Turning Chapter 1254

The room settled into quiet after Kanna's departure.

Yuder remained seated, his gaze fixed upon his grandfather’s treasured belongings. His mind replayed the revelations Kanna had unearthed.

Kanna had suffered a nosebleed while deciphering the notebook and had nearly collapsed, yet she persisted. Only after examining the remaining artifacts did she finally depart.

It seemed the intense effort of reading the notebook had taxed her, as her readings from the cloth that had enveloped the infant and the accompanying ledger were less vivid. She explained that the cloth wasn't originally intended for a baby; it had likely been used for storing provisions. Its use to wrap the child was brief, leaving no significant impressions.

Regarding the ledger, her observation was simply that it appeared to have been meticulously compiled with consistent attention and effort.

"Well, that makes sense for a ledger... It's packed with so many minute details that I felt my head might explode trying to read it all. Hmm... it didn't strike me as having been written with any malicious intent."

"In terms of more personal impressions... the writer seemed deeply concerned about his grandson—about you, Yuder. He frequently worried about your well-being and your meals..."

"And toward the end, there were traces of him earnestly attempting to instruct you on how to read it. Hmm. Did you perhaps neglect your studies as a child? If you ever find yourself needing to manage a ledger, it might be worth a look."

Kanna's reading of the keepsakes concluded at this point.

Although she appeared somewhat disappointed at not gleaning more, she offered her willingness to assist again should another opportunity arise.

"You wish to understand the truth about your grandfather, correct? I also feel a desire to uncover more. If you happen upon further items he left behind, will you summon me again?"

Nevertheless, Kanna's assistance had already been invaluable to Yuder.

According to her, the artifacts seemed to represent three distinct periods: the time of the incident, the ensuing disarray, and finally, the tranquil phase where the grandfather raised Yuder. Each phase felt so divergent, it was as if they emanated from entirely different individuals.

"However, the difference I perceived in the items from the period after the accident—those still felt connected to the same person. The shift was primarily between emotional turmoil and serenity. It was somewhat akin to how individuals feel after being freed from the Sage’s mind control. But before the accident... that part felt entirely like a different entity."

If Kanna's interpretation was accurate, Yuder's grandfather had either perished or narrowly escaped death during the monster attack. Yet, he had subsequently traversed the mountain independently and recuperated sufficiently to move. This lent strong confirmation to the theory of his resurrection via the Great Mage's Blessing.

Yuder pondered this enigmatic entity—one who was technically his grandfather, yet not the genuine Melach Cantinto.

When Kanna mentioned sensing

Determined, Yuder resolved to seek out further mementos left by his grandfather.

“I also need to converse with Inon. If I recount today’s events, he might just recall something significant.”

Seeking Kanna’s aid had, in retrospect, been an astute decision.

While no earth-shattering revelations emerged, the interaction had undeniably reinforced his understanding.

“Have you finished processing your thoughts?”

“...Ah.”

Kishiar’s voice broke the silence just as Yuder looked up, an unexpected awkwardness washing over him.

“...Why didn’t you speak up sooner?”

“It’s considered impolite to interrupt someone in deep contemplation. Though, between us, it wasn’t solely about politeness—a touch of selfishness was involved too.”

Selfish?

“What do you mean by that?”

“Observing you so engrossed in thought, utterly oblivious to my presence… it’s a rare spectacle. I wasn’t inclined to let such a moment pass by.”

“……”

He saw this face daily; what was so captivating about it? Unless Kishiar found Yuder’s features so remarkably beautiful that they felt perpetually new—a notion clearly not in play—what was the enjoyment derived from such observation?

With a quiet sigh, Yuder accepted Kishiar’s extended hand. Kishiar smoothly guided him towards a chair, took a seat himself, and drew Yuder onto his lap. The action felt remarkably natural now, as if it were the established order of things.

“So, what conclusion have you reached?”

“I believe seeking Kanna’s assistance was the right choice. I am now nearly convinced that my grandfather passed away and was subsequently resurrected through the Great Mage’s Blessing.”

A gentle smile graced Kishiar’s lips.

“She would be delighted to learn that.”

“...Truthfully, a small part of me is relieved she couldn’t discern the complete truth about him. If he was indeed deeply connected to Luma, the Great Mage, even with her promise of secrecy… it might have been an overwhelming revelation for her.”

“That is a valid point.”

“I must continue searching for more keepsakes. Making sure to inform Inon about the recent developments is also necessary.”

Having concluded his explanation, Yuder—a rare occurrence—felt an undeniable wave of fatigue wash over him. Gazing into Kishiar’s warm eyes, his mind drifted back to the moments they had shared in Peleta.

After a brief interval, he consciously released the tension held in his shoulders. As he leaned into Kishiar fully, the latter, with slight surprise, encircled him with his arms.

Their bodies melded together as if they were one.

Resting his cheek against Kishiar’s chest, Yuder became aware of the subtle release of Kishiar’s unique scent.

It wasn’t merely the physical warmth; his entire being felt enveloped, akin to being within a protective cocoon. The fragrance extended beyond the physical embrace, surrounding him like a gentle, encompassing shell.

As tension dissipated, his mind finally found a semblance of tranquility. Even Yuder’s own scent began to emerge, mingling with Kishiar’s.

Within this shared space where their scents intertwined and danced, it felt as though the external world ceased to exist.

“...Have you arrived at any new realizations?”

“I have. However…”

Kishiar offered a gentle smile.

“...Perhaps we should rest for a little while before I share them?”