Painful Truth

"Don't worry, I already told your sister you are going back late today."

"You what?"

"I am sorry, I used your phone to text her. She already replied; you can check it."

Rafael frowned; he didn't like someone touching his personal belongings, but considering the situation, he understood why Aurora did this.

"It's alright, let's go back. I don't want to make her worry."

Aurora smiled at his response. "You are very close with her; it makes me feel envious."

"She is my only family," Rafael replied while getting down from the bed.

"Not really; I have seen many in a similar situation like yours. Most of them only end up fighting each other," Aurora said while opening the door and then making her way toward the parking lot.

"I don't know who you are talking about, but based on your status, I will think they are rich. 

It's not weird then. In the past, I often thought about how good it would be if my family were rich. 

But then, the more I learned how they really lived their lives, the more it made me glad."

"What do you mean?"

"No offense, Aurora, but just like what you said, when these people's parents die, they just think of the inheritance they can get their hands on. 

They don't think about the loss. 

This is an 'if' scenario. Just what happens if King Epsilon suddenly dies? 

What do you think your brother and sister will do?"

Aurora frowned, "It would be a civil war, but I am sure my father has something planned in this scenario. 

He is always like that, always has something else planned."

"That is good, but my point was that the more wealth someone has, the harder it will be to find genuine relationships. 

That is why I can relate to why you look for people outside your status."

"Yes, honestly, I feel it's impossible to get any genuine ones with my status. If only I could get rid of it."

"Nothing is impossible. Aren't our relationships genuine? You just need to make peace with it, Aurora."

Aurora looked at Rafael, then smiled, "No wonder my dad likes you; even your suggestion is the same as his."

"He said the same words?"

"Well, not exactly the same, but similar in meaning."

"Interesting, wasn't your father born as royalty? I never thought someone in his position could understand this."

"Well, this is a secret, but I believe you can keep it. My grandpa was harsher than my father. 

All the kids were thrown to live on the street when they reached a certain age. 

Only those who could reach his target could return as royalty; the rest were kicked out."

"What? Are you sure? If this is true, why have I never heard of it?"

Aurora chuckled, "Of course, it's a secret tradition. You can imagine what our enemies would do if they knew the prince and princess were living on the street. 

Just try to look for information on the past generation. You will realize how princes and princesses never appeared in the news before a certain age."

"That was very long ago. Only my dad probably knows. By the way, Aurora, since you checked my background..."

"I am sorry…" Aurora cut him short. 

She knew Rafael wanted to ask if she knew where his parents went. 

With her resources, if she couldn't find out about this, no one probably could.

"Are they dead?"

Aurora hesitated for a moment, "Will it make you feel better if you know they died in an accident?"

Rafael stopped in his steps. He looked toward Aurora's face, studying her expression. 

"I am not that weak, Aurora. I want the truth. No matter how hurtful it is."

"The last information I got is they left this country. It's been about a week since they stopped returning to your house."

"Left? If that is true, why did the police never say anything?"

"Of course, they don't know; it's not like they left legally. It's through one of the back channels."

"You investigated that far?" Rafael asked. 

In his mind, to find this out, Aurora would need to send people to check the illegal trafficking in the country and find the history at that date.

"No. This is another secret I will tell you. Almost every single criminal organization in this country exists under my father's influence."

"You are joking, right?"

"I wish I was. When I found out about this, I also got angry at my father, but hearing his explanation, I felt it made sense. 

Being a criminal is always part of being human; we cannot erase it. 

Since it cannot be erased, it's better to embrace it. But that doesn't mean we can just make it all legal. 

That is why my father made his own crime organization and controlled everything from the background; this way, everything is always under his control."

Rafael felt conflicted hearing this information. If it spread, this would become a huge problem for the country. 

It's not like there are no parties advocating for democracy and the abolition of the royal family. 

As for whether it's really from the civilians or created by another country, that is another question.

"You trust me this much? Although I do know no one will trust me. But there will always be a risk."

"I trust you, Rafael, but I told you this because, based on clearance level, all of this information is nothing compared to what you just experienced."

"With a Templar?"

Aurora replied with a nod. 

"I don't get why you need to hide them? 

Although I know most people will deny the idea at first since it will incite chaos, but soon people will adapt."

"This I don't know; you should ask my father if you want. But I think it's because of how most of these Templars and witches see us as normal civilians. 

People like Leslie are rare, Rafael. Just think how the ultra-rich act toward the poor? 

Now, what do you think those really strong people who can kill you with a touch will treat you? Will they respect you?"