A Mermaid's Tears

VII

Ren woke up late in the night. He sat down, frowned, and roamed to find someone. He felt someone's soul was restless. Ah. the power I got from that bastard God of Death is preventing me from having a good night's sleep.

He opened the door next to his room. The awake Grand Duke looked at the person who dared to enter his room. He stared at the still half-awake toddler.

Tristan remained silent. The toddler closed the door and approached his bed. He watched him adorably climb the bed and roll to settle beside him. The small boy settled close to him.

"You are quite bold," Tristan smirked but did not say anything to the child.

"You can't sleep," the toddler said, settling himself on the grand duke's side and pillowing his head against Tristan's arms.

He may not be the Grand Duke's biological son, but the way he gently caressed his head reminded him of Milliaon.

"I heard you tattle Lloyd to your mama." Tristan smirks.

"Hyung-nim is a dirtbag. Have no romance at all." He lazily responded and whined around to find the most comfortable position, eventually tossing the pillow aside and hugging Tristan's torso.

"And what did mama say?"

"Mama said she gave birth to a uselessly sturdy kid with no ounce of romance at all; she will beat him up when she is fine," he replied. Ah. So sleepy. I am so tired.

"Is she going to be fine?"

"She will," he replied, "Pretty-Noonna will help her." He then looked up to the duke and said, "Papa as well."

Tristan remained silent after receiving that response. He laughed and poked the child's forehead. "So I will be fine?"

"You are going to live a long life and let Renren live comfortably with his slacker lifestyle," he replied. His eyes were already drifting into a deep sleep. "It is nice," he commented. It is comfortable and warm, and he is enjoying every moment of it. "Papa's arms are so nice."

Tristan gave the toddler a gentle embrace and smiled. This child was one of the few that made him feel at ease. This child even managed to control his rage.

"Sleep well," Tristan said, kissing the toddler's head and then falling asleep.

It was so uncharacteristic of him to do this kind of thing but the urge to dote on this kid was just too strong. He had never treated his children like this, but to this kid, his natural instincts are kicking in.

.

.

Ren wasn't sure how he ended up meeting Aria while visiting the Grand Duke for tea. He clearly heard her humming.

But...

The wolves that were following him ran up to her. Only Lark remained by his side but with wagging tails. They look like domesticated dogs.

"Hello." He approached her. He had a smile on his face. "It's nice to see you, Noona!"

She must be looking for a place where no one will bother her.

"I'm going to visit Mama, do you want to come?"

[ARIA'S POV]

She stared at the redhead boy with immense divine power. Except for the saintess and Holy Knight Gabriel, she had never met anyone with this level of divine power. She could not dismiss this boy in the same way she did others, and she did not feel the need to.

He must be here for some reason.

Yes, he resembles her. She came here with the hope of saving Lloyd and his family.