ยฉNovel Buddy
Runaway Guide-Chapter 39
How're y'all doing? Here's a cat to bless your day ๐
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That night, Craig drove Randy and Aiden back home. When it was time to part, Craig turned to Aiden and said, โSon, you should go in and start packing. In three days, Iโll lead the Royal Guard to come pick you up. You can accompany Xi Wei to go register at Ellen Academy.โ
Aiden said, โOkay, thank you.โ
With a gentle gaze, Craig reached out and rubbed the boyโs head. โYou donโt need to be so polite with me.โ
Aiden felt a little embarrassed. Although he still wasnโt able to call out the word โfather,โ when this tall man clumsily caressed his hair, Aiden felt a warm feeling bubble up in his heart.
Craig turned his head and asked Randy, โDo you want to come to the Andromeda Galaxy to send off our son? If you want to go, Iโll take you with me.โ
Randy hurriedly said, โNo need, with the Royal Guard there, I can feel at ease.โ
In fact, he simply didnโt dare to go to the Andromeda Galaxy. That year, he had gotten his boss to forge an Ellen Academy student death certificate, and then he had fled to the capital planet with a new identity. If he returned to his alma mater and came across one of his old teachers, it would be bad if he were recognized. Though so many years had passed, and his appearance had changed, it was better to be safe than sorry. Randy didnโt dare to take the risk.
Craig saw he didnโt want to go, so he didnโt force him. Craig set a time to come pick up Aiden and then returned to the palace.
When Aiden went into his bedroom, he opened the package that Carlo had mailed him. Inside was a white box wrapped up in a gaudy red bow. Aiden frowned and undid the bow, then threw the ugly ribbon away. When he opened the box and took a look, lying inside was a silver and white smartwatch. It was a shame, but compared to the watch his father gave him that was an all-in-one timepiece, communicator and mecha, this one wasnโt of much use. Itโs not as if he could wear two watches.
Aiden thought it over thoroughly, and put the watch away in his drawer.
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On the night of the twenty-seventh, the atmosphere in the palace was a little melancholy. Queen Anna held Xi Weiโs hand and didn't make a sound. The fourth prince Caesar and the two princesses crowded around him, reluctant for him to leave.
โBig brother, do you have to go? Canโt you stay?โ Caesarโs little face frowned so hard it looked like a dumpling. โWhy does there have to be a rule saying you canโt come home for four years? After four years, Iโll have gotten big. What if big brother doesnโt know me anymore?โ
Xi Wei smiled and pinched his little brotherโs dumpling face. โDonโt worry, even after four years, big brother will be able to recognize you at the first glance. When the time comes, Iโm sure our Caesar will be a handsome little guy.โ
Caesar pulled at Xi Weiโs sleeve and refused to let go. โBig brother, we donโt want you to go.โ
The third princess Celine clung to Xi Weiโs leg and started wailing. The second princess Sia was more restrained. She looked at the brother in front of her who had comforted and cared for her since she was small, and said softly, โBig brother, when you get to school, you have to take good care of yourself. After two years, Iโll go there too and keep you company.โ
Xi Wei nodded and stroked his little sisterโs soft hair. โYou too. Since you were little you havenโt been in good health. While Iโm not there, if anyone dares to bully you at St. Paul Academy, just go find Kevinโs older brother Klaire.โ
Sia nodded. โI know.โ Then she reached out and wiped away Celineโs tears, saying, โDonโt cry anymore, if you cry like this, big brother will feel sad.โ
At this, Celine gradually stopped crying. She asked, choked-up: โBig brother, isnโt it that when four years have passed and youโre all grown up, youโre going to get married?โ
Xi Wei: โ...โ
Seeing the three little faces around him, all looking like they didnโt want him to leave, Xi Wei couldnโt help but feel a little heartsore. The empireโs strict restriction of omegas was, on the surface, to protect them. But these excessively harsh laws had caused many omegas to have no choice but to part from their families when they were still young. He was also unwilling to leave his loved ones.
