Chapter 199: Discussion With Seraphina
Adrian dismissed the remaining soldiers, his tone calm yet firm. "You've done well so far, but now, ensure that security around the manor remains tight.
Double the guards at all key points, especially near the holding areas and the main gates. We don't know if this black magician is working alone or if she has more allies lurking nearby."
The soldiers saluted, their resolve evident as they hurried off to fulfill his orders. Adrian watched them go, his thoughts still occupied with the three-headed fox's unique ability.
The Purification ability was a stroke of luck, a rare asset that could prove crucial against the corrupting magic used by their elusive foe as well as could be used for other purpose.
With one last look at the shimmering aura of the fox, Adrian turned and made his way through the quiet corridors of the manor, heading toward his aunt's study.
Seraphina was deep in research, her study illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted candles and the morning light that filtered through the high arched window.
Scrolls, tomes, and crystals littered her desk, their faint auras thrumming with latent power.
The room smelled faintly of ink and aged parchment, with a touch of lavender she used to keep herself focused during long hours of study.
When the door creaked open, Seraphina looked up, her eyes widening with surprise. The tired lines on her face melted away as she saw Adrian.
Without a moment’s hesitation, she rose from her chair and crossed the room swiftly, her robes flowing behind her.
“Adrian!” she exclaimed, embracing him tightly. The relief in her voice was palpable.
Adrian returned the embrace, feeling a warmth spread through his chest—a rare moment of solace amidst the tension of the past weeks.
As she pulled back to look at him, there was a hint of moisture in her piercing blue eyes. “You were unconscious for fifteen days, Adrian. Fifteen long days. We feared we might lose you.”
A shadow crossed Adrian’s face as he processed the concern etched in her features.
“I’m sorry to have worried you, Aunt Seraphina. It won’t happen again. I promise.” His voice was steady, carrying the weight of a vow.
Seraphina studied him for a moment longer, searching for any lingering signs of weakness, then nodded
“Good. I can’t afford to lose you, I don't what would I do if you were to leave me.” Her eyes softened as she gestured for him to sit.
But Adrian remained standing, his eyes gleaming with newfound purpose.
“There’s something important I need to share. The three headed fox that the soldiers brought from the circus, it has an ability that could change everything.”
Seraphina’s eyebrows lifted with curiosity. “An ability? What kind of ability?”
“Purification,” Adrian said, his tone serious. “It resists and purges dark energy. I witnessed it actively working against the dark magic that had tainted it.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened in awe. “A creature with Purification? That’s beyond rare, Adrian. You must claim it for yourself. Such power is too valuable to leave in a mere circus. It would be great help in protecting our territory from curses and the dark arts that might threaten us.”
Adrian nodded, the same thought having already crossed his mind.
“Exactly. If we can harness its ability, we could counteract the dark magic used by the black magician and her allies. It could even help lift the curse on Chris’s mother and others who have been afflicted by similar dark enchantments.”
A look of hope blossomed on Seraphina’s face, her hand instinctively reaching out to touch Adrian’s arm.
“If we can use the fox correctly, we might even be able to foil the plans of the dark guilds that have infiltrated our land. They rely on curses and corruption, but Purification could undo their work.”
“I’ll head to the circus today,” Adrian said, determination setting his jaw. “If any monster tamers remain, I’ll recruit them to tame the fox and bring them under our service. A soul contract should secure their loyalty.”
Seraphina’s lips curled into a rare smile, approval shining in her eyes. “Good. That’s the kind of decisive action we need.”
For a moment, silence filled the room, the gravity of their conversation settling between them. Then Seraphina took a deep breath and shifted the topic.
“Adrian, while you were recovering, the ladies were not able to level up. They didn’t want to continue without you. They were too worried to even think about leveling up. I would have forced them but you hadn't given the new mana circulation manuals, so they are at level 1 right now.”
Adrian frowned, a pang of guilt coursing through him.
“I see. I should have anticipated that. Now that I’m back, they should resume their training. Chris and Rosalyn need to build on their awakenings. We all need to be stronger if we’re going to face what’s coming.”
Seraphina’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “Exactly. With you here, we can ensure everyone has the right guidance and support. I want them all to reach their potential, and this time, we won’t hold back.”
Adrian’s expression softened at her determination. “Let me settle the matter with the circus today, and then we’ll focus on everyone’s progress. I still have a voucher for the virtual training chamber. This time, only our family will use it. We’ll grow stronger together.”
Seraphina smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing. “That’s what I wanted to hear from my dear husband.”
Seraphina then hugged Adrian suddenly, her arms encircling him as she buried her face into his chest.
“I really missed this,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
“The comfort of being with you, the way my heart feels when you're near… all these emotions that brew inside me when I am with you. I missed them so much.”
Adrian held her close, his fingers gently stroking through her vibrant red hair, the soft strands slipping through his fingers like silk.
He leaned down, pressing a reassuring kiss to the top of her head as she clung to him, her body trembling ever so slightly from the rush of emotions she could no longer keep at bay.
“You don’t need to explain, Seraphina,” he murmured, his voice low and comforting. “I’m here now. And I won’t leave your side again.”
Seraphina looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a mixture of relief and desire written across her delicate features.
Without another word, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips against his, the kiss soft and tentative at first, as though testing the waters of the intimacy they shared.