"I... I need so space. Please," Rowan replied, trying to regain his composure.
She nodded, stood up from the bed, and quietly walked out. Rowan took a deep breath, adjusted himself, and followed her out.
As he moved down the hallway, he saw Elian. Their eyes t briefly, then she quickly looked away. Rowan shook his head, muttering under his breath, and continued downstairs to the kitchen.
The food was already prepared and neatly laid out on the table. Rowan sat down and ate normally, trying to act casual. Elian hovered nearby, quietly watching him.
"Did you enjoy it, Master?" she asked, her voice gentle.
"Yes... it’s good," he replied, forcing a smile.
An awkward silence settled. Rowan finished his al and stood up. "I need so fresh air," he said, stepping outside.
Elian followed. He glanced back, noticing her at his heels. She kept pace silently.
"Are you following ?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No... I’m not," she replied softly.
Rowan shook his head. After everything that happened yesterday... he thought, she’s... different. She’s... brighter. Less gloomy. Maybe she’s slowly getting better.
"Master, look at the field," Elian said quietly.
Rowan turned his gaze forward.
The air felt wrong.
He rembered it clearly now—the monsters they had slaughtered. Their bodies were still scattered across the grass near the forest’s edge. If anyone saw this...
Before he could speak, Elian stepped forward.
"There’s no need for you to do anything," she said calmly.
She raised her hand. The mana spread instantly across the small field near the forest, flowing like a silent wave. With a snap of her fingers, frost erupted outward.
Every corpse froze solid in an instant.
Then they shattered.
The frozen bodies broke apart, crumbling into fine particles before dispersing completely into nothingness, as if they had never existed. The field was clean. Silent. Untouched.
Just then, the sound of hooves echoed from the distance.
"A carriage," Elian said.
Rowan relaxed slightly. "Dad’s back."
The carriage rolled closer and finally stopped.
Rowan frowned. "Wait... this isn’t the sa carriage that took Mom away."
The door opened. A man in a perfectly tailored suit stepped down first—a butler. He bowed deeply toward Rowan before opening the carriage door wider.
Next ca Aldwin, Rowan’s father.
Behind him stepped another man, cloaked and broad-shouldered. A sword rested at his waist, and a red bandana was tied around his head. His presence alone felt heavy—dangerous.
Rowan walked forward. "Dad. Is Mom alright?"
Aldwin nodded. "Yes. When I was driving her last night, the pain suddenly vanished. Still, I took her to the city for a full check-up. They said she’s completely fine."
Relief washed over Rowan’s face.
Then Mira stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Rowan, are you doing okay?"
Rowan nodded again.
The cloaked man stepped closer, his eyes studying Rowan carefully.
"So this is your son," he said. "Wow... he really looks like your wife."
Aldwin chuckled. "He does, doesn’t he?"
Rowan tilted his head. "Dad... who is he?"
Aldwin placed a hand on Rowan’s shoulder.
"Do you rember when I told you I was looking for a personal trainer for you?"
Rowan nodded.
"This is Voli," Aldwin continued. "A forr Sword Master. So even called him the Fire God."
Rowan’s eyes sharpened. "Fire God?"
Voli laughed softly and waved a hand. "That’s an exaggeration. I’m nothing special."
Still, he stepped forward and extended his hand toward Rowan.
"But I’ve heard a lot about you," Voli said. "Your father says you’re extrely talented. I’m looking forward to training you."
Rowan hesitated for a fraction of a second, then shook his hand.
"I’ll do my best."
Voli smiled. "Good. That’s all I ask."
"Please, everyone, co in," Elian said politely, extending her hand toward the house.
Mira, Voli, and Aldwin stepped inside together.
Elian guided them to the dining area and quickly began serving the food. Plates were placed neatly on the table, steam rising gently from each dish. Soon, everyone was seated and eating.
"This is delicious," Voli said after a few bites. "Rowan, are you not joining us?"
"I already ate," Rowan replied calmly.
Voli raised a brow. "Really? Then whoever made this is impressive."
Elian bent slightly at the waist. "Thank you."
Mira smiled. "Yes, Elian prepared everything herself."
Voli paused mid-bite and looked at Elian more closely.
"Wait..." he said slowly. "If I’m not mistaken, you’re Elian of the Haleworth family, aren’t you?"
Elian stiffened for just a fraction of a second, then nodded. "Yes."
"The Haleworth family," Voli continued, his tone turning thoughtful, "renowned for their mastery of water and ice magic."
"She is the daughter of Haleworth," Aldwin said slowly, his gaze resting on Elian. "You did say that."
Voli paused, eyes narrowing slightly as mory surfaced.
"Elian Haleworth... I rember that na clearly."
Elian stiffened but did not lift her head.
"Years ago, she was well known," Voli continued. "One of the youngest and most talented maids in the nation. Skilled, disciplined, and far more capable than most people realized."
The room grew quiet.
"Then ca the tragedy. She lost nearly all her comrades. Faced one of the most dangerous bandits of that era. After that incident... she vanished."
Voli looked at Rowan’s father.
"And now she’s here, serving as a maid again," he said. "Explain that."
Rowan’s father raised a hand calmly. "Easy. If you rember, there was a ti when you and I ended up in the sa party. It didn’t last long—but during that mission, I saved Haleworth."
He glanced briefly at Elian.
"As repaynt, his daughter stayed under my protection. That’s all. She’ll leave eventually."
Voli nodded slowly. "I see."
The matter was left there.
Elian remained silent.
A mont later, Rowan stood and headed upstairs.
Elian hesitated, then followed.
"Master," she said softly from behind him, "would you like to eat sothing?"
"Well, no. I just ate," Rowan said. "It hasn’t even been that long."
Elian remained standing there, looking at him without speaking.
Rowan paused.
...This is getting frustrating.
She’s been following ever since I woke up.
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