The next day an expected guest came yet at an unexpected time to General's residents, attracting a great deal of crowd outside. It was Right Minister alone. Hearing him coming, Aaron was about to stand up from his bed, but Ace stopped him and went out by himself with Jerry and Jenny. General's mansion is really large and simple. The area is full of vitality. The water stream is very clear and running in fast speed.
His calm composure and serious face met the confused yet bewildered Right Minister. He didn't expect Ace to meet him, after all, he must be angry due to John's action. Minister Ron Allen calmed himself before bowing and said respectively, "Your royal highness, glad could meet you here."
Ace said without much emotion, "the Minister does not need to be courteous. I'm your junior. Come in. We should talk in the bedroom. Daniel is there."
Behind him the twins followed. They are calm yet also nervous due to his sudden visit. As far as people know nobles are very reluctant to accept their mistakes and are very arrogant. They can never be thoughtful of others. They will take revenge on others for even losing a single hair. Of course, it is because they read too much of this novel. Minister Allen seized the place all the way and didn't notice their weird behavior.
Ace led the minister into Aaron's courtyard, which was designed with classiness yet simple. Minister Allen always wished to stay at a place like this, his heartfelt cozy and warm, seeing the room located on the other side of the pond. He saw the residence is different from those nobles which are made up from marbles and other precious stones. The scene in front of him shows the tranquility of nature.
As he stepped into the room, first he saw was not the furniture he wanted, but his gaze directly went to the person lying on the large bed, sickly but still blooming with vigor. For a moment he remembered that night. Minister Allen still remembered how small this child was when he went to the border side. He was like others so unwilling to let him go there. So, he visited him the last time during the day before his departure.
Daniel was packing his stuff with very discipline. His small hands not very tall height yet still very gorgeous face. So, innocent. Maybe he gazed for too long he turned to him. Seeing him in front of the door he was shocked at first but calmed down soon and bowed to him, "You Highness, is there anything needed?"
He was very satisfied with his calm behavior. He asked walking towards him, "I want to know the reason you are going to the border? Is the capital not fun? Would you not miss Stephan?"
Yet he only answered, "I'm doing this for him. I will get him if I have strong status." He didn't ask who he is, but he guess it. He was very touched. Really, for a moment he wanted to berate him staying in the capital will give you that status. But he heard him continuing, "His majesty will not agree. I have to get that status which he could never challenge."
Right! How could the monarch be willing to let him have his son just with his talent. He was shocked to see him so having thorough knowledge about his decision. At that time, he really can't neglect this child and gave him gold and robes saying, "Take this. Just take it don't refuse."
Yet the child stubbornly said, "No, I have plenty of money. Elder please take it back." It was a courteous reply. Yet he berated him, "Don't refute me. Accept whatever I gave you. Don't you dare to say anymore. Or I will cease you here and won't let you go to the border."
He threatened the child. Thinking back this kid took it unwillingly. But also terrified that he will really cease him there. For the following years he was so distressed about him. Yet the court officials were looking forward to his dead. He sent several guards to protect him. Slowly but fully this person from kid to adult grew so much. His eyes numbed and he wiped his tears. If he didn't delay the marriage procession, he can't imagine what this guy would do.
Aaron also remembered this humble benevolent man who helped Daniel for very long. His eyes tear up and his voice hoarse, "Your highness, how is your health?"
Ace frowned at first than he saw them looking at each other as if they are long lost friends. Minister Allen said, "I'm good, very good. You are fine yet you didn't visit this old man even once."
Aaron was between laughter and tears, "I wanted to, yet your child seemed to dislike me. I was feeling awkward to how to visit you. You have done so much for me. I can't say how thankful I'm to you."
He smiled, "What thankfulness, you don't have to. You were so small at that time. As for John, I'm very shameful to come here after all those happening. I'm here to apologize for my son's wrong action. It was my negligence that I failed to educate him."
He was about to continue but saw Aaron smiling as he heard, "No need to apologize about the junior, master Allen. He is young and prideful; I can understand it. Don't lower yourself like this. You are elder, no matter what, you have to be respected by me instead."
