Sighhhhhh…
Aether let out a deep, satisfied sigh, leaning back in his chair. His plate was spotless—he’d devoured every morsel without leaving even a hint of a stain. “That was fantastic,” he said, nodding appreciatively.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Mr. Aether,” Emberlyn replied with a warm smile as she began gathering the plates.
Meanwhile, Thalia, still fanning him dutifully, looked like she was barely holding herself together. Her annoyance was written all over her face, but she forced herself to maintain her composure, though her sharp motions with the fan betrayed her growing irritation.
Aether smiled inwardly, amused by her visible frustration.
‘This bastard!’ Thalia fumed silently, her teeth clenched as her gaze bore into him. ‘Just a few days ago, he was nothing but a lowly servant, and now, he’s suddenly the Emperor of this Empire? What the actual hell?! And Mom, of all people, just obeys him without question! Ugh, this is so messed up!’
Her thoughts simmered as she continued watching Aether, who was casually playing with Snowflake, his expression relaxed and carefree. A twinge of something unfamiliar stirred in her chest, ‘Yet… I like it,’ she admitted to herself, her cheeks burning.
The realization sent her into a flurry of rapid fanning as if she could cool herself down by sheer force of will.
Aether noticed her odd behaviour and raised a brow. ‘What’s with her now?’ he wondered. ‘Eh, she’s always been a bit weird. No point in overthinking it.’ He shrugged, dismissing it.
Turning to Emberlyn, his expression shifted to something more serious. “Mother-in-law, we need to talk,” he said firmly.
Emberlyn nodded, setting the plates aside and removing her apron. Just as she was about to kneel before him, Aether’s tone softened. “Please, don’t. You’re family to me. There’s no need for formalities like that.”
Emberlyn hesitated, looking conflicted. “I cannot, Sir,” she replied, bowing her head.
He might not understand but here… Everyone should bow before the Emperor!
No one Exception!!
Aether sighed and glanced at Thalia for support, but she merely shrugged.
With another resigned sigh, Aether’s voice turned calm yet commanding. “What if it’s an order, Emberlyn?”
Emberlyn froze, her body trembling slightly before she nodded and reluctantly sat down on a chair.
Aether shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips, ‘It’ll take some time, but she’ll get there.’
Clearing his throat, he began, “I’ll be honest—I’m not very good at politics. And while ruling this empire is an honour, there are more pressing matters I need to attend to so, I nee–“
“More important than ruling an empire?” Thalia cut in with a sharp frown.
Emberlyn shot her daughter a warning glare, making Thalia throw up her hands in surrender.
“Yes,” Aether replied simply. His tone carried an unshakable conviction. “Far more important. The fate of all Five Empires depends on it.” Inwardly added, ‘I need to seduce more women!’ with a serious face!
Thalia blinked, momentarily taken aback by his words.
“Anyway,” Aether continued, leaning forward slightly, “I can’t stay here all the time. Someone needs to oversee this place in my absence—”
Before he could finish,
Thud!
“Aether!”
The door burst open, and Raven entered the room in a flowing white gown that clung to her curvaceous frame. Her damp hair cascaded down her shoulders, droplets of water glistening like pearls. Her wide, trembling eyes scanned the room until they landed on him. The moment she saw him, her face lit up with a radiant smile.
“Raven!” Thalia exclaimed, overjoyed. She rushed forward to hug her sister, but—
“Huh?”
Raven walked right past her as if she didn’t exist. Thalia froze mid-step, feeling a sharp pang of something she couldn’t quite name…. she crumbled like ashes!!
Aether stood just in time to catch Raven as she threw herself into his arms. Her trembling body stilled as she buried her face in his chest, inhaling his scent like it was her lifeline.
“I missed you~” she murmured, her voice soft and full of longing. She snuggled closer, her arms tightening around him as if she never wanted to let go.
Aether smiled, gently stroking her damp hair. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, holding her close.
‘Damn it… Now I’m getting horny.’ He sighed internally, trying to suppress his rising heat. He motioned to sit her down beside him, but—
“What the hell, Raven?! Why are you sitting on his lap?!” Thalia’s outraged voice broke through the moment. Her fists were clenched, and her face was red—not from embarrassment, but pure frustration.
Raven ignored her completely, adjusting herself comfortably on Aether’s lap like a spoiled child.
“Unbelievable!” Thalia shouted, her teeth gritted, “This bastard!”
Raven leaned her head against Aether’s shoulder.
But then—
“Raven,” Emberlyn called out, her tone cool and measured, her frown deepening. “Do you think this is appropriate? Disrespecting your husband in front of everyone like this? Is this how you plan to act as his mate?”
