Chapter 213: The Secret Rose Garden

"Aedion?"

"Hello, young master." 

The man's smile was as elegant as Moulin had first seen it. Eyes of enthralling aquamarine green. His raven hair was uncombed and messy. Although with a graceful smile, embarrassment shone on his face as he lowered his gaze. 

Moulin blinked. After a few long seconds, amusement enveloped his eyes as he stared at the man's half-kneeling form. What a strange young man...

Moulin had remembered Aedion's persistence when he had accused Moulin of intruding in one of the guest rooms. But it only took one glance of Lord Hercullio's presence to make him cower and bow like an adorable obedient puppy. 

Moulin forcefully tossed the book on his feet in the air and skillfully balanced his body for the book to fall on top of the tower of books. Once again, he leaned his head sideways and furrows his brows at the still kneeling man. "Please rise. I am not a lord of this fortress."

'He sure isn't aware of how much power he has over all of us yet,' Aedion smiled. He rose from the ground, patting the dust off his knee. Curiously, he asked. "Would you like some help carrying those, young master?"

The way he spoke was so formal and polite that Moulin resisted the urge to grimace. Although he liked the respect he was given, it made him feel uncomfortable. In truth, Aedion was the only person within the fortress that he had spoken to aside from Hadrian, Lord Hendrick, and the Head maid during the last several days. The head maid was kind and treated him like a son, and Moulin allowed her to speak informally to him. Lord Hendrick was an easy-going person, so it didn't take long for him to name Moulin his grandson.

Hadrian, the real grandson: ...

"Well..." Moulin contemplated as he stared at the books in his arms. His gaze also glanced at the two little pups running in circles around his feet. 

Finally, with a sigh, he conceded. "Perhaps, I may need your assistance."

Aedion smiled at the youth. Moulin had to turn his eyes away from the brightness of the man's smile. Those green eyes were ominous-looking, yet they didn't look too fearsome. Moulin thanked the man as he allowed Aedion to talk half of the books from his arms. Feeling the lighter weight, Moulin sighed when he can finally see the view before him.

"Where to, young master?" Asked Aedion with a tilted head. His eyes occasionally took a glimpse of the white fox and the black wolf playfully biting each other and playing chase around the silver-eyed young man. 

Together, the pair began to walk forward, not mindful of the secret stares the servants have given them.

"Library." Replied Moulin with a glance. 

"Did the Lord not allow you to keep the books?"

"No, he did. However, there's no use keeping them in that room. The library has many caretakers. Surely, these will be well under their care. I do not spend a lot of time in my room as well." Moulin abruptly paused. He couldn't believe how these words comfortably left his mouth with ease. Furrowing his eyebrows, Moulin glanced at the man walking beside him.

Sensing his deep stare, Aedion knitted his eyebrows and chuckled. "I truly bear no ill intentions towards you, young master."

"Hmm..." Moulin turned away. "Unfortunately, I am a difficult person. I wonder how much courage you have mustered up to speak to me. The rest of the people here seemed to like watching me than trying to speak to me." Moulin glanced at a few servants, who quickly turned away.

"Ah, perhaps it is because of your reputation here, young master," Aedion replied, glancing at the maids hurriedly fleeing from the setting.

"Reputation?"

"Word about your strength and your identity as the lord's beloved has spread in all corners of the fortress." Explained Aedion with a faint smile. "They say you are like an exquisite gem. One can only watch you from afar as they feared the dragon that guards you."

'Dragon... More like an insatiable wolf.' Moulin internally scoffed. "I am no gem."

A chuckle, "Indeed, you aren't. Perhaps a blade would suit you better."

Moulin nodded in agreement.

Aedion stared at Moulin amusingly. Once they passed by an empty corridor, he spoke again. "Truly, I have never expected Lord Hercullio to obtain a lover." He started. His eyes lowered. "However, your presence here in this fortress has become a beacon of hope. Perhaps, you will change Lord Hercullio significantly."

Moulin calmly turned to look at him. His eyes were questionable and curious. "You sound like you know him well."

The man froze once he heard those words. There was a hint of surprise as he glanced at the young man beside him.

"Tell me what I don't know," Moulin said without even turning to look at Aedion. 

"Is that an order?"

"... Perhaps," Moulin muttered. 

"..." Aedion deepened his look, unsure of what to do.

Sensing his hesitation. Moulin thought the information might be confidential if he's shutting his lips so tightly. However, Moulin wanted to know more about Hadrian and his history. The Lord seemed like a... different person the more time passed here in the fortress. Moulin could sense an ominous air around him; it made him look unapproachable and intimidating. 

It seemed strange how quickly Hadrian's mood would change once he looks at Moulin. If it were any other person, they would be trembling from the arm-twisting sensation the lord's presence would bring unto them.

Silver eyes narrowed at the silent man beside him. He looked as if a battle had commenced in his mind. Moulin resisted a smile as he continued to wait for the man's reply.

Finally, Aedion spoke. "Why do you want to know?"

"I want to know more about him."

Aedion raises an eyebrow. "Does he not let you ask him questions?"

Moulin frowned. "He would let me ask any question in the world, and perhaps he would tear the land apart to offer an answer. However, he's too busy these days. We barely have enough time to talk." Aside from the night, that is. Their talk had frequently turned into physical intimacy. Aside from gasps and moans, Moulin would be too tired to talk more.

