"You see, it won't take more than a hundred years for Aeolus to break through and become a Legend. At that point, he will regain his true strength and recover all the memories I sealed from his childhood. Then, he will become the second emperor of the Synaps Empire. As an emperor, it would be perfectly reasonable for him to have multiple partners! By then, he could just give that Dragon Princess a concubine's title. As for the position of empress, that should be reserved for Aeolus' true love."
"An emperor with multiple partners? Ha!" Mikaela's attention was completely drawn to another part of Muria's words. "It's been nearly 400 years. Are you tired of me? Thinking of adding a new partner? Are you testing the waters with your son first to gauge my reaction?"
As Mikaela questioned him, the weapons and armor stored in a grand hall began to tremble slightly, ready to fly into her hands at her command.
"I already told you, it's our son Aeolus, not me. I have no intention of taking any other partners! In this life, you are the only one I need. I will not get entangled with any other women!"
Seeing Mikaela's expression, Muria immediately began swearing and pleading his case. If she misunderstood, his life would be in serious trouble.
"Is that so?" Mikaela's fiery wings began to dim slightly upon hearing Muria's assurance. At the same time, the armor and weapons placed in a distant palace ceased their trembling.
"Of course, I have no ulterior motives. I'm just suggesting a possible solution for Aeolus," Muria explained. "The Dragon Princess Felicia is carrying our grandchild, or perhaps granddaughter. Even though she has many faults, for the sake of the child, we can tolerate her and give her a title. Aeolus is about to become an emperor, and as a ruler, having multiple partners isn't something anyone will criticize too harshly. Of course, I'm not interested in that myself!"
"Hmm." Mikaela nodded, acknowledging Muria's logic, but then another issue came to mind. "After the child is born, will they have a claim to your throne?"
"I've said before, to inherit my position, one must have Titan or Seraph blood. This child will be granted the title of prince or princess. I will give them land fitting for their rank, but the throne? Absolutely not."
"Then let's proceed with that plan for now," Mikaela agreed.
"I'll go inform Aeolus and see what he thinks about it. If he's unwilling, I'll figure out another solution."
…
On the continent of Osronis, Aeolus had just been sent there by his father. In a state of confusion and frustration, he wandered for a couple of hours before heading to a city to see if there were any monsters causing trouble. If he could find some, he planned to kill a few to vent his feelings.
Just as he was gearing up to set off on his hunt, a gentle breeze blew into his room from the inn where he was staying. Aeolus, ready for action, turned sharply toward the young man who had appeared casually seated in his room. His expression changed rapidly, as he was unsure how to face his father.
"I'm here to discuss something with you. It's a follow-up on that matter. The princess you were involved with—her father came to my home, demanding an explanation."
"What explanation? It wasn't like I initiated anything. I was forced!" Aeolus responded, his emotions conflicted. From a typical man's perspective, he hadn't exactly lost out—he had even gained something. After all, the woman was an imperial princess, and her beauty was undeniable, not to mention her noble background.
"But the problem is, the princess didn't consent either. It was an accident for her too," Muria replied, rubbing his forehead. "In all my centuries of life, I've never dealt with something so ridiculous. And now, right after sending you out on a journey, you land yourself in this mess."
"So, what did you and her father agree on?" Aeolus asked, feeling even more troubled. Strictly speaking, it had been a mistake, but both the princess and he had to take responsibility for it.
"She'll get a title. Anyway, as an emperor, you can legally have multiple partners," Muria suggested as a solution.
"But..." Aeolus opened his mouth, hesitant. To be honest, he wasn't keen on this arrangement. Sure, the princess had an incredible figure and beauty, and he had thoroughly enjoyed their time together, but the truth was, he hadn't developed any feelings for her.
"You're going to be a father, and I'm going to be a grandfather. For the child's sake, I agreed on your behalf," Muria said, looking pensive. "The odds were slim, but here we are."
"What?" Aeolus was stunned. He felt as though an electric shock had passed through his body, leaving him numb. The news was too overwhelming.
"How is that possible?"
"Unlikely, but not impossible!" Muria replied. "How many times did you…?"
"I lost count," Aeolus admitted awkwardly. "When I finally left, over a month had passed, and I was so out of it, I could barely walk straight!"
"Learn some restraint!" Muria muttered, his expression conflicted. While he had sealed Aeolus' bloodline powers, the physical strength of his Titan body remained.
"I was—"
"Enough, I know you weren't the one in control," Muria interrupted, waving his hand, feeling slightly embarrassed by his son.
"Okay."
"By the way, I wanted to ask you something. I know you're not interested in the princess, so is there someone else you do care about?" Muria asked, watching his son closely.
"…" Aeolus felt awkward, unsure how to respond.
"Judging by your reaction, there is someone. Why are you so embarrassed? Just tell me," Muria teased as Aeolus remained silent.
Aeolus said nothing.
"Based on your attitude, it's probably one-sided, right? Either she doesn't know you like her, or you're unsure if she feels the same. Is that why you didn't answer?"
Seeing his son's continued silence, Muria continued analyzing. "It's not one of your childhood friends—none of them are by your side now. It's not one of the dragons from the academy either, since I haven't seen you grow close to any of them. Hmm, I think I have an idea."
"Dad, I have things to do. I'll be off," Aeolus said hastily, leaving the inn without addressing his father's guesses.
"The only option left is a Titan! Looks like my plan worked. He must have his eye on one of the female Titans. I'll have to investigate when I get back," Muria mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
…
"Did you hear? Apparently, big brother is marrying someone over 500 years older than him! The engagement's already set!" Tiffany whispered to her sister Gladys, who was lounging in a divine bath.
"Where did you hear that? Isn't he still traveling in Erathia?" Gladys asked, curious, as Tiffany leaped into the holy pool with a splash.
"During his travels, he got involved with a princess from the Orlando Empire. Word is she's pregnant. We might all be aunts soon!" Tiffany replied lazily as she relaxed in the soothing waters.
"Is that true?"
"Why would I lie? It's not like you're going to stop taking my money," Tiffany shot back at her sister.
"Any more details?"
"Yep! Even though they're engaged, she apparently won't become his true wife—just a concubine."
"Do you know her name?"
"Nope."
"Let's go find out more about our future sister-in-law."
"Hold on, I just got here. Let me relax a bit longer," Tiffany complained, thoroughly enjoying the bath. Even though the holy power wasn't aligned with her, its nurturing effect was undeniable.
"You don't understand. Father is stepping down soon, and brother will take over. His wife will greatly influence our future lives. If you don't care now, you'll regret it later."
"Gladys, you always think too much! She's just a little princess. What could she possibly do to us?"
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