As I walked with Grandfather, we moved in silence toward the garden. The air felt heavy, and the sound of our footsteps echoed against the stone path. When we arrived, Grandfather sat on the wooden chair beside the flowerbeds, staring at the garden for a long moment before he spoke.
"Where your mother stopped, that's where I'll continue," he said quietly. "Your father left on that expedition with my old friend, Hrodgar. If I had known it was a trap set by those Sorin foxes, I would have gone with them myself."
He paused, his gaze distant. "A week after your father left, I heard from a Sorin envoy. They claimed that your father and my friend both lost their lives fighting a magical beast. Only three survived two mythical ranked warriors from Sorin's side, and one was later reported to have reached the mythical rank."
His jaw tightened. "Before I lost my son and my friend, we had enough power to keep the Sorin royal family in check. With Hrodgar and Jedric Blackwyn, the four of us could balance their strength. They had only three mythical rankers back then. We couldn't start a war with just four of us, but we had the support of several noble houses and the people's trust. Still, we never wanted rebellion. The Lunareth line has always valued peace."
He stopped again, narrowing his eyes. "But after I lost my son and my friend, everything changed. The people's hope faded. The royals gained four mythical rankers, while only Jedric and I remained. Sorin empire once had eight mythical ranker after that incident, only six survived, four loyal to the royals. There's no doubt in my mind, Vale. It was an ambush. They sent that mission to kill your father and Hrodgar.
I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. "Grandfather… my father had six spirit contracts, right? And he could summon two at once. Even after that, you still have your fire spirit a Tier 6. Only the Lunareth family can form contracts with spirits outside the elves, right?"
He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Good question, boy. You've learned a lot for someone just become six." He smiled faintly before continuing. "My spirit wasn't mythical back then it evolved later. As for your father, he had several strong spirits, though none above Tier 5.
"So…" I hesitated. "Were you ever able to find my father's killers?"
Grandfather's eyes flared with anger. "There's no need to 'find' them, Vale. It was an order from the Sorin Empire itself. Those three mythical rankers carried it out. Bastards…" He clenched his fists, his voice trembling with restrained fury.
After a pause, I asked quietly, "What's the situation now? You said this all happened seven years ago."
He exhaled slowly. "Sorin's four mythical rankers grew to seven. One later died in the Asura Continent, leaving them with six. I've already told Jedric to maintain a formal alliance with the Sorin emperor. He won't fight for them, but he won't rebel either. He promised to help maintain order in the empire while secretly supporting me. There are one more mythical rankers aligned the same way.
"As for me, here in Brindlehallow, I have no need for such deals. With my Tier 6 fire spirit, this land belongs to us granted long ago by the first Sorin Emperor himself."
He frowned slightly. "There's still one Eternal ranked mage, but he stays neutral, teaching in the Academy City with three other mythical rankers. The Academy's headmaster is that Eternal. Because Sorin is preoccupied with their war in Asura, they've left us alone for now. But they know, Vale. They know you might come for them one day. When that time comes, they'll try to move against us again, just like they did to your father."
He fell silent then, staring at me with eyes full of sorrow and pride. I couldn't speak either. The garden was quiet except for the rustle of wind through the leaves.
"Thank you, Grandfather," I said finally. "For telling me everything. I… need time to think."
He nodded, and I left the garden. Behind me, his expression softened into sadness.
Don't worry, boy, Vandrel thought. I will judge the killers of your father. After all, I've already judged one of them in Asura.
His face darkened with grim resolve as he looked toward the fading horizon.
his face become more dark expresion
After leaving the garden, I made my way to the mansion, even though I didn't really want to go there. On my way, I spotted Roland. He greeted me, and suddenly an idea struck me.
"Roland, come with me. I want to see the villege," I said.
He nodded and followed.
Brindlehallow was buzzing with life. It was a small village, but the streets were vibrant, filled with the smell of food and the chatter of merchants. I could feel Roland walking behind me, looking serious, but I pushed that thought aside. My mind was still a jumble, tangled with everything Mother and Grandfather had told me. I couldn't sort it all out at once.
To take my mind off things, I looked around at the shops. There were all kinds of items, some I'd never seen before. A stall caught my eye it was selling fresh fruit.
"What's that?" I asked.
Roland glanced that way. "It's fruit. Sweet and good to eat."
I wanted to try it, but then I remembered I hadn't brought any money. Before I could say anything, Roland bought two and handed to me.
"Thank you," I said quietly. "I'll pay you later."
We kept walking, heading toward the Elderwood border. There was a spot I liked a quiet place surrounded by trees, away from the crowd. I sat down with my back against a tree and started eating the fruit. I offered one to Roland, but he declined.
As I sat there, my thoughts weighed on me.
I care my mother, Grandfather, and even Lucy, Roland, and Myra. They're all important to me. I never met my father, but I am his son. Still, my situation is different. I was reborn here. I already lost my parents once I know how painful that can be. Even though I never met my father, I feel a deep ache. I don't want to see my family, my friends, or anyone I care about suffer like that again.
Those Sorin nobles won't let me live in peace. They'll come for me if not directly, then through the people I love. Humans are greedy they always have been. One day, that greed will lead to there doom.
The more I thought about my father, the heavier the pain became. I thought I was ready, but loss hurts the same even in a different life. What should I do? Should I seek revenge? But revenge changes people and twists them.
Ah, problems everywhere. I thought this life might be peaceful, yet trouble seems to surround me.
When I looked up, I found Roland watching me. I had eaten both fruits he bought. I managed a faint smile. No matter what happens, I've made my decision.
If I become strong enough to protect those around me, I won't have to feel this pain again.
It won't happen overnight. Not in this world of monsters. But I'll use every bit of strength and knowledge I have. I'll do my best to protect them.
As that thought settled in, I glanced down at the necklace my mother had given me, its emerald gemstone shining softly in the sunlight.