Chapter 210: Meeting His Family
Noah walked toward the gate. The guards stationed at the entrance noticed him immediately.
Surprise flashed across their faces before they bowed respectfully and opened the massive iron gates.
"Welcome back, Young Master Noah."
Noah nodded politely and stepped inside the estate.
His blue eyes wandered across the familiar surroundings.
The elegant gardens were as immaculate as ever, colorful flowers blooming beneath the warm morning sun while stone pathways stretched toward the grand manor standing proudly at the center of the estate.
He walked through the entrance and into the spacious main hall.
The interior was just as luxurious as he remembered.
Polished marble floors reflected the light pouring in through the tall windows.
Expensive paintings decorated the walls, while crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling.
He looked around curiously.
’Where is everyone?’
Just then, slow footsteps echoed through the hall.
An elderly man dressed in a perfectly tailored butler’s uniform approached him with dignified steps.
His neatly combed gray hair and gentle wrinkles gave him an air of wisdom and kindness.
The moment he reached Noah, he bowed respectfully.
"It is truly good to see you again after so many months, Young Master Noah."
A small smile appeared on Noah’s face.
"It is good to see you too, Uncle Theon."
The old butler smiled warmly before straightening his posture.
"Young Master Nathan has been waiting for your arrival."
"Really?" Noah asked. "Where is my brother?"
"He is currently inside his chamber."
Noah nodded.
"Alright. I’ll go there myself."
Theon bowed once more.
"As you wish, Young Master."
The elderly butler quietly stepped aside while Noah walked deeper into the manor.
---
After a short walk through the long corridor, Noah stopped in front of a large wooden door.
He raised his hand and knocked.
Knock.
Knock.
A few moments later, the door slowly opened.
Standing there was a handsome young man around twenty-six years old.
He possessed light wheat-blond hair, sharp purple eyes, and a well-built physique that reflected years of disciplined training.
The moment he saw Noah, a broad smile spread across his face.
"Noah! You’re finally here."
Before Noah could respond, Nathan stepped forward and wrapped him in a firm hug.
Noah smiled faintly before returning the embrace.
"It’s good to see you too, Brother."
He lightly patted Nathan’s broad back.
Unfortunately someone else happened to be trapped between the two brothers.
"Meooow!!"
Nancy was squeezed tightly between them, desperately struggling to breathe.
Nathan immediately released Noah.
"Oh."
The poor black cat remained limp in Noah’s arms, breathing heavily as though she had barely survived a life-threatening battle.
Noah couldn’t help chuckling.
Nathan scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Sorry..."
His gaze then fell on Nancy once more. His eyebrows rose in surprise.
"You have a cat?"
Noah nodded.
"Yeah. I took her in some time ago."
Nathan slowly extended his hand.
"Can I pet her?"
The instant his fingers moved closer.
"Hissss!"
Nancy bared her tiny fangs and hissed angrily.
Nathan immediately withdrew his hand.
"...Seems like she doesn’t like me."
Noah laughed softly.
"She’s a little picky."
Nathan sighed helplessly.
"I can see that."
After a brief silence, Noah asked,
"Where’s Father?"
Nathan replied,
"He should be inside his study."
"And Mother?"
He wondered where his mother might be.
But he knew that his brother must have informed their father of his return home.
Nathan smiled somewhat awkwardly.
"She is probably sitting on her balcony, reading another book."
Noah blinked before nodding.
"I see."
He looked toward the corridor.
"Well then... I should go and greet them."
Nathan’s lips curved into a knowing smirk.
"Sure."
He folded his arms.
"Go ahead."
Noah looked at him strangely.
"Wait... you’re not coming?"
Nathan immediately shook his head.
"No."
A grin spread across his face.
"Why should I come? This is your battle."
Noah stared at him speechlessly.
Nathan chuckled.
"Besides, I think Father will be very pleased after hearing about your progress at the academy."
Noah nodded slowly.
"I hope so."
He turned toward the door.
"Well then... I’ll go meet Father first."
Nathan gave him a thumbs-up. He tried to encourage his brother.
"Best of luck."
"Thanks." Noah had no choice but thank Nathan and leave.
