“Which among the two of you is my Atarah?” His lips gave a slight twitch, and his fingers held his chin.
Seeing the brawny man in General’s uniform, Olive fell on her knees. The man motioned his hand, and his secretary closed the double door. Ashriel was still unable to speak as what she was looking at slowly sank into her mind. When the man walked towards her, she stepped back.
“No, this is impossible.” She whispered and took another step back. Olive remained kneeling with her head flat on the floor.
“Ah! You’re Atarah!” The man exclaimed. Ashriel gulped and shook her head. “I don’t believe this. Prove your identity.” She said with a warning tone, and the man stopped walking closely. He then burst into laughter.
“You really are trained by Meredith.” He said between his laughs, shaking his head. “How come, my sweet granddaughter, who was so tiny and always making me bald, be this alert? I regretted not seeing you grow, dear one.” He said and continued laughing. Hearing his last word, Ashriel’s eyes widened as her lips slightly trembled. She then felt her eyes moist as she bit her lower lip. Seeing her reaction, the man stopped laughing, knelt down, and spread his hands like an eagle. “Won’t you give Grandpappy a very tight, warm hug?” He asked playfully as if he was talking to a ten-year-old Ashriel. Without any hesitation, Ashriel ran towards him and embraced him tightly.
Ashriel is a tall woman, but hugging Valor makes her look like her younger version. Valor chuckled, trying to hide his tears from falling. “I was only eight when everyone thought you died in the battle. But your face was never blurry to me, Grandpappy.” Ashriel said between her small sobs. Valor nodded his head and patted Ashriel’s back, trying to console her. He stopped when Ashrielbroke the hug. “Why did you leave? Why didn’t you fight in the Revolt? Why is it that you did not attend Granny’s funeral? Why didn’t you send reinforcement during that time when we needed you, Grandpa? When I needed you to make decisions?” She complained without a pause as Valor nodded his head. He was about to open his mouth, but Ashriel spoke again. “You even tried to kill me as a welcome gift?!” She exclaimed.
“Ha-ha! I know you won’t die with those weak tricks. Meredith trained you, so I am confident.” Valor said, feeling proud. But Ashriel looked at her with sharp eyes.
“I’ll explain it to you tomorrow morning, my dear, okay? It’s getting late now, and I know the two of you are tired.” He said and wiped Ashriel’s tears with his thumb. Only then did Ashriel remember Olive who was still kneeling flat on the floor, trying hard to control her sob. “Are you giving your secretary a hard time?” Valor asked jokingly and stood up. “Young Lady, please stand.” He commanded. Olive hesitated as her body trembled, unknown of the reason why.
“It’s okay, Olive. Grandpappy is only scary on the battlefield.” Ashriel said playfully and walked towards Olive. “Come on, I felt stiff in your position.” She said and pulled Olive up but laughed upon seeing Olive’s face. “You are so ugly when you cry, okay.” Olive nodded, and Ashriel used her handkerchief to wipe Olive’s tears and snot. Seeing what she did, Valor smiled to himself.
“You really are Meredith’s granddaughter.” He whispered to himself, nodding his head.
“S-Sorry, Boss. I’m just so happy for you.” Olive explained between her sobs. “And I really thought His Highness is already dead.” Valor burst into laughter again.
“I’m such a good actor.” He complimented himself, making Ashriel sulk.
“You are a good hider, Grandpappy. Not a good actor.”
“Just support me, okay?” Valor scratched the back of his head. “Now then, the feast is already prepared. Shall we?”
***

It was almost twenty-four hours since Ashriel and Olive left for their mission, but Nathan’s mind was still traveling with the two. His eyes were focused on the bright moon outside the huge window. Xieaniel, on the other hand, was sitting on Olive’s chair and focused on Nathan. The rest of the Cadre who were in the room sighed from time to time.
“Sir,” Xieaniel called. “The sun and the food are already set. Please join us now.” He said with a worried tone. Nathan remained silent. “Sir-“
“Please leave me. All of you.” Nathan said coldly. His eyes never left the moon as everyone exchanged glances. “Now.” With his cue and firm tone, everyone left.
“What’s wrong with the First General? He doesn’t look angry, but he doesn’t look good either.” Mix asked curiously as Xieaniel closed the massive double door.
“He’s just frustrated,” Raith said with a small laugh.
“Frustrated?”
Kate nodded her head. “Yes, Lady Mix. He seldom gets frustrated. And when he does, it’s most of the time because of one person.”
“The Ruler?” Mix asked, fully aware of the answer. Everyone nodded. “Since when did they become couples?”
“That’s the question….” Xieaniel paused. “None of us dared to ask.” With his continuation, everyone burst into laughter as they walked through the hallway.
“Regardless of the date….” Venice held John’s arms tightly joined with a sigh. “Two very prestigious people. I wonder if their child’s future will be very easy or very hard.”
“The moon is brighter than your mood, huh? Cheer up, will you?” Natsuki said with his arms crossed above his chest. He did not leave the room. “My little sister will never do selfish things for herself. You are completely aware of that.” He spoke again, but still, Nathan did not respond. “Seriously, buddy? Will you rule us with this attitude? My sister trusts you more than anyone here, okay?” Natsuki asked with a serious tone. Only then did Nathan’s sharp eyes land on Natsuki.
“Sir-“
“Kidding,” Natsuki said and burst into laughter. “Of course, I understand you, bud. You don’t have to throw me that dagger look.” He added, holding his stomach. Nathan sighed in distress and robbed his eyes.
“I’m just worried, bud,” Nathan said, pressing down his eyelids. “I hope I was the one who joined her.” He added, but Natsuki vigorously shook his head.
“I may not know what, but I am certain that Zillian has a reason why he let you rule for a while, so just bear with it. My sister is strong.”
“Yes, she really is strong.” Nathan sighed deeply. “She is strong. And that is why I am worried.” He added and leaned his head on the glass window, closing his eyes tightly. “She is so strong that she is willing to sacrifice herself for everyone. Yeah, Ashriel is Ashriel.” Nathan added. His tone was filled with emotion Natsuki could not explain.
“No doubt.” Natsuki chuckled. “It takes courage and faith to build and lead victoriously, Nathan. But it takes a small doubt to destroy a Kingdom.” Natsuki stood from Nathan’s chair and walked through the door. “Zillian gave you responsibility only you can do. May that trust be your courage.” He smiled as Nathan’s eyes widened.
“Thank you, bud,” Nathan said in a low voice.
“If you are thankful, then cheer up!” Natsuki clapped his hand, and it echoed throughout the massive office, making Nathan flinch. “I’m hungry now, okay? So stop that drama and come eat with us. Zi will be sad if she sees you like this.”
Only then did Nathan laugh.
~ It takes courage and faith to build and lead victoriously. But it takes a small doubt to destroy a Kingdom. ~