Chapter 172: Returning Home

It was the singing tune of the morning birds that awoken the slumbering Moulin. Slowly, his lashes fluttered open. He took in the gentleness of the morning light and the scent of fresh flowers in the air. It was soothing and compelling. He wanted to be lost within the sensation forever. 

However, he couldn't.

The shuffling of the sheets could be heard, and a delicate pink-toed foot emerged from the covers. Moulin sat up from the bed, and his lazy eyes turned to stare at the fascinating view from beyond the windows which faced the bed. The canopy was drawn apart and elegantly tied. 

Silently, he watched. Silver eyes deep and unfeeling.

Yesterday, he wallowed in distress. Moulin remembered Hadrian had come for him. Like a child, seeking comfort, Moulin craved Hadrian's warmth. Being embraced by the man made him release all the sadness in his heart. They held that position until sleep overcame Moulin.

Right now, as he woke up within this familiar room where Hadrian stays, he felt slightly relaxed. Releasing a sigh, Moulin furrowed his eyebrows as he continued to stare into the view beyond the window. 

Phuna had disappeared. Eilhara had sent even the most experienced trackers in the kingdom not a moment after Phuna's disappearance. Unfortunately, not a single clue was left behind. As if that little girl who smiles brightly when Moulin brings her treats had utterly ceased to exist. 

Clenching his on the blankets, Moulin lowered his gaze. No, she will be alright... Nothing terrible will happen to her...

Sighing, Moulin closed his eyes. He hopes she was safe somewhere...

"Ao!"

"Woof!"

Moulin immediately shifts his gaze and spots two little pups- one black and one white- that jumped on his bed. Their little paws messed up the covers as Snow and Kier pounced on Moulin with longingly whines. The weight of the two pups fell on Moulin's lap. With a faint smile, the youth stroked the heads of the snow-white fox and the black wolf. Their bright eyes stared at him pitifully as they begged for Moulin's attention.

"Good morning, you two... " 

Both pups responded with a lick on Moulin's delicate fingertips. Chuckling, Moulin lowered his head and kissed both of their furry heads. He wasn't so affectionate with these two, but since they came to cheer him up with their presence, he should try to make some effort. 

Seeing that Hadrian wasn't present inside the bed-chamber, Moulin slightly frowned. But when his eyes catch sight of the table with a meal hot and ready, he thought maybe the man was off somewhere to attend an important meeting or such. After eating, washing up, and dressing, he took Snow and Kier with him as he left the room after leaving a small letter on the table for Hadrian. 

He didn't meet the other sentinels when he journeyed back to his room. Not even the ever-so-early Ghana could be seen practicing her swords skills. When he returned to his room, Snow and Keir quickly jumped on the bed and began to chase each other playfully. 

Moulin did a couple of stretches in the room and began to change for the morning jog that he had missed for weeks already. He must improve his stamina and train harder.

"...?" 

At the corner of his eye, he spotted his satchel on the wooden desk beside his bed. A familiar round object sits at the center of the table. Its gem sparkled before Moulin's eyes. 

The messaging artifact!

He recalled that Ordan had used the mana crystal of the device to cast a barrier. Moulin didn't remember Ordan giving it back to him. Seeing his things, clean and not a stain of mud on them, Moulin felt grateful. 

'It's been so long since I had spoken to my brothers. Perhaps, the jog can wait for a couple of minutes...' Moulin thought. Turning around, he advised Keir and Snow to be quiet for a short while. 

There was not a speck of dust on his table, which made him glad. He activated the relic and silently waited for a few seconds. Heartbeat quickened and fingers clenching, Moulin swallowed as he counted the seconds.

'Plink!'

A translucent screen appeared before his eyes. His eyes couldn't help but moisten as he stared at the person at the other side. 

Maxille's face was doused with relief. He breaths heavily and slowly as he stared at the face of his little brother. For weeks, he had wondered what happened to Moulin. Was he eating well? Is he hurt? Did someone dare bully him? Maxille was dying to know. He could not stand it anymore. 

With the Kron roaming the lands and taking away numerous lives each day, with the malevolent forces that could bring danger to his youngest brother's life, and the harsh terrains beyond the lands of Aurona, Maxille could sweat out rivers out of worry.

Emlen and his father weren't the less worried about the circumstances of his youngest brother. Perhaps as a sentinel, Moulin would have to go through many dangers and obstacles, but it doesn't change the fact that he was a living being that could die at any time. Even the tiniest scratch could become fatal. 

Maxille and the rest of his family were now sure they wanted Moulin to return home as soon as possible.

"Moulin... " Maxille cover his eyes as he bent his head. His breath was stuttering as he spoke out his brother's name.

"Eldest brother..." Moulin smiles faintly. "I have missed you..."

Maxille paused. The hand on the table clenched tightly. "I missed you too, dear brother..."

