A man with chestnut hair and eyes like polished red garnets approached Honest, who stood solitary, unmoving, as if the cold rain were a punishment he had chosen to endure at the center of a lily garden. His footsteps were nearly silent against the wet earth.
He stopped three paces behind Honest.
"One of the best times to pray is when it rains, but that doesn't mean you should let yourself get soaked, my grandson, Honest."
Honest spun around, startled. "G–Grandpa Nyx?!"
"What are you so deep in thought about?" Nyx asked gently.
"It's nothing, Grandpa," Honest replied, his voice barely a whisper.
Nyx extended his hands as raindrops shattered against his palms. "This rain will not wash away the traces of your mistakes."
Honest remained still, lowering his head in shame.
"I came to see you and Serenity," Nyx continued, lowering his arms. "The wind has carried troubling news."
Honest slowly looked up. Nyx took a breath, a faint glint of humor in his eyes. "Are you really going to let your grandfather stand out here in the downpour?"
Honest's eyes widened. "S–Sorry, Grandpa. Please, let's go inside."
They entered the manor together. Honest led Nyx to his room and immediately summoned Rhea to bring towels and dry clothes. Once they had changed, they sat in Honest's private lounge. Honest remained silent, feeling the weight of Nyx's observant gaze.
"No refreshments? Perhaps a warm cup of tea?" Nyx asked with a faint, knowing smile.
Honest panicked. "S–Sorry, Grandpa! I'll have Rhea prepare them right away!" He hurried out of the room.
"That boy," Nyx muttered to himself. "Always trying to carry the world on his own."
Moments later, Honest returned with Rhea, who carried a tray of refreshments. After setting the table, Rhea stepped back, her shoulders trembling slightly.
"Master Charon, please enjoy the tea," Rhea said with a polite bow.
"Thank you, Rhea," Nyx replied, his eyes shifting toward Honest.
Honest hesitated, then gestured toward the door. "Rhea, please leave us."
"Yes, Young Master," she replied before bowing and making her exit.
Honest finally found his voice. "Grandpa… why are you really here?"
"Does a grandfather need a reason to visit his own blood?" Nyx replied casually, pouring himself a cup.
Nyx took a slow sip. "She truly does make excellent tea."
Honest took a deep breath. "Have you met Serenity yet?"
"Not yet."
An oppressive silence fell between them. Nyx set his cup down and looked Honest directly in the eye. "You look troubled."
"No… it's nothing," Honest replied too quickly.
Nyx cut straight to the point. "Did Serenity meet Esculenta?"
Honest stiffened. "...Yes."
"You know Ahkam, the Sacred Law, cannot be broken," Nyx said, pressing his fingers to his temple as if nursing a headache. "So why did you help her?"
Honest remained silent.
"Your affection for Serenity will become a blade that turns back on you," Nyx warned.
Honest looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
"You are the Law of Contradiction. You cannot escape that fate," Nyx noted, his voice cold.
Honest clenched his fists.
"I don't want to lose anyone else," Nyx murmured softly. "Especially not you—Honest, The Paradox of Ipsix."
Nyx stood and walked toward the door. Honest remained seated, staring at the untouched snacks.
"Paradox…" Honest whispered. "The sentence imposed upon me. One I never chose."
***
Nyx walked through the white marble hallway, his coat billowing behind him.
He hadn't even come to greet me.
Ashil and Vashil, stationed outside Avalon's office, rushed over the moment they saw Nyx.
"We apologize for our negligence, Master Charon!" they said in unison, bowing deeply.
"It is not your fault," Nyx replied, his eyes sharpening. "The master of this manor is simply lacking—two guards and a single maid for a place this grand."
He brushed past them and reached the office just as Serenity was stepping out.
"Grandpa Nyx!" Serenity exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
Nyx's expression softened as he patted her head. "Later, my dear. I have business with your father."
"Yes, Grandpa. I'll wait in my room." Serenity left immediately.
He stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
"Master Charon is going to be furious," Vashil muttered, slicking his hair back.
