Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared) novel Chapter 892

Mr. Hanson chuckled warmly as he ruffled the little girl's tousled hair. "Alright, no more reading for today, pumpkin. Later, I will dry some herbs with you in the sunshine."

The girl sat on Hanson's shoes, hugging his legs, her laughter ringing like that of a little angel. "Grandpa, you're the best."

"Go play for now, sweetie," Hanson said, with a gentle firmness. "I’ve got company."

Obediently, the girl scampered off, her feet barely touching the ground.

Alyssa couldn’t help but express her surprise, "Mr. Hanson, since when did you get a granddaughter?"

She knew that at ninety-two, Hanson had never married or had children of his own. Instead, he had mentored many apprentices, all stars in the field of herbal medicine. Each one held profound respect for him, almost akin to reverence.

The mention of the little girl brought an undeniable smile to Hanson's face. "This little one is my hundredth and final apprentice," he said.

Alyssa and Agnes were taken aback.

"Sir, you retired from teaching twenty years ago," Alyssa remarked. "And now you've broken your rule to take on such a young apprentice. Is there a special reason?"

"No special reason," Hanson replied. "I just felt a connection. The first time I laid eyes on her, I took a liking to her. Back then, she wasn't even two and was afflicted with a severe illness, and her father brought her all the way from abroad for treatment. It was a fierce condition that took half a year to cure. Afterward, her father asked if she could stay with me. She's always been special, needing constant care with herbal remedies. I found her endearing and bright for her age, and she took to the herbs with such passion. So, I took her in as my little apprentice. Now, she's the joy of our apothecary's lodge, and her name is Esther."