The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 735: SMALL TRICKS

ASTRID stared at the two men in front of him, observing their interaction down to the smallest detail. The way Valentine leaned slightly into the emperor’s space without hesitation, how the latter didn’t pull away even when the actor pouted at him. It all spoke of a familiarity that went beyond casual acquaintances. Most telling was how the emperor allowed this behavior at all. Someone like him, the one standing at the very top of this Empire, was letting Valentine get away with behavior no one else would dare attempt.

Astrid could only come up with one explanation, but the idea seemed too explosive to even consider. What else could their behavior mean besides that? And by ’that’, he meant a romantic relationship. Surely they wouldn’t silence him just for witnessing this, right? Not that Wulfric would let anything happen to him. Still, pretending he hadn’t noticed anything might be the safer choice.

The emperor took a seat on the couch, every movement radiating his usual imperial dignity. Astrid’s stomach did a weird little flip as he remembered how he and Wulfric had been making out on that very spot not ten minutes earlier. He was suddenly glad that this was just virtual reality. If this had happened in the real world, he would have to make an effort to not show any reaction.

Valentine sat down next to the emperor, who didn’t even glance his way. It wasn’t that the emperor was ignoring him. It was more like it’s natural for Valentine to be there that no reaction was needed. The casual intimacy of it all only confirmed Astrid’s suspicions about their relationship.

Cynric almost asked where Wulfric was, but caught himself at the last moment. This might be his best chance to ask Astrid about whatever was going on between him and his brother.

”What exactly is your relationship with my brother?” the emperor asked, his golden eyes locking onto Astrid. ”Answer truthfully. Don’t worry about Wulfric getting angry, I’ll handle him.”

Astrid nearly blurted out, ’You really think you can handle Wulf?’ but bit his tongue just in time. He let his expression turn nervous instead, dropping his gaze. ”I... I apologize, Your Majesty,” he stammered. ”But my relationship with Wulf is... it’s something between him and me.” He paused before continuing, ”I-I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss our relationship with Your Majesty.”

Cynric hadn’t expected Astrid to basically tell him to mind his own business. Because that’s what it was, no matter how politely wrapped it was in nervous hesitation. The kid had guts, he’d give him that.

”I’m the emperor. Aren’t you afraid I’ll punish you for acting this bold in front of me?”

Astrid made sure to tremble visibly, his voice shaking just right. ”Y-Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler,” he said, ducking his head. ”Surely Your Majesty wouldn’t punish someone over something so petty.”

The emperor narrowed his golden eyes at Astrid. The other’s words had been perfectly respectful, yet something about them still felt like a challenge. What he had essentially heard was: ’Punish me and you prove you’re petty’. He couldn’t decide whether to be irritated or grudgingly impressed.

”Too bad for you, I can be extremely petty when I choose to be,” he said. ”So before I resort to threats, why don’t you save us both the trouble and answer honestly?”

Astrid suppressed an inward sigh. Now he understood exactly how the emperor and Wulfric were related, both could be ridiculously childish when it suited them. He made his hands tremble before suddenly dropping to his knees in what looked like a panicked bow.

”P-please forgive me, Your Majesty!” His voice cracked just right. ”I meant no disrespect!”

Cynric frowned. Seeing Astrid trembling so badly, he suddenly felt like some kind of villain. Had he gone too far?

Just as he was debating whether to drop the matter, Valentine let out a quiet laugh beside him.

Valentine let out an impressed chuckle as he watched Astrid. ”Damn, you’re good,” he said, shaking his head. Then he turned to the emperor, his expression shifting into a gentle smile. ”Don’t feel bad, Cyn. He’s just acting. He’s not actually scared of you.”

The emperor’s frown deepened at Valentine’s words. He turned back to Astrid just in time to see the other stop trembling. Astrid rose slowly from his kneeling position, the fear melting off his face until only blank calm remained. That was all the confirmation Cynric needed to know that Valentine had been right.

Once again, Cynric didn’t know whether he should be angry or impressed. ”You’ve got a lot of nerve, Astrid Townsend. How dare you try to play me?”

Astrid straightened and gave a flawless bow, showing no fear of potential consequences. ”I sincerely apologize, Your Majesty,” he said, his voice steady despite the situation. ”I never intended to disrespect you. I only acted that way because giving a direct refusal to an emperor felt... unwise. If my actions have offended you, I am prepared to face whatever punishment you deem appropriate.”

Astrid didn’t feel truly scared despite the situation. Maybe it was because he knew Wulfric wouldn’t allow anything to happen to him. Was this the kind of confidence that came with having strong backing? Beyond that, he could also sense how much importance the emperor placed on Wulfric. It was unlikely that the other would start an argument with his brother just because of Astrid. Or at least, that was what he was counting on.

More than that, Astrid’s gaze flicked to Valentine. It was hard to believe this was the same man who often showed a mature, gentle image in front of the public. The real Valentine wasn’t charmingly playful, he was the infuriating kind that made you want to strangle him. Astrid shook his head to himself. This just proved you should never trust the personas celebrities crafted for the public.

At that moment, a familiar voice suddenly filled the tree house. ”Who gave anyone permission to punish Aster?”

The space in front of Astrid fractured into glowing fragments, dissolving into pixels that swirled and reassembled into Wulfric.