Aegon wasn't even surprised that Xiu noticed it. If he were questioned about how she did that, even he wouldn't be able to answer, but it had always been like this. Xiu could notice even the smallest changes in him.

"It's a long story, but all in all, I want to stay away from politics and everything related to it," Aegon shrugged and said. "So I'll leave and have fun by myself, away from everything."

He deliberately kept his voice loud enough so everyone could hear him, making sure they understood his stance and didn't approach him. Whether it worked or not, though, he would have to wait and see.

"Not a surprise. Young Master does tend to run away from troublesome things quite often," Nora agreed immediately.

"You're still salty about that, Sis?" Aegon asked.

"I am," Nora nodded. "You ran away so quickly back then, and even now you're thinking of running away."

"I'll make sure to check out Mount Cerberion on my journey," Aegon promised before facing Arnold. "So, can I?"

"Let's talk about this later," Arnold said, stroking his beard. "I can't just let you go so easily after last year's incident."

"Alright." Aegon's lips tugged upward, his heart swelling with happiness. He didn't think he would get permission, so he was glad he hadn't been outright rejected.

At least Arnold was considering it.

"Oh yeah, I already knew you'd win, so I prepared tons of delicacies to celebrate," Xiu said, bringing everyone's attention back.

"When did you even get the time to do that?" Nora blinked in confusion.

"Don't strain your brain so much," Aurelia said, patting her shoulder. "As long as it involves Little Gon, she can do anything. Even the impossible."

"What are we waiting for then?" Xavier jumped into the conversation and shouted. "Let's go!!"

"And here comes the glutton," Arnold gave Xavier a side-eye and said. "You're not a Knight, so remember to take care of your body."

As if on cue, Cali joined the others from behind and said, "Grandpa, you don't need to worry about it. My little brother is so awesome that he used spells to get rid of his fat and other wasteful material."

"Is that so?" Arnold's gaze locked onto Xavier, making him straighten up. "Anything to say?"

"I swear on Aegon's soul that I've repented and will take care of my body properly, in proper ways," Xavier hurriedly declared, not wanting another… lecture on metabolism.

He instantly regretted his words as a wooden shaft hit his head, followed by a loud smack on his back that made his spine tingle.

"Don't use my Future Hubby's name."

"Stop using his name in vain."

"And you two should stop defending him," Xavier complained, his hands busy healing his heavily damaged areas.

Rosa almost smacked him again, but then noticed Xiu and Arnold looking at her, so she restrained herself.

Straightening her clothes, she bowed and said, "Hello, Grandpa. Aunt Xiu. I'm Rosaline Amberheart, and I'm courting Aegon. Please give me your blessings so that I'll succeed."

Elara almost smashed her bow into Rosa, but then stopped, thought of something, and simply ignored her.

Arnold narrowed his eyes at Rosa before a smile broke out on his face as he said, "Little Sun has my blessings, so if it depends on him."

"I see. Then I'll continue courting him," Rosa clenched her fist and nodded.

Xiu moved closer to Aegon and nudged him with her shoulder, saying, "I didn't teach you to be so passive."

"It's complicated," Aegon said, staring at Elara and Rosa. "But I'll get to the bottom of this whole matter before deciding anything."

"Good. Do it quickly, because false hope is like poison, and I don't want you spreading it," Xiu nodded and said.

"That reminds me, are you really going to ignore them and walk away?" Aegon asked.

"You think I can confront them before Dad forgives them?" Xiu asked in return, raising an eyebrow. "I will never."

"Tsk!"

"Don't click your tongue at me, boy."

"I know, I know," Aegon waved his hand and said. "I'll just handle this my way."

"You're going to ask her?"

"For sure. She seems interesting," Aegon said, thinking of his biological mother. Then he suddenly felt Xiu pinching him and froze.

"Wait! Are you actually jealous of her?" Aegon asked, both amused and surprised.

"She's the only one I'm jealous of," Xiu said, turning her face away. "But don't misunderstand. I don't hate her. Not at all."

Aegon chuckled and wrapped an arm around Xiu's shoulders. While she was tall for a woman, Aegon had already surpassed her height, so he could easily hug her from the side.

He kissed the top of her head and said, "Then don't be so jealous. Even if I find her interesting, it's because she's an interesting person. That's it. You'll always be my mother, so don't overthink it."

"As if I'd ever give that position to anyone," Xiu rolled her eyes, but still smiled. "Still, don't treat her like a complete stranger. Her heart is more fragile than people realize, so I don't want you hurting her more than the past already has."

"Don't worry. I have a feeling we'll get along quite well."

"Gon, can you call Luna?" Cali shouted. "I forgot my communication stone. Actually, never mind. I'll go get her myself."

"Sure!" Aegon shouted back, then turned to Xiu again. "Did you already deal with House Verdant's backing?"

Just as Xiu knew almost everything about Aegon, he was the same, so how could he not guess what she would do after watching the Games?

"Scum gets trash treatment," Xiu replied with a smirk. "I wanted to do more, but our dear Elder Old transferred the matter to that shiny old man."

"Noice! Let's go then. We're done here," Aegon said, then paused. "Wait. What about Virginia?"

"I sent her on a hunt!" Nora replied. "Unlike Vhagar, she's quite spirited, so sorry for the trouble. She'll terrorize some wildlands for a while."

"Hecte, send Jason to keep an eye on her. Make sure no one angers her," Aegon ordered.

[Consider it done, Boss.]

"Alright then. Let's go and eat to our hearts' content. I'm exhausted from the matches."

"You need to tell me everything about your skills, by the way."

"Noooope!!!!! Not telling!"

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