135: 3.75 I Am Happy

3.75 I Am Happy

After Bianca, the royal doctor offered an unfortunate news that Oliver's health didn't allow him to get pregnant ever again. It was near a miracle how smooth his first pregnancy was and they couldn't guarantee the same thing for the second. Only if that would happen, which was nearly impossible. 

Oliver was crestfallen, he had been looking forward to giving his Alpha lots of children, or at least he wanted to give Bianca a little brother or little sister to play with. 

It took Lu Yizhou some effort on his part to convince Oliver that he didn't need anything else. That their little family was already more than perfect. Oliver seemed to register the comfort but Lu Yizhou still often caught him daydreaming as he packed up Bianca's little socks and bib that she couldn't wear anymore.

Lu Yizhou had no choice but to recruit some help.

So, when Oliver caught himself sighing for the nth time as he smoothed the creases on the tiny clothing, he was caught off guard when he saw Bianca approached. "Mommy!" Bianca was almost three years old now, a chubby little girl with twin pigtails and the most precious smile. Even at such a young age, Oliver could already see the resemblance between their daughter and his Alpha. Bianca was literally the female version of Altair, but the smiling, extroverted and mischievous kind. Sigh, she would surely become a heartbreaker in the future. "What is Mommy doing?"

Oliver beamed and blew raspberry into her cheek which made Bianca squirm in escape, laughing all the while. "Mommy is packing Bianca's old clothes. They won't be used anymore so Mommy is thinking about donating it away."

"Is Mommy still sad because there will be no little brother or sister?" Bianca suddenly asked.

Oliver was flabbergasted. H—How could Biance know such a thing?! They had never discussed it in front of their daughter before! And moreover, the serious look in his daughter's little face stunned him. It was way more mature than the peers her age. Well, Bianca had always been a fast learner, both academically and emotionally. Oliver's fathers-in-law had always said that she was a rare genius. Still, in Oliver's eyes, she would forever be his little sweetheart. "Baby, where did you hear that?"

"Daddy told me." Bianca innocently sold his father out. 

Altair…! Oliver fumed inwardly. He was going to have a serious talk with his Alpha soon! It was just a few days ago that he caught both father and daughter in the living room, sitting side by side on the sofa. It would have painted an absolutely lovely image if not for Lu Yizhou speaking about self defense techniques that were far too early for what a toddler could learn!

As Oliver was brewing plans to teach his Alpha some lessons, Bianca suddenly rushed forward to smother him in a hug. "Mommy, don't be angry at Daddy!" She pouted and batted her lashes. What a pretty little devil! Oliver's heart instantly gave up without a fight. "Bianca is very happy with Mommy and Daddy even if there will be no brother or sister." Oliver gasped when Bianca kissed him on the cheek and grinned toothily. "Bianca loves Mommy and Daddy even if they often leave Bianca alone with Granny Gemma!"

Oliver ignored the latter half of Bianca's sentence. How could he be so lucky to have such a smart and brilliant daughter? "Sweetheart…" Oliver cupped her cheek and stared at her in wonder. "How can Mommy give birth to such a perfect daughter like you?"

Bianca giggled, clear and sonorous. "I love Mommy too!"

***

Entering ten years of Lu Yizhou and Oliver's marriage, the monarchy in Alaze was finally relinquished as people's support of democracy became uncontrollable over the years. Emperor Bernard stepped down from his position and became the Minister of Agriculture and Manpower of Alaze and the royalties were disbanded. Oliver was no longer a Prince but that wouldn't be a problem because he was going to be the future Empress of Versatine.

After Bernard was blessed with a few grandchildren, he became unexpectedly mellow and no longer obsessed with power and reputation. Maybe it was the old age, or maybe he simply realized how lonely his life had been. This way, Bernard didn't seem so different from any grandfather out there.

Without much suspense, 90% of Alaze's people voted for Lu Yizhou to become the President. Yet the Alpha decisively refused the position which many people were drooling for. In lieu of his shocking decision, he surprised many people again when he recommended someone else. His personal assistant, Ryan. Yes, the male protagonist. 

