Chapter 4: Opportunity

Big John scratched his head, realizing the drama that was about to unfold. He cleared his throat awkwardly and stepped towards the door to give them space. "Excuse me, I think someone is calling for me. Feel free to use this room to talk privately.”

As soon as they were alone, Rose pressed for answers. “What’s going on? Why didn’t you tell me anything?”

“I did,” Aaron replied, his brows furrowing. “I found out the news on the day of my scheduled hunting trip. Since you didn’t come to see me off, I went to your home to find you. I met your father, who told me you were in the middle of a private lesson and said I could only leave a message. I then wrote you a letter for him to pass on. You didn’t receive it?”

“No. I didn’t get anything,” Rose said quietly, her hands clenching into fists. “I didn’t even know you came, and I asked my dad twice to confirm. He was adamant, so I figured you didn’t want to see me, and I wasn’t even sure if I should meet you today...”

Aaron reached out to cradle Rose's face, his thumbs gently brushing her cheeks. “Why would you think that? You and my mother are the only ones I can’t wait to see whenever I come back. No one else is as special to me as you two.”

“I...” Rose’s words caught in her throat as the anger inside her dissipated. “I don’t know... I remember my father suggesting that you probably got bored of me, and I foolishly believed him. I should have known he was trying to drive a wedge between us.”

Her clenched fists relaxed, and she grasped the straps of his gear, pulling herself closer to him, her eyes captivated by his face.

“And why would he do that? I didn’t do anything wrong,” Aaron whispered softly, their faces mere inches apart.

“You did, at least in his eyes,” Rose disclosed, swallowing her emotions. “He always planned for me to take over his duties, but since the moment I met you, I've been striving to deviate from that path. I told him how I wished to join the Hunter Academy, but he always refused, insisting that he would never allow it. I'm guessing he read your letter, assumed I would leave with you, and decided to prevent us from meeting each other again.”

She paused, a sudden realization dawning on her. “It would also explain why he's been acting strangely the past month. He started picking me up from school every day, and whenever I tried to meet with Maya, he would always have someone follow us, claiming it was for our safety. Today he also said he would pick me up, but I managed to sneak out of the school to see you. He must have thought I wouldn’t learn the news if he kept us apart.”

“You could have told me your desires earlier. Once you turn sixteen, you’re legally an adult, and your parents can’t prevent you from changing career paths. I would even help you register and offer you a place to stay in case your parents kicked you out,” Aaron suggested with a sigh. “I hope those setbacks didn’t weaken your resolve.”

Rose's cheeks reddened, and she felt like crying tears of happiness. “No, they didn’t. I still want to become a hunter, train together with Maya and Lucas, and then travel the world with everyone. I wanted to surprise you when we reach the Hunter Academy later, but I guess now is a good time too.” She sniffed with a smile, a few tears streaming down her cheek. “Surprise...”

Aaron chuckled in response, his thumbs gently wiping her eyes. “It’s not really a surprise, as that was my exact plan. The past month, I've been wondering what to do in case you decided to stay in the University, and my only solution was to kidnap you. I would take you with me even if you didn’t want to go.”

Rose’s hazel eyes widened, not expecting such determination from Aaron. For some reason, the idea of being kidnapped by him was very appealing, and she wouldn’t even mind it. In fact, she was getting excited just thinking about it, knowing it would allow them to spend more time together.

“Should we do that then?” Rose asked jokingly. “I'm curious to see how you would kidnap me.”

“It’s simple. I would sneak into your room at night and pick you up,” Aaron explained, suddenly releasing her to skillfully sweep her off the ground into a princess carry. “And then I would take you home with me.”

Rose exclaimed in surprise, reaching out to wrap her arms around his neck, but then she paused, their faces almost touching. She glanced back and forth between his lips and eyes before adding with her heart threatening to escape from her chest, “And then what? You would take care of me and make me yours?”

She voiced her desires directly, hoping their love would finally blossom, but just when their lips were about to touch, Aaron suddenly put her back down.

“Who knows what would happen,” he shrugged, his playful smile glowing as he gently tapped her nose. “We will never find out, as you unknowingly chose the harder option, and now you have no choice but to work hard to become one of the greatest hunters in existence. Fate sure is interesting, isn’t it?”

Rose pouted but didn’t admit defeat. “That’s fine. I was going to do that anyway. I wouldn’t want to depend on anyone to protect me my whole life.”

“Then it’s settled. You will join the Hunter Academy, and I will train you to become a skilled warrior,” Aaron decided excitedly. “We still have one month before we need to leave, but that should be enough time.”

Rose's excitement grew, but then she frowned, looking at Aaron in confusion. “Wait, where are we even going? You haven't told me what was in the news you received.”

“Well, let’s just say my rapid progress was noticed by a prestigious Hunting Guild from the capital, and they offered me a guaranteed spot on one of their teams. I initially declined, not wanting to leave my family and friends behind, but they persisted. They committed to hiring my mother as one of their executives and granted me five try-out spots that I can give to my friends. Even though they're not guaranteed spots, it's an opportunity that few can enjoy."

“So that’s why you told Lucas and Maya to join your training tomorrow. You already planned to take them with us,” Rose realized.

