Aegon didn't care much about his biological parents since he had never even seen them. They were simply the people who had brought him into this world, and for that, he was grateful but that was it.

Whatever had happened back during his birth had driven a wedge between his Opa and his parents. He even remembered how disappointed his grandmother had been with his father, and how his father had repeatedly apologized for something.

He really didn't know what had happened back then or who was in the right or wrong, but it didn't matter to him. He would always take his Opa's side.

But he also knew that being separated from his own son had hurt his Opa deeply, and that knowledge made him conflicted.

That was why Aegon never bothered trying to learn the full truth about the events of his birth. It wouldn't change anything, so he didn't want to hurt either side further.

But he wanted to ask now because of his own plans.

At his question, Arnold visibly stiffened. His voice came out hoarse as he said, "It has nothing to do with him. And never speak about him before me."

With that, he stood up and left the room quickly, his steps heavy, his eyes turning red as old memories rushed back to torment him.

Aegon watched his retreating figure and clenched his fist. His gaze shifted downward as he muttered, "Was it a wrong idea?"

A soft hand, filled with warmth, landed on his head as Xiu ruffled his hair. She spoke softly, "Don't worry about him. He's like that because everything is too conflicting for him. He can't decide either way, because it always drags him back into memories that hurt him the most."

"I really shouldn't have reminded him of it," Aegon sighed.

"So, what are you planning?" Xiu asked as she continued to play with his smooth hair. "I know you wouldn't have asked that question unless you were planning something."

"I'm hesitant about it, so I'll have to see if I'll do it or not," Aegon answered quietly. "I'll tell you if I decide to go with it."

The Academy he was going to attend was the Supreme Apostle Academy of the Great Solar Empire. It was the greatest Academy in all of the human domain, so naturally Xiu wanted him to attend it.

If his grandfather returned to the Empire with him, he would constantly be reminded of the terrible events he was running away from, along with the people he couldn't forgive.

Aegon could understand that, but he also knew that taking such a passive stance only hurt his grandfather more. He was in pain every single day, and Aegon hated it. That was why he wanted to gauge his thoughts before acting on his plan.

"As I said, don't think too much about it," Xiu said, moving to sit beside him before wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug. "Your father is his only son, but at the same time, he also became the reason for the death of the most important person in his life. Yet, your Opa knows he can't just blame everything on him alone. He blames himself, too."

Aegon couldn't argue with that. He had seen the self-blame in Arnold's eyes before.

"Even after fifteen years, he still can't let go of that conflicting feeling," Xiu sighed, her voice heavy. "To be honest with you, I had never seen him so weak before Mom died. It was as if the reason for his life had been torn away from him."

She bit her lip, her voice stuttering as she continued, "If it weren't for you… h-he wouldn't have continued living. The thought of him leaving still scares me to this day."

Aegon's heart trembled at her words. He didn't even want to imagine his Opa gone from his life. He didn't think he could handle it.

The pillar of support he always relied on...gone.

The mere thought made his chest tighten.

His feelings resonated with Xiu's own. Just imagining it shook him to the core.

'That dying flame… I'm the fuel keeping it alive,' he thought, once again realizing just how much he truly meant to them.

"Also, don't ever blame yourself for what happened back then," Xiu said, her voice softer than ever, almost like a whisper. "I know how this self-blame runs in your bloodline, but don't let it consume you. My mom would be furious if you did. Actually, I'm sure she would smack Dad if she were here."

"She used to beat him?" Aegon asked, honestly surprised.

"Not really," Xiu chuckled faintly, "but they did have a lot of fights. My mom was the bravest person I've ever seen. She chose to exchange her life for yours. It was her decision. So, cherish your life even more."

"I will. My life isn't mine alone," Aegon mumbled. After a pause, he thought of something and asked, "Can I ask you something?"

"If it's related to your parents, then please be lenient on my poor heart," Xiu chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Without going into details, tell me… how is he as a person?" Aegon asked carefully.

Xiu pursed her lips, clearly hesitant, but in the end she decided to be honest. "A person can be many things, Little Sun. To me, he is the best brother anyone could ask for. I couldn't have asked for someone better because there isn't one. He's also the best soldier, the best protector of humanity."

She turned her gaze upward and gave a wry smile. "But he failed as a husband, and he failed as a son. As for him being a father… I can't say much, because he did give his all for your older siblings. He isn't perfect, but he tries his best."

"Then why…" Aegon didn't complete his sentence.

"I'm biased, Little Sun, so don't ask me anything more," Xiu said gently. "My brother is like a hero to me. I admire him, and I love him. But I don't want my love for him to blind my judgment when I answer you."

Aegon knew he was putting her in a tight spot, so he didn't press further about his father. He had long noticed that both his Opa and Xiu were the same in this regard.

They didn't hate his father. Far from it. But they definitely resented him. That was the source of their conflicting emotions.

While Xiu could look past her resentment, Arnold was different. He had lost the most precious person in his life, so how could he forgive or forget so easily?

"One more question," Aegon said quietly. "What about my mother? What was her fault?"

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