Chapter 523 - In The Conservation (1/2)

”Don't you want to venture out?” Lauriel asked after they had dinner. ”The scenery around the conservation is very beautiful at night. I'll be heading to bed early. You guys just have fun, okay...”

Lauriel must've deliberately said he wanted to go to bed early to give the couple some time alone. Aleksis and Nicolae didn't bring the twins to Kenya because they were taken by Rune to be his guinea pig, just as how he and London used to be their uncle Aldebar's guinea pigs when they were younger.

Nicolae and Aleksis looked at each other and smiled faintly at Lauriel's words.

”We're fine, really. We can spend lots of time together another time,” Nicolae said to her father, ”We have a lifetime to spend together.”

Lauriel looked at Nicolae with a meaningful gaze.

”My son, I used to think that I would have time forever with your mother because, as an Alchemist, I always feel that time is in our hands. That was my biggest mistake, which I regret to this day.” Lauriel took a deep breath, remembering how short the time he had with his girlfriend, Luna. ”We don't know what will happen in the future, so enjoy and appreciate your every experience... A wise man once said, 'Yesterday is the past. Tomorrow is the future. Today is a gift, and that is why it's called the present.'”

Nicolae was stunned. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the time he spent with Aleksis, it was just that he didn't feel compelled to rush in everything. He knew that Aleksis had accepted his love and that they would get married soon.

Aleksis' children also regarded him as their own father, just as he had regarded them as his own children. Everything had been going as he wanted them to go.

Another month, and they would become a real family. Nicolae didn't feel rushed at all. He had never even kissed Aleksis on the lips or slept with her, even though they had many opportunities.

Let everything happen naturally and at the right time, he thought.

However, the words Lauriel had just spoken truly struck his heart. He didn't know what would happen in the future. Lauriel, who had lived for almost six centuries, certainly wouldn't speak carelessly. He only shared his own experiences, and he didn't want Nicolae and Aleksis to have any regrets.

”I understand...” Nicolae uttered with a smile. He then rose and pulled Aleksis' hand to go outside with him. ”Let's heed Dad's words.”

Aleksis only laughed softly in response, but still obediently followed Nicolae's steps out.

”We'll be taking a walk, Uncle Rory,” Aleksis said before disappearing behind the door. Lauriel just nodded with a smile. He entered his room and continued to drink his wine.

He was feeling quite blissful at the moment, so he wanted to celebrate by drinking alone.

***

Nicolae saddled a dashing stallion and brought it to where Aleksis was standing. The girl swiftly got on the horse and Nicolae soon followed suit.

”Let's go all the way to the east gate, if we go any further, I'm afraid we'll meet a lion,” Aleksis informed as she stamped on the horse's saddle.

”Whatever you say. You know this area better than I do,” Nicolae casually responded as he wrapped his arms around Aleksis' waist. He allowed Aleksis to take control of their horse while he hugged her and made sure they wouldn't be bothered by mosquitoes or dust and leaves flying over their bodies.

”You're funny,” Aleksis voiced out of nowhere. ”Since we first rode together the first time, you've always let me take control. I noticed that other men would usually take control and their women just followed.”

Nicolae laughed at her words.

”Ah, that's because other men don't have wives who are good at riding horses as you are. Between the two of us, you're better at controlling horses, so I'll just gladly follow. Wherever you take us, I'll be by your side, accompanying you. I'll ensure that you're always safe and not bothered by anyone. ” Nicolae tightened his arms around Aleksis's waist, ”Just like how our married life will be. I'll always abide by your wishes. Your wish is my command.”

Aleksis' face turned red when she heard Nicolae's romantic words. The man always knew how to make her feel like the most beautiful, the most powerful, and the most important woman in the world.