Ambroise was unprepared for the question and turned around to look at his son, whose face was full of curiosity.
"Why do you want to know?" Ambroise inquired.
Haru fidgeted under his gaze. "It's just, that you are in a bad mood since you heard about Magurd. I guess I want to know what it is."
Haru felt that he had heard about Magurd before but for the life of him, he can't remember where he had heard. 'Magurd' was a strange word and it probably was mentioned in the novel.
Ambroise pondered and decided to explain.
"Magurd is a drug but it can't be compared to ordinary drugs. This drug is made of special magical plants and elements. These plants are rare and expensive. When the plant is being minced, the mages will use all 7 elements, Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Wood, Lightning, and Metal. The drug requires a total of 14 mages with high magical powers. Then this drug is given shape and is tested on poor people who are likely to have been lured or captured. The drug's properties are highly addictive and had caused people to lose their minds as well as physical abilities.
When this drug was introduced, seeing the state of the public, the emperors of every empire banned the drug and anyone who is found to be in the involvement of this drug is thrown in jail or many times executed."
Ambroise finished explaining and chuckled when he saw his open-mouthed son.
"What are you in so awe of?"
Haru looked at Mr. Ambroise with admiring eyes, his purple eyes filled with respect and admiration.
"How do you know everything, Mr. Ambroise? Are you a scholar? You are so cool!"
Ambroise laughed heartily. "Remember, I told you? I am in a high position and my position requires me to be well-versed in everything."
Haru still wore an admired face which made Ambroise swell in pride.
A loud growl suddenly came from Haru's stomach making him blush in embarrassment.
"Put the plates on the bed. I will serve dinner," He said amused, and started finishing the dinner.
Haru blushed and put the plates on the bed and also put 2 cups of water on the ground so that it wouldn't spill.
Ambroise put the dinner on the table and they started eating fresh fruits, fish, and rabbit meat.
Ambroise found out quickly that Haru hated killing or cleaning the animal so he decided to not show the killed animals or when he was cleaning them. Haru was more than happy with the arrangement because he was sick of fish and he was sure that if he ate more fish, he would puke just at the sight of it.
After finishing the meal, the two settled on the bed in comfortable silence while Haru thought of Magurd.
After listening to Mr. Ambroise's explanation, Haru remembered that Magurd was one of the most important plots in the novel.
After killing the original owner, Claire Katz had returned to the forest to pay respects when she stumbled into a conversation where she found out that Magurd was being developed in this forest.
By then, Magurd's influence had already risen and affected the people of the Kingdom. No one was safe from the drug as it was something very easy to get addicted to. More than 50,000 people had lost their mental and physical abilities. Emperor was growing restless but was not able to find the source when the heroine arrived appearing like a savior and with the help of other 3 male leads, put an end to Magurd earning her the title of, 'The Savior', 'The Strongest Woman of the Century, and 'The Most Beautiful Woman of Aigle.'
Claire who was a Viscountess before moved up to the ladder and gained the title of Countess at the courtesy of the Emperor. Attaining a new aristocracy title was not a small thing which led to her being trusted by the common people and respected by the Nobles.
"Haru, what's going on in your small brain?" Ambroise asked.
Haru looked up to Ambroise from where he lay on his side, "What's going to happen to them?"
Ambroise felt that Haru was scared and that's why he was asking, assured the little boy.
"Don't worry about it. I will take care of them. Till then don't go anywhere without me."
Ambroise already had planned the torture those traitors would be subjected to, though only after he got his son to safety. His son deserved more than this damaged hut and such rough clothes held together by patches and needles.
Haru yawned suddenly, his eyes dropping due to sleep. Ambroise felt a burst of fondness, unconsciously bringing his son closer to cradle him, protecting him from the outside world and cold.
Haru smiled sleepily. "I will miss you, Mr. Ambroise."
Ambroise looked at his son confused. "Miss me?" He repeated.
Haru nodded, his silver hair falling on his eyes, hiding his sadness and loneliness.
"After you heal, you will leave. There would be no more reason to stay here. So I...will be lonely again so I am gonna miss you very much."
Ambroise was astounded. Why would his son think that he would leave him after he healed? He had recovered enough that he can cut down his enemies with ease. Didn't he make it clear till now that he cared about him? Even if the boy wasn't his son, he would never leave a child here.
Ambroise wasn't a monster with no feelings as his enemies liked to describe him. He had never raised a hand against innocent people as it was his duty to protect them.
Ambroise wondered if his son disliked him. Even if he didn't know that he was his son, surely he would know that he won't leave him here. If the boy hadn't been his son, he would have adopted him because now he can't imagine his life without Haru.
"Haru, do you hate me?" Ambroise asked calmly, hiding his panic and dread.
Haru shook his head hastily. "What are you asking Mr. Ambroise? Why would I hate you? I like you!"
Ambroise was pleased with the immediate answer. He can tell by looking at his son's expression that his son didn't hate him. If he did, Ambroise wouldn't have known what to do. Haru was his only family and the only one he cares about to this extent other than his friends and His Majesty. While he still wasn't sure if his brother is truly dead, right now, the only family he has left in this world is this little boy who is way too kind for this world.
"Then why do you suggest that I will leave you here after I fully recover?"
Haru reddened at the question. "It's just...you must have a family too and a lot of work. You need to leave so that they can rest easy. I can't be childish and ask you to remain here. I also," Haru hesitated, biting his lips and trying to look anywhere but him, "I also don't want you to hate me. Mom had hated me for a long time and so did other kids. I don't think I can take you hating me."
Ambroise looked at his son whose face was hidden by his hair. He gently brought his hand to Haru's face and cradled it, tucking his hair so that they could see each other eye to eye. Ambroise looked at the purple eyes that were so familiar to his own, just more bright and much more beautiful than his, and said in a firm but gentle voice,
"Haru, I don't think I can leave ever you. You are a such hard-working child, only an idiot will hate you. I promise you that I will not leave you here and bring you with me to my home. I will give you all the happiness and comfort in this world," Ambroise paused looking at his son's widening eyes, "And there's nothing selfish about it. You are a child and you can be childish all you want. I will never be angry, child, I will never be angry or raise my hand against you."