***

"Is there anything else you need, Tristan?" Darian asked.

"Nothing, Uncle. Oh, right, shouldn't we buy a gift for Dheryl and Cheryl?"

"No need, Tristan. I'm saving up to take your aunt to the church for treatment."

"I see. Alright, then."

"Okay, let's head back to Allrose."

"Yes, Uncle," Tristan replied. They set off in the horse-drawn carriage toward Allrose.

Along the way, Tristan asked Darian, "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is Aunt Alya's illness?"

"I don't know, Tristan. Three months ago, she suddenly fell ill, and her chest turned blue. I've taken her to several doctors, and all of them say she needs a priest's healing to recover."

"I see. You've seen my skills, haven't you, Uncle?"

"Yes, I have," Darian replied, curious.

"I have a skill called All-Knowing Sight. I plan to use it to examine Aunt Alya's condition. Would that be alright?"

With hope lighting up his face, Darian replied, "Would you really, Tristan?"

"Of course, Uncle. Even though we've just met, I can feel the warmth of family in your care. I already consider you my family."

"Thank you, Tristan, thank you so much."

"Let's hold off on the thanks for now, Uncle, I'll feel pressured otherwise," Tristan said with a laugh.

"Apologies, Tristan," Darian chuckled, "I'm just relieved to finally have a glimmer of hope."

"Then let's hurry back, Uncle."

"Yes, Tristan."

They arrived in Allrose by evening.

"Dheryl, Tristan and father are home!" Cheryl shouted excitedly as she ran to greet her father and Tristan.

"Cheryl, we're home," Darian said warmly, hugging her.

"Welcome back, Father, Tristan," Dheryl called as he stepped out of the house.

"We're back, Dheryl," Darian replied with a smile.

"Come inside, I'll prepare dinner, and then I'll check on your mother," he added.

"Alright, Father," Cheryl and Dheryl replied together.

Just then, Tristan spoke up, "Um, Uncle, would it be alright if I made dinner tonight?"

Darian, Cheryl, and Dheryl all looked at him, surprised. "You can cook, Tristan?" Dheryl asked.

"A little," Tristan replied with a small smile.

"Are you planning to test out your skill, Tristan?"

"Yes, Uncle. May I?"

"Of course! I'd love to taste it," Darian answered, pleased. "I'll go speak with Alya about what we have discussed."

"Alright, Uncle."

They all entered the house. Darian headed to his room to talk with his wife, while Dheryl, Cheryl, and Tristan went to the kitchen.

"What skill was Father talking about, Tristan?" Dheryl asked curiously.

"I have a cooking skill, so I wanted to give it a try," Tristan replied.

"Wow, that's impressive," Dheryl commented, his eyes wide.

"What's on the menu tonight, Tristan?" Cheryl asked.

"Hmm," Tristan murmured, scanning the pantry for ingredients. He thought to himself, "They have rice, vegetables, onions, and eggs. I think I'll make something from home village-style fried rice."

"We'll make fried rice for dinner tonight," Tristan announced.

"Alright, Chef! What can we help with?" Dheryl asked playfully.

"Could you two cook the rice? I'll prepare the rest of the ingredients."

"Yes, Chef!" Cheryl and Dheryl replied in unison.

While Cheryl and Dheryl set the rice to cook, Tristan began chopping onions, whisking the eggs, and slicing some vegetables. When the rice was ready, he started cooking, the kitchen filling with the savory aroma of his village-style fried rice.

"And for the final touch, place the fried egg on top. Done."

"Wow! It looks delicious!" Cheryl exclaimed, her mouth watering at the sight.

"It would be even better if we had anchovies and some chili," Tristan said thoughtfully. "it would be better if there was MSG in this world, the taste would be more Fuiyohh, I remembered a MeTuber who really likes MSG haha" Tristan thought to himself.

"Anchovies?" Dheryl asked, tilting his head.

"Do they not have anchovies here?" Tristan wondered.

"They're tiny fish with a rich, savory, slightly salty taste. Do you know anything like that?"

"Hmm, we've never eaten anything like that," Cheryl said, shaking her head.

"Alright then, if we ever get a chance to go to the coast, we'll look for anchovies. Now, let's take these to the dining room, and call Uncle Darian. Don't forget to bring a plate for Aunt Alya too."

"Yes, Chef!" Cheryl and Dheryl said, grinning.

Darian stepped out of the room and saw the meal laid out on the dining table. "Wow, this looks amazing!"

"Right, Father? I can hardly wait to dig in!" Cheryl added excitedly.

"Alright then, let's eat," Darian said as they all took their seats. "Enjoy your meal," they chimed together.

"Wow! This is delicious, Tristan. You really do have a talent for cooking," Dheryl said, savoring each bite.

