Chapter 324: The Best Couple

"However..." Zura hesitated, her expression turning cautious. "They’re not easy to approach. The academy keeps an eye on anyone with that kind of ability. Memory manipulation is a sensitive subject, and like any other nation, the Empire doesn’t take it lightly. If we request an examination without a solid reason, it might raise questions. And if the Valmeres catch wind of it, they’ll know something is up."

"...But there’s a way, right?" Ethea asked, eyeing Zura.

Zura sighed helplessly and answered. "There’s one person. An old professor who retired from the academy years ago. She still lives nearby and occasionally takes private cases, but she’s very selective about who she helps. She doesn’t like nobles, and she definitely doesn’t like people who try to use her for selfish reasons or political games. If we approach her the wrong way, she’ll turn us away without a second thought. But... If we can convince her, she might even help us for free."

"You aren’t talking about Grandma Kanie, are you?"

"The one and only."

Soren tilted his head in confusion. Noticing this, Zura clarified. "She visits the academy from time to time and has worked for over a hundred years. She holds the title of Honorary Elder, and she’s now over a hundred and twenty years old. She treats every student like her own grandchild, always bringing sweets and telling old stories. That’s how she earned the nickname Grandma Kanie."

"I see," Soren nodded, genuinely impressed. "She sounds like a remarkable person. A hundred years of service... not many can do that. And to still care for the students after all that time, she must truly love what she does."

"Indeed." Zura nodded proudly. "In fact, I am one of her students! ...Well, I only got to take one lesson from her, but it was unforgettable. She has a way of making you see things differently, you know."

"Then, we should definitely reach out to her." Soren leaned forward slightly. "Can you help us arrange a meeting?"

"That... I can’t help." Zura replied apologetically. "Although I know she lives in the Empire, possibly nearby, I don’t know her exact address. You’ll have to find her on your own."

"Alright. Thank you, Lady Zura. You’ve already helped us more than enough." Soren said sincerely. "And I think we’ve covered everything we needed to discuss."

Zura smiled and leaned back. "Then, should we finally order dinner? I’m starving."

Soren let out a small laugh and apologized. "Sorry for keeping you. Please, go ahead and order whatever you like. It’s on us."

Zura shook her head. "This time is my treat; you can cover next time." She grinned and smiled mischievously. "Besides, you’re not planning to make me work and then just say thanks, are you? That won’t do. I expect a proper meal once all of this is over. And I want it cooked personally by you."

"Fair enough." Soren smiled. "I promise to make it worth your while."

"Good." Zura picked up the menu and pressed the button to call the waiter. "Now, let’s order. I wasn’t kidding about starving."

Ethea and Soren chuckled at her words, and as the waiter arrived, they placed their orders. The food arrived soon, and the three of them ate while chatting about lighter topics.

Zura shared stories about her students and their past; Ethea talked about some of the places they had visited during their travels, and Soren occasionally added his own comments. For a while, the heavy subjects from earlier were set aside, and the dinner became a warm moment between the three.

Just as Soren reached for his teacup, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.

’Master.’

Soren paused before continuing. ’What is it, Malakor?’

’...I sensed a familiar presence nearby.’

Soren’s expression didn’t change, but his grip on the cup tightened slightly. ’Who is it?’

There was a brief pause before Malakor answered. ’...Your mother.’

’!’ Soren froze. It was only for a split second, but it was enough. His heart lurched, and a cold weight settled in his chest. He forced himself to breathe, to keep his expression neutral.

’...Is she alone?’ he asked.

’No. She is with your... father and... a teenage girl.’

Soren’s eyes widened. ’Could it be?!’

He quickly set the teacup down, a little harder than he intended, and the sound drew both Ethea and Zura’s attention.

"Excuse me," he said, standing up. "I’ll be back in a moment."

He didn’t wait for their responses and swiftly left the room.

Zura turned to Ethea, raising her brow. "What’s up with him?"

"...I’m not sure," Ethea replied, though her eyes lingered on the door with a hint of concern. She had seen the shift in his expression, however brief it was. Something had happened.

Zura studied her friend’s face for a moment, her sharp senses catching the undercurrent of worry. "You’re lying. You have a guess."

Ethea didn’t deny it. She simply folded her hands in her lap and kept her gaze on the door. "He’ll tell me once he returns."

Zura sighed and leaned back. "You two are really something else, you know that?"

Turning back to her, Ethea nodded with a smile, recalled something from yesterday, and said, "We’re the best."

"...The best couple, huh?" Zura’s lips twitched. "No need to rub it in. Some of us are still single, you know."

"..." Ethea merely smiled, not correcting her misunderstanding.

But on second thought, it might not be a misunderstanding at all. While they weren’t actually the best couple, she deeply wanted them to be. Not just in name, not just in convenience, but in every way that mattered.

She wanted to stand beside him as his equal, his partner, the one person he could always rely on. She wanted to hold his hand without hesitation, lean on him when she was tired, wake up beside him every morning, and know that he was hers and she was his. She wanted to share his joys and sorrows, his victories and failures, his fears and dreams.

In short, she wanted to build a happy life together, a life where she could love him freely and be loved in return, without hesitation or fear.

But...

’...I can’t tell her any of that yet. Not before I tell him first.’