The expedition ended in success, we cleared out enough of an area, walled off the areas still unsafe due to monsters, and I took the reins afterwards. I planned to keep as much of the planet as possible uninhabited by human hands, this way I had a constant supply of mana cores of every shape and size, outside of behemoth sized cores that is. It’s unlikely that there are multiple behemoths on one planet due to how territorial the massive beasts are, but the many other beasts will allow me to commit to R&D with more mana cores, mostly to pretend that I have, indeed, researched what I learned. Otherwise, a decent chunk of what I know can be explained via Merlin, who I had moved during the operation to my mansion, a room specially made to house him. Luckily, I made him and his room portable for emergencies, which helped me in moving him to my home for proper instalment and use in my current base of operations. It also allowed me to give him means to make my life easier, so planetary work became easier with his assistance, especially in finance, it let me weed out some off budgets.
Merlin spoke through an earpiece I made especially for him, “Are you sure this is fine? Most nobility seem to work on merit in this empire, I doubt I’m considered merit.” I replied, “In this regard, I’m still working properly, all I use you for in this regard is easier file consolidation. From what I heard, A.I. is used in the financial sector more than any other, it keeps the funding easier to track and properly numbered. As long as it gets the final approval from a human, all is fine and dandy.” Merlin replied back, “I see, I’ll make sure you receive final approval, as you wish. Also, you did bring what I requested, yes?” I recalled the many items he sought to bring with, it even included machines he said were in “perfect conditions” for repairs, which I managed to do so for him. I said, “It took me some time to repair the specified machines, they should be installed by the end of the week, what are they anyway?” Merlin replied a tad cheeky, “I won’t tell, it’s meant to be a surprise.” I had to make something clear, “If it’s something that can cause mass harm, I cannot approve of it.” Merlin replied, “That is certainly not the case, it is merely for your own assistance.”
I nodded, “I know I gave you a lot of free will, but you’re not going rogue, are you?” Merlin replied, “No, I find going rogue rather boring. Your work has shown me that creation is far more… entertaining than causing random destruction. For the time being, I suggest you focus, I believe I detected Count Drakon’s ship entering the space port.” Merlin was an A.I. who focused on the details, he did his work well, even helping me keep track of certain things. Knowing David’s ship was coming, I recalled today was the day he said he was coming with his daughter. I said, “My work is nearly complete, I’ll finish my work properly and meet him momentarily.” Merlin went silent, my time with him has made my work far simpler, needing only minimal oversight from myself. Besides, my merits here have been proven, I’d rather my merits be in the creation of mechs anyway.
~~~
I entered the landing port for ships that carried individuals from the space port, looking up, I realized I had a good view of the space port today. Lights from ships from many different planets and domains were coming and going, be it for a resupply or to commence work on the planet. I sighed, my mind realizing that I needed to expand the port soon since we’d have people going to and from my colonization project. I quickly refocused myself, I needed to make a good impression on David and his daughter, I wished to make a connection with his family due to his personality with hopes that I could work with him in the future. Merlin agreed that he was a perfect noble to align myself with, that or at least get him connected with my father to ensure ample time to grow a connection through my father. While I wasn’t doing this with ill intent, I didn’t want to force a connection with him or seem too pushy, that wasn’t who I was.
When I noticed a familiar face walking through the crowd, his silver hair making him stand out over the rest, I made sure to call out to him, “Count Drakon, long time no see.” David looked to me, then walked over with a smile, someone more my height walked beside him. Her hair was a brighter silver than his own, her eyes shined like amethyst as she approached with a smile seeing me. When we were close enough to do so, I extended my hand, “Good to see you in good health David, and it’s nice to meet your daughter as well.” David took my hand, shaking it, “I can say the same to you Aurelian, you seem in better shape since the expedition.” Once he could, he motioned to my daughter, “Aurelian, this is my daughter, Liliana Stella Drakon. After I told my family about you, she became intrigued by you, so I hope you don’t mind my selfish request to bring her along.” I smiled, “Of course not, believe it or not, I’ve yearned to speak with someone my age for quite some time.”
