10x Rewards: Becoming Invincible With My Sign-in System-Chapter 269: Choice Of A Father

A heavy atmosphere reigned between them, as Arthur visibly grew uncomfortable answering the question. He shifted on his feet and looked around, seeking comfort in the flower bed of his father.

Aegon didn’t want to do this since it clearly reminded Arthur of the past that gave him so many wounds. Aegon never liked hurting people, but this was important so he had to do it.

As he told Arthur, his answer would define a lot about how their relationship would progress from here on.

So even though he was reluctant, he insisted on getting the answer.

Arthur finally made up his mind seeing Aegon’s stance and said, "You really inherited this from Xiu."

Aegon’s lips curled up hearing that. It was always nice to hear that he shared qualities with Xiu, since it further proved she was his mother.

"If there’s anything that makes me avoid this choice, I would do it. But if that’s the only choice left," Arthur paused and then continued in a level voice. "I’ll choose the same thing again. I will choose to protect those millions of lives."

Saying that, he closed his eyes as he was afraid to see Aegon’s reaction to his words. Was he disappointed in him? Angry, perhaps? Did he blame him for being such a bad father?

After all, he had just announced that he would choose to abandon him yet again if given the choice. It was the worst thing to hear from your father who already did it once.

It showed he didn’t even regret doing it and really wanted to abandon him.

’Ah! I’m so pathetic. My son will hate me even more now,’ he sighed. ’Whatever chances of reconciliation I had just turned into wisps and disappeared.’

Still, he didn’t regret answering that because he knew deep down he would choose the same thing again.

The silence that followed made him grimace as he waited for the scorn, hate and disdain he would get, even if he wasn’t prepared for it.

He wondered if it would have been better not to attend this meeting at all.

"Remarkable!"

Arthur’s eyes snapped open in disbelief as he raised his head, wondering if he had just heard something wrong in his delusions. But there he was, his son, smiling the same way his mother used to.

"W-What?" Arthur asked in a shaky voice.

"I said it’s remarkable that you can stay true to your beliefs despite everything you’ve been through," Aegon spoke genuinely from his heart. "I’d be honestly disappointed if you had answered otherwise."

Seeing Arthur’s confused and shocked face, Aegon smiled and resumed walking. "I won’t comment on your role as a father and husband, as I’m too inexperienced in your world of adults."

He raised his head to look at the trees bearing cherry blossoms and smiled.

"For some, a good father will set a good example for his children even at a high cost like abandoning them. But for others, a good father will side with his children and wife in perilous situations where they need him, even if that costs other lives. For everyone, the ideal definition of a father would be different."

He gave a glance to Arthur and said, "That’s why I won’t judge you for that. I don’t know if you would have been a good or bad father, but I hope you know that I won’t acknowledge this relationship."

Arthur’s face fell. Even though he had known it for a long time, hearing it seemed to shatter his heart in a million ways.

"I want you to know that it isn’t because of your actions," Aegon continued calmly. "I feel the same about Senior. Perhaps someone else might have blamed you both, and their complaints would be valid too."

He looked around with warmth in his eyes and said, "But I don’t really care. I’m grateful to you both for bringing me into this world. My life was full of love and care. Not even for a moment did I feel that I was lacking something."

Arthur had conflicted emotions hearing his words. For one, he was sad that his absence meant nothing in Aegon’s life, but then he was also happy that Aegon lived such a life.

He even believed that Aegon got a better life without him, which was a bitter pill to swallow.

"You really are an Augustus. So overthinking," Aegon sighed. "If you feel like a failure as a father, ask your other children. I’m sure they’ll give you the opposite feedback."

He shook his head and continued.

"Where was I... ah, yeah, my life is full and if I need something, I’ll get it for myself. So the reason I’m not acknowledging our relationship is because... it wasn’t even there for me. Your absence became the reason why we don’t have that relationship, not because of your choices."

Aegon smiled, running his fingers through the hanging flowers. "Xiu is my parent. She’s all I need for that role, so I can’t accept this sudden addition of new parents. I hope you can understand it."

For a moment, neither of them spoke as Aegon let Arthur process the information and settle his feelings. It was a necessary thing to do for everything he planned for his family’s future.

After a while, Arthur asked in an even tone, "Lily already agreed with this?"

"Yup. She said she’s fine with the arrangement. I can’t accept you two as my parents, but that’s not the only relationship we can share, right?" Aegon chuckled softly. "She has decided to be my mentor for life. And I’m fine with that."

"I guess I’ll also have to come up with a role then," Arthur said, finally a genuine smile forming on his face.

Although it wasn’t exactly what he wanted, he was content with it. As long as he could be around Aegon and help him, he would feel much better.

’I also need to make sure he’s safe.’

Aegon blinked in confusion. "Why do you need a role when you already have one?"

"Huh? I have?"

He nodded. "Of course. You’re the one and only big brother of Chen Xiu."