Raven flinched at her mother’s words, her body stiffening. Slowly, she lowered her head, a mix of defiance and guilt flickering across her face.
“B-But he’s my husband… My mate! I can do whatever I want with him!” she protested, her hands clenching into fists as she defiantly kept her seat on Aether’s lap.
Aether, for his part, didn’t seem to mind—if anything, he enjoyed it. The soft scent of her hair and the way her busty ass pressed against him made him grin inwardly. ‘Can’t say I’m complaining,’ he thought with amusement.
However, Emberlyn’s expression grew stern. “I understand,” she began, her voice softening slightly, “that I’ve been absent from your life for so long, and now I’m here, trying to guide you. It must feel annoy—”
“You’re not annoying, Mom!” Raven and Thalia exclaimed simultaneously, their voices overlapping.
Aether raised an eyebrow, hiding his smile. ‘They really are sisters,’ he mused, leaning back to enjoy the unfolding drama.
Emberlyn’s expression softened, the tension in her shoulders easing as a small, gentle smile graced her lips. But it quickly vanished as she returned to her serious demeanour.
“Raven,” she said firmly, “you can act however you want when you’re alone with him. But don’t forget—he is the Emperor in the eyes of the public. His authority isn’t just about power; it’s what inspires both fear and reverence. You must respect that and give him his space when it’s appropriate.”
Raven’s defiance began to falter as Emberlyn’s words sunk in.
Aether sighed, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s fine. She’s comfortable doing this because she’s with family. That’s all.”
But Emberlyn didn’t back down, bowing her head slightly. “I’m sorry, Sir. Family or not, she must respect the Emperor. It’s for her own good as well as yours.”
Aether’s gaze lingered on Emberlyn for a moment, sensing her genuine concern. He sighed inwardly. ‘Looks like breaking this formality will take longer than I thought.’
Finally, Raven nodded reluctantly and slid off his lap, settling into a nearby chair. She crossed her arms and pouted, looking every bit like a sulking child.
Aether chuckled at her antics before clearing his throat to return to the matter at hand.
He said from the very beginning as Raven nodded furiously at his words and finally,
“I need someone to oversee this empire while I’m away.” His gaze settled on Raven, his expression calm but expectant.
Raven tilted her head, listening intently until realization struck her… Her eyes widened in shock. “M-Me?!”
“Of course,” Aether replied matter-of-factly. “Who else would it be? Didn’t you once dream of creating an empire for the Phoenix race? This is your chance to make it happen.”
Raven’s lips parted, but no words came out. She glanced nervously at Thalia, “W-Well… I don’t know if I can do it,” she admitted hesitantly.
Emberlyn and Thalia exchanged knowing smiles.
Aether leaned forward, taking Raven’s trembling hands in his. His gaze was steady, his voice unwavering. “You won’t be alone, Raven. As I said before, even if Thalia leaves you—”
“Oi!” Thalia interjected, shooting him a glare.
Aether chuckled before continuing, “—I’ll always be here for you,” Aether finished, ignoring her interruption. “No matter what, I’ll stand by your side.”
Raven’s eyes shimmered with emotion. Her gaze dropped briefly as she bit her tongue, where a faint ‘♾️’ tattoo was etched into her skin.
Aether smiled, gently brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “We’ll rebuild this empire together,” he promised. “And this time, it will be filled with love and unity—no more hatred, no more division. Every race will find peace here. You’ve got this, Raven.”
Tears welled in Raven’s eyes as she leapt into his arms, capturing his lips in a deep, passionate kiss.
“~Hmm~”
Thalia’s eyes widened as she stared at them in disbelief. Her gaze lingered far too long on their entwined lips, the way their tongues danced in an intimate exchange. Her stomach churned, and she finally tore her gaze away.
‘Yuck. Disgusting!’
she thought, her face twisting in irritation…. Yet, to her own dismay, she found herself licking her lips unconsciously.
“M-May I—” she started to say before—
“Ahem!” Emberlyn’s sharp cough cut through the moment, snapping everyone back to reality.
Aether chuckled awkwardly, disentangling himself from Raven as he reached for a pen and paper.
“What are you doing?” Thalia asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes at him.
Aether’s grin widened as he began sketching. “We’re going to build… a Thruster!”
“A Thruster?” Raven and Emberlyn echoed, curiosity gleaming in their eyes.
“Exactly,” Aether said confidently, his grin taking on a mischievous edge. “It’s time to push this empire forward—literally and figuratively.”