The queen also ascended, and the king showed his careful look at her. He checked on her several times and sighed in relief. Stephan also asked about it and sat rest assured.
The king was about to ask more about her health.
"Do not fret, my Lord," she said, her tone warm yet firm. "I am well. Do not trouble yourselves overmuch."
The king could only stop himself. But his heart was very displeased. Seeing the actions between them, it was clear to the outsiders that it is impossible for anyone to come between them. The love between them is truly magnificent.
Aaron could see, how greedy eyes of the ladies, yearning for such affection are red slightly. Love if received by oneself is sweet nectar, but if received by others is nothing but burning flame in heart.
Aaron signalled to Jenny to help the Little lady at the side.
Her relationship with Daniel runs deep, a bond forged in the hardest of times. She was the one who stood by him when the world seemed to turn its back, guarding him through the darkest moments of his life. When no one else was there, she called him "brother," a simple but powerful gesture of loyalty. Because she had no official status, her family cast her aside in the original version of events. With nowhere else to go, she followed him, even to her death. This time, Aaron vowed to protect her from that same fate. He would make sure she had a secure life in the capital, one filled with joy and purpose. It wasn't much, but he could at least grant her the official recognition she deserved as the finest embroiderer in the country.
As he reflected on his own journey, a heavy sigh escaped him. He had endured the hardest trials, reached the pinnacle of power, and even stared death in the face. Yet through it all, his heart remained pure, his actions guided by kindness, yet the world had never shown him the same in return. It was a bitter truth. He had never wronged anyone, yet injustice seemed to follow him at every turn. His empathy for others' suffering had always been genuine, but in return, the world offered him nothing but indifference. It hurt more than anything—this constant feeling of helplessness, as though he was trapped in a world where his efforts were futile.
As for the two women, their suffering was inextricably linked to Minister Sen. He was the one who had wronged them, and the source of the bitter resentment that now simmered beneath the surface.
The king, seated upon his throne, cast a solemn glance towards the Minister of Finance, who stood at the center of the hall, kneeling and keeping his head low. His voice, calm yet carrying an air of command, reverberated through the hall. "Minister Sen," he began, "it is incumbent upon you to instruct your elder daughter to behave with propriety and maintain her decorum. Such behavior must not be allowed to occur again."
The minister thanked again and again for the pardon.
Aaron, standing at a respectful distance, could not help but reflect inwardly. Had you but been more self-aware of your own household, these two innocent girls would not have found themselves in this lamentable plight today. Wouldn't you agree? He longed to speak these thoughts aloud, but he was mindful of his position. He was not the highest in rank and thus could not afford to overstep his bounds.
The words, though few, struck deeply. The young woman in question, unable to bear the sting of his words, faltered and wept. But not a soul moved to offer her comfort. The Minister of Finance, his face as unreadable as stone, did not show a trace of compassion. Instead, he gestured for her to be dismissed, sending her away without a single word of solace or reassurance. The silence that followed spoke volumes.
The little lady was protected by Jenny and Jerry by her side. The minister looking at this knew that the family will have a meeting today.
Everyone can see Aaron's action today is directly protecting the child. He didn't leave the matter to burden the little girl later. If not press the finance minister this child would suffer after the banquet. In the home of high officials matters like this are common. Daniel of the past or be it the present Aaron both are very affable person. They both loves little children and always treats everyone like brothers and sisters. If one can ignore his icy face, then Aaron is the warm God. Some felt this and reversed their opinion of him from a cold ruthless General to a Benevolent God.
Aaron furrowed his brow, his voice thick with concern, "Minister Sen, it would behoove you to watch over the young maiden more carefully. Do you not see? Were the elder lady's attack successful, the loss we would suffer would be grievous indeed, for the talent of embroidery the young one possesses is rare and invaluable."
Though his words were not spoken directly, the meaning was clear: had the elder lady's assault come to fruition, the young maiden, with her exceptional skill in embroidery, would have perished. Such a loss would be a great blow to the esteemed Shenoy nation.
It was as though a slap had been delivered to the face of the Finance Minister. Involuntarily, his hand went to his cheek as he nodded hastily, his voice strained, "General Frank, I beg of you, do not harbor such thoughts. She is but a child, lacking in wisdom. This shall not happen again, I vow it."