"Definitely," Ashil agreed.
They resumed their posts outside the door.
***
Inside, Avalon was reviewing documents. He rose from his desk, a smooth smile on his face. "My father-in-law, Nyx Charon, visiting in person," he said. "Is it a blue moon tonight?"
Nyx bristled at the title. "I am taking Honest and Serenity on a pilgrimage."
Avalon paused, his expression unreadable. "Ah… to Aria."
Nyx's jaw tightened at the mention of his daughter's name. "Well?" he pressed.
"Of course," Avalon replied calmly. "Take care of them."
Nyx's garnet eyes flared. Outside, the rainy sky cleared instantly, but his aura suddenly oppressed the entire Peacecraft Manor. The weight of his power lasted only a brief moment, but it was suffocating. Without another word, he turned and left.
Avalon's faint smile remained.
You may look young, but your outdated thinking betrays your age, Father-in-law.
Outside, Ashil and Vashil stood frozen, paralyzed by the lingering pressure.
"Master Charon nearly lost his temper," they whispered breathlessly.
***
Nyx headed to Serenity's room.
If Honest and Serenity were not here, I would have reduced this place to ruins.
She was waiting by the door. "Did you fight with Dad?"
Nyx sighed. "If we had fought, this house would be a crater." He kept a smile on his face, but inside he was seething.
"Why are you here, Grandpa?"
"We are going on a pilgrimage," Nyx said dryly. "Now, are you going to keep me standing in the hallway?"
She panicked. "Ah—sorry, Grandpa! Please, come inside!"
They sat facing each other in her room. He didn't waste time. "Why do you still see Esculenta?"
Serenity flinched. "Because… I miss him."
"That longing will destroy both you and your brother," Nyx said bluntly.
Tears welled in her eyes. "I know."
"Then why do you still do it?" Nyx pressed. "Were you not once exiled and imprisoned in Oblivion Tower because Esculenta lost control?"
"He didn't lose control," Serenity sobbed. "He was only grieving—because I betrayed his sacrifice."
Nyx froze, his expression softening. He moved beside her and pulled her into an embrace. "I'm sorry. But you must accept the truth. You and Esculenta belong to different worlds."
"Is loving Lian a sin?" Serenity cried. "Why was I given this love at all?"
Nyx said nothing, only stroking her back until she calmed down.
"I have obtained permission to take you both to Aria's grave," Nyx said at last.
"Mother's grave?" Serenity asked hoarsely.
"Yes. You, me, and Honest—together," Nyx said with a warm smile.
"We're leaving now."
"Now?!" Serenity gasped.
"I'll be waiting outside," Nyx said, leaving the room.
Serenity quickly changed and joined him by a tall window overlooking the grounds. "Grandpa, I'm ready!"
"Let's get Honest."
As they walked, Nyx noticed Serenity's mood had shifted back to a somber quiet. "Is there trouble between the two of you?"
"No," Serenity answered instantly.
"Very well."
***
They reached Honest's door. Nyx knocked sharply.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Wait," Honest replied. He opened it, looking surprised to see them together. "Grandpa? Why are you with Serenity?"
Nyx grabbed Honest's hand. "We are going on a pilgrimage. Together."
"But, I—"
"It has been decided," Nyx interrupted.
Honest sighed softly. "Okay. I'll come."
***
Avalon summoned Ashil and Vashil.
"Escort Honest and Serenity on their pilgrimage. Bring Rhea with you."
"Yes, Master Avalon!"
***
Rhea was cooking when they rushed in.
"Rhea, turn off the stove!" Ashil panted.
"It's Master Avalon's order—you're coming with us to Madam Aria's grave," Vashil added.
"O–Okay," Rhea replied, quickly cleaning up before running after them.
***
At the main gate, Ashil, Vashil, and a breathless Rhea caught up to them just as Nyx began to open a shimmering portal.
"Master Charon, wait! Master Avalon ordered us to accompany you!"
Nyx paused, looking at the trio. "Very well. You may come."
The portal flared with brilliant light—and they vanished.
To be continued…