"Good morning, Seraph," he said with a smile as he entered, noticing a plate sitting beside her at the table. 'Good, at least she is eating now,' he thought to himself with relief.
She turned away from the window and looked toward him, her eyes holding a bit more life than before as her gaze landed on him.
He gently smiled and sat down across from her. "How are you feeling now?"
She softly nodded her head, making Orion raise an eyebrow. "Can you not talk?"
She hesitated for a moment, her eyes shifting here and there before she took a deep breath. "A...i..." she tried to speak, yet couldn't form coherent words.
Orion's expression turned serious as he sensed the hesitation and unfamiliarity she held in trying to speak. He gestured with his hands to calm her down. "No need to force yourself. I can wait until you're in a better condition for a chat."
Her lips clamped shut as she lowered her head. Her shoulders trembled slightly.
She hated this. Hated that she couldn't speak to the one person who had made her feel safe in years. The only person who had treated her with warmth since her mother's passing.
But no tears came. They had long since dried up.
He observed her fragile state and spoke in the gentlest voice he could manage. "Seraph… if you ever feel like talking, just know I'll be here. Take all the time you need—there's no rush, alright?"
Seraph didn't raise her head but softly nodded. Orion also didn't speak, choosing to sit silently rather than leave her alone too quickly.
Time passed until a knock sounded on the door. "Master, you will be late for the academy," Rina's soft voice came from outside.
Orion raised his head and realized he had been sitting in silence with Seraph for a while now. He looked apologetically toward her. "Sorry, Seraph. I need to go to the academy now. I'll come back later."
She raised her head, now having calmed down, and softly nodded.
He smiled lightly and exited the room. Outside, Rina stood, looking playfully at him. "Hehe, you spent an awfully long time today, Master. What happened?"
Orion lightly chuckled and shook his head. "Nothing happened. I just sat in silence without chatting."
Rina looked at him with a suspicious gaze but didn't comment further.
Orion smiled lightly, shaking his head at Rina's playful suspicion. He gently reached out and lightly ruffled her hair, making her cheeks flush softly.
"Alright, stop letting your imagination run wild. Let's head down; Grandma and Grandpa must be waiting," Orion chuckled warmly, his expression gently amused.
"Y-Yes, Master!" Rina replied quickly, cheeks still faintly pink as she hurried ahead.
Orion watched her leave, smiling slightly before calmly following her through the corridor. The mansion, bathed in the morning sunlight, felt especially serene and comforting.
The gentle aroma of freshly baked bread and breakfast filled the elegant corridors, further adding warmth to the grand estate.
He stepped into the dining hall, greeted immediately by the sight of Eldric and Selene already seated at the ornate dining table.
The breakfast spread before them was truly appetizing—freshly baked bread, creamy butter, various fruits, cheeses, cured meats, and freshly brewed aromatic tea.
"Ah, lad, you're finally here," Eldric greeted warmly, smiling playfully at his grandson. "We thought you didn't want to go to the academy today."
Selene gently chuckled, taking a delicate sip of her tea. "Now, old man, Orion is far too disciplined for that. He was probably training early this morning, right?"
Orion smiled, taking his seat smoothly and reaching out to pour himself some tea. "Yes, Grandma. The scripture you gave me is surprisingly effective. I already feel noticeable improvements after just two sessions."
Selene smiled gently, nodding approvingly. "That scripture has been passed down through generations in powerful warrior clans. It is probably one of the best foundational scriptures out there in human lands. Keep diligently practicing it, and the results will truly amaze you."
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