However, Ellen Academy has already sent him an admission letter. As a prince, itโs not like he can refuse to attend school.
When King Trand saw this scene, he suppressed the pain in his heart. He said in a low voice, โAlright, you guys go back to your rooms. Xi Wei still has to pack. Your brother is just going to Ellen Academy to attend school, in a few years heโll be back again. Donโt make a face like youโre never going to see him again!โ
His Majestyโs words were very imposing. At the loud sound of his voice, the children obediently left with hanging heads.
Anna secretly wiped her eyes, then clasped Xi Weiโs hand and said, โIโve already prepared your luggage. When you get to school, remember to keep in touch.โ
Trand softly sighed and walked forward to pat Xi Weiโs shoulder. โXi Wei, youโve already grown up. I trust that you can handle these four years at school. If you come across any difficulties, just send us a message... Take good care of yourself.โ
Xi Wei smiled and nodded. โI know. You donโt have to worry, I wonโt get in any trouble.โ
Trand relaxed at this. He and Anna turned and left Xi Weiโs room.
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The next morning, the second team of the Royal Guard escorted Prince Xi Wei from the palace under General Craigโs personal leadership. King Trand and Queen Anna stood side by side at the door and watched the hovercar motorcade fly farther and farther into the distance. Their precious eldest son was leaving for Ellen Academy, where he would undergo four years of education before becoming an adult. When he returned, according to the rules of the empire, they would have to choose an alpha for Xi Wei.
When they thought of this point, they felt extremely reluctant to let go.
Trand wrapped his arms around Annaโs back and said, โDonโt be sad anymore. There was always going to come a day when Xi Wei would grow up.โ
Anna said, her voice cracking, โI only hope that in the future, he can meet an alpha who really loves himโฆโ
In the hovercar, Xi Wei looked out the window at the two silhouettes at the palace door, growing smaller and smaller with distance. He couldnโt help but feel a little bitter at heart. A lot could change in four years. After four years, when he returned here again, his fate might be like that of his uncleโsโgetting married off to an alpha by his father.
So in these four years, he has to think of a way to get out of it. At his side, Xi Wei tightened his fist, and inwardly made a resolution.
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The Royal Guard soon arrived at Aidenโs house. Aiden had already packed, and Randy went to the door to send him off. Craig helped Aiden lift his luggage into the trunk. Randy gently hugged his son, and said in a soft voice: โIf you have any problems once you get there, just give me a call. The card I gave you has a lot of money on it, so if you want to eat something or buy something, don't hesitate. Just donโt deprive yourself.โ
The amount of money his nouveau riche father had deposited in the card was truly frightening. Aiden looked at him helplessly and said, โI canโt use up this much money at school.โ
Randy said, โIf you canโt spend it all, thatโs fine. Just save it for now. In the future, when you want to marry, Iโll throw the empireโs most luxurious wedding for you.โ
Aiden smiled, and couldnโt help but hug this willful big spender tight. โGot it, Dad. Donโt work too hard.โ
Randy reached out and rubbed his sonโs head. โThatโs right, would you like to have a brother or sister?โ
Aiden asked in confusion, โWhat brought this up?โ
Randy said with a smile, โIโll give birth to a brother or sister for you, how about it?โ
In his heart, Aiden knew that his dad actually wanted to give birth to other children in order to save him. Listening to him, he felt a little upset at heart. He really wanted to tell his dad not to force himself to get pregnant. He was already very content with living until eighteen... However, faced with Randyโs tender gaze, there was no way for him to get out this sentence.
His dad had earned so much money, and had all along been trying every possible method to save him. Then, how could he give up so easily?
After a long moment of silence, Aiden nodded and said, โAlright. I also really want to be a big brother.โ
Randy smiled and helped tidy his sonโs hair. โGo on. If something happens at school, you can call me anytime.โ
โOkay. Take care, Dad.โ Aiden hugged him tight, then turned to follow Xi Wei.
