ramuja stared at Aster and his shallow grin turned to ear-to-ear smile, ''Are you trying to protect me? How cute.'' Aster pulled Ramuja who followed him obediently to meet with the general in the camp. The generals bowed respectfully to them. Aster coughed lightly, "Pardon my absence for a while, but today is the day that we are going to destroy Roagelt." "The Emperor''s cavalries haven''t moved at all because they are waiting for our move. In fact, the longer we dy, the more advantage they have. Because once Emperor Charles returns to Roagelt, it will be a lot harder to win this war." "Milord, does this mean, Emperor Charles has enormous power behind the soldier in Roagelt?" one general asked. "Yes, in fact, the soldiers in Roagelt moved in unison ording to Charles'' order. They are strong, agile, and absolutely devoted to Emperor Charles. While Prince Rama can absolutely decimate the soldiers, we don''t want to overstrain Prince Rama''s stamina until absolute necessity," Aster nced at Ramuja who still had that stupid wide smile on his face, Aster was annoyed, because Ramuja didn''t seem to take the war seriously. Aster stepped on Ramuja''s shoes and red at him, demanding him to pay attention. "Hm? Ah, yes, yes! What my cute wife said is correct!" Ramuja added dumbly. The generals stared at their previously mighty Sun King who ordered them with absolute charisma and power was now reduced into a henpecked husband who nodded to what his wife said like an obedient puppy. ''Milord Aster''s absolute control over our prince is terrifying'' the generals thought in unison. "Now, Roagelt is protected by a thick wall, and the wall is well stationed with many soldiers. The cavalries are ready in front of the wall to attack, this is quite difficult but" Aster seemed to be in deep thought, and then resolutely said, "What the Emperor soldierscked are assassins. Since Charles is not here yet, the assassins from Golden Camellia do not have any order and most of them followed Charles to go to war in Great Arctyr. Go fight the cavalries and soldiers from Golden Camellia head on, while the war in the battlefield is ongoing, dispatch all Sun kingdom''s assassins to infiltrate the wall and kill all watchers stationed on the watch tower of Roagelt." "And after we killed all the watchers, go raise the green g towards the city. The green g will signal the soldiers inside the wall to open the gate and send weapons, food rations and medical aid to the soldiers on the front line." The generals of the Sun Kingdom seemed to catch what Milord Aster''s n was, "Milord, we are going to sabotage this and then destroy the gate once the gate is open after the green g, right?" "Correct," Aster nodded, "Do not attack any civilian, but once the gate was destroyed, immediately dispatch our strongest troop to create a mess in the battlefield. The Emperor''s soldiers would be in disorder." "What are we going to do after that? We are going to attack Golden Pce?" one general asked. Aster''s golden pupils had a glint of hostility and then he replied, "Prince Rama and I would lead the soldiers to Golden pce, we are going to attack Golden Pce. Once Golden Pce falls in our hands, I as a golden blood, will announce myself as the conqueror and demand the soldiers to surrender." The generals were shocked, they looked at Milord Aster who didn''t seem to flinch at all. Meanwhile, Prince Rama chuckled and held Aster''s hand, he supported Aster with his affirmation, "All of you heard that right, we are going to conquer Golden Camellia, and crown my wife as the new Golden Emperor through conquering. Golden Camellia and Sun Kingdom will be allies for the first time in history." Ramuja kissed Aster''s hand gently in front of the generals. The generals were stunned, they thought that Prince Rama would be the one who conquer Golden Camellia and make Golden Camellia a colony for Sun Kingdom. Turned out, Prince Rama wanted his wife to rule Golden Camellia and he would rule Sun Kingdom. Prince Rama and Milord Aster would rule over possibly two strongest nations on earth currently. Although some of them wanted to protest, because they wanted to conquer and enve Golden Camellia, just like what Golden Camellia did before to the Sun Kingdom, they realized that it would only create more hostility between two nations. Making Golden Camellia an ally was obviously the logical choice to strengthen both countries, especially when the rulers were husband and wife. Aster looked up at Ramuja and then said, "Husband, it is time for you to order them. You are their ruler." Ramuja nodded and then ordered the generals in powerful momentum. Hemanded with his might, "They had their time enving our kingdom for years, let them taste our fury. I, Crown Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom, orders all generals here to stand and fight! Avenge our Sun Kingdom!" "YES, MY PRINCE!" the generals were ready with their battle gear. They headed outside tomand their respective troops. There were only Aster and Ramuja inside the tent right now, "You already arrange the soldiers?" "Well, I don''t want you to be too tired. So, I arranged them to prepare for the war hours before you wake up." Aster frowned, "When did you learn about the art of war?" Ramuja smiled meaningfully, "When I think of making you happy, everything justes naturally, Aster. You are the magic that makes me able to do everything." Aster blushed, he looked away and sneered, "Sweet talker." Ramuja giggled, ''Ah, those days when I pestered Arjun to teach me about war every day and night finallyes in handy. Thank god!'' *** Charles was going with his horse at full speed. He just saw how Rhea, North Fort, and Silvor was destroyed and burned to the ground. His anger was at the reaching point now. He rushed back with his soldiers to Roagelt, he would arrive at the Roagelt border after a day. Charles'' double pupils contracted whenever he thought about Aster making this much mess in his kingdom. Charles didn''t care about the lives of these peasants at all, but it gave him shame because he had been yed by Aster like an idiot. Helene soon caught up to Charles'' horse and then reported, "Sir, the reinforcement from Politrea wille the day after tomorrow. We have a huge amount of reinforcement!" Charles scoffed, "Just order the reinforcement to attack the sun kingdom''s soldiers. I will take you and a few trained soldiers and we will go straight to Golden Pce. I know what Aster wants, he wants to dethrone me to secure his position." "Understood, sir!" Helene said. ''Aster, you''ve shamed me this much. Once I capture you, you will be begging for mercy as I fuck you in front of the people. I will make sure that you have no more dignity, I will lower you as a bitch. If you can make this much mess as a powerful noble, then I will degrade you as a pet. As long as you are mine, it doesn''t matter anymore.'' Chapter 278: The Winter War VIII Chapter 278: The Winter War VIII The war broke in front of the Roagelt wall. Sun Kingdom cavalries marched with the frontline soldiers and attacked the Golden Camellia cavalries and frontline soldiers. It seemed that the war was evenly matched, which was surprising, considering that Golden Camellia was in its strongest base, but didn''t have the innate advantage. Aster frowned when he saw this, he expected the Golden Camellia soldiers to be much more menacing, but it seemed that they were at the same level as the Sun Kingdom. Aster nced at Ramuja and asked, "What did you do to your soldiers? I see that Sun Kingdom soldiers have extremely high morale here." Ramuja smiled and replied, "I just told them the truth about my life in Golden Camellia. I hide nothing, including all my past experience as sex ve, and I also told them about the hardship we faced until we can be together. Naturally, my soldiers will be moved, they missed the figure of Sun King for so long, now when the Sun King told them about his painful experience as a sex ve, of course it will incite their anger." Aster was silent, he stared at Ramuja deeply and then said, "Ramuja, I''m d that you are by my side. You are good." Ramuja was giddy all over when his wife praised him. Aster rarely praised him, in fact, he rarely praised anyone, "Wife, do you think I can be apetent ruler?" " perhaps." "Do you think I can also be a great general too? I mean, I canmand the soldiers! I can fight too!" Ramuja puffed up his chest. " I believe you can be a great general, probably the best," Aster said truthfully. He never praised or ttered anyone, not even his parents. But Ramuja looked very happy, thus heplied and told Ramuja the truth, "Husband, you are talented." Getting Aster''s approval made Ramuja jubnt, he rose from his seat and prepared his sword, "Ramuja, where are you going?" "I''m going to war! I want you to look at the majestic me!" Ramuja said impulsively. There was a visible orange aura around Ramuja''s body. He hopped to his horse and said enthusiastically, "Watch me defeat them!" Aster was left jaw-dropped while watching Ramuja rushing to the battlefield with his steed. The generals who were attentively waiting for the chance to strike were stunned when they saw a familiar figure rushed to the battlefield, he didn''t even wear his helmet. However, he entered the fray valiantly. "PPRINCE RAMA! COME BACK!" one general reacted and immediately yelled at his prince to return, but Prince Rama didn''t seem to listen at all. He rushed and swung his sword and struck the enemy soldiers. Themanders from Golden Camellia were surprised with the sudden interference of Prince Rama. Seizing the good chance, themander immediately ordered, "Focus your attack on Prince Rama! Once he is dead, victory is ours!" The archers and soldiers immediately focused their attack at Prince Rama. However, Prince Rama didn''t falter at all, in fact, he grew excited, imagining his wife watching over him with his worry, yet hopeful eyes. The warm orange aura around Prince Rama started radiating bright glow and heat, like a sun, he confidently faced the arrows from the archers and deflected the ones who were aimed at him. Once he saw his steed got hurt, Prince Rama jumped from the horse and swung his sword, immediately decapitating the lines of the enemy in front of him. "MY SOLDIERS! I WILL BE YOUR SUN, FOLLOW ME!" Prince Rama''s war cry ignited the fighting spirit of the soldiers, they became fiercer and attacked with all their might, being led by their Sun King made them feel that they were being led by their god. Soon, themanders from the Golden Camellia side realized that it was a big mistake to focus on Prince Rama. This guy was a monster. He got attacked by the soldiers, but he was still unscathed. Somehow, themanders had an illusion that Prince Rama did get hurt, but his wound magically closed, as if the wound never existed in the first ce. It was simply illogical. ''This is just an illusion, right? How could we win if he can''t get hurt at all!'' themanders thought. The generals from the Sun Kingdom side prepared their battle steed and rushed to aid their prince. All the ns they had before were out of the picture now, because Prince Rama led the battle and the soldiers got an incredible morale boost. "Milord, don''t go anywhere! We are going to help Prince Rama!" one general said. Aster was still speechless, he had nned many things and thought about many scenarios in case something bad happened during the war. But Ramuja just threw it all into the garbage bin and charged without any preparation. Aster gritted his teeth, he yelled as loud as he could, "RAMUJA, YOU BETTER WIN OR I WILL KILL YOU, DUMBASS!" Ramuja could hear Aster''s words clearly, even though they were far, he could hear that clearly and it made him even more joyful, ''Watch me, Aster.'' Prince Rama''s bright yellow aura actually made the Golden Camellia''s soldiers dazed. Their body started sweating horribly and the heat made them ufortable even in this cold winter. As if, Prince Rama''s aura was simr to the sun. "Sir, this is illogical! We can''t win this!" onemander said to his senior who was watching from afar. The seniormander was an old veteran, he had heard about the legend of Sun King. It was an old legend, that each sun king had the power to obliterate one country alone. But he never saw that old King Chandra ever turned into something like his son. King Chandra was a legit Sun King, but his strength was nowhere near Prince Rama even during his prime. The seniormander witnessed how Prince Rama didn''t get hurt at all after countless attacks. He was invincible. "We need Emperor Charles now!" onemander said. However, the seniormander sighed and said, "Even with the Emperor here, we cannot do anything against that Prince from the Sun Kingdom. He is not human, at least right now, he is not human at all." Prince Ramapletely dominated the war and the supposedly one day war turned into a three hours war. Sun Kingdom barely suffered any casualties, but on the Golden Camellia side, the number of casualties were uncountable at this point. Golden Camellia''s remaining soldier stood outside the gate, trying to defend the city with theirst breath, but Prince Ramaughed and ordered his soldier to destroy the gate, because he wanted to meet his beloved wife again. Prince Rama returned valiantly to Aster side, he was glorious and majestic, like the sun. His white gold armor was bloody, but the soldiers and generals only looked at him in awe. Those who never witnessed the power of Sun King finally discerned how blessed their kingdom truly was. Aster didn''t smile at all, he folded his hands in dissatisfaction. Ramuja grinned and said, "Wife, I''ve returned. Do I look cool to you?" Instead of showering Ramuja with praises and worship like the soldiers did, Aster pulled Ramuja''s ears and pulled him inside their tent. The soldiers and generals had grown ustomed to their powerful prince''s submissive behavior to his wife, but the discrepancy between Prince Rama who led them to battle and the henpecked Prince Rama still shocked them. ''Truly, even the strongest man in the Sun Kingdom bows down to his wife'' After Aster and Ramuja entered the tent, Ramujained slightly, "I expect you to kiss me in front of my soldiers" Aster didn''t answer, he turned his back and after a while, Ramuja heard a sob from Aster. Ramuja panicked and checked on Aster, "AAster, are you alright?" Aster wiped his tears and scolded Ramuja, "You are charging into the battlefield like an idiot! At that moment, I thought I would lose you forever, you dumbass!" Ramuja saw Aster''s tears and felt slightly guilty, "AAt least, I return victorious" "Don''t ever risk your life like that!" " I''m sorry," Ramuja lowered his head. He just wanted to woo Aster, he didn''t know that Aster would take it like this, "I just think that you''ll be happy if" Ramuja paused as he felt a gentle kiss on his lips. Aster turned his back again, dared not facing Ramuja, "TThat kiss is for your victory. You did great husband." *** Rosalie was eight months pregnant, her belly was really big and she couldn''t move around much nowadays. She was inside her room in Golden Pce. As she heard about their loss because of the inhumanely powerful Prince Rama, Rosalie had a shallow smile on her face. She caressed her belly gently and besides her, Florentino Viete was feeding her with fruits. She smiled gently at her husband and said, "Floren, my brother has lost. Aster will be the new Emperor, I might be exiled soon, but fear not, he sent me a letter before the war and promised me one thing in exchange for my support." "Our baby, he will protect our baby. If it''s a boy, he said that our son will be the next Emperor after him, and if it''s a girl, she will be a golden princess." "Floren, I know you might not desire me much. But I''m d that you stay with me." Chapter 279: Baby Chapter 279: Baby After Prince Rama swept through the battlefield like a raging storm, Golden Camellia was subsequently defeated due to heavy casualties. The Roagelt wall gate had been broken down after the Sun Kingdom soldiers defeated the remaining soldiers who were trying to guard the gate desperately. The generals reported the situation to Prince Rama and Milord Aster, they were eager to invade the Golden Pce right away. Meanwhile, Prince Rama was staring at his wife with absolute devotion and asked, "It''s up to you, wife." Aster didn''t give an order immediately, there was something