Aegon had thought a lot about his family's situation after learning everything that happened in the past. But he was hesitant about all of it and couldn't come to a decision.

Only after he learned more about his grandmother's intentions, even if they were shrouded in mysteries, did he manage to make his choice.

He cared about his family more than anything, and it shattered his heart to see them hurting each other for no reason. He had seen that for sixteen years but didn't question it because there was nothing he could do about it.

But now things were different.

He didn't care what choice his biological parents took back then. It didn't even affect him that much, so he was fine with them entering his life, though certainly not as his parents.

That position had long been taken by someone, and there was no way anyone else could take it.

If this decision could make his family whole again and make them happy, he didn't mind it at all. He was actually happy to do it.

Aegon just hoped Arnold wasn't too stubborn about this.

Xiu stared back at him and smiled lightly. "I've already told you that I love my brother. Sister Lily and he spoiled me a lot, though I also fought a lot with him. I miss him, Little Sun."

She leaned down and said, "I'm pretty strong and independent, you know. But when I'm in his arms, I can be a little girl again, knowing damn well that he'll protect me. I can't do that with anyone else."

Aegon smiled. "Seems like he's a wonderful brother. Congratulations then, I'll make sure he's back in your life."

He swore he would do it, no matter what. Xiu had sacrificed so much for him, dedicated more than a decade of her life to him. He wanted to repay it by giving her the happiness she deserved.

Even if it meant convincing his stubborn grandpa.

"Also, I don't blame him for that choice," Aegon said. "He chose to protect fifty million people over his family. How many can do that? He's a brave soldier for that and should be respected."

"Love blinds people," Xiu sighed. "Dad saw his world dying in his arms, Little Sun. He wouldn't see reason over his loss."

Aegon couldn't argue against that. The human mind worked like that after all. But it was still something that he needed to change.

"I'll find a way to convince him," Aegon said. "You can prepare to enjoy your time with the Marshal."

Xiu giggled softly and kissed his forehead. "Thanks. But I want you to promise me that you won't push yourself for my happiness. If you feel uncomfortable with something, don't do it. If you don't want this relationship, don't do it."

Aegon rolled his eyes and said, "Sometimes I wish I was older than you."

"Hmm? Why?"

"To knock some sense into you," Aegon replied, which earned him a light knock on his head. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"I'm older than you," Xiu smirked. "I have full rights to knock you, according to your definition."

Aegon was speechless at her logic. He sighed. "Xiu, all I'm saying is that you're a different person with a life. Your relationships are your relationships. What I think doesn't matter. Live your life."

Xiu stared at him for a bit longer, then she said calmly, "It does matter, Little Sun. You're the most important part of my life, so your opinion matters to me. If it makes you uncomfortable, then I won't do it."

Aegon sighed, as he knew there was nothing he could do to change her thinking. He just snuggled closer to her and said, "Whatever. I'm too tired for this. Let me sleep like this."

His eyelids dropped low as he slowly drifted into deep sleep. He whispered, "Good night, Mom."

Xiu visibly froze, her eyes widening so much that they almost popped out. Her hand that was caressing Aegon's head trembled as she continued to stare deeply at the young man sleeping in her lap.

For a long time, she just stayed like that, her mind frozen by those words. She couldn't believe that she needed those words so much, even though she knew it already.

"He...called me Mom?" Her voice was full of disbelief.

Aegon had always treated her as his parent. Anyone could see that. Even now, when his real parents were back in his life, he still clung to her and saw his parent in her.

Yet, he had never called her Mom, not even once.

Xiu understood the reason for it. For one, it was the first word he ever spoke, so it held a deep meaning to both him and Xiu. And there was also the strangeness of their relationship.

For Aegon, Xiu was more than just an aunt. She was his mother, his father, his best friend, his teacher. She played so many important roles in his life that it was hard to find a single word to call her.

That was why he always called her Xiu, because that was who she was, Chen Xiu. That was her sole identity, the culmination of all the roles she played.

So Xiu never gave it much thought, but only now did she realise how much she longed to hear that one word from him.

Words held special meaning in this world, but that only happened once they were expressed. Without even realising it, Xiu wanted Aegon to express their relationship to the world.

Her trembling hand slowly calmed down as she patted his head, her lips curling into a beautiful smile as she stared at him with warmth and love in her eyes.

"Good night, my dear son."

...

When Aegon woke up, he found himself still sleeping under the Twilight sky in Xiu's lap. He groggily opened his eyes and sat up, turning to observe his surroundings.

'Hmm? Did I really fall asleep here?' he wondered, only to see Xiu's peaceful sleeping face as her back rested against the tree.

'Of course I fell asleep,' he sighed. 'This is the best spot.'

He slowly picked up Xiu, careful not to disturb her, and carried her back to the mansion where he gently put her on the bed.

Aegon kissed her forehead and said, "Sleep well. You deserve this."

With that, he left the room and went to his own room. He was in a good mood with a fresh mind, but many questions still burdened him.

'Without me, everyone will die. How is that even possible?'

He couldn't understand it.

It seemed like a warning along with a prophecy. He could have dismissed it, thinking it was just a way to scare people off and make sure the Valeria Bloodline continued.

But he could feel there was more to this than he was seeing.

'The demons are too suspicious. Even more so because they didn't try hard to kill me. Are they planning something so that nobody can protect me?'

Aegon was aware of his background. It was practically impossible for someone to assassinate him with the kind of people protecting him.

But then again, the demons didn't use straightforward methods. Olena Valeria didn't die at their hands, after all. She was the strongest, yet they found a way to kill her.

He suddenly paused. 'Whatever they want, my existence, or rather the Valeria Bloodline, is standing in their way. That's why they wanted to kill Grandma, but things took a turn when I inherited the bloodline.'

Aegon was sure of that. He thought back to the prophecy and felt a chill run down his spine.

'Do they want to kill everyone through this? But it doesn't make sense. They'll also die, right?'

Aegon ground his teeth and remembered one important point. 'They found out about Grandma and set everything in position at the perfect timing. Can the Demon King achieve something like that on his own?'

He seriously doubted that.

Confused, he decided to stop thinking about it for now. There were likely many truths involved that he couldn't grasp yet. And if he did, perhaps the world would make sure he didn't.

Still, he had to do something, so he decided to simply call the person who was on par with the Demon King. He would know the demons' secrets, especially those of the Demon King.

Perhaps there was something special about that rank that no one knew about. So it was best to just contact him.

Taking out his communication stone, he called him and soon heard an impatient voice coming from the other side.

[What is it, brat? I'm in the middle of something important.]

Aegon hesitated for a second before saying, "I also have something important to discuss, but we can do it another time if you're busy."

[You've already called. What is it about?]

"My Grandma."

There was a long pause before he heard Samuel's voice again, full of seriousness.

[I'm free. What happened?]

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