"Thank you," Tristan replied, smiling. "I'll cook something even better next time."

"Really?" Cheryl's eyes sparkled with excitement, and Tristan nodded.

"I can't wait to taste more of your cooking!" she exclaimed happily.

After a while, Darian turned to Tristan, "Tristan, Alya has agreed to let you check on her condition."

"Alright, Uncle. Let's give it a try," Tristan said, nodding with determination.

Dheryl and Cheryl exchanged curious glances as Darian led the way to the bedroom, with Tristan, Dheryl, and Cheryl following.

"Good evening, Auntie," Tristan greeted gently.

"Good evening, Tristan," Alya replied, managing a small smile.

"Mother, did you get to try Tristan's cooking? Wasn't it delicious?" Cheryl asked eagerly.

"Yes, it was very delicious," Alya answered, a warm look in her eyes.

"See, Mother? I wanted more, but it there is nothing left," Cheryl said with a pout.

"Well then, we'll just have to ask Tristan to cook for us again," Alya chuckled softly.

"Yes, please!" Cheryl agreed with a grin.

Tristan stepped closer to Alya, "Auntie, are you ready?" he asked.

Alya nodded and gently lowered her collar, revealing a faint bluish mark on her chest.

"Alright, I'll begin," Tristan said, focusing intently.

Dheryl started to speak, "Father, wha—"

"Shh, we'll talk about it later," Darian whispered, cutting him off.

Tristan concentrated, channeling mana into his eyes, and visualized a screen that would reveal the nature of Alya's ailment. A transparent display appeared before him.

(Dark Mana Parasite: This parasite was developed by a dark sorcerer. It slowly drains the life energy of its host until the host is left dry and lifeless. The parasite can be removed by injecting mana directly into its core.)

"Developed by a dark sorcerer?" Tristan thought, disturbed by the revelation.

"It's done, Auntie," he said, pulling back.

"What did you find, Tristan?" Darian asked, concern etched on his face.

"I have good news and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?" Tristan asked.

"Let's start with the good news," Darian replied.

"The good news is... I can cure Auntie's illness," Tristan said with a calm smile.

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Alya and Darian stared at him, stunned. "I... Is that true, Tristan?" Darian asked, his voice filled with hope.

"Yes, Uncle. I can heal her right now," Tristan assured him.

Darian looked at Alya, joy brightening his eyes, and his voice trembled, "You'll get better, my love."

Alya nodded with a tearful smile. "Shall we begin?" Tristan asked.

"Yes, please, heal her, Tristan," Darian replied, his face filled with relief and happiness.

"Alright, Auntie, if you could show me the mark again," Tristan requested.

Alya gently lowered her collar once more, revealing the bluish spot on her chest.

"Alright, I'll begin now," Tristan said, focusing intently. Tristan look at Alya, and Alya nodded, giving him her silent approval.

Tristan began channeling mana into his eyes, visualizing the mana pathways that fed into the parasite's core. "There it is," he thought as he located the dark heart of the parasite. He then channeled mana to his fingertip, shaping it into a needle-thin point, and carefully pressed it directly into the parasite's core.

Alya felt a brief sting, but soon, the pain started to dissipate.

"Almost done," Tristan said softly.

Gradually, the bluish mark on Alya's chest faded, and soon, it disappeared entirely.

"Fiuhh, it's finally over," Tristan said, catching his breath. "How do you feel, Auntie?"

Without a word, Alya embraced him, her face wet with joyful tears. "Thank you, Tristan. Thank you so much. I don't feel any pain anymore," she said, her voice trembling with relief.

Darian, Cheryl, and Dheryl wrapped their arms around Alya and Tristan, all of them overcome with emotion.

A few moments later, Tristan cleared his throat awkwardly, "Um... Uncle, Cheryl, Dheryl, I... I can't breathe..."

They quickly let go, laughing through their tears. "Oh, sorry, Tristan! We were just so happy," Darian said, wiping his eyes.

"No worries, Uncle," Tristan replied with a smile. "Auntie still needs some rest to regain her strength, though. In a few days, she should be back to her usual self."

"Once again, thank you so much, Tristan. We are truly blessed to have met you," Darian said, voice full of gratitude.

"I don't quite understand everything, but I know Mom's going to be okay now. Thank you, Tristan," Cheryl added.

"You really are the savior of our family, Tristan. Thank you," Dheryl said, his tone earnest.

"You're all welcome," Tristan replied. "I'm only repaying the kindness you've shown me."

Then, Tristan leaned in to whisper to Darian, "We can't rest easy yet, Uncle. The bad news still remains. It's best if we discuss this between the three of us, including Auntie."