really heavy in his head right now, as if he was deciding whether this thing would affect the war or not. He just got the news from Golden Princess'' subordinate that she requested the invasion to Golden Pce to be held until next morning, because there was an urgent matter that needed to be done now. Rosalie was inbor. Rosalie was already eight months and a half pregnant, and the child mighte out anytime. He thought that the child would be born after the war ended, but he got the news that Rosalie was suddenly delivering the baby now. Aster was unsure whether Rosalie switched sides again and colluded with her brother to dy the war, knowing how easy Rosalie could betray anyone, Aster was bound to be doubtful. However, the baby inside Rosalie''s belly was really important. Because if it was a boy, then he could be the next one in line after him, since he would never have a child himself, the child would cement his position as an Emperor after he ced the child as crown prince. The state would be in peace and the ministers would not push him to marry a woman after that. If it was a girl however, then, there might need to be some amendment of thew to enable a girl to be a Crown Princess. "Hold the war until tomorrow morning, we will rest and prepare for now," Aster ordered. The generals frowned, one general rebutted: "Milord, if we attack the Golden Pce now, the victory is one hundred percent ours," the general said. However, Aster was firm with his order. The generals could only seek for Prince Rama''s intervention, but seeing his adoring gaze at his wife, the generals could only swallow a bitter pill and followed Milord Aster''s order. Aster and Ramuja entered their tent to rest, when Ramuja entered the tent, he asked Aster immediately, "Why didn''t we attack now? You know that we can surely win this today. I want the war to be over soon," so I can do you for ten hours in the ship. Aster sighed, he hung his coat and replied, "Rosalie is delivering her baby right now. Although we can attack today, I don''t want her to be in deep stress because of the invasion, and I surely don''t want that baby inside her to die." Ramuja frowned, "Why do you care much about the baby?" "Because that baby will be the next Emperor after me. Golden Camellia can only be ruled by golden blood, since I will not have a child in my life, I will make her baby the next ruler after me." Ramuja was somewhat reluctant to let Rosalie''s baby take the throne after Aster, he still had resentment towards all golden bloods except Aster, "Is it absolutely impossible to pass the throne to other people?" Aster looked at Ramuja meaningfully and then a faint smile appeared on his face, "Well, there is another way. I just need to marry a woman and have my own child, as long as you allow..." "I WILL NOT ALLOW!" Ramuja reacted wildly. Imagining his wife marrying other people made him almost lose control immediately. His eyes were dark and he clenched his fist. He had the sh of thought to kill everyone in sight, so nobody would dare to covet his Aster. But he recovered immediately. Ramuja bit his lips and said, "Fine then, we will attack tomorrow." Aster knew that Ramuja was actually unwilling, he could''ve just reprimanded him in front of the Sun Kingdom generals, but he decided to let his wife order the generals around. To that, Aster was appreciative. "Ramuja, I know that you are unwilling and impatient, but I only want to marry you, I will find ways to secure our position, being a ruler is not easy," Aster said, then he chuckled lightly, "Unless you want us to retire after the next ruler is ready to rule, we can live as a pair of lovers in a small house near theke." Aster said that jokingly, but Ramuja seemed to be deciding something in his head for a moment and then nodded, "usible." *** Florentino was outside the room while he heard Rosalie screamed in agony for hours. He was truly anxious, although he didn''t love Rosalie, but the child inside Rosalie was his baby. He didn''t want anything bad to happen to the baby and Rosalie. Truthfully, he still didn''t like Rosalie because of her cowardly and treacherous nature, but he was really grateful for her motherly trait. Although Rosalie was not a good person, she was really attentive to the baby inside her belly, she knitted many clothes for her baby and she already prepared everything. She didn''t even hate Florentino even though he ignored her most of the time. This made Floren feel guilty in his heart, ''If if Rosalie and the baby survived, I willpensate Rosalie for all my wrongdoings! I will try to love her!'' Meanwhile, Rosalie had fainted many times inside the room. It had been ten hours since her water broke and the midwife was trying her best to help her. Maybe because she had a weak body from the start, or because this year''s cold winter, or maybe because of the stress due to war. But she felt that her life was already on her throat. "Princess, push harder!" The midwife was desperate. Rosalie was unresponsive for a moment, he nced at the door, Floren must''ve been waiting for the baby to be delivered safely. ''I don''t think I can survive this, but I want Floren to be happy, at least, if the baby survives, Floren will finally love me'' Rosalie was determined, she pushed harder until all veins on her head and neck were strained. Finally, after eleven hours ofbor, Rosalie heard the cry of the baby. She slumped on the bed, unresponsive. Her gaze was blurry, she heard the midwife say, "Congrattions Princess, it''s a baby boy!" The midwife cut the cord of the newborn baby and washed the baby with warm water before wrapping him with a warm nket. The midwife put the baby beside Rosalie. Rosalie watched the newborn baby boy cry, and then tried to appease him. "It''s fine, my son. Everything will be fine" Rosalie said, he stared at the baby and finally gave him his name, "Your father wants you to be charismatic and strong, so he wants your name to be Ardent. So be it, you are Ardent Audric Camellia. The next Emperor after your uncle, Aster Di Arlingdon." Rosalie looked at the midwife, she wanted the midwife to call for Floren. But she was shocked when she saw a shadow behind the midwife. The midwife screamed and the shadow shed the midwife''s neck, he said, "Emperor Charles wants you to hand over the baby now." Floren immediately opened the door once he heard the midwife screamed. He saw the midwife got shed on the throat and Rosalie was shielding her baby with her body. There was a knife nted on Rosalie''s chest, but she stubbornly protected the crying baby on her embrace. "ROSALIE!" Floren rushed and pulled his sword. He stabbed the assassin and then checked on Rosalie and their baby. Rosalie''s eyes had turned pure golden, her heart had been stabbed, but somehow, she still lived for a brief moment. She looked at her husband and smiled, "Floren, we have a baby boy Ardent Audric Camellia." "There will be another assassin sent by my brother soon go to Aster now our son must live Floren" Rosalie opened her hand and handed the crying baby over. She smiled at her husband and closed her eyes peacefully. Floren took the baby in his embrace, he looked at Rosalie who looked like a sleeping beauty, but the knife nted on her heart said otherwise. Floren bit his lips, he could only kiss Rosalie''s lips and then said, "I''m sorry, Rosalie. I am toote for you, but I will not let our son die." Floren rushed outside and rushed to leave the Golden Pce. There was an assassin who tried to catch up on him. His eyes looked around as he noticed that all the pce guards turned blind eyes to him, as if they got the order to stay put by Emperor Charles, even though their Golden Princess had just been assassinated. Floren gritted his teeth and ran faster. He jumped on a horse outside the main courtyard and rushed to leave the pce. The assassin attacked him with an arrow, the arrow pierced straight through his shoulder, "Ack!" Floren nced at the arrow who pierced through his shoulder, he spurred the horse faster. Floren looked back and saw the assassin didn''t chase him after he left the golden pce. It seemed that Aster''s victory was certain. Floren left the city and passed the gate despite the soldiers shouting at him, trying to warn him. Once he entered the Sun Kingdom''s camp. The soldiers who were guarding the camp blocked his way. "This is Sun Kingdom''s camp, who are you?" Floren got off his horse, his breath was heavy, he had expected that the arrow was poisoned, "I I want to see Aster. I am Florentino Viete" Aster and Ramuja immediately rushed to see Floren, Aster saw Florentino standing beside his horse, the light from the torch showed hisplexion, and Floren was really pale. Even his lips were white. "Floren, you have been poisoned!" Aster said immediately. Floren gave him a wry smile and handed over the baby who was still crying loudly, "His name Ardent Audric Camellia. I beg you to take care of him, this is my and Rosalie''sst plea please" Aster took the baby from Floren''s hand, and the baby suddenly stopped crying. He only whimpered, and soon, he was sleeping in Aster''s hand. As if Aster was his real mother. Floren gave hisstugh and said, "As expected he is onlypatible with golden bloods thank you, Aster." Floren closed his eyes and fell on the snow. Aster called the doctor immediately. When the doctor checked on Floren, he only shook his head and sighed, "This gentleman has been poisoned with a deadly poison, it seems the arrow point in his shoulder was coated with it. Pardon my incapability, Milord, but this guy has passed away" Aster looked at the bloodless Floren. He was grieving in his heart. Floren was an excellent man that he had considered to be his prime minister after the war ended. He gazed at the sleeping baby in his embrace, his shining golden hair was enough to confirm his identity as a golden blood. "Ardent Audric Camellia..." Chapter 280: The Winter War IX Chapter 280: The Winter War IX There was no announcement about Golden Princess Rosalie''s death from Golden Pce the next day. Aster predicted that the ministers inside the Golden Pce wanted to push the me on the war and med Aster for killing the pregnant Golden Princess. However, Aster had guessed it and brought the baby with him. He carried the baby in his arm while he was getting prepared for the war the next morning. Ardent, the baby, was very well behaved. Aster had ordered his men to immediately fetch the donor milk for the newborn from Roagelt. By paying such a high price for donor milk, the baby was able to survive under the care of two men no, one man in fact. Because Ramuja was very grumpy fromst night up until the morning he had to prepare for the war. Ramuja looked at the baby sourly andined, "Wife, can we just put him to a nanny care? This boy is not our baby anyway" Aster stepped on Ramuja''s feet and scolded him, "Ardent is our baby! He is a golden blood, he will cry if he is not under the care of another golden blood!" Ramuja pouted even more. He had ordered his men to escort Florentino Viete corpse back to Velvet Castle and buried him in the garden, Aster told him that Rosalie would be buried side to side with Floren once they were able to retrieve her body. Aster sensed Ramuja''s dissatisfaction, he sighed, but still fed the baby with milk, "I am going to raise him as my baby, now shut up and prepare yourself! We are going to war, we don''t have time for aimless bickering!" Aster scolded. Ramuja put on his armor that had been washed clean, he was still dissatisfied. But even though he was unhappy, once he gazed at Aster who gently took care of the baby, there was a hint of sweetness in his heart, ''Aster although he is born with a silver spoon and has been raised as a prideful man, he still has the nature of a mother.'' ''Maybe if Aster hadn''t met me and married a woman instead, he would be a good father and mentor for his child.'' Looking at the harmonious scene of Aster and the baby, Ramuja couldn''t help but asked, "Aster, do you want a child of your own?" Aster frowned as he saw Ramuja dazed expression. Aster guessed that Ramuja was insecure again, because they were both men, they wouldn''t be able to have a child of their own. Truthfully, Aster wanted to say yes. He wanted to have his own child, the blood of his own. But he loved Ramuja more than just a wish. Aster didn''t want to hurt Ramuja''s feeling, thus he said, "I have you, I don''t need anyone else." Ramuja clenched his fist, Aster didn''t answer his question directly. He lowered his head and then said, "I''ll prepare the soldiers, the soldier will summon you once the carriage is ready." "Yes, thank you husband." Aster watched Ramuja turned his back and left the tent, ''Ramuja'' Prince Rama ordered the soldiers like it was a usual day, although they were ready to destroy Golden Pce today. Prince Rama was still his majestic self like usual, but one old general noticed that Prince Rama''s emotion was not right today. Thus, after Prince Rama had ordered everyone around, the old general approached him, "My Prince, may this old general ask you something?" Prince Rama looked at the old general and nodded, "What is it?" "My Prince, I noticed that your emotion is not right, this might sound presumptuous, but may this old one knows why?" Prince Rama observed the old man''s face for a moment, after determining that the old man didn''t have any underlying meaning, he answered, "My wife since we are both men, we cannot have a child of our own. I don''t really have an idea of having a child myself, but Aster I know that deep down, he wants to have a child." The old general was surprised, but his countenance returned normal after that, then he hummed for a good minute before giving his insight, "This might sound superstitious to you, my prince. But in Sun Kingdom, there had been two instances of Sun King actually impregnating a man. Once was in legend, that a Sun King had a male lover and he was really fond of this male lover. He bedded him almost every day and magically, that man became pregnant. Although that male lover was a normal functioning man." "And, the second one is when I was a kid. Your grandfather also had a favorite male pet, and after he bedded him many times, the male pet actually got pregnant. But it ended tragically, because that male pet was a high-ranking schr, he felt humiliated by the gossip about him. Hemitted suicide." Prince Rama was stunned when he heard the story. His father King Chandra never told him about this, ''Did my father hide the fact because he secretly wants me to marry many female concubines?'' Seeing Prince Rama''s stunned expression, the old general said, "I know that it''s a weird thing. But it happened when I was young and I saw it myself, when your grandfather mourned heavily for the death of his male pet. He said that he loved that man so much, that his heart had stopped beating. After that, the sun aura around your grandfather''s body gradually dimmed every day and he died with his grief." "As much as I know, both the legend and the story of your grandfather has one simrity. Both of them loved their male lovers very much, probably they were their true love. Your grandfather had bedded so many men and women, but he loved his male pet so much that he was actually able to impregnate him, a normal man." "I know the reason why His Majesty King Chandra didn''t tell you about this, but my prince, you are our long-lost Sun King. I don''t want you to die with grief in your heart too." After the long exnation, the old general excused himself. Ramuja was still trying to process the story of that old general, and a wide grin finally bloomed on his face. *** Aster was sitting inside the golden carriage with Ramuja. He nced at the scenery outside and saw the soldiers were marching to Golden Pce freely. The road to Golden Pce was empty, but he could see many eyes staring at his carriage from the window of their houses. Meanwhile, Ramuja was staring at Aster with his hot gaze. His lips opened and closed repeatedly, as if he wanted to say something, but knew that this was not the best time to do it. Ramuja couldn''t focus on the war at all, he was thinking that he could just turn in his Sun King state again, crush everything in Golden Pce including Charles, and return with Aster. But he knew that Aster wouldn''t like it. "We are going to war, Ramuja. You need to focus, I don''t want you to get hurt because of your distracting