I Became the Tyrant's Beloved Omega - Chapter 16.1
Noah led Aiden into the room. Aiden, sensing something was off with Noah, stood stiffly and began to dig in his heels for no reason.
“I’m not going. I absolutely can’t go.”
“……”
Even at Aiden’s firm words, Noah said nothing and brought out grape juice and compote.
“Let’s sit down first.”
“Noah!”
“You must be hungry. Want to eat this?”
Noah spoke in a deliberately bright voice. He took the hand of Aiden, who stood stubbornly facing him, and sat him down in front of the table. Then he gave Aiden a radiant smile.
“I don’t want to go.”
Aiden shouted firmly, as though blaming Noah, who was smiling without a word. At the sight of Noah looking so utterly composed, Aiden felt frantic with worry, and his lips seemed to dry up completely. At the same time, perhaps because of the tears that kept welling up, Noah’s figure appeared distorted. Aiden rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand, trying to hold Noah’s image in his sight for even a single moment.
“I said I’m not going!”
Aiden was still only fourteen. He could not accept the sudden situation of having to leave for an unfamiliar place without Noah. Growing anxious, Aiden shouted loudly like throwing a tantrum, and at last began to plead with Noah.
“Noah, Noah… don’t abandon me.”
“Aiden.”
Noah gently embraced Aiden, who was letting out heated breaths from his surging emotions.
“How could I ever abandon you?”
“Noah… really?”
“Of course.”
But Aiden, who had spent a long time with Noah, could somewhat understand his resolve. His heart sinking, Aiden could do nothing in that moment but clutch at the hem of Noah’s clothes. Faced with the situation of parting without any preparation, Aiden burst into tears at the heavy, choked-up feeling that filled his chest.
“Now it’s time for you to return to your place.”
Noah gently coaxed Aiden.
“Ah, ah…”
At the words telling him to leave, Aiden could not breathe at all. He could only clutch the hem of Noah’s clothes, let out shallow breaths, and cry aloud.
“You trained hard at swordsmanship, so no one will be able to strike you anymore.”
“Hic…”
Noah held his breath for a moment, trying not to shed tears. Letting out a thin, sorrowful breath, he spoke playfully.
“But Aiden, you didn’t finish all your transcription today. You always skip exactly two pages.”
“Ah, ah…”
“Still, I’m glad you’ve had the experience of reading books in many fields and writing with your own hand. I won’t be scolded for having neglected our Aiden.”
Clear teardrops finally streamed down Noah’s white cheeks. Once the tears began to fall, the emotions he had held firmly in check unraveled beyond control. At the sight of Noah weeping sorrowfully, Aiden’s body collapsed on the spot. Noah held Aiden tightly and patted his back.
“Our kid… I thought you’d outgrown being a crybaby, but I see you haven’t.”
“Noah, please…”
“I’ll definitely come see you.”
Aiden, who had been pouring out tears like a child, finally lifted his head and looked at Noah.
“……”
“I’ll write letters faithfully too.”
“……”
Aiden did not open his mouth, feeling that if he answered Noah, he would be admitting the fact that he had to leave. He shook his head fiercely, as though to say not yet.
* * *
The Emperor had not expected Aiden’s refusal to go to the imperial palace, and could not easily fall asleep as he tossed and turned.
“Louis.”
The Captain of the Royal Guard, who had been guarding the Emperor outside the room, quietly opened the door and entered at his call.
“Your Majesty, did you call for me?”
“I think I’ll have to take Aiden by force if necessary.”
“However…”
“I am aware of your concerns as well, Sir Louis.”
“……”
The Emperor could not leave the Crown Prince’s seat empty. Therefore, he absolutely had to bring Aiden to the imperial palace.
“There is a trainee named Noah Carter.”
“Ah… you mean the trainee who saved Aiden eight years ago?”
“That’s right. According to the abbot, if it’s the trainee named Noah…”
“He can persuade Aiden?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Even after hearing that, the Emperor could not sleep a wink all night because of Aiden, who did not seem likely to give in easily. Having tossed and turned on that narrow, uncomfortable bed, the Emperor struggled to rise when the bell rang out from the bell tower.
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