Chapter 43

"Grand Pa!!" Kai shouted as he hugged his grandfather.

"Good boy!" Mortimer exclaimed with a smile, his hand gently patting Kai's back, proud of his grandson's affectionate greeting, unlike his son's more bitchy attitude.

As Kai pulled away from the embrace, concern etched on his features, he voiced his worries to his grandfather. "Grandpa... You don't look quite yourself. Are you feeling ill again?"

Mortimer chuckled at Kai's concern, dismissing it with a wave of his hand. "Ah, it's nothing to worry about, my boy. Just old age catching up with me," he reassured, though Kai still seemed hesitant to accept this explanation.

"Now, where is my dear granddaughter?" Mortimer inquired, his eyes scanning the room eagerly.

Selene, with a soft giggle, stepped forward, her demeanor poised and elegant. "It's been a while, Grandfather," she greeted respectfully, her gaze meeting his with warmth and respect.

"Hmm, yes, indeed," Mortimer murmured in approval, nodding at Selene's grace and maturity. She embodied the qualities of a true Frostblade woman.... a sight that filled him with pride.

With a gentle pat on her head, he praised her, "I am proud to see my granddaughter carrying herself with such grace and maturity."

Selene's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at her grandfather's praise, a shy smile gracing her lips in response.

Turning his attention to his son, Mortimer's expression soured with disdain as he regarded Velc. "Seems like you're managing alright, at least," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

Velc's lips tightened in irritation at his father's comment, his annoyance evident despite his attempt to maintain composure. "Yes, Father," he replied tersely, his response devoid of gentleness.

Mortimer disregarded his son's disdainful tone, his attention fixed on the carriage standing before the gate as he inquired, "How long are you going to hide?"

Both Kai and Selene furrowed their brows at their grandfather's question, while Velc's irritation was palpable, evident in the twitch of his facial muscles.

'Thud'

As the carriage door swung open, a pair of slender legs gracefully emerged, followed by the slow, deliberate emergence of a breathtaking woman.

Her aqua-coloured locks flowed like liquid silk around her face, framed by stylish glasses that hinted at a touch of mystery in her deep blue eyes. With a subtle smirk, she adjusted her glasses, drawing attention to the plush curve of her lips.

Elegant earrings adorned her ears, swaying gently with each step and catching the soft morning light, casting a mesmerizing shimmer around her. Wrapped in the snug embrace of a grey cable-knit sweater, her ample bosom hinted at concealed treasures, enticing yet elusive. A scarf draped provocatively around her neck, teasingly hinting at the softness of her skin beneath.

In black sweatpants that clung suggestively to her curves, she exuded undeniable magnetism with every movement. With a voice as smooth as honey, she spoke, annoyance lacing her words,

"Tsk, what do you mean I'm hiding, old man? I'm merely avoiding unnecessary drama" Despite the irritation in her tone, there was an underlying allure to her words, a hint of defiance mingled with undeniable charm.

""Aunt?"" Kai and Selene exclaimed in shock at the unexpected sight of their aunt emerging from the carriage.

"Delphine... sigh," Mortimer sighed again, this time at his daughter's audacity. However, he quickly reminded himself that he had invited her here, and the last thing he wanted to do was further aggravate her.

Turning his attention to his grandchildren, whom he cherished more than his ungrateful children, Mortimer spoke with a mixture of concern and determination. "Since you're venturing out for some time, we can't leave you alone in a dangerous place..."

"But I can—" Kai attempted to interject his annoyance, but Mortimer cut him off with a gentle smile, "I know you can, Kai, but do you remember what happened last time?"

Kai's expression darkened at the memory. He had felt utterly powerless when those Arcane Hunters had cornered him, rendering him helpless.... He felt like shit!! It was a feeling he never wanted to experience again, and the reason he was so eager to increase his levels as quickly as possible.

Sensing Kai's silence, Mortimer nodded understandingly before turning to Velc, "I actually wanted you to go with them, but..." Mortimer's gaze turned disdainful as he continued, "...since you lost your Stars due to your own foolish actions, your worthlessness has increased drastically..... So, I've called her to safeguard the children."

Velc's lips twitched in frustration, feeling the sting of Mortimer's words, 'I sacrificed that for our family... OLD FOOL!' he seethed inwardly. However, he knew better than to voice his frustrations, acknowledging once again that Mortimer had beat the shit out of him.

"Let's leave!" The aqua-haired woman, Delphine, said with a carefree attitude, brushing off her familial obligations.

"At least greet your only family before leaving, Delphine!!" Mortimer's voice echoed, filled with exasperation.

"Tsk," Delphine clicked her tongue dismissively, waving her hand as if to dismiss Mortimer's request.

Mortimer took a deep breath, attempting to maintain his composure. He gave his grandchildren a stern warning not to disobey their aunt's words. Then, he turned to Alfred and inquired, "Is Timmy ready?"

"Yes, Master," Alfred responded with a bow before summoning Timmy.

"Wait! Timmy is also coming?!" Kai's voice reverberated with frustration, his brows knit together in a deep frown. This journey was meant to be his solitary adventure, a chance for him to prove his strength and independence. He had already reluctantly accepted his sister's presence, but now..... with the addition of his aunt, his assistant also coming.

"But how will you manage without him in the kitchen?" Mortimer's voice cut through the tension, questioning Kai's objection. Kai flinched, momentarily taken aback before stammering, "S-Sister will take care of it," as he gestured towards Selene.

Selene observed her brother's conflicted expression with a knowing smile. "Big Brother, I don't think I am proficient enough to handle cooking for us," she gently teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Kai's lips twitched with frustration as he looked at his father, silently pleading for him to intervene and stop what seemed like an absurd decision.

However, Velc simply shrugged, indicating his inability or unwillingness to challenge his father's authority.

His father was literally a waste!!

Mortimer, perceptive as ever, understood his grandson's silent plea, but he remained resolute in his decision.

Suddenly,

"Where is Ether?" Mortimer's voice cut through the tension, drawing everyone's attention.

"H-Huh?" The sudden question caught everyone off guard....

"Master?" Alfred furrowed his brow in confusion.... not understanding Why should they allow a mere slave to accompany them on their training?

"Call him, Alfred," Mortimer commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Alfred sighed resignedly, realizing he couldn't oppose his Master's command. He vanished momentarily before reappearing with Aether in tow.

"La~LaLa~La~~La~LLAAA~" Aether's cheerful humming filled the room as he diligently scrubbed a white plate, lost in his own little world. His eyes remained closed in blissful ignorance as he went about his task.

It seems he almost accepted his slave life...

Just as Aether attempted to set the clean plate down and reach for another, disaster struck...

"Tsckkkkk"

With a sharp crack, the plate shattered in Aether's hand, scattering shards across the floor. Confusion washed over him as he opened his eyes... leaving Aether horrified as he surveyed the mess on the floor.

"What? Whe--Wait? Where am I?" Confusion clouded his mind, he then looked up and saw he was standing before the entrance of the Mansion.... A confusion deepened momentarily until he noticed the group of onlookers observing him with keen interest.

'Gulp'

He swallowed nervously, sensing something amiss.

"Is something the matter?" Aether asked tentatively, his voice tinged with respect.... as he remembered his position.

"Hahah... It's nothing, Ether," Mortimer reassured him with laughter, before placing a hand on Aether's shoulder. "You will assist Kai in his training..."

"Huh?" Aether's brief sense of freedom evaporated in an instant.