"It's good that it's sealed."
Ian let out a long sigh, his face relaxing.
"We won't have to worry about it for at least fifty years."
He picked up his teacup and took a sip. The tea was slightly bitter, with a faint, sweet aftertaste.
He had already made a silent decision.
He would not take a single step near the Burning Canyon until he reached Level Four Morning Star.
'The waters there... run too deep.'
A brief silence fell over the reception hall.
The only sounds were the occasional birdsong from outside the window and the faint footsteps of servants moving in the distance.
Aidele looked at Ian, her gaze softer than ever before.
Like thawing ice, with a gentle current flowing beneath.
"About my father..." she began, her voice even softer now.
"I never got to thank you properly."
Ian waved his hand. "It's just part of my duty as an Honored Guest Elder."
"As long as I can help, I won't just stand by and watch."
He paused, then added,
