Chapter 376: The Old Times
Ivy led Sandoz gently by the hand as they walked down the gravel path toward the training ground, where a familiar figure stood waiting. The early morning mist still clung to the ground, curling around their ankles like a veil. The moment Sandoz laid eyes on Grandpa Jethru, he froze. Emotion surged through him, raw and sudden. His eyes reddened, his breath hitched—and then he ran.
"Grandpa!" he cried, voice breaking as he flung himself into Jethru’s open arms. His grip was tight, almost desperate, as if trying to make up for the years lost.
Jethru held him firmly, steady as a mountain. His broad hand came up to ruffle the boy’s hair with practiced affection.
𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
"Sandoz," he said, voice low and warm. "You’ve grown taller."
From the edge of the training ground, Lara crossed her arms and called out, her voice casual but laced with meaning. "Grandpa, can he join your martial arts school?"
Jethru pulled back slightly to study the boy, his weathered eyes narrowing. He nodded, slowly but seriously. "Of course. He’s got a solid foundation already. With his swordsmanship experience, he’ll become a force worth reckoning with."
Later that morning, the breakfast table was bustling with life. The long wooden table creaked under the weight of platters—steamed buns, scrambled eggs, freshly baked bread, and jars of berry jam. Laughter and light bickering filled the room as the children passed bowls and tried to outdo one another with stories from training.
Even Samuel, usually reserved and grim-faced, wore a rare smile as he watched the children chatter and squabble.
"Grandpa," Lara said, between mouthfuls of egg and bread, "I think it would be better for Sandoz to stay here. It’ll help him stay focused on his training."
Jethru nodded, brushing crumbs from his beard. "Then make the arrangements, girl. He can stay in your room, or move into the dorms if that’s more convenient."