The Emperor's Omega Is An Extra-Chapter 237: Birthday Heat (2)
Chapter 237: Birthday Heat (2)
Duke Evan was involved in the investigation, so it was no surprise that he also found out why the organization wanted Arren and that he was a key to something his wife had left behind. For a while, the Duke’s mind was in turmoil, and he kept asking himself if the information was wrong.
For this reason, he decided to visit his wife’s tomb and looked at her picture, which he had tried hard not to look at in recent years to keep his longing. He stayed there and talked in her tomb like a fool, but he didn’t hide his resentments.
He loved his wife so much that he didn’t have any relationships again but completely focused his time on raising Arren and fulfilling both their responsibilities and obligations to their son.
But after discovering that his wife was at fault for his son, whom he cherished and loved the most, being in a dangerous mess, the Duke also felt grievances and guilt for his son.
"Dad," Arren scooted closer, and the light in his eyes dimmed in worry. "It’s not your fault; don’t apologize." He wasn’t used to his father being like this, and he didn’t want to see him like this. His father had no reason to apologize to him; in some cases, Arren should be the one to apologize for the countless worries and troubles he brought.
He pursed his lips and lowered his gaze, looking at their hands as he gripped them harder. "And I’m not blaming mom either."
Arren never once blamed his mother. It didn’t even cross his mind; he was still aware that his mother hadn’t intentionally made him a prime target of the organization. It was just that no one could predict the future, certainly not his mother.
The Duke exhaled, his expression grave. "Son, If only I could..." but he paused, and the next words seemed to hang in the air, never to be uttered in words. Arren lifted his head to look at his father’s expression.
There was a solemn but noticeable anger that flickered in his eyes.
Arren didn’t say anything but only waited for his father to continue. The Duke didn’t continue what he was saying but instead spoke something different that firmly showed his determination.
"Don’t worry, son, I’ll make sure he can’t get what he wants." These words held fire and without a doubt came from his father’s sincere heart. For some reason, Arren became anxious and swallowed, shaking his head.
"Yes, he won’t. But... dad, didn’t you promise me?" He tilted his head and stared straight into his father’s eyes, letting him know his raw emotions and worries. "I want you to be safe. We will get our justice, and we will win, but I won’t be happy if something happens to you."
Arren was aware of where the fire in his eyes was coming from and the anxiety that had taken root in his heart after listening to his father. It was a kind of resolve that could sacrifice anything to achieve his goal.
Hearing the worries in his voice, the Duke finally calmed down, or at least forced him to for Arren, and patted the back of Arren’s hand again in a reassuring manner.
"Of course, son, when did I ever break my promise?" The Duke smiled, and yet there was something in his eyes that even Arren couldn’t read.
Arren knew that his father always indulged him, so he never broke his promise. For this moment, he eased his mind. Since Arren didn’t want to ruin this visit just because of some depressive topic, he changed the topic.
They talked about anything as Arren also shared his everyday life, which seemed rather uninteresting and boring compared to his previous day-to-day life, but he had the hunch that his father would probably like this set up more. At least, Arren was in a safe place.
At some point, their conversation shifted to the topic of his birthday. Arren could forget his birthday, but the Duke could never.
"Son, for your birthday this month, how do you want us to celebrate?" The Duke inquired, asking for Arrne’s decision.
Usually, they would eat in a fancy yet solemn restaurant to celebrate since Arren didn’t want a big party. For obvious reasons, they couldn’t do that this year, but the Duke didn’t want to not celebrate his son’s birthday, no matter how old he was already this year.
Arren was not surprised that his father brought this up.
"Dad, we can eat together with Spade here in the palace. I’m not really expecting anything; I just want you to be there for me."
The Duke frowned and seemed not satisfied, but looking at his son, he repeated, "Is that really what you want?"
Arren chuckled, as it is typical for him to doubt him sometimes. Perhaps, his father thought he was just being considerate because of their situation.
"Dad, you know how I never thought too much of my birthdays, as long as I could celebrate them. It will pass, even if a simple dinner would do."
Since Arren was too persistent, Duke Evan had no choice but to relent and be convinced. After all, it was Arren’s birthday, and he had the right to decide how he wanted to celebrate it.
Not long after, Arren called someone to deliver them some snacks as they conversed. It had been a long time since they had had a long conversation; it seemed it had been months. Even when Arren stayed in the Katz mansion after they returned from the island, they still didn’t have any opportunity to have a calm conversation about anything.
"Son," his father called. Arren, who was still chewing on some biscuits, lifted his brow and swallowed the food in his mouth before he answered his father..
"What is it, dad?"
The Duke looked at him, as though wondering if he should ask. In the end, he still continued.
"About His Majesty the Empress... did you spare some time to visit him?"
Empress Liviera was definitely someone that Arren would interact with, especially if they did indeed become official in-laws. And Duke Evan was worried that Spade’s relationship with his omega father might also implicate his son, and the empress probably made it worse for Arren in the future.
Arren knew instantly why his father was asking this. He had to admit, Mother Empress Liviera was... scary. But he did indeed visit twice already this week, and the empress still entertained him just fine. Although Spade was being turned down, the empress still treated Arren amiably, just as before.
After knowing this, the Duke sighed in relief. "Then that’s good. I don’t want you to suffer from your future in-law." It seemed as though the duke said it almost naturally or somehow almost subconsciously, but in Arren’s ears, it held great significance.
His ears heated up, and Arren couldn’t help but smile. For him, this was also an acknowledgment from his father about their relationship and its future. Well, Arren was already aware that his father supported him and Spade, but this was the first time he heard it from his lips, even acknowledging that Arren would get married to Spade in the future.
"Dad, do you also think that Spade and I will get married in the future?" Arren asked as he grinned widely. Although it was a question, he was only wanting to hear his father’s answer and satisfy himself. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
Duke Evan could see through him, but he slightly scoffed.
"Of course, from how His Majesty already marked you with his pheromones, basically letting everyone know you’re off limits, I don’t even need to ask." Duke Evan shook his head and stared at his son, who was now blushing. "You two really... tsk, you’re no good either. Your pheromones are all over His Majesty; you’d think I wouldn’t notice?"
Arren couldn’t respond after that. Okay, it was really still embarrassing to talk about this with his father! He even resisted flirting with Soade in front of his father too much, as he was still flustered by what his father might think.
So, he was in a blushing mess. How would he know that they had basically marked themselves as their own already? Arren only subtly scented Spade, but he never thought it was this much from an outsider’s perspective.
The Duke could only shake his head and sip his tea, but deep inside he was happy for his son and only teasing him. As a father, he approved of Spade as his son-in-law so much.
He knew his son would be in good hands.
As they said, time flew by when you were having a good time. In a blink of an eye, the sun was about to set. He might not want this conversation to end, but time never cared about someone’s feelings and flew by without care.
"Dad, you will visit me again next time, right?" Arren looked at his father, who stood before him, their hands clasping against each other.
"Of course, I’ll try to visit you more."
With that, he was satisfied; Spade was already waiting for them at the side. The Duke nodded at Spade before he entered the monitor room. Arren looked at his father, and only after he was inside did he shift his attention to Spade.
The alpha was already beside him and had his arm encircled around Arren.
"Have a good time?" Spade asked in a whisper.
Arren, chuckled and grinned wildly as he couldn’t resist and kissed Spade, although it was only a chaste kiss at most. "What do you think?" He raised his brow playfully.
And Spade could only stare at his adorable expression in fascination.