thoughts," Aster didn''t know what was in Ramuja''s mind. But he predicted that Charles would being soon and Ramuja was the only one that could fight him. "I know," Ramuja said, "Once the war is over I will I will make sure that you will be happy with a baby." Aster frowned. He nced at the sleeping Ardent on his arm and said, "Ardent is already a handful. Golden blood is a very needy and clingy baby, I don''t think we can adopt another baby so soon." "We won''t adopt a baby," Ramuja said ambiguously, but he was silent after that. The old general helped to ease his heart a lot, as long as there was a possibility, then he would try it. *** The Golden Pce was still heavily guarded by the remaining soldiers. Butpared to the strength of Sun Kingdom soldiers, they were just ants. The Sun Kingdom soldiers were able to defeat the remaining soldiers on the front gate of the pce without Ramuja''s interference at all. The golden carriage entered the Golden Pce smoothly. Aster saw the golden pce had not changed since thest time he visited it during the disastrous Autumn Banquet. "We are here," Aster said. "Yes, I will make sure that you will stand on top, Aster," Ramuja promised himself. Aster smiled faintly, honestly, at this point, if it was possible, Aster wanted Ramuja to be the one who ruled Golden Camellia. Because when he saw how majestic Ramuja really was as Prince Rama, it gave him an illusion of a perfect emperor. But he was the golden blood, and Golden Camellia wouldn''t ept anyone but a golden blood as the ruler. Aster and Ramuja stepped outside the carriage and were heavily guarded by the soldiers. They walked to the Emperor chamber, Aster''s true purpose was to get the Golden Crown. Once he put on the golden crown, the Order of Ethereal Gardenia had won the war. Once they entered the now empty Emperor Chamber, he saw the Golden Crown on the altar, protected by a ss case. But before he could move one more inch, there was a hurried report from one general. "My Prince, Milord! Emperor Audric V had returned with massive reinforcement in our camp! Emperor Audric V is too strong! We need Prince Ramas help right now!" Aster''s face sank. Ramuja wanted to help immediately, but Aster gripped Ramuja''s arm, he ordered, "Deliver to Emperor Audric V, that I, Milord Aster Di Arlingdon and my husband, Prince Rama of Sun Kingdom, will not take the golden crown now. We will wait for him in Golden Pce. He is free toe with as many reinforcements as he wants, but we will wait alone inside the Emperor Chamber." Ramuja stared deeply at Aster. Aster looked back at him, there was a strong in Aster''s eyes. His golden eyes were shining when their eyes met. The soldier was waiting for Prince Rama''s order, and Prince Rama ordered, "Just like what my wife said, go and tell the Emperor. I know that he is a man with dignity, he wille to Golden Pce." Ramuja''s sun emblem behind his back gradually heated up and he stated, "I will settle the war once and for all." Chapter 281: The Dark Sun Chapter 281: The Dark Sun Charles got the news while he was already ughtering two generals from the Sun Kingdom, including the old general. His subordinate got the order from Milord Aster and Prince Rama that they didn''t intend to settle the war by creating another bloodshed. They invited Charles to the Emperor chamber of Golden Pce. A mirthless grin grew on Charles'' face, "What a hypocrite. They already ughtered Golden Camellia''s soldiers, and now, I want to ughter their army, they want to challenge me in a duel. I can see that my darling Aster can be a coward bitch sometimes, but I guess, that filthy sex ve is also cowardly by nature." Emperor Charles hopped on his steed and ordered some of his men, "Come with me, you soldiers will be my backup in case that coward sex ve is going to ambush me. We will take back our bitch empress now," Emperor Charles smiled maliciously. The soldiers from Politrea were stunned with Emperor Audric V''s words just now. They said that he loved the person named Aster so much, but why would he call his love a bitch? However, it was not their right to question, they followed the Emperor''s steed and went to the Golden Pce. Once Charles arrived at the main courtyard, he got off his horse and was displeased with the corpse of a soldier in front of the main hall. He kicked the dead soldier andined, "My darling does not know how to do a clean war. He is a good strategist, but not a good soldier, he is better to be a cute little pet of mine." Charles walked straight to the Emperor Chamber. He had been staying inside that chamber for so long, that he didn''t even need anyone to lead him. He saw many Sun Kingdom soldiers lined up in front of the closed Emperor chamber. Charles sneered, "What a grand entrance, are you soldiers protecting the sex ve inside my chamber?" Charles scoffed mockingly, "Filthy invaders." The soldiers said nothing, although they were angered inside their heart, but Prince Rama specifically told them not to attack Emperor Charles. Because Prince Rama would be the one who took him on. The soldier opened the Emperor Chamber door and Charles entered leisurely. As he walked on the red-gold carpet, he noticed a figure sitting on the Emperor throne. Charles finally saw Aster with his own eyes after a year. Aster was now a bit taller, his skin was very pale, but his lips were ruddy. His golden hair was longer, and all his facial features became even more pronounced and exquisite. He was now an untouchable mature golden beauty. However, what fascinated Charles the most was Aster''s beautiful eyes. His pupils had turned pure golden, there was a golden glow on his eyes, it made him very mesmerizing to stare at. Meanwhile, Charles had known that he also had a weird change in his eyes. His eyes now have double pupils, one pupil was golden, and the other was jet ck in each eye. He had a total of four pupils now. However, at this moment, once he saw Aster again. His jet-ck pupil slowly turnedpletely golden, "You''re so mesmerizing Aster, incredibly beautiful. I cannot even describe how fascinating you are now." "It''s been a year since ourst meeting, I''ve always dreamed about you every night, and my heart was hurting every night. Sometimes, the pain was so much that I had to drink sleeping medicine. Sometimes, I questioned whether my action to massacre your people duringst year''s winter feast was wrong. But, if I didn''t do that, I wouldn''t be able to kill my father and take down your duchy." "Aster, you might think that I am ruthless, and I will not deny that. But I''ve always loved you. I love you so much since our childhood, I never cheated on you. Helene and I were just a set-up from my dead father." Charles walked slowly to the throne, he was hypnotized by how mesmerizing Aster was right now. For the moment, he forgot about all the horrible things he thought he would do to Aster once he captured him. He finally noticed a baby on Aster''s embrace, a golden blood baby. "Is that Rosalie''s baby? You know, I killed Rosalie and Floren because I want that baby for us. Since we are both men, we need a golden baby to continue the lineage. That''s why I let Rosalie live until she delivered the baby. Once she is dead, there are no more bugs around us. Only three of us, Aster. You, me, and the baby. We''ll be a happy family." He just wanted to live with Aster, he just wanted to mend his broken heart. Even if he had to let go of this Emperor title, he would dly to. Because once he realized that being the Emperor didn''t give him Aster, he just had no interest with the throne at all. However, once he got closer towards Aster, a big man suddenly stepped in front, blocking his line of sight to Aster. His four golden pupils turned jet-ck immediately. "I know I should''ve killed you the moment I met you, filthy sex ve," Charles sneered, "You''ve won my darling''s heart, I admit that. But once I kill you, Aster would be in a great torrent of shock and would forget you." "I will not let that happen," Ramuja said, "You know that you''ve lost this war, almost all regions have been conquered by Aster." "Do you think, by destroying the livelihood of the people in Golden Camellia, you will gain their support?" Charlesughed mockingly and red at Aster who was still sitting on the throne, "This sex ve has derailed your pure mind. You wouldn''t be this stupid if you haven''t been entangled with this ve." "Stop saying ve. Ramuja is not a ve anymore," Aster finally opened his mouth, "He is a Crown Prince and my husband." Aster stated boldly. Charles gritted his teeth, "He has been fucked by many men, and you still want to marry him?! Aster, open your eyes!" "I am wide open," Aster replied nonchntly, "Because I''ve opened my eyes, I''ve decided to avoid you. Charles, you what are you" "I am Charles, the Emperor of Golden Camellia. And I am also your first love, Aster." " I will admit, at some point, I''ve thought about marrying you instead. Because I''ve never been close to anyone, and you are the only one who is truly good to me. Charles, you are my first crush," Aster admitted. Ramuja looked back at Aster immediately. The sun emblem behind his back shone bright and the dark scarlet hue exuded from his body again. Aster pretended not to notice, then he continued, "Maybe if you are not too ruthless, not too controlling, and actually have a good heart, I might choose you instead. Charles, I''ve longed for true tenderness, not obsession. And you are not the one who can give me a true tenderness." Aster nced at Ramuja whose dark scarlet aura was still showing, "My first and only love is Ramuja." Ramuja''s dark scarlet aura dissipated slowly, for a moment, he had thought about destroying the Golden Pce and Charles, and then vanished with Aster forever. But Aster gave him reassurance. Charles was stunned, he saw the tender gaze between Aster and Ramuja, and his heart was burning in jealousy and anger. He unsheathed his sword from the scabbard, his eyes shone brightly, and he said, "If that is your choice, then I will take you by force. Come, you ve, I will kill you immediately and take back what I originally owned." Ramuja unsheathed his sword, the sun emblem on his back shone with gentle glow, "I will not spare you this time. Let''s settle this once and for all." Ramuja jumped and directly swept his sword towards Charles'' neck. CLANK! Charles deflected the sword skillfully. However, he lost a bit of momentum because Ramuja''s strength was probably ten times of his own. Charles jumped back to correct his posture. This man in front of him wasn''t a normal human, he had the strength of ten men, but he was not agile. Charles sneered and then dashed quickly and jumped behind Ramuja, he thrusted his sword towards Ramuja''s back, but Ramuja immediately turned around and deflected it. CLANK! Charles gritted his teeth. This ve was not agile, but he had a good reaction. Even if they did fight like this for hours, it would be a stalemate. Charlesughed low, "Alright then, I thought I do not need to do this, but you are really worthy." Charles took his short sword and he took a deep breath. His eyes were focused on this big man in front of him and he dashed again, but this time, he was really quick that Ramuja was surprised when a short sword was going to cut his neck. He dodged it quickly, but not quick enough to dodge everything. "Ah!" Ramuja staggered, he covered his neck, because Charles was able to make a deep cut on his neck. Blood was pouring out of the deep cut. "Ramuja!" Aster couldn''t help but to be anxious. Once he saw that Charles had sessfully made a deep cut on Ramuja''s neck. His anxiety finally broke out. He remembered that fight between Charles and Ramuja, where Ramuja was severely injured. Ramuja said nothing. He gritted his teeth and prepared himself again. He ignored the wound, however, the pain made him a bit unstable. Charles chuckled, he showed his short sword that had a unique shape, like shark teeth, "This sword is made to rupture your tendon. You will not be able to recover. You are strong, but you are slow and stupid." Charles dashed again and this time. He made a deep cut on Ramuja''s shoulder and thigh. "Argh!" Ramuja was trying his best to dodge, but Charles was really fast and his short sword was really effective. He could feel that his tendon had been ruptured deep. Charles smiled deep, he had long realized that his physical strength had been boosted significantly after he let go of all the remaining tenderness inside his heart. As long as he was unfeeling, he could be stronger than ever. He nced at Aster, "Aster, you see your husband? He is just a weak man. He cannot even fight me, how can he protect you?" Aster ignored Charles. His eyes were still looking at Ramuja. He put down Ardent on the throne gently before walking towards Ramuja who was staggering. Ramuja tried his best to stand, but slowly, he felt that his gaze was starting to blur. He knew that he could die because of blood loss anytime. Until he felt a gentle hand caress his face gently. He saw Aster caress his face and smiled tenderly, "You did well, husband." Aster couldn''t watch this anymore. He didn''t want Ramuja to hurt himself even more. And he didn''t even know whether Ramuja''s berserk would be triggered or not. He didn''t want to risk it. After knowing that this might be the end. He looked at Charles and said, "What is your term? You must let Ramuja and all Sun Kingdom soldiers to retreat." Charles sneered, "I will not spare him unless you beg for his life, kneel in front of me." Aster stared at Charles, and then walked determinedly. He dropped his knees in front of Charles and said, "I beg Emperor Charles to release Ramuja. I will ept all your requests, but I beg you to release him" Charlesughed maniacally, then he tapped his shoes and said, "Kiss my shoes." Aster nodded and obediently kissed Charles'' shoes. All he wanted right now was for Ramuja to be safe, he didn''t care about anything else. It took a while until Ramuja could process everything. Although he was still standing, he was on the verge of death. Then he saw Aster kneeling in front of Charles and kissed his bloody shoes. Ramuja had the shback of two moments where Aster had to sacrifice himself in order to save him. "As ter don''t..." It was thest word before Ramuja plunged into darkness. Chapter 282: The Dark Sun II Chapter 282: The Dark Sun II Charles was satisfied with Aster''s obedience. Although he knew that Aster was obedient because he wanted to save that ve, it gave Charles the sense of conquering. He had finally conquered Aster Di Arlingdon. There was nobody that could separate them now. Charles nced at Ramuja who was standing still. There was strangeness in Ramuja, he stood there motionless, even his eyes didn''t blink. However, judging from the deep cuts on his body, there was no way that he could survive that. Charlesughed and pulled Aster''s cor up, then he pinched Aster''s chin and turned his head to look at dead Ramuja, "Look at that sex ve, tell him that you are mine now. I will cut his corpse into pieces if you don''t say it." Aster looked at unresponsive Ramuja in front of him. He didn''t know whether Ramuja was alive or dead right now, because he still stood straight, although his expression was nk and unblinking. Aster couldn''t bear looking at the wounds, his body trembled in shock. His knees were weak, at this point, Aster almost fainted due to shock, and Charles forcefully supported him and shook him hard in order for him to stay awake. The tears that had welled in Aster''s eyes finally fell, then he said in a grieving tone, "I I Aster Di Arlingdon only loves Charles. I am his, I will I will love Charles forever" After getting the statement from Aster, Charles'' four pupils turned golden again and he kissed Aster wantonly. He forcefully inserted his tongue inside Aster''s mouth and pinched Aster''s jaw, so he wouldn''t bite his tongue. Charles couldn''t get enough of it, but feeling that Aster was getting weaker due tock of breath, he released his kiss and licked his lips, "Aster, our love game has ended. You will be mine now, I will forgive you as long as you are obedient." Aster said nothing. If his husband really died right now, all he could do was to send Ramuja''s corpse back to Sun Kingdom intact. At least, he would be buried with honor there. However, his heart was slowly getting numb. He subconsciously grasped his heart, feeling short