The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

AFTER their conversation with Reas, the three headed back toward the house. Along the way, they crossed paths with the three Grimaldi men, who appeared to be returning to the house as well.

As soon as Anthony spotted Emmaline, he wasted no time. "Emmaline," he began, "may I have a word with you? And with your husband as well?"

Emmy raised a brow, curious by what the other might want to discuss. Before responding, she looked to her husband. Gage offered a subtle nod, signaling he didn't mind. Turning back to her father, she replied, "Sure."

After Emmy agreed, Casey suddenly stepped up to Reas, draping an arm over his shoulders.

"My dear nephew," he said with a grin, "how about spending a little quality time with your uncles before we leave the planet?"

Reas looked utterly bewildered as Casey pulled him along, leaving him no chance to protest. Thomas trailed behind the two, leaving only Emmy, Gage, and Anthony standing there.

Emmy chuckled softly, easily recognizing Casey's intention; it was clear he'd done it on purpose to give them some privacy.

She looked up at her father and asked, "So, what is it you wanted to discuss?"

Her father took a deep breath, as though gathering the strength to voice what was on his mind. "Would it be alright if I stayed here… indefinitely?"

Both Emmy and Gage went silent when they heard that. They exchanged a quick glance, processing what he had just asked, each clearly surprised and unsure of how to respond.

When Anthony was met with silence, a flicker of panic crossed his face, and he quickly began to explain in more detail;

"I'm not asking to stay here in your home. I'm planning to buy a house on the planet. I just… I just want to know if I could drop by now and then, and maybe… maybe…" he paused, and then tried to be more clear with what he's saying. "I won't intrude on the life you have now. I'm just asking for permission to visit you and talk to you from time to time."

Emmy stared at her father. Though he kept his face composed, she could see the panic flickering beneath his calm exterior, like a man standing on the execution stage, bracing himself for the final verdict.

She sighed, casting a glance at her husband. This wasn't a decision she could make on her own; Gage's opinion mattered just as much. After all, she wasn't the only one living here.

Gage once again gave a slight nod. He was letting her know she had his full support to make the decision on her own. Emmy could only shake her head helplessly at that.

She turned back to her father. "Wouldn't buying property here be risky? The last thing I want is to wake up one day with Lancaster people showing up at my door."

Anthony took Emmaline's question as a positive sign and quickly launched into an explanation of how he intended to purchase property here without drawing any attention from the Lancasters.

"I'll even ask the prince for help if necessary," he added earnestly. "I'll do everything in my power to ensure that the life you've built here remains undisturbed. I swear it."

Emmy studied her father's face. Seeing that determined look on his face, she felt like if he refused here, the other would accept it but be depressed about it. An image popped into her mind of him sitting in a corner, dejectedly drawing circles on the floor. She shook her head, nearly laughing at her own imagination.

So, what should she do?

The longer she hesitated, the sadness radiating from her father grew almost tangible, pressing around her until it felt like it might prick her skin. Finally, she sighed and said;

"As long as you can guarantee it'll be safe, then go ahead."

The heavy, somber atmosphere surrounding her father began to lift, almost as if a dark cloud had slowly dissolved. In its place, a warmth spread, filling the space between them. His expression softened, and a genuine smile broke through.

"Thank you. I will do my best to not cause you any trouble."

And that's how the duke's temporary stay at Delryria was decided.

-----

Once everyone had gathered back at the house, the moment for goodbyes had finally arrived. Since Astrid, Reas, and Nicol were all students, they couldn't stay on the planet for too long. They had to return to the capital by Wednesday night, at least.

Emmy first hugged Astrid tightly. "Take care of yourself, and don't forget to eat properly. And make sure to take time to relax, alright?"

Then she moved to hug Reas. "Just like I told your brother, take care of yourself. Don't push yourself too hard, alright?"

Gage also went and hugged their sons. While her husband was saying goodbye to their sons, Emmy stepped over to her nephew, bending slightly to meet his gaze with a warm smile.

"It was wonderful meeting you, Nikki. I hope you'll come visit us again sometime."

"Yes! I'll definitely come visit again!" Nicol replied enthusiastically.

As soon as Emmy stood up, Casey stepped forward and wrapped her in a warm hug. "I'll definitely be back to visit, too," he said with a grin. Then, in a much lower voice meant only for her, he added, "And if that old man causes any trouble, don't hesitate to give him a punch or two."

Emmy chuckled. "Yeah, I'll make sure to do that."

She glanced over at Tommy, who lingered a few steps back, looking hesitant to approach, as though unsure if he was welcome.

She sighed helplessly and said to the other, "Come visit with Nikki when you can."

That seemed to cheer up Tommy. "Yes."

Amid the farewells, Wulfric spoke up. "I'll see you again, too. And don't worry about Aster—I'll make sure he stays safe," he assured Emmy and Gage, then added, almost as an afterthought, "Oh, and I'll keep an eye on Reas as well."

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Reas shot him a sideways glance that seemed to say, 'Yeah, right. No, thanks.'

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