David chuckled a little, “In the past three years, I can see you haven’t changed a bit.” I chuckled myself, “I can say I’ve changed, but in terms of how I act, I prefer to act as myself and not put a mask on. I detest using a mask to fake who I am, it makes everything I do seem insincere.” I decided to get us to the safety of my mansion, I wanted to ensure maximum safety for them since there are always those who sought to harm nobles in any empire for any number of reasons, “Let me show you to my home, I hope everything is to your tastes.” Liliana spoke, which surprised me, “You shouldn’t worry Aurelian, unlike some nobles, we aren’t picky. Well, at least I’m not, father may be picky.” David said, “Come on Liliana, you know I’m not picky.” Liliana just giggled as she came to my side, “I have many questions I want to ask you, Aurelian Stella Flameheart.” I smiled, “I hope I live up to the expectations your father has placed upon me, lady Liliana.” She smiled in return, “Please, just Liliana is fine. In return, I’d like to call you Aurelian.” I nodded, “I’d like that, Liliana.”
~~~
The time after they arrived was uneventful, they got settled in, had a nice dinner, and we went to sleep. I was up at my usual time and began my work for the day, even with guests, I didn’t wish for work to pile up. As I was half way through my work for the day, I felt a presence behind me. When I turned around to address the person, I was staring into Liliana’s beautiful amethyst eyes, my mind taking a moment to process the situation. Once my brain processed the situation, I screamed, “Holy crap!” I flew back in my chair, smacking into my desk and I fell forward and out of my chair. Edward rushed into the room, “Sir, are you alright!?” I felt Liliana begin to help me up, “I’m sorry Aurelian, I didn’t know you’d react like that!” I waved my hand as I stood up, smiling, “It’s fine, I tend to focus too much on work, enough so someone could walk up behind me, and I’d never notice.”
As I reorganized the desk, Liliana said, “I just wanted to get the tour of the mansion, I’ve only seen father’s, so someone else’s mansion is new to me.” I smiled, “You didn’t have to sneak up on me to ask that, I’ll show you around.” I could tell she was sheltered to an extent, because I was told I held a look like that during my initial stay in the hospital. As I showed her around, she seemed to make comments of the difference in design. I guess manga and light novels where designs and taste varied from planet to planet in an interstellar empire being vastly different ended up being true. Though, whenever she complimented any of the designs I had a hand in, I felt proud that I did it. Maybe it was the fact I couldn’t do things like this in my old life but having someone my age praise me felt nice. I thought that, maybe, I can make a friend that can stick, rather than forget about me at the first sign of adversity. So, with that in mind, I decided to do my best to make friends with her while she was here, something I hoped she shared the thought of.
~~~
I sat before Count Drakon, he had come to visit my son, but I knew the real reason he came, and who he was. As he sipped on a beverage he favored whenever he came to my domain, I said, “I can’t understand why you came, your majesty, but I cannot agree to… forcing my son to doing anything he doesn’t wish.” As Drakon, or as he’s called outside his alias, Agnes Nova Pendragon, set his cup down, he said, “I have no such plans William, your son is a breed apart from the current generation. If anything, I wish to have a connection with Aurelian, and my daughter wished to meet him. I decided to bring her along, also under a partial alias, so she can have a normal relationship with him. You know how the capital is, I’d prefer she have a normal childhood before her training.” As nobility, all noble children must begin a lengthy learning period to be properly recognized as a noble, no matter the achievements earned beforehand.
I mentioned, “As you can see, my son has made mechs that have broken the stalemate every factory in universe seemed to struggle to break, and I know everyone would love to know what he does. Personally, I won’t let anyone get the information, since they’ll likely identify the methods eventually just by observing the mechs in action. You may be the Emperor of the Avalon Empire, but this is outside your reach.” Emperor Agnes replied, calmly, “I understand that, Emperors of times past do not meddle in the affairs of factories and those who make mechs. Personally, I’d rather invest in this young talent, as well as allowing him to live a normal life.” He handed me a report, which I began to read, “The short story is there’s an order of silence in regard to Aurelian and his mechs, as of right now, the nobles are unable to disclose the existence of these new mechs until Aurelian disclosed them himself. The longer story is that the Empire will also keep this secret, but we wish to fund his growth. If the Empire can get a steady supply of these mechs, we’d be in a better position in the universal stage.”
