Free Web NovelChapter 209: Goodbye, Klento
The days following the fight between Wanda and Gracela were a balm for Victor. Selvarum Manor, with its imposing walls and lush gardens, seemed to breathe an air of tranquility that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Having Aluella, his wife, and Wanda, his daughter, under the same roof gave him an indescribable peace.
Early in the morning, the sun tinted the stained glass windows of the great hall with a mosaic of colors, creating an almost magical atmosphere. Victor awoke early as usual, but now his days began with the sight of Aluella preparing breakfast in the large kitchen, the golden light bathing her hair as she moved gracefully between the countertops.
Wanda often joined her, still in her robe, helping her mother prepare the meals. The sounds of soft laughter and gentle conversation filled the air, a sweet melody that seemed to heal the wounds of fatigue from past battles and missions.
One morning, while Aluella was chopping fresh fruit and Wanda was preparing a pitcher of juice from freshly picked oranges, Victor entered the kitchen and was greeted by a warm smile from both of them. He approached Aluella and kissed her gently on the forehead before taking one of the fruits from the bowl.
"Have you been enjoying these days off, darling?" Aluella asked, her voice soft and melodious.
Victor smiled and nodded. "Yes, more than I thought I would. It’s nice to have some peace and be with you."
Wanda, always energetic, jumped up beside her father and handed him a glass of juice. "I love having you around, Dad. And who knows, maybe I can teach you some of my new moves!"
Victor laughed and accepted the glass. "I accept the challenge, my child. But remember, I’m an old warrior. Don’t go easy on me."
Laughter filled the kitchen, and the morning continued with lively conversation and a delicious breakfast. Luísa, always punctual, joined them, bringing an aura of calm and wisdom that completed the harmony of the atmosphere.
After coffee, the days unfolded in a simple and pleasant way. Victor found time to train with Wanda, but now the training was less intense and more focused on technique and strategy. He loved seeing the sparkle in his daughter’s eyes as she absorbed each lesson, her passion for the sword and magic evident in every move.
Aluella, meanwhile, devoted herself to tending the mansion’s gardens. Exotic flowers and medicinal plants were her specialty, and she often included Wanda and Luisa in her activities, sharing her vast knowledge of botany and healing herbs.
Victor spent hours watching his family, the happiness on their faces, the lightness in their hearts. Time seemed to pass faster than he expected, each day a new discovery, a new joy. Even the simplest tasks, such as walking through the gardens or reading a book in the library, took on new meaning with his family nearby.
One afternoon, as the sun began to set, tinting the sky with shades of orange and pink, Victor found a quiet moment in the back courtyard. Sitting on a stone bench, he watched the last lights of the day reflect off the leaves of the trees, creating a natural spectacle of shadow and light.
Bel approached, interrupting his thoughts. The young man looked more serious than usual, obviously still thinking about the conversation they’d had after the fight between Wanda and Gracela.
"Master," Bel began, taking a seat next to Victor, "I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said. About finding my own way."
Victor nodded and encouraged her to continue.
"I understand that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, but it’s hard to accept that I may never be able to do what Wanda and Gracela do. Magic... it’s something so impressive."
Victor looked at Bel and saw not just a student, but a young man full of potential and determination. He placed a hand on Bel’s shoulder, a gesture of support and understanding.
"Bel, magic can be impressive, but it is not the only way to achieve greatness. Remember what I said: true strength comes from dedication, discipline and heart. You have all of these qualities. You have incredible physical strength and a natural skill with a sword. Use that to your advantage.
Bel sighed, still a little frustrated, but also determined. "I will continue to train, Master. I’ll dedicate myself even more. Maybe one day I’ll find my own way, my own path to greatness." Victor smiled proudly.
Victor smiled proudly, "That’s all I ask, Bel. Persevere and you will achieve things you cannot even imagine."
The days followed in the same harmony. The presence of Aluella and Wanda in the mansion brought new life to the place. Laughter filled the hallways, meals were always moments of togetherness and joy, and even workouts that had been solitary and exhausting were now shared and fun.
On one of these sunny afternoons, Victor found himself in the garden again, this time with Aluella by his side. They walked hand in hand, enjoying the beauty of the flowers and the chirping of the birds.
"I always knew you needed a rest, Victor," Aluella said softly, "but to see you like this, truly relaxed and happy, is something I’ll never forget.
Victor squeezed his wife’s hand and felt a surge of gratitude. "You’re right, my dear. These days with you and Wanda have been a real gift. I didn’t know how much I needed it until I had it."
Aluella smiled and rested her head on Victor’s shoulder as they walked. "Then let us enjoy every moment. Because, as we know, life can be unpredictable. But as long as we’re together, I know we can face anything."
The days passed with the same serenity. Victor savored every moment, every laugh, every workout. He knew that peace would eventually give way to new struggles and challenges, but for now he allowed himself to live fully, surrounded by the people he loved.