Darian cleared his throat and turned to the children, "Ahem. Alright, kids, your mother needs to rest, and you both should get some sleep too, so you can be here for her tomorrow."

"Aww…" Dheryl and Cheryl replied with a hint of reluctance.

"Come here, give your mother one more hug," Alya said, smiling.

"Yay!" they exclaimed, happy to embrace her once more.

After a few moments, Dheryl said, "Alright, Mom, Dad, we're going to bed now." He turned to leave, heading toward the door. "Tristan, aren't you coming?" he asked.

"There is something that we need to discuss with Tristan for a moment," Drian answered.

"Alright," Dheryl replied, closing the door. But instead of heading to his room, he stayed by the door, curiosity getting the better of him, and tried to listen in on the conversation between his parents and Tristan. Cheryl, noticing this, joined him and pressed her ear to the door as well.

"So, what's the bad news, Tristan?" Darian asked, concern filling his voice.

"Aunt Alya's illness wasn't caused by natural or environmental factors," Tristan explained.

"What do you mean?" Darian asked, frowning.

"Aunt Alya's sickness was caused by a parasite that drains the life force of its host until they're left as an empty husk. And this parasite doesn't appear on its own, it has to be cultivated and sustained by a dark mage," Tristan said gravely.

Alya and Darian gasped, exchanging horrified looks, and even Dheryl and Cheryl, listening from outside, felt their hearts skip a beat.

"Wait, so… are you saying someone deliberately tried to harm Alya and our family?" Darian asked, his tone edged with disbelief.

"Yes, Uncle. And not just anyone, it's a dark mage. This parasite can only be developed by a dark mage's own hand," Tristan confirmed.

Darian and Alya were stunned by this revelation.

"But… who? Who would want to hurt our family? We've never wronged anyone," Darian whispered, his voice barely audible.

"That's what we need to figure out, Uncle," Tristan replied. "If I may ask, what were your and Aunt Alya's job in the past?"

"Before I met Alya, I was a knight under Duke Crimsene's command, but I never offended anyone during my service," Darian replied.

"And Auntie?" Tristan asked, his gaze shifting to Alya.

Alya hesitated for a moment, gathering her resolve before speaking. "I was a servant in the household of the noble Ciyane family."

Tristan's eyes widened briefly in shock, but he quickly masked his reaction.

"Oh, that's right," Darian said with a smile. "You used to work for the Ciyane family, didn't you? And Tristan here, he has the same family name, Ciyane." Darian chuckled as he looked at Tristan. "What a coincidence!"

Alya turned her gaze to Tristan, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Oh? Which branch of the family are you from? Who are your parents?" she asked gently.

Tristan hesitated, glancing away before answering, "Um, I apologize, but… it's better if you don't know who my parents are."

"Alright," Darian replied without suspicion, though Alya's expression shifted as her gaze fell to the ring on Tristan's finger. Her eyes went wide, and she gasped.

"That ring… are you… young master Tristan Ciyane?" she stammered, her voice trembling.

Tristan instinctively stepped back, stunned, but Alya didn't wait for a response. She rose from her seat and wrapped him in an emotional embrace. "Thank the heavens, young master. You're alive," she whispered, tears falling freely.

Tristan, touched and somewhat overwhelmed, managed to ask, "Auntie, do you… know my parents?"

"Of course, young master," Alya replied, her voice gentle. "I was the head maid who served Lady Alinda. I left their service when I became pregnant with Dheryl. But Lady Alinda and Master Gran visited us several times here to clear their minds and enjoy some peace."

"What? So… Gran and Alinda were direct descendants of the Ciyane duke?" Darian exclaimed, still reeling from the news.

Alya released Tristan from her embrace, nodding solemnly. "Yes, that's right. They used concealment magic to keep their identities hidden so they could blend in here without worry. I'm sorry, Darian, I kept this secret because Lady Alinda and Master Gran wished to live without scrutiny."

Darian gave her a warm smile. "It's alright, my love. I understand. I'm just shocked to think I was so close to the Sword King himself, Gran Ciyane." He chuckled, shaking his head.

"The Sword King?" Tristan echoed in confusion.

"Oh, I suppose you didn't know your father's title," Darian replied, still amazed. "Your father was a master swordsman who defeated every ranked sword expert in the kingdom, leaving no one able to even land a scratch on him. Truly, he was born to wield a sword."

"I… I didn't know that," Tristan murmured, absorbing this new side of his father's legacy.

Alya's expression softened. "Tristan, could you tell us… what happened before Lady Alinda and Master Gran passed?"

Tristan looked at them both, his face growing serious. "Alright… but you must promise not to speak of this to anyone."

They both nodded solemnly. "We promise," they said.

"Well, it all started like this..." Tristan began to recount his story, sharing with them the dark events that led to his parents' tragic fate.