"I didn't take it to heart. I'm fine, as a soldier I have taken several more dreadful attacks before, but now it's all gone. This is also the same." He didn't feel anger towards John. This character is nothing but a pseudo one. Moreover, showing his displeasure towards the elder who helped him in the past would be disrespectful and will lower himself too. Aaron don't want to see any more entanglement related to John. This stupid character gave him unlimited headache.
His courteous behavior and sincere condolence made the Minister sigh in emotion as he said helplessly, "Before his majesty discussed about the marriage between Stephan and John. I can't disagree without a dutiable ground. So, I could only drag the matter. But I never thought John would do something this heartless."
His old deep voice contained a heavy sense of disappointment. Ron is very good at conversing, but today he couldn't help but feel at loss of words towards this General.
He looked at Ace as he said with the utmost care, "I have submitted the revocation document of the marriage between the Prince and John when Daniel was back to the capital. Yet nor John neither his majesty was willing to compromise. I was so pissed yet I couldn't say anything. For a moment I thought everything was futile. Just when his majesty and we talked for last time you came back in given time." He smiled, and the old face wrinkled, making him look gentler and kinder.
Aaron said, "I'm very thankful to you. If not for you, my first conviction would have been my last."
Ace asked in shocked fixing all the riddles, "So, you two were so close from the very beginning. Old man why you didn't tell me anything?" His eyes were filled with fury, yet minister Allen waved his hands as if he is just chilling, "What will you do even if you knew? I know better than anyone. Once you will know it, you would pester me to beyond walls. I'm very old for that you know."
Ace felt his mouth twitched and Aaron smiled. Minister Allen in original text was said to be the person who proposed this marriage, but it was not. The report shining in from of them telling a different story. They saw the time stopped outside the system domain.
Aaron and Ace read it with calm mind. Ron after the marriage between John and Stephan gave up his post shocking the entire country. It was said he did that because he wanted to spend his time with his wife. But in reality, he was very sad about their ending. He hated John till he couldn't. He did everything to let John understand the situation yet this son of his was very greedy and was rebellious. John never cared for others.
Later Ron took his foolish wife and went far away from John and never returned again. His wife is actually very obedient to him and understands him. She can't bear to leave him. Her mind and soul were always relying on him let alone doubt his words. Later they even wrote a letter saying they don't want to let John enter in their family grave if he ever lost his status of the royal family. This made John so angry that he refused to even visit their tome. This disrespectful act was covered with the scene of Daniel and Stephan's dead. As for how they get this report their system says. As long as they are in the plane and get contact with any person, they will know exactly what happened.
Ace smiled after the system went away and slapped his old bones, "You really made me fool. Watching me worry over him so much and laughing in secret. You knew nothing would happen since you had sent guards to protect him. Huh very clever of you."
Old minister was so surprised that he glared at him without any care. What crown prince? This person is monkey. He said to Aaron. "You are sure that he will make you happy? I doubt it now."
They are two kids he watched grow up personally. Even the king and queen are not familiar with this side of Stephan. Only he knows how naughty this guy is. He didn't maintain any courtesy and said, "Aye, where is your elegance that people talk about?" They laughed hearing this.
Jenny and Jerry were completely done with them. They wanted to see why he came yet they never expect to see this harmonious scene. They placed the refreshment and left for convenience. Ace changed the topic, "Old man is very wise. I was not present in recent court activity. How is everything going on in the court?"
Minister Allen replied despite wanting to kick him, "It's as usual nothing changed, but maybe there will be some changes shortly due to the banquet after two weeks. Every year this banquet happens in our country. The envoys from other state would also come. This is a diplomatic meeting where everyone would discuss their friendship and would try to maintain the relationship through marriage and gifts."
Ace nodded and didn't ask further. He has nothing to worry about. He is the Crown Prince of Shenoy the largest and grandest state of all. Who would dare to propose him? The minister has brought several apology gifts but more like a gift for a lifetime. That fifty boxes of golds and jewels even one's parents won't give to their child. Ron treated Daniel as his treasure. He was more concerned about him than John. This morning he came to know about everything. Getting information of their relationship with perfectly fine Daniel he happily brought all he could at once. Because he knows this kid will refuse him again.
Aaron was about send half of it back, but the minister said, "Don't act unfilial. I want you to accept everything I give. I'm like your father." Hearing such sentimental words, he was touched. Daneil is very lucky to have these people in his life.
