Lena stared at Branden's back and realized that he was determined to send her down the mountain. She had to leave, too, for Branden's sake.As she continued to kneel, she bowed deeply three times toward Branden's direction.After she was done, she stood up with reddened eyes and looked at his back, saying, "Master, I'm leaving. Please take good care of yourself."Branden remained silent and didn't turn back.Even though Lena was reluctant to leave, she eventually turned around and, with heavy steps, walked away from Serenity Hall.As soon as she stepped out the door, Anthony draped the cloak over her shoulders. He held her close and asked, "Are you okay?"Lena paused and looked at the view from the peak of Mt. Floust—the place where Branden lived with Solace and several of her junior disciples. She was filled with deep and complex emotions as she looked around.If it was possible, and if Branden would allow it, she truly wished to spend her entire life with them on this mountain
"Lena, I'll miss you every day," the last junior disciple called out.Anthony looked at the group of children and felt quite touched by how deeply they cared about them.He reflected back on the time he spent with them. He knew that they were always very kind to him. He said, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Lena. I'll send some people over later with things for you. Is there anything you particularly want?"All the junior disciples looked at Anthony.Although they usually wanted many things, when they thought about how Lena was leaving them, they realized at that moment nothing compared to having family by their side.Everyone looked at Anthony with reddened eyes, unable to speak.Anthony knew that they were raised by Branden, and as such, they would naturally not ask him for anything.He made a mental note of it and planned to have someone bring some stuff over later.He looked at Solace and walked over. He crouched down in front of her, gently patted her head, and gazed
To get back to Emeria from Mt. Floust, Lena and Anthony had to pass through Amberville. But the sky had already turned dark before they arrived there.The two of them settled into a hotel in a small town.After having dinner, Anthony took a shower and came out to find Lena still sitting on the living room couch of their suite, lost in thought.Anthony, wrapped in a bathrobe, walked over and sat down next to her. He instinctively wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her close.Who could have known that his action would startle Lena?She reacted extremely quickly and immediately moved aside to avoid him.Anthony was puzzled and frowned, unsure why she was acting this way."What's wrong?" he asked.Lena rejected him when he was on the mountain, and he understood why then. It was a place meant for quiet meditation, and Branden was also there.They were no longer on the mountain, so why was she still like this?Lena's eyes flickered with a hint of unease. "I-I don't really
"The moment Laura saw Lena, she couldn't contain her excitement, so she shouted from the stairs, "Aunt Lena, Aunt Lena, what brings you here?"Lena had assumed that Laura would probably be at university at this time. She hadn't expected her to be at home.When she saw Laura rush over, Lena quickly got up to meet her. They hugged each other as they felt the joy of reuniting after a long time apart."How have you been lately? Did you miss me?" Lena asked.Lena truly felt happy from the bottom of her heart to see Laura.Laura felt unhappy again when she thought about her heartbreak. She pouted and scrunched up her face as if she was about to cry."I missed you a lot, but I'm not doing well myself," Laura told her."Hmm? Why aren't you doing well?" Lena was somewhat confused.It wasn't possible that the people here would treat her poorly. After all, Lena knew best what kind of people Margot and Curtis were. Why would they mistreat Laura?"I'm just unhappy, but seeing you makes me
Lena followed Laura upstairs and gently said to her, "Laura, I understand that you were close to Royce, but his death can't be blamed on the Morris family. Can we just move past this?"Previously, Lena would have blamed those associated with the Morris family for Royce's death. But she realized something after Branden's teachings.Some things were simply meant to happen that way, and no one could change their outcomes.Since Branden told her to let it go, this should mean that the Morris family was not to blame. Therefore, she shouldn't continue to dwell on Royce's death.Laura stopped and turned to look at Lena."Aunt Lena, why can't we blame the Morris family for Uncle Royce's death? If it weren't for them taking relentless control of the royal family's power, would Uncle Royce have opposed them?""Uncle Royce wouldn't have gone against them, and he wouldn't be pushed to the point of poisoning himself to death."In Laura's eyes, Royce's death was definitely connected to the Mo
Margot also did not go upstairs to check on Lena. Instead, she sat down next to Anthony and eagerly asked him about Lilac.Anthony was very patient and recounted every moment of the time he spent on the mountain with Lilac, sharing all the interesting details with Margot.After they were done talking about Lilac, Anthony then said to Margot, "So, Daniel is back. Is there still no news about Dad?"At the mention of Frederick, a look of sadness appeared on Margot's face.She shook her head. "No. But let's not talk about Daniel.""What's wrong?" Anthony frowned at her.Margot got really annoyed whenever she thought of Daniel. "He's such an asshole! He married someone else and then didn't take responsibility."And also, Edna was pregnant. If it weren't for Allison telling her not to bother Edna and Rosa for no reason, Margot would have wanted to be there with her every day until Edna gave birth.Anthony wasn't very clear on the details of the situation. He planned to wait until he
By the time Lena and Margot came downstairs, Ashley, Elias, and Curtis had already returned. They were in the living room chatting with Anthony.Once the food was served, they proceeded to the dining room to take their seats.Ashley held the charm pouch from Lilac that Anthony had given. She absolutely adored the charm pouch and wouldn't let go."I never expected Lilac to be so talented and skillful. She can make these things by herself and even gave one to each of us. She's really thoughtful," she said.Elias also emotionally said, "We just need to wait a decade. Who knows what she will be like when that time comes?"Curtis looked at his parents and reassured them, "Mom, Dad, don't worry. With Branden by her side, he'll help take good care of Lilac for us. Soon enough, a decade will have flown by in the blink of an eye."He could also only comfort himself with the thought that time would pass in the blink of an eye. The truth was that he missed Lilac more than anyone else. But t
Anthony found a place to sit down. He looked at Lena, who had followed him in, and asked, "Just now, at the dining table, Ashley asked that question. Do you have anything you want to say?"It was about their marriage, after all. He wanted to hear what she thought.Lena thought that after she had skillfully handled the tricky situation at the meal just now, everything would be fine. But to her surprise, Anthony insisted on coming after her to ask more questions.She sat down beside Anthony and avoided looking directly into his eyes.After a moment, she called out, "Anthony.""Hmm?"Anthony kept his gaze fixed on her. He maintained a calm and composed facade, but inside, he was in a complete panic.He was afraid that Lena would turn him down. If she refused him again, he would really start to doubt whether she had ever sincerely loved him.It would be impossible to forget someone if it was true love. Even though they frequently argued before, they didn't break up for long.She c