Chapter 16: The Reunion

"You killed Gridion. Now what?" August asked Arthur, his voice tinged with curiosity and concern.

Arthur turned towards August, a soft, knowing smile spreading across his face. Despite the brightness of his smile, there was a deep well of emotion in his eyes. "I will meet my sister now," he said, his voice trembling slightly with the weight of his feelings.

August's eyes widened in surprise. "So you know about your sister?"

"Yes, I know," Arthur replied, his voice steadying. "Guru Samarth told me before I left. So, how is my sister and where is she?"

Casia, who had been standing quietly beside Arthur, gasped. "What? Your sister is alive? But then..." Her voice trailed off as she processed this new information.

Arthur nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yes, she is. She was at the temple for name registration with a maid when that incident happened."

Casia's face lit up with a mixture of shock and joy. "Really? Really? Celina is alive?"

"Yes, she is," Arthur said, his tears finally spilling over. He smiled through his tears, a radiant expression of happiness and relief.

"Okay, then. I shall guide you to that maid's house. Let's go," August said, standing up from his crouch, a determined look on his face.

The sun was beginning to set as Arthur, August, and Casia arrived at the small, cozy house where the maid lived. The soft golden light bathed the surroundings in a warm glow, making the moment feel almost magical. Arthur's heart pounded in his chest as they approached the door.

August knocked, and moments later, an elderly woman opened the door. Her eyes widened in recognition and surprise as she saw Arthur. Without a word, she stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter.

Arthur stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room nervously. And then he saw her. Sitting by the window, bathed in the soft evening light, was a small girl with dark curls and bright eyes. She looked up, curious but not recognizing the man who had just entered.

"Celina?" Arthur whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

The little girl tilted her head, her expression puzzled. "Who are you?" she asked in a small, innocent voice.

Arthur's heart ached. He knelt down to her level, tears brimming in his eyes. "I'm your brother, Arthur," he said gently. "I've been looking for you for so long."

Celina's eyes widened slightly, but she still looked uncertain. The elderly maid stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Celina's shoulder. "This is your brother, dear. Remember the stories I told you?"

Celina looked from the maid to Arthur, then back again. Slowly, she took a tentative step towards Arthur. "Brother?" she asked, her voice a mix of wonder and confusion.

Arthur nodded, tears streaming down his face. "Yes, Celina. It's me."

Celina took another step, then another, until she was close enough for Arthur to gather her into his arms. She felt small and fragile, but also warm and real. Arthur held her tightly, his tears wetting her hair.

"I missed you so much," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Celina hugged him back, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck. "I missed you too," she said, though she didn't fully understand the depth of her words.

August and Casia watched from the doorway, smiles on their faces, their eyes glistening with tears. The reunion was a beautiful, heartwarming scene, filled with raw emotion and the joy of finding a loved one thought lost forever.

Arthur pulled back slightly to look at his sister's face. "We have so much to catch up on," he said, wiping away her tears with his thumb.

Celina nodded, her eyes shining with innocence and a budding sense of recognition. "Okay, brother," she said softly.

Arthur, with Celina in his arms, turned to the maid. "Thank you for taking care of her," he said, his voice full of gratitude.

The maid smiled warmly. "She's been a joy to have. Let's all sit down and talk."

They settled down on the sofas, the room filled with a sense of warmth and togetherness. The maid brought out a tray of snacks, placing it on the table before them. Celina, her initial shyness fading, reached for a piece of cake with a small, delighted giggle.

Arthur watched her, his heart swelling with love. He took a deep breath and began to tell Celina everything. He spoke of their parents, how kind and loving they were. He recounted stories of their life before the incident—how their mother would sing lullabies to them, and how their father would lift them high into the air, making them feel like they were flying.

Celina listened with wide eyes, absorbing every word. She didn't remember much, but Arthur's stories painted vivid pictures in her mind. Arthur introduced August and Casia, explaining that August was a dear friend who had helped him through many challenges, and that Casia was his wife.

Casia leaned forward, smiling warmly at Celina. "We've all been waiting for this day, Celina. You're a very special girl."

Celina beamed, feeling the love and warmth from everyone in the room. Arthur's heart felt full, seeing his sister safe and happy. They continued to talk, sharing stories and laughter, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

The scene was remarkable—a testament to the resilience of family and the enduring power of love. Despite all the hardships and the long years of separation, they were together now, and that was all that mattered. As the evening turned into night, they remained close, knowing that they had a future to build together, filled with hope and happiness.

On the other side of Aquafera, King Hirotaka, Lady Inuyaki, and an adviser named Mahito were sitting in a room.

"How in the world did Gridion die?" King Hirotaka said, his voice full of frustration and anger.

"Sir, we don't have any idea. He was dead before I entered the main mansion," Lady Inuyaki responded respectfully.

"So, you are saying that somebody other than us knew that he was going to sell important information?" King Hirotaka asked.

"Most likely, sir," Lady Inuyaki said.

"No, it is not necessarily so, sir," Mahito interrupted.

"What do you mean?" Hirotaka asked.

"If he really knew, then he would have brought officers from his country to ensure his protection. Besides, he was killed rather brutally. His limbs were cut off, and it was a pitiful death. Seeing that, it seems like an act of revenge," Mahito explained.

"So, you mean somebody took revenge on him?" King Hirotaka inquired.

"Most likely, sir," Mahito confirmed.

"If that's the case, then we are safe," Hirotaka exclaimed.

"No, sir. The government of Veloria knows that I was there when this happened, so the suspicion could still be on you," Lady Inuyaki pointed out.

"I can solve this problem easily," came a heavy voice from a shadowy figure standing in the darkness at the gate of the room.

To be continued...