Read Novel Full Chapter 586: The Stubborn Aunt
Chapter 586: The Stubborn Aunt
Two days later...
"Well then, we’ll be leaving now, grandfather and grandmother," Nolan said, cupping his hands together toward them.
Ayamori wiped away her tears and walked over to Nolan, hugging him tightly.
"Be careful on your journey. Thank you for coming to our home," she whispered, her voice breaking with sobs.
She had longed to meet Nolan and Elina for so long, but her stubborn daughter refused to bring them.
All she could do was pray to the sun god to see her two grandchildren—and her prayer had been answered.
Though only Nolan came, it was enough. At least she could see one of her grandchildren.
Nolan smiled and hugged her back.
"You’re welcome, Grandma. I hope you stay healthy, so that when Elina and I arrive, both you and Grandfather will still be here," he teased.
"You..." Ayamori blinked in surprise, then laughed softly. She pinched his waist and chided, "Even though your words sound like a prayer, why do I feel like you’re wishing for my death?"
Nolan coughed and explained, "Don’t get me wrong. It really is a prayer. How could your grandson ever wish for your death?"
Ayamori’s irritation melted instantly, replaced by a warm, beautiful smile.
"All right, I was just joking. Be careful, understand?"
She rubbed Nolan’s head affectionately.
Nolan nodded weakly. Only in front of his grandparents did he allow himself to be vulnerable and submit to them.
After all, he could feel their sincerity, and it made him love them all the more.
Ayamori then walked toward Evalyn to exchange greetings, while Nolan approached his grandfather.
"Goodbye, grandfather. Thank you for your hospitality," he said politely.
Ryuuten smiled and nodded slightly. He patted Nolan on the shoulder and said, "Be careful on the road, and thank you for coming."
There were no dramatic displays of tears—just short, firm words.
They were both men and didn’t need such gestures. Even so, it would be a lie if Ryuuten claimed he didn’t feel a twinge of sadness at parting with Nolan.
Nolan himself had only arrived at the palace less than a week ago, yet he now had to return home, and he felt a touch of reluctance.
Still, he knew it was inevitable. Nolan was the prince of the Great Velmora Empire, so sooner or later, he had to go back.
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. Please give this to your mother later."
Ryuuten reached into his pocket and took out a silver necklace shaped like the sun, then handed it to him.
"This is one of three sacred necklaces. Those who wear it are protected from misfortune. I want you to give it to her," he said softly.
Nolan accepted the necklace and examined it closely.
In that moment, he was shocked. He could feel a faint, invisible power within it.
’The power of the Sun God?’ he whispered.
Since that inexplicable incident, his belief in the gods had only grown stronger—especially in the sun god.
If the necklace truly held the sun god’s power, Nolan had no doubts or reservations about it.
"Okay, grandfather. I’ll give it to Mother. Don’t worry," he said earnestly.
"I believe in you," Ryuuten nodded slightly.
The necklace carried tremendous meaning and value.
Even if it were Ryuusei, he wouldn’t have dared to give him the necklace.
Yet he gave it to Nolan without a second thought, a clear sign of the deep trust he placed in him.
After exchanging a few more words, the two finally departed.
Ayamori watched their backs slowly fade into the distance and sighed deeply.
"If only they could have stayed a little longer... that would have been wonderful."
Ryuuten smiled and gently rubbed her head.
"Don’t worry. Once Nolan returns, he’ll definitely tell Yuki about his experience. When that happens, I hope he can change her mind and stop her from holding herself back from coming here more often. And when Nolan comes again, I’m sure he’ll bring Elina too. Then we can all be together."
He had already told Nolan about it. Since neither he nor Ayamori could persuade Yuki, only Nolan could.
After all, he was her son. Their bond was very close. He had no doubt Nolan could succeed.
"Thank goodness..." Ayamori breathed a sigh of relief. "I’m glad to hear that. By the way..."
She glanced to her right and left, as if searching for someone who wasn’t there.
"Where’s Kaede?"
"Kaede?" Ryuuten looked surprised. "Ah, I forgot to mention—she’s going to take them both to the port. She should be waiting outside."
"I see..." Ayamori nodded in understanding and said no more.
...
Nolan and Evalyn had just stepped out of the palace when a woman in a stunning white gown, which sharply contrasted with her hair, came into view.
Who else could it be but Kaede?
The woman waved at Nolan and Evalyn, signaling them to come closer.
"Why is she here?" Nolan frowned.
Evalyn nudged him in the stomach. "Don’t say that. She’s your aunt. Watch your words."
She thought Nolan had changed, but he really hadn’t. If Kaede heard him, it would surely hurt her feelings.
Nolan realized his mistake and quickly coughed.
"You’re right. Sorry."
They hurried toward Kaede, who was waiting patiently.
"You two finally came out. Let’s go."
Nolan and Evalyn exchanged confused glances.
"Go? What do you mean, Auntie?" Nolan asked, surprised. "Don’t tell me you’re coming with us."
His eyes narrowed suspiciously. If that were true, wouldn’t his grandparents be angry?
Kaede rolled her eyes and pinched Nolan’s cheek lightly.
"Don’t call me Auntie. It makes me sound old. Just use my name—or add ’Princess.’ That sounds better," she grumbled.
"What?" Nolan was taken aback. He looked Kaede up and down, as if she were a complete stranger.
The woman before him was over thirty—the same age as his mother.
How dare she ask him to call her by her real name?
Wasn’t that the same as skipping a generation?
If his mother found out, she would definitely scold him.
Kaede noticed the meaning behind his gaze, and her face flushed slightly.
Even so, she didn’t care and kept a straight face.
Evalyn was just as surprised as Nolan. She wanted to say something but felt too embarrassed.
In the end, she simply lowered her head, hiding her smile.
"Anyway, I’m going back to the empire with you two," Kaede said firmly.
Nolan was silent for a moment before exhaling deeply.
"But Aunt—"
"Call me by my name," Kaede cut him off coldly.
"Ahem! But Kaede, isn’t this dangerous? If Grandfather and Grandmother find out, they’ll definitely blame me."
Nolan looked helpless. He had played the role of the good grandson and didn’t want it to collapse now.
Kaede rolled her eyes and said curtly, "There’s no need to worry. I’m sure they won’t blame you. You can trust me on that."
"But—"
"No buts. Now, let’s go."