Aaron nodded although with a froen. He then bowed to the King, "This small official will walk out for fresh air." he left after getting a nod from the king.
Stephan's countenance remained adorned with a smile, yet within his heart, a bitterness took root upon witnessing the man's protection of another. As he watched the figure depart, he turned to the others present and spoke, "It seems my friend is somewhat vexed. Elder Sen, please exercise caution in your words and actions."
He paused momentarily, his smile deepening as he continued, "He holds no preference for such matters. Even a lowly maid in his heart is given due respect, let alone nobles. This is something all of you should take to heart."
In this, Stephan sought to convey that Daniel's act of shielding the girl was no expression of special favor, but rather something trivial. He wished to make it clear that no one should consider themselves of unique significance due to today's occurrence. His words carried more than one meaning—he did not wish for this person to be the darling of others, but only his own.
Rising from his seat, he then addressed the king, "Father, I shall go and visit him. It has been too long since we last conversed." The king, preoccupied with his concerns for the queen, offered no further words, merely waving his hand in acknowledgment.
Stephen left with a leisurely pace, and behind him, those who knew his character shook their heads, murmuring, "How can these two men, so different in nature, be bound by friendship?" One seemed distant and aloof, yet warm within; the other appeared gracious, but cold as ice at heart. With a deep sigh, they watched his retreating figure, their minds filled with wonder at the contrast.
Meanwhile, others observed the Crown Prince with admiration, charmed by his warmth and gentleness, oblivious to the deeper truths. Among them was Jon. From the moment Stephen had entered the hall, his gaze had been fixed upon him, captivated by the handsome, refined youth, whose ever-present smile and thoughtfulness set him apart from Daniel, who was as cold as stone, his arrogance clear to all.
As Daniel had spoken, Jon had quietly sneered inwardly, his thoughts filled with derision at his pompous words. But now, he couldn't help but be drawn to Stephen's gentle demeanor, imagining what it might be like to be by his side. His heart fluttered, and warmth rose to his face as he pondered this wish.
Some, noticing his flushed cheeks, offered him cold water, which he accepted without hesitation.
General Sam's eyes shone with a knowing gleam. He could sense the growing connection between the two, though neither yet fully understood their own feelings. He was certain that before long, they would be drawn together. His thoughts were consumed with this prospect, and he smiled to himself. His companions, noticing his unusual cheer, began to tease him. The hall, once hushed by Daniel's cold presence, now buzzed with laughter and conversation once more.
Outside, Stephen saw Aaron standing beneath a large tree and couldn't help but laugh. Ignoring the quickening of his own heartbeat, he teased, "So, you are guarding a little maiden, are you?"
Aaron let out a deep sigh as he gazed at the approaching figure of the handsome young man. He shook his head and replied with a wry smile, "Your Highness, please, do not jest. I did not protect anyone. They were simply playing with me."
Stephen, recalling Aaron's confused expression from earlier, chuckled lightly. "How could you not know of the famous fool and beauty of our capital?" he said with a hint of amusement. "Their exploits are renowned across the land, and their tales of battle are spoken of far and wide. We even played together during our youth." He smiled faintly, shaking his head. "You remain as forgetful as ever, not recalling anything of the past."
Aaron sighed once more, his gaze drifting to the towering tree beside him. "It is troublesome, and I do not wish to involve myself with them," he replied softly. "We played together because you wished it so. As for the little girl today... something about her stirs my sympathy. Now that you mention it, she seems so pitiful, not at all as I once knew her." His mind wandered back to the days of their youth, when two girls would play while he stood on the side, watching silently. "She should have been laughing joyously, but that smile is gone now. She is no longer the same."
Stephen's voice softened, and he placed a hand gently on Aaron's shoulder. "People change with time and circumstance," he said, his words light as the breeze, yet piercing the heart. "So do not lose yourself in the past."
Changing the subject, he continued with a playful note, "We were separated for many years, yet did you not miss me? You didn't even glance my way today. I must confess, I was quite disappointed. Just a few years, and you have changed so much."