“I primarily wanted to take you, but I figured they would serve as additional motivation for you. They would also keep you company whenever I’m away to hunt,” Aaron said while holding up her chin to look into her eyes. “My goal for you is to eventually grow strong enough to be able to join me. This way, I wouldn't need to worry that something might happen to you while I’m away.”

“I understand that, but isn’t it already too late? I would be competing with others who had been training their whole life while I only have one month,” Rose commented, suddenly regretting she didn’t start sooner. “Maya and Lucas at least practiced before, but I have no experience.”

Aaron stayed silent for a moment, just watching her face while calculating in his mind. “I believe you are capable of growing quickly with the right mindset. It’s going to be hard on you, but that’s the only way we can stay together. I can’t remain in this city anymore as there are almost no challenges left for me. Once I start killing King beasts, I would eventually stagnate if I don’t find new goals.”

He let go of Rose and walked up to the window, his gaze scanning the busy crowd. “I have watched this happen with my mother. She was at the peak of her career when she found me, and instead of focusing on her goals, she decided to raise me, which I will be forever thankful for. Even if I wanted to stay here, I would leave just for her, as she deserves to aim for more. The flames of her ambitions are yet to peter out, and I want her to pursue her dreams.”

“It would also be unfair for me to ask you to stay. You don’t owe me anything, so you didn’t do anything wrong,” Rose added, following him to hug his back. “I will do my best. I will work hard to meet your expectations and pass the try-outs. If I can’t even do that, then who am I to demand anything?”

Aaron reached behind him, brushing his hand through her lush, chestnut hair. “I appreciate your resolve, but there is something else you need to know. Life in Blue Dawn City is much different compared to the Capital. Here, you can walk around freely despite having no strength, but that’s not the case the further west you go. Everyday life is more dangerous, which forces everyone to hone their skills to ensure their survival.”

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He turned around, his expression turning serious. “With how the world works, I’m bound to make enemies, and the moment they realize they can’t defeat me, they will aim for the second place they can hurt me: my family and my lover. I don’t really need to worry about my mother, but I can’t say the same about you. When I imagine you getting hurt, I would rather stay away from you than have something bad happen to you.”

Rose bit her lip, understanding what he meant. If she wasn’t able to keep up with him, he would be forced to leave her behind, and that’s the last thing she would want. Just thinking about the future without Aaron in her life caused her heart to ache.

“You make me happy and sad at the same time,” Rose admitted, laughing the pain away. “As you said, fate is interesting. We will soon find out if we are fated to be with each other or not.”

"Are you motivated enough?" Aaron asked, giving her a supportive shoulder rub. "If there's anything I can do to help you in the future, just let me know, okay?"

"So, would you give me a kiss if I wanted one?" Rose blurted out as if the thought had been on her mind the whole time. Aaron raised his eyebrows in surprise, causing her to backtrack. "I'm sorry, I was just—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Aaron gently cupped her neck and pulled her towards him, their lips almost touching. Her heart raced as the warmth of their breath mingled in the space between them, and she closed her eyes, anticipating the electrifying moment.

"I would give you one if you asked," Aaron whispered, his thumb trailing along her neck. His free hand slid down her waist to hold her body close, and he continued, "But the question is, would you rather have it now or postpone it for later after you earn it?"

Rose's heart raced as she weighed her options, her lips trembling with anticipation. She longed for the kiss, her desire nearly overwhelming her, but she also wanted to prove her strength and determination. Just as she was about to make her decision, a knock on the door interrupted their intimate moment.

"Fate seems to have chosen for you," Aaron said with a smile, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

He leaned in, brushing his lips against her cheek in a tender kiss before releasing her from his embrace and walking towards the door. Rose stood there, watching his back, her heart still pounding, knowing that the moment had passed but was not forgotten. The anticipation of that future kiss fueled her resolve, motivating her to work hard and earn the reward that awaited her.

As Aaron opened the door, they saw Big John standing outside, his face slightly worried. He looked past Aaron's shoulder and informed them, "I'm not trying to disturb you guys, but the city guards are waiting for you outside. They're looking for Rose Osborne, the daughter of the President, and I figured it must be you, miss."

"You told them she's here?" Aaron questioned with a frown.

"It wasn't me. When I went downstairs, they already knew you were here since Lord Hamilton's son exposed you," Big John replied with a shrug. "They asked me to bring you outside, or else they'll step inside themselves. I have no idea what you did, but you're free to leave from the front. I'll give you a head start, and by the time I tell them you left, you'll already be gone."

Aaron gazed at Rose, who approached them hurriedly. "Your father must have found out you left school and sent the city guards to take you back. What do you want to do?"

"Can't we just escape and go to the academy as we planned?" Rose asked, reminding him of their original plan. Aaron, however, presented her with a dilemma.

"We certainly can, but that would sever ties with your family. We can either try to talk things over with your father and only head to my home if we fail, or we can go directly to the Hunter Academy. The choice is yours."

Without hesitation, Rose shook her head. "I've already lost hope based on his past actions. He doesn't care about my feelings and only follows his selfish desires. My mother also listens to everything he says, so I would prefer to go with you."