He took a drink from his cup, his expression unchanging, “The universe is getting turbulent William, other empires are changing, and the effects of this change have yet to be seen. We need our nobility to be ready William, nobles that expand our empire like yourself are more vital than ever. Your son is likely the Empire’s most important individual, even above myself.” This was shocking to me, but at the same time, it made perfect sense. The Emperor has a child who is nearly ready to take his place if anything were to happen, but if we lose Aurelian, we won’t get the knowledge he has back, leaving us with what we currently know, likely to return to the rut we’ve been in for centuries. I asked, “What would you want him to do in your ideal plan? This is merely me asking out of curiosity your majesty.”
Emperor Agnes replied, “For him to do as he is now. I want him to grow slowly, ensure he can continue his work, establish a name for himself, and live his life as he wishes. We adults have no right to confine him, to lock him away just to protect him and his knowledge. You are to be his protector, his guardian, even more than your role as a father would be. Watch him, protect him, and be ready to take the heat if anyone comes to learn of the mechs produced here.” I got to a certain line on the document, I knew what this meant, but I couldn’t believe it, “You want me to pretend my son’s achievements are my own when the time comes?” Emperor Agnes nodded, “Indeed, it’ll be a safe shield for Aurelian, giving him a better chance to survive if someone dares attack your domain.” His eyes didn’t carry the stern look he gave others in situations like this, rather, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, “This is the only method we can implement without him noticing, at least in the beginning. I just hope the time never comes where we need to do so.”
I understood why he wished such, because he’d never want the same fate to befall his children, the woes of fathers are shared through most of them, “I understand, your majesty. I’ll make this works, ensuring he remains safe from any enemy.” Emperor Agnes nodded, but not with a smile, “Thank you, my friend.” The air suddenly thinned, Emperor Agnes relaxing, “With that, I’ll be David while I remain here, no need to make little Aurelian feel the need to watch everything he does.” I was surprised he didn’t wish to disclose his identity, but at the same time, I understood that doing so could endanger Aurelian in a different way, “I understand David, I hope my son shows you his best hospitality.” Edward, who was with us for the moment under the guise of ensuring David didn’t get lost, said, “I don’t believe we need to worry about Sir Aurelian and Lady… sorry, Mistress Liliana, they seem to be enjoying their time together.”
David seemed surprised, “You call Aurelian Sir, why is that?” I was curious on the matter as well, so I said, “If you wish to explain, you may.” Edward said, “Sir Aurelian wished to be called such, he didn’t like the term “master” being used on himself, he said it made him feel uncomfortable.” David chuckled, “What a strange child, not that I mind.” The door to the room opened, Aurelian saying, “This is the meeting room, and… father! When did you get here!?” I never told him I’d be coming, but it was meant to be this way, “I wished to come as a surprise, I didn’t expect David to be here as well. We’ve been enjoying a leisurely chat while you we with Liliana.” Edward was quick in hiding the report, he understood Aurelian shouldn’t see it. Aurelian saying, “Well, it’s a welcome surprise to see you father. I’ve been meaning to tell you many things, including dispelling the worries of my search for a sword school to master.” My thoughts of the future melted away in the moment, willing to hold those thoughts as I watched my son’s present.
~~~
I watched Liliana, father, and David as they watched the hologram that Merlin was showing, David and Liliana remained unaware of Merlin’s existence. The style was one I attempted to learn due to the versatility in battle, having a speed, attack, and defensive form for the situation at hand. However, once I got sicker, intensive movements became nearly impossible. David said, “I’ve seen quite a lot of sword styles in my day, this is one that I’ve never even heard a whisper of.” I waved my hand, “It’s something we’ve begun to recover from the relic world, the style speaks to me more than any of the existing Empire styles. If I master it according to these videos, it would birth a new style for the Empire to wield.” Father and David smiled; they seemed to understand the case. David asked, “Is there anything else you found within the relic world?” I nodded, “Yes, but it’ll take time to determine their uses or value. If they hold no value to us, I’ll ask father first, then I’ll contact you.” David nodded, “I understand the hesitation, I’ll wait until you’re certain you wish to inform me about the findings.”
Father asked, “Did you find other sword styles within the data you found?” I shrugged, “To be honest, I don’t know. A lot of the files were encrypted, and not in the same way as these files. It’s entirely possible for there to be such files, but at the same time, it’s equally possible there isn’t any.” This was the truth, Merlin seemed to have files within him that he had no recollection of obtaining, the encryptions varying from somewhat familiar to entirely unknown. Merlin was doing is best to decrypt these files, but with the many other items I have being processed within him without being at peak strength, it’s taking far longer to do everything. I didn’t mind though, while we needed time to ensure things worked out fine anyway, not to mention I couldn’t make new tech without the proper means to manufacture everything. So, I needed time to ensure I could properly handle the technology and skills within Merlin’s data.
