CHAPTER 17: LOTUS OF THE LAST DAWN

Aegon stared at the dark figures who had a strange red mist swirling around them. He counted around twenty of them, which made him wonder if they had just been hiding among the guests until now.

"How do you like my surprise?" Xiu asked, her eyes looking at him as if seeking praise.

"I don’t know who they are or what you actually gave me. How am I supposed to judge?" Aegon answered. "But thank you. I do appreciate your efforts and will take care of this whistle for the rest of my life."

He genuinely meant it. This was the first time anyone had ever celebrated his birthday and even given him a present. In a way, this was his very first gift in both lifetimes. How could he not cherish it?

Even if she had given him something entirely useless like a wooden plank, Aegon would have cherished it as if it were the most treasured thing in the world.

This was her value in his life.

Of course, Xiu saw through it instantly, and it made her smile even brighter. She kissed his cheeks and gushed over him, "How can you be so cute!?"

Aegon didn’t push her away this time, even though he felt a little embarrassed. Others’ opinions on him didn’t matter as long as his family was happy.

After all, they were the ones giving him love, not the outsiders. He had already saved thousands of outsiders in his previous life. This time, he wanted to live just for himself and his loved ones.

"They are a small group I founded while I was travelling around the world," Xiu said casually. "They’re called Red Viel, and they’re quite useful, so I’m giving them all to you. They’ll follow all of your commands without any hesitation."

She turned towards the figure kneeling at the front and smiled, "Hecte, greet your new Chief."

"Chief!!"

All the figures spoke simultaneously. It was a simple greeting, but it made the guests shiver once again.

Hecte stood up and climbed the stairs until she was standing just two steps below Xiu, but her tall height allowed her to be level with them.

She wore a skull mask, which might have scared other kids, but Aegon just looked at her with fascination. Hecte was intrigued by his strange behaviour and smiled beneath the mask.

She took his soft hands in her calloused hands and slowly lifted her mask so only her mouth was visible. After giving a soft kiss on his hand, she proclaimed, "From this day onwards, the Red Viel will breathe according to Master Aegon’s wishes. We are under your command."

Aegon ignored everyone’s reaction and thought about Hecte’s words. Then, he asked, "How many people are in Red Viel?"

"A total of ninety-eight, including me, Master," Hecte replied calmly.

’Ninety-eight... that’s a lot of manpower. I can ask them for labour for my projects. They seem strong,’ Aegon smiled at that thought and said, "I look forward to working with you all."

Xiu wanted to laugh loudly at his words. She understood what was going through his head, so she didn’t misunderstand like the others.

’Oh boy, I never thought the killing machines I raised would one day end up as free labourers,’ Xiu thought in amusement.

Meanwhile, others were left staring at Aegon’s sweet, innocent smile, even though his words suggested something entirely different.

The Red Viel.

Most of the guests here were familiar with these death machines raised, or rather, gathered by Chen Xiu herself.

Whatever the case was, these people were famous as one of the deadliest mercenary groups in the world. They had the highest rate of successful missions, as they had never failed, not even once.

Even the Demons feared their ruthlessness and cruelty. They were also known as the Lotus of the Last Dawn because their lotus crest was the last thing one saw before their death.

The only one who could command and control these ruthless devils was Chen Xiu, because they wouldn’t even listen to emperors. And now, the power to command this deadly mercenary group was in the hands of an innocent child.

The same child who said he looked forward to working with Red Viel. What was the work of Red Viel?

They were scared to think that a Valerian like Aegon was going to become like the Red Viel. All of them turned towards the smiling Chen Xiu and could only pray to their gods not to give the world a second Chen Xiu.

Of course, Arnold was also among these people, because he didn’t want another Chen Xiu. Still, he wasn’t too worried, because he knew Aegon and Xiu were polar opposites, even though she raised him.

He noticed that Xiu was going to say something, so he stepped forward and said, "Next is my turn."

Xiu pouted at his words but still dismissed the Red Viel as the figures once again vanished into the shadows.

After reaching the two of them, Arnold smiled lovingly at his grandson and said, "My gift might be a little lackluster compared to your Aunt’s, but it’s something that’ll help you a lot."

With that, he handed over an obsidian key to Aegon and said, "This is the key to Nana’s and mine’s treasury. You’ll need a lot of resources because of your ideas, so you can find all of them there."

Once again, people misunderstood his words, but he didn’t mind it. It was better that they learn to fear Aegon, so he would remain safe.

"Really!?" Aegon exclaimed, making Xiu grumble to herself, which he ignored. "Thanks, Opa! I will really need them."

"As long as you’re happy," Arnold patted his head warmly and said. "And once again, Happy Birthday."

"I love it," Aegon smiled brightly at him.

That single smile seemed to melt many hearts, making them forget the dangerous future they had been imagining. They couldn’t picture such a cute, innocent, and bright child joining the ranks of Red Viel.

"Little Sun, you didn’t like my gift? I’ll give you something else then," Xiu said, her eyes filled with sadness.

’She is way too dramatic,’ Aegon was speechless. "I like it a lot."

"But you didn’t exclaim in happiness," Xiu pointed out.

"Because I didn’t understand your gift. It’s that wonderful," Aegon said randomly, which seemed to have worked on Xiu, as she lost her sad mood and smiled again.

’See? She’s so easy to satisfy. My silly Aunt, I really love you.’

If only others had heard their words, they would have smashed their heads against the walls. Xiu was easy to satisfy? Since when?

She was the most unreasonable person and could never be satisfied. It was only with a few people that she behaved like this.

"If I may, can I be the next one to congratulate the child?"

Xiu lost her smile and narrowed her eyes at the newcomer. "What are you doing here? Who even invited you?"