With that, Noah left Nathan’s chamber and walked through the quiet corridors of the manor.
His destination was clear.
The study room was where his father, Julian Eldritch, usually handled his work.
Soon, Noah stood before the heavy wooden door.
He took a deep breath.
The man inside was not the father from his previous life...
He was Noah’s father.
The father of the original owner of this body.
Yet now, Noah possessed all of Noah Eldritch’s memories.
Who knew... maybe there’s some twist in my life story, and I was actually the real Noah from the very beginning?
Reading countless web novels had led him to such absurd conclusions.
For now, however, he pushed those thoughts aside.
He raised his hand and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
A cold, authoritative voice came from the other side.
Noah slowly pushed the door open.
The spacious study came into view.
A large wooden desk stood near the center of the room, covered with neatly organized documents. Behind it sat Julian Eldritch.
He possessed silver hair and deep purple eyes.
Noah had inherited his father’s silver hair, while his older brother had inherited those striking purple eyes.
For a brief moment, Noah didn’t know what to say.
If it had been his father from his previous life.
He would have simply smiled and said, ’Dad, I’m back.’
But here, what was he supposed to say?
According to Noah’s memories, their relationship had always been somewhat distant.
He couldn’t greet him so casually.
He bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Father. It’s me, Noah... I’m back."
He tried to be calm as much as possible.
The cat in his hand also sense the man in front of them.
He was no ordinary person. As head of the Eldritch family, he was really strong.
A man who was at Astral core rank, at high stage. Making him one of the powerhouse of the empire.
Julian, who had been reading a document, stopped and slowly raised his head.
His calm eyes studied Noah for several long seconds.
Then he spoke in heavy voice.
"Come. Have a seat."
Noah walked forward and sat on the chair opposite him.
Julian leaned back against his chair.
"You have changed a lot, Noah."
His sharp gaze remained fixed on him.
"Just by looking into your eyes, I could tell... the foolishness that once existed there has vanished."
His voice remained calm, carrying the natural authority expected of the Duke of the Eldritch Duchy.
Noah quietly nodded.
"And I heard about your performance during your first semester."
A faint smile appeared on Julian’s face.
"You did well... far better than I had ever expected."
His voice was genuine. He was truly satisfied and happy with his son’s progress.
The same young man who used to spend his all day in entertainment.
At that time he didn’t mind much since Noah didn’t possess high potential. So he decided let him enjoy his life.
And that was their mistake.
"Thank you, Father," Noah replied respectfully.
Julian continued observing him for another moment.
"...You are far too calm."
Noah remained silent.
’What am I supposed to say? I honestly have no idea...’
Julian watched him quietly before speaking again.
"I also heard about what happened during your academy examination. You nearly lost your life while fighting a demon. You stood your ground despite overwhelming odds."
"Yes..." Noah answered calmly. "...But it wasn’t that difficult."
A small smile appeared on Julian’s face.
"You did well, Noah."
His voice became softer.
"For the first time in many years... I felt proud of you, my son."
Noah didn’t know why. But hearing those words filled a part of his heart with warmth.
He felt relief and happiness. Despite he didn’t want to feel it.
Emotions he hadn’t expected.
"Meow."
The black cat resting comfortably on his lap let out a quiet meow.
Julian merely glanced at Nancy before returning his attention to Noah.
He remained silent for a moment before speaking again.
"And...How are you? You went through a great deal throughout your first semester. Since the first incident in academy, then that dungeon incident then at Oakhaven city...and now this."
He continued further with sligt sad tone."...Yet I never even called to ask whether you were alright. But I always kept tap on your progress."
A trace of guilt surfaced in his eyes.
"I am truly sorry for that, Noah. But everything I did... was for your own good. Seeing you finally grow into the man you were meant to become...has made me happier than you can imagine."
Julian slowly stood from his chair.
He walked around the desk until he stood beside Noah.
Then he gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Welcome back, Noah."
Throughout the entire conversation, Noah hadn’t known how to react.
He hadn’t known what to say. But one thing was certain. Hearing those words from his father.
Or perhaps, from Noah’s father. It no longer mattered. He was Noah now.
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