10x Rewards: Becoming Invincible With My Sign-in System-Chapter 268: Insanity
The garden was beautiful as ever, giving a tranquil atmosphere to everyone venturing inside. Though, if someone tried to disturb this atmosphere they would quickly find the perils hidden behind the blanket of calmness.
Arnold cared deeply about his garden, which meant there were many traps to protect everything inside.
As the petals swayed in the wind with the Twilight sky as the background, Aegon found the scenery as mesmerizing as always. It was also surprising how this moment was so calm, despite him facing a devastating battle a few minutes ago.
’Life is full of ironies,’ Aegon thought. ’Just like this moment.’
He didn’t meet his father in his first life, or rather he didn’t even know who he was, and in this new life, he didn’t have a father in his life either.
But now, he was finally walking side by side with his blood father for the first time in two lives, yet they didn’t share that relationship.
Aegon could see that Arthur was nervous about this meeting. The man was very easy to read, despite being the Marshall. Or perhaps, he simply let down his guard because of him.
’What a great family I have gotten,’ Aegon couldn’t help but smile.
They walked quite some distance in silence as Aegon gave Arthur some time to relax. It worked, especially since he was surrounded by flower beds personally made by his father.
"Feeling better?" Aegon asked, pocketing his hands inside his trousers.
"Hmm, much better," Arthur replied. "You’re much more thoughtful than any of us."
"Pretty sure I got this from Opa," Aegon said.
"You’ve only seen the changed Arnold Augustus," Arthur sighed. "I guess it really made him a different person."
"A big event brings massive changes," Aegon said, glancing at Arthur. "Aren’t you much different from the young man of years back too?" 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚
"Fair enough," Arthur smiled lightly. "Thank you for inviting me. I’m really happy to be a part of this."
"You don’t even know what is happening here, do you?"
Arthur scratched the back of his head and nodded, "Yes, but I can guess. You worked with Lily, after all. And it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as I’m included, I’m happy for it."
"Even if we’re planning something against you?" Aegon asked, genuinely curious.
"Even if you wish to kill me, I’ll happily oblige," Arthur replied calmly, as if he had said something mundane.
For a moment, Aegon remained silent as he thought, ’He is more damaged than I thought.’
Liliana was also hurt, but she had managed to keep a good and sane mentality. She was far more composed for the situation, so Aegon assumed that Arthur would also be similar.
However, looking at his current self, Aegon felt his judgment crumbling. This man wasn’t sane. Years of pain and self-blame had driven him to insanity.
"Marshall, when was the last time you slept?" Aegon asked, hoping the answer was good.
Arthur paused, then rubbed his chin in thought, "A good question. As for the answer, I can’t give it as I don’t remember it myself. Perhaps two months ago? Or was it six months?"
’Fuck!’ Aegon cursed silently. ’He isn’t taking care of himself at all. Or perhaps, he simply doesn’t want to as a form of self-punishment.’
But he could see that Arthur wasn’t completely insane. He was quite normal actually. If that wasn’t the case, Samuel would have taken his position away from him.
’Something is keeping him sane, like an anchor, through this pain. He’s basically on the border,’ Aegon suddenly realised something. ’Ah! My siblings.’
As far as Aegon knew about Arthur, he was a typical Augustus who was bad with words. But that didn’t mean he didn’t love his family. Quite the opposite, so Aegon was sure he loved his other two kids a lot too.
Even if he inflicted punishment on himself, he wouldn’t want that to affect his children’s lives. Especially since he felt he had ruined his youngest child’s life.
Now, Aegon regretted inviting him for this conversation. He should have let the man get better mental health before discussing something so important.
’Should I abort the mission?’
"I’m not weak, child."
Aegon turned towards Arthur upon hearing his clear voice.
"I know what I’m going through," he said. "But don’t mistake it for weakness. A wounded lion is still a lion."
For the first time, Aegon saw why this tall and imposing man was the second highest authority in the Empire. His deep black eyes seemed to hold the abyss itself, as his heavy tone demanded respect.
Arthur stared at him for a moment before turning forward, "So don’t hesitate. I’ve been through worse, so I think I can handle it."
Instead of speaking immediately, Aegon continued to walk beside him, strange silence enveloping the atmosphere. Despite that, both of them were calm.
"I have a question for you, Marshall," Aegon finally spoke up. "A choice question, to be exact."
"I hate those with my dear life," Arthur groaned. "Must you really torment me with those again?"
Choices had destroyed his life, so of course the man hated them. Aegon could understand it but...
"Apologies, but I have to do this," Aegon said, stopping beside a flower bed of beautiful light purple petal flowers. "It’s important and will impact our future together."
Arthur froze for a second, then sighed and stopped too. He nodded in resignation.
Facing him, Aegon asked in all seriousness, "If you were given the chance to choose again, what would you choose?"
Arthur’s back stiffened, as he turned towards him. "Choose between what?"
"Sixteen years ago, you made a choice," Aegon said. "I’m asking, if you were given a chance to rewind that moment, what would you choose?"
Arthur looked away and said, scratching the back of his head, "I would implement many measures and make sure the tragedy doesn’t repeat itself. I have so many regrets from that day, so I’ll make sure I don’t get them again."
"Marshall!" Aegon kept his voice calm and stern. "Please don’t dodge the question. You know exactly what I’m asking, so answer it. I need to hear it."