of breath. Aster''s breath was getting harder and harder, his face was really pale and he kept grasping his heart due to the extreme pain. Charles gazed at Aster andughed happily, "It''s alright. It will be really painful once your golden circle dies. But with this, I can safely dere that your ve has died, Aster." "You are naturally connected with your golden circle, when he dies, your subconsciousness will ask you to follow him to the grave. But I will not allow you to die. Remember Aster, no matter how much the pain you have to bear right now, if you dare to die, I will cut that ve into pieces and feed him to the wild dogs. There will be no honor for such horrible death, right?" Charles grinned maliciously. He watched Aster grasping his heart in pain, trying his best to survive. It was true, Aster felt that his heart could stop at any moment now. When Ramuja finally died, his heart immediately knew it and wanted to burst. However, with Charles'' threat, he didn''t dare to die, because Ramuja''s body would be mutted. ''Don''t die! Don''t die! I want Ramuja to die in honor!'' Aster repeated it in his heart. Charles grinned and let go Aster. Aster slumped on the ground, he curled as he tried to endure the pain. Charles clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Why does it take so long? Is your feeling for that ve really deep? Well, I will not help you for now, Aster. I want you to withstand the torture. Because I felt it myself." ''Ramuja I I will not die. I will bring your body back to Sun Kingdom!'' *** Ramuja was thrown into an unknown ce. He opened his eyes slowly, and there was nothing around him, only pitch-ck void. He looked around, but it was too dark for him to notice anything. Before he could open his mouth, a purple light came from above. The purple light descended and floated in front of Ramuja, then a voice came out of the light, "You''ve lost." Ramuja clenched his fist, but said nothing. He knew that after he plunged into darkness, he was already dead. However, he still couldn''t let go, he didn''t want to leave Aster. He had a long life with him. "Are you still thinking about your sun?" the purple light asked. "Yes," Ramuja replied honestly, "I don''t know where I am right now, but I beg you, if you can bring me back to life, I will pay for anything." "You are dead, I cannot bring you back to life," the purple light said. Ramuja immediately tried to grab the light, but the light was quick to float above him, "I am the Sun King! I know there must be a way!" Ramuja said frustratedly. "There is a way, but it is costly." "I don''t care about the cost! I just want to protect my sun again!" Ramuja said bitterly. He was really desperate at this point, he had many thoughts about what would happen to Aster after he died, especially with Charles still alive, he would definitely lock Aster forever in his room. "Why can''t I get into Sun King state again? Where is my berserk state?!" Ramuja protested. "Because you have been suppressing it," the purple light floated around continued, "You know the true potential of your Sun King state, and you know that it is much stronger than that. But you keep suppressing it, and now it will be hard to be triggered." "That is why, I want to tell you, you can get a second chance. In exchange, you have topletely release the strength of Sun King," the purple light said. Soon, another light appeared, a warm, orange light that floated down in front of Ramuja. "Once you release the true Sun King energy, there is noing back. You will trade half of your life force with this," the purple light said. "My life force?" "Yes, by releasing the true potential of Sun King, you will trade half of your life force, your heart will stop beating after you''ve reached half of your true age." "What is my true age?" "Eighty, you will die at the age of Forty if you take this," the purple light exined, "This is the only way for you toe back alive." "I will do it," Ramuja said resolutely, he didn''t care if he had to die earlier. As long as he could save Aster, as long as he could protect Aster. He didn''t care at all. "It has been decided then, touch the yellow light." Ramuja touched the light slowly, and his gaze was blinded by such brilliant light. After he recovered his gaze again, he could see Aster curled up on the ground, grasping his heart in pain while Charlesughed amusedly. Ramuja gritted his teeth, he wanted to move his body, but suddenly, he felt that his body moved by his own. He was surprised as he finally realized what was the true potential of Sun King state. The true potential is mass destruction. *** Ramuja''s body was surrounded by purple and orange aura together, his eyes had no pupil, and he growled low. Charles noticed the dead Ramuja actually came back alive, but there was something wrong. The orange-purple aura around Ramuja''s body starts to melt everything inside the Emperor Chamber. Aster''s pain in his heart suddenly vanished, he looked back at Ramuja and yelled, "Ramuja! You are alive!" Aster struggled to stand on his feet again and wanted to rush back at Ramuja immediately, but he was forcefully pulled back to Charles. Charles warned him, "Don''te near him, he is not your ve." "That is Ramuja! He will not hurt me!" Aster struggled hard in Charles'' arm. Charles was staring at Ramuja, and he was so sure that this person in front of him would not spare anyone. Aster broke free from Charles'' grip and he rushed to Ramuja. Aster got close to Ramuja, as he wanted to hug him. "Aster, no!" Charles jumped and shielded Aster with his body. As result, Charles and Aster were pped across the room with a slight sweep from Ramuja''s hand. "Argh!" Charles groaned painfully. Even Ramuja''s slight push could destroy his strong golden blood body and break a few ribs. Aster was left dumbfounded. He also got hurt with Charles. His back was bruised badly after he was pped across the room, "Ramuja what" Ramuja didn''t recognize anyone. He stood on the same position for a while before his aura gradually thickened and Aster could hardly breathe inside the Emperor Chamber. Baby Ardent cried immediately due to the difficulty of breathing. "No!" Aster heard Ardent''s cries and rushed to save the baby. Ramuja turned his attention to the baby. He walked slowly towards the baby with undefined intention. "Damn!" Charles endured the pain in his body and blinked, he jumped to take Aster and the baby with him. He took onest nce at Ramuja and then disappeared from the room. Ramuja was left in the Emperor Chamber alone. He paused at this moment, and then, a twisted grin stered on his face. In a matter of seconds, he also disappeared from the Emperor Chamber. Charles actually didn''t run away far, he only escaped with Aster and the baby to a smaller ce near Golden Pce to hide. He didn''t know what would happen with the Golden Pce now. Ramuja might actually destroy everything now. BOOM! And he was correct, he suddenly heard a deafening sound and faint scream from afar. Charles checked from the window and a huge explosion suddenly appeared from one room inside Golden Pce, it was his room. The explosion was big enough that it ultimately destroyed everything inside the room, even the tough wall was destroyed. Ramuja was standing inside Charles'' destroyed room, he stood in silence for a minute, and then disappeared. Series of explosions happened inside the Golden Pce, the soldiers, servants, and everyone inside the Golden Pce were not spared at all. Golden Pce slowly crumbled and half of the huge pce was already ruined mercilessly. Everything happened so fast that Charles couldn''t help but trembled in fear. Ramuja was destroying everything meaninglessly now. Aster was also too shocked to react. He saw how half of the majestic Golden Pce was already destroyed. He subconsciously held Baby Ardent tight to his chest, "Ramuja what are you doing" "Your ve, hees back alive, but hees back to destroy everything, including you and me, Aster," Charles said truthfully. "No, he will not be so ruthless" Aster choked on his words when another explosion happened and a piece of human hand flew from afar andnded in front of them. Aster held his breath, trying hard not to scream out of shock. "Aster, we need to run away now," Charles said. Series of explosions happened again and it got nearer and nearer to this small pce. Aster trembled in fear, but he didn''t want to run away. If he ran away and Ramuja chased him, then it would rack up even more casualties. Because Ramuja would destroy the whole Roagelt. "YYou can leave by yourself, I can''t leave Ramuja" "Aster, he is not Ramuja!" Charles said desperately. "He is Ramuja! I will return him back to normal!" Aster persisted, "Charles, leave now if you still want to live!" "No!" Charles gritted his teeth, "I will never let you die! I never want you to die!" Charles said, his words sounded begging, "We need to leave!" "I will not!" Aster persisted. Charles had no way to persuade Aster. He wanted to just pick Aster up and leave immediately. But before he could do that, a big man with purple-orange aura suddenly appeared in front of them. Ramuja stood still, like a statue, his white eyes stared at Aster. Ramuja then shifted his eyes towards Charles and then shed in front of Charles. He grabbed Charles'' hand and threw him on the wall. "Argh!" Charles back hit the wall harsh that he couldn''t feel anything at all at this point. Almost all his bones were broken, only head could move, "Aster I" Ramuja shed again in front of Charles and he covered Charles'' face with his palm. In a matter of seconds, a small explosion happened from inside Charles'' body, blood sttered everywhere, leaving nothing from the Emperor of Golden Camellia, not even his bones were intact. Aster fell to the ground, his knees couldn''t support himself due to fear. He never saw this much ruthlessness. Ramuja killed so many people inside this Golden Pce, even the innocent servants were not spared. And Charles died in a very gruesome manner. Baby Ardent cried again, he cried loudly and Ramuja shifted his attention towards the baby. Knowing that Ramuja walked towards him to kill the baby, Aster pressed the baby tight to his chest, "SStay away!" Ramuja ignored him. His eyes focused towards the baby, he wanted to take the baby and destroy this thing. But Aster shielded the baby fiercely, "If you want to kill the baby, then you must kill me first, Ramuja!" Ramuja paused, he crouched in front of Aster. His hand slowly approached Aster''s cheek. Aster was incredibly scared, but he stared at Ramuja bravely with his golden eyes, even if today was his death, he didn''t want to die in fear, "Ramuja, promise me, once you kill me, you must not kill anybody else." Ramuja ignored Aster''s words. He paused for a moment, and then touched Aster''s cheek. Aster felt incredible pain from Ramuja''s palm. Like a jolt of thunder, Aster''s body was invaded with piercing heat. "AAAAARGH!" Aster screamed as the right side of his body had been burned badly, leaving horrendous burned scars for half of his body. But Ramuja suddenly stopped and he lifted his hand from Aster''s cheek. Aster was about to faint, with hisst strength, he put his other than that was still intact to Ramuja''s cheek and said, "I love you, Ramuja." Aster smiled and closed his eyes, while baby Ardent cried harder. Ramuja looked at Aster''s half burnt body. Slowly, he opened his mouth and said one word, "Aster" Ramuja covered the baby and Aster''s body in his embrace, and soon after, a huge explosion happened inside the small pce. Destroying everything inside, leaving nothing but ashes. Chapter 283: A Love Worth Waiting For (End) Chapter 283: A Love Worth Waiting For (End) "Your Majesty, do we need topensate everything, including the soldiers from that guy?" the Prime Minister frowned, it had been almost three years since that incident in Golden Pce. His Emperor had been working tirelessly for the past two years as the new emperor. "Yes," the Emperor nodded, "It is partly my fault to be unable to control my husband, we''ve exhausted the fund of Golden Camellia topensate for the war in each region and rebuilding Golden Pce slowly. So, for the servants, guards and soldiers that had died due to the war, I willpensate their family," he said. The Emperor knew that the Prime Minister was unwilling. The Prime Minister was a native Diondian. He would dly execute anything rted to the state importance, but he was not willing topensate the previous Emperor, Emperor Charles'' soldiers. They were the one that had massacred many people in Dionde, now that they lost, they demanded forpensation. The Emperor pressed the matter, "While Roagelt is now in peace, we cannot let any rebellion rise up. Roagelt is still the only state that has yet to forget about the war. We need topensate them fully, rebuilding Golden Pce is a way to restore their trust, although the capital city has been moved now." The Prime minister was silent. What the Emperor said made sense. Although Dionde was the capital city of Golden Camellia now, Roagelt was still their biggest military base. The amount of military noble houses in Roagelt was simply too great to be moved. The Prime Minister sighed, he was already forty this year, he was considered as young for a prime minister, butpared to the Emperor in front of him. For a young Emperor of the age of twenty when he was crowned, the Emperor''s gracefulness and tolerance was simply incredible. He was not moved by any provocation or mockery in Roagelt by the time he usurped the throne. The Prime Minister was in Roagelt back then, he was working as a small minister in Golden Pce. Half of Golden Pce had been destroyed to the ground by Sun King Rama of Sun Kingdom, explosions happened again and again, killing many guards and servants, also few young ministers. He was still lucky that Sun King Rama didn''te to his side of the pce back then. In the first year after the new Emperor usurped the throne, Roagelt was the only one that resisted. They didn''t like Emperor Charles either, but they absolutely despised the new Emperor for destroying Golden Pce to the ground. The new Emperor still stayed in Roagelt and wanted to maintain Roagelt as the capital city of Golden Camellia. But after two assassination attempts, the Emperor decided to move the capital city to Dionde City. Of course, the Emperor knew which house had dared to send assassins to kill him, but he didn''t demolish the house. He just immediately demoted the dukedom into barony to show an example, and it was effective. Golden Camellia military nobles were not afraid of death, but they were afraid of being shamed. "Your Majesty, I willpensate the previous emperor''s soldiers, guards and servants. But, are you sure that you want to use your own wealth topensate them?" the Prime Minister asked once more, and the Emperor nodded without hesitation. "It is I who waged the war, and it is also my responsibility topensate for the war," the Emperor smiled. The Prime Minister was stunned when the Emperor smiled. The Emperor was twenty-two now, the age of ripe beauty. Somehow, even a forty years old man like him was mesmerized by the Emperor''s beauty. "I know that you are unwilling, but Roagelt is still part of Golden Camellia. I''ve already promised myself that I will not discriminate against anyone inside Golden Camellia, including the previous ves," the Emperor said. The Prime Minister nodded, what the Emperor said was true. He did not discriminate against anyone, including the ves. In fact, Golden Camellia was the first country to abolish very, which was really controversial. However, he didn''t want the ves to be strayed without food and shelter. Thus, instead of master-ve, he allowed employer-employee rtions between two people. The ves were allowed to ept payment and they were allowed to settle and have home for themselves. Of course, topensate every previous masters, the Emperor had to use his own wealth. At this point, the new Emperor was penniless, he was able to survive with his day and night work. In fact, the new Emperor barely slept every day. He only had three to four hours of sleep every day. The new appointed line of ministers was doubtful that the new Emperor would be able to stabilize Golden Camellia. Because he was controversial and he was still young, his incredibly mesmerizing and seducing face didn''t help either. At first, they saw him as just a beautiful man that