Darian clenched his fists as he listened, his face darkening with anger. "That cursed Lavindra," he spat, fury simmering in his voice.

"Calm down, my dear," Alya whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady him.

"It's alright, Uncle," Tristan said, his voice calm but firm. "I'm grateful you're angry for the sake of my parents, but what matters most right now is finding out who put that parasite in Aunt Alya. If my guess is right, whoever placed it will likely come to check on it soon. Since the parasite and its owner are linked, the life energy it siphons is transferred to them."

Darian nodded, fists clenching. "You're right, Tristan. Let's keep a close watch and see if anyone shows unusual interest in Alya's condition."

"Yes, Uncle. We'll recognize them if someone who rarely or never visits suddenly appears to check on her. The tricky part, though, will be if the culprit is someone who regularly visits and watches over Aunt Alya."

Darian's face grew dark at the thought. "You mean… the person responsible might be someone close to us?"

"That's one possibility," Tristan replied solemnly.

Darian's fists tightened as he imagined someone so close bringing harm to his family. "Alright, let's get some rest for now."

He placed a hand on Tristan's shoulder. "Once again, thank you, Tristan. Our family owes you a debt."

"It's nothing, Uncle. I'm glad to be able to help you all," Tristan replied with a smile.

Darian nodded with a look of relief and pride, then made his way to his room. As Tristan opened the door to head to his own room, he caught the faint sound of footsteps scurrying down the hall, stopping at Dheryl and Cheryl's door. He sighed. "Those two," he muttered under his breath.

Making his way to their room, he opened the door to find Dheryl lying in bed, clearly pretending to be asleep.

"I know you're faking it, Dheryl," Tristan said, crossing his arms.

Dheryl cracked one eye open. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm obviously asleep."

Tristan chuckled. "Pretty sure people who are asleep don't answer questions, Dheryl."

Dheryl sat up with a sheepish grin. "Alright, you caught me."

Tristan raised an eyebrow. "So… what did you hear while eavesdropping?"

Dheryl's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"

"I heard you and Cheryl sneaking back to your room," Tristan replied, smirking.

Dheryl laughed nervously. "Uh… well, we might've heard a bit about the parasite and the… person close to us."

"So, you basically heard everything," Tristan sighed.

"No, not everything," Dheryl tried to protest weakly.

"Alright, enough," Tristan said, shaking his head. "Go call Cheryl. There's something I need to discuss with both of you."

Dheryl didn't waste a second, darting from the room to fetch his sister. Moments later, Cheryl joined him, and the two sat together on the bed, looking a bit wary, while Tristan stood before them, his expression serious.

"I just need to make one thing clear," Tristan began, his tone firm. "Whatever you heard tonight, you must not share it with anyone. Not even the kindest neighbor, not your closest friends—absolutely no one. Not even Uncle Baren. Do you understand?"

Cheryl looked up, confused. "Why can't we tell anyone?"

"Because it would put us in danger," Tristan replied seriously. "You both understand that your mother's illness was caused by someone with bad intentions, right?"

"Yes, we understand," Cheryl answered, her voice low.

"Exactly. Now, imagine if the person who did this was someone you told. They might find ways to make us suffer even more. Imagine if they made your father or mother sick again, just like before. How would that make you feel?"

Cheryl's face fell. "It would be awful… I'd feel so sad."

"Right," Tristan affirmed. "That's why you can't tell anyone. Only Uncle Darian, Aunt Alya, Dheryl, and Cheryl know what happened. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," they both replied in unison.

"Good. Let's get some rest then." Tristan smiled, watching as Cheryl went off to her room. Dheryl hesitated, glancing back at him with a guilty look.

"Sorry for eavesdropping on your conversation, Tristan," Dheryl muttered, his face full of regret.

Tristan chuckled. "It's alright, Dheryl. I didn't tell you and Cheryl because I worried you might tell others. Now that you understand why it has to be kept secret, I'm okay with it."

Relief washed over Dheryl's face. "Thank you, Tristan."

"Alright then, let's rest up. Goodnight, Dheryl."

"Goodnight, Tristan."

As they settled down for the night, a comforting silence filled the room. Both drifted off into peaceful sleep.

*Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up*

*Skill All-Knowing Sight - Level 5*

*Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up*

*Skill Cooking - Level 15*

*Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up* *Skill Level Up*

*Skill Enhanced Vision - Level 5*

***

"What's going on, Elza? Why did you call me?"

"The curse you placed on your friend's wife... it's gone. Seems someone removed it."

"Could it be that Tristan managed to get rid of it?"

"It's possible. You should go and check on things there."

"Alright. Conveniently, I told them I'd be meeting them in Allrose."