After serving his sentence for six years in jail, Ryan had become a totally different person upon coming out. He was more subdued, humble and wiser. He no longer eyed Omegas with prejudice — Rosemane might be the reason why Ryan believed that he shouldn't underestimate omegas — and Lu Yizhou had the thought to keep him as far away as possible. Out of sight, out of mind. Lest another accident happened yet again. 

However, he changed his mind at the last moment. Ryan was the protagonist of the world and the universe practically sided with him more often than not. Lu Yizhou was intrigued with how the world was working thus he took the risk of keeping Ryan by his side to witness what kind of feat he could create. 

Ryan was one of the most brilliant people Lu Yizhou had ever known. Now without his pride messing with his decision-making, he showed great potential in becoming a leader. He was calculative, insightful and alert. Lu Yizhou appreciated it about him even though he never said it out loud. What perplexed him the most was when Ryan himself requested to be Lu Yizhou's personal assistant. With Derek getting married to a beta girl he met in Alaze and was recently quite overwhelmed with his newly born baby, Lu Yizhou thought that there's nothing to lose in accepting Ryan's offer.

They worked seamlessly together, much to Lu Yizhou's bewilderment. Ryan completed every single task Lu Yizhou gave him and faithfully stayed by his side until the day Lu Yizhou told him that he wanted Ryan to take the position of the President.

Ryan was frozen for a long while and when he finally came back to his senses, he hastily lowered his gaze so that the other Alpha couldn't see the reluctance and dejection in his eyes. "Very well, Your Highness."

From then on, they parted ways; Lu Yizhou chose to settle in Versatine with Oliver and Bianca while Ryan was busy consolidating his position and reconstructing the kingdom. Ten years in the future, many people had forgotten that Ryan was involved in one of the most sensational scandals within the royal family. Not many people paid attention to him since they were more focused on Rosemane. Not back then and certainly not now either. With Lu Yizhou as his backing, Ryan quickly rose in power and became a wise and revered President of Alaze.

On the other hand, Lu Yizhou resumed the position of Versatine's Emperor after Emperor Vincent and Empress Gemma retired. He crowned Oliver as his Empress and Bianca as the Crown Princess. His reign went by smoothly, since he had the system to do every paperwork and miscellaneous tasks for him.

Bianca was very much the beastwoman that would charm every single person she met. At the age of 13, she grew into a gorgeous lady, a charming sweet little devil. Her adorable cat ears and fluffy silver wings were much revered. Adding on to her brilliance, intelligence and boldness, she became the most popular beastwoman in the entire world. Marriage proposals from numerous kingdoms poured in which ended up being shredded before they could make it to the Empress' ears — courtesy to a certain overprotective Emperor.

They lived a perfect fairytale life, except that happily ever after sometime didn't exist. 

When he was thirty eight years old, Oliver's health suddenly deteriorated. He went through many check-ups, visited a number of renowned doctors, yet it bore no significant results. They couldn't find what was wrong with Oliver's body except that his antibody was growing weaker by day. His weight rapidly dropped, the flesh Lu Yizhou had cultivated on him throughout the years vanished just like that, leaving him only with skin and bones.

Lu Yizhou promptly made a decision to relinquish his position and took an early retirement, leaving it all on the hand of his regent — poor Derek who was very much reluctant to resume the position. Derek would be in charge until the time when Bianca was mature enough to lead the kingdom.

He accompanied Oliver as they moved to the countryside where it was far from the city's hustle and bustle, the air was fresher and it was green as far as the eyes could see. Lu Yizhou faithfully stayed by Oliver's side, never letting go of his hands as he witnessed Oliver withering day by day.

"I am dying, am I not?" Oliver asked weakly on one certain winter morning. The temperature had dropped recently and Oliver contracted a high fever. Just a moment ago, he was mumbling in his sleep, cheeks sunken and pale with illness. 

