Chapter 246

The next day, Rafael appeared refreshed, though dark circles shadowed his eyes. Carissa found it strange that he seemed so lively despite clearly not having slept well. Aside from the dark circles, his face and eyes possessed a radiant quality.

After speaking with Ryan the previous night, Ryan was less fearful and wary of Rafael. Occasionally, he would peek through the curtain to sneak a look at Rafael's back.

Was Rafael like his grandfather, Hector? If so, he must be quite impressive—he only fought enemies and never harmed ordinary people. There was no need to be afraid of him.

Ryan reassured himself this way throughout their journey. Gradually, Rafael became as familiar and trusted in Ryan's eyes as his grandfather or father. Furthermore, Rafael would soon become his future uncle by marriage, a close relative.

By the time they arrived in Greenbrook County, Ryan was even signaling Rafael and bold enough to let Rafael hold his hand while buying pastries. Carissa was very pleased to see this change.

But the transformation didn't stop there. Ryan seemed to trust Rafael as much as he trusted her. During meals, he actively sat next to Rafael. When serving food, even with his small hands, he tried hard to serve Rafael.

That night, Ryan wrote to Carissa, saying he would treat his future uncle well, hoping his future uncle would also treat his aunt well. He was a warm and considerate child, always had been.

A smile gradually appeared on his face, and the shadows in his eyes mostly dissipated. However, whenever he saw beggars on the road, he still looked at them with sympathy. These beggars were not kidnapped children, but genuine beggars. Ryan would give them buns whenever he could.

Carissa wanted to give the beggars silver coins, but Ryan waved her off. He explained that filling their stomachs was better than giving silver coins, which would likely be confiscated by their handlers. He also explained that having once received silver coins, they would be beaten if they failed to obtain more in the future—that’s what happened to him.

Even though these beggars were different from those he’d encountered before, Ryan still felt compelled to empathize with them. Carissa was deeply moved but smiled as she ruffled his hair. "Alright, we'll do as you say, Ryan."

In the capital, while cabinet officials processed petitions, they discovered one from the governor of Eldoria. Sealed with wax, it was marked for the king's personal attention, written by Rafael. The cabinet passed the petition to the prime minister, Jeremiah.

Upon receiving it, Jeremiah said, "I will go to His Majesty."

In his study, Salvador opened the letter. After reading it, he slapped it down on his desk loudly. His face flushed with excitement as he repeatedly exclaimed, "Great! That's great! That's wonderful!"

Seeing this, Jeremiah asked, "Your Majesty, what is it that has made you so overjoyed?"

Salvador ordered the letter shown to Jeremiah. After reading it, Jeremiah's expression brightened with delight.

"This is truly wonderful! Your Majesty, the Duke of Northwatch's family still has a surviving bloodline! I'm sure this has consoled the duke's spirit in heaven!"

Jeremiah was overwhelmed with emotion, his excitement almost causing him to falter. Having recently recovered from an illness, he was nearly overcome and almost stumbled.

"Sit down!" Salvador noticed his condition and quickly called for attendants to help him to a seat. "Support him and help him sit."

Jeremiah thanked Salvador and sat down, his tears flowing freely. Despite his loss of composure, Jeremiah said, "So many matters have caused the duke's family to suffer in silence. I often feel remorse for not being able to speak up for them. I am sure Your Majesty feels the same. Now that the duke's family still has descendants, it is truly a blessing from heaven and Your Majesty's great fortune."

Salvador nodded. Amid his excitement, Jeremiah's words stirred his memories, taking him back to his youth when he frequently visited Northwatch Estate and formed friendships with several of Hector's sons. During his time as crown prince and while assisting in the administration of the government, he received much valuable advice from Hector, preventing many mistakes.

Since the Duke of Northwatch's family's annihilation, Salvador had often reflected on those past moments. Though the past could not be relived, the bond remained in his heart. The survival of the Duke of Northwatch's bloodline brought him unparalleled joy.

"I remember Ryan. When he was one year old, Melanie brought him to meet me. That child was so charming and lively, resembling his father. He had a lovely smile and a pair of dimples. He was truly endearing."

Salvador sighed as he recalled the letter. "It's a pity that that child has suffered so much."