Chapter
"Eyan's Life As Single Father"
*********************************
(Leo 8 months old)
The throne room was suffocatingly silent.
Cold marble stretched endlessly beneath trembling feet. Nobles stood rigid along the sides, not daring to breathe too loudly. At the center—
A man knelt, shaking.
"Your Majesty… please… I beg for mercy," he stammered, forehead pressed to the floor. "I swear I didn't know the food was spoiled. I won't repeat such a mistake—never again…"
On the throne, Eyan sat unmoving.
His gaze was sharp. Unforgiving. The kind of gaze that had sentenced men to death without hesitation.
Yet today—
In his arms rested something entirely out of place.
A small child.
Eight-month-old Leo, dressed in soft royal cloth, sat comfortably against his father's chest, tiny fingers curled in Eyan's robe as if the entire world belonged to him.
Eyan's voice cut through the silence.
"Bring him closer."
The man froze—but the guards didn't hesitate. They dragged him forward.
Closer.
"Closer," Eyan repeated, colder this time.
The man shuffled forward on his knees, now directly beneath the throne.
And then—
Without warning—
Eyan lifted Leo slightly.
Curious golden eyes met the stranger.
A moment of stillness.
Then—
Grab.
Leo's tiny hand shot forward and buried itself into the man's hair.
"AAH—!" the man cried out, body jerking in pain.
His hands instinctively rose to pull the baby's grip away—
But before he could even touch him—
Thud.
Eyan's foot struck the back of his knees, forcing him down harder.
"Don't you dare touch my son." His voice was low. Deadly.
The man froze instantly, teeth clenched as Leo continued to tug—small fingers gripping with surprising, merciless strength.
Tears welled in his eyes. A few nobles quickly looked down, hiding their expressions.
Finally, after a few painful seconds, Eyan reached out and gently pried Leo's hand loose.
A clump of hair remained in the child's grip.
Eyan stared at it… then at Leo.
"…Just how strong are you?" he murmured.
Leo blinked. Then—he giggled.
A bright, innocent sound that shattered the tension in the room.
And then—
Soft. Unclear. But unmistakable—
"…ma…ma…"
Everything stopped.
Eyan went still. The air itself seemed to freeze.
"What… did you just say?" he whispered.
Leo only babbled again, as if nothing had happened.
Eyan rose abruptly. "Court is dismissed."
No one dared question it.
_________________________________
(Eyan's chamber)
The doors to his chamber shut with a heavy thud.
Eyan walked quickly inside, his grip firm—but careful—around Leo. His heart was no longer steady.
He stopped before a large portrait.
Eva.
Frozen in time—soft eyes, gentle smile, untouched by the cruelty of fate.
Eyan stood there for a long moment, unmoving.
Then slowly… he lifted Leo.
"Look," he said quietly.
Leo's curious eyes followed his gaze.
"…Say it again," he muttered under his breath.
A small hand lifted, fingers opening and closing in the air as if trying to reach her.
Eyan's lips curved into a faint, trembling smile.
"That's… her." His voice softened. "Your mother."
Eyan brushed his thumb gently against Leo's cheek, his gaze flickering between the portrait and his son.
"…Say it," he murmured, barely breathing. "Mama."
Leo blinked.
Looked at the painting again. Then back at Eyan. As if trying to understand something far too big for someone so small.
His lips parted.
"…ma…"
Eyan's breath caught.
"…ma…"
And then, softly—
"…mama…"
Eyan's eyes filled instantly.
A quiet, broken sound escaped him—half laugh, half breath—as he pressed his forehead gently against Leo's.
"Yes…" he whispered, voice trembling. "Yes… that's your mama…"
He turned his gaze back to the portrait, tears slipping free despite the smile forming on his lips.
"Eva did you hear that…?" he murmured under his breath. "He called you…he said mama."
Leo let out a small, happy sound, completely unaware of the storm he had just calmed.
Eyan let out a shaky breath, holding him closer.
"Say it again, one more time" he whispered softly.
Leo looked at him this time. Tiny hands reaching toward his face.
"…pa…pa…"
Eyan froze.
Then, slowly—his arms tightened around him. A soft laugh broke through his tears.
"My boy…" he whispered, pulling him into a firm embrace. "My boy said his first words…"
He closed his eyes, holding him as if he might disappear.
And for the first time in a long while—The silence didn't feel empty.
_________________________________
(Leo 10 months Old)
The council chamber was in session.
A long polished table stretched across the room, lined with ministers and generals, each speaking in careful, measured tones.
"At the northern border, grain supply has decreased by—"
Eyan listened in silence, his posture straight, expression unreadable.
Every inch of him—king.
Except—
Right in front of him—
Sat Leo.
Not in his lap.
Not with a maid.
But on the royal council table itself.