That night, as the stars began to shine in the sky, Victor, Aluella, Wanda, Luisa and Bel gathered in the main room of the mansion. A fire crackled, providing warmth and a soft light that illuminated the smiling faces around them.
Wanda was telling a funny story about one of her training sessions, making everyone laugh. Bel, still thoughtful, began to loosen up, telling his own anecdotes. Aluella and Luisa looked on lovingly, enjoying the camaraderie and peace of the moment.
Victor, feeling happier than he had in a long time, looked around, absorbing every detail, every expression. He knew that moments like this were precious and rare, and he promised himself that he would keep them in his heart, to remember them whenever times got tough again.
And so the days at Selvarum Manor passed more quickly than he had expected, full of love, laughter, and a peace that everyone longed for. But cycles had to come to an end, and with the end of the holiday season, so did this one.
The next morning, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the light linen curtains of Selvarum Manor. The soft light illuminated Victor’s face, and he awoke with the serenity of someone who had had a peaceful and restful night’s sleep. Next to him, Aluella was still asleep, her peaceful face framed by her golden hair spread across the pillow.
Victor watched her for a moment and felt a surge of love and gratitude. He knew they would have to say goodbye to some dear friends that day, but he also knew they had to move on and face new challenges in the capital.
Descending the stairs with light steps so as not to wake the others, Victor found Luísa in the kitchen, already busy ordering what she would like for breakfast.
"Good morning, Luísa," Victor said, taking a seat at the rustic wooden table.
"Good morning, Victor," Luísa replied with a smile. "I hope you slept well."
"Very well, thank you. And you?"
"Also. The last few days have been quiet for all of us."
Gradually, the other members of the household began to join them in the kitchen. Wanda appeared, her hair still disheveled, but with a bright smile on her face. Aluella came down soon after, followed by Gracela.
Breakfast was, as usual, a time of lively conversation and laughter. But by the end of the meal, Victor realized it was time to talk about leaving.
"Friends," he began, getting everyone’s attention. "You know that our stay here has been wonderful. But like all cycles, this one must come to an end. Today, Aluella, Wanda and I are leaving for the capital."
Silence fell over the kitchen. Mari Dundragon’s eyes widened in surprise, and Aluella squeezed Victor’s hand under the table in a gesture of support.
"But why? Why can’t you stay?" asked Mari, her voice full of emotion.
"Because there are things that need our attention in the capital. I promise this won’t be goodbye forever. We’ll be back. But for now we have to go on."
Luisa, who watched silently, put her hand on Victor’s shoulder. "We understand, Victor. And we know that wherever you are, you’ll be together. That’s the most important thing."
Gracela, despite her reserved nature, looked at Wanda with a serious look. "Wanda, I want you to know that I will continue to train. I promise that when we meet again, I’ll be even stronger."
Wanda smiled proudly, "I know you will, but you still won’t beat me."
Through the sword, Gracela and Wanda built a relationship of friendship and rivalry.
After breakfast, the morning was dedicated to preparing for the journey. Victor, Aluella and Wanda packed their things while Luisa prepared a snack for the trip. The atmosphere in the mansion was a mixture of excitement and melancholy.
In the middle of the afternoon, Bel arrived at the mansion to say goodbye.
"Victor," he said, handing her a small, intricately crafted metal amulet. "This is for you. It’s a protective amulet that knights traditionally give to those who set out on a journey. I hope it brings you luck and safety on your journey."
Victor gratefully accepted the gift, knowing how much it meant. "Thank you, Bel. This is very special to me."
They hugged, and Victor felt the strength of the bond he had with each of his friends.
Mari looked at Aluella and Wanda and smiled with tears in her eyes. "You two take good care of Victor. He may be a great warrior, but sometimes he needs a little care. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
Aluella laughed and hugged Mari. "It’s okay, Mari. We’ll take care of him."
The farewells continued in the library, where Luisa Selvarum was waiting for them. The guardian of the mansion had tears in her eyes as she hugged Victor goodbye. After she left, she said:
"Victor, Aluella, Wanda," she said, her voice breaking. "You will always have a place here. This is your home, no matter where you are."
Victor hugged her, feeling the depth of her words: "Thank you, Luisa. And we’ll always come back, I promise."
The afternoon was fast approaching and it was time to leave. Bel approached Victor in the courtyard where the carriage was waiting for them.
"Master," Bel said, trying to keep his composure. "I am not good with words, but I want you to know that I will continue to strive to be worthy of your teachings."
Victor put his hand on Bel’s shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Bel, you are already worthy. And I know you will achieve great things. I trust you."
Bel nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Thank you, Master. I won’t let you down."
Finally it was time to leave. Victor, Aluella and Wanda got into the carriage and waved to their friends who had stayed at Selvarum Manor.
