Chapter 347 - 319 Welcome Home (3/3)_2

Chapter 347: Chapter 319 Welcome Home (3/3)_2

"I know, I know—" Andor nodded hastily and repeatedly, for how could he not understand this maxim? The Pirate Captain was about to continue with his assurances, but he realized that Ian was not talking to him anymore, but rather looking towards the dock.

The youth saw a short, stocky old man standing on the pier, waiting for the ship to berth.

Elder Prude’s face had originally been as dark as charcoal, but upon actually seeing Ian unharmed, with a smile on his face, waving at him from the ship’s side, he couldn’t help but reveal a deeply relieved expression.

Perhaps even the old man himself did not realize that he, too, had begun to smile.

The white-haired boy being led by the old man opened his deep purple eyes wide; he also happily waved at his brother, a scene that unwittingly made Ian smile as well.

Yisen Gard noticed this and at first smiled himself, pleased by this rather rare side of Ian and also joyful for his comrade’s happiness.

After all, whether in the ruins or within the city, Ian had always been the mastermind, seemingly in control of everything, cool to the point of appearing to be incapable of any expression other than an impassive face.

But this smile proved that even Ian, who seemed like a machine that only engaged in rational thinking and chose the "correct options," was a living, breathing human, a person with a family and loved ones.

Yisen Gard felt like he had come to understand Ian a little better.

But then, reflecting on the origin of this heart-stopping adventure—his uncle—the noble youth fell into a bewildered silence, unsure of what to think in order not to hurt his own heart.

"To be honest, Yisen, although it might be a bit tough to hear,"

at this moment, Ian turned his head, noticing Yisen Gard’s low spirits.

He reached out and patted Yisen Gard on the back—this was Ian making a rare gesture of initiating contact with another person, a sign of his approval of them.

The lad earnestly said, "You won’t be able to figure out the truth this way... whether it’s your uncle’s actions, or your grandfather’s plans, with the state you’re in now, it’s absolutely impossible for you to deceive them."

Yisen Gard shivered and slowly raised his head to meet Ian’s gaze.

Ian said calmly, "I understand how you feel right now. You feel like you can’t trust any of your relatives, your uncle wants to kill you—though he claims it’s for your own good—your father has an inexplicable silence about everything, and whether your mother knows about your grandfather’s plan? And our Guardian His Majesty, what does he have in store for the Ellen Family?"

"You feel that, although you’re a noble, you have nothing solid to rely on... you seem more powerless and lost than any random child playing on the street."

"You’re even afraid—you don’t want this sailboat to dock because once it does, you’ll have to leave behind a grand and thrilling adventure and return to a family full of schemes and betrayals... You’re not afraid of crises that could lead to your death, but you dread a cold, emotionless home."

"And now that you know the truth, you can no longer be blissfully unaware of all the malicious glances as you were in the past."

Yisen Gard’s breathing became rapid; he locked eyes with Ian, his teal eyes filled with confusion and anger.

This anger was not directed at Ian, but at himself...

At the fear that still lingered within himself.

Yet, with some reluctance, he gritted his teeth and murmured softly, "I understand everything you’re saying, Ian, I’m not a fool! I get it!"

"But what can I do? Yes, the adventure is over; you can go home now, but where can I go..."

His tone became despondent: "...Where can I go?"

"You feel pain precisely because you are smart, and therefore, you cannot deceive yourself."

Ian watched the blond youth whose tone had suddenly become somber, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Listen, Yisen, before Patrick died, he told me the truth. Things might not be as bad as you imagine, but they are indeed terrifying—you don’t have to worry about not having a home to return to, but be wary of others’ deceit and betrayal."

Ian earnestly added, "If you’re willing to trust me, then after we return to the shore, when the storm of this affair subsides, we can find a quiet place to talk about it."

"By that time, I guess you will have calmed down and can think about countermeasures," he said.

"If you’re willing to trust me, I could offer some advice," Ian offered.

Yisen Gard raised his head, his eyes wide.

—Why would you help me?

"It’s not about whether I want to help you or not," Ian replied with a smile tugging at his lips, aware of what the other was pondering. Yisen Gard was quickly learning the ways of the world, but his microexpressions were as telling as if he had spoken aloud.

The youth shook his head deliberately and sighed, "But I have actually helped you before—I think those guys you’re going to face aren’t the kind to listen to explanations. From the start, I’ve chosen a side."

"Not to mention, if I want to advance further in the future and restore my family’s glory, I will definitely need the help of others. I believe that from now on, we are on the same side."

"Instead of wondering why, you should consider how much remuneration you should offer to match the help I’m providing you," he suggested.

Yisen Gard watched the peer before him, somewhat dazed. For some reason, when the other said he would help, Yisen felt unexpectedly reassured.

—If Ian were to help me...

Then perhaps, many challenges would no longer be difficult.

The ship docked.

"I apologize for the fright; this was our oversight!"

Yisen Gard and Master Gossay were receiving a visit from the commander of the South Sea Fleet. As nobles and well-known alchemy masters from the Imperial Capital, it was evident they had other social obligations to attend to.

Meanwhile, Ian disembarked smoothly and strode over to Elan and Elder Prude.

"Hey—little chubby!" Ian said with a light laugh, extending his hand to embrace Elan who ran up to him and lept into his arms. Ian teased the boy, who seemed a bit heavy due to Iron Bone, "Why are you getting heavier? Have you been eating too much at Elder Prude’s place?"

"Brother, I’m not fat!"

This statement clearly provoked Elan’s dissatisfaction: "Besides, Grandpa Prude can’t cook! His food is just average!"

With a hearty laugh, Ian embraced Elan, looking ahead to the silent, white-haired Elder standing before him.

"Elder."

The youth sincerely said, "I have returned."

Elder Prude had intended to rebuke him for something, but at that moment he found himself unable to speak.

After taking a deep breath, the old man shook his head with a sigh, "You fearless little devil...well, it’s good you’re safe."

"Welcome back."