Chapter 404 - After Two Years (5)

As Emor Tripas requested, Hanson followed him to the nearby pavilion and they both took a seat.

"You know I don't have much time," General Hanson said to the Nardodian King and in contrast to his words, his tone remained formal. "My wife and son are waiting for me."

"I want to apologize to you, General," Emor Tripas promptly said in an evidently nervous tone. "I've always wanted to do that but... I never dare. Maybe because I'm not sure if you would be willing to listen to me."

Hanson Lorin maintained his silence and Emor continued, "During my time here in Qalagon, you were the one who trusted me and treated me with kindness. I'm grateful for that, General."

"It's right for you to be grateful that I trusted in you," the General said in a somewhat cold voice and added, "After all, you used that trust to raise your fallen kingdom and for the doom of Qalagon."

Hanson Lorin still remembered how hurtful it was when he realized that his trust was what made things easier for Emor Tripas. Besides, many soldiers still lost their lives in that war with Alora three years ago. He always held himself responsible for that and even blamed himself!

"General, I never -"

"You don't have to explain to me, Your Majesty," Hanson Lorin brushed the young King off. "At first, I was adamant to kill you if I ever have the chance. However, Arin told me that it's not wrong for you to do anything to revive your kingdom and restore the throne. That's when I understand that if I were in your place, I would do the same.

"Besides, His Majesty considers you as a friend now and as his subject, I'm in no position to hate you or ignore you."

Silence fell upon the small pavilion for a few seconds and Hanson Lorin rose from his seat. "I'll excuse myself," he said. "I'm in a hurry."

Just when he turned around...

"Please forgive me," Emor Tripas pleaded with him and stood up too.

His words took the General by surprise and he slowly turned around once again.

Though he might once be his subordinate, he was now the King of Nardodia! Hearing him apologizing was already unexpected but... he begged for forgiveness now?

"I won't make excuse by saying that I have no choice," Emor continued. "It was my decision to do that and I accept but... as someone who used to serve under you, I still respect you, General. And I will never forget the kindness you had shown me during all those years."

Though he refused to say more, Emor Tripas was sincere. For someone like him, the kindness he received from Hanson Lorin who was his General at that time meant so much.

He knew that Nardodia was doing well under Arin Helev and he never once coveted the throne.

If only he could go against his uncle at that time! However, he chose not to do that because he knew that if he helped his uncle or not, it won't make much difference.

Aryan Tripas was always unstoppable.

Hanson Lorin struggled for words to say.

If Emor Tripas apologized and begged for forgiveness three years ago, he was confident that he won't listen to him. But now after three years and after knowing the nature of this young King's life, he found it hard to ignore him. Besides, he still remembered how tormented he also felt because of his father's crime.

"I know that if you want... you can cause even greater damage to us during your time in the Royal Army," he finally said to the Nardodian King. "So... stop talking about it."

"General -"

"I forgive you," Hanson Lorin promptly said and Emor raised his brows. "You should move on."

The Nardodian King narrowed his eyes and when General Hanson saw this, he slightly bowed and then walked away.

When Emor Tripas finally looked in the direction of his former General, he was almost out of his sight now. A subtle smile appeared on his lips and he let out a breath in relief.

* * *

Many guests who came to celebrate the Crown Prince's birthday had retreated to their chamber now while some were still in the hall, including Iria's family.

Crown Prince Andrus was sitting beside his wife who didn't touch any wine due to her pregnancy. However, as it was still at an early stage, Ophelia still looked the same and one won't even be able to tell that she was pregnant.

"Aren't you bored?" Andres Francia asked his wife. "Now, all everyone does is chat and drink wine. You can't drink and you don't even talk."

"You have so many acquaintances because you've visited Qalagon many times since you were a child but I don't have anyone to talk to," Ophelia complaint, making her husband laugh.

"Are you saying that I neglect you?" Andres asked.

"That's the truth," the Crown Princess simply said.

With an amusing smile on his face, Andres wrapped his right arm around his wife's shoulder. "Then do you want me to escort you back to our chamber?"

Seeing the smile on his face, Ophelia frowned and pushed him away. "You're never serious."

"That's not true," Crown Prince Andres argued. "I'm always serious with you."

"And you always lie," the Crown Princess stated with displeasure written all over her face.

Just when Andres was about to retort, he was interrupted by his mother's voice.

"Maria, it's so great to see you again," Empress Amina said to Crown Princess Maria who was standing before her. "It's been so long."

Both Andres and Ophelia shifted their gazes to Crown Princess Maria of Vialand and her husband who was standing beside her. Andres's expression changed a bit when he saw his first love.

Well, the Empress was right. It's been so long.

During the past two years, King Richard, Maria's father often came to Cedore and Emperor Kalos also went there a few times but Andres and Maria never did. Even Andres's wedding was attended by King Richard. That means it's their first time seeing each other again since they parted that day in Vialand......