The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

Chapter 741: HIS LIGHT IN DARKNESS

ASTRID almost said, ’you’re not, how could you be?’, but he stopped himself. It was hard to say something like that when he did not know the whole story. It would only sound like empty words, like he was just saying what Wulfric wanted to hear. And that wouldn’t really help the other.

"Can you tell me what happened?" he asked instead, keeping his tone gentle and careful.

Wulfric was silent for a moment. "I can’t tell you the whole story because it is Cyn’s story to tell, not mine. All I can say is that Cynric went through something terrible in the past, and I was very insensitive about it. I said something I should not have said, and I only just realized how much I hurt him with my words."

Astrid watched as Wulfric spoke, his usual confidence gone. His brow was heavy, his gaze fixed somewhere distant, as if he were looking straight through the screen into a memory he wished he could change. His jaw was tight, the muscles there working faintly, and his mouth held a grim, unhappy line. There was no arrogance in his expression now, only a raw and weary honesty that made him look younger, almost vulnerable.

Based on what Wulfric had said, it seemed clear that the Emperor had endured some kind of painful history. Astrid knew he could not assume what it might have been until he learned the truth, but he also knew he could not push Wulfric to share it. Just as Wulfric had said, it was the Emperor’s story to tell, not his. The fact that Wulfric had held back from explaining, that he had chosen respect over his own urge to confide, showed Astrid just how much the other had grown in sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

So, right now, there was only one piece of advice he could give.

"If you truly believe you hurt your brother, then the only thing left to do is apologize. Not because it will fix everything right away, but because it’s the first step toward making things right. An apology doesn’t erase the past, but it shows you respect him enough to acknowledge the pain you caused. It tells him you see him, you hear him, and you’re willing to be better. That’s all any of us can do when we mess up. Admit it, mean it, and try to be kinder next time."

Aster’s expression was calm but earnest as he spoke. To Wulfric, he didn’t look like someone trying to preach or act wise, he just looked like he’s honestly giving him the best advice he could. His eyes held a quiet understanding, making Wulfric feel like he could hold onto everything he said. He wasn’t telling Wulfric what to do, it felt more like he was showing him a way forward without any pressure.

Hearing Aster’s advice settled something restless in Wulfric’s chest. The words did not magically fix anything, but they gave him a direction where before there had only been guilt and regret. For the first time since his fight with Cynric, the heavy feeling in his stomach felt a little lighter. Aster made the choice seem obvious. And in that moment, Wulfric felt a flicker of something he hadn’t let himself feel in a long time.

Hope that he might still be able to make things right.

"Thank you, Aster," Wulfric said, his voice rough but steady. "I don’t always know the right thing to do. But you... you help me see it clearer. So thank you. For being my light when everything else just feels dark."

Astrid felt a warm, quiet relief spread through his chest at Wulfric’s words. He was glad that what he said had actually helped, that it reached Wulfric in the way he meant it to. He also felt a flicker of affection, seeing this proud and often stubborn man allow himself to be vulnerable, even just a little. It made Astrid feel trusted, and that meant more to him than he thought it would.

"You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad I could help, even a little." He paused, his gaze holding Wulfric’s. "And if I can be your light when things get dark, then I will. For as long as you’ll have me."

"Then you’ll have to wait for a lifetime," Wulfric said, a slow grin spreading across his face, his tone playful but his golden eyes told him how sincere he was. "Because I’m pretty sure I won’t stop needing you until my dying breath."

Astrid felt a sudden, light flutter in his chest, like a dozen tiny wings beating all at once. A faint, warm blush crept up his neck, and he had to glance down for a second to keep from grinning too widely. He felt a giddy, almost dizzying rush of happiness that left him feeling pleasantly off balance. He bit his lip gently, trying and failing to hide how much Wulfric’s words affected him.

After all, this was a serious moment. They both needed to focus on the topic at hand.

He cleared his throat. "When do you plan to talk to the emperor?"

"Right after this call," Wulfric said, his voice firm with resolve.

Since he could not magically teleport to the capital right now, the next best thing was to talk to Cynric in VirtualNet. He could only hope that his brother would be willing to meet with him there.

"Then I wish you luck," Astrid said, his voice warm and full of encouragement. "You can do this, Wulf. Just be honest with him. And remember, I’m just one video call away if you ever need advice or anything."

Wulfric smiled, a real and grateful expression that reached his eyes. "I’ll remember that. Thank you, Aster."

After a brief moment of quiet understanding, they exchanged goodbyes and ended the call.

When the screen went dark, Wulfric sat for a moment in the lingering silence. He closed his eyes, gathering his resolve. When he opened them again, his gaze was filled with determination. He drew a slow, deep breath, then opened his Terminal. His fingers hovered over the interface for only a second before he began to type a message to Cyric.