Aaron shook his head and sighed, "How could I not miss you, my dearest friend—or should I call you my savior?" He looked at Stephen with a hint of melancholy. "You seem so different now, and so I held my tongue. Alas, you remain unchanged as ever." After a brief pause, his voice softened, "The constant battles at the border have a way of hardening the heart."
How could he ignore the fluttering of his heart upon seeing him? A feeling of unease stirred within Aaron. How could this be? His heart ached when he laid eyes on Stephan, yet this body was his alone now, and he had never met Stephan before. The former owner's consciousness no longer held sway, and the system had assured him that this matter was unrelated to Daniel. Could it be mere intuition that stirred within him at Stephan's presence? Why?
Stephen let out a soft chuckle, his eyes gleaming. "How could I ever change? I have eagerly awaited your return. It has been far too long since we last shared time together." His tone shifted to a more playful note. "Come with me. In a month's time, there will be a grand banquet. Surely, you've received your invitation?" Aaron nodded, recalling the stack of invitations he had set aside. "I did receive it. I was planning to send Jerry in my stead, but hearing this from you, I shall go myself."
Stephan's smile remained, but his words betrayed a hint of disappointment. "Why didn't you want to come? This is such a great opportunity to chat with me. You seem so indifferent now... What's going on?"
The banquet had been organized to meet the crown prince, and Daniel would be there. Yet, hearing Aaron's response, it left Stephan a little unsettled. It was hard to ignore the sinking feeling in his chest.
Aaron's voice carried a mix of sadness and anticipation. "It's just... I have to head back to the southern border tomorrow, and I might be gone for up to two months. Plus, I need to go to Jenal before that. There's a high chance of a major battle. I need to start preparing from tomorrow, so I had to prioritize that."
Stephan frowned, the weight of Aaron's words pressing on him. His feelings were clear, even though he didn't fully realize how selfish his reaction sounded. "But didn't they say you'd be staying here permanently? Why the sudden change? You're doing this voluntarily, aren't you? You really don't care, do you? You've got a friend waiting here, you know."
Aaron paused, and though Stephan's words were sharp, there was a soft understanding behind his voice. "I haven't seen you in so long. But I promise, I'll be back for the banquet. I won't miss it."
Stephan's frustration melted away at Aaron's reassurance, though a subtle ache remained. He realized he'd been a bit too demanding, like a jealous lover rather than a friend. Still, he couldn't help but hope for the moments they'd missed together.
Aaron's smile was gentle, but it softened the coldness that had once marked his expression. His eyes sparkled with sincerity as he spoke, "I've always wanted to fight for my country, for the people. This chance... it's a dream I've longed for, but there's still so much to achieve. As for you, don't worry. I'll always return to visit. I'm not heartless, okay?"
His words brought a sense of warmth to Stephan's heart. They exchanged smiles, and in that moment, something sweet bloomed within Aaron's chest. He struggled to keep his composure, his emotions threatening to break through. Looking deep into Stephan's eyes, he said softly, "You don't need to worry about me. I'm no longer that small orphan."
Stephan's gaze shifted, a hint of irritation creeping in. "You're not an orphan, do you hear me? I'm your family. Never say that again. You know how to make me angry."
Aaron, feeling a pang of regret, gently patted Stephan's back, his smile even more radiant than before. The pink flowers falling around him seemed to enhance his beauty, making him look almost ethereal—like a divine messenger, descending to impart wisdom upon the earth. The sight was breathtaking, as though the heavens themselves had opened to reveal something precious.
In that moment, Stephan felt an epiphany wash over him. His heart stirred with a newfound understanding, like the ancient proverb says: "The more you understand a person, the more beautiful the world around them becomes." The deeper his connection with Aaron grew, the more the world seemed to shine with a profound, almost magical radiance. Time itself seemed to slow, as though the universe had paused to allow him to truly appreciate this rare, beautiful bond.
Indeed, in that moment, Stephan realized he was witnessing something pure and extraordinary, something that could not be described but only felt deeply in the soul.