Small legs spread, tiny hands slapping the polished surface as he leaned forward, trying—very insistently—to get his father's attention.
"Ba—ba—ba!"
Eyan did not look at him, his eyes still on the minister.
Leo frowned. This was unacceptable.
He looked around, searching. Then—his eyes landed on something.
RIP.
The sound cut clean through the discussion.
Every head turned.
A very important document— Now in two pieces— Clutched triumphantly in Leo's tiny hands.
He blinked at it. Then at everyone else. And grinned.
Eyan did not react.
"Continue," he said calmly.
The minister hesitated… then forced himself to proceed.
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty. As I was saying—"
Rip.
Another piece gone.
Leo had discovered joy. Shredded paper began to scatter across the table like snow.
A general tried to subtly pull his report away—
Too slow. Leo grabbed it.
"Your Highness—no—"
Rip.
Gone.
Leo squealed happily.
A nearby minister leaned back just in time as a crumpled piece of paper was flung at his face.
Then another...And another.
Leo had upgraded to throwing.
The room descended into controlled panic. "Your Majesty—"
"Continue," Eyan repeated, tone unchanged.
A paper ball hit someone's shoulder. Another bounced off a stack of reports.
Then—
Leo found something better. A small wooden seal. He picked it up. Weighed it. And with great determination— Threw it.
Thud.
It hit a minister directly in the chest. The man froze.
Leo giggled. Bright. Victorious.
Eyan's eye twitched. "Leo."
Leo turned.
Spotted his next target...His father.
Before Eyan could react—The seal came flying again.
Thack.
Straight to Eyan's forehead.
The room went dead silent. No one dared breathe. Eyan did not move.
Slowly…Very slowly…He turned his head. Leo stared at him.
Then—
Beamed...And lifted his arms.
"…pa…pa…"
A long pause. Eyan stared at him for a moment. Then reached forward, took his hand— And pulled him into his lap.
"…You have excellent aim," he said flatly.
Leo giggled, pleased with himself.
"Continue with the report."
The ministers, still recovering from the shock of witnessing their emperor get struck in the head—
Obeyed.
"…Y-Yes, Your Majesty…"
The meeting resumed...Barely...Because Leo was far from finished. Within seconds, he began climbing.
A foot pressed into Eyan's chest—Then his shoulder—Tiny fingers reaching—And gripping his hair.
Hard.
Eyan inhaled slowly. "…We have discussed this."
Leo pulled harder.
Across the table, the ministers openly stared now. One of them cleared his throat.
"Your Majesty… it must be quite difficult, caring for the Crown Prince. His Highness is… very active."
"It is," Eyan replied without hesitation.
Leo yanked again.
"…He does not leave me alone. I cannot bathe in silence."
A few ministers quickly lowered their heads.
"He refuses all maids," Eyan continued. "And he does not sleep in the morning."
As if proving the point—
Leo shifted— And smacked Eyan's cheek. A soft pat. Then laughed.
Eyan closed his eyes briefly. "…Unacceptable."
A minister spoke again, cautiously.
"Your Majesty… perhaps the prince is not fully fed."
Eyan glanced at him.
"I have a child as well," the man continued. "He behaved similarly. The physician said he was still hungry. Once we increased his milk… he slept peacefully."
Eyan looked down at Leo— Who was now chewing on his sleeve. "…Is that so."
He raised his hand. "Bring milk."
A knight rushed out.
Leo blinked, then reached for Eyan's collar again.
Moments later, the milk arrived. Eyan took it. And without the slightest concern for royal decorum—
Began feeding his son in the middle of the meeting.
The room stayed silent...Watching.
Leo drank eagerly, small hands gripping tightly.
Slowly…The chaos faded...The pulling stopped. .The movement softened...His eyes began to droop.
Eyan watched him. Carefully.
And then—Just like that—Leo fell asleep in his lap. Still. Peaceful.
As if he hadn't just declared war on the entire council.
Eyan looked at him for a long moment. Then, quietly—
"…It worked."
A faint, almost disbelieving smile touched his lips.
Across the table, the minister nodded. "I told you, Your Majesty."
Eyan adjusted Leo gently, making sure he was comfortable.
Then lifted his gaze again— Calm. Composed.
"…Continue."
And the meeting resumed—While the smallest tyrant in the empire slept.
_________________________________
(Leo 12 month's old)
The dining hall was unusually calm.
Soft light spilled across the long table, the clinking of cutlery quiet, unhurried.
Eyan sat at the head, posture relaxed for once, a plate barely touched before him.
Across from him, Luca leaned back slightly, while Aranel sat beside him, one hand resting unconsciously over her stomach.
Eyan's gaze shifted toward her.
"Luca did you take sister Aranel to the physician this month?"
Luca nodded immediately. "I did. This morning."
"And?"
