Over the years, Grandpa Sam had become an integral part of Aegon's life. He became someone very important to him, even though they argued and trashed each other in every conversation.

Aegon felt betrayed that Samuel didn't tell him about his identity. He felt hurt, so without even realising it, he threw tantrums.

Xavier and Cali stared at his puffed-up cheeks and tried their best to hold back their laughter. They glanced at each other and smirked.

They found it funny how Aegon remained so calm in most situations, but changed now. Growing up, they knew he was a sensible child and never threw tantrums, so this side of him was a first for them.

They actually found him cute, as times like these reminded them of how similar Aegon was to them. Normally, they would feel there was some distance between them because of how vastly superior he was to them.

Not like he ever acted differently with them. He treated them as his dearest friends, so they were the same emotionally and personally. But that feeling of disparity still lingered in their hearts, dissipating in moments like these.

So, they stayed silent and simply cherished his cute side.

As the communication stone rang, they expected the Emperor not to pick it up. But soon, they heard a voice, chirpy, full of smugness and confidence, unlike the voice they remembered hearing in the Sanctum.

[You finally came around, brat.]

"Old man, don't test my patience. I'm already pissed off at you for playing this sick prank," Aegon yelled, his voice laced with venom. "Stop being so smug."

[Never! What you gonna do? You copycat.]

"Me? Copycat?"

[Of course! You stole my golden eyes.]

Aegon's lips twitched at that as he retorted, "Did you sign some celestial exclusive contract on the golden colour?"

[Technically the sun probably did something like that. Also, I'm the Emperor so I can make that colour exclusive.]

"Heh, you yourself stole it, old bones," Aegon snorted. "Don't anger me further otherwise I'll rip your beard out. Scratch that! I'll burn it!"

[Stinky brat! Beard is out of the game!]

"Then you should have told me earlier about your identity," Aegon responded.

[And? What would have changed? Would you respect me as an Elder?]

"Stop insulting Elders, old man. No elder is as shameless as you," Aegon retorted. "Also, respect you? Never! I don't care even if you're the Emperor of the whole world."

[Exactly! So why are you worked up?]

"Cause you didn't tell me such a big thing!" Aegon sighed. "Tell me something, if I have any major problems, who do I go to first?"

[That lass?]

"Kind of. In any case, after her?"

[Me?]

"Exactly!" Aegon exclaimed and then explained. "I thought it was unspoken that we're great friends, so why would you lie to me?"

[I didn't really lie. I just hid it, but I'm willing to apologise for it. It was my fault for hiding, but there's a reason for it.]

"What is that?" Aegon got curious.

[How about this? Win these games and we'll meet later. I'll apologise in person and tell you that.]

Aegon stared at the stone for a moment longer, then sighed. He could actually understand Samuel to some degree, as there were perhaps many reasons he couldn't tell him his identity. After all, the Emperor had many responsibilities and secrets, so who knew what was happening in his life?

Still, he also felt hurt so he threw a tantrum. Now that he vented out a little and knew Samuel would give him that reason later, he felt much better.

He smiled, finding it funny how Samuel apologised to him without a care about his status. It just showed how deep their relationship was, which made him happier.

"Alright. That settles it then."

[You're not mad anymore?]

"Remaining angry means spending energy, which I don't want to waste for you."

[Cheeky brat, haha!]

Aegon smiled as well.

[Anyways, why did you call?]

"Ah yeah, about that. Needed to ask something," Aegon finally remembered the point of this conversation. "You remember Rosa?"

[I don't remember every random name, unlike you.]

"I meant my red-headed teammate. Did you sense something amiss with her?"

[Oh? You already realised that? But then again, it's been a year since you two met so it isn't that surprising. And yes, I'm aware of it. In fact, I already know what you want to know.]

Aegon heaved a sigh of relief hearing that. Indeed, nothing could escape the Emperor's eyes. How could he allow something strange to exist between his subjects?

'It also means Rosa isn't a threat or anything from other races.' Aegon was really afraid of the other possibility. "Then tell me, what is it?"

[I can't do that.]

"Are you playing hard to get?" Aegon rolled his eyes. "Fine... five packets of cigarettes."

[Tempting, but I'll still deny it. This isn't about me, Aegon. It's... complicated. Just trust in your friends and your gut. If she tells you herself, then the matter is solved.]

"You're acting suspicious."

[As I said, it's too complicated.]

Aegon remained silent. After a moment of thinking, he said, "Got it. I'll wait. Thanks for the information."

[Good. Do your best in the next match.]

"Wait! This just reminded me. Gabriel is your..."

[Granddaughter, yes. But don't worry about it. Just do your best.]

"I won't hold back or anything cuz she's your granddaughter, old man." Aegon rolled his eyes. "Also, what about Raphael?"

[Kid has potential but walks on a path unfitting of an Emperor. But he isn't a bad person, so deal with him however you want.]

"Gotcha! One last question, how are you talking with so many people watching you?" Aegon asked in curiosity.

[Easy work.]

"Noice! Teach me the trick later."

[Five packets of cigarettes.]

"One!"

[Four!]

"Alright, three."

[Fair enough.]

With that, Aegon cut the deal, left with a complicated look on his face.

"I don't know whether to give you salute for such bravery, or call you stupid. Whatever! I won't be surprised from next time."

Aegon was speechless, as he watched Cali give up on life and fall flat on her makeshift bed. In no time, she fell asleep.

"She's weird."

"Want me to tell her that?"

"Keep our secrets between us, snitching bitch."

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