Chapter 142: Father and Son in the Deep Forest Cabin

The cheerful chirping of birds drifted in through the window pane. The crystal-clear sounds filtered through the canopy of leaves, pulling Kei out of his deep slumber.

The young boy slowly opened his eyes.

The golden light of morning streamed through the chestnut-colored wooden window frame, casting streaks of brilliance across the floorboards. The scent of dry wood, fresh grass, and the faint fragrance of breakfast blended together, creating a sense of peace so profound that Kei stared around in a daze.

*Where am I?*

Kei tilted his head, struggling to recall what had happened prior.

Yet his mind held only a hazy blankness. He remembered walking through a forest, remembering someone’s voice, remembering the gentle blue light enveloping his physical form.

After that, nothing remained.

"Kei?"

A noise echoed from outside the room.

The next moment, the wooden door swung open slowly, and a man stepped inside.

Kei raised his head to look at him.

He was an extraordinarily stunning man. Long, waist-length black hair cascaded down his back, every single strand catching the morning sunlight. Ruby-red eyes gazed toward Kei—eyes that always wore a cold detachment toward the rest of the world, yet instantly softened the moment they landed upon the boy.

A familiar face, someone Kei would never forget.

"Father..."

The memories finally flooded back.

This was Julius, his father, and this place was the small cabin where the two of them lived deep within the forest.

Julius walked over to the bedside, gently reaching out to stroke Kei’s head with deep tenderness and affection.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

His voice was low, yet every syllable carried an uncharacteristic gentleness.

Kei instantly chuckled softly and lunged forward to wrap his arms around his father’s waist. "I slept really well! I even had a very wonderful dream."

Julius raised an eyebrow slightly. "What kind of dream?"

Kei lifted his face, his eyes sparkling brightly. "I dreamed that I met a very important person."

"A very important person?"

"Mhm." Kei nodded vigorously. "I think we are friends! We’re going to be best friends and go strolling everywhere together!"

Julius fell silent for a brief moment.

The boy before him had lived in this forest since he was small. Aside from him, Kei had practically never laid eyes upon anyone else. And yet, within his dream, he had found a friend.

Julius didn’t press further, fearing it might sadden the child.

He simply bent down and scooped Kei up, settling the boy snugly into his arms. "Then let’s hurry up and eat breakfast. Perhaps you’ll remember your friend after you’ve had a full meal."

"Okay!"

Julius carried Kei out of the room.

A small wooden table sat beside the large window. A piping-hot breakfast had already been set out upon it: toasted bread, vegetable soup, tender roasted meat, and a cup of milk still wafting wisps of steam.

Kei was set down in his chair.

He immediately picked up his spoon, though before he could take a bite, Julius chimed in with a reminder.

"Eat slowly."

"I know~"

Kei replied, though mere seconds later he was cheerfully scooping up a massive spoonful of soup.

Julius sat opposite him, watching him eat in quiet silence.

His gaze occasionally lingered on Kei’s slightly pale complexion, before swiftly shifting back to the bowl of soup before the boy.

Kei possessed an inherently frail constitution.

A mere stroll of a few steps was enough to leave the young boy panting for breath. Bouts of fever and sickness visited him frequently, leaving Julius with never a moment of genuine peace of mind when leaving him alone.

Consequently, every single one of Kei’s meals was prepared with meticulous care.

The temperature had to be just right, the food soft and easily digestible, and the milk warmed through. Even the portions couldn’t be too large, because if he overated, Kei would suffer discomfort all night long.

Julius didn’t voice those concerns to Kei; the child was still far too young. He merely stored away every single necessary detail in silence to ensure he could care for this child with absolute precision.

Once Kei finished eating, Julius tidied up the table. He put the dishes away in the kitchen, wiped up a few stray drops of soup from the tabletop, and only then turned back to look at Kei.

"Father has to step out for a moment."

Julius picked up a woven rattan basket, threw on a cloak, and prepared to head out the door. "Stay home and play around the yard; you are not permitted to wander out of the forest."

Kei blinked. "Can I just play close to the house? I won’t go far, I promise."

"Kei."

That single, simple call was enough to freeze the boy’s smile in place.

Julius walked over, squatting down before Kei, and gently pinched his chubby cheek. "Just play around the house and wait for Father to return. Do not step onto the eastern path, do not go near the lake, and certainly do not wander deep into the forest on your own."

"I understand~"

Kei nodded with utmost obedience.

And yet his eyes darted back and forth, bearing a sly expression that looked nothing like a child who genuinely agreed.

Julius caught every bit of it. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing at all~"

"Kei."

"I’ll stay home and wait for you!"

Kei smiled sweetly, deliberately raising a hand to swear an oath. Despite being bound tightly by illness, Kei was still an exceptionally clever child.

Julius stared at him for a long beat.

Ultimately, he merely reached out to ruffle Kei’s hair once more. "Don’t give Father cause to worry."

Kei gave a soft nod. "Mm-hmm."

Julius stood up, picked up his basket, and stepped out of the house.

Before departing, he still glanced back at Kei one final time; only upon seeing the boy sitting quietly by the window did Julius close the door and take his leave.