Grandpa Eldric and I continue walking down the grand hallway, leaving my completely stunned husband behind after the unexpected hug therapy.
"Young Lady?" Grandpa Eldric asks, his ancient, gravelly voice soft.
I look up at him as we walk. "Yeah, Grandpa?"
"Thank you," he says, a genuine, warm smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "For looking after His Highness."
"Hehe, don't thank me," I wave my hand casually. "If anything, he is always the one looking after me and everyone else."
His smile deepens, and he nods slowly. "I am truly happy to see that you do not misunderstand him like the others do. He always tries to bear the weight of the entire Empire on his own shoulders. He never says it out loud, but he cares deeply for everyone."
"Yes, yes, I completely agree," I nod enthusiastically. "I mean, sure, he can seem rude, arrogant, and totally cold-hearted! But he is actually not a bad guy at all, despite what his icy expressions try to show."
