Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Silhouette, the Vow, the Revelation
Rhett slowly walked out of the hall, his steps steady yet heavy, as he followed the short path about five meters to the left and entered his room.
He lit a candle and then opened the cabinet by the window, taking out a portrait.
The portrait in his hands showed some signs of age, but it had been carefully maintained. In the picture was a beautiful woman.
As Rhett looked at the familiar face, memories flooded his mind, recalling all the good times they had shared.
This woman was the first and only one he had ever loved after transmigrating.
Tucker, Riley, and Thales were all her children, born from the same mother.
But tragically, while he was fighting on the front lines, his wife, Nicole, was attacked and killed by a first-tier magical beast, a Water Serpent.
His three sons had investigated and found no signs of human interference.
Yet, Rhett often wondered if the outcome would have been different had he been by Nicole's side at the time.
This thought had always weighed heavily on his heart, a pain that he had carried with him ever since.
Tonight's extraordinary experiences, especially his survival against the odds, brought these memories to the surface once more.
He walked to the window and pushed it open. The cold wind rushed in, clearing his thoughts.
Clenching his fists, he murmured, "Nicole, rest assured. I will protect our descendants well. They are the most beautiful miracles you left behind. I won't let anyone harm them—never!"
Three days later.
At the dining table in the first-floor hall, Rhett was having breakfast with his family.
Tucker held a knife and fork but ate in a crude manner, noisily gulping down food as if he hadn't eaten in days.
In other noble families, such eating habits might have drawn reprimands from the elders.
But Rhett didn't mind.
Not only did his modern mindset as a transmigrator make him more open-minded, but his years of fighting on the front lines had also made him less concerned with trivial matters.
Even he picked up three pieces of steak with his fork at once and shoved them into his mouth, savoring the hearty taste.
Riley chewed on his bread, occasionally glancing at his father. The perceptive and intelligent son had noticed that his father's condition seemed much improved.
This wasn't a sudden realization.
He had sensed something different two days ago, and the feeling had only grown stronger over the past couple of days.
For instance, the white streaks in his father's hair were trimmed, his energy had improved, and he spent less time lying in his chair.
But Riley wisely kept his observations to himself, quietly eating his bread.
As Rhett chewed his steak, he kept an eye on his third son, Thales.
For the past few days, Rhett had kept his recovery a secret. No one in the territory knew that his injuries were fully healed.
After all, just three days ago, everyone had seen how serious his condition was, with him coughing up blood.
He needed some time to prepare before announcing the news.
Thales, holding a cup of milk, stared blankly at his food, clearly distracted.
Suddenly, Thales finished his milk and turned his head, seemingly summoning his courage as he spoke, "Father, I believe I'm nearly an adult now, and I should start gaining some experience."
Hearing Thales' soft voice—it was surprising that at eighteen, he still sounded like a child of thirteen or fourteen—Rhett smiled.
"And how do you plan to gain this experience?"
"I-I want to go with a merchant caravan to another territory to make a trade and build my practical skills!" Thales, of course, wouldn't admit that he was planning to find Rilys. Instead, he used the excuse he had prepared in advance.
Tucker, now putting down his utensils with his mouth still full of food, waved his thick arm and mumbled, "Thales, it's dangerous to go alone. Let me go with you. If anything happens, I can protect you!"
Tucker was now a first-tier knight. Although he was only in the mid-stage, his physical strength gave him the ability to hold his own against a late-stage first-tier knight.
Thales, caught off guard by his brother's offer, hurriedly waved his hands in refusal.
"No, Tucker, it's fine! I need to go alone to really learn from the experience, right?"
At this point, Riley also looked at his younger brother. Knowing Thales' personality and behavior well, he sensed something was off and frowned slightly.
"Oh? Thales, if you want to gain experience, where exactly do you plan to go with the caravan for this trade?" Riley asked casually.
"The destination is Maplewood Town!" Thales responded confidently, having done his homework.
"Maplewood Town, huh." Riley's voice lingered for a moment, then shifted. "But didn't you hear? Maplewood Town's signature product, 'Snow Maple Syrup,' suffered severe losses this winter, and they've announced a temporary shutdown of their trade. Didn't you know that?"
Riley's question stumped Thales, leaving him momentarily speechless as his mind scrambled for a response.
After a long pause, he muttered, "I think... I heard something about that."
Seeing his youngest son's flushed ears, Rhett knew it was time to step in before things got too embarrassing for him.
After all, it was time to reveal some truths.
"Ahem."
Rhett cleared his throat and tapped the table. "Everyone, listen up. I have something to announce."
As the head of the family, Rhett commanded respect. Even Tucker, usually carefree, straightened up at his father's words, setting down his knife and fork.
All three brothers turned their attention to their father.
Beside Rhett, Sveta stood quietly, ready to listen to his master's instructions.
Rhett was accustomed to this scene and spoke calmly, "While sorting through my father's belongings yesterday, I made a discovery."
"I found a bottle of Green Vine Potion in a box, which has a miraculous effect on White-Headed Eagle Poison."
The room fell silent.
Rhett added, "I'm almost fully healed now, so there's no need for any of you to worry anymore. With me here, no challenge can stand in our way!"
His steady voice carried an undeniable charm, like a strong wind blowing away the dark clouds that had hung over them for days.
At this, Sveta, and the three sons, began to realize the gravity of what had happened, their eyes filled with shock and joy.
Sveta was the first to speak. Bowing deeply, he exclaimed, "Congratulations, Master. Your recovery is the greatest blessing."
Rhett nodded. Sveta's father had been Rhett's father's butler, a loyal and steady man. After his passing, Sveta had inherited his father's qualities and had earned Rhett's trust, naturally becoming the new butler of the Green family.
Tucker's reaction was the most exaggerated. His mouth opened wide, like a pocket from another dimension, as he laughed heartily, "Grandfather really kept this hidden deep! Hahaha!"