The two of them were just about to step onto the hovercar when they suddenly heard someone calling them in the distance.
Xi Wei turned his head and saw Klaire and Carlo coming towards them.
Xi Wei said in surprise, โHow come you guys are here?โ
Klaire walked quickly over to him, smiled and said: โWe came to send you off.โ
After he said this, he handed over the black cat he was carrying to Xi Wei. โAre you bringing your white cat to school? Iโll give you my cat as well. Ellen Academy allows pets, so can you help take care of mine?โ
That black cat had grown quite a bit over the years. Lying in Klaireโs arms, he glared imperiously at Xi Wei with golden eyes, tail cocked.
Xi Wei couldnโt help but laugh, and patted the catโs head. โSince you're so fierce to your new owner, later I wonโt give you any food to eat.โ
The black cat immediately hung his head, and looked as if he had been wronged.
Klaire lightly rubbed his petโs head, and said, โGo on then, be nice to your new owner.โ
Xi Wei took the cat and said, โThis idea is pretty good. The two cats can keep each other company at school.โ
Klaire smiled and gently took Xi Wei into his arms. He said softly, โItโs only four years, itโll pass by very fastโฆbut Iโll miss you.โ
The boyโs clear blue eyes were full of tenderness and reluctance for him to leave. The expression in his eyes was really just like that of his white catโs. Early that morning, his cat had meowed and bit onto his trouser leg, full of love and unwilling to let him go. So at the last moment, he had decided to bring his cat along.
Now, looking at Klaire who was playing the part of a pet, Xi Wei couldnโt help but smile and reach out to stroke his golden hair. โAlright, donโt act so pitiful. Todayโs technology is so advanced, if we want to see each other, we can just make a video call at any time. Itโs only four years, itโs not like weโll never see each other again. Thereโs no need to be too depressed.โ
โBut you donโt know, to those who deeply love you, one day without seeing you feels like three autumns have passed. Four yearsโ timeโwhat kind of torment would that be?
Forcefully holding back the desire to kiss him, Klaire took a deep breath, smiled and said: โIโll wait for you to come back.โ
Xi Wei nodded. โI'll see you then!โ
At the side, Carlo stood in front of Aiden and awkwardly scratched the back of his head. โThat, the present I sent you, did you get it?โ
Aiden said, โIโve received it, thank you, class leader.โ
Carlo said, โWhen you get there, cough, if youโre not too busy just send me a video call or something.โ
Aiden thought to himself, Whoโd have nothing better to do than to send you a video call? What if you scolded me as being a bother again? Wouldnโt I just be looking for trouble for myself?
I really canโt understand Carloโs thinking. Since he hates me that much, why come to send us off? ...He probably came for Xi Wei. After all, in his eyes, Xi Wei doesnโt count as an omega, but as a good brother of his whoโs almost like an alpha.
Having thought to this point, Aiden nodded towards Carlo and said, โGoodbye, class leader.โ
Then he turned and followed Xi Wei, the two of them stepping onto the hovercar.
Klaire and Carlo stood on the ground, watching the hovercar flying rapidly out of sight, soon disappearing without a trace. Their hearts were tinged with melancholy.
The next time they meet, how will these two omegas have changed?
The two boys stood without moving in the same place, as if they would turn to stone waiting for them to return.
After a long while, Carlo scratched his head, and asked seriously: โDo you think that the next time I see him, I can directly marry him and bring him home?โ
โ...Stop dreaming.โ
Carlo lowered his head in dejection. โThatโs what I think tooโฆโ He sighed.
Klaire sighed as well.
The two of them sighed at the same time. Afterwards, they exchanged a commiserative look, suddenly feeling that they were brothers in the same boat.
