Chapter 225: Rekindled Hope

Aurum and Aurelia soon set the table, waving off the others’ attempts to help.

"Just relax."

Aurum said with a chuckle as he placed a large bowl of stew at the center of the table, "Leave these matters to us."

"We cooked it, so let us serve it too."

Aurelia added with a grin, arranging the plates of pastries and mashed potatoes, "Besides, it’s our way of saying thanks."

Before long, the table was filled with an assortment of dishes—succulent meat cuts glazed in rich sauces, vegetable stews steaming with aroma, golden mashed potatoes, fresh-baked pastries, and a colorful variety of sides.

Of course, there were also numerous kinds of beverages that they could choose from.

As everyone began settling in, Vesper took a step back and gave a respectful bow.

"I’ll be taking my leave now." He said politely.

"Won’t you join us?" Regis asked, glancing up from his seat.

Vesper smiled and shook his head lightly, "I appreciate the offer, but I’ve already shared a meal with the maids earlier. This time is for you and Sir Aurum."

Killian raised a brow, "You sure? There’s enough food to feed twice as many."

"I’m sure."

Vesper replied, "Besides, someone has to keep an eye on the perimeter. Enjoy your meal."

With that, he offered a final nod and quietly exited the dining room.

Pandora watched him go with a small hum, "He’s really loyal, isn’t he?"

Aurum let out a quiet laugh as he took his seat, "That he is. Now then..."

He lightly clapped his hands once, "Alright then, shall we eat?"

The group then began to eat, the atmosphere lively as they exchanged small talk and pleasantries.

Aurum animatedly recounted stories from Aurelia’s toddler years—tales of mischief and adorable chaos that had the younger ones laughing, even drawing a hearty chuckle from Eldrin.

At one point, Pandora shot a sideways glance at Aurelia with an expression that clearly said; ’I can’t believe you did that.’

Aurelia, cheeks flushing red, quickly turned away and busied herself with her fork, trying to avoid eye contact.

Laughter and conversation continued for about an hour, until only a small slice of cheesecake—prepared earlier by Aurum—remained on the table.

Now full and at ease, the group leaned back in their chairs, quietly enjoying their desserts.

After gauging the mood and deciding the moment was right, Aurum took a small bite of cheesecake, set his fork down, and looked around the table with a thoughtful expression.

"...Now then." He began calmly, "May I ask what your next plans are?"

His question caused Regis, Pandora, and Killian to exchange glances.

Aurelia appeared visibly surprised as well, a flicker of nervousness showing in her eyes.

Noticing the shift in atmosphere, Eldrin spoke up, "Isn’t that a bit sudden of a question? Why not let the kids think it over first?"

"I think you misunderstand me."

Aurum said with a calm smile, "I’m simply suggesting that, if you don’t have any pressing plans, you might consider settling here for good."

"I’ll take care of everything. If you prefer, I can purchase the house next to ours or arrange accommodations elsewhere in the city—whichever suits your liking. An adventurers’ guild branch will also be established here soon, so you can continue your work as adventurers without issue."

"Of course, there’s no pressure. You’re welcome to stay at the inn for as long as you need to decide. I’ll cover all expenses. I just wanted to put the offer on the table."

Aurum’s words left the group speechless.

Even Eldrin found himself stunned, mouth slightly agape.

While such gestures were nothing extraordinary for someone of Aurum’s status, the fact that he made such an offer in Harmonia— an independent city beyond the bounds of human territory— was surprising even to him.

After a few moments, Regis was able to collect himself as he cleared his throat, "Well, that offer is very tempting... But, may I ask you a question first, Sir Aurum?"

"Just call me uncle, no need for such stiff formalities."

Aurum gave a friendly smile as he met each of their eyes, "Well, to be honest, I’m interested in your party. My daughter had told me about your plans to expand into a full organization, and I wanted to invest in that."

"We’re flattered to hear you place us on such a pedestal, Uncle Aurum."

