The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

ASTRID observed the man who was walking towards them.  He had the usual features of a Grimaldi – silver hair and blue eyes.  But unlike the casual style that Cassius Grimaldi had, this one was more formal.  In fact, the suit he was wearing was so impeccable there's probably not even a single crease on it.

This must be Thomas Grimaldi – the eldest son of the current duke.

According to the story their mother told, this Thomas was like a carbon-copy of the duke.  He could actually envision that while looking at this man.  He certainly looked like a stickler for rules.

Astrid didn't have any good feelings towards this man.  He knew about the duke's plan involving his only sister and yet he did nothing to stop it.  No matter what reason he might have, that's just unacceptable.  At least Cassius was still a child back then, so him not being able to do anything was reasonable. 

Astrid glanced at his brother.  Based on the slight crease on the other's forehead, he knew that Reas was also thinking the same as him.

The assistant bowed at Thomas Grimaldi and then said his goodbye.  Silently leaving the place through the elevator they came from.

While the twins were observing Thomas Grimaldi, he was also observing them.

The black-haired kid must be Astrid.  Seeing his appearance for the first time was truly a bit shocking.  After all, humans with such coloring and features were hardly seen in this era. 

The other one had ice-blue hair and teal-gray eyes.  Unlike his brother, his coloring and features were much more common.  But despite that, his gaze stayed more on him.  Probably because of his hair color.  Whenever he saw people with such hair color, it always reminded him of his biggest regret in life.

He shook his head and just put that thought away.  There was no place for those kinds of thoughts right now.  He put his focus again on the twins.  Which hardly even looked like siblings.  He probably had never seen a much more different looking pair of twins in his life. 

He had heard only good things about these twins.  Most of his information, of course, came from his younger brother.  According to Casey, these two were from some agricultural planet located at Palioxis Galaxy.  They only came here this month because both of them were accepted in a school here. 

He had no doubts about their identities.  Because Casey was the one who did a background check on them.  Despite his brother's usual carelessness, he would definitely carefully check just in case the two were connected to that man who tried to use Nicole as a hostage.  The two being here had already proved that they were on the clear.  And that's all that mattered. 

Thomas Grimaldi walked towards the twins.  "You must be Mr. Astrid and Andreas Townsend.  Allow me to offer my gratitude in helping save my only son, thank you."

He was indeed thankful to the two.  He probably wouldn't know what he would do if something had happened to his son.  It might just completely wreck him.

Astrid was a bit surprised.  Because even if his tone was cold, he could still feel that he was sincere in his gratitude.  He really was thankful to them.

He smiled.  "It was nothing, my lord.  Anyone who was in our position would surely have done the same."

"No, I don't think anyone would do so.  The majority would just choose to watch and do nothing."

"Yes, many people do choose to do nothing when they see other people suffer in front of them," Reas said with a trace of sarcasm in his voice which only Astrid probably noticed.  "Aren't they just the worst kind?"

The smile on Astrid's face almost cracked because of that.  Because he knew that his brother was referring to the man in front of them.  It was a good thing that Thomas Grimaldi had no idea what Reas was talking about.  Or else, he might be spitting blood now.

"May I ask where is Lord Cassius?" he said, changing the subject and also stealthily elbowing his brother to make sure that he would behave.

"Uncle is in the kitchen, preparing dinner," Nicole said.  "Does Brother Aster want to see?  I can take you there."

After saying that, Nicole didn't wait for his answer and was about to pull him forward.  But the boy's father was faster.  Thomas picked up Nicole. 

"Nicole, don't trouble our guest," he said that in a scolding tone but his sapphire blue gaze remained soft as he looked at his son.

That was another surprise for Astrid.  Well, it seemed that this man indeed cared for his son.  Good.  Such a sweet kid should be loved and cared for by his parents.

Nicole pouted a bit but still said, "Okay."

"It's okay, my lord.  The young master didn't trouble me at all," Astrid said.

And just as he expected, a smile quickly appeared on the boy's face when he said that.

Then a figure appeared from a distance, as if he just came out of a room or mabe a kitchen.  Considering that he was wearing an apron.  It was Cassius Grimaldi, their host for the evening.

Astrid was, once again, surprised when he saw the other's get-up.  When Nicole said earlier that Cassius was cooking their dinner.  How could someone who grow up in one of the noblest family of the Empire know how to cook?  But then again, he might have taken cooking as a hobby.  He hoped that that was the case.  Then their dinner would at least be palatable. 

"Astrid, Andreas, you're here," Cassius said.  He removed his apron and gave it to the maid who just walked beside him.  "Come, let's have that dinner."

They followed him to the dining area where a beautiful table made of cherry wood was.  There were five sets of cutleries there which was definitely for them.  The three maids, including the one Cassius gave his apron to, pulled three chairs for the Grimaldis.  The twins didn't wait for their chairs to be pulled for them and just sat on the remaining empty seats. 

Casey smiled at that.  He rang the bell and the maids began to first bring out the appetizers from the kitchen.

And thus, their dinner started.