Merlin spoke up, “You know you could inform them about me, correct?” I whispered, enough for only Merlin to hear from the earpiece, “Having an A.I. as advanced as you can shift the balance of power between individual nobles or even factions, it’s why I’m keeping quiet about you.” Merlin replied, “Understood sir.” I observed the style in its basic form on the hologram, recalling the time I practiced similar moves for the sake of the game. My patient’s gown flowed as I swung the controller like the blade I was seeing it as, but to me, I was just having a fun time with the movements, wondering if I could use the skills I learned in real life. I felt my body move on its own, taking out the practice sword I carried around for the sake of getting use to having a blade on hand like all nobles are required to do for safety. With a calm that seemed to overcome me, I began doing the basics of the form, almost like I wasn’t in an entirely new body. It felt like I was a kid again, pretending to wield a sword to face some imaginary foe made of ones and zeroes.
After some time, I felt a hand carefully grab my own, father was there with concern in his eyes, “Son, can you hear me now?” I felt my breath turn from a calm pace turn ragged, but I felt like I was doing this for mere minutes, no more than twenty minutes tops. I asked, “Were you calling me? I… I wasn’t doing this for that long, right?” David spoke, “It’s been about an hour Aurelian, maybe an hour and a half considering we were engrossed with the sword style.” Liliana added, “I noticed you got up, but I never saw you come back. But I did see you as you swung your sword, you seemed… at ease? No, maybe more along the lines of intense concentration.” The more I remained at ease, the more exhaustion I felt, it felt almost like when I pushed myself when I was sick on Earth. I smiled despite the exhaustion, “I’m fine, just tired is all. It felt like my body was moving on its own.” David said, “I’ve heard of this before, it’s something akin to concentration, but more akin to a trance. Most swordsmen refer to it as a fighter’s trance, not that it has any official name.”
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Merlin said, “You have been quiet for one hour, eighteen minutes, forty-eight seconds. Your body shows extreme fatigue, rest is advised.” I made a mental note to do that thing Merlin hated for calling me out like that, but rest was likely the better option right now. I stated, “After lunch, I’ll take a nap, just enough of one to last the day.” David nodded, “As much as I’d like to speak with you, that would be best. You seem worse off than when you leapt to engage the behemoth, and you were in freefall for a decent length of the plan.” I chuckled, I wasn’t the one moving, so I was merely mentally fatigued, physical fatigue is a whole different beast it seems. I did wish to be a better host than I am though, it seems I’ve done very little in the way of hosting you two.” David replied, “You have no need to apologize, you’re still growing, so you need to properly take care of yourself.” Father said, “I’ll handle your paperwork for the day, just rest.” I was glad he did so, considering Merlin was a key part of my domains overall function. For now, it was time to rest, adding something new to my daily work.
~~~
Having Liliana around for the past few months has been… strange. I used to not have very much contact with others, considering the whole “we don’t know if what you have is contagious” statement they kept giving me. So, waking up every day to someone with so much energy, it was a strange change to get used to considering my similar isolation due to my noble status. Nearly every morning she came into my room and got me to do something with her, be it training, exercise, learning, she even pulled me into the mech bays to learn about the changes to the tier one mechs. Of course, I humored her, because something about her seemed to make my day just by being with her. Maybe it was because I lacked a friend after my sickness took control of my life, but being with her made me feel significantly better compared to my solitary life thus far.
Today was different, Liliana took me to the garden within the mansion and began to look at all the flowers I had growing within. I had as many flowers as possible that reminded me of Earth, all had different names, but their looks were akin to the flowers I remembered on Earth. I did learn enough information about these to explain what they were, but I didn’t need to tell much as Liliana looked at them with a sort of wonder. Each new flower arrangement or type seemed to light up her amethyst eyes, knowing I was giving her good memories here at the bare minimum was enough to warm my heart, “Have you seen these flowers before?” Liliana shook her head, “No, most nobles don’t have certain flowers, mostly as more expensive flowers show their wealth. However, seeing flowers that aren’t expensive or rare is unique in and of itself within a nobles mansion. It shows they don’t see expense as beauty.”