Lu Yizhou laid by his side and tucked Oliver's hair behind his ears. He didn't trust his voice not to betray his emotions right now. It wasn't easy. Being the one who left and the one left behind, both weren't easy. He took a deep breath and intertwined his fingers with Oliver's. The meaning behind his action was clear. 

I will be with you until the end.

Oliver closed his eyes and let out a sigh. "Altair… Altair, I am so sorry…"

Lu Yizhou forced his throat to work. "No need for sorrys between us."

The omega laughed in between tears. "I am reluctant to leave so fast. Say… in my next life, will I be able to meet you again? Will I have this kind of happiness with you once more…?"

"I will…" Lu Yizhou breathed. His chest hurt and he felt like he couldn't breathe. He could sense it, the approaching time limit. He dropped a fleeting kiss on Oliver's forehead, his lips lingering there as he continued. "I will find you. No matter where you are, no matter what kind of appearance you take, I will find you all over again."

Oliver smiled, content. "That will be very nice…" His eyelids fought to stay open, to stare at the visage of his Alpha as long as he could, to offer the last remaining affection he had in his brittle body, to let the promise of eternity hang between them.

Lu Yizhou kissed his knuckles. "Oliver."

"Hmm…?"

"Are you happy?" Lu Yizhou asked again the question he had once inquired the night before their official wedding in Versatine. 

It had been nearly two decades. Oliver laughed as the nostalgia overwhelmed him. He had had two decades of happiness and bliss with his Alpha and their beautiful daughter by his side. Oh, how time flew by so fast. He squeezed Lu Yizhou's hand with whatever strength he could muster. "I am…" He murmured. "...the happiest omega in the world." As if saying that sentence had squeezed the remnants of strength out of his body, he let out a blissful sigh and his hand grew limp in the Alpha's hold, eyes firmly closed with a smile forever etched on his lips.

Lu Yizhou slowly, slowly closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against Oliver. Tears slipped from the corner of his eyes. 

[Initiating the Host's withdrawal in three…]

He held Oliver's hand between their chest, hoping that he could carve the sensation and warmth to the deepest recess of his soul.

[Two…]

"I love you," he confessed in an almost inaudible whisper.

[One… The withdrawal has been completed.]

No matter where you are, I will find you so… please wait for me.

***

When Lu Yizhou opened his eyes again, he was met with a familiar ceiling of his house in real life. It felt weird to return after such a long time although he had no idea how long it had been in reality. Three years? Thirty years? Lu Yizhou gingerly sat up and wiped the dampness on the corner of his eyes, his expression was back to the usual impassive one.

[666: Host, you're awake! How are you feeling?]

"Just the usual." Lu Yizhou got up to fetch a drink. "We are back to the rest station. Does it mean that you can already connect to the main server?"

[666: Oh yes! 666 finally got a signal! Admin God has been sooo worried about us! Do you have anything you want to eat again? 666 can grant it for you, Host! Oh one more thing, let's get on to 666's favorite task after each world. Let's count the reward points~]

[666: You have two worlds' rewards in store. It will definitely be a lot, Host! Hehehe, 666 can't wait!]

Lu Yizhou lowered his eyes and gulped down the drink. Then he suddenly said, "I don't need the reward."

[666: Yes, yes, 666 knows that—WAIT WHAT?! W—WHAT DID YOU SAY, HOST?!]

"I don't need the reward." Lu Yizhou repeated. Something flickered in his eyes before he swiftly covered it up. "In exchange, I wish to meet your Admin God face-to-face. There's a few things I need to ask."

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Arc 3 — The End1

A/N: Their daughter, Bianca, ended up manifesting as an Alpha and took over the reign of Versatine's Monarch after the death of both her parents. She became the first and certainly not the last female Alpha who ascended to become the Emperor.

PS: even though Bianca always said that she loves her daddy Altair the most but her first true love is actually Ryan, the male protagonist (though she knows it isn't going to work, she has seen how Ryan looks at his daddy.)

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