Stephan sighed, a soft laugh escaping his lips, but his heart felt pierced by the thought of Aaron returning to the war. The bitter, bloody place where danger lurked at every corner—what if something happened to him? How could he bear it? The very thought filled him with dread. He didn't want Aaron to face that again, didn't want to see him go off alone into such a perilous world. He was about to speak up, to urge him to stay, when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Greetings, Your Highness, the Crown Prince. Greetings, General," Jon announced, bowing respectfully. His sharp eyes took in the scene before him—the easy conversation between the two, the way Daniel even smiled at Stephan. The subtle details didn't escape his notice.
They are more than just friends, his heart whispered again and again, and with that realization, impatience grew within him. He couldn't let this exchange take a deeper turn, one that would complicate things further. So, he greeted them, stepping in to break the sweet moment that was on the verge of blossoming into something more.
Aaron's expression returned to its usual cold composure. His eyes narrowed as he addressed Jon, his voice steady. "Who are you?"
Jon choked at Aaron's question. How could he not know the youngest son of the Right Minister? In all his life, no one had ever asked him such a question. Did he really need to introduce himself? The very thought felt like a challenge to his pride, and his sense of honor was bruised.
Stephan, already feeling the tension in the air, couldn't help but frown. Why did this man have to appear now, when he was finally reconnecting with his long-lost friend? The urge to just grab Daniel and leave, ignoring the interruption, crossed his mind. He considered it for a moment, but quickly realized he couldn't abandon his sense of propriety.
As the crown prince of a nation known for its benevolence, Stephan quickly adjusted his demeanor, masking his irritation with a warm smile. "A gentleman knows when to be gracious." He nodded politely and introduced Jon. "He is the youngest son of Right Minister Ron Allen."
Aaron nodded but said nothing, though a deep bitterness gnawed at his heart. Jon's eyes remained fixed on Stephan, and Aaron knew that if he spoke, it would only escalate matters. It was a subtle game now, one where silence was his only weapon. In the past, he would have simply asked for leave, but not now. He didn't want these two to grow closer; the thought of it stung more than he cared to admit.
Jon's heart burned with resentment as he watched the subtle exchange between Stephan and Aaron. His pride, wounded by the cold indifference he'd received, simmered with anger. "A heart full of bitterness is like a pot left on the stove—one spark could ignite it." Jon's frustration boiled under the surface as he could feel Daniel's presence like a thorn in his side, refusing to leave them alone.
Stephan, noticing Jon's ugly expression, couldn't suppress his indifference. His eyes flicked over to Jon with a disinterested gaze, his tone casual as he asked, "What does Young Master Allen want?"
Jon quickly masked his emotions with a sweet smile, knowing he had to maintain a polite demeanor. He had his own plans for this interaction. "I wished to seek some guidance from the Crown Prince about my military career," he said, a note of feigned respect in his voice. He knew Stephan had a keen interest in military matters, and perhaps, by starting this conversation, he could create a bridge between them.
Stephan's gaze sharpened as he studied Jon, sensing the underlying intent. But he kept his expression calm. "Young Master Allen, this is not a matter I can advise on. You should ask General Daniel about military affairs. His experience speaks for itself."
Jon blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had hoped Stephan would engage, but instead, he had been gently pushed aside. His eyes shifted to Aaron, and he caught the frosty, unyielding look in the general's gaze. "The wind does not move the mountain, but the mountain can move the wind." Aaron's presence was like an immovable force, and Jon felt a slight shiver run through him. He stood there, rooted to the spot, feeling an inexplicable unease.
"Why does Stephan keep his distance?" Jon's thoughts churned. "I am the son of the Right Minister—he should be more accommodating. Shouldn't he?"
But instead of comfort, Jon only felt more and more out of place. Each second stretched out like a thousand needles poking into his skin.
Aaron's gaze swept over Jon with a frosty detachment, his voice cold as he spoke, "Beautiful like a young lady, delicate in body, and fragile in spirit. Such qualities are not suited for military ideals. You would be better off as a scholar."
His words, though blunt, were intended to sever any further aspirations Jon might have for a military career. Aaron had seen how Jon had caused trouble in the original plot—his ambitions had hindered both Stephan and Aaron during battles. It wasn't abo