Chapter 216 Bittersweet Meeting

"At last, I thought we will have to wait another decade for you to make a move," Seeing Juno coming out for the breakfast with Velian, Delviny made a cheeky remark.

It was obvious she was having fun last night thanks to her walking style.

She was staggering a little showing that it wasn't an easy night for her.

"Nyahh!"

"..."

"..."

Everyone looked at Juno with a weird look heading her voice.

Velian quickly coughed and whispered to Juno, that she should go back to her normal behaviour.

"Ahhhhh!"Embarrassed by what she did, Juno closed her face and went to her chair, took her seat and looked at the food on the table, while Velian also did the same thing.

After a few minutes, he noticed everyone was looking at him with interest since their plan to hatch the egg is almost complete now.

"I will start Juno's training from today, when she ranks up, we will start doing the ritual," Stuffing his mouth with food, Velian muttered.

"Naomi, how are you now? Any side effects or anything?" Looking at Juno, who had a complete recovery after the injuries she suffered, Velian questioned.

"I'm fine, master, I will return to my duties as soon as I can," She answered and looked at Delviny with a grateful look.

"Thank you for taking care of my assassin unit," She said with a little bow to which Delviny just reacted with a smile.

"No big deal, we are a family so helping each other is the obvious thing to do,"

Naomi felt warm inside hearing her words because she truly felt like this was her true family right now.

Daphnia quickly disturbed the moment and looked at Velian.

"Most of the nobles and representatives are leaving today, Asumi also said she can't stay here because she has so much work," Hearing her words, Aiko, who was enjoying her breakfast with a smile went stiff.

"Ehhhhh! But-" She wanted to say something, but Daphnia quickly disturbed her.

"Don't worry, I talked with Asumi about your relationship, and she said you can stay with us for a few days," Aiko sighed with satisfaction, but then she remembered about her brother and looked at Velian.

Velian also understood her intentions since he witnessed those two love birds.

"I will talk with her, don't worry,"

"About what?" Daphnia questioned, but Velian smiled at her and kept his finger on his lips.

"It's a secret,"

Then they proceeded to have breakfast and rest until they heard the news about carriages getting ready to leave, so Velian officially went there to give his regards.

It was a joyous occasion, but also a bittersweet one, as it meant that many of the nobles and diplomats would be leaving to return to their own lands.

As the event progressed, Velian mingled with the guests, chatting and exchanging pleasantries with the various lords and ladies. He smiled and laughed, but his mind was elsewhere. He was eager to find his aunt Asumiko and speak with her in private.

Finally, he spotted her across the room, talking with a group of diplomats. He made his way over to her, weaving his way through the throngs of people. As he approached, she looked up and caught his eye. Her face lit up with a warm smile, and she excused herself from her companions to speak with him.

Others wanted to talk with this young king to introduce them, but seeing his face, they knew bothering him when he was this happy won't be a good idea so they waited for their chance.

"Velian," she said, embracing him warmly.

"It's so good to see you."

But then she realised her mistake and looked around to see others looking at her with narrowed eyes.

*Cough

"I mean my lord," She wasn't hesitant to call like that, because she knew if there was someone worthy of her love and respect younger than her, that was Velian.

"Likewise, Aunt Asumiko," Velian replied, returning the hug without even caring about the eyes.

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend more time with you lately. Things have been so busy."

"I understand," Asumiko said, taking his hand and leading him to a quieter corner of the room.

"But I hope you know that you can always come to me if you need someone to talk to."

Velian nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He knew that he needed to tell his aunt the truth, but he wasn't sure how to begin.

"Aunt Asumiko," he began, his voice hesitant.

"There's something I need to tell you."

"Yes?" she prompted, looking at him expectantly hoping whatever he is going to say will be a good idea.

Velian took a deep breath, then blurted out, "Can you have Akiyo with me for a few weeks?"

Asumiko's eyes widened in surprise.

"Akiyo? Why him?"

"Well, I want to train that boy to become a splendid warrior," Velian admitted.

"Just kidding, He won't get a good teacher like you even if he stays here, but he found someone he likes in this castle,"

Asumiko felt confused for a moment, then she felt like Velian dropped the biggest bomb on her head.

"What?" she questioned with her eyes opened wide.

"No way! Why didn't he just tell me?"

Velian felt a rush of relief wash over him seeing her not against it. He had been afraid that his aunt would try to talk Akiyo out of his decision, or worse, try to force him to go with her. But her acceptance and understanding really impressed Velian.

"Thank you, Aunt Asumiko," he said, giving her a grateful smile.

"I knew I could count on you."

They talked for a while longer, discussing Velian's plans and what he hoped to achieve. Asumiko listened attentively, offering advice and encouragement where she could.

And he didn't forget to give information about the girl Akiyo is falling in love with, she disagreed at first thinking it would bring a bad name or Velian, but seeing Jim trying to convince her so hard, she had no choice but to believe his words.

When it was time for them to part ways, they hugged again, and Velian felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for his aunt.

"I will miss you, Duchess Sukeno," In a joking manner, Velian muttered to which Asumi also replied in the same manner.

"Same here, your highness,"