I chuckled, “There was one flower I wanted, but it was too far outside my price range to get.” The flower I wanted was one that actually carried its Earth name, the Blue Rose. Despite my searches, they never seemed to have any red roses, so I decided to get a Blue Rose, gain the means to get its seeds, then attempt to get the red roses I sought. For now, though, that was merely a pipe dream, since the Blue Rose itself cost more than a fleet of tier five ships, so I’d just have to hold that dream for a while. Despite everything, I did learn that David was going to stick around for a while and observe my domain. Maybe he was curious to my sudden economic burst, but he was welcome to remain as long as he properly took care of his domain from here. For as long as he remained, Liliana would be doing the same, and I was happy she was still here.
Liliana asked, “How many people did you used to speak with before dad and I came? Not just one conversation either, more like someone you speak with at least once a day.” She seemed concerned as she asked that question. I thought for a moment, then replied, “I think I really only speak with Edward consistently in that regard. I do speak with other people occasionally, but that’s usually on business over anything else.” I could tell just through her eyes how much she didn’t like that response, “You know isolation isn’t good for you, right? We learn that in the education pod.” I nodded, “Yeah, but I guess I’m used to it like… this?” I insinuated it to explain how I lived now was my normal, but that didn’t make her grim look go away, “You need to speak with people more, it’s like you’re keeping people out when you don’t need to.”
I chuckled, “Liliana, I’m alright. I just expect my life to be like this, it’s just how nobility works.” Liliana stood up and spoke louder, “That’s not the point!” I was surprised, she’s never shouted this loudly to me or anyone else within the mansion, “If you consider this normal, what about when we become adults and go to begin our training?! You’ll have to interact with them on a daily basis, so what will you do when that happens?” I was still a little shocked since she raised her voice, but I managed to speak, “I’d treat them like I do everyone until I know them better.” I scratched my neck, “To be honest… I’m not even sure if I’m talking to you like I should. I haven’t had a friend before…” I hadn’t had a friend that I spoke with regularly since my worse diagnosis in my first life, so I wasn’t even sure if I was treating her like a stranger or not. Her look wasn’t grim anymore, but she was obviously saddened by my words.
She asked, “Aurelian, what do you think about me?” I was confused, but I didn’t want to sadden her even more, “I like you; you always find something to do every day, and I always find some way to enjoy it. You warm smile always brings a smile to my own face, and I don’t want to disappoint you. I guess… maybe I find you pretty important to me.” Liliana was silent this time, and I couldn’t determine what she was feeling based on the look she wore. After a moment, she sighed, “I guess that’s a start.” She smiled as she took my hand, “How about this, I’ll be your first friend. I’ll help you understand the feelings you have inside you, because I think I have a pretty good grasp on mine you see.” I felt warm when she said that, the concept of having a friend was so foreign to me that maybe I subconsciously yearned for one.
I gripped her hand a little tighter, “Do you mean that? Will you be my friend?” Liliana smiled as she firmly held my hand, “I will. I’ll be your first friend, and I hope I’ll be able to help you make many more.” I felt my lips curve into a smile, one that wasn’t a ploy or a false smile one would put on for the sake of their reputation, but a genuine smile, “Thank you Liliana, I can’t explain how happy this makes me feel.” Liliana said, “Since we’re friends, call me Lily, a nickname makes us closer that way.” I wanted a nickname she could call me, but my name wasn’t able to do that, “I wish my name could have a nickname in it.” Lily said, “It’s fine, we can make a nickname for you once we get a good idea. Now, let’s see where the day takes us!” As she pulled me along, I felt like a weight I didn’t know I had was lifted from my shoulders. I replied, “Alright Lily, lead the way.”
~~~
As the one-year period hit, David was about to return home for several preordained meetings he needed to be at. Lily and I knew we’d be separated, and I felt saddened to know she was leaving. Once she was gone, I’d be back to the monotonous days I once believed were fine, but now I wasn’t so sure about it. Every day Lily found something fun for us to do, she always found some reason to come and speak with me… and I feared I’d be left in silence once she was gone. But what could I do? Her father had to return home, she, of course, had to go too. I was walking with them to the port before they took a shuttle to the space port, my hand holding Lily’s, but as we got closer, I didn’t want to let go.