Moulin softens his eyes. He was afraid that Maxille wouldn't respond to him out of anger. Yes, almost a month has passed since the last time he contacted his family. Moulin already expected their worried expression and the boundless worry and anger behind their gazes. He had promised them, but he had broken it. And Moulin wouldn't tell them why... The details would perhaps urge them to kidnap him home. 

"How are you?" Finally lifting his hand, Maxille asks as he breathes out to calm himself. "What happened to you?"

With honest eyes, Moulin narrated his experience during the mission, excluding the part with the horned man and his rendezvous with his Guild Lord, Lord Hadrian Hercullio. Maxille seemed to be suspicious as he listened, but he chose to dismiss it and discuss it with his father later. His gray eyes deepened, and he sighed as he assessed Moulin's face.

'looks like he's eating well, which is a relief.'

"How are father and brother?"

Moulin asked.

"..." 

There was a wrinkle between the stern man's brows as he glanced beyond the image where Emlen and Lord Dontae Fraunces were sitting silently on the couch. They were sitting behind the screen where Moulin could not see them. 

Emlen's expression was grave as he lowered his gaze. Their father's countenance wasn't even a bit less grim. The both of them listened to the conversation quietly.

"They are... fine..."

As Maxille spoke these words, both the lord and Emlen stared at Maxille with glowering eyes. However, Maxille wasn't bothered by their gazes as he continued to watch his youngest brother's face.

"I see... and Mother?" Moulin hesitantly asked. 

Maxille knew this question would come up, and he only gave a faint smile as he replied. "She hasn't woke up yet... " 

He couldn't lie. Moulin already knew what happened to their mother; it was no use lying to him. 

A flash of anguish appeared in Moulin's moistened eyes. He forced himself to hold back his sorrow and steeled himself—his eyebrows, drawn together as he gazed into the eyes of his brothers. 

"Mother will be fine... I have obtained a cure for her sickness." He said with determination. "I will return to the manor in a few days..."

"!!!"

Maxille couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't know what surprised him more. The fact that his brother was returning so abruptly or that Moulin had miraculously found a cure for the strange sickness plaguing their mother?

Emlen instantly stood up from his seat. Shock etched his face.

Lord Fraunces was stunned when Moulin's words entered his ears. Was Moulin really returning with a cure?

"You... Are you really coming back?" Emlen's voice was so loud Moulin could clearly hear him. His second brother's figure suddenly popped into his view. His grey eyes were filled with surprise and anticipation to confirm Moulin's decision.

Moulin smiles faintly. "Yes, I will be returning... I believe mother's sickness is similar to the plague we have here in the kingdom of Thundralln. We have already created a cure for the illness. Mother will be okay..."

"Thank the gods..." Lord Fraunces covered his eyes with his hand. He lets out a relieved breath. The Gods have not left them yet... his son will be coming home, and his wife will once again open her beautiful eyes.

"Hurry and come back... Moulin..." Emlen clenched his fists. His eyes could drown a person in his desperation. "Accompany your second brother again... You will be safe here. Nothing will come to harm you. I swear on my life that I will protect you..."

'You won't have to go on those missions again. You will be safe here with us... Although I know how strong you are, I can't help but worry... Something doesn't feel right with you being out there...'

"I will, brother." Moulin smiles.

A relaxed smile finally graced Emlen's face. His heart soothed by his brother's agreement. "Good... Good... "

"Moulin" This time, it was Maxille who spoke. "The Kron has reached the imperial palace. The King has issued a decree to ban all entry to the boundaries of every city. Zenin City is no exception. Even the Archnobles cannot reject the order. How will you be able to return?"

Moulin softens his eyes. "I have a way... I will contact you again, and all you must do is leave my secret garden open..."

"Are you sure?" Maxille knitted his brows in confusion.

"Trust me, eldest brother..." Moulin nodded. His smile was a refreshing sea breeze blowing away all of Maxille's hesitations.

"Be safe, Moulin..." The heir of the household nodded.

"Be sure to come back!" Emlen frowned. He was still curious about the plan Moulin had in mind.

Moulin's eyes turned into crescents. He longed for his family warmth that he could not help but be homesick. His voice was as soft as cotton as he spoke, "I will come back home... so please take care of mother for me..."

Before he could end the communication, Moulin lowered his gaze as he whispered. "Goodbye, Father..."

Finally, the transmission was closed.

...

Silence engulfed Lord Fraunces's study. Both his sons turned to look at their father, who had a faint smile on his face. The reason why he refused to look at Moulin was that if he would, he would be compelled to forcibly bring Moulin home. Even that damned Guild Lord won't be able to stop him...

..............

A sigh escaped the youth's lips as he tucked the relic back in his satchel. With slightly closed eyes, he leaned back silently thinking...

"You are returning home?" 

A deep voice suddenly spoke startling the youth. Moulin instantly whipped his head to the side and saw Hadrian staring at him with deep eyes. 

"Hadrian..."