Chapter 139……………………………
Suddenly, Grandfather Aaron burst out laughing so loudly that it shook the house.
The sound of his laughter was so immense that I stopped in my tracks, staring at him blankly.
What’s going on?
Honestly, I had been prepared to be scolded for being rude.
But this wasn’t just laughter at something funny—it felt more like he was genuinely proud of me…
“A satisfying answer!”
He wiped the tears forming at the corners of his eyes with his fingertips and said.
I blinked, even more confused.
A satisfying answer?
Even though I had sided with Emperor Grandfather in front of him?
“Ah, of course, that doesn’t mean I’m pleased that you chose those guys.”
As if reading my thoughts, Grandfather Aaron shook his head and continued.
“But as I said earlier, I value loyalty above all else.”
“…….”
“When you live like this, it’s inevitable. You often see people sell others out because they cannot restrain a moment’s desire.”
His dark brown eyes passed over me and Per, staring into empty space.
Was he recalling days gone by, or people who had passed?
Either way, his gaze was bitter.
“There is nothing more precious than a person’s heart. To gain someone who will never betray you is harder than holding a fortune in your hands.”
Then, Grandfather Aaron calmly looked at me again and said,
“In that sense, you are a very precious person.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You may be a child now, but if you grow like this…”
For a moment, a small smile flickered across his lips.
“You are quite promising.”
Once again, I blinked in complete confusion.
Is that… really so?
But even if it weren’t me, who would make a deal involving their family, right?
“Unfortunately, the world is not like a fairy tale.”
As if reading my thoughts, Grandfather Aaron murmured.
“Sometimes it’s even crueler than a dark fairy tale. If someone lives a fairy-tale life, it’s because they’ve trampled over the flesh and blood of others to get there.”
Gasp.
“I don’t mean to scare you. It’s just… that’s how reality is.”
His voice carried the same bitterness as before.
What kind of life had Grandfather Aaron lived?
What could have happened in a life so untouched by novels, so complete, that he could speak to me with this expression and tone?
“Curious about how my life went, are you?”
Once again, he smiled wryly and raised an eyebrow.
I rolled my eyes and eventually nodded reluctantly.
A little.
Actually, more than a little.
He’s Kyle’s dad’s dad.
By tracing his life, I could get some sense of how Kyle’s father lived—why he came to dislike the royal palace, why he nearly cut ties with Grandfather Aaron, and how he eventually met Mom.
Even Dad’s way of speaking, acting, and values.
Maybe I could understand the beginnings of all of it.
“It’s a very long story, if I were to tell it.”
As I pondered, Grandfather Aaron shrugged once and gently closed his eyes.
“It’s not a story you can tell with people standing around like this.”
“…….”
“But you don’t have much time left, do you, little one?”
Ah, that’s right.
Only then did I snap back to reality, eyes wide.
This is not the time for a history lesson!
If I can’t get information, at least I need to get back before Mom and Dad scold me…
“Well, still.”
But, as if teasing me, Grandfather Aaron opened his eyes and spoke playfully.
“Since I liked your answer, I think it wouldn’t hurt to do an unselfish favor for once in a long while.”
“……?”
Wait a minute.
Saying that to someone who’s just about to leave…
“Tell me properly—how much information do you want about those guys?”
“Really?”
I couldn’t resist the hand of temptation reaching out to me and sat back down.
“You really are simple-minded,” Per said, shaking his head, plopping down next to me again.
But listen—he’s helping me without asking for anything in return!
They said to seize the opportunity when it comes.
This is exactly that opportunity.
Chances to get information about the so-called world guardians are truly rare.
“I can’t give you overly detailed info, like what the boss wears under his clothes. It’s not corporate secrets, but our kids would be in too much danger.”
“I’m not looking for that much anyway!”
Who in the world cares about the enemy’s underwear?
“I just need to know where they stay.”
“You mean their base?”
“Yes, exactly!”
Excited, I nodded vigorously. Grandfather Aaron let out a short snort and stroked his chin.
“At that level, it’s not an extremely dangerous risk.”
“Hehe.”
What a relief.
I let out an inward sigh of relief. Of course, I can’t completely let my guard down, but it feels like a big problem has been solved.
Now, even if Mom and Dad scold me, I’ll feel at peace.
“By the way, little one.”
While smiling happily, Grandfather Aaron tilted his head in mild confusion and asked,
“This level of information isn’t something you’d have to come in person for. Why did you insist on meeting me directly?”
“Ah, that?”
I answered lightly, staring at him.
“Of course, because if I didn’t come, I didn’t think you’d give the info to my dad.”
“Well, that’s true. Even if not, I was planning to tease you until I was satisfied.”
Hmm, just as I thought.
Nodding proudly as if saying, I knew it.
I had nearly solved a long problem in no time. How wonderful!
But I don’t think Grandfather Aaron is unaware of this.
He must have already known how my parents would react. He even said earlier that he half-expected me to come personally.
Then why ask such an obvious question suddenly?
“Alright, then…”
Whether he knew my thoughts or not, Grandfather Aaron continued with a mischievous smile.
“When you came to see me, did you think about how your overly protective parents would react?”
Overly protective parents, huh.
“Well….”
I hesitated, unable to argue, and tried to imagine it.
“You don’t have to think so hard about it.”
He shifted his gaze behind me, smiling playfully.
“It’s about to happen now.”
A shiver ran through me as I slowly turned my head to see where his gaze had landed.
And, unsurprisingly…
“Cecilia Miller.”
My very impressive and terrifying parents were standing there.
…Wait, time out!