bewitched the country. They were mostly afraid of Sun King Rama of Sun Kingdom, and they thought that the new Emperor was just an obedient wife. Who would''ve expected that the obedient wife turned out to be sopetent in ruling and managing the country? It was surprising to see that Golden Camellia actually started to prosper slowly after how bad the previous emperor ruined the country''s economy. Thus, after the new Emperor proved his worth, the ministers shut their mouth and worked obediently. Knowing that he was in good hand, the Prime Minister said, "Your Majesty, you''ve been working tirelessly for two years nonstop. I know that you are very capable, but you need to rest," the Prime Minister advised, "Maybe I can rmend some noble maiden that" "I will not marry anyone," the Emperor said t. "But, Your Majesty, the Empress seat has been vacant since Emperor Charles'' time. Although we have Crown Prince Ardent right now, we still need an Empress to secure the country," the Prime Minister urged. He still didn''t understand why the Emperor was so stubborn to wait for Prince Rama. That guy was a hero in Sun Kingdom and Great Arctyr, but he was not weed in Golden Camellia. Especially in the northern region of Golden Camellia, Prince Rama had a bad reputation himself. The people in the southern part of Golden Camellia loved the Emperor and Sun King Rama, but in the northern part, they only epted the new Emperor, Emperor Gardenia. Yes, the new Emperor was not titled Emperor Audric VI, but he was titled Emperor Gardenia instead. It was the sign of new breath, and the rebellious order under him was also titled the Order of Ethereal Gardenia. Naturally, the next Emperor would be titled Emperor Gardenia II. The Emperor looked at his Prime Minister and he smiled softly, "I will never marry until Sun King Rama wakes up from his deep slumber. Then, I will marry him and only him." The Prime Minister sighed, the tale of Emperor Gardenia and Sun King Rama''s love was truly popr within the continent. It was then written and published as a eulogy, the love of two men from different backgrounds. The tale of Sun King Rama who was forced to be a ve, and Emperor Gardenia who was just a sheltered fragile noble. Even after many twists and turns, including Grand Duchess and Emperor Charles'' antagonism, they stayed together and remained faithful to each other. Although it was a beautiful novel, it was heartbreaking. Because it was written to be a eulogy, a praise to someone who had just died. The book was titled, Eulogy of the Prince. The book was written as a eulogy because the main character, Sun King Rama, was still in deep slumber after he lost control in Golden Pce. But Emperor Gardenia swore that he would not marry anyone but Sun King Rama. Everyone sympathized with this painful love story, but Emperor Gardenia really did not marry anyone. He deliberately left the Empress seat vacant and waited faithfully until Sun King Rama woke up from his deep slumber. Emperor Gardenia said, "I will take a rest during winter, by that time, the weather in Sun Kingdom will be slightly cooler for me, I cannot live there with my skin condition when it is too humid." "You are going to spend your first break in Sun Kingdom?" The Prime Minister felt that it was funny for himself to ask that. Of course, the Emperor would go there, it was where Sun King Rama was in his slumber now. "You know the reason well," Emperor Gardenia said, "I don''t know when he will open his eyes, but I want to be there. You can go now, Prime Minister. Thank you for your hard work," the Emperor smiled. The Prime Minister nodded and excused himself. He sighed as he closed the door, because he could feel the pain in his heart, he was not the one who experienced the pain, but if he was in Emperor Gardenia''s position, to wait for his loved one indefinitely, he would rather die. Emperor Gardenia was staring at the yellow leaves from a tree. He was still in his office, since he moved the capital city to Dionde, he had lived in Lantern Pce for almost three years. After he settled everything during the first three years of his reign, he was finally able to get this free time. He only got the news from the letter from Sun Kingdom, stating that Sun King Rama was yet to wake up. ''Ramuja I miss you a lot'' Aster sighed. He still vividly remembered the moment when Ramuja covered him in his embrace. Ramuja separated the purple and orange aura from his body. The Purple aura created a huge explosion and destroyed the small pce to ashes. But the warm orange aura around Ramuja protected them from harm, it also healed his burned bodypletely. But there was one thing that didn''t get healed, his temple still had a trace of burn. Aster caressed his right temple, on his right temple, there was the simr Sun Emblem like in Ramuja''s back, just in smaller size. Aster woke up in a hospital in Leinbell City. The generals from the Sun Kingdom told him about what had happened. After the huge explosion happened, Prince Rama was still crouching inside the pce, protecting Aster and the baby. After that, Prince Rama also fainted. But he never woke up anymore. He was still breathing steadily, but was in deep slumber. King Chandra was notified about this news and ordered Prince Rama''s body to be brought back to Sun Kingdom. King Chandra sent a letter to Aster, who had hurriedly been crowned as the new emperor to prevent more uprising, stating that Ramuja was in deep slumber in the Sun Temple indefinitely. He was not sure when Prince Rama opened his eyes, but they could only wait now. Aster wanted to stay with Ramuja and waited for him to wake up. But he knew that he couldn''t live his responsibility. Thus, he was determined to rebuild Golden Camellia as fast as he could, so he could stay with Ramuja again. The Emperor''s road was not smooth at all. Without Ramuja by his side, some people, especially military nobles, looked down on him. He faced many assassination attempts, but he survived everything, because he wanted to show Ramuja that he had sessfully ruled Golden Camellia once Ramuja woke up. After Sun Kingdom soldiers returned back to Sun Kingdom with their sleeping prince, Prince Rama was given the title of Sun King Rama and King Chandra would abdicate immediately once Sun King Rama opened his eyes. ''I''ll go to Sun Kingdom next week'' As Aster was in deep thought until his door was opened. He turned his head and saw Ardent who ran towards him and hugged his leg. Ardent was about to turn three years old in two months. "Papa!" Ardent called Aster happily. Aster smiled and picked Ardent up, "Why are you here? Where is uncle Irion?" Ardent grinned mischievously, and then, his door was knocked again. Irion entered the room in an embarrassing state. His cloth was soaked wet, and he was covered in mud. The fierce General Irion Swordheart was reduced at this state by a mere three years old boy. "What happened to you?" Aster chuckled. Irion had been promoted to be the General of Golden Camellia, he held the highest military position in Golden Camellia. Although some military houses were against it at first, after Irion challenged them to a duel one by one, they could only admit defeat and submit to General Irion. Irion put a wronged expression, "Prince Ardent didn''t want to go with me, he wanted to y with Your Majesty. Thus, he threw his ball to the pond and asked me to retrieve it. When I tried to retrieve it, Prince Ardent pushed me to the pond and ran away." Irion was Ardent''s babysitter. Ardent was notpatible with anyone but his father, Aster, and Irion. "Ardent, don''t be naughty!" Aster tried to reprimand Ardent, but Ardent put a sad expression and tugged Aster''s cor; "Papa, Ardent miss papa. Ardent is sad" This stinky boy! He dared to shift the topic after he had pranked Irion badly. He didn''t even say sorry! He acted cute so Aster would be softened. Aster sighed and pinched Ardent''s cheek, "I will not forgive you if you pulled another prank to Irion or anybody else, understand?" "Yes, papa," Ardent lowered his head. But inside his tiny head, he had already schemed another way to prank Uncle Irion and came to his father again next time. Ardent was a smart kid, he started to walk early and started to talk earlier. He was simply a wonder boy. Too bad, he didn''t seem to inherit Floren''s pacifist nature, but at least he didn''t inherit Rosalie''s cowardly nature either. Ardent was more simr to his uncle, Charles. In fact, his face was simr to little Charles. Ardent could scheme at such a young age and Irion said that Ardent''s physical prowess was really amazing for a three years old boy. It was Aster''s task to shape Ardent, so he would inherit Charles'' amazing skill, but not his ruthlessness. "Anyway, Ardent, do you want to meet Arya again?" Aster asked. Arya was Arjun and Anya''s daughter, the next Sun King after Ramuja. The sun emblem was already printed on her back since her birth. The family visited Aster a few months ago to tell about Ramuja''s situation. Ardent protested, "Arya is a bully!" Aster was surprised, "Arya is a bully? What do you mean?" Arya was a few months older than Ardent, since she was the next Sun King, she was also very domineering for a little girl. "She said that papa is so beautiful, she will snatch papa from Papa Rama! She will make papa dump Ardent to the horse dung!" Ardent reported with red eyes. He was so scared at that time, that he almost pissed himself. Ardent had been taught that he had two fathers, although the origin of his real parents was still concealed. Papa Aster and Papa Rama. Although he never saw Papa Rama''s face before, he noticed that Papa Aster loved Papa Rama very much, because when they slept together, Papa Aster often called Papa Rama in his sleep. Aster grinned and pinched Ardent''s cheek, "She is just trying to get your attention, you don''t need to take it seriously." Ardent still protested. But he finally relented after Aster coaxed him for a long time. After a month, they were inside the ship, heading to Sun Kingdom. It took a while until Aster arrived at Sun Kingdom. He was royally weed, because he was now Emperor Gardenia of Golden Camellia. He was a beloved ruler in the Sun Kingdom and Great Arctyr, though his poprity in Golden Camellia itself was mixed. King Chandra, Prime Minister Arjun, Anya and Princess Arya greeted him personally. They bowed their head gently, acknowledging that Aster was bound to be their Sun Queen once Sun King Rama woke up. Aster was carrying Ardent and he also bowed gently. After the weing celebration ended, Aster and his entourage were escorted to a big room. Aster put down everything and said to Ardent, "Ardent, Papa will go and see your Papa Rama, maybe he already wakes up." Ardent pouted, "Papa Rama sleeps too much! Ardent will beat him for sleeping too much!" Asterughed and patted Ardent''s head. He then left Ardent with Irion and left the room. He walked towards the King Chamber and entered; King Chandra had been waiting for his arrival and he smiled low. "Emperor Gardenia is here, do you want to apany me to Sun Temple?" King Chandra asked. "Definitely, I miss him a lot," Aster said truthfully. King Chandra and Emperor Aster walked in the middle of the night alone to Sun Temple not far from the pce. When they entered, the air was warm even if it was midnight. Aster was really familiar with this warm air, ''Ramuja''s aura'' King Chandra seemed to notice Aster''s expression, he said, "My son is inside, he has been in deep slumber peacefully for three years." There was a trace of sadness and helplessness in King Chandra''s eyes. If the Emperor is willing, please apany my son. At this point, I don''t know whether my son can open his eyes or not." King Chandra turned his back. Aster braced himself and entered one room in the temple. The room was lit by many torches, and in the middle, there was a man sleeping on a stone b. He was naked and his body was still a healthy chocte color. It really looked like someone who had just fallen asleep. Aster approached Ramuja and kneeled beside the stone b. He observed Ramuja''s face and caressed his forehead, nose, cheek and lips. Ramuja was still his perfect hero. "I miss you, I really miss you, Ramuja." "I''ve persevered three years so I can rebuild Golden Camellia, I''ve suffered long enough. Why won''t you be more sensible and help me here! I am tired, you know." There was no response, but Aster didn''t mind. He kept talking to Ramuja and even joked with him, even though there was no answer. Aster didn''t know when Ramuja would wake up, but he promised that he would wait. After two full hours of chatting alone, Aster felt a bit tired. He sat on the stone b and put his head on Ramuja''s chest. Ramuja''s breathing was steady, he was still alive. But he wouldn''t wake up. Aster was in this position for a minute and raised his head, his face drew near Ramuja''s face and their breaths entangled with each other. Aster smiled and said, "Ramuja, a fairy tale said that a kiss will wake up the princess. But I don''t know which princess has a big, muscr body," Asterughed. "I hope this kiss can wake you up, my hero. I miss you," Aster gently kissed Ramuja''s lips and then stood from the stone b. He noticed that something was wrong, when he looked down under Ramuja''s belly, he saw the thick and long manhood sprang up mightily. Aster blushed and scolded Ramuja, "You damn pervert! You''ve been asleep for three years and you dare to get aroused like this?! What a shameless man!" Aster humphed, he turned his back, but before he could leave, a strong hand gripped his wrist tightly. Aster held his breath and nced back. Ramuja had opened his eyes, he smiled at Aster and chuckled. He said yfully, "Of course, I get aroused. It''s been three years since ourst mating." "Ramuja!" Aster threw his body to Ramuja, he hugged him tight, "I will not let you sleep anymore! I will fucking kill you if you dare to leave me again!" Aster scolded Ramuja, but he cried on Ramuja''s chest. Ramuja gently patted Aster''s head and said: "Aster, I will never leave you alone." Chapter 284: A Family of Three... and Counting! Chapter 284: A Family of Three... and Counting! Sun King Rama''s awakening after his three years of slumber was amazing news in the Sun Kingdom. King Chandra immediately held a national feast tomemorate Sun King Rama''s awakening. He generously held a big feast and allowed all citizens of the Sun Kingdom to rejoice upon Sun King Rama. Everyone in Sun Kingdom loved the new Sun King. Mostly because of his heroism and second, for his loyalty. The soldiers who went to war with Sun King Rama and survived told the tale of Sun King Rama and his lover, Grand Duke Aster, who was now the Emperor of Golden Camellia to their family members. And soon, the tale of Sun King and Emperor was widespread across the country and even the neighboring countries. The soldiers told the people how Sun King was very obedient and loyal with his wife, but he was also very fierce and heroic when facing his subjects. They told them how ridiculously strong Sun King Rama was, he was ten times stronger than other past Sun King, and probably would never be surpassed by the future Sun Kings. ''Really? He can destroy the whole army by himself and suffer no injuries? How did he do that? The previous Sun Kings were not as strong as him! They are strong, but they are still human. You talk like King Rama is a demigod!'' ''I''m not sure either, but he does look like a demigod. Maybe because his source of strength is different?'' ''What do you mean?'' ''Hm my general once said that King Rama is able to draw that much power because he has deep love and connection with his sun, Lord Aster. His love for Lord Aster is immense, it makes his power increase immensely too.'' ''Ah! I know that the previous Sun Kings drew out power from their love to our kingdom. But Sun King Rama is different, right?'' ''Yes. His love is solely concentrated for Milord Aster.'' ''It''s a bit weird that King Rama doesn''t love our country as much as the previous Sun Kings. But his love brings enormous power, and it helps us to win the war and prosper the country, I guess there is nothing wrong with that.'' ''Indeed. Our country is prosperous and secure right now. Nobody dares to invade us anymore because of King Rama''s power. As long as King Rama is happy and our country is safe, there is nothing wrong with that.'' The chatters of the