Ace counted the gifts and felt satisfied. Like a greedy aunt.
Then they had lunch together. In between Ron saw the high and mighty prince lowering himself to carry the General and do what other servants do. Seeing is believing, and so Ron was convinced by them. He was happy that Daniel have chosen the right person. Ace took the courtesy to walk the minister out.
Minister Allen said solemnly, after noticing that no one is around, "It seems you have to be guarded against everyone in this upcoming banquet. I heard this time the emperor may take action against the General. Daniel can't do anything about it with his injury. His expanding military power is an eyesore to the monarch. And due to your previous action, maybe you would also become his enemy from his son."
Ace nodded as his expression turned astute and smiley, "I will, thanks."
The minister nodded and walked out to the residents with his people waiting outside. They exchanged smiles after seeing the crowd. It was a tactic to affirmation that they have reconciled but at what. A confused crowd soon dispersed after seeing the Minister's carriage going away and The Crown Prince walking inside chuckling.
Inside, Aaron waited for a while. He said Ace, "Minister Allen is so good to me. I think we can rest assured about your throne snatching away problem."
Ace nodded, "Ron Allen is a very wise person. He would never extract his support unless I show him that I can't become a good monarch. He will never mix private life with political activities."
Aaron didn't say anything. He lay back on his bed, preparing to have a good sleep. Ace too bounced beside him and hugged Aaron. His comforting hot breath and heat up body pressed the warm General. The wound on him is almost healed, all because of Ace's meticulous care with the system. It was confirmed that his wound has no chance of opening. But still they didn't do physical intercourses since Aaron was injured.
Aaron felt the strong throb in his lower body. He froze for a moment. Ace on the other hand has his eye glued on him with longing. But he didn't do anything, he pecked his forehead and, "Get well soon. I'm dying to have you. Can you imagine how painful it is?"
Aaron felt his blood boiling. He didn't reply but laughed awkwardly instead and heard, "One's you got well. See if you can get out of this bed again." Then he couldn't laugh anymore.
Aaron stopped laughing and closed his eyes. He also wants to do it, but his injury couldn't let him. Not knowing what to do, he simply closed his eyes to sleep. But Ace started to kiss him gently, making him nearly crazy.
*****
Ace stayed with Aaron at his residence for two weeks. They never separated even one second. Jerry and Jenny, we're joyful seeing them like this. In the morning, there came an edict from the king. The courtier said bowing respectively to Ace as they sat in the hall, Your Majesty the Crown Prince, his Majesty the emperor has summoned you to come back to the palace. There will be a banquet in two days, your appearance is necessary. The envoys from all four countries would come along with their future Heir."
"In addition to this, General Daniel must rest well. His majesty has been worried about General. So, he doesn't want to trouble Little General. The General, his highness, is very trouble too and sent these trivial gifts, so you can become better and protect the country from invaders again. Please accept this edict."
Aaron is fine but Ace won't let him stand up saying he is injured. So, Ace nodded in his pace, "I will come tomorrow morning. You can go now."
The courtier returned after doing his work. Ace counted the so-called trivial gifts and found sixty boxes of gold and jewel. His father must've heard about Ron's gift range thus decided to give this much. If not, he is certain that the gift box will never exceed twenty boxes at most.
Aaron saw him counting like a stingy aunt and cannot help but doubt his generosity. Does he have to be so into these gifts, but he timely shook off this thought. Even if he is stingy, Aaron can afford his stinginess too. Ace smiled as he directed Aaron naturally back to the study room. Sitting facing each other, Ace said, "How long do you need to heal completely?"
"Maybe a few months," said Aaron jokingly. His eyes always had a slight smile as he looked at Ace. Ace is a very grown-up man; he pouts when he felt sweetly dissatisfied with something. He said, lowering his voice like a child who is wronged, "You are so mean."
Aaron's eyes opened wide, hearing an unexpected word. He asked, raising his brows, "How can you call me mean for caring for my wound?"
"But it shouldn't take a few months, right!!?" Unwillingness is evident in his voice. Ace stomped his foot as he held Aaron by his waist, "Next week." It was a warning.