The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era [BL]

Chapter 610: AT THE GRIMALDI MANSION (I)

"Astrid, do you really think it's wise to be close to the Grimaldis? I understand that young master Grimaldi feels a special attachment to you because you and Reas saved him. That might even be a major reason why EMMA chose you as their ambassador. While it has certainly boosted your career, getting too close to such a prominent noble family could also backfire."

Astrid turned to Ellis. He understood her concern, but it wasn't as if he could simply cut ties with the Grimaldis, especially now that they knew who he and Reas were. The real issue was that he couldn't explain this to Ellis—at least, not right now.

He planned to first tell the Grimaldis about Wulfric, and then followed by his parents. After that was done, then he would tell Ellis about his connection with the Grimaldis.

Although some might say that he was just procrastinating by doing this, and maybe he was in some way, but he still would rather do it this way. He didn't want to be overwhelmed by everyone's reactions, which he surely would be if he made all these 'confessions' in a single day.

"There's actually a reason why I couldn't just cut them off, and no, it has nothing to do with me being an ambassador of EMMA," he said in response to Ellis. "I'll explain everything to Sister Ellis once I've taken care of some... matters."

That answer just confused Ellis even more. Then she suddenly thought of her guess before - that Astrid and Reas might be the illegitimate children of one of the duke's sons. She knew the twins' parents were on planet Delryria. But what if those parents were just guardians that their real father hired to take care of them?

She furrowed his brows, then shook her head. Why was she making up things in her head like this? Who would have thought she would have this kind of overactive imagination? But who could blame her, really? After that fiasco with the prince, thinking of the worse case scenario was a natural course of action.

Ellis let out a sigh. "Fine. But be sure to explain everything to me when you're ready."

Astrid nodded. "I promise."

Soon, they arrived at the Grimaldi family mansion. Since their arrival was expected, there was no hassle entering the premises.

"Good evening, Uncle Casey," he greeted the other.

Casey smiled brightly, as if he really liked hearing Astrid call him 'uncle'. "Good evening, Aster. And welcome to Grimaldi mansion."

The three of them finally walked into the mansion. The moment they entered, Astrid saw the duke and Thomas waiting inside.

"Uncle Thomas, Your Grace," he greeted the two.

Thomas' expression didn't change much, but anyone who knew him enough would know that he was very happy right now. On the other hand, the duke's expression became even stiffer as soon as Astrid referred to him as 'Your Grace'. But he didn't say anything and just nodded to acknowledge Astrid's greeting.

"Thank you for accepting Nicol's invitation," Thomas said. "I hope it wasn't a bother."

"Oh no, it's not a bother at all. I also wanted to see Nikki, so it worked out well," Astrid said, putting his hand on Nicol's shoulder.

"Does Brother Aster miss me?" Nicol asked, looking up at Astrid with his big sapphire blue eyes seemingly twinkling. "I also miss Brother Aster. I wish you can just live here." Then he suddenly turned to the duke. "Grandpa, can Brother Aster live with us from now on?"

Cracks seemed to have formed on the duke's expressionless face because of Nicol's question.

Anthony wasn't sure how he should respond, so an awkward silence suddenly filled the air.

Casey was the one who broke the silence. He suddenly clapped his hands and said, "Okay! Let's go and eat dinner before the food turns cold."

The duke cleared his throat as if trying to blow away the awkward atmosphere. Then he turned around and lead the way towards the dining room. The four people behind followed shortly .