"Hey, guys," Adrian politely greeted them.Illana pushed Ben over in his wheelchair and smiled. "What brings you here all of a sudden, War Legate Draco? You should've told me earlier so that we could've made some preparations."Adrian revealed a wry smile, while Ben said, "I could smell you the moment I saw the car parked outside. Still, I can't believe you're actually here!"Adrian smiled and walked over to give Ben a bear hug.Ben hugged back and smiled. "It's been a long time, brother.""Yes, it has!" After letting go, Adrian continued, "I'm here to send Gloria home and I thought I’d pay you guys a visit while I'm here in Drogoton. I wasn't intending to come here initially because… Hmm… I don't know how to put this, but I get kind of sad at the thought of coming here."Illana smiled. "Stop putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, sir. I'm extremely grateful to you for bringing Ben home alive."At the time, it was Adrian who dragged Ben's severely injured body away from the p
Seraphine handed Adrian a cup of tea. "Have some tea, mister.""Thank you, Sera," Adrian said with a smile."Are you War Legate Draco, mister?" Seraphine suddenly asked."Huh?" Adrian was slightly taken aback.Seraphine replied, "My father tells me stories about you all the time. He always talks about how incredible you are. Even my history teachers in school would tell us about you, saying that you're Azure Creek's hope and that you led the people in Azure Creek against the bully outlanders."You're really awesome, mister. Are you afraid of dying?"Adrian replied, "Yes, I am."Seraphina was surprised to hear his answer. "What? You're afraid too? But my teacher said soldiers aren’t scared of death."Adrian laughed. "That's because our home is always being invaded by our enemies. If we surrender, we will all die, but if we fight back, there might just be hope for us. That's why even if we have to die because of that glimmer of hope, we still fight back."Seraphina was processin
Adrian and Ben exchanged smiles.After becoming fathers, they bid farewell to the times they spent together in the past.***Illana soon churned out a few dishes for lunch. Adrian and Ben sat down to drink, this being their first reunion after many years. They reminisced about the past, recalling the little moments they had shared.Alas, the time for them to part ways arrived, and Adrian was ready to leave after finishing lunch."Ben, I don't know when we’ll meet again after today, so let's hope our friendship remains unchanged and true for the rest of time. Until next time, my brother."Illana pushed Ben along and accompanied Adrian to the courtyard."I don't know what else I can say to you, to be honest. But, as a retired soldier of Wyvern Peak myself, I sincerely hope you'll select a candidate fit enough to inherit your legacy.""I will." Adrian nodded."Goodbye, mister!" Seraphina waved to Adrian.Adrian smiled at her and said, "I'm sure you’ll grow up to become a woman w
"I'll be leaving my sister in your care. But remember Adrian, if you dare abandon her again, I swear you’ll never hear the end of it from me. Promise me you'll take good care of her and that no harm will befall her," Gracia warned.Adrian nodded in response.Meanwhile, Gloria said, "I'm not going to be gone forever, Cici. Cell phones are pretty convenient nowadays, so I'll call you every day. In return, I want you to focus on running your company and not worry about me."Gracia replied, "How can I not worry? I've been worried sick ever since you went to Wyvern Peak, and now that you've got this condition… It's really hard for me to not worry about you.""I've got Adrian with me, don't I?" Gloria reassured with a smile."That may be true, but he may not have your best interests at heart. Anyway, I won't comment on the matter anymore. Just make sure you take good care of her, Adrian.""I'll come back to you with my head removed from my neck if I fail to do so," Adrian replied.Glo
The test to select the next war legate of Wyvern Peak was set to take place in another year and a half.When that time comes, it would be the most anticipated selection process throughout Wyvern Peak's history, which was why Adrian was emotional.***Adrian continued his journey with Gloria in a very relaxed manner as they headed for Swallowston, where they arrived on the second day of their drive.Swallowston was a second-tier city. Although it was not as bustling as Drogoton, being in Swallowston gives Adrian a sense of nostalgia.The most iconic building in Swallowston was undoubtedly its Battle Warrior Department, a thirty-three-story tall building located in the center of the city, admired by everyone.As they drove into Swallowston's urban area, Gloria rolled down the car window, curiously and eagerly looking out at the city. She turned to Adrian and asked, "Is this Swallowston? Have we arrived?"Gloria's face was full of delight.Adrian replied, "Yes, we're here. That ta
"Sam," he called out.Samantha was holding Nova in her arms, and when she saw Adrian, she immediately became excited and hurriedly toward him with the baby. "You're back! Come take a look at her. She's three months old now."Excitedly, Samantha handed Nova to Adrian, who carefully took her in his arms. Nova had a pair of bright eyes that looked at Adrian curiously. Holding his daughter for the first time, Adrian felt a wave of warmth deep inside his heart. He felt like he was holding the whole world in his arms.Suddenly, Nova laughed. Her laughter sounded as though she was saying hello to her father.Adrian was thrilled at the sight, while Samantha had a doting expression on her face. "This is the first time I've seen her laugh. How adorable. She's laughing for you!"Samantha's face was filled with happiness as she spoke.Adrian, who was seeing his daughter for the first time, felt a sense of paternal responsibility overcome him.Nearby, Gloria stood by the car, watching the in
Rue burst into laughter, feeling as though she and Gloria were very close.Ending that topic, Rue pulled Gloria to the couch and said, "You and Sam chat while I go cook something for you to eat. I'd like to give you a warm welcome."After saying that, Rue went back to the kitchen.Samantha came over and poured out a few cups of tea. Adrian sat on the couch holding Nova, continuously gazing at his daughter with a face full of affection.Samantha smiled and said, "Make yourself at home, Gloria. This is your home from now on, so make yourself comfortable.""Okay," Gloria replied.Samantha sat down and continued, "To be honest, too much has happened over the past few years. Adrian left on the second day after we got married, and I haven't been able to get in touch with him for seven years. He was still a child when we got married at the time, still very immature."Gloria said, "He was still a child during his first year at Wyvern Peak. Every night after he was done training, he woul
Samantha smiled and said, "Of course I am. Do I look like I'm lying to you? You're Adrian's biggest regret in life. Now that you're back, he doesn’t want to feel that regret again. Or are you saying you don't want to stay with us?"Gloria shook her head repeatedly and looked at Adrian, who was still playing with Nova, staying out of the conversation. She awkwardly said, "I think you've misunderstood, Sam. I came here only because I wanted to see you. I wasn't planning on taking Adrian away from you. He's your man, and nothing will ever change that, including me. I wouldn't—""Can you just stand by and watch him be with another woman after you sacrificed yourself for him out of love?" Samantha interrupted, "I asked Jojo and Nadine to stay out of the house because I wanted to talk to you about this. Stay here and live with us. Adrian belongs to both of us. Okay?"Samantha held Gloria's hand, her eyes filled with hope. Perhaps keeping Gloria by their side was the only thing Samantha th