Chapter 5

Hua Chen gasped dramatically. "You just came back but you're leaving already?" He grabbed Hua Ren, hugging him tight. "No no no. This is not fair. You haven't even gotten enough rest."

"Father, stop." Hua Ren whined, forcefully breaking free of the hug. He stood some feet away from father's grubby hands, smoothening out his white robes. His father was ruining his image as the Ivory Warlord. Any servant could walk in and see them like that. "You know the way my work is. As long as I'm on duty, resting is not an option."

Besides, he was doing it for the Emperor. Whatever the Emperor wanted, he would do it. He just wanted to hear the Emperor praise him and look at him with pride. He wanted to be able to be by the Emperor's side forever.

Hua Li sighed "How about we head to the meal hall. We can have the discussion there. Also, A'Ren will be able to eat."

Hua Ren nodded and ran over to his mother, linking their arms together. "Jeez, I wonder how you deal with Father. He's so clingy."

His mother just laughed. "Oh I know. He's like a big baby."

"I can hear you both!" Hua Chen bellowed, grumpily storming after them.

The meal hall within the expansive Hua Estate stood as a grand and elegant space, befitting the stature of the distinguished family. A long, polished table of rich mahogany commands the center, adorned with delicate silk runners and exquisite tableware. Rows of sumptuous cushions line each side, inviting family members and honored guests to partake in lavish feasts.

The hall was accentuated by the flickering glow of intricately crafted lanterns suspended from the ceiling. Attentive servants, dressed in traditional attire, stood at the ready, their presence adding an air of seamless efficiency to the grandeur.

The table was adorned with an extravagant spread of all of Hua Ren's favourite foods.

Steamed dumplings glistened invitingly. Delicately stir-fried vegetables, kissed with the essence of ginger and soy. Fragrant bowls of steamed jasmine rice nestled among ornate dishes. A Peking duck, its skin crisped to perfection. The aromas wafted through the air, combining the sweet notes of hoisin sauce, the zest of fresh scallions, and the earthy warmth of the pancakes. Platters of sweet and sour delicacies harmonized with the umami-rich embrace of soy-glazed meats.

Hua Ren's mouth watered as he gazed at all the food in awe. He never realised he was hungry until he saw the food and his stomach growled.

His father laughed loudly. "Come A'Ren, hurry and eat."

Hua Ren took his designated place beside the grand table where his Alpha father occupied the head. Facing Hua Ren, Hua Li occupied her place with grace. She signaled to the servants to leave them alone.

Once the hall was clear, Hua Ren raised his hand and took off the white veil covering his face. As the veil cascaded down, a vision of unparalleled beauty was unveiled.

His skin, akin to delicate porcelain, radiated a flawless radiance that caught the ambient light. Light gray eyes, almost white, shimmered beneath gracefully arched brows. Soft, red lips formed a gentle curve that hinted at both strength and vulnerability. The goddess of beauty seemed to have taken extra care, as if time itself had slowed, to sculpt each feature with exquisite precision. Hua Ren's face held an otherworldly allure that could captivate the most steadfast hearts.

His Father stared at him with admiration and pride. As if he wanted to shout to the world that he had birthed the most beautiful omega in the whole universe.

Due to how beautiful Hua Ren was, he had to wear a veil since he was a child so as not to attract unwanted attention and also to blend well within the army. Apart from his parents, siblings and Liara Fang, his childhood friend, no other eyes had beheld the full extent of his peerless beauty.

Not even the Emperor his heart beat for.

"So Father, what did you want to talk about?" Hua Ren asked as they ate.

"Oh eat first," Hua Chen chuckled. "Fill your stomach. I'll tell you in a while."

He shared a nervous look with his wife, causing Hua Ren to be suspicious but he shrugged and continued to eat his food.

Whatever his father wanted to say shouldn't be that bad anyway.

After making sure Hua Ren had eaten enough, Hua Chen put down his chopsticks and cleared his throat. "A'Ren, how old you are you right now?"

Hua Ren frowned. What an odd question. "25. Why?"

He watched as his father scratched the back of his neck, looking nervous. "Well, don't you think that it's time for you to settle down?"

Taken aback, Hua Ren suddenly choked on his saliva. His mother hurriedly handed him a cup of water which he downed instantly. "What?" He panted, wiping his lips. "Settle down?"

His father nodded. "It's high time, my son. An omega should not stay too long without getting married."

"But Father, I-"

"Listen to me A'Ren." Hua Chen said, cutting him off in a gentle tone. "You have done well. You've worked really hard and have kept our Kingdom safe for many years now but the battlefield is no place for an omega to stay. It doesn't matyer how strong you are. Your body is that of an omega. You should be thinking of settling down and giving this old man a couple of grandchildren to play with."

Hearing the word 'grandchildren', Hua Ren was mortified. "Father, have you forgotten what I am?" He asked. "I am not a normal omega. I cannot do things an omega does."

"Says who?" Hua Chen retorted, exhaling sharply. "Your inability to perceive or release pheromones has nothing to do with your womb."

"But I've never gone through heat before," Hua Ren persisted. "How can you be certain that I can conceive?"

"Of course you can!" His father exclaimed. "You're my child. There's no way you can't conceive. Listen, A'Ren, I have already found you a suitable husband. He is the son of the Ye family. Ye Li. He's a very good looking and hardworking Alpha who will take care of you, love you and cherish you forever."

Hua Ren thought of the young master of the Ye family and shook his head. Ye Li was a nice man. They have had multiple encounters and he knew Ye Li would truly be good to him but that man could never be his Alpha. No one could. Not even his true Alpha, Sheng Fei.