Chapter 308: Reunion [2]

Next day.

"Noah!"

The moment he stepped into the sitting room, a woman with wheat-blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes rushed toward him.

Before Noah could even react, she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Mother..."

Noah smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her.

This was his mother, Catelyn Eldritch.

For the past month, she had been forced to endure the uncertainty of not knowing where her son was or whether he was even alive. Now that he was finally standing in front of her, she seemed unable to hold back her emotions.

"Where have you been?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I was so worried about you!"

She rested her face against his shoulder as tears slowly streamed down her cheeks.

Noah’s expression softened.

"Mother, it’s all right. I’m here now. I’m fine and safe."

He gently patted her back, trying to reassure her. But even as he comforted her, he could feel her body trembling slightly in his arms.

That trembling alone told him just how much she had worried about him.

How much she loved him. And how terrified she must have been during the days when there had been no news of him.

A warm feeling slowly spread through Noah’s chest.

Beside them stood a man with silver-white hair and violet eyes. He appeared to be in his thirties, though his calm and dignified presence made him seem older.

He was Noah’s father, Julian Eldritch.

His expression was normally composed, but even he couldn’t completely hide the relief in his eyes. Not far from him stood another young man with wheat-blonde hair and violet eyes.

His older brother, Nathan Eldritch, wore a wide smile as he watched the reunion.

They were currently inside one of the sitting rooms of the Thornveil Estate.

Noah’s family had arrived that morning the moment they learned that he had finally been found. And the instant Noah had stepped through the door, his mother had rushed to him.

Looking at her now, Noah couldn’t help but feel something stir deep within his heart.

’It has only been a little over a month since I disappeared in this world... But they look as though they haven’t seen me in years.’

His gaze moved from his mother to his father and then to Nathan. Despite everything that had happened to him, this moment felt strangely peaceful.

’So this is what it feels like to come home.’

For the first time since arriving in this world, Noah truly understood the meaning of familiar love. The kind of warmth that didn’t require words.

The kind of love that simply existed because they were family. Eventually, Catelyn slowly released him.

She wiped the tears from her cheeks, though her eyes were still slightly red.

Julian stepped forward. First, he simply looked into his son’s eyes. Then he raised a hand and gently patted Noah’s shoulder.

"It’s good to see you safe and back."

His voice was calm, but the relief behind those words was unmistakable. Then he narrowed his eyes slightly.

"And I can tell you’ve grown stronger in such a short time."

Noah smiled. "I had quite the adventure."

Before Julian could respond, Nathan suddenly stepped forward and pulled Noah into a tight hug.

"I’m so glad you’re back, little brother!"

"Argh!"

Noah’s face immediately twisted in discomfort. "Oi! Don’t use your physical strength!"

"Oh!"

Nathan quickly realized what he was doing and released him.

"Haha! Sorry!"

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I was just too happy and relieved."

Noah shook his head with a helpless smile. "You haven’t changed at all."

"Of course not."

Nathan grinned. "Someone has to make sure you don’t get too serious."

Catelyn couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her two sons.

Even Julian’s usually stern expression softened. The room was filled with nothing but the warmth of family.

Noah looked at them quietly. He had experienced countless dangerous moments before coming back home.

And now standing here with his family felt more comforting than any victory.

He had finally returned home.

Then, just as the peaceful atmosphere settled over the room, another voice suddenly broke the silence.

"So... you are Noah Eldritch."

Noah’s smile faded slightly. He turned toward the source of the voice.

Someone else was in the sitting room.

And from the tone of that voice alone, Noah could tell that this reunion was far from over.

Several figures were already seated on the sofas.

Lionel Thornveil sat beside his wife, Sofia, while Ophelia, the woman who had once been Noah’s fiancée sat quietly beside them.

Across from them sat two people. One of them was someone Noah knew all too well.

Akari, She was dressed in a clean, beautiful kimono, looking far more presentable than when Noah had last seen her.

Her long black hair had been neatly tied into a traditional bun, and although the corruption still remained on parts of her face and neck, her condition had clearly improved.

Beside her sat the other man. The same man who had just called out to Noah.

A stranger, at least, a stranger to Noah’s eyes.

The man slowly rose from his seat.

He was tall easily over six feet with a broad, imposing build. He wore a simple black yukata, and his black hair was neatly tied behind his head. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be in his early fifties.

His presence alone carried a natural dignity. Even without anyone introducing him, Noah already knew exactly who he was.

He had never met the man face-to-face before, but he had heard enough about him.

Reiji Narukami.

The Duke of the Eastern Duchy of Raigamine.

Akari’s father.

Noah’s eyes briefly met the older man’s gaze.

Reiji’s blue eyes studied him quietly.

Noah couldn’t help but feel a faint sense of pressure from the man’s presence.

’So this is Akari’s father... I need to have a good first impression.’

He had been curious about the man ever since Akari told him that her father would be coming to see her.

And now, standing before him, Duke Reiji Narukami looked every bit like someone who had ruled one of the most powerful duchies in the empire for decades.