The Ashfield Estate.
As the gates opened, Rachel took in the familiar sight.
"It''s still the same…."
The estate was vast, with a grand mansion at its center. Neatly trimmed hedges lined the long driveway.
Tall trees stood tall around the grounds. The house, with itsrge windows and sturdy doors, had an air of dignity. Gardens filled with flowers added color to the scene.
The estate held a lot of cherished childhood memories, back when things were fine.
Rachel felt quite nostalgic.
As they walked the path that led to the mansion, the door mmed open and a maid emerged out of it.
She quickly ran towards the two and greeted them with a smile.
"Lady Amy, and…"
Her eyes widened.
"Lady Rachel!"
"Good to see you again, Edna."
With a casual demeanor, Rachel gave her a warm smile and nodded.
She was fond of Edna, as Edna was fond of her.
After all, Edna was the maid that took care of both her and Amy when they were younger.
"...What brings you here, Lady Rachel?"
"Is Grandfather home?"
"Oh. Uh… yes, he is."
Edna stammered. Rachel couldn''t me her. For the staff, it should be quite ridiculous to hear that Rachel was looking for her grandfather.
The same grandfather that had casted away and cut off all ties with the Asami''s.
"Grandfather? Why are you looking for him, Rachel?"
Perplexed, Amy asked from beside her as they continued walking towards the entrance.
"You''ll know."
"...."
Turning her attention back to Edna, Rachel pursed her lips.
"Where is he?"
''In the study room."
As expected.
From what she could remember from her memories, her grandfather would always be holed inside the study room.
Despite running apany that specializes in potion crafting, most of the branches were managed by her mother, aunts, and uncles.
It had to be noted that despite specializing in potions, most of the potions they had managed to brew were akin to medicine.
They were more expensive than what pharmaceuticalpanies sold, but the effects were instant.
Her grandfather, Edward Ashfield, was a mage of the [Water] affinity. But what made him special was the way he could contort the healing properties of water.
It was a highly advanced technique.
Which was the sole reason for his research.
To create potions that would instantly heal wounds and injuries.
For him, it was his whole life''s purpose.
Which was why it was quite peculiar to Rachel that he would cut off the Asami''s, just because her father didn''t want his business to be absorbed.
They continued walking inside the estate. But paused as they finally arrived at the door.
The study room.
Gathering her thoughts together, Rachel knocked on the door.
To– Tok!
"...."
No response.
To– Tok!
But after the second knock, a deep voice resounded from across the door.
"What?"
Turning her head to look at Amy, Rachel nudged her chin towards the door, signaling for Amy to respond.
"Alright."
Amy responded.
"Grandfather. It''s me, Amy. Can Ie in?"
"Amy? Alright."
Creaaaaak….
The door slowly creaked open. What greeted their sight was an old man that seemed to be in histe sixties.
However, he only ''seemed'' that way because Rachel and Amy were well aware of how old he was.
If a stranger were to meet him for the first time, they would undoubtedly think that Edward Ashfield was in his forties.
After all, his body was well built, with pitch-ck hair, simr to Rachel''s, and his eyes were crimson.
In fact, he looked a tad bit simr to Rachel. Just that he was a man.
Seated at his desk, Edward greeted his granddaughter.
"Amy, what brings—"
But as his gazended on Rachel, he paused and his eyes shot wide open.
Seeing his reaction, Rachel felt intimidated. After all, she had not seen her grandfather in over eight years.
But she quicklyposed herself and straightened her back.
However, what happened next had left her speechless….
Creak…
Edward abruptly got up and the chair he was seated on creaked behind him.
His eyes seemed to moisten, and…
"....!"
He ran towards her and embraced her tightly.
"...."
What the…
This…
She didn''t expect this at all.
"I''m so d you''re doing okay."
"...."
Even Amy was taken aback, as she watched the entire scene from the side with widened eyes.
"...Grandfather, I don''t understand."
She wasn''t particrly close to him, as far she could remember.
But actions spoke louder than words.
Clearly, her grandfather cherished her deeply.
Then why…
"Grandfather, please stop."
It was ufortable.
Very.
"Sorry."
Pulling away, her grandfather seemed to have gathered his thoughts and appropriately stood up.
"You must''ve been startled…"
Not just startled, but she was absolutely confused.
Looking at Amy, Edward approached her and gave her a hug of his own.
"You too, Amy. I''m d you''re doing well."
Hugging him back, Amy responded.
"You too, Grandfather."
The whole scenario was way too peculiar for Rachel.
This was the first time she had reunited with her grandfather in a long time.
But seeing the sight…
Unknowingly, the corner of her lips pulled up.
This…
No.
She shook her head.
She had a lot of questions for him.
And with such thoughts, she sternly spoke.
"Grandfather, why did you push my father away?"
The first question she had.
"The way you reacted just now, you clearly didn''t want me gone. Am I wrong?"
"...."
Silence.
He pulled away from Rachel and looked at Rachel with a serious expression.
All of a sudden, he shook his head.
"I''m happy to see you, my dear Granddaughter. I truly am."
"Then…"
"But please leave."
"...."
What in the world.
Is this man bipr?
"Grandfather, please. I need to know."
"You''re not ready for this talk."
"Rachel…"
Amy chimed in and consoled her.
However, Rachel stepped forward.
——!
All of a sudden, the air around Rachel grew heavy.
The atmosphere''s temperature gradually lowered. Starting from a strand, white began to creep on her hair.
The color on her eyes slowly drained, and her expressions contorted into one of indifference.
[Elemental Assimtion.]
"Rachel, what is…"
Shocked, Amy stepped back and focused on her twin sister, who''s form was gradually changing.
"...."
Their grandfather was utterly speechless as his eyes shot wide open.
Rachel''s hair had fully turned white, as her eyes were now a dull gray color.
Snow seemed to materialize beneath her foot. Shortly after, she spoke.
"Am I not ready for this talk?"
"...."
"What is yours and my father''s connection to the Twilight Syndicate?"