people filled the air as the Sun King Awakening national feast were held in every city. Meanwhile, Aster and Ramuja were busy inside their room. Ardent was out, ying with Arya. Thus, they could have their quality time together. Ramuja sat beside Aster and encircled Aster''s waist with his hand, he kissed Aster''s cheek andined, "Wife, it''s been three days since my awakening, and we are yet to do that" Aster sighed, he flicked Ramuja''s forehead and chided, "We are going to have a grand wedding in a week! Why are you so impatient!" Ramuja pouted, "We haven''t done it for three years, you need topensate me" Aster''s lips twitched. He opened Ramuja''s hand on his waist and took a big stack of documents from the drawer, "This is what you''ve missed for thest three years in Sun Kingdom. I will help you read it, and you will be the one who decides. It will take probably two days to finish everything." Like a bucket of cold water poured over his body, Ramuja gulped when he saw the thick stack of documents, "Can we just ask Arjun to do this?" "He is Prime Minister, not the King. He already sorts the one that really needs your decision, so it is not much. Your father is too old, and you are already officially the Sun King! Be more responsible, Ramuja!" Aster chided again. ''If I know being the king will be this troublesome, I will let Arjun be the king instead'' Ramuja mumbled. "What did you say?" "NNothing!" Aster''s eyes peered suspiciously, he started opening the document and read it one by one. It was indeed a hellish day for Ramuja. He nced at his wife over and over, hoping that Aster would get tired and wanted to y in bed, but true to his workaholic nature, Aster was not tired at all. It was Ramuja who got sleepy and tired instead. After two hellish days of document review, Ramuja felt that he was a soulless nk,ying on the bed, unable to process any more document review. Aster nced at Ramuja and sighed. He closed the document and said, "Alright then, it''s been two days since we got our free time. I know that you are tired, but this is for the good of your country." "I know," Ramuja said. Aster locked him inside their room for two days, they unless it was time to eat and rest with Ardent, they were busy with document reviews. Ramuja nced at Aster who also looked tired, but was still able to work. Three years three years for Aster to rebuild the destroyed Golden Camellia, sort out the nobles and enrich the peasants. If not because of his talent and hardworking nature, it would be impossible for anyone to do. Ramuja caressed Aster''s face, he felt sorry. Because he was not able to help and protect Aster for three years, "Aster I''m sorry." "Sorry for what?" "I''m sorry that I didn''t apany you for three years. It must''ve been hard in Golden Camellia." Aster was silent for a moment, and smiled, "It is hard. But when I think about you, I know that you''ll wake up someday, and I don''t want you to see Golden Camellia still in ruin after three years. I want you to see me as a Great Emperor." "Aster, you are strong. You are the smartest and the most capable Emperor for Golden Camellia," Ramuja''s eyes were fully concentrated on his mesmerizing wife. After three years, Aster became even more eye-catching, he felt a bit insecure in his heart, really. "Did you get close to anyone for the past three years?" Aster rolled his eyes. He pecked Ramuja''s lips and replied annoyedly, "I barely slept for the past three years because I am locked up inside my office almost every day. Do you think I still have time to cheat on you?" Ramuja smiled sheepishly, "I''m sorry. You know you are just too beautiful. I''m afraid that someone will covet you" "If someone dares to covet me, I don''t think he will live to see another day. Knowing that you''ll probably go berserk again," Aster lowered his head and fiddled with Ramuja''s fingers. "Ramuja, I know that you are strong, and someday in the future, you might need to go berserk again. But I beg you, please don''t let yourself lose control. I don''t want us to be separated." Ramuja pulled Aster to his embrace and kissed his hair, "I promise you, I will never leave you alone, Aster," Ramuja said. But there was an entanglement in his heart, because he knew about his lifespan. He was bound to die at forty. But he wasn''t sure either, because he couldn''t sense the purple light essence anymore inside his body after the purple aura got separated three years ago. He could still feel the warm orange aura inside his body though. Although his fate was uncertain, he didn''t want Aster to be saddened, he promised him, "No matter how, I will never let anyone separate us. Not even god." Aster nodded and enjoyed the moment, before the door was opened and a little boy''s voice broke the atmosphere, "Papa! Arya is bullying me again! Wuwuwu" Aster got up from Ramuja''s chest and walked to pick Ardent up, "What did she do?" Arya followed from behind and clicked his tongue, "You are such a crybaby! Uncle Aster, Ardent is scared of this!" Arya showed the thing in her hand. A green caterpir. Aster''s face paled when he saw the green caterpir, "AArya, would you mind putting that back to the garden?" Arya seemed to notice Uncle Aster''s expression and grinned mischievously, "Is Uncle Aster also scared with bugs?" "N--Not really" Ramuja saw that Aster and Ardent were getting scared by the bug. He stood up and pulled Arya up, "You little kid, don''t you dare scaring my wife!" The fierce and unrelenting Arya struggled and tried to punch his Uncle Rama with her small fist, "You are the little kid! You Slept for three years! I don''t even sleep that much!" Arya struggled even more, "Uncle Aster is mine! When I get older, I will marry him instead!" "You!" Ramuja actually got triggered by a little girl. He red at Arya. "I will not ouch!" Ramuja felt that someone had hit his head. "She is a little girl! You are scaring her! Be more sensible!" Aster scolded Ramuja again. Ramuja felt wronged, this little girl was obviously not scared at all. Besides, she was the next Sun King. Ramuja could feel the fierce fiery aura from her. She would not be scared by her elder Sun King. Arya stuck out her tongue. She was satisfied that Uncle Aster took her side. After their loud bickering filled the room. Aster decided to let the maid take Arya back to her mother. Meanwhile, Ardent was eating a cookie while sitting on Aster''sp. Ramuja stared at the little Ardent with jealousy, ''I want to sit on hisp too.'' Ardent sensed his Papa Rama''s gaze, he asked, "Papa Rama, why is Papa Rama staring at Ardent? Is Ardent cute?" "No, you are not cute at all," Ramuja said curtly. Ardent''s tears welled in his eyes and he cried, "Waaaah! Papa Rama is mean!" "Ramuja!" Aster red at Ramuja. Ramuja sulked. Since Aster was busy taking care of Ardent, their sweet time had been greatly shortened. He had to rethink about having a baby soon. If Aster really got pregnant and birthed a baby, Aster would definitely ignore Ramuja for a long time, busy taking care of two children. "Alright, Ardent, Papa Rama is just ying. Ardent is very cute and a good boy," Ramuja coaxed Ardent. Ardent stopped crying and sobbed while eating the cookies. Aster smiled in satisfaction, "Ramuja, we are going to have a grand wedding in five days. You should learn how to be a good father. Maybe we will adopt a babyter, I want you to be a responsible father, okay?" Ramuja nodded obediently. He gulped, because he wanted to say, ''We don''t need to adopt, wife. We just need to do it every day until your belly is full of my seed. You''ll get pregnant eventually.'' Aster looked at the scenery outside, Sun Kingdom only had two seasons, so the garden was still filled with flowers. He smiled, ''A sweet life.'' Chapter 285: Grand Wedding Chapter 285: Grand Wedding "How is sash?" Aster asked Ramuja who had been staring at him for so long. Today was the day of the Grand Wedding between Sun King Rama and Emperor Gardenia, Aster Di Arlingdon. Everyone was busy to make sure that nothing would go wrong during the grand wedding. Meanwhile, Aster and Ramuja were busy with the wedding garment. Because they were both men, they were supposed to use the Sun Kingdom''s traditional wedding garment for men, a golden silk sash across their bare chest, knee length pants and knee length golden kilt that covered their buttock and thigh. Of course, it was proper for a fully built man like Ramuja to use this, he looked very majestic and exuded masculinity. But to Aster Aster wore the same thing and Ramuja''s hot gaze didn''t leave him, Aster felt that Ramuja''s hot gaze stripped him naked, "Stop staring at me!" "Change it," Ramuja protested. Aster''s slender, pale bare chest with a pair of cute pink nipples made Ramuja''s manhood stand straight, but he wasn''t happy. If Aster attended the wedding with only sash covering half of his bare chest, everyone will be able to see his beautiful body. "This is the same thing that you wear, what do you mean?" Aster was unwilling. Of course, he felt a bit ufortable exposing so much skin, but this was the traditional apparel for the asion in Sun Kingdom. "You are showing too much!" Ramuja protested. He took the woman''s top and put it on Aster, but it showed Aster''s slender waist and cute navel. Ramuja felt even more aggrieved. After so much noise inside the changing room, Aster finally settled by wearing a white shirt and still used the sash. Then, Ramuja saw Aster''s exposed knee and beautiful legs. He became aggrieved once more, "You should use long pants!" Ramuja said restlessly while desperately fetching long pants from Aster''s drawer. "Goddamn it, Ramuja! It''s only my leg! No one will get aroused by looking at my leg!" "I do!" Ramuja was stubborn. He picked the safest long pants from Aster''s drawer and handed it to Aster. "That''s because you are a pervert!" Aster pouted. But he took the pants and changed his short pants. After it had been done, Ramuja was relieved. At least, nobody would dare to stare at his wife''s beautiful body. "You were not this picky when I attended the Autumn Banquet in Golden Pce back then, you even picked an alluring set for me!" "TThat''s because you asked me to rmend something that I like, of course I like you to be sexy," Ramuja blushed, "I thought you asked me my preference just between us. Had I known that you were going to use it during the banquet, I would not let you use that!" The maids and servants outside the changing room sighed when they heard the fight between the king and queen of Sun Kingdom. They had long known about Emperor Aster''s prideful nature, and Sun King Rama''s insecurity. The pair often fought because of this. The changing room was suddenly silent for a moment, then the maids heard a low moan from Emperor Aster and the sound of squelching. The maids blushed, ''They are kissing passionately right after a long fight, what a weird couple.'' Aster and Ramuja finally left the changing room with a blush permeated on Aster''s cheek. His lips were a bit red, and Ramuja was grinning happily. They left their room and were greeted by Aster''s father, Lord Harion. "Father?" Aster was surprised. His father said that he wouldn''t be able to attend the wedding because of his health. But he actually came today. There was a trace of exhaustion on Lord Harion''s face, but he smiled in carefree nature, much different to his usual serious attitude, "My son, today is your official wedding day, I will escort you to the altar." Aster blushed, "II am a man, I don''t need to be escorted to the altar. Your health is not good, father. You shouldn''t havee." "I''m fine, it is my son''s wedding day. Whether you are a man or a woman, I still want to escort you to the altar. Your mother once said to me that she doesn''t mind whether you''ll marry a man or woman. As long as you can be happy and your life will be secured with your spouse." "Mother really said that?" Aster was surprised. He always thought that his mother always opposed him marrying anyone. Even went as far as tormenting him and Ramuja. "Your mother wants your happiness, it''s just that, nobody would give you the safety she wanted you to have. Since Charles had his eyes on you, nobody in Golden Camellia was strong enough to protect you. But now, there is someone" Lord Harion nced at Ramuja. Ramuja bowed deeply at his father-inw, "I entrusted my son to you, King Rama. He is a bit prideful and can be stubborn many times. But he is loyal and hardworking, he also has the beauty that everybody ever dreamed off, does that convince you enough?" Lord Harion said jokingly. "Father!" Aster red at his father. But Ramuja nodded solemnly. "It is me who is lucky here. I got to marry someone as mesmerizing and talented like him. I may have a great deed in my past life to ever be graced to marry him." Aster elbowed Ramuja''s waist, urging him to stop with such embarrassing words. Ramuja smiled deeply. "Papaaaa!" Ardent ran towards Aster with tears on his face. He hugged Aster''s leg. He hid behind Aster when Arya came to them. They were the flower girl and boy with flower baskets on their hands. However, Arya seemed to like ying with Ardent so much in her own way. As in right now, Arya was holding a flower crown and forced Ardent to wear it. "Wear this! You''ll be cute!" Arya said. Ardent cried even harder behind Aster. "Papa! Arya said that I will be a girl if I wear that! I don''t want to be a girl!" Aster sighed and crouched, he wiped Ardent''s tear gently and took the flower crown from Arya and wore it on his head, Papa is now wearing the flower crown, does papa look like a girl now?" Ardent sobbed, "Nobut papa is very beautiful" Aster nodded, "Wearing something like this will not make you a girl, you are still my handsome boy." Aster put the flower crown on Ardent''s head and Ardent smiled while wiping his tears. Arya saw this for a moment and grinned proudly, "See, I told you, you look really cute!" Ardent blushed when Arya praised him for the first time. He nodded and smiled sheepishly to Arya. Ardent and Arya stood in front of Aster and Ramuja, ready to scatter the flowers across the aisle. King Chandra finally arrived and stood beside Ramuja. While Lord Harion stood beside Aster, they escorted their sons to the wedding. When they arrived at the scene, everyone was ready to wee them. Ardent and Arya walked first and scattered the petals alongside the aisle full of flowers. The rain of flower petals fell upon them and continuously, and the people threw scentful flowers on them, the aisle became almost like a flower road. In Sun Kingdom custom, the bride walked first to the altar, and waited for the groom to take her to the bride chamber. Since Aster was supposed to be the bride, Lord Harion and Aster walked first. Aster nced at his left, he saw Arjun-Anya, also Irion and Esther on his left, and when he turned to the right, he saw Mariette and Tuskan. They were all smiling and Mariette even said, "Congrattions, I''m waiting for my cute nephews and nieces!" Tuskan had seemed to let go of his heart after three years he tried to chase Aster during Sun King Rama''s deep slumber. But Aster did not budge at all. He didn''t let anyone enter his heart, because he only had one love and lover in his life. Thus, Tuskan came with his fiance, a beautiful noble girl from Great Arctyr who happened to be one of the Aster''s cult members. The cult that worshipped Saintess Celine and all his descendants. Aster felt that everything was surreal. He saw the flower road leading to the altar, he nodded determinedly and walked to the altar. Lord Harion stood behind Aster, and they were waiting for the groom to take the bride. Ramuja signaled his subordinate to bring him the bouquet. Ramuja was given a bouquet full of pink-white gardenias, with one very familiar gardenia in the middle. Everyone was shocked when they saw the bouquet on King Rama''s hand. It was a bouquet full of extremely rare Gardenia of Blooming Desire, and a legendary Gardenia of Blooming Desire in the middle. Aster was also surprised, but what made him surprised was that Ramuja still had the long lost first Gardenia of Blooming Desire that Ramuja had given to him in the Great Arctyr. Ramuja walked confidently to the aisle with his father, King Chandra by his side. He stopped for a moment in his step, he gazed at his wife, his Milord, his beloved Aster, who stood at the end of the aisle with the same beautiful smile like