Chapter 252: Ch252: Floryn Home Coming

"Oh, Mrs. Hawkins. I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you," one of the guards said, bowing respectfully.

"It’s okay. Where’s my husband? Ragnar," Floryn asked, her tone warm.

The guard brightened slightly at the mention of his name, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"From what I know, Mr. Hawkins was called in for an unexpected expedition in the Eastern Sanctum."

"Hmm... okay. Can you open the gate, thank you," she said.

"Yes, Mrs. Hawkins. Hey! Open the gates!" the guard shouted.

Daniel followed Floryn as they walked calmly toward the massive gate. Just as they were about to pass through, the guard raised a hand.

"Mrs. Hawkins, is this young man with you?"

Floryn gave a small nod. "Yes. He’s my special guest."

With that, the guard stepped aside and lowered his hand.

*GRRRNK~*

The gate slowly opened with a deep metallic groan. Several guards pushed against the heavy doors as they parted, revealing the vast streets of the Upper Citadel beyond.

The pathway was lined with crystals that resembled scattered gemstones. Their polished surfaces caught the faint moonlight slipping through gaps in the dark clouds, reflecting pale silver across the ground.

’What the...?’

Daniel’s eyes widened as he glanced around.

The Upper Citadel looked nothing like the other citadels.

Towering houses rose along both sides of the streets. Some had sharply pointed roofs shaped like chess pieces — bishops, rooks, and even pawns — while others stood apart behind wide stretches of open land.

Lanterns lined the sidewalks one after another, each separated by a small gap, their gentle glow stretching down the long streets.

’So many guards...’ Daniel thought.

Almost every guard wore a fitted leather battle suit. Some carried swords with glowing white blades, while others held spears with shining tips or carried weapons of various shapes and sizes.

Daniel’s eyes lingered on one of them.

"Status," he murmured.

——————

Name: Thomas Hill

Age: 34

HP: 11,340/11,340

Mana: 8,900/8,900

Description: A man who works as a night-duty guard in the Upper Citadel to support his family. In his prime, he perfected the Shadow Element and became an exceptional swordsman who fought countless battles and slew numerous creatures in the South Sanctum.

——————

"You’ve probably never been to the Upper Citadel before, have you?" Floryn asked with a warm smile.

"Not really..." Daniel glanced around. "Why are there so many guards?" he asked, his eyes moving from one armed guard to another.

"Protection," she replied with a nervous smile.

’Even with so many guards around, she still got kidnapped,’ Daniel thought, his eyes scanning the streets lined with armed guards.

Soon, they came to a stop before a large three-story house.

The building stood behind a low stone wall, its tall windows glowing warmly against the darkness. A steep, pointed roof rose above the upper floor, shaped almost like the top of a bishop chess piece, and a narrow chimney protruded from its peak, releasing a thin trail of smoke into the night.

Two huge stone pillars stood on either side of the main entrance. Their curved tops resembled the tusks of an elephant, giving the otherwise elegant house a strange, imposing appearance.

Floryn stepped through the front door, and Daniel followed behind her.

The moment they entered, a young man around Daniel’s age stood near the hallway, a half-filled bowl still in his hands. He looked as though he had been interrupted in the middle of his meal.

His eyes widened.

"Mother!"

He quickly placed the bowl down and rushed toward her.

"Where have you been?! We were so worried about you!"

Floryn barely had time to respond before hurried footsteps echoed from deeper inside the house.

A small girl came rushing around the corner. She was Floryn’s youngest daughter, no more than eight years old. Her little footsteps pattered across the wooden floor as she ran straight toward her mother.

Several maids hurried after her, their white tunics and black aprons swaying with every step.

"Madam...!"

"Madam...!"

The moment they reached Floryn, the girl wrapped both arms around her waist. The maids gathered around her as well, their worried expressions slowly melting into relieved smiles.

For a brief moment, the house was filled with warmth.

Voices overlapped. Questions poured out. Hands reached toward her, making sure she was really there.

Floryn smiled and gently embraced her daughter, stroking the girl’s hair as the child clung tightly to her.

Then—

"Who’s that young man, Madam?" one of the maids asked, clasping her hands together.

The room suddenly grew quieter.

One by one, everyone’s gaze shifted toward Daniel. Daniel stood near the entrance, caught completely off guard by the sudden attention.

Floryn turned toward him with a warm smile. "We have a special guest today."

At the same time, Daniel straightened his posture and gave a slight bow. "Nice to meet you all. I’m Daniel."

For a brief moment, no one spoke.

The maids exchanged curious glances, while Floryn’s son looked Daniel up and down, seemingly trying to figure out who he was.

Before anyone could ask about what had happened to her, Floryn quickly changed the subject, asking about their dinner and how everyone had been doing while she was away.

Her warm voice soon drew their attention elsewhere, quietly putting an end to any questions about her disappearance.

The truth about her kidnapping remained hidden between them, buried beneath her calm smile and the warmth of her family’s reunion.

Daniel quietly let out a breath.

...

Following Floryn’s instructions, a maid was assigned to look after Daniel. She stepped forward and gestured toward the hallway.

"This way, sir. I’ll show you to your room."

Daniel nodded and followed her deeper into the house.

"Sir, I would suggest that you take a bath before getting some rest," the maid said, her tone polite.

"Good idea," Daniel replied.

Fresh clothes and towels were provided, and the maid led him toward the back of the house.

"Where’s the well—"

Daniel’s voice cut off.

Behind the house was a large bathing pond, its edges lined with smooth stones that formed a wide, shallow border around the water.

The surface was still, reflecting the faint light from the nearby lanterns.

"Did you say something, sir?" the maid asked, confusion flickering across her face.

"Nothing," Daniel replied before stepping closer and dipping one foot into the water.

’It’s much better than bathing in a well.’