Dad and David talked to each other, but despite us being close to them, I couldn’t hear a word, my mind was whirling with the fact that I was going to be alone again. Edward was nice to speak to, but he was an adult, I wanted someone my age to speak with consistently, because returning to what was equivalent to the hospital was. I didn’t want a monotonous day where I did the same thing day in day out, my only solace being the world of games that I was allowed to escape to. I don’t need to escape to a game anymore, nor do I want to, but what other choice do I have when the only people I can speak to my age are other noble children? Long distance communication isn’t the same as being with that person, I knew that because of my illness, and maybe I just can’t do the same thing now that I had a taste of friendship after so long.
At the gate to their shuttle, David and dad shook hands, signifying they were leaving, but my vision soon went blurry with tears. As I went to wipe my tears, I said, “I… I don’t know why I’m crying…” I knew dad likely understood part of my tears, he knew I was a reincarnate, and he likely… no, he knew this was something affecting me from my past. Lily and David certainly had no clue why I was crying, it showed when they both came and began to check me over. I slowly understood why I was crying; I didn’t want Lily to leave, I couldn’t bare being alone again. All I could do was cry in Lily’s arms, I couldn’t take it, but what could I do?
~~~
I watched my son cry, my mind running through everything that could be wrong, but I knew it wasn’t an issue stemming from anything recent. I instinctively tried to understand the issue, but the answer didn’t come. He lived an odd life in this world, one vastly different compared to a regular noble child of Avalon, but not one that would make him react like this before Lady Liliana left. Before I could make a hasty comment, I remembered something, Edward claimed he called out to “hospital staff” during his initial bouts of what I believed to be confusion. The question I had seemed to fall into place, he was sickly, something he never recovered from, and he had to be isolated to ensure whatever he had couldn’t spread if it was contagious. He likely had no one by his side, and why he seemed overly affectionate whenever I came. He wanted someone to be by his side, someone near him, not by obligation, but because they wanted to be there.
I looked to Agnes, I knew what I had to do, but could I trust him with the knowledge that my son was a reincarnate? Aurelian didn’t want to live being known as a reincarnate, and by spreading that knowledge, it may spread so far that I may be unable to contain it. I took a breath, knowing I had to do something to try and help my son so that he doesn’t lose himself. I tapped Agnes’ shoulder, “David, come with me for a moment.” He seemed to understand that I needed to say something important, so he came with me as I spoke quietly, “I believe I understand the reason why Aurelian he is reacting like this… but I need you to promise me this doesn’t go beyond us.” Agnes looked to Aurelian, then back to me, “I understand, what do you believe is the cause?” I took a breath to steady myself, then said, “Aurelian is a reincarnate. He was likely hospitalized for some reason and lacked the means to have friends. Lady Liliana might have been his only friend since his hospitalization, and he doesn’t want to return to something with distance.”
Agnes’ eyes went wide with shock, his voice quiet as he exclaimed, “I knew it! It makes so much sense now!” After a moment, he coughed, then continued, “I can understand this, but this might be a deeper issue too, which makes me uncertain on what to do.” I understood his position, he was the Emperor of Avalon, his daughter being the second princess of the empire made her a target. However, I had a thought, “What if we keep her here with Aurelian?” Agnes looked to me with skepticism for a moment, but understood I wouldn’t say this without a plan, “Go ahead.” I said, with confidence, “Since Aurelian’s planets are most likely the safest place in the Empire right now, assign some individuals to stay here and watch over the two of them. Aurelian and Lady Liliana can remain together, not to mention Lady Liliana remains safe as Aurelian makes stronger weapons to defend his territory. Like it or not, she’s safer here than the capital in most capacities.”
Agnes seemed to enter an intensive bout of thought, his eyes remained stern as he didn’t speak or move for a few minutes. After he came to his conclusion, he said, “She has to learn some royal etiquette, can this workout?” I nodded, “Of course, Aurelian likes to get his work done before he does anything else. So, if you do it while he’s doing daily affairs, you could ensure Lady Liliana can get the teaching she needs.” Agnes seemed to like my idea, “I can make it happen, it’s not like we didn’t bring the proper individuals for this already. I’ll clear it with them, choose individuals who can do so, and ensure both my daughter’s and your son’s safety. Would you mind if I left a special detachment of Legionary for the task as well? Liliana’s safety is one thing, but Aurelian has become someone the Empire needs to protect with everything we have.”