seven years ago, when Aster was just fifteen years old. Aster was standing in the middle of the garden, Ramuja walked slowly on a flower road leading to his master. The scent of various flowers wafted upon his nose, tempting him to go further and approached this beautiful, untouchable flower in the middle. ''I am d that I followed my instinct to approach you, Aster.'' Ramuja walked again with determined steps and stood before the small stairs. He looked up to Aster and smiled. The groom and bride could say anything to each other at this moment before the groom took the bride. However, to everyone''s surprise, Ramuja actually recited the Oath of Camellia from Golden Camellia. The sacred oath that bound two people together. With this, his life is within Aster''s hand. "Aster Di Arlingdon, by the Oath of Camellia, I, Sun King Rama of Sun Kingdom, swear my fidelity to you. I give you my life and death and I give you everything I have. Under the Oath of Camellia, you are my only one and I will die withered by my lie if I dare to vite the oath." Ramuja raised the flower bouquet to Aster. Aster nodded and took the bouquet from Ramuja''s hand. Aster also recited his Oath of Camellia, "Sun King Rama, by the Oath of Camellia, I, Aster Di Arlingdon, Emperor Gardenia of Golden Camellia, swear my fidelity to you. I entrusted everything I have, my life, my love and my heartbeat to you. Under the Oath of Camellia, you are the only one and I will die withered by my lie if I dare to vite the oath." Ramuja took a step and walked in front of Aster. They stared at each other for a moment. Ramuja took one step in and closed the distance between them. Their gazes fell on each other, together, their lips moved and recited another oath, the Oath of Gardenia. To my loved one whom I would give my passion and purity, Hold me tight until I lost my sanity, Only with you I could be happy Only to you, I swear my fidelity. Ramuja took the legendary Gardenia of Blooming Desire in the middle of the bouquet and put it on Aster''s lips gently. He lowered his head and kissed Aster''s lips. Their soft kiss turned into a more passionate kiss, their lips tried to invade each other and the petals of the gardenia between their lips slowly fell one by one. In the end, the Legendary Gardenia of Blooming Desire finally lost all its petals. Aster and Ramuja''s lips finally met and they had a long, passionate kiss in front of everyone. Everyone held their breath, trying to record the beautiful moment in their eyes. They could feel the passion between Emperor Gardenia and the Sun King. After the kiss finally ended, they were still craving for more. After the kiss, the guests cheered enthusiastically. Ramuja grinned ambiguously at Aster and swept Aster''s leg with his arm and carried Aster in bridal-carry style. Aster draped his hand on Ramuja''s neck and stared at Ramuja coquettishly. Seeing that the bride and groom seemed to be impatient, King Chandra immediately took over the wedding and said to the people, "The bride and groom will go to the chamber, my honorable guests, please enjoy the banquet, thank you." Ramuja carried Aster and walked on the flower aisle again to go to the wedding chamber. Ramuja stared at the flower aisle with the rain of petals from above. Somehow, for Ramuja, it felt very novel. Because at first, he only saw Aster as an untouchable flower that he wouldn''t be able to touch, maybe he could only admire from afar. But the flower was now in his arm, leaned on him and whispered many unruly, perverted words in his years. It made him even more impatient, really. ''Ramuja, when I met you for the first time in that garden. I have a feeling that we will be entangled for a long time. Now we are entangled forever, as husband and wife. I regret nothing, husband,'' Aster whispered in Ramuja''s ears. Ramuja''s ears turned red, he walked faster to leave the scene. After they left the banquet and headed to their chamber, Ramuja''s perverted grin finally showed up again and he whispered in Aster''s ears, ''Let''s have a lot of babies.'' Chapter 286: Ten Years Later Chapter 286: Ten Years Later "Your Highness, you are overtraining. You will strain your body," General Irion urged the young Crown Prince to rest, he had been training for the whole day and only rested for two hours for lunch and dinner. Although his body was strong, the Crown Prince''s body might not be able to endure it and he would get sick. And if Crown Prince Ardent got sick he would probably manipte the Emperor to pity him and give him more resources. Irion shuddered. Prince Ardent was thirteen this year. His appearance resembled thete Emperor Charles more and more, his chiseled facial features had made him a stunning youth that was popr among thedies and few perverted gentlemen. He was also talented in all aspects, governing, and military and martial arts. But Prince Ardent didn''t seem to like anyone. Well, except one person. However, rather than like, it was more like rivalry. "I won''t stop," Ardent said determinedly. "Arya still beats me over and over, I won''t stop until I can beat her, so she would stop targeting my Emperor father." Irion was stunned. It was true that Prince Ardent was not close with anyone except his Emperor father, Aster, and Princess Arya. Although, with Princess Arya, there was some weird entanglement between these two. Ardent loved his Emperor father so much, even after he knew that Aster was just his uncle and his parents had passed away during the war. However, Arya also seemed to get fascinated by the mature Emperor Gardenia. She loved how elegant, gentle, and eloquent the Emperor was, unlike her uncle Sun King Rama, who was rough and ignorant to what happened in his own kingdom. Sun King Rama''s ignorance cost Arya''s father, Prime Minister Arjun, with the help of Emperor Aster to constantly observe Sun Kingdom''s administrations. Ardent seemed to get jealous that Arya tried to covet his father and solely focused her attention on him. She even daringly said that she will take Emperor Gardenia after Sun King Rama stepped down from his throne. It triggered the king so much. However, Emperor Aster always scolded the Sun King whenever he red or threatened Arya, much to Arya''s delight. ''You are her uncle! She is obviously just ying around! Why are you ring at her!'' Aster scolded and hit Ramuja''s head. ''Wu'' Ramuja covered his head, although he didn''t feel anything when Aster hit him, his pride still got hurt, ''Wife, she is not a good girl. She will covet you someday'' ''You dare talk nonsense again!'' Aster scolded harshly. Ardent didn''t like it. He didn''t like how Arya only focused her attention towards his father. He wasn''t sure what this feeling was, but he felt aggrieved whenever he thought about it. Maybe he loved his Father Aster so much, so he didn''t want anyone to covet his father. But he was obviously happy when Father Rama married and lived a good life with his Father Aster. Whenever Arya looked at his father with worship, there was a fire in his heart. He hated it when Arya looked at anyone except him. Ardent tightened the grip on the sword and swung it hard. Irion was afraid that Ardent would turn out to be like Charles. That would actually do a sphemous thing, such as trying to marry his first cousin. If Prince Ardent really had the same obsession, then it would be very dangerous. He would do even bigger sphemous acts, marrying his own father. Thus, Irion excused himself and left to find the Emperor. Seeing that General Irion had left the training ground, Ardent finally stopped swinging the sword and called someone in low voice, "Helene." A shadow guard appeared immediately, the shadow guard was obviously a woman with her smaller build. Helene came to Ardent once Ardent was ten years old, at that time, Ardent hadn''t thought much. Because he was closely guarded by his father, now that his father''s watch had been lowered, he could move by his own. Helene truthfully said that she was the previous Emperor''s shadow guard. But Emperor Charles told her to leave before he went to war, and she had been waiting until Ardent was ten years old to return back as a shadow guard, serving her duty to the golden bloods. "What is the current situation in the Sun Kingdom? I heard that Arya is actually trying to challenge Father Rama to a duel," Ardent asked. "Yes, Your Highness. Princess Arya seems to be eager to rece Sun King Rama as the new king, even though she is still thirteen years old." Ardent clenched his fist, "Keep a tight watch. Arya cannot be the Sun King before I do." "Yes, Your Highness," Helene disappeared again. Ardent stared at the ground, somehow, he could see Arya''s mirage on the ground. He shook his head, trying to dispel that face out of his head. "Hah, don''t kid me. Arya is notdylike at all. She is a fierce beast, how could I like such a rough, unrelenting girl!" Ardent said stubbornly. But slowly, his golden circle flickered. *** Aster was in his office, busy reading the documents as always. He was not with Ramuja right now, he forced his husband to at least do something. So, Ramuja was now busy attending the party to represent Aster. ''Do you want to attend the party or do the administration?'' Aster asked maliciously. ''Wu wife I don''t want to do both'' Ramuja whimpered, whenever Aster wasmanding him to do something, he would do it no matter how much he didn''t like it. Ten years had passed since their wedding and nothing had changed. The rtions between Golden Camellia and Sun Kingdom had been stable and close. The countries, alongside Great Arctyr, were trade partners, training the military together and overall in great condition. His father, Lord Harion, had been retired and living in seclusion. Spending his life fishing with the vigers and nting fruits and vegetables, very different from that business emperor Grand Duke Harion. Tuskan had married his fiance and Aster abdicated from his position as Great Queen. Although everyone opposed it, including Tuskan''s wife, he felt that he was not qualified for it. He was still worshipped in Great Arctyr though. Mariette married her boyfriend and had two daughters. While Esther married the barbarian king because they fell in love and ruled North Fort together, ironically. Meanwhile, Helene "Helene, you cane," Aster said. Helene appeared in front of Aster. She kneeled deep and said, "Your Majesty, this guard has the news about Prince Ardent''s growth." Aster nodded, "Tell me." "Prince Ardent seems to take the matter about Princess Arya from Sun Kingdom seriously. There is a possibility that Princess Arya is Prince Ardent''s golden circle." "As expected," Aster smiled, he was relieved that his deduction was correct, "Ardent needs to control his feelings. I know that Arya actually likes Ardent too, but she is unruly and a bit childish even for her age. I''ve guessed that Arya likes to see Ardent''s jealousy whenever she says that she loves me." "Alright then, Helene, try to set up a meeting between them. Of course, you have to make it less obvious. I don''t want Ardent to be like Charles," Aster said. "Yes, Your Majesty," Helene said. "Also thank you for your dedication, Helene," Aster smiled. Helene was silent for a moment and replied: "I just feel sad that Charles had wasted his talent and deranged himself because of his uncontroble obsession. I know that Prince Ardent can be ten times more dangerous than Charles. Since I''ve failed to protect Charles, I will protect Ardent from himself," Helene said, and she disappeared. Not long after, Irion came to his office and talked about his worry about Prince Ardent. Aster heard everything and said, "Irion, it''s okay. Everything is under my control. Trust me, I am not his golden circle." Irion was unsure whether he should let go of his worry or not, thus he warned, "Milord, Prince Ardent has a simr personality and talent as Charles. I can personally value that Prince Ardent can be ten times more dangerous than Charles. Because Prince Ardent naturally knows how to y the game without being detected by me. He is way too dangerous for his own good." Aster knew about this too. Ardent was more dangerous than Charles, because Charles'' emotion was detectable. Although he was indeed a perfect golden blood, his overflowing emotion was his weakness. But Ardent inherited all Charles'' ability and temperament, except his tant emotion. Ardent was like a deepke, because nobody knew what was in his mind. He had learned how Aster could smoothly handle things without using too much force, but he also learned from Ramuja that enough pressure could make everyone bow down even if you didn''t say anything. Ardent got the best out of Aster and Ramuja, and he had Charles'' ability. He was a force to be reckoned with. "Trust me, I will teach him how to be a good Emperor. I will not let another Charles happen," Aster reassured Irion again. Finally, after getting this answer twice, Irion left with a bit of relief in his heart. At least Milord Aster wasn''t ignorant about Ardent''s growth. *** Late at night, Aster was on the bed, reading a book. Then he heard the door had been opened, Sun King Rama had returned from another party with exhaustion. He took off his shirt and hurriedly snuggled himself with Aster on the bed. Aster smiled and pinched Ramuja''s nose, "Go take a bath first." Ramuja sighed and he obediently took a bath and then returned to snuggle with Aster again. The past ten years had been good, Ramuja was not good at governing and he was practicallyzy doing anything except taking care of Aster and THAT unspeakable thing. However, his presence was powerful enough to bring peace to three nations, thus, nobody felt wronged with King Rama''szy behavior. There was only one thing missing though Aster hadn''t been pregnant yet. Well, it was mostly because Ramuja didn''t tell Aster about it. He had inquired about it with the elder from Sun Kingdom. They said that Aster could get pregnant if they did it seven days nonstop until Aster''s stomach bulged out with his seed. It was practically impossible to do so, since Aster was incredibly busy every day. Even though their honeymoon was only two days, then Aster immediately returned to Golden Camellia to govern again. Ramuja didn''t dare to tell Aster about this secret, because Aster had been working tirelessly for their nations. Also, the prideful Aster became a pregnant man? Ramuja thought that Aster would probably hate him if Ramuja really did impregnate him. Thus, Ramuja bore it and often relieved himself in the bathroom, since Aster would only give him three times a week at most. However, Ramuja was practically fed up with the parties he had to attend. He hated those pretentious nobles and their wretched perfumes. Those noblewomen who were like witches trying to get his attention and those worshipping gaze from the soldiers that forced him to act tough, it made him sick. All he wanted to do was stay with Aster, simply. He grieved over this and finally said, "Wife, how long until we can live on our own?" "Hm? Ardent and Arya are yet to hit eighteen. We will have to wait for them for five years," Aster said. He felt a bit guilty forcing Ramuja to attend the parties, but Ramuja needed an activity other than staring at him in his office every day. "You are already thirty-two now, and I''m already thirty-five. In five years, I''ll hit forty, I''ll die at that age, I want you to bear my baby." Ramuja said truthfully. Aster paused, then stared at Ramuja seriously, "What did you say?" "I''ll die in forty and I want you to bear my baby before I die, Ramuja repeated seriously. "Are you joking right now?" Aster''s hand trembled as he held Ramuja''s hand tightly, "DDon''t joke about something like that, I don''t want to lose you" Ramuja felt guilty. He felt that he would not die when he hit forty, but he was unsure. If he really died at the age of forty, then he would want Aster to have his baby at least. If he didn''t well, treat that as a bonus. Aster would have his child and they would live well together. ''Forgive me, wife. I may trick you for this one.'' Thus, Ramuja took the shot and said, "First, when I turned berserk in Golden Pce, I was actually dead, but I got revived with the cost of half of my lifespan. I will die at forty, Aster." "That is why I feel sad, because practically, a man can get pregnant under the Sun King. As long as you are willing to be a pregnant man I can fill your