Regis smiled as he bowed slightly, "We’ll talk about it as a party first since I don’t want to make such an important decision by myself."

"That’s understandable." Aurum nodded in satisfaction.

’Such a thoughtful boy for his age, already considering their future and taking his friends’ opinions into account.’

’My daughter truly lucked out having friends like them...’

Aurum’s thoughts stirred as he glanced at Aurelia.

Recalling her earnest desire to join their adventurer party, it was only natural for him to want to support them in any way he could.

’But more importantly...’

His eyes narrowed slightly as he cast a subtle glance at Regis.

’...I wonder if what my daughter said about him is really true.’

What followed was a more lighthearted exchange among them.

Eldrin took the opportunity to arrange a private meeting with Aurum later that evening.

Shortly afterward, he stood and bid his farewells, saying he planned to meet a long-time friend he had just learned was also in the city.

Once the old mage had departed, Aurum dabbed his mouth with a napkin and turned to his daughter, "Lia, why don’t you show your friends around for a bit? I’d like some time alone to speak with Regis."

Aurelia gave him a knowing look and nodded, "Okay, Dad."

Killian and Pandora glanced at Regis, who returned the look with a slight nod.

He already had a good idea of what this conversation would be about.

’Aurelia must’ve told him about it...’

It was none other than the possibility that Regis might be able to undo his daughter’s ability.

After Killian and Pandora, led by Aurelia, left for the courtyard, Aurum stood, prompting Regis to do the same.

"Shall we?"

He asked, taking the lead once Regis gave a nod in response.

As they exited the dining area, Aurum gave a quick gesture to the nearby maids to handle the cleaning.

Regis followed silently as Aurum led him through the house.

Two turns from the dining area brought them to a set of stairs consisting of two flights.

They ascended to the second floor, where the hallway opened to a balcony overlooking the courtyard.

From there, they had a clear view of the colorful flower gardens, still glistening from being freshly watered by the maids earlier.

Down below, they spotted Aurelia, Killian, and Pandora, chatting and smiling as they walked together.

Soon, under Aurelia’s guidance, the trio settled into a small pavilion nestled among the blooms.

Maids approached them with trays of refreshments, serving a variety of drinks.

Regis smiled faintly at the pleasant scene as they passed by.

Still, not a single word had been exchanged between him and Aurum since they left the dining area.

The silence stretched, unbroken even by small talk, as they made their way forward.

It was only after they had arrived in front of a large door that Aurum broke the silence, "You already have an idea why I wanted to speak with you alone, don’t you?"

"Yes." Regis answered promptly.

Clink— Clang—

Aurum sighed as he took out a set of keys from his pocket and unlocked the door.

Thud— Creak—

He opened the door shortly after, saying, "Come in."

"Then, pardon the intrusion."

Regis replied respectfully as he stepped inside, taking in the room before him.

It resembled the office Aurum had back at the City Hall.

A sturdy desk sat in front of a wide window, and shelves lined with books and various items surrounded the space.

But what stood out the most were the portraits—several pictures of a woman who looked to be in her late twenties, along with a few family photos that captured warmer times.

After a moment of silence, Aurum spoke again.

"You know, Martha, my wife, used to scold me for using magicams to take family photos."

After a pause, he continued with a wistful smile, "She always insisted they were better suited for investigations, as they were originally meant to be."

A soft, bitter chuckle followed.

"I’m glad I didn’t listen to her back then." He added, his voice low.

Sadness, loneliness, and a flicker of nostalgia clouded his eyes.

"If I had, and didn’t have these photos to look at... I think I might’ve already lost myself. I wouldn’t be able to keep going if I forgot her—forgot their faces."

He paused, his gaze lingering on one of the pictures.

"At this point, only these photos... and Lia... are what’s keeping me from ending it all."

Regis did not speak.

He chose to remain silent as he followed behind Aurum, the sound of their steps softly echoing as they circled the room.

His blood red eyes quietly took in the portraits lining the walls— each one capturing the happy faces of the Midas family, frozen in moments of joy.