The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

"I hope that the food is to your liking," the duke suddenly said.

Astrid turned to the other and said with a polite smile, "Yes, it's very delicious."

"I think Brother Aster's cooking is still the most delicious," Nicol commented while putting the vegetables on his plate on the side.

"Nicol, eat your vegetables," Thomas said.

"Listen to your Dad, Nikki," Casey said, adding more vegetables to Nicol's plate. Then he turned to Astrid. "But Aster's cooking is truly unmatched. If you ever open a restaurant later, I'll be your number one customer."

"Then I'll be number two!" Nicol quickly added, raising his hand.

"Can I be number three?" Thomas asked while also rasing his hand a little.

Astrid chuckled, feeling amused by their antics.

Anthony watched in silence, feeling completely isolated. Although they were in the same room, he felt as if he were in an entirely different world. He looked down at his plate, sliced a piece of meat, and ate it. The food was tasteless to him, but he continued to eat, anyway.

Being surrounded by family, yet feeling utterly alone, was the perfect punishment for a sinner like him.

As the dinner continued, Nicol began to talk about the episode of [The Great War] that aired last night.

"It's so unfair for Luan to end up like that," Nicol said with a sad expression. Then added with anger, "If Caesar has a happy ending, I will send protest to the people who made the show."

"Don't worry, Nikki. I will help you send one - a big protest billboard in front of the house of the director," Casey followed.

"Cassius, don't put strange ideas in Nicol's head," Thomas said. Before turning to Astrid. "Your performance in last night's episode was very splendid, by the way."

"Right? I literally cried during that scene between you and Caesar," Casey added with a nod.

"Brother Aster, do you have another series coming up?" Nicol asked eagerly. "Can you tell us about it? I'll definitely watch!"

"I have one. It's not a series though, but a movie," Astrid answered. "It will be released sometime next month."

Nicol visibly became excited when he heard that. No, not only Nicol but also Casey and Thomas. Then the next conversation revolved around how they should reserve a whole theater, so everyone could watch it together. And from that, the next conversation revolved around how good it would be if, in their next dinner together, Reas could also join them.

As they were discussing various things, Astrid couldn't help but glance at the duke, who had remained silent until now. He had been eating quietly, not joining the conversation. From the duke's demeanor, Astrid sensed a profound loneliness in the other. Somehow, seeing him like that was just... sad.

Astrid gazed down and continued eating.

It's not that he didn't want to make the duke feel better, but honestly, it wasn't his responsibility. The effort should come from the duke, not the other way around. Clearly, the duke was more interested in wallowing in self-pity than trying to improve the situation.

So, whatever sadness or loneliness the duke was feeling, that's on him, not on Astrid.

After they finished dinner, Astrid was asked if he could stay for tea. Since he had another purpose for agreeing to this dinner, he thought it was time to discuss it.

"Your Grace, Uncle Thomas, Uncle Casey, may I speak with the three of you?" he asked. "In a more private setting, if possible."

Before any of the three could reply, Nicol spoke first. "How about me?"

Astrid smiled at Nicol and gently rubbed his head. "This is something I need to discuss with the adults. I'm sorry if I can't tell Nikki about it."

Nicol pouted, clearly sulking because of Astrid's response. But he still nodded at the end. "I understand. But Brother Aster has to play with me later, okay?"

"Okay, I promise," Astrid said with a helpless smile.

When Nicol left them, the duke finally spoke;

"Let's go to my study."

Astrid and his two uncles followed the duke to the study. When they entered, the duke sat behind his desk, while Astrid and his uncles took seats in the plush armchairs arranged in front of it.

The three Grimaldis all turned their attention to Astrid, clearly waiting for him to speak. Seeing no reason to beat around the bush, Astrid decided to get straight to the point and said what he needed to say.

"I know a way for you to meet my mother without the Lancasters finding out."

After he said that, the three men displayed a range of reactions—disbelief, agitation, and hope. It was somewhat amusing to see these emotions play out on their faces, one after another.

"Can you elaborate on that?" the duke asked. Despite his calm voice, it was obvious he was anything but.

"I know someone who can help," Astrid said. "He can ensure that your meeting with my mother will remain under the radar."

The three men wore expressions that seemed to say it was hard to believe what he had just said. It wasn't out of distrust, but more along the lines of, "How could you know someone who can do something we couldn't?"

"May we know the name of this person?" Thomas asked.

"That's right," Casey seconded.

They both looked as though they would only decide if this person could truly be useful after hearing their name. The duke also only stared at Astrid, as if waiting for his answer.

Astrid looked at them before taking a deep breath. He was already readying himself for the explosive reaction they would surely have. And then he said the name.

"It's His Highness, General Wulfric de Lunaris."