The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

Hildred forced himself to maintain a straight face. "Yes, I'm fine." He looked around at everyone seated at the table and quickly added, "I'm sorry, it's just that the food is so delicious I was eager to clear my palate with the tea a bit too quickly so I can eat more."

Though it was an obvious lie, Hildred delivered it with such conviction that it almost sounded like the truth. After all, he couldn't exactly admit that he'd nearly choked on his tea because he found Emmy's subtle jab at Wulf so amusing. He had to save some face for his general, after all.

Edmund poured him a cup of water, his expression sympathetic, as if he genuinely believed Hildred's explanation—the food was, after all, quite delicious. Hildred almost chuckled at Edmund's naivety; he was likely the only one at the table who fell for the lie. Even the Grimaldi kid was eyeing him as if he had just uttered something completely absurd.

Look, Wulf was also giving him his usual stinky eye.

Hildred shook his head and just drank the water Ed gave him. "Thank you, Ed."

He felt an urge to tease Ed a bit but knew this wasn't the time or place. Besides, with Wulf's recent string of blunders providing ample entertainment, he could be content with that and focus on enjoying the delicious breakfast. After all, nothing was quite as satisfying as savoring someone else's tea.

It didn't take long for Wulfric to register what Aster's mother meant by what she said. He might be lacking in some social cues, but he's not stupid. It's not hard to understand that Aster's mother was basically telling him that he's too old for Aster.

But he refused to accept it. How could he possibly be too old for Aster? He was only twelve years older than him! They were still in the same generation. If he were thirty or forty years older, then, sure, he could understand such a criticism.

Unfortunately, he couldn't voice his thoughts aloud; if he did, Aster's parents might just throw him out. So, he kept his silence, focusing on his meal while occasionally stealing glances at Aster.

Astrid bit his inner cheek to keep the corners of his mouth from curling up. How could he not smile when Wulfric kept glancing at him like a child who'd been bullied and was looking for an ally? It would be one thing if Nicol were acting this way, but seeing Wulfric do it was both amusing and, admittedly, quite adorable.

Unfortunately, he couldn't intervene. He knew that if he openly sided with Wulfric, his parents would likely become even harsher on him. For now, at least, their 'attacks' were limited to words.

And so, the breakfast continued in a tense yet oddly amusing atmosphere.

-----

After breakfast, it was clear to everyone that the time had come to address the matters at hand. Once the dirty dishes were loaded into the dishwasher and the table in the back garden was cleared, Emmy finally turned her gaze to the duke for the first time since their arrival. Find your next read at m_v l|e-NovelBin.net

"I understand there's a lot you wish to talk about," she began, her voice steady. "Please, follow me," she continued, addressing not just the duke but his two brothers as well.

Emmy turned and headed toward the study. Anthony released a nervous breath before following his daughter. Thomas and Casey exchanged glances, then trailed after her as well.

Gage watched his wife's retreating figure, concern etched on his face. Even though they had agreed yesterday that Emmy would handle the conversation with the Grimaldis on her own, it didn't stop him from wanting to be there for her. He had asked Emmy if he could stay with her, promising not to interfere—he just wanted to be by her side, offering his strength and support.

However, Emmy didn't agree. She told him she needed to talk to her father and brothers on her own, a conversation she felt she had to face by herself. Gage, though reluctant, understood her need to handle this alone, even if it meant standing back like this.

He composed himself and turned to his two sons. "Aster, Reas, how about giving our guest a tour around the farm? Just make sure you're back before lunch."

Reas, however, wasn't particularly keen on going. But he couldn't just leave Astrid to manage not only their overly energetic cousin, but also the members of the Fenris Squad on his own. So, he reluctantly nodded at their father's request.

At the mention of a "tour," Nicol, who had initially seemed eager to follow his grandpa, dad, uncle, and aunt, immediately shifted his focus. His eyes lit up with excitement as he turned to his Brother Aster. "Let's go, Brother Aster!" he exclaimed eagerly.

Astrid chuckled and ruffled Nicol's hair. "Okay, let's go."

Wulfric felt a surge of excitement at the idea of a farm tour. Finally, he would have the chance to walk beside Aster—something he hadn't been able to do since they arrived at the house. If anyone could read his thoughts right now, they might think it had been years since he last stood next to Aster, when in reality, it had only been about an hour.

But before he could even take a step, a heavy arm landed on his shoulder. When he looked to the side, he saw Aster's father grinning at him.

"Where do you think you're going? You're staying right here," he said, a hint of challenge in his voice. "Don't you want to have a serious, man-to-man talk with me?"

Wulfric looked at Aster's father, who appeared to be smiling, but beneath that smile, he could sense a subtle bloodlust. Was it finally the time for him to get beat up?

Wulfric had no desire to get into a fight with Aster's father—or mother, for that matter. But he couldn't just refuse; if he did, would he still be a man? Besides, this could also serve as a testament to his feelings for Aster.

So, in the end, he could only nod and mumble a brief, "Okay."