Azrael too left after giving a warning look at Asher. Though he was extremely unwilling to leave his sister alone with that buffoon, he knew it was inevitable. So, he concluded that it was better to let them have a private talk now before they left for Delphia.
After Azrael came out of the office room, Aylin approached him and asked, "Brother, do you have some time now?"
Azrael nodded and directed her towards the open balcony.
"What's the matter?"
Aylin placed her hands on the balustrade and stared at the dark sky. After a moment, she gave a small sigh and asked, "Brother, have you been working for the Delphians since you joined the military at nineteen?"
Azrael was quite surprised by his sister's direction of questioning.
He replied with a nod, "Yes! Actually working for the military is just a cover-up for my real job! The military outpost to which I'm assigned is the only entryway to Delphia. It's easy to make the public view it as only a military outpost as no one other than Delphians can enter Delphia through that entryway. Are you interested in learning more about the Delphians? I can tell you stories about interesting incidents if you want to listen to them!"
Aylin fidgeted and asked after a moment of hesitation, "Brother, I won't ever be able to enter Delphia, right?"
Aylin's question stabbed Azrael's heart. He knew that Aylin would never be able to enter Delphia, as even after turning eighteen, she did not show any trace of her powers. Delphia had a strict rule that did not allow anyone other than Delphians to enter the country. This rule showed no leniency even towards the relatives that the Delphians might have outside Delphia.
Azrael did not want his sister to feel that she was being left alone. He rubbed her head and said, "Though it might be true now, maybe after we settle everything, we can take you and father along with us! After all, the prophecy says that whatever happens will happen in our generation. I don't see why you won't be allowed to enter Delphia after everything is over!"
Hearing her brother's hopeful reply, Aylin nodded and gave a small smile.
She said, "Brother, don't take me wrong! Of course, I'm curious about Delphia! It's the most mysterious country in the world! But I asked you the question because I feel useless compared to you guys! You and sister are doing your best to find mother, while I'm sitting at home doing pointless works!"
Azrael frowned on hearing what Aylin said. He poked her forehead and said, "Silly girl! Don't ever underestimate the things you can do? Can I and Aylin design jewellery for our company and earn billions from it? When we'll go to Delphia to solve this crisis, do you think we could have left dad alone in Phillon without worrying about him? But now that you are staying here together with dad, we'll can at least rest assured that you'll take good care of him. Besides, you have a way with your words and attitude that makes others feel comfortable while talking to you. Neither Aelia nor I can do that, can we? Always remember, everyone has different purposes in this world! But that doesn't mean someone's purpose in life is nobler than others!"
Hearing such encouraging words from her brother, Aylin's felt a steady warmth seeping into her heart and a few tears escaped her eyes.
She sniffled and hugged her brother.
Azrael patted her head and hugged her back. He hoped that everything would be peacefully over and their mother could rejoin them soon.
...
After everyone left the office, Asher and Aelia had been left alone.
Asher was leaning against the office desk, whole Aelia was seating on a couch placed along the wall. She got up and stood in front of Asher.
Since the beginning of the conversation, the fact that Asher's gaze had never left her for even a moment, did not go unnoticed by Aelia. Though she felt a little flustered by his intense gaze, she did not show it on her face.
Pretending to be calm, she asked, "Your Highness, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Asher took a long look at her and said in a deep voice, "Aelia, do you think that our engagement and marriage is just because of the prophecy?"
Aelia frowned at Asher's question and said, "Well, isn't it? But you don't have to worry, Your Highness! I'm not someone who doesn't understand the gravity of the situation! In fact, I think it would be better if we sign a contract so that our feelings don't unnecessarily interrupt our actual task!"
Seeing how his angel seriously regarded their marriage as just a contract, Asher could only sigh and feel bitter about it. Nevertheless, he knew that even if he confessed his feelings to her now, she would never believe him.
So, after thinking for a while he decided to follow her wishes. He would pretend to go along with his angel's wishes and would gradually work on opening her tightly sealed heart to him. He was confident that he would be able to do so, since his angel was extremely perceptive and would not be able to escape after being showered in his love and pamperings.
Asher was so sure of himself because he had already loved Aelia for more than ten years. What were a few more months in comparison to that? He would see how his angel would escape from him?
Seeing Asher was in such a deep thought, Aelia took her time to check him out. She could not deny that her fiance was really attractive! He had a tall, well-built physique that was not overly muscular. His lean waist accentuated his broad shoulders and his blue eyes always seemed to glow like sapphire. His tousled black hair together with his chiselled face made him the best looking male Aelia had ever seen.
Asher could feel Aelia's stare on him and he smirked inwardly, 'I don't think it'll take long for my little angel to turn more sensible!'