Orius Alewine recalled the very few memories he had of his biological father.
When some children lived with their fathers and learned everything from them; for Orius, it was a privilege which he could only dream of. To make things worse, he was raised by the one responsible for his father's death.
Despite knowing everything, he had to call the late King 'Father' and hid the hatred or any other feeling he had all those years.
"My father was a true warrior but... he was blindly loyal to the late King Tobias whom he regarded as his best friend. For me, that's his only flaw," he said to Valerie. "When I was a child, I used to watch him practice with Iria from a distance. Even when he invited me to join them, I never dare. I was scared that if I was close to him, the King will become suspicious.
"He was highly respected by his soldiers and the people admire him too." He briefly paused and added, "He was very similar to Iria in every way. He also had a kind heart and he was someone who never discriminate anyone, irrespective of the classes they belong to. Nobles, commoners... he treated everyone equally but... he was still a devoted subject to the late King."
"I think you also take after him a lot," Valerie promptly said to him. "All those traits... you have those in you too."
Orius flashed a little smile. "My biggest dream is to continue his legacy. I dream of that ever since I was a child."
"You can do it," Valerie encouraged him with a bright smile. "After all, you're his blood. His son."
* * *
Ophelia and Andres planned to go to Qalagon now that the war was over.
It had only been a day since Andres and Augustus returned after causing some mess for Alora and Azamet. Alora had no choice but to surrender to Aederin and Azamet was too scared to provoke Aederin either. Though they might be able to fight Cedore, Aederin was way out of their league!
Only a few hours left before the couple departs for Qalagon and Crown Prince Augustus was all set to return to Aederin with his troops too. Ophelia and Andres were near the main door to see the Crown Prince off.
"I'm very grateful for your help, Augustus," Andres Francia said to the Aederin Crown Prince. "Without your help, we won't be able to achieve this great of a success."
"You don't have to thank me," Augustus Arille promptly said and looked at his younger sister with a little smile. "I do it for Ophelia. Besides, your cousin end the Jerivian King who dared to kidnap my sister. That's the least I can do to repay her."
"You won't come to Qalagon with us?" Crown Prince Andres asked. "I bet Iria will wish to see you after what you've done."
"Maybe some other day," the Aederin Crown Prince promptly said. "I have left Aederin for way too long now. It's time to return."
"I wish you can stay for a while more," Ophelia spoke up with displeasure more than evident in her voice. "If you leave now, I know that you won't be able to come again anytime soon."
"You're already married, Ophel," Augustus stated with a smile. "Don't act like a child anymore. I have many responsibilities to carry out at Aederin. Besides, I'll come often because I'll miss you a lot. I think I already start missing you even now."
"I don't believe you," Ophelia still argued. "Coming with us and spending even a day or two at Qalagon won't hurt. I'm sure that Father and Elysia will also understand."
Finding himself in a complicated situation, Augustus Arille let out a sigh. "What should I do with you?"
It seemed like Ophelia had no intention to relent and only stared at her brother who seemed to be concentrated on his thoughts. Almost a minute passed and the Crown Prince turned to the Commander who was standing behind him. "Led the troops and return to Aederin. I'll stay behind with Marius. Inform my father and the Crown Princess about this too and tell them not to worry."
With that said, the Commander bowed and left with the troops as the Crown Prince ordered.
Andres Francia slightly smiled when he saw the extent of the influence his wife had on her brother. She can even make him change his mind at the last minute!
"It will just be two days," Crown Prince Augustus said to his sister. "After that, you are not to complain anymore. I really have many things to do, Ophel."
Crown Princess Ophelia promptly nodded her head a few times with a bright smile. "That's good enough."
Seeing how excited she appeared, Augustus Arille let out a sigh.
When will she ever grow up?!
* * *
In the Lorin family mansion, General Hanson just arrived home after a long war.
Once he passed the gate of the mansion, what the General first did was rush to the chamber he shared with his wife. When he entered there, he saw Vienna sitting on a couch, holding and reading a book.
Vienna heard the sound of someone entering the chamber and when she shifted her attention to the door, she saw her husband standing there with his gaze on her. "Hanson."
Hanson Lorin quickly walked towards his wife and sat down on the couch beside her. "I'm home," he muttered and looked down at her belly. "How are you? Is everything fine?"
Vienna nodded and hugged her husband. "I was so worried and scared that you might not return," she muttered. "I'm so glad to see you safe and sound."
"Didn't I tell you that I will return?" the General said with a little smile and pulled back. Then he touched her belly which was quite big now with the estimated delivery just around the corner. "For the sake of you and our child, I told you that I will survive no matter what."
He looked at how wife with a smile and said, "Maybe the gods hear your prayers for me.. The main war was prevented and here I am back safely."
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