Just as the living room was filled with the warmth of family reunion and a slightly bewildered silence, steady yet slightly hurried footsteps came from outside the study door, accompanied by the soft scraping sound of metal plates.
"My lord! Is that you who has returned?"
Astaire's voice came through the door, filled with unbelievable excitement and a hint of relief.
"Come in."
Lin De responded, his voice regaining its usual calm and steady tone.
The door was pushed open, and Astaire was the first to step inside.
Ten years have indeed left clear marks on this loyal general.
The once sharp and spirited young soldier now has fine lines around his eyes and a few strands of gray hair at his temples, but his posture remains as upright as a pine tree, and the determination and loyalty in his eyes have not diminished at all, but have only become more profound.
He was dressed in the uniform of a senior officer in Blackrock, and the insignia on his shoulder straps indicated that he was one of the core figures in the military.
Following closely behind is Naraku.
The old Shadowbinder leader's back seemed more hunched than it had been ten years ago, and the wrinkles on his face were deeper, like the cracks in a dried-up riverbed. In his hand was an ordinary-looking ebony staff that contained shadow energy.
Time has left its mark on him, yet his deep-set eyes still gleam with the sharpness of an eagle, sparkling with experience and wisdom. He remains vigorous and has not become feeble with age.
Almost immediately after the two, a lithe figure slipped into the room silently like a shadow—it was Nix. The cat-eared girl from back then had blossomed into a graceful young woman, tall and slender, her black, tight-fitting leather armor outlining her smooth lines.
Her signature cat ears twitched sensitively, and her emerald green eyes first looked at Lind in disbelief, then revealed great surprise, but were quickly replaced by mature restraint, with only the slightly trembling tip of her tail revealing her inner excitement.
She is no longer that carefree girl, but a calm and capable expert in stealth and intelligence.
"My lord! It really is you!"
Astaire stepped forward, slamming his right hand heavily against his left chest in a crisp military salute. His voice was hoarse with emotion. "Ten years...we..." He stammered, a thousand words stuck in his throat. For the past ten years, he had shouldered the heavy responsibility of protecting the territory and the mistress and young masters, bearing immense pressure. Now, seeing the lord return safely, the weight on his heart had finally been lifted.
Narakushi bowed slightly, his voice low and slightly hoarse:
"Your Excellency, welcome back. Your return is like a beacon in the darkness, bringing us peace of mind."
His gaze swept quickly over Linde, a barely perceptible look of surprise flashing in his eyes—ten years had passed, and the lord's aura had become even more unfathomable, as if he had merged with the surrounding space, yet he also carried a chilling majesty.
Nix returned the greeting gracefully, her voice clear yet restrained:
"Master, you're back, meow."
She secretly glanced at Lin De and was even more surprised to see that he looked just as he had always.
Linde's gaze lingered on the three for a moment, taking in their changes, and he nodded slightly.
"Aster, Narosh, Nix. Thank you for your hard work."
His brief words affirmed the three men's ten-year dedication.
Astaire took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down:
"My lord, your return is a great joy! We need to report to you on all the affairs of the territory over the past ten years and the changes in the situation on the continent..."
Linde waved his hand, interrupting him:
"No rush. I just got back, we can discuss these things later."
His gaze shifted to Alice, whose eyes were still slightly red, Nazra and Leonis standing close to him, and the children curiously observing these "uncles and aunts." The meaning was clear—it was family time.
Aster immediately understood and quickly said:
"It was my rudeness! Your Excellency, the Mistress, and the young masters have been separated for a long time and should indeed enjoy a proper reunion. We will take our leave now and await Your Excellency's summons at any time."
He bowed again and gave Naroch and Nix a look.
Naraku bowed again:
"Please enjoy your family time in peace, Your Excellency. I am ready to serve you at any time."
His gaze lingered on the children for a moment, revealing a gentle smile that was almost imperceptible.
Nix also obediently replied:
"Master, Nix is leaving first, meow."
She secretly smiled and winked at Alice and the others before quietly leaving the room with Astaire and Naruse, carefully closing the door behind her.
With the three people gone, the living room regained its private family space.
After this little incident, the initial awkwardness and restraint seemed to have faded considerably.
Alice, linking her arm with Lind's as if afraid he would disappear again, smiled at the children:
“Look, as soon as Daddy came back, Uncle Astaire and the others rushed over. For the past ten years, we’ve been so grateful to them for helping Mommy manage the land.”
Nazla nodded and said to Linde:
“Aster is now the military chief of the territory, and he’s doing an excellent job. Mr. Narash may be getting old, but he’s still a pillar of strength in intelligence and… special affairs. And that girl Nix has become a capable Shadow Dancer captain.”
Leonis looked at Lind and added, "The children have also worked very hard and have lived up to your expectations."
As Lillian, Allen, Roy, and Eileen listened to their mothers and looked at their father, they gained a more concrete understanding of this mysterious and powerful man—he was not only family, but also the core of this powerful territory, a figure whom even the seemingly formidable uncles and aunts held in utmost awe.
Feeling the warmth of being surrounded by his family, Linde temporarily put aside the conflicts on the continent, the mysteries of the divine remains, and his future plans.
He looked at his wives, then at his children who had grown up, and a faint but genuine smile appeared on his usually stern face.
“Alright,” he said, his voice softening, “now, tell me properly how you’ve spent these past ten years.”
Outside the window, the setting sun painted the sky a warm orange-red. Inside the lord's manor, the lights were just coming on, and the long-awaited time of family reunion was just beginning.
The fate of Blackrock Territory and even the entire continent is about to begin a new chapter with the return of this lord.
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