"Alright then, follow me," Aaron nodded and took her hand. "We're going to your new home."

His words were like honey to her ears, and she followed him gracefully, only to squint at the path they were taking. "Wait, aren't those stairs leading to the back where the city guards are waiting? Why don't we go to the front?"

"Because if we don't face them now, they'll just chase us around the city," Aaron explained, reassuring her with a gentle touch. "Don't worry, I won't let them take you away."

She was initially worried, but his confidence calmed her down. That was until they reached the exit and saw over twenty guards stationed outside, forming a small crowd that blocked the only path out.

"Young lady! We were instructed to escort you home. Please follow us," one of the city guards called out as soon as they saw her, their light-blue military uniform in perfect condition. "Please don't make it difficult for us. We're just following orders."

Their mood seemed positive, expecting a smooth operation, but then they saw Aaron step in front of Rose, his smile causing everyone to take a step back. All the city guards knew exactly who he was and what he was capable of, creating chaos in their ranks with just his presence alone. They looked around as if searching for Malcolm, the highest-ranking officer among them, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Sir Morgan... Please, don't interfere with our job and step aside. We were tasked with bringing the young lady home, and we're authorized to use whatever means necessary," the young guard informed, standing up straight to appear braver than he felt.

Unfortunately for him, Aaron didn't even acknowledge the guard and instead looked at his team still waiting by their yaks. "Did you guys get your money?"

"Yes, but the amount is much higher than we expected. Fifty High Rank Soul Stones is too much for just extracting and carrying the goods. We didn't even assist you when you slaughtered all those Warlord beasts," Gareth said as he took out a small bag. "We talked it over and decided that we're fine with just ten, as we agreed upon earlier."

"It's fine; you did a good job, and I wouldn't have earned the same without you. Consider the money a bonus and advance payment for reserving your services in the future. I plan to visit the Venomous Serpent Forest later this month and will need assistance extracting the King beast I'll kill," Aaron said, patting the Soul Essence bag hanging by his hip. "I also have my thirty Soul Essence, so I don't need Soul Stones anymore."

"Haha, in that case, thank you for the opportunity. We're open for more; just let me know a day in advance so I can gather the team," Gareth said, nodding excitedly before bowing. "With that said, we'll excuse ourselves. Most of us are tired, and our wives are waiting at home with dinner. It's been a while since I had my wife... Cough, my wife's cooking."

Aaron chuckled and waved him goodbye, "Take care and enjoy."

By the time they finished chatting, the city guards had turned pale, realizing they had underestimated Aaron's abilities. Having a whole team just to carry his loot while he killed all the beasts was nothing short of crazy.

"Rose, let's go too," Aaron said softly, extending his hand to help her walk down the steps. "I'm sure my mom has also started cooking dinner for us."

She was just as shocked at Aaron's prowess as everyone else, but she tried to remain calm, taking his hand as they walked straight towards the blockade of city guards. Aaron didn't even need to say anything for them to part ways, avoiding a confrontation with him. They walked right past without any disturbance before Aaron finally turned around, his gaze sweeping across them.

"Report to your President that I will kill anyone who touches Rose against her will. Unless he wants to see bloodshed, he'd better come meet me directly. I'll be waiting for him at Principal Morgan's mansion."

He didn't give them another look and walked away with Rose by his side, her body hugging closely to his arm. She was staring at him with dreamy eyes, admiring both his confidence and leadership.

"You were really cool back there," Rose commented, her heart still beating rapidly. "When you pulled me through their blockade, I felt like I fell for you once again."

She blushed at her words, realizing she had just confessed to him, but she didn't try to backtrack this time. Her feelings had been wide open for a while, and Aaron would have to be blind not to notice them.

"Is that so?" Aaron acknowledged, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I think it's only because nothing really happened, and they were too scared to act. If they tried to take you away, I don't think love is what you would feel for me."

"Really? Why not?" Rose asked, puzzled. "Wouldn't you protect me? I would still love you just the same."

"It's not the act of protecting that's an issue, but rather the process of it," Aaron replied calmly. "You heard what I told them. You might have thought I was just threatening them, but the truth is, if they touched you, I would really kill them, or at least cut off their arms."

Rose's smile faltered as a shiver ran down her spine. She knew Aaron was a trained killer, but she had never really seen or imagined him killing anyone. She preferred to envision him as a gentle prince who had come to free her from captivity.

"You haven't seen the real me yet, so you should wait before you step onto a path with no return," Aaron continued, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "When you see me slaughter my enemies while covered in blood and still feel that you love me, that's when I'll accept it."

Rose fell silent, imagining the exact scene in her mind. She didn't feel any disgust or fear, but rather a sense of pride that she could call him her lover. However, she knew that reality might be different. "I still think I would be fine with it. After all, I will eventually become a hunter too, and killing will be part of my everyday life. It's something you get used to."

"That's good," Aaron nodded, guiding her towards the busy main road. "Just know that no matter what you feel when you see the real me, you shouldn't fear that person, as he would never hurt you."

Rose looked up to meet his eyes and nodded firmly, feeling safer in his arms than anywhere else in the world.