Orion took Eldric's extended hand and stepped down from the carriage, his gaze immediately drawn upwards as the expansive estate came into view.
The Helstorm family mansion stood proudly before him, a grand and imposing structure made from elegant grey stone, its large windows reflecting the sunlight.
Surrounding the mansion were meticulously maintained gardens with vibrant flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and marble statues depicting fierce warriors and majestic beasts. A central pathway paved with smooth stone slabs led directly to the entrance, lined by rows of flowering trees, their delicate blossoms gently floating down with every passing breeze.
"Welcome home, Orion," Eldric said warmly, noticing Orion's admiration. Selene smiled gently, placing a reassuring hand on Orion's shoulder as they began walking toward the mansion's entrance.
As they approached, the large double doors opened, revealing a group of maids and butlers standing attentively in two neat rows on either side of the spacious foyer.
"Welcome back, Master Eldric and Mistress Selene." they all spoke in unison, bowing respectfully.
Eldric chuckled lightly, gesturing around proudly. "These fine people are the staff who manage and care for our household. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Orion nodded politely, observing each individual as they stood upright, their expressions calm and professional yet welcoming.
Eldric continued forward, beckoning Orion and Selene to follow as they ascended a grand staircase with ornate railings. "Let me introduce you to the heads of our staff, who ensure everything runs smoothly here."
They reached the top of the stairs, where two figures stood waiting patiently. A middle-aged man with silver-streaked black hair and sharp eyes bowed respectfully, while beside him stood a woman in her early forties with a gentle yet authoritative presence, her dark hair neatly tied into a bun.
"Orion, meet Edgar, our head butler," Eldric introduced, gesturing towards the man. Edgar straightened and smiled courteously, "It is my honor to meet you, Young Master Orion. I shall serve you diligently."
"And this is our head maid, Helena," Eldric continued, turning toward the woman.
Helena stepped forward with a warm, maternal smile, "Welcome, Young Master Orion. Please feel at ease and inform me if you have any preferences or requests."
Orion nodded appreciatively, feeling comfortable in the presence of both Edgar and Helena. "Thank you both. I look forward to your guidance."
Eldric smiled with satisfaction, patting Orion's shoulder, "Excellent! Now let's continue exploring. There's much more to show you."
'How the fuck did they know I was coming? Did the old man inform them with his magic?' Orion wondered while walking behind Eldric.
But Eldric didn't stop as he excitedly showed him all around the mansion.
They visited multiple rooms, including a spacious library filled with ancient scrolls, a training hall equipped with enchanted dummies and weapons, a grand dining hall adorned with golden chandeliers, and guest rooms that could rival the suites of noble inns.
Toward the back of the mansion, Eldric proudly introduced Orion to a lush backyard garden.
The garden was filled with vibrant flora, some even glowing faintly with magical energy. There was a clear pond with crystal blue water, and a small wooden dock extending into it. Nearby was a flat grassy area perfect for either relaxing or combat practice. A few benches lined the shaded part of the garden.
Orion took a deep breath after entering the garden, feeling comfortable all over.
'This is the most peaceful I have been… after my reincarnation.' He thought before turning to Eldric.
"Grandpa Eldric, why did you decide to bring me back home?" He directly asked the question which had been bothering him for a while now.
Eldric's gentle expression grew somber as he gazed into the pond, his eyes distant as though recalling something deeply buried within his heart. The lively chatter of birds and the rustling leaves seemed to quiet, as Eldric's mood affected the surrounding mana.
"You asked why I brought you here…" Eldric finally began, his voice steady yet tinged with an unmistakable sadness. "It's because when I first saw you by that river, Orion, it was as if I had seen a ghost—a very dear ghost."
Orion watched quietly, sensing the heaviness behind Eldric's words.
"My son, Lucian," Eldric continued softly, a gentle pride mingling with sorrow in his voice, "he was a genius among geniuses—talented beyond measure, the brightest flame this kingdom had ever nurtured. Lucian was brave, powerful, but perhaps too reckless."
"When he entered the Secret Realm during an expedition authorized by the royal court…" Eldric's voice trailed off, and he shook his head slowly, the pain clear on his lined face.
"He never returned," Selene spoke gently, stepping forward and placing a comforting hand on Eldric's shoulder. Her own eyes shimmered with quiet grief. "We spent years waiting, searching, giving money and treasures as a reward for his news, hoping for his return. But nothing ever came."
Eldric took a deep breath, regaining composure before turning back to Orion. "When we found you, Orion, there was something in your eyes—your very aura—that reminded me so deeply of Lucian. Strength, courage, a hint of destiny, perhaps."
Orion felt a stir within his chest at Eldric's words, warmth mixing with conflicting emotions.
"But there's more," Eldric added, looking into Orion's eyes firmly. "Many years ago, a half-mad seer came to me, whispering of a prophecy. He spoke of a child found by a river—one without a past, but whose future would thunder through this world, formed by the very rules of thunder and fire."
Selene nodded softly, adding with a gentle voice, "We didn't believe it at first, dismissing it as mere nonsense. But when Eldric saw you, he understood that perhaps fate had plans neither of us could yet comprehend."
Eldric's eyes held a spark of resolve as he stepped forward and gently clasped Orion's shoulder. "Maybe it was foolishness, maybe sentiment, or perhaps both. But when I found you, Orion, I chose to believe the seer's words. And more importantly, I chose to believe in you—as my own grandson."
A serene silence settled over the garden as Orion absorbed Eldric's heartfelt revelation. He had his own conflicting emotions; he didn't want to become a replacement for their son. But Eldric's final words put his heart at ease. They were not looking at him as if he was their son; instead, they doted on him as their grandson.
He truly felt the weight and sincerity of Eldric's words deep within his heart. For the first time in both of his lives, Orion felt a true sense of belonging somewhere. A quiet resolve began forming deep within his body.
"Thank you, Grandpa Eldric, Grandma Selene," Orion whispered softly, his voice carrying genuine gratitude. "I promise—I won't let you down."
Eldric smiled gently, his eyes crinkling warmly. "There is nothing for you to let us down, my boy. Just live happily and don't have any regrets like us. For now—welcome home."