CHAPTER 357: SHUTTERING ELF

Orion smiled mysteriously, nodding his head. "You’re right. After the fight, I got what we both were fighting for, a great inheritance, left behind by a godlike being."

Both girls gasped simultaneously, eyes widening even further with astonishment and excitement.

"A godlike inheritance?" Rina echoed softly, awe coloring her gentle voice. "Truly?"

Orion nodded gently, watching their expressions shift between shock and admiration. "Yes. It was a surprise even to me..."

Fiora smiled brightly, leaning closer, eyes sparkling with pride. "If anyone can handle such an inheritance, then it’s you, Young Master."

Rina nodded fervently, her gaze warm and unwavering. "Indeed. There’s no one more deserving."

Orion laughed softly, touched by their unwavering confidence. "I’m glad you both have so much faith in me."

Their conversation continued for a little while longer, filled with warmth and laughter as Orion recounted small details of his adventures, carefully omitting only the most sensitive secrets.

Eventually, Orion glanced toward the window, realizing the night was growing later. He sighed lightly, stretching slightly. "As much as I’ve enjoyed our chat, I really should go visit Seraph before it gets too late."

Rina immediately smiled warmly, rising from her seat gracefully. "Oh, of course! Seraph has missed you terribly as well. She’s been spending most of her time quietly in her room as usual, waiting anxiously for news of your return."

Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the revelation. "Is she in her room?"

Fiora giggled softly, pointing gently toward a door along the hallway outside. "Yes, she’s in her room."

Orion smiled as he slowly stood up. "That’s perfect, then. I’ll go visit her now."

Both girls stood as well, each giving him a gentle hug once more. Rina smiled tenderly, eyes glowing softly in the lamplight. "Goodnight, Young Master. We’re truly glad you’re home."

Fiora added warmly, "Indeed. Rest well after you visit Seraph. You’ve earned it."

Orion nodded affectionately to both of them. "Thank you. Both of you should rest soon, too."

[Hehe, I feel like the time to eat the two of them is coming closer, Master. (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)♡]

’...And you dare call me a pervert?’ He inwardly shook his head and stepped out of the room.

He walked a short distance in the hallway, his footsteps gentle against the polished wooden floor.

His thoughts wandered briefly, replaying the conversations he had with his grandparents and the warmth of his reunion with Rina and Fiora.

He paused before Seraph’s door. A faint, warm lamplight seeped through the crack beneath the door, signaling she was still awake.

Inside the softly lit room, Seraph sat quietly on her bed, her delicate features illuminated gently by moonlight filtering through the windowpane.

Her gaze was distant, reflecting her inward contemplation. Her pale fingers nervously intertwined, lost in thought, her green hair cascading gently down her shoulders.

Suddenly, her ears twitched slightly as familiar, steady footsteps echoed softly from the corridor outside. Her eyes widened slightly, a glimmer of hope flickering in her expression.

She quickly stood from her bed, her heartbeat accelerating with anticipation. Just as she reached the door, she heard the gentle knocking, soft and unquestionably familiar.

With trembling fingers, Seraph gently opened the door, revealing Orion standing outside. He was leaning casually, his face bathed in the hallway’s soft lamplight.

A warm, affectionate smile stretched across his lips, his eyes shimmering with gentle amusement.

"Good evening," Orion greeted softly, his voice infused with playfulness. "How are you doing today on this fine evening?"

Seraph’s eyes softened at his small jest, the corners of her lips twitching upward into a very faint yet genuine smile.

Her usually expressionless face brightened subtly, warmth and relief evident in her gaze as she slowly stepped aside, inviting him inside.

Her voice emerged softly, hesitant yet endearing in its broken rhythm, "I feel... scared without... you."

Orion’s gaze softened as he stepped inside gently, quietly closing the door behind him.

He looked at her kindly, noting with quiet satisfaction how her eyes held less anxiety than before.

They walked side by side toward the table beside the window, settling themselves comfortably in the chairs. The soft glow of the moon painted the room in gentle silver.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Orion began sharing his recent experiences in a manner reminiscent of their past conversations.

Seraph listened intently, her violet eyes wide with curiosity and genuine interest, her delicate head occasionally nodding gently as she took in each word.

Orion described the adventure thoroughly, recounting his separation from the others, his fierce battle with Valerian, and the unique challenges he’d faced, as well as the peculiar time dilation he’d experienced in the Small World.

Throughout the recounting, Seraph remained silent, occasionally murmuring gentle, broken phrases to express surprise, admiration, or relief at critical moments. Her reactions, though subtle, conveyed clearly how invested she was in his narrative.

When Orion finally paused, letting the comfortable silence settle briefly between them, he turned his gentle gaze toward Seraph.

He tilted his head slightly, his voice softening with concern and care. "Enough about me," he said quietly, a faint, tender smile on his lips. "Tell me, Seraph, how have you been feeling lately? How’s your health?"

Seraph’s gaze lowered softly, her hands gently clasping together on the tabletop. Her green hair shifted softly as she tilted her head thoughtfully. After a short pause, she gathered her thoughts and spoke quietly, her voice shuttering.

"Better... than before..." she murmured softly, raising her gaze to meet Orion’s compassionate eyes. "Lady Selene... and Rina... Fiora... always... taking care... of me... kindly."

Orion nodded slowly, understanding and warmth filling his expression. "I’m glad to hear they’re helping you. You’re part of the family, after all," he reassured gently.

Seraph’s eyes shimmered slightly, her expression momentarily overwhelmed by emotion. Her soft voice carried gratitude, vulnerability, and a newfound strength as she replied, "I’m... grateful... Orion... truly..."

Orion reached out slowly, gently placing his hand atop hers. His voice was tender and reassuring as he looked into her eyes. "You’ve done incredibly well, Seraph. Even your speech, it’s improved significantly. You should be proud, and don’t push yourself needlessly."

She smiled a little at his praise. "I... still... long way... to go. But... I will... try my best. I also... want... to tell... you about... my past. But later."

He smiled encouragingly. "Take your time. I don’t think we can do much about it even if I learned about your background."

She nodded her head as a soft silence enveloped them once more, comfortable and reassuring.

Orion allowed the silence to linger briefly, savoring the peaceful silence of the moonlit room. The gentle illumination washed softly over Seraph’s delicate features, highlighting the calm determination in her usually dead eyes.

After a moment, Orion gently squeezed her hand one more time before slowly withdrawing his touch. His voice emerged gently, carrying an affectionate yet firm tone.

"I’m glad we got to speak again, Seraph. And I’m happy to see that you’re doing much better. Remember, take your time recovering and don’t rush yourself. There’s no hurry; we’ll be here every step of the way."

Seraph’s violet eyes glowed softly in response, her gratitude evident even without words. Her voice, though still soft and broken, was more confident after getting to talk with him after a few days. "Yes... I understand... thank you... Orion... for always... being kind... to me."

Orion smiled softly, his gaze gentle as he stood up slowly, stretching his limbs a little. "It’s late already," he murmured gently, glancing at the window where the stars shone vividly against the velvet sky. "You should get some rest now. You need it."

Seraph obediently nodded, a faint smile curving her lips as she rose gracefully from her chair.

She walked Orion toward the door, her movements more relaxed and comfortable than he remembered. At the threshold, Orion turned to face her one last time, his expression tender and protective.

"Sleep well, Seraph. And don’t hesitate to come to me if anything troubles you," he gently reminded her.

She met his gaze, offering another faint yet heartfelt smile. "I... will... Good night..."