The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 485 THINK REALLY, REALLY HARD

WULFRIC gulped. When he heard Asterʼs question, the first thing that flashed in his mind was his fan account - @astridsnumber1fan. This secret certainly had everything to do with Aster. But if he told the other about it, he couldnʼt imagine what heʼs reaction would be. Especially since the other was aware of his ʼWhite Wolfʼ fan account.

Maybe this would be the last straw and Aster would really think of him as some kind of stalker. He could have passed it off and say that there was none, but his immediate reaction had already prevented him from using that excuse. If he said that now, with how perceptive Aster was, he would only think of him as suspicious.

As cold sweat continued to pour on his back, a certain information suddenly flashed in his mind, like a lightbulb turning on. Itʼs not necessarily a secret, per se. More like something he hadnʼt mentioned to the other. But it was still important information that he should have told Aster long ago.

Not only would this cover his slip up, he could also avoid a potential problem in the future by telling Aster about this now. Of course, not coming clean about his fan account might still cause some misunderstanding. But it probably wouldnʼt be too the point of being unforgiven.

He just refused to confess about it now because it would be too embarrassing. He could be thick-face in some situation, but this was not it.

Wulfric, already decided on what to say, became much calmer. ”Actually, there is still one.”

Astrid raised his brow when he heard that. Would this guy actually admit that heʼs ʼWhite Wolfʼ? He thought it would take quite a while before the other admit that. Like years or something. He was even prepared to be the one to reveal to him that he already knew about it.

So, was this actually the time?

But contrary to his expectations, Wulfric said something very, very different.

”I knew that your mother is Lady Emmaline Grimaldi and that your father is Major Gage Thompson.”

After he said that, Aster was just staring at him with a blank expression. Itʼs like something unexpected hit him. Fearing that the other might get angry, Wulfric quickly explained;

”I found out about it by accident. Hildred recognized your mother when he picked Ed and I at your familyʼs farm. He felt that your mother looked familiar. And he later realized that she was the supposed-to-have-been dead Lady Emmaline. Of course, he had to tell me about it. And then I just kind of put two and two together. Especially since your fatherʼs name was the same as Major Thompson and he disappeared almost at the same time as the ʼdeathʼ of Lady Emmaline was announced.”

Okay, this was definitely not the ʼsecretʼ that Astrid was expecting to hear.

At first, he was too surprised when Wulfric mentioned the real name of his father and mother. But after hearing his explanation, he thought, ah, so itʼs because someone recognized his mother.

That was certainly not in the realm of impossibility. Especially if his parents didnʼt alter their appearance. Considering how slow the people here aged, a time of 20 years wouldnʼt really drastically change the appearance of someone.

In fact, his parents had been really lucky that no one had recognized them until now. They didnʼt even bother to change their first name, only their surnames. Well, granted that they chose a planet two galaxies away from the capital to reside in, and the fact that they never left there. Aside from the occasional travels, which still wasnʼt as far as leaving the Palioxis Galaxy.

But still. The fact that they managed to live peacefully up until this day was nothing short of lucky.

Seeing that Aster still didnʼt say anything, Wulfric started to panic.? And he added quickly, ”Donʼt worry, I have no intention of spreading the fact that Lady Emmaline is still alive. The thought of arresting Major Thompson didnʼt even cross my mind. I also made sure that this information wouldnʼt spread any further. Your parents can continue living peacefully as theyʼre doing now. And your connection to the Grimaldis will never be revealed as well. As long as Iʼm here, I will try my best to keep you and your family safe.”

Astrid stared at Wulfric. Wasnʼt this guy just full of surprises today? He smiled unknowingly. And for the first time, he didnʼt want to just say ʼthank youʼ and let it be the end of it. A part of him wanted to know more. To understand just what was Wulfricʼs true feelings. Why he was doing what he was doing.

And so, before Astrid changed his mind, he asked, ”Why are you going so far for me?”

Wulfric was taken aback by the question. Any other time, he would have answered, ʼbecause weʼre friendsʼ. But, somehow, he felt like that was not really the right answer. Especially after he saw Asterʼs eyes looking straight at him.

They were like a pair of black diamonds, shining full of starlight. Like the night sky sprinkled with stardust.

Looking at those eyes, he couldnʼt just say any perfunctory answer. But in the end, he could only say;

”I- I donʼt know.”

And thatʼs his honest answer. He didnʼt know why he was doing all this for the other. Je couldnʼt even explain all the emotions that the other continue to stir up in him. Itʼs like he no longer knew himself whenever Aster was around. As if becoming a completely different person.

Surprisingly, he didnʼt hate such self. To be thoughtful, to be protective, to be supportive, to be patient—there were all things that could never be used to describe him. And yet, he could be those and more for Aster.

Astrid stared at Wulfric, who had gone silent. Then, a helpless smiled crossed his lips. He reached out for the otherʼs hand and held it tightly.

”Then, Wulf, please think really, really, hard for the answer to that question,” he said. [And once you give your answer, then maybe I can give mine as well.]