Chapter 395 - 186: "Coming Home

At a certain moment.

The old woman lifted her head.

Her cloudy eyes stared ahead.

Her gaze was like a sharp arrow, piercing through the wind and snow, straight into the castle.

The next moment.

「Inside the castle.」

On the bed, Carlos’s eyes shot open.

He sat up and gasped greedily for the cold air in the room, like a drowning man who had just been saved. His face was etched with lingering fear. ’So close... I was so close to being caught. If that Grand Mage had killed me, my soul would have suffered a grievous blow, making my already weak body even worse.’

Fortunately, it was only a close call.

An oil lamp was lit on the table, and the fire in the hearth burned quietly, letting out soft CRACKLING sounds.

Carlos took in the familiar surroundings of the room, gradually realizing he was home and safe. He couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

"Young Master Carlos?"

"You’re awake?!"

The servant who had been guarding the door all day heard the noise. He opened the door, saw Carlos, and was instantly overcome with joy. He bowed low and said, "Welcome back, Young Master Carlos! A triumphant return!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!" But Carlos just kept laughing, as if he hadn’t heard a word the servant said.

The servant paused for a moment, then slapped his forehead in frustration and muttered to himself, "Look at my memory. It’s been so long since I’ve served Young Master Carlos, I completely forgot he can’t hear... I’d better go report to the Viscount first!"

The servant hurried away.

「In the garden.」

"What?"

"That boy Carlos is awake?"

A middle-aged man in rich clothes, his temples graying, could not hide his delight.

The servant suppressed his joy and said respectfully, "My Lord Viscount, Young Master Carlos is perfectly fine. It’s just..."

"Just what?" Viscount Regel asked.

The servant whispered, "It’s just that the Young Master still doesn’t seem to be able to hear..."

"That’s fine." Viscount Regel waved his hand. "He went to earn merit, not to get treatment. It’s normal that he still can’t hear."

A few years ago, Regel would have been very worried about Carlos’s condition. His wife had passed away early, leaving him with only one son. Naturally, he hoped Carlos would have a bright future, lead the Wolf Family to greater heights, and move them out of this remote, snowy domain. But as fate would have it, Carlos had been deaf since birth. Regel had sought help from everyone he knew, from doctors to Alchemists, but all were helpless against Carlos’s congenital deafness.

They said it was a problem with his soul, perhaps something went wrong during its formation. They were powerless to help and said he would need a Grand Mage at Tier Eight or higher, or one who specialized in souls.

This had once made Regel angry enough to curse.

’If I had those kinds of connections, why the hell would I be asking you?’ he had thought.

’A bunch of useless trash!’

But now, Regel was no longer anxious.

Because his son was very sensible.

Those with physical defects were not qualified to inherit a noble title; it would tarnish the honor of the aristocracy. So when Carlos grew up, for the sake of the family’s future, he proactively offered to go to the Farm World. He was willing to slave away for the Church Court, never to return, just so the credit for his service would go to the Wolf Family.

The person in charge of the Farm World’s affairs was quite moved by this. He gave Carlos a chance, allowing him to travel to the Farm World using a Secret Technique. If he performed well, the Church Court would personally help restore his hearing upon his return.

And just yesterday, the Church Court had sent a message via Snow Crow to inform him that his son, Carlos, had performed well. The person sent to help treat him was already on their way.

"Let’s go. We’ll go see him."

Regel said.

He wanted to tell Carlos this good news himself.

CLACK CLACK CLACK...

Regel’s pace was hurried, revealing his excited state of mind.

As soon as he opened the door—

"Carlos!"

"Father!"

The father and son shared a heartfelt embrace.

The servant was moved to tears.

After the hug, Regel grabbed his son’s shoulders and looked him over with concern.

"All these years... you’ve gotten thin!"

"You too!"

Although Carlos couldn’t hear, he understood lip-reading and sign language. Even without relying on perception, basic communication was not a problem.

"I have some good news for you," Regel said.

Carlos looked serious. "I have good news for you, too."

Regel laughed heartily. "Alright, you go first!"

’He didn’t even have to think about it. Carlos must have accomplished something great in the Farm World.’

Sure enough.

Carlos said, "Father, I’ve discovered a massive secret!"

"There might be a mole inside the Church Court!"

’If Bofunova could figure it out, so could he.’

’Regardless of whether that Maid girl used a normal channel or a Secret Technique like he did to get to the Farm World, she violated the rules set by the Church Court. And to be able to send a Grand Mage to the Farm World without anyone noticing... the person behind it is definitely not simple!’

Regel was shocked. "Are you sure?"

Carlos nodded gravely. "Absolutely certain."

He recounted his recent experience to Regel, especially the part where he was sent flying by a casual Array from Eleanor. His memory of it was crystal clear. Besides being extremely powerful, that Power had given him a feeling of incontrovertible authority—a feeling he’d only ever had when facing a High-tier Wizard.

’He was Tier Six. So what was higher than Tier Six?’

A Grand Mage!

In that case, Bofunova’s betrayal made sense.

She must have been forced.

"Good, good, good!" Regel was both shocked and delighted.

’A mole within the Church Court... this was a truly major incident. If they reported it and the person was found, it would be a huge merit. The Wolf Family’s promotion would be within reach!’

He had always said that as long as Carlos persevered, he would have a great future. Today proved him right!

’My son Carlos has the makings of a Count!’

"Father, what was your good news?" Carlos asked.

Regel said bluntly, "The Church Court has evaluated your performance in the Farm World. They said they’re sending someone to help treat your ears. They’re already on their way."