Reawakening: Primordial Dragon with Limitless Mana-Chapter 238: The real you

The meeting didn't last long after Hades arrived. His presence alone had everyone on edge, given the title he carried. And considering they had just been discussing how dangerous it was to form an alliance with the Aethernox clan, it was no surprise that each one of them wanted to leave the mansion as quickly as possible—to spare themselves from the potential wrath of the Chaos Heir.

"They're quite understanding people, aren't they?" Hades asked as he and the other two stood near the entrance.

Ralph chuckled. "No, they aren't. You should ask the Queen how annoying they can be."

Hades sighed. "I would have, but Beatrice rushed off the moment the meeting ended."

Ralph only smiled at that and didn't comment further. After a short pause, he asked, "When will you be leaving for the summit venue?"

Hades thought for a moment. "How long does it take by carriage to reach Emberclad?"

Ralph hummed before answering, "Around four days."

Hades's eyes widened. "Well, sorry to say, but I'll be prioritizing time over her comfort."

Ralph chuckled. "Don't worry—it's my sister's fault for deciding on this alliance so late." He let out a weary sigh. "Truth be told, I've supported this alliance from the very beginning."

His gaze drifted to the paintings on the wall—portraits of men standing side by side, weapons raised as they faced down an approaching army.

"I was part of the ministry that served under the previous ruler—our father," Ralph continued. "I saw firsthand the struggles of a ruler, and the sacrifices he had to make to keep peace among his people."

Hades listened quietly. He had heard very little from Peri about the previous ruler—her grandfather. And despite his curiosity, he never asked, knowing the topic was a sensitive one for her.

Ralph added, "I was also gravely injured in that war. That's why Beatrice had to take up the role of Torseque's new ruler. When I finally woke, I was furious—ready to sneer at the woman I believed was utterly incompetent to handle governance."

Shaking his head, Ralph continued in a quieter voice, "But when I saw the state of my people—how well they had recovered from the war, how they were moving toward a better future instead of drowning in despair over the past…I was stunned."

He let out another long breath. "And all of it was achieved by a woman who held her newborn in one arm while reading important documents with the other. She wasn't just a queen—she was fulfilling her role as a mother, too."

Ralph drew a deep breath before speaking again. "That day, I realized how wrong I was to think a woman's place was limited to the home, raising children."

Hades finally said, "I'm glad you realized that."

The older man smiled faintly. "All my life, I've seen Beatrice questioned about her position, her methods of governance, and countless other things. For every one voice that praised her, ten others condemned her. She's been through all of it—and yet she still managed to maintain a balanced and peaceful society. But she never stepped down from her post nor sought help from anyone."

That was why, as he spoke, Ralph turned to face Hades and said, "I honestly wasn't expecting her to accept this help—not this time either. But something must have changed in her heart… because one day she suddenly announced she was forming an alliance with the Aethernox."

He paused before adding, "And when I say Aethernox, I believe my sister chose to trust not the clan—but you, Hades."

The redhead stiffened. The weight of those words—despite how lightly they were spoken—was profound.

Ralph placed a hand on Hades's shoulder. "My sister has dared to trust someone for the first time in a long while. Please… don't break that trust."

Shock flickered across Hades's face, but he pushed it aside to answer the man.

With a blaze of determination in his eyes, he said, "I won't. Ever."

…

Ralph soon left, leaving only Ava and Hades standing in the hallway.

When Hades turned, he found the pink-haired girl waiting with a bright smile.

"Aren't you curious to see the market nearby, Ava?" he asked. "I heard there are plenty of sweet things to try out there."

Ava's grin widened as she realized what her young master was implying.

With an eager nod, she said, "I'll go explore the market… but young master, please don't leave the mansion."

Hades smiled softly. "I promise."

Hades felt a small flicker of embarrassment under Ava's knowing stare, but he had no choice—he had to go.

Inside the mansion, he found three maids arranging the table. They paused the moment they sensed his presence.

"Yes, Young Master?" one of them asked.

Hades cleared his throat, a little uneasy. "Where is she? Beatrice?"

The maid exchanged a quick glance with another before smiling. "Upstairs… ah, and there are no servants on the upper floor, so please call us a little louder if you need anything."

His ears instantly turned red. He gave a stiff nod and hurried up the stairs.

He felt ridiculous for being so flustered, but he couldn't help it. This wasn't like the castle; here, anyone could hear if things got… louder.

*Guh, I hope they don't think badly of me,* he groaned inwardly as he reached the first floor. He pressed his palm against the door—and to his surprise, it opened.

He stepped in quietly.

Beatrice stood near her wardrobe, back turned to him as she searched through her clothes.

"Is it you, Ellie? Have you seen my white dress?" she asked, slightly bending forward.

Her golden hair was still damp—she had just bathed. A drop of water slid down a curl and clung to her shoulder.

Hades closed the door behind him and walked toward her without a sound.

The Queen's ear twitched—she sensed someone approaching. But before she could turn, strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against a warm chest.

A familiar, soothing voice whispered against her ear, his breath brushing her skin,

"Why did you run away from me?"

A soft sound escaped her lips as his breath hit her sensitive spot. Her voice lowered, almost melting into him. "I was a mess… those ministers came too early. I had no time to fix myself. If I knew you were the one coming to get me, I wouldn't have let them ruin my morning like that."

Hades tightened his hold, pressing a slow kiss to her neck. "You looked beautiful anyway. When I walked in, I couldn't look away."

Beatrice's breath hitched. Without thinking, she tilted her head, giving him more of her neck. His presence wrapped around her like heat, making her whisper, "You only say that to flatter me… but it's working. My heart won't calm down… so don't stop."

Hades laughed softly, the sound deep and warm against her skin.

She turned in his arms, looping her hands around his neck. Her gentle, loving eyes met his fierce ones.

"How is Luna?" she asked softly.

Last time they were here, he had to leave in a rush because Luna was cornered in the graveyard. Even though she'd received letters from him and Peri afterward, worry still lingered in her.

Hades brushed a thumb along her cheek, his voice low but tender.

"She's safe and healthy now."

Cupping her cheek he asked, "What about you? How have you been?"

Beatrice shrugged, "What will happen to me? I am doing well as usual?"

Hades hummed, "Are you sure you didn't miss me? I thought the way I had to abruptly leave, you must be wanting to see me again… just like me."

Beatrice lowered her head, her cheeks turning hot. How can a middle-aged woman say such things?

Hades somehow read what was on her mind so he made her look up.

Their eyes locked before the redhead planted his lips on hers, their lips interlocking in a soft but passionate hold, their breaths mingling.

Beatrice closed her eyes, leaning against him, she pressed her hands on his chest. Her heart fluttered and mind solely focused on their shared warmth.

Hades finally released her lips and was met by a breathtaking sight.

Her flushed face was inches away, her breathing slightly unsteady as she looked up at him with her eyes slightly moist.

Resting his head against hers he said, "At least around me, please don't wear that mask of yours which always assures the people around you that everything is fine. The person I fell in love with isn't the Queen of Torseque or mother of my wife. I fell for Beatrice, the brave, kind and excessively adorable Beatrice."

Beatrice lowered her gaze and asked, "What if you find me too childish or unbearable?"

Hades chuckled, "I would love to see that childish side and don't worry, I would never find my wife unbearable."

Beatrice giggled as she pushed him softly and said, "Well, don't say I didn't warn you...dar~ling."

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.