The sword passed through everyone's hands, and each person found it remarkably heavy. However, Williams, aware of Alan's unique ability, felt joy for his friend.
Over the next week, Alan and Williams spent time riding horses, sparring, and exploring the city, all while enjoying moments with their families.
A week before their departure for the Academy, John, Elizabeth, Helen, James, and Jean arrived in Winden city. Helen, feeling nostalgic after nearly 40 years, experienced a mix of familiarity and a sense of the place being entirely different. The boys were ecstatic to welcome them, leading to an evening filled with excitement and a delightful dinner.
After the meal, Alan and Helen went for a walk, engaging in a conversation that lasted more than two hours. The bond between grandmother and grandson deepened as Alan shared every detail of his apprenticeship with Steve, his involvement in forging 200 swords, and ultimately crafting his own. "I'll show the sword I forged to everyone once we go back, Grandma," Alan said with excitement. Helen smiled, patting her grandson's shoulder proudly. She noticed that he had grown taller and broader in these eight months, slightly bulked up and tanned due to his work at the smithy. "My grandson will be a handsome young man in a few years," she sighed happily.
"Alan, tomorrow we'll go and see our house in Winden city. Your grandfather and I have fond memories there," Helen mentioned, her expression distant as she spoke about her past.
Excited, Alan returned from their walk and proudly displayed the sword he had forged, leaving everyone in astonishment. Like the others, John and James were taken aback by the considerable weight of the sword.
John was surprised to learn that even the usually grumpy Steve had considered Alan his apprentice and helped him craft his own sword.
The next day, Helen took Alan to see her old house, and Williams, curious to know, joined them. The house was located in the inner area of the city, surprisingly spacious— not a mansion, but a sizable residence. The entrance gate proudly displayed the sign "Morgan's." Alan felt a surge of emotion, appreciating the generosity of the Morgan family, who not only adopted an orphan but also bestowed upon him their family name. Furthermore, they extended the same gesture to Alan, who was also an orphan adopted by Alec's wife. Sensing the emotional shift in Alan's demeanor, Williams patted his shoulder and offered a comforting squeeze.
"So, this is the Morgan's house in Winden City! Not bad, Al. I think we could stay here in the future if we settle down in Winden City," Williams remarked. Alan hugged him tightly, expressing his gratitude. "Thanks, brother. Thank you very much," Alan said emotionally. Williams patted his back, smiling, while tears of joy ran down Helen's cheeks. In these two boys, she saw reflections of Alec and John, and her happiness knew no bounds.
After a thorough tour of Helen's well-maintained small estate, impeccably overseen by John's family, they returned home for lunch. To their surprise, a retinue of soldiers and carriages awaited them at the mansion's entrance, prompting curiosity as they entered.
Inside, they discovered the old duke, who had come to meet Helen due to her past fame as a healer. Helen was both surprised and pleased to see him. George introduced the boys to the old duke, and both Alan and Williams bowed deeply in respect. Accompanying the duke was a beautiful girl around 11 years old, introduced as his granddaughter and the current Duke's daughter. She exuded a noble air, bowing respectfully to Helen and nodding with a smile towards Alan and Williams.
Alan sensed a slight tugging from the girl, understanding that she would develop her magical abilities in the future.
"So, these are the deadly duo I've heard of," the old duke remarked with a smile, looking at the two boys. The unexpected revelation left everyone shocked and a bit awkward. Sensing the tension, the old duke reassured them, "Ah, don't worry, it's no big deal to know about it. After all, I was the duke, and don't worry—I won't reveal it." Everyone relaxed a bit. Irene, the duke's granddaughter, asked suspiciously, "What was all that about, Grandfather?"
"Oh, it's nothing, my child. Just two energetic boys creating mayhem for the trade guild last year, that's all," he explained with a smile.
Irene looked at them curiously, eager to know more details about these intriguing boys.
After exchanging few pleasantries they left. Before he left the old duke handedover a small pouch, saying "This was left in my care to pass on to you one day by your master."
Helen felt touched and bowed deeply accepting the pouch.