Chapter 377. The Return (2)
Unlike the harbor, the atmosphere at Azureocean Castle had grown heavy. The continent's greatest warrior, who had guarded the seat of family head for so many years, was gone.
The moment the Oceanwolf Knight Order and the Ducal Family of Leston returned, the castle began its mourning rituals. The chief mourner was Halo's eldest son, Dales Leston.
Apart from the upcoming state funeral, the Ducal Family of Leston decided to open its doors for an entire month to receive visitors paying their respects.
Halo Leston had been a hero, one who had saved countless lives in his lifetime. So the Ducal Family of Leston declared that they would welcome all mourners, whether noble, commoner, or even of other races.
An era had ended, and a new one had begun.
Though Halo Leston had departed from this world, everyone knew that the new era still belonged to the Ducal Family of Leston. The youngest of the family had now become its brilliant sun.
Soldiers who had been part of the expedition spoke of Caron's overwhelming strength, and the stories spread far and wide—even among other races. Leaders of every faction hurried to organize delegations of condolence, first to visit Azureocean Castle, then to attend the joint memorial service for the expedition in the imperial capital.
Many scholars declared that the world would be divided into two ages—before and after the joint funeral—and in truth, rulers everywhere had already begun preparing for the coming era.
While everyone was busy readying themselves for that new dawn, two men were speaking quietly in the now-empty ducal office of Azureocean Castle.
"Uncle Dales," Caron said playfully.
Dales sighed and waved a hand, then said, "Please, don't call me that. To be honest, it's... a bit uncomfortable."
"Once an uncle, forever an uncle," Caron replied with a grin.