Reincarnated elf (102) decided to make a visit
We used teleportation magic to quickly reach Kukule Fortress, and we found ourselves right in front of the Garlander Marchioness's estate.
A guard, now in his seventh year of service, recognized us. "Oh, it's Sir Reese and Lady Minoru, isn't it? Please come in." We were smoothly escorted to the fourth level, reserved for family members.
In front of a particular room, we found Garlanda, the Lord of Kukule Fortress. It had been two years since we last met, and he looked more composed and had a slightly more relaxed expression.
Beside him was Silfa, the silver-haired lady, and at her feet, a little boy who clung to her nervously. Silfa greeted us with a smile, and Minoru respectfully bowed.
Next, Garius came over to me. "Thank you very much for coming, Master Reese."
I responded, "It's been a while, Garius. I feel like you've become quite dependable compared to the last time we met."
"If you can say that, Master Reese, it's all thanks to your support. It's been two years since then. Thanks to you, I was able to make time to have a proper conversation with Father once again. At first, I was fumbling in my role as the Lord, but with Father's guidance, I managed to get things on track."
"That's great to hear. By the way, who's this?"
I shifted my gaze to the little boy who had moved away from Silfa's side and was curiously looking at me. He introduced himself as Weiss, a young boy with neatly arranged black hair and big, round eyes. He seemed to resemble Garius more in terms of his composed and knowledgeable demeanor than the adventurous and courageous Grillet.
"His name is Vais. Well, to my embarrassment, he was born just two years ago. My apologies for the delayed introduction. Say hello, Vais."
"Umm? Hello, Master Reese?" A young boy, Vais, pointed at me, his eyes wide, looking in my direction.
"Hello, Vais. I'm Reese Farlan, and I'm 102 years old."
"I'm Vais Garland, and I'm two years old," he greeted with a proper little bow.
So young.
"My father is right here. Although he's unconscious, please allow me to show his face."
Suppressing trembling laughter during our conversation, Garius guided me inside. Both Garius and Silfa had expressions that appeared more cheerful, despite their grief. This was a stark contrast to my visit two years ago when Grillet fell into a deep coma due to a sudden illness.
"Grandpa, Master Reese is here!"
Young Vais quickly reached Grillet's bedside.
"My father often talked to Vais about you, just like he did with me. He used to say, 'Someday, Vais, you'll become as strong as Master Reese.' I've heard that many times," Garius explained.
Grillet had a serene expression. His body, once corroded by the dark miasma, now showed no such signs. His life's flame was quietly fading.
"Hello, Grillet. You've become so much calmer since I last saw you."
I held Grillet's shrunken, wrinkled hand.
Thump, thump...
The small pulse in his hand was significantly fainter than it used to be. I remembered the first time we shook hands. My hand had fit snugly into his muscular, large one, and I could feel a strong, powerful pulse. Now, our hands had withered to nearly equal sizes.
"…?"
Suddenly, I felt a slight movement in his hand. I'd heard that, near death, a person's hearing often remained intact. Perhaps, he was aware that I was here.
"Garius, can I ask a favor?"
"Of course, Master Reese. I'm here to assist."
"I'd like to have a short conversation with Grillet, something I forgot to tell him."
"Is that possible?"
"I can use necromancy, a guide to the brink of death, an ancient form of magic once practiced. It allows me to separate my soul from my body for a few minutes. If it's feasible, should I deliver a message?"
This method temporarily detaches my soul from my body, allowing me to journey to the brink of death—a path often taken by the deceased. However, I must be cautious, as delaying my return could lead to being drawn closer to death.
"Master Reese, you truly have an array of abilities, don't you? I'd be honored to help. Please go ahead and deliver the message."
Garius responded with a small smile and added, "Thank you. Please take your time to rest."
●●●
As I opened my eyes, I found myself in a dimly lit world.
In front of me, there stood a solitary gate, casting a faint glow.
I see, many souls are being drawn toward this gate.
Even though it's a form of necromancy, the magic that governs life and death, it's astonishing how close 'death' feels here.
And then...
"Hey there, isn't that you Master? What on earth brings you to a place like this?"
With his spiky chestnut hair and robust physique, carrying an enormous axe on his right shoulder, the towering man heading my way was none other than Grillet, the man I first met when I was 73 years old.
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