After several quiet monts, hurried footsteps echoed sharply down the corridor outside, growing louder and clearer by the second.
Orion turned his gaze towards the doorway, a faint smile already forming as he recognized the steady yet anxious rhythm of his Grandpa’s footsteps.
The door swung open abruptly, revealing Eldric’s tall, imposing figure frad against the brighter hallway outside.
His normally composed expression revealed rare signs of anxiousness, his eyes imdiately locking onto Orion with a mixture of intense relief and mild astonishnt at the remarkable physical changes his grandson had undergone.
"Orion," Eldric breathed out sharply, swiftly crossing the room with a speed surprising for his usually calm deanor.
He stood directly before Orion, looking him carefully up and down as if assessing his physical condition thoroughly before asking urgently, "How are you feeling? Are you hurting anywhere? Do you feel any discomfort or unusual sensations?"
Orion chuckled softly, feeling touched by Eldric’s genuine concern. He gently rose from the edge of his bed, placing a reassuring hand upon Eldric’s broad shoulder to steady the older man’s clearly turbulent emotions.
"Grandpa, first calm down," Orion said gently, his heterochromatic eyes glowing with warmth and affection. "I’m feeling fine for now. It’s just so lingering injuries to my foundation—nothing imdiately serious."
Eldric visibly exhaled, tension slowly leaving his fra. His usually fierce eyes softened, his shoulders relaxing slightly with relief as Orion’s calm, steady deanor finally reassured him.
"As long as you’re fine..." Eldric murmured softly, running a hand slowly through his graying hair, exhaustion clear in the subtle lines deepening on his aged face. "We can always find ways to heal or rebuild damaged foundations. The important part is that you’re awake and safe."
Orion nodded thoughtfully, quietly acknowledging Eldric’s words. He had already resolved to delve deeply into alchemy as his next path; during his prolonged isolation within his Sea of Consciousness, he had thoroughly analyzed and morized every theory, recipe, and technique he had access to regarding alchemy.
All that remained was putting those theories into practice, and now seed like the perfect opportunity to start.
After a brief pause, Orion glanced curiously toward the doorway again, noting Selene’s unusual absence. Turning back to Eldric with a gentle curiosity lighting his eyes, he asked softly, "By the way, Grandpa, where is Grandma?"
Eldric shook his head slightly, a gentle sigh escaping his lips as he answered slowly, "Your grandma has been out running all over the place ever since the day you fell unconscious. She’s been tirelessly searching everywhere, trying desperately to find a special herb or potion that could help with your evolution and recovery."
Orion felt warmth surge deeply within his chest at Eldric’s words, touched profoundly by the lengths Selene had clearly gone to support and help him.
He smiled faintly, his voice softening noticeably with gratitude. "Did you manage to tell her that I’ve woken up?"
Eldric nodded slightly, the smallest hint of a relieved smile appearing on his stern features. "Yes, we’ve sent a ssage to her already. But it might take so ti before she returns. She had left the kingdom after learning about a rare herb that’s said to be able to fortify and heal damaged mana channels specifically. Knowing her, she won’t return empty-handed, no matter how far she has to travel."
Orion chuckled gently, feeling imnse gratitude for Selene’s unwavering love. The thought of seeing her again filled him with anticipation, knowing that she would soon return ho to nag him about taking better care of himself.
The two stood quietly for a few monts, each silently absorbed in their own thoughts. Eldric then spoke up, breaking the comfortable silence. "You’ve grown significantly stronger and taller as well, Orion. Even your eyes—there’s no mistaking the changes your evolution has brought. Your draconic legacies have fully awakened now, haven’t they?"
Orion paused briefly, hesitating for a mont, gathering his courage before beginning softly, "About my Drago—"
Eldric imdiately raised a hand gently, stopping Orion’s words before he could finish. The older man’s gaze was steady yet firm, carrying an air of authority.
"We will discuss this fully once your grandma returns, lad. Your lineage and heritage are sothing Selene and I both deserve to hear together, don’t you think?"
Orion nodded obediently, accepting Eldric’s words. Indeed, he had already resolved to reveal everything about his lineage and the extent of his transformations.
After the fierce battle months ago, hiding it seed pointless now. Transparency was crucial, especially with the family who had given him so much love, care, and support without hesitation.
The pair continued speaking quietly for a few more minutes, their conversation shifting toward lighter topics—updates on the estate, insights into the ongoing investigations into the Insanity Creed, and the changes that had occurred around them during Orion’s prolonged absence.
Eventually, Eldric glanced reluctantly toward the door, clearly aware that nurous responsibilities still demanded his imdiate attention.
With an apologetic sigh, Eldric patted Orion’s shoulder warmly. "I wish I could stay longer, Orion, but there are still pressing matters related to the Insanity Creed and demon activity. I trust you understand."
Orion smiled understandingly, nodding gently. "I understand completely, Grandpa. Thank you for everything you’ve done."
Eldric nodded slowly, turning toward the door as he stepped out into the hallway. Pausing briefly at the doorway, he glanced toward Rina, who stood respectfully in the corridor awaiting instructions. "Rina," Eldric spoke calmly, "take good care of Orion and keep an eye on his condition."
Rina imdiately bowed respectfully, accepting his orders without hesitation. "Of course, Lord Eldric."
As Eldric’s figure disappeared down the corridor, the soft sound of his retreating footsteps fading gently into silence, Rina quietly stepped back into Orion’s room, closing the door gently behind her.
Now alone, Orion and Rina’s gazes t softly once more, the room gently filling with a comforting, gentle warmth.
Inside the quiet room, gentle sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm and soothing atmosphere.
Orion moved slowly toward his small round table positioned by the window, the polished wooden surface gleaming gently under the sun’s delicate rays. With a subtle gesture, he indicated the chair opposite him, smiling lightly at Rina. "Co sit down, Rina."
Rina hesitated briefly, her gentle eyes montarily wavering with uncertainty. Orion observed her hesitation and chuckled softly, breaking the silence with warmth. "Was I unconscious for so long that you forgot how to sit with ?"
Her cheeks flushed lightly at his playful teasing, and a gentle smile crept shyly onto her lips. Slowly, she took a seat, quietly adjusting her posture and folding her hands neatly in her lap.
"It’s just been so long..." she whispered softly, her gaze montarily drifting downward, gently avoiding Orion’s playful gaze.
He smiled reassuringly, voice calm and filled with gentle curiosity. "Tell , how have you been? How did you spend your ti while I was unconscious?"
Rina’s blush faded slightly, replaced by a look of quiet contemplation. Her eyes drifted thoughtfully toward the window, rembering the many months of diligent work and relentless training.
"Mostly training and taking care of you," she answered softly. "I wanted to ensure that when you woke up, you’d see how much stronger I’d beco."
Orion nodded appreciatively, warmth radiating gently from his eyes. "Thank you, Rina. Seeing how much you care about really puts a smile on my face."
She smiled shyly at his praise, warmth spreading pleasantly through her chest. Orion paused for a mont, thoughtfully changing the topic. "By the way, how have things been around the estate? It seems everyone has had their hands full since I fell unconscious."
Reviews
All reviews (0)