Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Melissa was helping her son into his suit when he muttered with a scowl, "Why do I have to dress up for that bastard's guests?"

Her gaze hardened instantly. "Ryan, what did I tell you about cursing your elder brother?"

Ryan scoffed. "Elder brother? Please. Up until a few months ago, he was nothing but a hindrance in your—khak! Okay, I'm sorry!" He cut himself off as Melissa tugged his tie a little too hard.

The blue-haired woman's tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. "Behave yourself in front of your father and the guests. And show respect to your brother. His name is spreading in public, and even the Towers speak highly of him. If you carry yourself properly, he might even help you secure a place in the academy."

Ryan chuckled under his breath. "For that, shouldn't I be chasing after my cousin instead?"

He was fourteen and would be entering the academy next year. Runebound, naturally, was the best academy in the country but the problem was the enrollment assessment.

Ryan was a good fighter but his mother believes he didn't have what it takes to enter the academy.

Melissa ignored the jab entirely, stepping away and leaving the room without another word.

It was still early morning, yet the manor was already alive with movement. Servants hurried about, preparing for Adrian and the special guests he had promised to bring.

Melissa's husband had personally ordered a warm welcome for them, even insisting the menu be filled with Adrian's favorite dishes.

His fondness for their eldest son was both endearing… and, in some ways, saddening.

It's not like he didn't care about his other two children, but his fondness towards Adrian makes her believe that it would create cracks in the family later on.

'What am I thinking…' She shook her head and distracted herself.

She has decided to start a new life ever since her husband woke up.

She has decided to look at Adrian as a family and try to keep them together.

Since Adrian is her husband's happiness, she would make sure that this family always sticks together.

"Are you ready, Violla?" Melissa asked, turning to her twelve-year-old daughter—her mirror in hair color, though the girl's eyes carried the deep brown of her father.

Unlike her brothers, she was a true prodigy who has the talent for both; Runesmithing and as a warden. And that's why, she was regarded as the best candidate for the throne by many…including Adrian.

Violla sat before the dresser, holding a newspaper in her hands while wearing a lovely white dress. Her lips pressed into a pout.

"Mom… I was supposed to be training right now. Instead, you've dressed me up like this."

Melissa smiled faintly. She knew her daughter's obsession with training and battle well—Violla was very much her father's child.

Resting her hands on her daughter's shoulders, Melissa said gently, "Just for today, behave and smile as I taught you—"

"Ah!" Violla suddenly leapt to her feet, her eyes sparkling at something she spotted in the paper.

Melissa arched a brow. "What is it?"

"Mother, look!"

Melissa leaned down to read the bold headline:

[The Strongest One was spotted Acolyte hunting with her comrades…]

A soft sigh left her lips. Of course.

Her daughter's admiration for Annabelle bordered on worship. To follow in her idol's footsteps, Violla had chosen the sword as her main weapon, refusing to even fine-tune her armaments—just like the Strongest One.

"Oh, I need to trim this one as well!"

Her daughter, who had been sulking only moments ago, now beamed with joy as she pulled open a drawer and took out a pair of scissors. Carefully, she began cutting out the article.

Watching her, Melissa asked with a small smile, "And what will you do if you ever meet her in person?"

Violla grinned ear to ear. "I'd probably faint."

Melissa chuckled at her silly girl before stepping out of the room, calling back, "Just don't ruin your clothes."

As she left, she caught sight of her husband descending the stairs. Without realizing it, the corner of her lips lifted as she walked toward him.

"Are you feeling alright?" she asked softly.

"Every morning…" Count Lockwood sighed with amusement, slipping an arm around her waist as he led her toward the back garden. "How do you never fail to ask me the same thing every morning?"

Melissa lowered her gaze, her voice tender. "I'm sorry, darling. I just can't help it. I always make you remember those days…"

It had become her habit ever since he woke from his long slumber—to ask, every single morning, about his health.

The Count chuckled, pressing her closer. "There's nothing for you to worry about." He changed the subject with a smile. "How are the preparations coming along?"

Melissa answered, "I told the servants to keep the decorations simple and make the food just the way Adrian likes it."

Her husband smiled warmly. "Thank you."

Melissa playfully pouted. "Thanking me for doing something for our child… that's unfair, dear."

Hand in hand, the two strolled leisurely through the open garden air.

As they walked along the gravel path, the gentle crunch beneath their shoes filled the pauses in their conversation.

After a moment of silence, she turned to her husband, her voice carrying a soft edge of curiosity.

"It's unusual for Adrian to write a letter prior to his arrival," she remarked, brushing a strand of blue hair behind her ear.

The count stroked his chin thoughtfully, his steps slow. "Yes," he hummed in agreement. "And he even mentioned that he would be bringing a special guest along. That's why I suggested this special arrangement."

Melissa's brows drew together slightly, her mind immediately leaping to possibilities. "Do you think…" her tone grew curious, "Ariana might be pregnant?"

A short laugh escaped Count Lockwood, lightening the air. "I would be delighted with that news," he admitted warmly.

His eyes gleaming at the thought of becoming a grandfather. "Imagine the joy it would bring to this household."

Just then, a servant appeared, slightly out of breath, and bowed quickly. "My Lord, young Lord Adrian is here," he announced. His voice wavered, carrying an odd strain of nervousness that instantly drew Melissa's attention.

Count Lockwood, however, seemed oblivious to the tension. His face brightened into a broad smile, as though the sun itself had descended to greet them.

"Come," he said, his voice brimming with anticipation, "let us welcome them properly."

°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you are enjoying the story so far, please drop a review or maybe a comment.