The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

"There's no need to cook for them," Wulfric grumbled.

Astrid glanced back with a playful smile. "Wulf, are you trying to keep my cooking all to yourself?"

Wulfric pouted. "No. It's not even possible to do that."

Judging by his pout, it was clear that if he could, he would want to keep Astrid's cooking all to himself. At least he was aware enough to admit that wasn't possible.

"That's right. So, don't sulk," Astrid said with a grin. "Especially since I've already decided to cook for everyone for the entire trip."

Wulfric watched Aster's back as he continued to cook, feeling conflicted about him cooking for those three as well. But he knew he couldn't stop Aster from doing what he wanted. Trying to dictate Aster's actions would be the first crack in the foundation of their relationship, threatening everything they had built until now.

Aster wasn't someone who would simply nod and comply when told what to do, especially by someone who wasn't his mother or father. He would likely find it offensive. Wulfric knew that trying to control Aster would only lead to tension and conflict. He had to let Aster make his own choices, respecting his independence.

That's why Wulfric couldn't understand the romance novels he read, especially the ones with domineering male leads trying to control and imprison the main character. These leads were portrayed as possessive and obsessed, doing everything to claim the main character as their own—everything except compromising and showing respect.

The most mind-boggling part was how they still managed to win the main character in the end, all because of some sob story that supposedly excused all their terrible behavior.

In Wulfric's opinion, those main characters simply lacked self-respect. Like, who would go back to the person who caused you pain just because the said person cried a little and told you how horrible his childhood was?

Thankfully, Aster was nothing like those fictional characters. Wulfric felt proud that the person he fell in love with was someone strong and independent.

While Aster cooked, Wulfric continued to watch, cherishing the harmonious atmosphere and the quiet comfort of being together in silence.

Of course, not until Reas returned home.

"You're back just in time. I'm just finishing up dinner," Astrid said as he saw his brother walk into the apartment.

Reas stopped in his tracks when he saw the general sitting at their dining table as if he lived there. Although he had read his brother's message, seeing the general in their home was still a bit surprising.

"General," he greeted, taking a seat across from the other.

The general nodded back at him.

"Did you manage to get leave from school?" Astrid asked. "There wasn't any problem, right?"

"Yes, and there were no issues," Reas replied. "Being a model student has its perks—they approved my leave with no hassle whatsoever."

Astrid breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that. He took off his apron and was about to set the table, but the two men quickly stood up to help him arrange the food. He smiled, watching the two work together so seamlessly.

Once everything was set and the food was arranged, the three sat down and began to enjoy dinner.

----------

In the Grimaldi mansion...

Thomas was tucking his son into bed. As he covered Nicol with the thick blanket, he said, "Nicol, do you remember what we talked with grandfather earlier?"

Nicol nodded. "Yes. We will go on a secret mission tomorrow so we can meet Auntie Emmy."

The corner of Thomas' lips turned up at the way his son simplified it to that. "That's right."

Nicol pulled the blanket up to cover the lower part of his face and blinked his big sapphire blue eyes at him. "Dad, do you think Auntie Emmy will like me?"

"Knowing my sister, I'm certain she would."

"Then, if Auntie Emmy likes me, I'll help you and Grandpa make up with her," Nicol said brightly.

Thomas raised a brow. "Who told you that?"

"Uncle Casey told me you and Grandpa did something bad in the past, and that's why Auntie Emmy is mad at you," Nicol said, suddenly sitting up. "What did you and Grandpa do to make Auntie Emmy so angry?"

Thomas almost couldn't keep a straight face when he heard that. What had Cassius been telling his son? He took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. Nicol was a smart kid, and with them about to meet Emmaline, he would soon understand or at least have an inkling of their family situation.

At least he was sure Cassius's explanation would be gentler, maybe even playful, compared to what he would have said if Nicol had asked him directly.

"Yes, grandpa and I did something bad and we're going to where Aunt Emmy is to apologize to her," he explained.

Nicol stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. "Dad, you and Grandpa are old enough to know better than to do bad things."

Thomas almost let out a laugh at that. "Yes, we know we are in the wrong. That's why we will do our best to earn your Aunt Emmy's forgiveness."

Nicol sighed like an old man. "It can't be helped. I'll help you and Grandpa. Hopefully, Auntie Emmy will be won over by my cuteness."

This time, Thomas chuckled. "Alright, my cute son, lie down and get some sleep. We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

After tucking his son back into bed, he waited for him to fall asleep before quietly leaving the room. Instead of returning to his own room, he went to the study, knowing his father would be there. He knocked and entered when he got permission.

Thomas saw his father pouring a glass of wine.

"It's finally tomorrow," he said.

"Yes."

Anthony downed the glass of wine in one swift motion. The time to reunite with his daughter, whom he hadn't seen in over two decades, was drawing closer.

And fear and guilt gnawed at him as that meeting approached.