Bella was shocked by the sudden seriousness in Aengus' tone.
She was being berated.
But instead of feeling angry or unwilling, she found herself appreciating Aengus even more.
Sothing had changed within him—sothing that made him more serious and protective. And yet, she wasn't sure what it was.
"Don't speak so loud, Zytherion. Look, you're startling Sister Bella, and it could affect the baby's health," Aria scolded sternly, her tone carrying the weight like of a protective elder sister.
Aengus paused, glancing at his two wives with speechlessness.
Were these two won going to stand united against him?
But he knew they weren't truly angry.
Smirking, he shot Aria a mischievous look—one that promised she wouldn't get away with this so easily tonight in bed.
Aria imdiately sensed trouble.
Though she couldn't read his mind entirely like he could hers, she could read his facial expressions.
And right now, that smirk spelled danger.
Her face turned red, her body heating up slightly.
anwhile, Bella turned her attention toward the other couple standing nearby.
"So, you must be Mark and Darcia?" she said warmly.
"Oh, y-yes, yes, my lady," they turned back, slightly flustered.
"Don't be so nervous, elders." Bella smiled. "Anyway, thank you for taking care of Aron all these years. We truly appreciate it. Please, stay with us as long as you want. No one will dare say a thing," she declared, her third eye easily perceiving their true age.
"Ah, oh, okay," they stamred, trying to relax their stiff posture.
They had been feeling as if they were sitting on pins and needles this whole ti. After all, they were just mortals.
Afterward, everyone's attention turned toward the little boy who was bravely making his way through thousands of powerful individuals.
Even though they weren't releasing their auras, their sheer presence alone was enough to intimidate any ordinary child.
Yet, Aron continued forward, his small figure unwavering.
"Welco back!"
"Welco ho, Imperial Prince Aron!"
"Isn't the little prince so beautiful and handso?"
"Yes, just like his father and mother."
Amid the excited murmurs, several figures stood out—Sen, Sienna, Quin, Drake, Yona, and even the three great generals were all present to welco the little prince ho.
Thud!
"Ouch!"
Suddenly, the little prince tripped due to nervousness.
But none dared to intervene—this was a test of courage for the boy who could one day beco the next heir.
Aron quickly stood up, dusted off his clothes, and looked around with his big, curious eyes.
Feeling everyone's attention on him, he beca a little embarrassed.
However, instead of laughter or ridicule, all he saw were expressions of encouragent.
"Co on, Aron! You can do it, my son!" Aria shouted, her voice filled with warmth and support.
Hearing his mother's encouragent, his little heart steadied. His steps beca firr, his posture more confident.
Aria smiled proudly as she watched her son cross the red carpet, passing the test with flying colors.
"Congratulations, my prince!"
"Well done, little highness!"
"You are a brave young man!"
The cheers of excitent and joy filled the air, reaching Aron's heart and filling it with a deep sense of accomplishnt.
With innocent eyes, he turned to his parents and asked, "Did I make you proud, Father, Mother?"
"Huh?"
Aengus looked at the scene and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him.
"What am I doing?"
He was reminded of his own biological father from this incarnation—the man who had done the sa thing to him in the past.
And now, unknowingly, he was repeating history.
He was forcing his will upon his own child, just as Augustus had once done to him.
With this realization ca a deep, gnawing guilt that weighed heavily on his heart.
Bang!
He instantly knelt down, shocking everyone.
The mighty Emperor—who had never bowed to any man, no matter how powerful—was now kneeling before a small child.
How astonishing was that?
A hushed silence fell over the crowd as they watched, disbelief written across their faces.
Aengus' voice was Heavy with emotion as he spoke, "I am sorry, my son. Truly sorry."
"For what, father?" Aron asked, confused.
Aengus' usually strong voice wavered as he answered,
"For forcing my will upon you, son... My own father did the sa to , and it broke my heart ti and ti again. His overwhelming expectations—just like mine now—strained our relationship beyond repair.
I don't want that to happen between us, Aron."
Aengus looked into his son's wide, innocent eyes, his own filled with sincerity and remorse.
"Can you forgive your father?
"You can be whatever you like. I won't force you into anything."
Aria and Bella's voices trembled, as if they could feel the weight of his guilt in their own hearts.
They realized just how much pain he had been hiding behind his strong, unshakable exterior.
Aron gazed into his father's dark, emotionless eyes—eyes that now radiated guilt and sha.
At first, he had been hesitant to fully accept this man as his father.
But now, seeing his sincerity, Aron's heart softened.
Yes, he had been a little forceful, but deep down, he was a good man.
A great man.
A father who truly cared.
So, without hesitation, Aron shook his tiny head.
"Please don't lower your head before , Father. You didn't do anything wrong.
You're the best father I could ever have."
His small voice carried a surprising depth of maturity as he continued,
"I want to make you proud of from now on."
His little hands clenched into fists, determination burning in his round eyes.
"Then, I am already proud, Aron," Aengus said.
Only then did he stood up, feeling gratified as he gently patted his son's head.
A wave of excited faces approached them—his most trusted subordinates.
Quin stepped forward first, outpacing the others in enthusiasm.
"Hello, my prince! I am Quin AxelCrest, your father's first commandnt. It's truly an honor to et you."
Aron blinked up at the tall, imposing man before him.
"H-Hello!" he replied, his tiny voice carrying a hint of nervousness.
He reached out and shook Quin's large hand with his small one, his grip firm despite his size. Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
The others chuckled at his innocence and followed suit, each introducing themselves in turn.
Aron, unfamiliar with the fancy formalities of high nobility, simply greeted them all with a polite, "Hello!"
His simplicity and sincerity earned him fond smiles from those around him.
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