Tsk, Moulin internally cursed.

"..." 

Aedion observed the expression on Moulin's face. The young man looked conflicted. For some reason, Aedion wondered if this fearless person was actually vulnerable and weak within the doors of his room. Perhaps, was the Lord was making things uncomfortable for Moulin?

Aedion furrowed his brows. 

"...Alright, I will tell you." 

Moulin instantly turned his head and widened his eyes. "Really?" He had initially thought to let the man off. Moulin didn't want to cause trouble in unknown territory. Especially Hadrian's territory.

Aedion nodded while he looked away. Moulin thought he was having seconds thoughts, but he didn't know that Aedion was actually unable to meet his bright expectant eyes. 'Does he always talk like this to anyone?' Aedion felt a little comfortable in his heart. Indeed, the rumors in the fortress was true. With only his eyes, Moulin could entrance even the coldest of hearts. His appearance was just too... heavenly.

However, Aedion felt slightly unsettled. He glanced around him and then eyed another hallway. He recognized no one would frequently enter. A thought came to him, and he turned to Moulin, "Let's return these books first."

Returning the books finished way faster than Moulin expected. It didn't take long for the two to leave the library with empty hands. Snow and Keir, now weary and tired of their playing, settled of letting Moulin carry them. Snow was on his shoulders; the heavy brat didn't even let Moulin reprimand him as he went to take a nap. The little black wolf as well let himself be carried in the youth's arms. The feeling of existing only to babysit these to brats made Moulin's mood drop. 

Aedion offered to help him only to be growled at by the two pups. Helplessly, he could only encourage Moulin as he led him to a shortcut.

Before their figures disappeared, a particular young man eyed them strangely. Although the others were completely unaware of the pair's sneaking character, Alaric wasn't. His eyes narrowed.

"Is the information really so significant that you are leading me somewhere I do not have any idea about?" Moulin asked.

"Significant to the point of whoever mentions it becomes mincemeat. " Aedion grinned. As they finally entered an open courtyard through a narrow bricked passageway, There were precious roses of pure red. Dazzling under the daylight. Crimson petals were moist and glistening with luscious green leaves. 

Moulin blinked. The setting was quite enchanting. It was suitable to be a place where lovers would secretly meet and exchange words of love. However, the area was small, like they were built for children. Somehow Moulin imagined children running around with bright smiles on their faces. 

"...?" Moulin furrowed his brows. Perhaps, he was overthinking it?

"Come, young master. There is a bench where you can sit while we converse." Aedion's eyes were bright. As if he was refreshed at the sight of the garden. However, he felt nostalgic as well.

The garden must bear a history. Moulin followed Aedion as he admired the blooming roses around him. At last, they found the bench under the shade of the huge tree that was situated at the center of the courtyard. First, Moulin placed Snow and Keir on the wooden surface. He arranged them like how they would always sleep. Keir, lying on his belly, and Snow, snoring away on top of him.

Looking at the sight, Aedion fought the urge to laugh. Suddenly, sweet, warm memories filled his mind as he lifted his gaze at the tree leaves above his head. 

"This place was initially closed off and sealed away for two decades until I lifted the incantation six months ago." Aedion sighed. 

Moulin sat on the bench while he stared at him, "You look like you hold this place in your heart, Sir Aedion."

"...I do." He smiled as he lowered his gaze and met the youth's eyes. "Hadrian, too as well."

Hadrian? Moulin slightly lifted his brows. Afterwards, he realized Aedion didn't address him and Hadrian formally anymore. 

"However, it was a long time ago." Aedion approached the space beside the bench and sat underneath it. He turned his head to Moulin. "Forgive me. This place makes me feel at ease too much that I forget my manners."

"It's alright. I just hope you don't forget it too much." Moulin eyed the man, leaning his back on the tree.

"Yes, young master." Aedion chuckled as he nodded. He could not help but chuckle.

"You... What is your relationship with the lord?" Moulin slowly asked. 

A wistful smile graced the man's lips. His green eyes helplessly lifted to meet Moulin's gaze.

"I am... his cousin." 

Cousin? Moulin's eyes widened. Examining Aedion's features, there was nothing that linked him to the Hercullios. No blonde hair, no golden eyes. Perhaps, his face? However, he looked nothing like Hendrick Hercullio as well. Moulin felt slightly doubtful.

"Unbelievable, Is it?" Aedion smiled. "Both... the Lord and I are illegitimate children. The people recognized him as a Hercullio easily. Others don't even believe I am even part of that family. My identity is concealed, and simply the Lord and the previous patriarch know of my origin."

Moulin knitted his brows. "I don't understand. Even if you are an illegitimate child like Hadrian. You still hold the blood of the Hercullio. Surely, someone should recognize you for that."

Shaking his head, Aedion lifted his chin and tilted his head back. The filtered light of the tree leaves dappled over his figure exquisitely. 

"Mother is the insignificant spoiled brat of the Hercullio family, and I don't even know who my father is." He sighs. His eyes are gradually closing as he breathes steadily. "Now that I think about it... I believe we involve each other quite a bit."

"What do you mean?"

A faint chuckle noises in the air before Aedion lowered his head and watched the youth sitting on the bench beside him. 

"Everything unfolded with the death of your grandfather."