A little over an hour later, everyone had arrived. Seraphina Ashworth sat quietly beside Mr. Ashworth.
Paul Ashworth explained the situation to everyone. After hearing his account, they were all completely bewildered.
"Ashworth, what on earth is going on?" Mr. Blaine was the first to ask after reading the letter.
"I haven't figured it out myself. Let's hear what Seraphina has to say." Upon hearing Mr. Ashworth's words, everyone turned to look at Seraphina Ashworth.
Seeing that everyone was waiting for her explanation, Seraphina Ashworth began to speak in a soft, measured voice. "I know you all have many questions, and I'll explain now. These elixirs are from my godfather. He also cured the lingering effects of the poison I was born with, so I can cultivate now. These Bone Marrow Cleansing Pills are a gift from him to all of you."
She wasn't lying in the slightest. The Azurelight Bracelet had been a gift from her godfather in her past life, and these elixirs only existed because of it.
"Seraphina, what is your godfather's name?" Mr. Ashworth asked gently after she finished. He didn't ask whether this person was good or bad because he trusted Seraphina Ashworth's judgment and intelligence.
"Grandfather, I can't say. I can't reveal anything about my godfather." Seraphina Ashworth looked at Mr. Ashworth with a troubled expression. "But please, don't worry. My godfather is a very, very good person."
A person who spoiled her absolutely rotten.
"Alright then. If it's not convenient to talk about, we'll leave it. This is a matter of great importance. Everyone must keep a tight lip and not breathe a word of this to any outsiders." Mr. Ashworth didn't intend to press Seraphina Ashworth, so he turned to address the others.
"We understand," the members of the Ashworth family said in unison.
"Grandfather, please divide these Bone Marrow Cleansing Pills among yourselves and take them now. And leave some for Mr. Reginald's family." Seraphina Ashworth had already calculated the numbers. Besides her own family and her maternal grandfather's family, the Reginald family had always been very kind to her, so she had prepared a share for them as well.
"Yes. Zachary, you distribute the elixirs." Mr. Ashworth handed the elixirs to Zachary Ashworth.
After Zachary Ashworth distributed the elixirs, everyone took theirs on the spot. "The Bone Marrow Cleansing Pills will take a while to take effect. The rest of you may leave for now. Seraphina, you stay," Mr. Ashworth said to the group.
Hearing Mr. Ashworth's words, everyone filed out, leaving only Seraphina Ashworth and Mr. Ashworth in the study.
Just then, Mr. Ashworth's voice broke the silence in the study.
"Seraphina, Grandfather knows you're not an ordinary child. I've watched over you myself since the day you were born. You were such a tiny little thing when you were born, and you were poisoned... It broke my heart just looking at you. Back then, all I wanted was for you to survive. I decided that no matter what, I would cherish you and make sure you could live a happy life. I know you are very smart. You are not a fish in a small pond, but an eagle meant to soar in the sky. So, no matter what you do, Grandfather will support you. I will always be here to back you up. So go on and do whatever you set your mind to." Mr. Ashworth's stern eyes softened as he looked at Seraphina Ashworth, his voice gentle and full of affection.
Seraphina Ashworth had thought Mr. Ashworth had kept her behind to ask about her master, but she never expected him to say something like this. His words went straight to the softest part of her heart, making her feel warm all over. She had always known how much Mr. Ashworth doted on her—she'd known it since birth. For the past five years, he had cherished her, spoiling her beyond measure.
Seraphina Ashworth walked over to Mr. Ashworth and took his hand, which was resting on the desk. She spoke with determination, "Grandfather, I know you just want me to live a happy and carefree life. But I know with perfect clarity that to protect those I care about, I must become strong, no matter how much suffering and hardship I have to endure. Thank you for always supporting me, Grandfather. From now on, it's my turn to protect you."
Hearing Seraphina Ashworth's words, Mr. Ashworth's stern eyes filled with tears. He nodded and patted her hand. "Good, good. Grandfather will wait for Seraphina to protect me."
"Grandfather, there's something I need to tell you. Starting today, I'm going to practice a new cultivation technique. In the early stages, I'll become weaker, but it won't last long, so please don't worry. Besides, if outsiders see this, they will lower their guard. After all, the Ashworth Family has many hidden enemies. I can become a hidden blade for our family, concealed behind the scenes, ready to strike our enemies by surprise at any moment." Seraphina Ashworth had decided to start practicing the technique today and wanted to give Mr. Ashworth a heads-up so they wouldn't be alarmed.
"No matter what, you must put your own safety first." Mr. Ashworth knew that once Seraphina Ashworth made up her mind, nothing could change it, so he could only offer this warning.
"Yes, I know, Grandfather," Seraphina Ashworth replied with a nod.
...
「That night」
After returning to her small building, Seraphina Ashworth slipped into the space. Trudy pounced on her playfully, asking, "Seraphina, is everything taken care of?"
"Yes, it's done. I'm going to start cultivating the Nine Nether Cold Technique now," Seraphina Ashworth said, picking Trudy up as she explained her plan.