𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐚 [𝐰𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐩]

이십

"The world is just an elaborate tapestry of lies"

_____________________________________________________

"Your highness the carriage is ready" Darcio informed Adrastos who is looking at his reflection

"I'll be there" he said, after his outburst earlier he cannot help but to feel the discomfort meeting and bidding a farewell to his father.

'He dares ask for forgiveness in his drunken state, as if i could forgive him' He thought as he made a stride towards the throne room

"Your majesty, i will now be departing" he said bowing not really caring if Claude responded but he did receive a hum from him.

'of course, as always' He thought deadpanning at the response he receives

"I'll be off now your majesty, do not worry. I'll be back and focus on my 'responsibilities' " He said before turning back but before that Claude called him

" It has been a while since you've called me your father" He stated making Adrastos scoff a bit

"You have told me before that I should stop addressing you as my father, your majesty for in your eyes i am nothing but a mere heir to the throne. I shall address you to as you see fit and i am only following your order" He answered placing his right hand to his chest

Claude couldn't respond to what Adrastos answered he remembered he indeed told him that he shouldn't address him as his father.

"If his majesty has nothing more to say then i bid my farewell the way to Zixuan is quite long. Blessings and glory to the Sun of Obelia"

____________

It took Adrastos and Khaos thirteen hours to arrive at Zixuan, by the border he saw the great landscape and how prosperous the empire is and he could not help but feel amazed. Not long enough they reach the capital and there's a lot of people who stared at him and murmured to each other either by surprise or curiosity. Arriving at his grandparents' house he saw Three figures waiting there so he guessed it is his grandparents, but who is the other one? he wondered

Once the carriage stopped Adrastos took his time to go down and greet his grandparent with formality and a gentle smile

"Thank you for waiting grandmother, grandfather. I apologize if we took too long" He said while making a curtsy bow and smile when he was hugged by the other person beside his grandparents

" My nephew aiya! You don't know how much we've longed for your visit!" The guy said as Adrastos flinch from the sudden affection

' My mother has a brother? I never heard of him not even from Xifeng' He thought when his uncle got pulled back by his grandfather

"Huazheng have some manner!" His grandfather scolded his uncle and Adrastos could not help but be amused

First impression was interesting

"Aiya! I am only showing how much i want to meet my nephew papa!" Huazheng said with a sad expression

" I apologize for your uncle's behavior, grandson"

"It doesn't matter grandfather and to be honest i am quite happy that you all accept me" Adrastos admitted making his mother's family smile in relief while Khaos look at Adrastos with a teasing look which Adrastos just ignored

"Of course we will. Come now i know that you're tired from your trip it is better if we go home now there's a feast waiting for us" His grandmother said while gesturing them to go inside

He was greeted with a cozy feeling and comfort after entering his grandparent's manor

'Is this how home feels like?' He wondered

" Welcome home grandson" His grandparents greeted him and so the great celebration began

Adrastos still won't admit it but he felt love and welcomed

"If this is a dream then i wish not to wake up" He mumbled watching as the manor is filled with laughter and delighted aura.

_________

It has been a week since Adrastos is staying with his family, he felt happy and contented

The feeling and emotions that he had long abandoned came back, he is grateful with how desperate his family on making him happy after knowing the hardship he had face since child.

"nán qīngnián!" His uncle called him making him deadpanned, if his uncle is here then that only means one thing, either they would talk or he wants Adrastos to tag along with him

"Uncle" Adrastos greeted him making Huazheng sparkle

Adrastos is currently sitting on the grass while enjoying the nature along with his hanfu swaying cause of the wind. It was relaxing per say.

" I have some present for you!" Huazheng said happily

'didn't you just give me a hanfu and accessories yesterday' Adrastos thought while sweat dropping

" I have realized that the present i gave before weren't enough so i bought you some things that you might like and keep when you go back in Obelia" he seems like he had heard Adrastos thought

" You don't have too uncle but thank you all of your presents is wonderful" Adrastos complimented, he does admit that his uncle does know some fashion and his preference, unlike someone

Yes, i am talking about his father. Huazheng love spoiling his nephew with gifts

Adrastos found out that his uncle, Huazheng is still single and quite young. He is also an honorable general of Zixuan empire, although receiving a lot of marriage proposal Huazheng refused all of them.

His uncle is a great leader to his comrade, so joyous but can also be intimidating, Adrastos only complaint to him is how affectionate and how much he spoils Adrastos which he asked it once and his uncle's only response is

"As your uncle and your mother's brother it is my duty to protect and give anything to make you happy"

They were interrupted when an assassin went to strike his uncle from behind thankfully, he used his mana to stop the assassin from stabbing his uncle which he senses that the sword has poison in it.

" Lowly creature dared to ruin the peace and taint this manor shall not be spared" He threatened but he heard a gasped beside him and when he looks at his uncle, he saw a surprised and baffled look which made him raise his eyebrow

' Ah, my eyes change isn't it' instead of Huazheng freaking out he seemed amazed but still shocked

"T-the eye! You have it! Come now Adrastos ma and pa should know of this" His uncle exclaimed while holding his wrist and dragging him not before killing the assassin

"You know of this eye?" Adrastos asked looking at his uncle whilst Huazheng just nodded

" Of course, after all, your heterochromia eyes, is a part of the prophecy between the Great Archon Lixieng and our great ancestor Chen Leixue! You are the chosen one" he explained

_________________________

to be continued