14: A Grandfather’s Arrival

The frigid winds of the North howled outside the grand estate of House Ravenshade.

Snowflakes danced through the air, swirling in elegant patterns before settling upon the frost-laden grounds.

Yet, within the great hall of the manor, warmth and anticipation filled the air.

Today was an important day.

A noble guest had arrived.

One who held no mere political status, nor came with cold formality—but with the boundless warmth of a doting father and grandfather.

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Averis Ravenshade's Perspective

Seated atop a plush, dark velvet chair, my small legs barely dangling over the edge, I observed the grand entrance hall with wary eyes.

A large coat of arms—two intertwined branches of verdant green and icy silver—hung above the doorway.

Servants lined the halls in perfect order, their postures tense yet respectful.

Even my mother, who usually carried a serene and composed air, seemed somewhat… expectant.

Why?

Because the man arriving today was Alastair Verdantia, Duke of the South—my maternal grandfather.

From what I had learned, he was a formidable ruler of the verdant lands of Verdantia.

A nobleman whose wisdom shaped generations, a protector of nature and ancient traditions, and a man whose influence stretched far beyond the South.

…But none of that mattered right now.

What mattered was the way my mother stood at the entrance, eyes shimmering with anticipation not as a duchess, but as a daughter awaiting her father.

And then—

The grand doors swung open.

A gust of wind, carrying the fresh scent of earth and blooming flora, flooded the hall. Snowflakes melted the moment they touched the threshold, as if nature itself bent to the man who stepped inside.

A tall figure strode forward, draped in regal green and gold-trimmed robes, a thick dark cloak billowing behind him. His presence was commanding, yet oddly soothing, like the deep roots of an ancient tree.

His hair was jet black, streaked with threads of silver, and his crimson-red eyes, the same as my mother's, glowed with deep affection. Unlike many nobles who carried an air of arrogance, this man's gaze was warm, filled with something far stronger than mere pride—familial love.

The moment my mother saw him, her dignified composure broke entirely.

"Father," she breathed, voice light with emotion.

Duke Alastair Verdantia smiled—a rare, genuine expression that softened the regal sharpness of his face.

"Seraphina."

Without hesitation, my mother moved forward and embraced him.

The sight was… strange.

I had never seen my mother act like this—so openly expressive, like a young girl reunited with her beloved parent. It was a stark contrast to the refined duchess I always knew.

I blinked, my small fingers tightening against the fabric of my sleeve.

So this is… a family bond.

Their embrace lasted only a moment before my grandfather pulled back, cupping my mother's face with a hand roughened by time. "You've grown even more beautiful," he murmured, eyes shining with pride. "The North suits you."

Mother let out a soft chuckle. "I was worried you'd say the opposite."

His lips twitched upward. "Aldric must be treating you well."

A knowing smile played on my mother's lips. "He is."

"Hah. Good," my grandfather muttered, nodding approvingly before his gaze finally turned to me.

At once, a strange intensity filled the air.

The warmth in his eyes did not fade, but there was something else—a keen sharpness, as if he were truly seeing me for the first time.

I straightened my back instinctively.

A long moment of silence passed between us.

Then—

"…So you are my grandson."

His voice was deep, carrying the weight of generations, yet undeniably gentle.

I hesitated, then slowly climbed down from my chair, standing on my unsteady toddler legs.

My small hands curled into fists at my sides, and I looked up at him with as much dignity as a three-year-old could muster.

"…I am Averis Ravenshade," I declared, my voice coming out far too soft for the grandeur I intended.

A flash of amusement flickered across his face.

"Averis." My grandfather took a slow step forward before kneeling to meet me at eye level. The moment he did, I felt an odd pressure, as if the very air bent to his presence—not from power, but from sheer experience.

And then, much to my utter shock—

He reached out and ruffled my hair.

My crimson eyes widened.

"Mn." He hummed in satisfaction, his expression one of absolute adoration. "You take after your father in looks, but these eyes—" He tapped my forehead lightly. "These are of Verdantia blood."

My mouth opened slightly, unsure of how to react.

Wasn't he supposed to be some dignified Southern Duke? Someone who commanded vast territories and wielded political influence?

Then why was he looking at me as if I was the most precious thing in the world?

A warm chuckle rumbled from his chest. "Hah. You're even smaller than I expected."

…I was three!

Of course I was small!

I clenched my fists, trying to maintain my dignity, but it was utterly impossible in front of this man.

My grandfather lifted me effortlessly into his arms, much to my embarrassment.

"You're light," he remarked, shaking his head. "Have they been feeding you properly?"

"…I eat plenty," I grumbled.

He let out another deep chuckle, then turned to my mother. "Seraphina, I will be borrowing my grandson for the evening."

My mother sighed, shaking her head in amusement. "As if I could stop you."

Thus, just like that—

I was kidnapped by my own grandfather.

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Later That Evening…

Seated in front of a grand fireplace within a lavish guest chamber, I stared at my grandfather as he poured himself a glass of wine.

After dragging me away, he had done nothing but dote on me relentlessly—checking my health, adjusting my cloak, pinching my cheeks (which I barely escaped from), and now, pouring himself a drink as if settling in for a long conversation.

"…You're quite strange," I finally muttered.

His brows lifted. "Oh?"

I frowned. "You are a noble. A duke. Yet you…" I hesitated before sighing. "You act like a… doting grandfather."

Silence.

Then—

"Hah." He set his wine glass down, shaking his head. "Averis, let me tell you something important." His gaze met mine, filled with something vast and knowing.

"There are many things in this world that can be replaced—power, wealth, influence." His voice softened. "But family is not one of them."

My eyes widened slightly.

He leaned back in his chair, a nostalgic look crossing his face.

"I lost my father when I was young. And my mother… she was strong, but cold. She never held me like this. Never looked at me with warmth." He exhaled slowly, gaze drifting toward the flickering flames. "So when I had my daughters, I swore I would not be the same."

A pause.

Then, his crimson eyes bore into mine.

"Seraphina is my daughter." His voice was resolute. "And you—are my grandson."

"…No matter how much time passes, that will never change."

Something deep stirred within me.

For the first time in two lifetimes—

I felt something gentle and unwavering settle inside my chest.

Perhaps…

This wasn't so bad.

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End of Chapter 14