The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

WULFRIC'S brain started to think of an excuse, its gears turning at a very fast speed.  But at the end, what came out of his mouth was a very lame excuse.

"I don't have an account.  Hil just happened to see it while browsing [Cyberspace] and showed it to me."

And he inwardly called himself an idiot as he said that.  One of the most powerful brain in the Empire and that's all he could really come up with. How embarrassing.  He might as well have his IQ checked.  Maybe it had deteriorated and he just didn't know it.

But outwardly, he didn't show any of that and made himself appear natural and sure.  That way, Aster wouldn't suspect him of lying through his teeth.  Well, he's not really technically lying.  He didn't really have a personal account per se.  Only a fan account.  That's definitely two different things.

And as he wanted, the other only said, "I see."

Indeed, Astrid didn't suspect Wulfric of lying.  Because, first of all, was there even a reason for him to lie?  The answer was 'no'.  The reason the other said was much more believable.  Because even he couldn't imagine Wulfric having his own [Cyberspace] account.

If he indeed had one, he would probably be trending everyday because of all the 'controversial' things he would post on [Cyberspace].  Like cursing some high ranking noble for example.  Seeing as how he hadn't seen anything like that so far, it must be true.

But for some reason, there was a nagging feeling inside him telling him that the other must be lying.  He shook his head.  Because it's totally unfounded.  And even if Wulfric had some kind of secret account which he used to badmouth people or something, who was he to force the other to tell it?

That's just not how he did things.

Since he already accomplished what he came here to do, he should probably do that other thing.  The thing he said he would if Wulfric agreed to help him.

"Your Highness, are you free right now?" he asked.

Reas turned to his brother, already having a bad feeling about what the other would say next.

"Yes," Wulfric replied, a little too faster than normal.

"Then, do you want to have lunch with us?  As a thank you for Your Highness' hel[?" Astrid asked with a smile and then added, "I'll cook."

Reas closed his eyes, feeling an incoming headache.  Although he had a feeling that this was where things were going, it still pinched his brain a bit.  Before he could say his objection, someone had already spoke before him. 

"I'll go!" Wulfric said like some kind of automatic reply.  Then, as if realizing how excited he sounded, he cleared his throat and added, "I mean, I'm free this whole afternoon.  It's no problem having lunch with you."

Astrid eyes crinkled into crescents.  "Good."

----------

Wulfric removed the cap and mask once he entered the tiny apartment unit.  He had to wear these to cover his face when they got out of the car that brought them in this apartment building.  Even though wearing these things was pretty annoying, he still wore them himself.  Because he knew how much trouble it would bring Aster if someone spotted them together.

If some paparazzi took a picture of even a whiff of his white hair in this place together with two teenagers, they would definitely come up with some kind of scandal to plaster on the news the next day.  Especially once they dug up that one of those teenagers was an aspiring actor.

He could already see the headline; 'The Butcher of Orus – our Empire's prince – seen cavorting with an aspiring teenage actor!'.

How could he put Aster to such an ordeal?

Wulfric put his cap and mask in the space stone on his ring and finally had a chance to looked around the apartment unit. 

Just like he said earlier, the place was, well, small.  Upon entering, he could immediately see the living room and the combined kitchen and dining room.  There were two doors – one was probably for the bedroom and the other for the bathroom.

The whole place was probably smaller than his own room in the Imperial Palace.  It was definitely not a place suited for Aster.  He should live in a big place, complete with all the accommodations a modern house should have.  Maybe even with an indoor pool and a garden.  Of course, with his own theater room where he could watch all the movies and shows he was part of.

Besides, the security of the place was also atrocious.  He and any member of his squad could easily sneak in here with no problem.  What if some stalker found the place and trespassed?  Took pictures of Aster or attacked him when he was sleeping?  Surely, that agent of his was looking for a better place.

Astrid glanced back and saw Wulfric looking around the apartment with a crease on his forehead.  The other tried to make his expression neutral, but he could see that he didn't like the place. 

"I'm sorry if the place is not to your liking, Your Highness," he said with a bit of a teasing tone.  "It's small but it's home."

He knew the other was not looking down on his apartment because he's a snob who considered any place smaller than a palace as unlivable.  No, if he was that kind of person, he would have the same reaction when he entered the Townsends' home back in Delryria.

So, the reason for his reaction must be because of something else.

When Wulfric heard Aster calling this place 'home', he suddenly panicked, worried that the other might think of him as a stuck-up prick.  So, in his panic, he simply said whatever came to mind.

"No, no, it's not that I dislike it.  I just thought that the security was pretty loose and that your safety might get compromised.  It's definitely not because I thought the place was too small for you."  He stopped before he further embarrassed himself.  "I didn't mean that last part."

Astrid bit the inside of his cheek so he could stop himself from laughing.  "Then, what kind of place does Your Highness think I should live in?"

Again, Wulfric's mouth moved faster than his brain.  "In the most beautiful and secured place in the Empire."

"And may I ask where is that?" Astrid asked, amused.

"My planet." - And Wulfric almost slapped himself the moment he said that.