Within the crown prince's study, Bun-Bun was randomly playing with Lennox's magic devices, trying to make time pass until his Lord wakes up. When the sun hung high in the early afternoon, a faint bustling sounds grew from distance. Curious, Bun-Bun strode to the terrace to take a look, only to find the imperial guard's first squad, Who are supposed to accompany the Emperor, parading a slim figure.
' is that.....little Kai? '
Two imperial guards were carrying Kai on their shoulders while other two playing drums on a simple rythm, the last one was throwing flower petals that looked like they were picked on a hast. Around them, a small ball of fluff was jumping excitedly, seemingly thinking they were playing. A few meters away, two figures followed behind this sloppy parade, one laughing his lungs out while the other wore a very amused smile mixed with satisfaction.
As for the man in question, Kai had his head buried in his hands, wishing the ground would crack and swallow them all. Just as the Jennings wished, Kai was throughly embarrassed, the skin from the tip of his ears to the back of his neck was all dyed dark red out of shame.
Bun-Bun's head went blank. It was obvious that the Emperor was bullying little Kai again, but what can he do? Even his lord likes to bully that hamster-like friend. That pair of father-son took him as pet for real, blood is scary, even the sick hobbies were inherited.
Bun-Bun hesitated for a bit before deciding to go help that poor guy.
A few hours after Bun-Bun left, Lennox woke up with wrinkled brows. Through the bound with his children, Lennox could feel that the little one is extremely unhappy, which is quite rare. Thinking that something might have happened, he got out the bed, draped a night robe over his shoulders and exited the room. Lennox did not want to waste time on washing up so he simply used a spell to cleanse body impurities.
Walking to the Emperor's reception room, Lennox already figured who is this unexpected guest, after all, how could he not recognize his own birth mother?
Unlike his usual self, Lennox did not kick the door and barge in, rather, he knocked on the door but did not wait for permission and directly entreted.
" Lennox greets Empress Sitia, may your grace live for a thousand years "
When his emotionless voice fell in the room, Everly who was blankly staring at a beautiful woman sitting across from Jennings, instantly jumped off the couch and ran towards him. As for Bun-Bun, he pitifully stood behind Jennings with an upset expression as if been wronged.
" Ah, Lenny, you are early today. Come join us for some tea "
Lennox nodded. He walked towards them leisurely, as he passed by the pitiful Bun-Bun, he gave him a pat on the arm then said to Everly.
" Maitea, your Bun-Bun wants to show you the kittens he hid in the back of the kitchen "
" AH! Baby cats! Everly wants to see "
Hearing that, Bun-Bun's face stiffened. He has already been found out!
Lennox watched as one depressed young man and one excited child excited the room before he went to sit next to Jennings. Lennox sat opposite to Isabella, which felt like sitting in front of a mirror. One doesn't need a brain cell to know they are related, a literal copy-past, they just treated Jennings's genes like air.
" Your grace arrived two weeks earlier than expected, forgive this one for not preparing a suitable welcoming "
Jennings felt his chest tighten upon hearing his son speaking so formally to his own mother, but there's no helping, he had done everything he could think of to make this pair of mother and son get along together, but nothing worked. While Lennox had an indifferent expression, Isabella looked cold and distant.
" I see you have been well. No need to worry about that, I rushed ahead of scheduled after hearing that my sister was in Sitia capital....uninvited "
" Yeah, she was indeed uninvited ", Jennings said with a dark face like the bottom of a pot, obviously holding a grudge on this matter.
Not wanting Jennings to open an investigation about Beatrice on the spot, Lennox quickly changed the subject.
" I haven't seen general Egerton yet, has he not returned with you? "
" ha? ", Jennings broke out of his murder plan, " Bernard was pulled aside by commander Erlin, I guess it has something to do with all these assassins who came for Everly "
Mentioning Everly, a momentary light flashed in Isabella's eyes, she lowered her head as not to let Lennox see any change in her expression. Since Lennox sent her away with that vampire boy, then he must be holding her dearly, he certainly wouldn't want her to be close with the little girl.
" This child, Everly, seems very lovely. I heard that she is general Egerton's younger sister ", Isabella mildly stated.
Although her tone was casual and uninterested, Lennox couldn't help but frown. For someone who hates non-humans to the bone, saying that his grandchild is 'lovely' does not make this grandfather happy.
" She is indeed adorable, but quite shy around those she is unfamiliar with "
After that Lennox did not speak, merely listening to his parents' conversation. After a good while, he stood up and said to Jennings:" you can stay and rest for today, I will take care of the morning court since I am all wide awake now "
With that, Lennox excused himself and left. Once he exited the room, Jennings turned to Isabella with a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
" For how long are planning to act immature? "
Isabella looked at him, putting a bewildered expression:" what do you mean? "
Jennings didn't believe that she did not understand what he meant and said firmly:" that's the child you gave birth to, Our child, not a stranger you met on the street "
Isabella stayed silent. She lowered her gaze and absentmindedly stared at the half empty cup of tea in her hand.
' ....my child? '
******
Things I think you guys might have forgotten:
- Lennox and Everly both have an exceptional memory, they can't forget.
- Lennox has dead people buried in his garden
- there is an imposter in the imperial palace
- Lennox still doesn't know why Everly's body is lighter compared to her size.