chapter 13 :best pillow

Ethan listened intently to Anna's story, becoming more astonished with each passing moment. Who could treat their sister like that? Unfortunately, such people existed in this world and in previous worlds.

When Anna finished her story, Ethan tried to maintain a poker face but failed. "I truly apologize. If I had known, I wouldn't have pressured you to tell me. What you've been through is incredibly sad, and now I understand why you wanted to use me," he said. Anna was shocked by these words.

For the first time in her life, someone understood her, recognized her pain. She had never received the understanding she longed for from her family, yet here it was coming from someone she barely knew. Tears began to flow within seconds. As soon as Ethan noticed, he approached Anna and placed his hand on her shoulder, unknowingly causing her to cry even more.

Anna hugged Ethan, hiding her embarrassed face from him. Ethan was a bit surprised but returned the hug. Anna was now crying aloud like a baby, her tears soaking Ethan's shirt. Ethan began to stroke her back to calm her down, and they stayed like that for almost ten minutes.

Anna eventually stopped crying but continued to cling to Ethan. "Are you feeling better?" he asked. Finally, Anna lifted her head from Ethan's shoulder. Her cheeks, nose, and ears were bright red. "I'm sorry... I just needed this... thank you," Anna said. Ethan replied teasingly, "What are you thanking me for? Anyone wouldn't miss the chance to hug a girl like you."

"I guess you're right... still, thank you," Anna said, then added, "So, are you going to tell me how you knew my secret?" Ethan explained, "It's because of my ability. I can see what people are thinking about an emotional matter. But not many people know about it, so I hope this stays between us." Anna replied, "Well, we both know each other's secrets, so even if I wanted to tell, I couldn't. Besides, I wouldn't want to cross a prince, especially one with such a silly ability."

"Would you like to be friends with me?" Ethan asked. Anna was quite surprised by this. "Friends? Why don't you just use me like everyone else?" she said. Despite still being a child, Anna was quite smart thanks to her education. "Because I don't want you to simply accept everything I say without questioning. Frankly, I'm interested in you. You're quite clever, but remember, it's not me who'll choose, it's you. If you want, Henry with his intelligence can impress you, or even Emily, or Isabella would want you by their side. Karl, even though he has no right to the throne, would accept you too," Ethan said.

Anna was pleased by Ethan's praise; her heart started beating faster. "What's happening to me, or rather, what is this boy doing to me?" she thought to herself. Finally, she said, "I'll choose you, Ethan, but in return, I want you to stop my brother." Ethan agreed.

"Do you want to be king, don't you?" Anna asked. Ethan nodded, "Yes, exactly." Anna said, "Then I'll help you with that, but I'll need to think and make a plan." Ethan replied, "I'll try to ensure that your brother doesn't bother you as much as possible until I grow up."

Later, Ethan wrote a letter to his father, asking him to send Jeheria to the Moritan border, so he'd be occupied with border duties and wouldn't bother Anna.

Meanwhile, Anna began to compile a list of useful people for Ethan. She was still a child and had her limits, but for now, this was all she could do.

As Anna started to plan how to help Ethan, a strong collaboration and friendship began to form between them. Anna began identifying potential supporters for Ethan's kingship, including intelligent advisors, powerful nobles, and strategic allies. She developed strategies for Ethan to communicate with these people and gain their support.

Ethan, on the other hand, took action to implement his plan regarding his brother. Sending Jeheria to the Moritan border was a crucial step in preventing his brother from bothering Anna. This way, Ethan effectively took measures to prevent his brother from harming Anna.

Together, they began taking steps towards both Ethan's kingship and stopping Anna's brother. As their trust and cooperation grew stronger, a hopeful atmosphere emerged, suggesting they could overcome future challenges together.

A few days later, Ethan was teaching Aphrodite and Anna some basic fighting techniques in the training ground, and they were sparring with each other. When Ethan introduced Anna to Aphrodite, she sensed a hint of jealousy but soon they all got along well.

As they headed to their rooms when night fell, the weather turned bad. Rain was pouring heavily, and Ethan found it hard to sleep due to the thunderstorms. *Knock knock*

Someone was knocking on Ethan's door. When he opened it, he found Aphrodite standing there, wearing light clothing with a sweet expression on her face.

"Do you need something?" Ethan asked. Aphrodite said, "Um, I'm scared of storms and thunder. I used to sleep with my sister at home, but... can I sleep with you tonight?" she said, unable to look Ethan in the eye due to embarrassment.

Ethan noticed Aphrodite's fear and realized she was still a child. "Sure, come in," he said. They entered the room, and Ethan lay down on the bed, feeling exhausted. Despite the presence of a small couch in the room, Aphrodite headed towards the bed and placed her pillow on Ethan's right side before lying down.

"If you're uncomfortable, I can move to the couch," Ethan offered, but Aphrodite quickly interrupted, "No, no, I'm fine like this." Although Ethan had developed feelings for Anna, he started to notice Aphrodite and didn't want to miss this opportunity. Ethan realized this and pulled the blanket over them, wrapping his arms around her from behind. This made Anna jolt. "Ethan! What are you doing?" she said, trying to turn around.

"I always hug my pillow when I sleep, but since my pillow is with you, I thought I'd hug you instead. Besides, weren't you the one who said you wouldn't mind? But if you've changed your mind, I can sleep on the cold couch tonight," Ethan said, teasingly.

Not knowing what to say, Aphrodite replied, "Well... I can't let you sleep on the couch after all." Her heart was pounding so fast that she massaged her chest to calm down. Ethan's touch was warm and comforting. Before long, Aphrodite fell asleep, perhaps having the best sleep of her life.