After a few minutes of staring at her mother's face, Lily wiped away her tears.
Even though Lily knew her mother could not hear her, she whispered, "Mother, Lily will be back later."
To prolong their mother's life for as long as possible, she and Garrett had put their mother into deep sleep. Only sometimes, when Lily missed hearing her mother's voice, would she wake her up… though for only a brief time before putting her back in a deep sleep.
Lily gently adjusted the blanket around her mother, making sure she was comfortable, even in her deep sleep.
After taking a deep breath and casting a final glance at her mother's face, Lily sighed and left the room.
After gently closing the door, Lily placed her hand on the wall beside the door and channeled her Mana.
Soon, Runic Symbols covered the door before infusing into the walls, preventing any sound and anyone below Mana Vein Tempering Realm from entering.
It was because of the powerful Runic Symbols protecting their mother's rooms that Lily and Garrett could leave their house in peace, knowing their mother would be safe.
After all, in Thunderfall City, the strongest Mages were only at the Bone Tempering Realm. And even if they joined forces to attack their house, their mother's room would remain intact.
"Young Miss, how is Cl— I mean, Madam Vale's condition!?"
Just as Lily activated the Runic Symbols, she heard a slightly aged, but kind and gentle voice from behind.
Lily turned around and glanced up at the worried face of a middle-aged black and white-haired man wearing a butler uniform. He looked ordinary at first glance, but his eyes were as sharp as a sword.
"Uncle Fen, how many times does Lily have to say to call Lily by her name?" Lily cutely pouted.
If Lily had made that expression any other time, Fenwick would have felt his heart melt by her adorableness: however, with her tear-stained face and puffy, red eyes, it only caused Fenwick to feel an ache in his heart.
From the day Lily was born, Fenwick had watched her grow up into the beautiful young lady she was today. She had always been mischievous and cheerful, but after what happened five years ago, her demeanor had changed. Even though she would sometimes smile, Fenwick could see there was a major difference between the smile from before and now. One was a genuine smile, while the other was just an act.
"Young Mi-" Fenwick helplessly said, but was cut off.
"Humph, If Uncle doesn't call Lily, Lily. Lily won't ever talk to Uncle ever again!" Lily said adamantly.
For a moment, Fenwick helplessly stared at Lily's obstinate face, before silently sighing. After knowing her for eighteen years, he knew once her mind was set, she would not change her mind.
And… calling her by her name was not entirely inappropriate, since he had always treated her like a daughter. Same with Garrett, whom he treated as a son.
Fenwick had a secret. It was a secret that he would take to his grave. He was and had always been in love with Lily and Garrett's mother, Clara. They had known each other since they were children and were even best friends, but sadly, Clara chose that scum from the Blackthorne Family.
'If only… If only I was stronger and protected her when that bastard attacked her.' Imperceptibly, his hands clenched into fists. Ever since that day, he knew he was not worthy of Clara's love. If he could not protect the love of his life, then it only meant they were not meant for each other.
However, even if Fenwick did not say it out loud, Lily and Garrett knew about his love for their mother.
They had even silently agreed that if their mother ever got better, they would talk to their mother about potentially getting them together.
Ever since they were born it had always been Fenwick, who had taken care of them and was like a father figure to them.
As for their own father, he had rarely even spoken with them.
Even now, that their mother was bedridden and no longer had her once beautiful appearance, his love for their mother did not lessen.
However, for now, Lily did not say anything.
'Mother, Lily promises to heal you fully.' She thought with determination.
After a moment, Lily sneakily looked left and right and then at Fenwick. She said:
"Uncle Fenwick, Lily will be going out again. If Big Brother comes back again, tell him Lily went out to do shopping."
Fenwick shook his head bitterly when he saw her actions and heard her words.
'Why does Young Miss want to go out again?'
Lily would rarely leave the house, afraid that someone would recognize her, but for the past two days, she had consistently left the house.
And today would mark the third day.
Although Fenwick was curious, he did not ask where she was going. He trusted Lily's judgment and believed in her strength. She was just as fierce as she was innocent.
"I will keep it a secret from the Young Master, but remember to come back early, Young Mi — Lily." Fenwick said, and then continued worriedly, "And remember to be safe."
Lily nodded and then went to freshen up, all the while her mind was filled with the delicious taste of the Siren's Melody Poached Egg.
Thirty minutes later, Lily walked out of her bathroom wearing a cute frilly pink dress before summoning her black robe and black mask Artifacts.
"Uncle, Lily is leaving! Remember to take care of Mother!" Lily said to Fenwick before leaving their home.
Except for Lily and Garrett… and of course, Clara; Fenwick was not barred from entering the room by the Runic Symbols.
Fenwick was speechless as he watched Lily's figure disappear into the streets.
'Is it just me or does the Young Miss seem more cheerful?' He thought. He wondered if it was just his mind that was playing tricks on him. After all, he wished Lily to be back to her usual mischievous and cheerful self.