Klaire felt that after Xi Wei grew up, it would still be just as hard to pursue him. After he turned eighteen, any future marriage partners would first have to be filtered by the association, and then after that be chosen by the king. The empire didnโt care too much about age differences between alphas and omegas. There were even alphas who were twenty years older or more than their omegas. That is to say, Xi Wei had many options to choose from, and Klaire was only one of them.
Carlo felt he had even less hope. Aiden still disliked him, and that dislike, after their years of interaction, was likely deeply rooted in his heart. It would be truly difficult to change that bad first impression.
Side by side, the two boys turned for home. When Klaire saw Carlo hanging his head, looking like heโd been dumped, he couldnโt help but pat his shoulder and say encouragingly, โCheer up. Didnโt you want to apply to St. Romia Military Academy? Letโs take the entrance exam together.โ
Carlo was roused at this. โThatโs the empireโs best military school, you know. It only accepts a limited number of students from the capital planet each year, so itโs really hard to test into.โ
Klaireโs gaze was resolute. โThatโs why you need to get your spirits up and properly practice. You donโt want to fail the exam and have to repeat a year, do you? Youโd be wasting a yearโs worth of valuable time. Your uncle is the captain of the Cobra Corps, so you should be clear about the rules of competition in the military.โ
Carlo was silent for a moment, then said: โWhen omegas with a strong family background reach the age to marry, the association will give priority to officers of major general rank and above when making their choice. Xi Wei is a prince, so the conditions to marry him definitely wonโt be loose. If when the time comes youโre only a student at a military academy, you wonโt even have the chance to compete.โ
Klaire said, โLooks like youโre not blind to this. Aidenโs father is General Craig, so the pressure on you isnโt as heavy. But in my mind, with Craigโs character, thereโs no way he would let his son marry a student with no prospects. When Aiden turns eighteen, the association will pick out a suitable alpha for him. With his mild character, if that alpha treats him well, he might just agree. Have you thought about this?โ
โ...โ Carlo tore at his hair in frustration. โI, I can also treat him well!โ
โBut you left him with a bad impression, and adding onto that the identity of a student, you wonโt have a single selling point.โ
Carlo was silent for a long moment, then asked, โThen what are we supposed to do?โ
Klaire narrowed his eyes slightly, smiled and said, โIt seems like we can only apply to skip a grade at St. Romia Military Academy. We have to get in early, and graduate as soon as possible.โ
Carlo said, shocked, โTake the test to skip a grade? Isnโt the difficulty of that way too high? The schoolโs curriculum is dense enough to begin withโฆโ
Klaire said, โSo weโll divide the labor and work together to take notes. Starting from now, weโll study the key points of St. Romia Military Academyโs entrance exam. When weโre sixteen, weโll apply.โ
Most alphas and betas applied to college at eighteen, but there were a few prodigies who skipped grades and applied at a younger age. Klaireโs meaning was that they should directly skip two grades and apply to college at sixteen. This meant that they would have to put in twice the effort others did, finishing a four-year curriculum in two years, while maintaining excellent grades.
โAt this level of difficulty, actually going through with it seemed like the height of absurdity.
But when he thought of Aiden in some other alphaโs arms, kissing him, embracing him, Carlo felt so itchy he couldnโt breathe. He didnโt dare to even imagine it. If in four years Aiden really did marry someone else, he didnโt know what kind of frightening things he might do. He might just take a knife and stab that alpha to deathโฆ
And soโฆ
โSince the rules of the empire arenโt in our favor, then weโll just have to use our own strength to fight.โ Klaire smiled and said, โWe canโt just surrender, can we?โ
Carlo took a deep breath, nodded hard, set his teeth and said, โYouโre right! Iโll take the test with you. Isnโt it just taking a test? Whatโs there to be afraid of?!โ
The two boys shook hands. It was a promise.
One person covering that much schoolwork definitely wouldnโt be as efficient as two people doing it.
For the sake of their future happiness, they had to stake it all.
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