Elowyn arrived where everyone had gathered to welcome the former leader. In front of the mansion, Ashan, Leone, Maria, and various servants and workers had assembled in anticipation.
"Uncle, am I late?" Elowyn asked as she moved toward Leone. Shock spread among the onlookers—maids and workers began whispering in hushed tones about her beauty.
"Did you see that? She's like an angel," one maid gushed.
"I've never seen her like this before. Are you sure she's from a normal noble family? In my opinion, she seems more like a princess from somewhere," another added.
"Hmm… what you say makes sense," a third maid agreed.
Before long, Maria stepped forward with a beaming smile.
"Darling, you are so beautiful. I never imagined the dress I gave you would match you so perfectly."
She glanced at the rose tucked into Elowyn's hair.
"I see you have a great taste for flowers—the rose makes you even more lovely."
Elowyn's eyes shifted to Ashan, who returned her gaze with a gentle smile.
(See, I told you—you are beautiful.) Ashan communicated through telepathy. Elowyn blushed and looked down, smiling shyly.
Just then, a sound from the main gate announced the arrival of a carriage. It rolled slowly toward the mansion.
"Son, your grandfather is coming," Leone said, glancing at Ashan.
Maria clutched Leone's hand tightly, a nervous look on her face.
"Don't worry, Maria. Everything will be fine," he reassured her.
The carriage came to a stop, and Ashan observed it with interest.
A powerful aura… he thought. Not quite at the level of a high sword master, nor a grand sword master… but close. No surprise—he came from Shenzurai, after all.
Clack…
The carriage door swung open, and an old man stepped out. Dressed in a black and white robe, he stood nearly as tall as Leone. His long white hair was tied up neatly, and his beard had almost completely turned white. Though his body showed signs of age, it exuded readiness for battle. His eyes, sharp and penetrating, shifted as he looked at Leone and Maria. In that instant, his stance softened; his face filled with love and comfort as a warm smile broke through.
Yet, despite his joy, a tinge of guilt marred his expression—as if he bore the weight of a long-forgotten duty.
"My children, it's good to see you again," he said softly.
Maria couldn't hold back any longer—she ran to him, throwing her arms around him as tears spilled from her eyes.
"I waited for you for years, Father. Why didn't you come back? You're so mean…"
Boris's face fell with sadness as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
"I'm so sorry, Maria. Forgive this selfish old man. I won't leave you again—never."
Leone stepped forward, his voice steady yet filled with emotion.
"Thank you for coming back, Father. You don't know how worried I was when I couldn't reach you."
"I see… I've been nothing but a burden to you," Boris murmured. "I'm sorry, my son."
"No need to be sorry—just promise you won't leave us again."
The family reunited at last, their long-held sorrow replaced by relief. Even amidst the emotions, the moment was a joyful one.
Then Boris's eyes fell upon Ashan.
His heart skipped a beat.
He found himself staring—unblinking, unmoving. And in that instant, he felt something strange.
I… went so far away… I was a father, yet I forgot I could be a grandfather too…
Leone noticed his father's gaze and turned to follow it, smiling when he saw who Boris was staring at.
"Is he…?" Boris asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Leone nodded with a proud smile.
"Yes, Father. He is your grandson—my son."
Boris's breath hitched.
"Son, come here," Leone said softly.
Ashan stepped forward.
"This is your grandfather," Leone said. "Boris Rontera—the genius who discovered the Circle Slash."
Ashan met his grandfather's eyes, then smiled.
"It's nice to meet you, Grandfather. I've heard a lot about you."
Boris lowered his gaze, his hands tightening into fists as his body trembled.
"To think… I ran from my responsibilities for my own selfish reasons. What a shameful man I am. I forgot that one day, I would have grandchildren waiting for me… I couldn't even be there for their childhood."
Leone placed a comforting hand on Boris's shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself, Father. It wasn't your fault. You left because you were struggling."
Boris took a step closer to Ashan.
"Son… What is your name?"
"My name is Ashan, Grandfather."
Boris's lips curved into a small smile.
"Ashan… It's simple, yet charming. I'm sure your mother was the one who named you."
He looked at Maria, who gave him a warm nod in return.
Turning back to Ashan, Boris hesitated before speaking again.
"Will you forgive this selfish grandfather… for not being there?"
Ashan smiled reassuringly.
"It's alright, Grandfather. I understand what happened. As my father said, please don't blame yourself. Seeing you now is more than enough for me."
Boris's heart swelled with a mix of emotions—relief, regret, happiness, and sorrow.
"I'm happy to see you too," Boris said, holding Ashan's hands. "It feels like I've been given a second chance… But at the same time, I regret that your grandmother never got to see you."
Then suddenly—his body stiffened.
His expression changed.
His grip on Ashan's hands tightened slightly.
What… is this?
A strange, overwhelming feeling rushed through Boris as he touched Ashan. His breathing became uneven.
This aura…
It was calm, yet powerful. Charming, yet immensely strong.
This aura is familiar.
But when? When had he last felt something like this?
Leone frowned slightly. "Father? Is something wrong?"
Boris blinked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"No… Nothing, son. I just… remembered how you were at this age." He chuckled lightly. "I miss those days."
He turned to Maria again—his eyes, however, were not focused on her.
They were focused on the girl standing just behind her.
Boris's gaze softened. A knowing smile crossed his lips as he turned back to Leone.
"And who is that charming child?"
To Be Continued…