Hearing the emperor's question, Irene felt so nervous that she feared someone like him might know about her true relationship with Aldrian. She didn't know what Emperor Durand would do if that became known, so she wanted to speak further to try to conceal her connection to Aldrian.
However, Aldrian simply grasped her hand, and smiled. He gave his mother a reassuring look before turning his gaze back to Emperor Durand. The look he gave her was one full of confidence, as if to say that nothing would happen as long as he was there. Irene's heart calmed down a little, though she remained very nervous.
Aldrian was silent for a moment before finally answering.
"Yes, we have."
Emperor Durand's heart shuddered. To think that his suspicion was correct—and if so, then the other thought lingering in his mind, might also be true.
"Are... are you her son?" Emperor Durand asked, his voice trembling.
"Yes," Aldrian replied, his answer unwavering.