belly with my semen for seven days and night, you will bear my child," Ramuja said, there was a hit of begging in his voice, "Aster, I don''t know whether I will die or not five years from now, but I want you to have my baby. So, at least, you will not be alone after I died." After Ramuja said it, Aster didn''t move for a few minutes. There was a trace of loss and sadness in his face. Then, he immediately unbuttoned his pajamas and was shirtless in front of Ramuja. Ramuja was stunned, "WWhat are you doing?" "Isn''t it obvious?" Aster hurriedly tried to find the lube in the drawer and gave it to Ramuja, he slid his pants down and offered his body in front of Ramuja, "We need to do it seven days nonstop, right? Do me then, quick! I need to have your baby!" Ramuja was stunned. Had he known that it would be this easy to get Aster willingly submitted himself, he would''ve done this since years ago. It was not toote though. Ramuja ripped his pajamas and pounced Aster, he kissed Aster deeply and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Dont regret this, Aster." ******** *cough* *cough* Hi everyone, ForeverPupa here ^u^)/ Well, I just want to say thank you so much for reading this novel and stays loyal, I really appreciate it! TuT However, Gardenia will end with thest chapter, which will be released on Sunday. Dont be sad though! Author will return immediately with a new story the same day when thest chapter of Gardenia will be released! Psshh It''s another BL story, but this time, Author will write a Quick Transmigration novel! There will be many arcs and many worlds for us to explore! ForeverPupa style! <3 hihi I hope I can see you guys there!Thank you so much for reading everyone! <3 Chapter 287: A Life Worth Living (Afterstory End) Chapter 287: A Life Worth Living (Afterstory End) "Ramuja! Go dress up yourself! I''m busy with Javier!" Aster was busy dressing his son to attend the coronation of the new Emperor of Golden Camellia. "Wife, Javier peed on my suit" Ramuja showed the pee-stained suit to Aster. Aster nced at Javier who wasughing as if it was funny, "Go and ask the servant to prepare another suit for you." Ramuja pouted, he felt wronged again. Javier was already three years old, but he was like a little demon that knew no boundary. Ramuja had to endure days and nights of his son crying, pestering, tantrum and many more inside the pce. Five years had passed and Aster was pregnant with Ramuja''s child four years ago. Although everyone was shocked with the sudden news of Emperor Gardenia actually conceiving a child, the Emperor bravely announced that he was a man that got impregnated by the Sun King. It was a sensation across the continent, this was the first time a normal man could conceive and give birth a healthy child. Three years ago, the son of Sun King Rama and Emperor Gardenia was born. He was a miracle from a young age, he had the signature golden circle eyes of the golden blood from Emperor Gardenia, but there was an obvious sun emblem of Sun King on his back from King Rama. He had Emperor Gardenia''s mesmerizing, somewhat seductive eyes. But other than his eyes, their son was basically a perfect copy of King Rama. From his handsome masculine features, slightlyrger built since he was a baby, to his somewhat unrestrained andzy nature. He was like little King Rama 2.0. The new prince''s official name was named Javier Di Arlingdon, and his official title was Javier of Sun Kingdom. But he was also called Little Prince of the Golden Sun, due to his amazing talent. Prince Javier was gifted with extreme brute force since he was just a baby. It was proven when General Irion offered his thumb for the baby Javier to grasp, it was all fun and games until Prince Javier tightened his small grip around General Irion''s thumb. After that, General Irion had to be treated by the doctor, because Prince Javier actually snapped his thumb joint. Prince Javier was also a good student. He was talented like his father, Emperor Gardenia. He could understand and read well at such a young age. He could also read Emperor Gardenia''splicated documents, although he didn''t know much of the content, he could read it well at such young age. The Emperor often invited the best teacher to teach Javier, simr to what histe duchess mother''s method when he was a little kid. However, true to Prince Javier''s innatezy nature, he always slept and cked off during his study session. He could answer the question from the teacher well though. So, there was noint from the teacher. Prince Javier was only enthusiastic when he was around his beloved Papa Aster. Papa Aster was a man, but he was the most beautiful of them all, he was also the most dazzling, yet the gentlest soul Javier ever sensed in his small life. Javier was drawn to his Papa like a duckling following its duck mother. Prince Javier was King Rama 2.0 after all. It was no surprise that he was very sticky to his Papa Aster. He hated when everyone was trying to take his papa, he even had a rivalry with his Papa Rama. Javier was hostile to Papa Rama, because every time he tried to sneak in to sleep with his Papa Aster, his Papa Rama would lock the door and then a faint sound of his Papa Aster crying and groaning was heard from inside, also the bed creaking. Thus, Javier concluded that Papa Rama was bullying Papa Aster every night. *** Ramuja hated this little demon spawn, but then, he remembered that he was the one who fucked Aster until his wife became a pregnant man. He red at Javier, but Aster always hit him whenever he red at their son. He felt wronged, really wronged. His wife didn''t love him anymore, Aster was busy with work, teaching Ardent the better way of golden blood, and also taking care of the little demon, Javier. There was no time for them to enjoy a sweet life together. He was going to hit forty soon, and Aster was already thirty-seven years old. They were not young, and the sign of aging started to show up in Ramuja''s face. He had fine lines at the end of his eyes, his hair also started graying. However, Aster still looked like he was just a mature man in his mid-twenty. He was still stunning without any sign of aging and the number of admirers around Aster never decreased. His beauty was well known across the globe. There were many people who yearned to get Aster, they even sent gifts to steal his heart. But Emperor Gardenia was very loyal to his husband, King Rama. Aster''s loyalty never ceased Ramuja''s insecurity though. The guy who had been worshipped as a demigod in the Sun Kingdom and a small part of Golden Camellia was still very insecure about everything rting to Aster. He even asked whether Aster felt disgusted with his fine lines and graying hair. But Aster only rolled his eyes and always said the same thing, ''Ramuja, I only love one man in my life, and that man is you. Even when you''re gone, I will not marry anybody else. Stop with your useless insecurity! We are going to hit our forties soon!'' *** Aster, Ramuja and their son, Javier, were heavily guarded and escorted to the Lantern Pce main hall. The pce had been renovated, it was now three times bigger than its initial size. In the main hall, Ardent was standing near the throne with his regal clothing. Ardent was already eighteen, he had met the requirement to be the new Emperor. Crown Prince Ardent was not without achievements. Aster knew that Ardent was simr to Charles in terms of talents, thus, he sent Ardent to the military. Ardent learned a lot about the power of the military through his Papa Rama. Papa Rama was not a good strategist, but he was so charismatic that the soldier would follow him to their doom fearlessly. Through Papa Rama, he could see how Arya would look like when she grew older. Majestic,id back, and powerful. Since Ramuja was ordered by Aster to praise Ardent whenever Ardent did something good in the military, Ardent had long changed his way of thinking. He admitted that he fell in love with Arya, and Arya only loved someone that was on par, or higher than her. So Ardent worked hard in the military to be a powerful man, just like his Papa Rama. He wanted to show Arya that he was also worth her consideration. Aster and Ramuja, as Emperor Gardenia and Sun King Rama, abdicated together when both Ardent and Arya hit eighteen years old. Arya was crowned first, because she was a few months older than Ardent. "Big brother!" Javier jumped from Aster''s hand and ran towards Ardent. Everyone was watching the Little Prince of Golden Sun run towards the new Emperor. Ardent smiled and picked Javier up, "Javier, you are getting heavy." "Hehe, that''s because you give Javi many foods!" Javier replied. Besides his Papa Aster, Javier also liked his big brother Ardent. Because big bro always coaxed him with various foods that he got from his expedition and campaign to other countries. Ardent chuckled, "You are good with Papa Aster while I''m away, right? Papa Aster is very busy, you shouldn''t disturb him." Javier pouted, "Papa Rama always bullied Papa Aster in bed every night! Papa Aster cries and begs Papa Rama to stop, but Papa Rama is a bully! Javi hates Papa Rama so much!" The main hall was full with nobles and kings across the nation. Of course, they knew that the little prince said, although the little prince was oblivious. Aster''s face blushed tomato red, while Ramuja grinned shamelessly. Aster elbowed Ramuja''s belly and walked faster to take Javi, "Javi, go y with Uncle Irion. Maybe you can also y with La and Lyon, Uncle Tuskan brings them today," Aster said, mentioning Tuskan''s twin son-daughter who was about the same age as Javier. "Really?" Javier jumped from Ardent''s hand andnded on the ground smoothly. He looked at his left and saw La hid behind her father, blushed when Javier looked at her. Lyon already waved his hand, calling Javier to join them. Javier happily yed with the twin. Aster sighed and focused his attention on Ardent, he rubbed Ardent''s head gently, "Sorry I''m a bitte, your little brother and your father can be handful sometimes." Ardent smiled and nodded. After Crown Prince Ardent and Emperor Gardenia already stood side by side in front of the audience, the usual ceremony with dancers, bands, and cavalries filled the huge hall. After everything had been finished, the Prime Minister started the coronation: "Thank you for the honorabledies and gentlemen, our honorable kings and queens who attend the coronation of the next Emperor of Golden Camellia. The coronation will be done by the previous Emperor, Emperor Gardenia. The Prime Minister presented the crown and the ruler staff to Aster. Ardent was sitting on the throne, waiting for his father. Aster took the crown and the staff, he gazed upon it for a moment. ''I never want to be an Emperor anyway. I did everything because I have to.'' ''I think, back then, what I wanted was just to livefortably with someone I love, I was too green back then, not knowing what it really meant. I also hesitated because I thought I would never find someone in my life.'' ''But now that Ramuja is by my side, I hesitate no more.'' Aster had ruled for eighteen years, he was already tired with so much administrations he needed to handle every day. He was not young anymore. During the period of his and Ramuja''s rule, Golden Camellia, Sun Kingdom, and Great Arctyr had reached their peaceful state. There was no war, no tension, and they opened the trade between three countries and other countries at ease. It was indeed the renaissance era of Golden Camellia. Aster handed the staff to Ardent, and then put the crown on Ardent''s hand slowly, "I, Emperor Gardenia of Golden Camellia, hereby announce you, Ardent Audric Camellia, as the new Emperor of Golden Camellia." "May the flower of prosperity bloom under your rule, our golden emperor," Aster smiled and kissed Ardent''s forehead. The Prime Minister announced the new Emperor, "Golden Camellia''s new ruler, Emperor Gardenia II has been crowned, esteemed guests, please show your respect." Ardent stood tall while everyone bowed deeply on him, including his fathers, Aster and Rama. However, one person didn''t bow at all, and that was Sun King Arya of Sun Kingdom. Arya giggled and winked at Emperor Ardent. She gestured something with her mouth, ''Meet me in the garden tonight.'' Ardent blushed. He nodded slightly and cleared his throat, Ardentmanded with his maic voice, "Rise." Everyone was happy with the coronation, and expected more from Emperor Gardenia II, because the previous Emperor was an amazing ruler. The party was held untilte at night, Aster was already tired, and Javier was already sleeping in his arms. Ramuja pulled Aster out of the party and they headed to their own pce. Ramuja carried Aster while Aster carried Javier, it was like a stack of books. "Wait, I have to put Javier to his bed first," Aster said. He put Javier to his own room and closed the door, their son was sleeping soundly. Aster and Ramuja entered their room, locked the door and prepared to sleep. Aster was actually anxious, because tonight, it was Ramuja''s birthday. He would turn forty soon. However, Ramuja himself was not worried at all. They cuddled together on the bed, Ramuja kissed Aster''s ears and whispered, ''Go to sleep, beauty.'' Aster was prepared for the heartbreak he might not be able to endure. If Ramuja really died tonight, he would raise Javier until Javier was fifteen years old and then followed Ramuja to the afterlife. He was anxious, but Ramuja seemed to have epted everything. He closed his eyesfortably. The time ticked, Aster kept ncing at the clock, he ced his ears next to Ramuja''s heart, he didn''t want to miss Ramuja''sst heartbeat even for a mere second. When the time finally hit the mark, Aster closed his eyes. He clenched Ramuja''s body tightly, unable to let go. ''I love you, Ramuja. Please wait for me in the afterlife.'' Zzzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzzz Aster opened his eyes slowly, instead of the imminent death that Ramuja talked about. He only heard Ramuja snore loudly. Aster could still hear Ramuja''s heartbeat beating steadily. Aster checked the clock, and he stared at Ramuja in disbelief. He shook Ramuja''s body and yelled at him, "Ramuja! Ramuja! Wake up!" "Hm huh hu what?" Ramuja opened his eyes hardly. He was so tired today, he needed his sleep. Aster''s body trembled, "YYou are not dead? You said you''ll die when you hit forty!" Ramuja finally opened his eyes wide, he gulped and avoided Aster''s gaze, "Uhm I forgot to say this, but it seems that when that purple light got separated from my body, the contract between me and that purple light has been broken." Ramuja felt guilty. He practically forgot about this after Aster was pregnant with his son and their life was like an old married couple with their children. Ramuja was afraid that Aster would hit him again, he lowered his head, "II''m sorry, Aster. I did not mean" Ramuja halted his apology when Aster suddenly hugged him tightly. Aster''s face burrowed on Ramuja''s shoulder. Aster cried while hugging Ramuja. "Thank god. Thank god I didn''t have to bury you. Ramuja please don''t leave me, I beg you. I cannot breathe if you die," Aster said truthfully. Ramuja patted Aster''s back and head, "Aster, I said, I will never leave you alone." Aster was really clingy this night. They were stuck in this position with Aster still burrowing his face on Ramuja''s shoulder. Ramuja caressed Aster''s head gently, his eyes looking at the bright moon on the sky tonight. It was indeed a beautiful night. ''Aster, I''m d that you took me in that ve market. Even if I have to endure countless tortures, as long as I can be with you in the end, it is worth living for. Aster, this life is worth living for.'' Two buds bloomed together in the garden of desire. Through ire and mire, they are fated to be together. Like an immortal fire, their feelings guide each other This is the tale of Gardenia of Blooming Desire. ****** Hi ForeverPupa here! ^u^ Whaaaa, Gardenia of Blooming Desire ends now. TuT It''s been a long journey, but I hope you are satisfied with the ending! Though this is the end, I do not leave without a good news! Author has published a new novel! (BL) Quick Transmigration: Being A Homewrecker to Save the World! (QT:HWSW) Please kindly check it out! Thank you everyone, I hope I can see you there! <3 Lots of luv from author! The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!