During the remaining time at the dining table, only Eiran and Leon chattered.
It was evident that the Queen was merely trying not to let the earlier event affect the child’s perception of his grandfather.
After all, children were sensitive and would easily grow to hate someone who didn’t treat one of their parents right.
"How was the food?" the Empress finally asked, looking at Eiran and Ren. "I hope the meal did not disappoint you."
"It was amazing!" Exclaimed the child, smiling brightly.
"It was good, thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," Ren bowed slightly.
"No need to be so formal. We are a family now," Leon grinned.
Ren flinched upon hearing that.
Family?
Him?
"We will have a family of our own." The deep voice played in his mind like a haunting melody of a ghost.
He forced a smile, though his fingers trembled as he reached for the glass of wine beside his right hand. He took a clumsy sip but, thankfully, didn’t spill any of the liquid on himself or the floor. He couldn’t afford to stain the expensive clothes the General had given him, nor the luxurious red carpet beneath his feet.
"Mother, do not pressure him," Zayden said, his gaze protectively following Ren’s every movement. He wanted to ease all his worries, but he didn’t know how.
Ren’s fingers trembled slightly as he set his glass down. "I am fine, My Lord," he said softly, almost in a whisper.
Zayden leaned back, expression unreadable, but his voice betrayed a trace of warmth.
"I know," he murmured. "Still, you don’t need to force yourself."
The Empress’s gaze darted between them, a faint smile curling on her lips.
Her son was in love.
She leaned back in her chair, eyes glimmering with amusement and a hint of nostalgia as she watched them, as if the past had repeated itself. She’d seen that look before—on her husband, years ago. But unlike the Emperor, Zayden’s gaze held something gentler, something unspoken. Perhaps it was because he wanted to push away every demonic part of himself. She exhaled, deciding not to interfere.
Love, after all, bloomed best when left untouched.
Instead, she smiled faintly. "You have good taste, Zayden."
Her son blinked, caught off guard.
"Mother?"
Ren looked up, startled. What was she talking about?
"Oh, nothing, dear," she replied, hiding her amusement behind her cup of tea. "Just an observation."
Leon, on the other side, stifled a giggle. He knew exactly what the Empress meant.
"Mother, Dad, I shall head back," Soren said, rising from his seat and bowing to his mother and the Queen.
"Already?" Zayden frowned. "Are you displeased that I am getting all the attention tonight?"
Soren chuckled, shaking his head, his curly hair falling gently around his face.
"Of course not. I simply need to rest. Enjoy the night, my dear nephew." Walking toward Eiran, Soren gently patted the child’s back.
Eiran nodded, chewing on his food. Once finished, he jumped off his chair, bowing to the Imperial Crown Prince. He knew that in the palace, even if one shared a blood relationship, proper etiquette had to be maintained.
Soren chuckled at the cute gesture.
"Have a good night," he said, bowing once more before exiting the hall.
Eiran tiptoed as if he had to be careful not to disturb anyone in the room. He tugged on Ren’s sleeve.
"I’m full, Papa."
"Oh..." Ren looked at Zayden, who heard the boy too well.
Zayden’s lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Then let’s go." He rose smoothly from his seat, extending a hand toward Eiran.
The boy grabbed it eagerly, eyes sparkling.
Ren stood as well, his movements neither too fast nor too slow. The faint tension in the air between them was almost tangible.
How did he smile so brightly after being treated so coldly by his own father?
The Emperor hadn’t even glanced his way during the dinner, if not to throw remarks about how lacking his soldiers were, although they were renowned to be the best. That wasn’t what Ren had heard about the Emperor and his General son.
They had a loving relationship, right?
So what could have happened?
Zayden’s gaze flicked toward the Empress and the Queen.
"Before we leave, we should say our goodbyes."
Eiran scurried ahead, still clutching Zayden’s hand, and bowed deeply. "Thank you for the meal! It was delicious! Have a good night, Your Imperial Majesties."
The Empress smiled warmly.
"You have grown into such a polite young man, Eiran. Your Papa must be proud."
Zayden’s hand tightened slightly on Eiran’s shoulder, a quiet acknowledgement while he looked at Ren.
"He is."
The servant followed, bowing as well, though his shoulders tensed under the weight of their watchful eyes.
"Your Imperial Majesties, thank you for your hospitality and the meal."
The Queen inclined her head. "You’re always welcome, Ren. Take care of our grandson," he smiled.
Ren felt the General’s unwavering gaze linger on him for a moment longer. He quickly looked away, pretending to adjust his sleeve.
"Shall we?" Zayden asked, inclining his head toward the corridor.
Eiran let out a small, eager squeak and grabbed Zayden’s hand again.
Ren’s steps fell beside them, the questions still spiraling in his mind.
Should I just ask? At least if he’s alright... He looked... sad.
After debating with himself during the whole walk to Eiran’s room, Zayden stopped at the entrance.
"Go inside."
"Are you not coming?"
Zayden looked at Ren, hesitant.
"I thought you said you’ve grown. Even your grandparents acknowledged it. From now on, you should practice sleeping on your own."
"B-But ghosts—"
"You can call for me or your Papa, and we will come to rescue you," Zayden gently patted the boy’s back. It was his fault. He was simply repairing the mess he had created.
Eiran nodded, clenching his fists.
"R-Right. Ghosts can’t harm me," he grinned.
"And I will place plenty of guards to protect you, my son."
The words slipped before he realized. His eyes widened at the realization but Eiran grinned as if Zayden hadn’t said anything wrong.
"Thank you, Dad!"
"Then I will—"
"No," Eiran cut off Ren midway, taking him off guard.
The servant tilted his head, perplexed.
"What?"
"I will sleep alone from now on! I have grown up!" He exclaimed, folding his arms proudly as he stood in front of the door, stopping Ren from entering.