Aegon knew a few things about his father since he had been present during the incident at Wind Cloud Pavilion. But it was the opposite when it came to his mother. He didn't know anything about her.

He didn't even know her name. But he also wasn't interested in the past that much because it hurt his loved ones. However, now he was going to graze that last wound most likely, so he wanted to be prepared.

He certainly didn't have any interest in adding parents to his life, not after everything Xiu had given him. But he couldn't just run away from it either. He had no reason to.

They were strangers to him, and that wouldn't change.

And as always, he asked Xiu because he knew she wouldn't lie to him.

"Your mother… is she at fault?" Xiu muttered to herself, but she knew Aegon could still hear her. "She did something wrong, but the price she had to pay was immense. I would say she's the victim of this whole thing."

She gently caressed his hair and said, "I hope you don't hate them. I know you don't want parents, and I don't have a problem with that. But don't hate them, especially your mother."

"I thought you loved your brother a lot, so why are you taking her side instead of his?" Aegon asked curiously.

"Because I know my brother doesn't deserve you as his son," Xiu sighed and kissed his forehead softly. "But your mother is different. She brought you into this world. She carried you for nine months, not only you but your siblings too. I don't think I can ever repay what she did."

"You can relax. I don't hate anyone," Aegon said calmly. "They might have made some stupid decisions, but they're still the ones who gave me this life. How can I hate them?"

"That's my good boy."

"By the way, do you also love your other nephew and niece?" Aegon asked, glancing at her with a slightly displeased look.

"Oh my, are you jealous?" Xiu teased him instantly, sensing that hint of annoyance in his tone.

"Maybe a little," he whispered under his breath.

"Hehe, you're so cute when you're jealous."

"Xiu."

"Hmm?"

"You don't call a guy cute."

"Huh? But you're so cute, what else am I supposed to say?"

Aegon facepalmed and looked away.

Xiu hugged him even tighter and smiled brightly. "It's true that I love them. How could I not? They're my precious nephew and niece. But you're still the best in my heart. You've already secured that throne with your cuteness."

"Everything was so good until you added that last part," Aegon rolled his eyes, but the corners of his lips curled up anyway.

"Aiyo! You are cute. Just accept it for me," Xiu protested while shaking him slightly like a playful child.

"Fine! Fine! Now stop shaking me," Aegon sighed again. "Also, never say that I don't need parents. I do need parents and I already have them beside me."

Xiu blinked her honey-brown eyes in surprise before they lit up in pure delight. She was about to squish him even more and gush over him, but Aegon was familiar with her tactics, so he managed to escape just in time.

"And then you say you're not cute," Xiu chuckled when she noticed him already standing near the door.

"I'm going to Opa, then we can leave to see my new invention," Aegon said, completely ignoring her teasing.

Without waiting for her reply, he left to find Arnold. He could already guess where his Opa would be, so he moved swiftly through the mansion's corridors and hallways, greeting the maids and butlers on his way.

Soon, he reached the beautiful flower garden that seemed to stretch endlessly. As the morning sunlight touched the radiant petals, the entire place turned into a mesmerizing spectacle of colors.

Amidst that breathtaking sight, Arnold sat on a wooden bench, staring at the flowers with a distant look in his eyes. His hand gently caressed the soft petals, as though afraid they might break.

Before Aegon could even say anything, he heard Arnold's deep, calm voice. "Don't."

"I didn't even say anything," Aegon muttered, walking over to sit beside him on the bench.

"Xiu must have taught you to never apologize if it's not your fault," Arnold said thoughtfully. Then, after a pause, he added dryly, "I wouldn't be surprised if she taught you to never apologize even when it is your fault."

Aegon chuckled and said, "Well, I did make a mistake. I hurt my Opa, so I am at fault. I'm really sorry, Opa. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"You really like to overthink," Arnold sighed, standing up. "Let's go. Weren't you going to show me your new invention?"

Aegon could tell Arnold was deflecting the topic, so he didn't press any further. He simply smiled and jumped to his feet.

"Let's go then!"

…

Outside the barrier that Hecte had erected, the Randle Family sat on a large boulder, gazing at the rising sun as it reflected off the serene river before them.

"I'm sure Aunt Xiu came," Xavier said with a sigh. "And she must have made delicious breakfast. That's the only reason I can think of for him to run away without considering our arrival."

"It's fine, isn't it?" Sansa giggled softly. "It's been a while since we enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Moon River together."

"If only my adorable daughters were here too," Bailish sighed wistfully.

"Father, 'adorable' is the wrong word for them. You probably meant mons—" Xavier stopped mid-sentence, suddenly feeling a foreboding chill.

"Go on," Bailish said, glancing at him with a sharp look.

"No, I feel like I made a mistake of some kind," Xavier muttered under his breath.

"Uncle Blue!!"

Bailish instantly forgot about his son as that loud, high-pitched shout reached his ears. His brows twitched in irritation as he turned around, only to be greeted by that familiar mischievous grin he had seen for decades.

"Hello, Uncle Blue," Xiu greeted cheerfully. "Are you enjoying the blue sky and blue waters?"

Bailish gave her an annoyed look before turning toward Arnold. "Good morning, Elder."

"Morning," Arnold replied calmly. "I see we've made you wait." Then he turned toward the transparent barrier and asked, "How long are you going to hide it?"

As Hecte slid out of the barrier, she replied in her icy, composed tone, "As long as Boss doesn't withdraw his orders."

"Just do it," Aegon said as he arrived with Arnold. "Everyone's here already anyway. Though, keep the civilians away."

"Understood!" Hecte responded immediately.

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