Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"Adrian!" Adam called out cheerfully the moment he saw his son, striding forward with open arms.

Adrian welcomed him with a warm hug.

"Glad to see you," Adam said as he gave his back a firm pat.

Melissa smiled from the side. Her husband always seemed livelier when Adrian was around.

"Dad… you're here early," Adrian said, pulling back. "Don't you have work back at the County?"

Adam scoffed, "This is an important event. I'm not letting work get in the way."

Melissa chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Adrian. Your father's made himself a second office now. The first one's already buried in paperwork."

Adam shot her a playful glare while Adrian let out a laugh.

Just then, Ariana stepped forward and gave a polite greeting. "Uncle."

Adam turned to her with a warm look. "Start calling me father from now on, Aria," he said, resting a gentle hand on her head.

Ariana blushed lightly and nodded.

Soon, Morgana appeared in the reception hall, her eyes landing on Adrian.

"You're here," she said, walking over and taking his hands. "Right on time. Come with me."

Without waiting, she pulled him towards the inner part of the mansion. Adrian glanced back at Ariana, who quickly followed.

They arrived at the mansion's backyard, where Morgana gestured proudly. "What do you think?"

Adrian's brows lifted in surprise.

The entire setup was breathtaking.

A small stage stood in the center, dressed in flowing white and gold fabric that danced with the breeze. Behind it, a grand floral arch framed the scene—a perfect ring of roses, lilies, and baby's breath glowing softly beneath strands of fairy lights.

Lanterns swayed gently from the trees above, casting a warm golden light over the space.

Rows of elegant chairs were neatly arranged in front of the stage, each tied with satin ribbons matching the color theme. Round tables stood on either side, covered in ivory cloth and decorated with candles in glass jars and delicate flower arrangements that filled the air with a calming scent.

"It's beautiful," Adrian said, genuinely moved.

Adam, who had followed them in, smiled. "She's been nervous about the setup all morning," he said. "But now that her son-in-law has approved, I think she's finally at ease."

Morgana smiled warmly. "Yes, I am."

Adrian chuckled. "I thought we'd be doing this inside the reception area. This... is way beyond what I expected."

Morgana wagged her finger playfully. "No can do, dear. This is a special event. I only have one child, and I plan to go all out for her wedding."

Ariana smiled and hugged her mother's shoulders, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thank you, Mum."

Morgana giggled and said, "Now, let's head inside. We still need to finalize the food menu."

Ariana nodded. "Alright."

Just then, Adrian raised his hand slightly "Uh, Aunt?"

Everyone turned to look at him.

He asked hesitantly, "Where's Uncle Victor? I'd like to go greet him."

Morgana blinked, slightly surprised by the question. "He should be in his office."

Adrian gave a small nod. As he turned to leave, Ariana stepped closer and gently asked, "Should I come with you?"

He shook his head and offered a reassuring smile, giving her hand a soft squeeze. "No, it's okay. I've got this."

With that, he made his way upstairs.

Stopping in front of the office door, Adrian took a deep breath and knocked.

Knock

"It's open," came the familiar gruff voice from within.

Adrian pushed the door open slowly. Inside, Victor sat hunched over his desk, pen in hand, scribbling something with a furrowed brow.

He didn't look up.

Definitely not in the mood to chat—but ignoring him and walking away wasn't an option.

"Good afternoon, Uncle. I hope you're doing well," Adrian greeted politely.

Victor finally looked up with a slight frown. "You think I'd be doing well after being made to run around like this at my age?"

Adrian blinked in confusion. "But… Aria said you volunteered to handle the arrangements."

Victor put the pen down with a sigh, finally locking eyes with him.

"I did it for my daughter, not for you."

Adrian smiled warmly. "Even so, I'm really grateful. Thank you."

Victor huffed, then asked in a gruff tone, "Heard about the ambush. Was Aria injured?"

Adrian quickly shook his head. "Not at all. She held her ground pretty well." Then, raising his voice a little, he added with a small smile, "And I didn't get hurt either."

Victor grunted. "I didn't ask about you."

Adrian blinked, then tried to explain, "Oh, but Ariana said—"

"Why are you reading her letters?" Victor cut in, folding his arms across his chest. "Give the girl some privacy, will you?"

Adrian chuckled, unbothered. "There's no such thing as privacy between us, Uncle."

Then, changing the subject with a playful grin, he asked, "Ah, and… did you like the chocolates I sent you?"

Victor had a well-known soft spot for sweets. When Adrian had come across a rare batch, he hadn't thought twice before sending some over.

The older man didn't say much—just gave a simple nod and stood up from his chair.

Approaching the window, Victor crossed his hand behind his back and asked, "There is no going back, Adrian. Are you sure about this?"

Adrian was slightly surprised by the sudden change in the mood, but he didn't make him wait to answer, "I am, sir. I have never been any more sure than I am about this."

Victor's shoulders tensed as he said, "I might not have been the best father to her. She has lived on her own since a very young age and has seen things which can make a grown man traumatized. Once she gets married, I want you to fulfill all those wishes and dreams which she might have hid from us."

Adrian gave a firm nod, "I understand."

Victor turned around and began walking, "Let's go down now. You must be tired."

Adrian smiled and began to follow the man.

Well, things were better now between them.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.