Chapter 550 - 376: Lingering Fragrance (Part 2)

Vincent collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

The father and son exchanged a look, each seeing the shock in the other’s eyes, along with an unspeakable pride.

In the center of the study, space rippled like water, and Ian’s figure stepped out from within.

He still wore the same simple, dark gray robe, his features having changed little from when he left years ago.

But those eyes... Latour took one look and hastily lowered his head.

Within those eyes were reflected swirling nebulas, the birth and death of stars, and the circulation of Rules.

Boundless and vast, they were impossible to gaze upon directly.

"Father, there’s no need for that." Ian’s voice was gentle as he reined in his imposing presence.

He walked to the desk, pulled over a chair, and sat down, his movements as natural as ever.

Gaga flew down from his shoulder, landed on the windowsill, and tilted its little head, surveying the study.

"Ga! Long time no see!" the little one’s voice chirped, carrying a hint of smugness.

Only then did Latour and Vincent notice it.

"Gaga!" Vincent’s eyes lit up. He immediately stood and walked over to the windowsill.

This young man, a Level One Bloodline Mage and the Imperial Crown Prince, was now like a child seeing an old friend, reaching out a hand to stroke Gaga’s feathers.

Gaga didn’t shy away. Instead, it proactively nuzzled its head against his fingers.

"Vincent, my boy, you’re looking pretty impressive now!"

"It’s all thanks to Ian..." Vincent said, a little bashfully. Then, as if remembering something, he turned and shouted toward the door.

"Lillian! Come quick! Look who’s back!"

Ainoya burst through the door. The hair of this elegantly-kept noblewoman was slightly disheveled; she had clearly run all the way here.

The moment she saw Ian, tears began to stream down her face.

"Ian... my child..."

She rushed forward, wanting to embrace her son, but stopped three steps away.

It wasn’t Ian who stopped her; she stopped of her own accord.

Though the young man before her looked the same, the sheer difference in their level of being made her instinctively afraid to draw closer.

Like a mortal daring not to touch the sun.

A complex emotion flickered in Ian’s eyes. He rose, stepped forward, and gently embraced his mother.

"Mother, I’m back."

A warm aura emanated from Ian, dispelling the reverence in Ainoya’s heart and leaving only profound familial love.

She held her son tightly, choked with sobs.

Just then, another small head peeked in through the doorway; it was Lillian.

The little girl had blossomed into a young maiden, dressed in an exquisite princess gown with rosy cheeks.

She saw Gaga on the windowsill first and immediately cheered with delight.

She first curtsied to Ian, then turned and exclaimed, "Gaga! You’re back!"

Completely forgetting her manners, the little girl hitched up her skirt and rushed directly to the windowsill.

Gaga spread its wings, allowing her to hug it, and let out a smug squawk.

"Well, Lillian, my girl, you’ve certainly grown taller!"

"Hee hee..." Lillian hugged Gaga, pressing her face against its soft feathers. "How long are you staying this time?"

"We’ll see, ga." Gaga patted her head with its wing.

Latour’s eyes softened as he watched the scene.

He took a few deep breaths, finally composing himself, and looked at Ian. "Ian, this time..."

"I came back to visit and to handle a few things." Ian sat down again, his tone calm. "How is the clan faring?"

Latour began to recount the events of the past few years.

After the bloodline ascension, the entire Marcus Clan had been elevated to a Morning Star Level Bloodline Warlock Clan.

Vincent had successfully broken through to become a Level One Bloodline Mage, solidifying his position as the Empire’s heir apparent.

Lillian had displayed astonishing Talent for a Wizard and was now a Level One Mage, making her Vincent’s greatest rival.

Andrei remained at the academy, living a quiet life of study.

What troubled them most was the prying from various powers.

"Those few Level Three Wizards are just the most conspicuous ones," Latour said with a wry smile.

"And in the shadows, many more are watching us."

"I have returned," Ian said calmly. "There will be no more of this."

He raised a hand, retrieving several Jade Boxes from his Dimension Ring and placing them on the desk.

The Jade Boxes opened to reveal neatly arranged Tier Two and Tier Three Pure Blood Essences, which emanated dense waves of Life Energy.

There was also a Protective Witch Array composed of seven Array Discs, their surfaces inscribed with complex Rule Patterns.

"This should be enough for the clan for the next hundred years."

Ian looked at his father. "This is what I can do for you all."

His meaning was clear: he would provide resources and protection, but he would not interfere excessively.

A Wizard’s path must be walked alone, and the clan’s future must be forged by their own hands.

Latour was silent for a moment before nodding firmly. "I understand."

He put away the Jade Boxes, his eyes filled with a sense of acceptance. His son had reached a height he could never have imagined; he could not and should not use the bonds of kinship to hold him back.

That evening, a simple family dinner was held at the Imperial Palace.

At the dinner table, Ian allowed himself a rare moment of relaxation, listening as his family recounted amusing stories from the past few years.

Lillian sat nearby, hugging Gaga and whispering to it.

"Gaga, did you see anything interesting while you were away?"

"Oh, plenty! I saw a talking Stone, and fish that can swim in shadows..."

The little creature boasted of its adventures, making Lillian’s eyes shine brighter and brighter.

She also recounted how flustered she was when handling official duties for the first time, drawing laughter from everyone.

Ainoya, meanwhile, fussed about wanting to make Ian some new clothes, saying his robes were too plain.

Latour listened quietly, a contented smile on his face.

When the family dinner ended, Ian stood on the highest terrace of the Imperial Palace, gazing down at the sleeping Imperial Capital.

Gaga perched on his shoulder and let out a satisfied burp. "Ian, are we leaving tomorrow?"