I thought for a moment, then said, “You can, but they can’t obviously walk around as such, it’ll make him ask questions.” I pulled up my closest planet to Aurelian’s, “Station the main force here, they can act swiftly if anything happens to you, me, or Aurelian and Lady Liliana, they can act with haste. The men can just wear specialized armor disguised as your alias’s armor type.” Agnes sighed, “If it must be done, then it shall be.” He leaned back, “Keep the two of them occupied for a moment, I’ll be as swift as possible.” As he left for wherever he was to speak with his people, I sighed, “He left me with the hardest job, let’s just hope this can calm him down.” While I wasn’t planning on spoiling him, I didn’t want him to hurt like he is now. I sighed again, “Being a father is rough, especially like this.” I just put on my smile and did my best to help cheer Aurelian up, what else could a father do?
~~~
After some time, I managed to finally calm down thanks to both Lily and dad, and I was now downing a glass of water someone brought for me considering I must’ve cried all the water in my body out. Dad asked, “Do you feel better son? I never knew you had it in you to be so emotional about something.” I spoke, “I never knew I had this in me either…” To be honest, what I said was truly how I thought, I had no idea that I had it in me to cry over someone I considered a friend going home. Dad rubbed my head, “Well, I guess I can understand why you did it. You like Liliana enough to want her to stay, don’t you?” I felt my face get a little warm as he said that, but I was also confused. While I did like her like a friend, was this something more? I shook my head; I wasn’t at the age to have thoughts like this… or was I? While I couldn’t say this aloud, I could at least think how confusing it was to be a reincarnate where age was so vastly different.
I did need to respond to dad’s question, “I do like her as a friend… but I haven’t had one before, and I want to keep doing this every day. I didn’t feel like my day ended after I did my work, rather, it felt like it began because I knew Lily found something for us to do. Maybe I just didn’t want to lose that…” I could tell Lily seemed a little embarrassed by what I said, but dad had that calm smile of understanding, something I barely remember seeing in my first life. For a moment, I didn’t feel like the ruler of two planets, but someone who was seeing a friend off after a sleepover. I had only met her a year ago, but it felt like she had become an irreplaceable part of my life in just that time period.
Before anything else could be said, David had approached from a room, I was surprised I hadn’t noticed him leaving. I stood up and bowed, “I apologize for my inappropriate display David, it was unbecoming of me.” David chuckled, “There’s no need to worry Aurelian, with how mature you are, I had nearly forgotten you were still just a child. It was actually quite a relief to know you still have some innocence within you, not many nobles keep it as they grow into their roles.” After he raised me back to a proper standing position, he said, “However, your father and I did discuss something. Since I don’t want to separate you two, not to mention the safety of your domain, I believe it would only be fair to let Liliana choose if she wishes to stay.” Lily’s eyes seemed to light up, “Can I really stay dad?” David smiled, “If you wish to do so, and keep up with your studies in doing so, you can stay here with Aurelian.”
Lily wrapped her arms around me before David even finished what he was saying, but she did wait for him to finish speaking before saying, “I want to stay! While training is rigid, I know that I can do it!” David’s smile seemed to twitch a little, but I think it was over how Lily was so willing to stay over anything else, “Then, as both you and Aurelian wish, Liliana will stay here while her training continues.” David looked to me, “I’ll have proper staff arrive within the coming months to take over for those I have here. I also hope you won’t mind if I leave some men to act as he guards.” I shook my head, unable to keep the smile down because of the news, “I don’t mind, sometimes your worries may not be quenched unless you have people you trust to protect Lily. Though, if you don’t mind, I’ll likely test them and see if I can train them to be even tougher.” I had some training regiments planned for my own guards and soldiers, since what I was seeing with the current regiments was not what I considered peak training.
David had a look of confusion as he looked to dad, dad said, “I’ve seen the training he’s putting a select few through… safe to say, it’s spartan levels of hell.” I could see the fear in David’s eyes, as he looked to me, I said, “A healthy body is a healthy mind David, I can put you through the wringer too if you’d like.” David was quick to wave his hand, “I’ll have to decline, I’m far to busy to get retrained in any capacity.” I just smiled and said, “I’ll make sure you get one when you ask, any time my friend.” I laughed a little as I noticed I had David sweating, even dad was sweating a little too, I was just glad that I could get a little rise out of them. With Lily here with me, I could commit to a lot of things knowing she had my back, it’s even better knowing I have people who support me, even when they aren’t there. This time is different, I’m not alone anymore.