"Your mom is practicing cultivation in solitude," Nash said, attempting to gloss over things.

"Huh? But, I thought my mom couldn't cultivate unless she learned how to tame demons..."

"Ahh, no, no, not that." Nash realized he had said the wrong thing.

"Don't listen to his nonsense. Your mom is... She's..." Zaafea tried to come up with a reason as well.

"Nora... has gone on vacation. I'm sure you know how much your mom enjoys traveling. So, she wanted me to take care of you for now," Clint said, tears appearing in his eyes as he tried to put on a brave front. "Oh, yes, Mom loves traveling. You're my uncle for sure. I can see that now."

"Why don't you get some rest? I'll get you something to eat in a bit."

"Alright, thank you. Also... how long was I asleep for?" Deluca asked innocently.

"Oh, not for too long. You'll be alright," Zaafea said nonchalantly.

Clint summoned Beau over after making sure Deluca had settled down.

"This is my sister's child, Mr. Leroy."

"Miss Melton's child?!"

"That's right. Could I trouble you to take care of him for a while? He's... special."

"No problem, Mr. Melton. Since he's Miss Melton's child, I'll make sure to do my best."

"Are you Mr. Leroy?" Deluca asked. "I saw you in one of Mom's pictures. But you didn't have a beard in those pictures, though."

"Hahaha, that's right..."

...

Clint walked out of the room and turned to look at Zaafea.

"So... how long was he asleep for?"

"Ten years."

The two remained silent.

Zaafea then said, "His mental age remains at when he was around eight or nine years old. I'm

that's a good or bad thing.

tsut

en

if

Clint drew in a deep breath and then continued asking questions, "Tell me the truth, Zaafea. Is my sister still alive?"

"She's alive," Zaafea answered without hesitation.

Clint sighed in relief.

Nash gazed at the two standing before him and decided it was time to leave.noveldrama

"Excuse me, both. I'll be taking my leave now."

"Wait," Zaafea called out to Nash as he prepared to leave.

"What is it, Zaafea?"

"The Northern Territory's Warden is in the Church of the Netherworld now. But don't worry, he's safe." "Really?!" Nash asked excitedly.

"Yes. At the very least, your father will be safe during the Summit of Ten Thousand Dynasties. I can guarantee that. So, don't worry about that, and focus on dealing with what's before you."

"In that case... alright. Thanks!"

Nash left after expressing his thanks.

He felt much less worried after gaining confirmation that his father was safe.

Since the topic of the Summit of Ten Thousand Dynasties had been brought up, Clint and Zaafea began talking about that.

Clint was the first to begin asking questions, "How high of a chance of winning do you think we have?"

Zaafea shook his head. "I don't know either, but winning or losing isn't that important anymore. I can't believe the Illuminion dared make such flagrant provocations during such times."

"Is there something odd about that?"

"No, nothing. Perhaps I'm just overthinking things."