"The physician said both children are healthy," Luca replied, a small smile forming. "They're growing well."
Eyan gave a slow nod.
"Good."
His eyes lingered on Aranel for a brief moment longer before returning to Luca.
"Take better care of her."
Luca let out a quiet breath of amusement. "I am."
"Not enough," Eyan replied flatly. "Do more."
Aranel smiled faintly, shaking her head.
Before Luca could respond—
"Your Majesty…"
One of the maids spoke suddenly, her voice edged with surprise.
"Look."
All three of them turned.
On the floor, a few steps away—
Leo stood.
Not supported.
Not holding onto anything.
Just… standing.
His tiny legs wobbled slightly beneath him, arms lifted for balance, wide eyes blinking as if even he didn't quite understand how he had managed it.
For a moment—
No one spoke.
Eyan's hand stilled midair, the spoon forgotten between his fingers.
Then slowly—
He set it down.
Turned fully toward his son.
And extended his hand.
"…Leo." His voice was quieter now. Softer. "Come to me."
Leo looked at him. Then—he giggled. A bright, bubbling sound.
And took a step. Unsteady. Wobbling. But forward.
Eyan's expression changed instantly—something rare, something unguarded lighting his face.
"That's it," he murmured. "Come."
Another step.
Behind him, Luca leaned forward slightly, unable to hide his grin. "Come on, Leo…"
Aranel's voice followed, warm and gentle. "You can do it…"
Leo took another step. Then another.
Tiny feet stumbling, arms waving slightly to keep balance— But he didn't stop.
Eyan didn't move from his place. His hand stayed extended.
Waiting. Watching. Every step closer reflected in his eyes.
"Just a little more…"
Leo let out a small laugh— Then stumbled forward— And fell.
Straight into Eyan's arms. Eyan caught him instantly.
Secure. Careful.
As if he had been waiting for that exact moment. For a second, he just held him there.
Then—He lifted him up. High.
"…You did it."
There was pride in his voice. Real, unhidden pride.
Leo squealed happily, tiny hands reaching for his face.
"You walked."
Eyan's lips curved into a soft smile—one no one in the empire ever saw.
"My son walked."
Behind him, Luca let out a quiet laugh.
Aranel's eyes softened, watching the scene in silence.
Leo leaned forward, pressing his forehead against Eyan's as if claiming his reward.
Eyan let out a quiet breath, holding him close.
______________________________
(Leo 1 years old)
Steam filled the bathing chamber, warm water rippling gently in the large marble tub.
Eyan sat beside it, sleeves rolled, expression already tense.
In front of him—
Leo. One year old.
Naked...Dangerous.
"Sit," Eyan instructed.
Leo did not sit. Instead, he slapped the water.
Splash.
Water hit Eyan's face.
A long pause.
Eyan wiped his cheek slowly. "…We have just begun."
Leo laughed. Then slapped the water again.
Splash—!
This time harder.
Eyan leaned back just enough to avoid the full attack. "Leo."
Another splash.
"Leo."
Another.
Eyan exhaled. "…Very well."
He reached forward, lifted him, and placed him properly into the tub.
For exactly two seconds—
Leo sat. Then immediately stood up.
Water sloshed everywhere as he stomped his tiny feet, delighted by the chaos he was creating.
"No standing."
Leo ignored him. Instead, he leaned forward— And slapped the water again.
Splash.
Direct hit.
Eyan closed his eyes. "…You are doing this intentionally."
Leo grinned. Then reached for something else— Eyan's sleeve. Wet hands grabbed the fabric and yanked. Water transferred instantly.
Eyan looked down at his soaked sleeve. Then at Leo.
"…I see."
Leo squealed and leaned forward again— This time placing both hands on Eyan's chest.
Wet....Dripping.
Then—
push.
Eyan lost balance...Just slightly....But enough. Water spilled over the edge as he caught himself.
Leo burst into giggles. Loud. Unapologetic.
Eyan stared at him. Long. Silent.
Then, without warning— He scooped water in his hand— And lightly flicked it at Leo's face.
A small splash. Leo blinked. Processing.
Then—
Gasped. And laughed even harder.
War had begun.
Splash.
Splash back.
Splash harder.
Soon the entire chamber echoed with water and laughter, droplets everywhere—on the floor, on the walls, on Eyan himself.
At some point—
Eyan stopped resisting.
"…This is inefficient," he muttered, though his voice had softened.
Leo crawled closer, water dripping from his hair, and placed both wet hands on Eyan's face.
"Pa!"
Eyan froze. Then sighed quietly.
"…Yes."
Leo leaned forward—And pressed his forehead against his. Water dripping between them.
Eyan's expression softened despite everything.
"…Bath time is not meant to be warfare."
Leo slapped the water again.
Splash.
Eyan shut his eyes.
"…Clearly, I was mistaken."