Chapter 95: Side Story: Eternal Bond

For thirteen years since the birth of her eldest son, Kaelion, Shen Xinghui’s family had grown.

After him came Vaelrik, then Seraphina, and just a few days ago, their youngest daughter, Nyx, was born.

Kaelion had become a responsible older brother, Vaelrik had turned eight, and Seraphina was now five.

This was not how he had originally planned things after having Kaelion, and the realization made him a little bit embarrassed.

But more than that, he felt incredibly happy and blessed.

Currently, the Queen was staying with him, offering help since caring for young children was exhausting.

Shen Xinghui, who was treated like a daughter by the Queen, was enjoying a peaceful tea time with her.

"It has become so lively. I never imagined I would be a grandmother surrounded by so many wonderful grandchildren. It makes me so happy."

"Oh, but Your Majesty, you are far too young to be called a grandmother!"

The woman before her looked to be in her forties—radiant and youthful.

The Queen laughed, her voice light and musical like the sound of bells, though she seemed a little shy.

"I’ve already passed 450 years. I think that makes me more than qualified to be a grandmother."

"You’re... that old?"

She looked so young.

Shen Xinghui was speechless, and then, unwillingly, a thought crept into his mind—one he didn’t want to face.

He was human.

His husband, Ignatius, and their children were Dragon Man.

The difference in their lifespans was immense.

He was 35 now.

Even if he remained healthy, how many years did he have left?

Twenty?

Maybe a little more?

And how long could he even continue having children?

The realization drained the color from his face.

He wouldn’t even live long enough to see Kaelion come of age.

One day, he would grow old and frail while Ignatius and the children remained young.

He would leave them behind.

"Xinghui?"

The Queen had noticed.

Seeing Shen Xinghui pale and trembling, she stood up and came to her side, gently taking his hand in hers.

"Let’s take a break. You only just gave birth—you must be careful with your health."

"Your Majesty..."

"You are my precious child, and to your little ones, you are their beloved mother. Do not push yourself too hard."

The Queen helped him up and stayed by his side, leading him to her room.

She gave him a cup of fragrant tea and tucked him into bed.

But the fear didn’t disappear.

How could he have overlooked something so important?

Naturally, he cried.

He was still as fragile as ever, breaking into tears when things got tough.

His habit of bursting into tears remained unchanged, and frankly, he could do without it.

Shen Xinghui curled up under the blankets, sobbing uncontrollably.

He didn’t know how much time had passed.

At some point, he must have fallen asleep because, when he opened his eyes, the room was bathed in a soft, warm light.

Beside him, Ignatius sat quietly while gently stroking his hair.

"Are you alright, Xinghui?" he asked.

"Ignatius..."

"I heard you weren’t feeling well, but it seems like there’s something more to it."

Looking at her tear-streaked face, Ignatius seemed to understand that something was troubling him deeply.

"Xinghui."

"Ignatius."

He clung to him, seeking comfort in his embrace.

The ache inside him her didn’t disappear, but at least he felt a little calmer.

Deep down, he still hurt, but he had been thinking—he needed to have as many children as he could while he was able.

His special skill would be passed on to his children, and they, in turn, might one day save the Dragon Man race.

If he could leave something behind, then his role was to give birth to as many children as possible, to bring more hope into the world.

He pressed himself against Ignatius and kissed him.

He looked surprised but accepted his affection.

He knew crying while kissing was probably troublesome for him, but he couldn’t stop himself.

"Ignatius, I want more children."

"Xinghui?"

"I want to have more. So please—"

"Xinghui!"

Ignatius gripped his shoulders firmly, stopping him.

Then, he pulled him into a tighter embrace.

He loved these arms—he loved him, he loved their family.

"What are you afraid of? You have to tell me, or I won’t understand. Having many children makes me happy too, but it also puts a strain on you. Even with your skill, that doesn’t mean there’s no burden on you. I don’t want you to feel like you exist just to bear children."

His strong, unwavering words weakened his resolve.

The emotions he had been holding back burst forth, and he cried openly, like a child.

His broad chest caught all of his pain.

His strong arms wrapped around him as if to keep him from breaking.

With him, he could be weak—he could cry.

"Xinghui, talk to me."

"Ignatius, I’ll die before you and the children. That’s why I have to give birth to as many as possible before then... I don’t even know how long I’ll stay healthy."

"What are you talking about?"

"I’m talking about lifespan!" he sobbed.

Shen Xinghui looked at Ignatius, tilting his head and pleading with his eyes.

He had that clueless expression again, leaving him no choice but to appeal directly.

Ignatius blinked his eyes in confusion before suddenly lifting Shen Xinghui into his arms and carrying him to stand before a mirror.

He stared at their reflections, but he couldn’t quite understand what he was trying to show him.

"Do you look older?"

"Huh?"

"You haven’t changed since we met, have you?"

Now that he mentioned it... he hadn’t really noticed before.

He was 35.

Surely, he should have... aged?

"Wait! What? Why?!"

"We had a wedding, stood before the gods, and received their blessing, didn’t we?"

Shen Xinghui nodded his head quickly.

Yes, the priest had performed their wedding ceremony, and they had received the gods’ blessing.

"That wasn’t just a formality. It was a true ritual—one that granted divine blessings."

"What do you mean?"

"A married couple shares the same lifespan. The gods bestow their blessing upon those who are joined. You’re still wearing your ring, aren’t you?"

Shen Xinghui glanced down at his left hand.

The wedding ring was still there, gleaming as always.

"The gods’ blessing resides in that ring. As long as you wear it, you and I will live the same length of time. That’s why it can’t be removed."

"Wait... Does that mean..."

Shen Xinghui’s breath caught in his throat.

He would live the same span of years as Ignatius?

"I won’t grow old?"

"You won’t."

"I’ll get to see Kaelion and the others reach adulthood?"

"You’ll even attend their weddings. You might even hold your grandchildren one day."

Tears welled up in Shen Xinghui’s eyes—tears of relief.

Gratitude filled his heart, and he silently offered thanks to the gods of this world.

Ignatius pulled her into a warm embrace, gently patting his back.

His smile radiated comfort, a silent reassurance that he would always be by his side.

"I want to be with you forever, Ignatius."

"Of course."

"And now... we really can be together for a long, long time, right?"

"Yes, we can."

A bright smile spread across Shen Xinghui’s face—so radiant it could serve as the perfect example of pure joy.

Seeing him like that, Ignatius leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips.

It wasn’t a kiss of desire, but one overflowing with affection.

A kiss filled with all the love he had for him.

Shen Xinghui smiled softly in return, feeling every bit of that love in his heart.

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