Chapter 493 - Taming the Longing
After the first group was completely healed, Dragarion made the decision to extend treatment to other important family members.
"We should go heal Victor and Arturo too," he declared, his new energy level making every task seem not just possible but urgent. "Especially Arturo would significantly help collect crystals, and maybe they’re still together in the recovery wing."
Julius immediately nodded, recognizing the practical logic. With the crystal resources they needed to move, every capable pair of hands counted, especially those of people with beasts that had facility in big or complex logistical operations.
"Also," Ren added, exchanging meaningful glances with Luna and Liora, "we should heal Larissa too."
For a moment Julius seemed uncomfortable and ready to argue, but before...
"We insist she deserves to find out soon that her help was relevant," Luna declared firmly.
"And she’s very smart at seeing things we sometimes don’t notice," Liora completed, remembering Larissa’s perceptive observations.
Dragarion considered the suggestion for a moment, then smiled with a warmth he hadn’t shown since his return.
"I agree," he admitted. "I want to greet the daughter I left so small and who is now quite grown after so many years."
There was a note of regret in his voice he couldn’t completely hide, the understanding of how much time he had lost with his children during his extended missions.
The weight of missed birthdays, unwitnessed achievements, and countless small moments that defined family life settled over him like a familiar burden. No mission accomplishment, however crucial, could replace those experiences.
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