Chapter : 16 : Throk Grimclaw

Aiden, Luna, and Lysandra walked through the grand palace corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone floors.

But none of that seemed to impress Ivy as much as simply being inside a building.

Her red eyes sparkled as she took in the massive stone pillars, the endless hallways, and the fancy decorations. She spun around, trying to see everything at once.

"This place is huge!" Ivy exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

Lysandra chuckled, crossing her arms as she watched. "You're really happy, huh?"

Ivy nodded eagerly, her black hair bouncing. "Yeah! This is my first time under a roof!"

The three of them froze.

Luna's ears twitched, her tail going still. Lysandra's usual smirk faded, and Aiden's brows knitted together.

First time under a roof?

Aiden clenched his fists. *Just how long had she suffered? How long had she lived without shelter, without warmth... without love?*

Without hesitation, he reached out and gently patted her head. "Ivy," he said softly, his voice full of warmth, "from now on, you'll have everything you need. If you ever want something, just say the word."

Ivy's eyes widened.

Then, without warning, she threw her arms around Aiden's waist, holding onto him tightly. "Onii-chan… thank you! Thank you so much!" she cried, her voice shaking with emotion.

Aiden felt her tiny fingers clutching his outfit and gently stroked her back. "You don't have to thank me, Ivy. That's what family does."

Luna and Lysandra exchanged glances before stepping closer.

Luna placed a comforting hand on Ivy's shoulder. "That's right. We're family now. You don't have to be alone anymore."

Lysandra nodded, a rare softness in her expression. "And family looks out for each other. So if you need something, we're here."

Ivy sniffled, nodding against Aiden's chest. "T-Thank you..."

Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor.

They all turned to see King Kragg Grimclaw approaching, flanked by two goblin knights. But what really caught Aiden and Luna's attention wasn't the imposing figure of the king—it was the small goblin boy walking beside him, clutching his hand.

The boy's bright crimson eyes shone with excitement as he looked around. Then, spotting Lysandra, his face lit up, and he ran toward her at full speed.

"Onee-sama! You're back!" he shouted joyfully.

Aiden blinked. *Wait… Lysandra has a little brother?*

Lysandra knelt down, catching the boy in a warm hug and ruffling his hair, making him giggle.

"Yeah, I'm back, you little troublemaker," she said with a smirk.

Aiden and Luna exchanged confused glances.

"I didn't know princess had a little brother," Luna whispered.

"Neither did I," Aiden admitted.

King Kragg let out a hearty laugh as he approached, his deep voice filling the corridor.

Ivy, still clinging to Aiden, immediately hid behind him, gripping his pants nervously.

The king noticed but didn't comment. Instead, he turned to Aiden with an approving nod. "Sir Aiden, I've heard about your actions in the market."

Aiden laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "It was nothing, really..."

"Nonsense! You have my gratitude." The king bowed slightly.

Aiden's eyes widened. "Y-Your Majesty, you don't have to—"

"I insist. Tell me anything you desire, and I shall grant it," the king declared.

Aiden hesitated, then glanced down at Ivy.

"If you really want to thank me… then grant Ivy whatever she wants."

The king raised an eyebrow before turning his gaze to Ivy, who was still half-hiding behind Aiden. "And who might this little one be? I didn't see her with you before."

Aiden placed a reassuring hand on Ivy's head. "Her name is Ivy Nightshade. She's my new companion."

The king smiled. "I see… Well then, Ivy, tell me—what do you wish for?"

Ivy hesitated, shifting nervously under the king's gaze.

Then—

Her stomach let out a loud, grumbling growl.

The entire corridor fell silent.

Ivy's face turned bright red as she wrapped her arms around her stomach, looking absolutely mortified.

King Kragg roared with laughter. "Ah! So that's what you want! Very well, Ivy—you shall have the best meal in the kingdom!"

Ivy's embarrassment quickly turned to excitement. "Really?!"

Luna grinned. "That's great, Ivy! You'll finally get some real food!"

The king chuckled. "Come, let's eat."

A few moments later, they were all seated in the grand dining hall. The long table was decorated with golden goblets and silverware, the air filled with the rich smell of roasted meat and fresh bread.

As they settled in, Lysandra's little brother pointed at Aiden with a smirk.

"So… you're the guy my Onee-sama kept blushing about, huh?"

Lysandra choked on her drink. "You brat!" she sputtered, face turning red.

Aiden leaned back, grinning. "Oh? So you've been talking about me, Lysandra?"

Lysandra slammed her fists on the table. "Shut up!"

Aiden laughed, enjoying her reaction.

Luna, however, pouted. "Master, why do you only tease her?"

Noticing her jealousy, Aiden reached out and scratched behind Luna's ears.

She instantly melted, her tail wagging as she let out a happy purr.

Meanwhile, the little goblin boy— watched with admiration. "So, about me!"

Aiden chuckled. "Yeah, tell me."

Throk puffed out his chest. "I'm Throk Grimclaw, the only prince of this kingdom! And, thanks to you, I'm next in line for the throne—since you turned down becoming the king after marrying my sister."

Lysandra nearly fell out of her chair. "You little—!"

Aiden raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh? I could've been king, huh?"

Throk nodded proudly. "That's right!"

Aiden turned to Lysandra. "Are you sure you want me to still refuse? I'd make a great king."

"SHUT UP!" Lysandra yelled, face burning.

Aiden burst out laughing.

Then—

A loud grumble echoed in the room again.

All eyes turned toward Ivy, whose stomach had betrayed her once more.

Her face turned scarlet. "W-What?! I haven't eaten all day! Stop staring at me like that!"

Aiden chuckled, patting her head. "Alright, alright. Let's eat."

And as the first plate of food was placed before her, Ivy's eyes widened in wonder.

For the first time in her life, she would eat—not out of necessity, but out of joy.

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END OF CHAPTER : 16 : THROK GRIMCLAW!

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A/N: I'll upload the next chapter Immediately if I get 10 power stones.

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