Chapter 146 Ashes

Heidi didnt notice anything unusual in her fathers tone.

Yes, she nodded calmly, me and Vanna went to Mr. Duncans antique shop today. I managed to have a nice chat with him and performed hypnotherapy for Nina. We returned right afterward.

The doctor hesitated briefly at the end, wondering whether to tell her father about the fire she had heard from Nina and Vannas strange reaction over it. However, after recalling her friends abnormally serious expression in the car, the lady halted this idea.

There may be dangerous hidden forces involved behind this incident, and it may be so serious that if she speaks of it, it may attract prying eyes. Although her father was the same as herself he was also a follower of truth who serves the god of wisdom theyre both more of a scholar than a true transcendent fighter. Its not good for a person of learning to deal with those dangerous things directly.

Morris still had a gentle and calm expression on his face when he nodded slightly. Then speaking casually like its not intended: So you stayed over there for quite a while did you lose track of time by chatting with Mr. Duncan? See, did I not say hes a person thirsty for knowledge?

Oh thats not it, Heidis face suddenly grew a shade of blushed red, its just that I wasted a little time when I hypnotized Nina.

When hypnotizing Nina? Morris heard his students name and timely raised an eyebrow, Did it not go well? Is her mental state that terrible? Was it affected by the previous fire at the museum?

Heidi couldnt help but roll her eyes when she heard her fathers long series of questions: You really care about that student of yours Dont worry, shes doing well. That girl was just a little anxious, and after my counseling, shes completely fine and wont be affected during the final exams. The delay Im referring to is about something else.

Morris now sounded curious: Oh?

Aha, maybe Im a little too tired lately, Heidi dryly laughed with more embarrassment. I fell asleep as well when hypnotizing her and slept until the evening

You fell into a deep sleep yourself while hypnotizing Nina? Morriss expression finally changed slightly, but he quickly regained control as per his protocol, Its not like you.

Everyone can be negligent at times, not to mention I have been deprived of a proper vacation in a long while. Heidi waved her hand impatiently, Aiya dont ask, Im already an adult. You and Mother are always like this when I come back late. Im not a kid anymore you know. Theres no need to always act so worried

Morris kept staring at his daughter for several seconds more before breaking out his usual polite laugh of a scholar: Of course, of course, I wont keep asking like this the next time. Come, dinner is already waiting for you in the kitchen. Hurry and go warm it up. I still have to go see your mother.

Okay, Heidi nodded and scurried for the kitchen, only to swing her head around before the hall corner, by the way, are you planning to visit the antique shop later?

Yes, Morris was already standing in the doorway of the bedroom, the dim light from the wall of the corridor casting a mottled shadow on his old face, is there something wrong?

I left in a hurry today so I didnt get to discuss things properly with Mr. Duncan. If youre going to visit, help me pass on a letter of assessment to him about Nina, okay?

No problem, Morris nodded, and then as if speaking to himself, he muttered softly, I definitely need to visit again

Heidi had left, but the gray-haired old historian remained standing quietly at the doorway. He seemed to be deep in thought, and after nearly a dozen seconds, he finally exhaled a long soft sigh and pushed open the dull wooden door.

The bedroom was still dimly lit, with only a small wall lamp to act as the light source. Morris carefully turned the lock behind himself, ensuring no one could come inside during this moment.

Beloved, are you okay? He slowly paced over to the bedside and softly asked the pile of wriggling ashes with a human-shaped outline.

As if to respond, a subtle static buzz came from the blurred ashen human outline, constantly floating and wriggling as it did so.

Yes, how beautiful. Your craft has always been very good, Morris replied in a small murmur and praised his wifes weaving skills as he watched the nearly completed ornamental ribbon. The one you made for me is still hanging in my study room.

For the next while, no words were exchanged, only a silence that would drive any occupant into a discomfort daze. Eventually, after a few minutes of this awkwardness, Morris broke it and spoke his woes: Heidi went out today. When she returned, I saw that one of the red agates on the bracelet was gone

The ash on the bed suddenly came to a frozen standstill, followed by a low static buzzing of a troubled squirming.

Its not certain what happened exactly. If it was a protection from Lord Lahem then it could only mean Heidi encountered a danger that could penetrate her inner sanity, Morris slowly explained his reasoning. But from the way things look, I suspect she only passed by something without being aware of it. The bracelet likely activated without intention

Morris abruptly stopped and listened to the static buzzing that cut in.

Mmm, yes, I reminded Heidi about her bracelet. But when she saw the problem, she assumed the agate was always missing in the first place. Morris nodded in agreement with the ash as it wriggled around, Its a self-protective measure, perhaps from her mind or the blessing of Lahem himself. In any case, this protection prevented her from learning about something

Another burst of static buzzing came from his wifes ashen form, this time more agitated and frantic.

Me? I want to investigate of course. I must find out for myself whats going on.

The last sentence brought an uncomfortable silence to the ash on the bed.

Morris shook his head: I understand, my love. There may be a little risk involved with my decision, but this is our daughter. I have to go. Dont worry, I will pray for divination in advance. In fact, I had already visited that antique shop before and met the owner. The man is diligent, and his niece is a studious child and one of my students at school. There was no malicious evil hovering in there.

So, if the risk factor was in the shop today when Heidi visited, then the owner of that shop could also be threatened. My students live there. As a teacher and servant to the God of Wisdom, I must.

Morris stated in a wistful voice that was so full of emotions that it hurt. Then the pair listened to each others suggestions and various ideas on what to do.

No, we cant alarm the cathedral about this matter While they may be more effective, their overly aggressive style could also hurt my student. The priority of suppressing heresy and eradicating evil is too high for the guardians of the Church, and

Speaking of this, Morriston let out a soft sigh before continuing: And, I really dont want to attract the attention of the cathedral, after all I am a heretical accomplice who has been shaken in my belief.

His voice fell into a depressing low, those eyes never leaving the mass of ash that was his wife, who died eleven years ago in the fire.

In response, the human-shaped ash slowly rose upward and reached out, forming a tentacle-like form thats supposed to be an arm to gently brush the old gents face.

I know I know Morris lowered his head and spoke in a confessing manner, I am a man whose faith has wavered. Im a coward who refuses to fully fall into degeneration Lahem gave me the eyes to see through delusions, but I closed them on my own will to make an unrealistic wish come true. I wanted to keep you in this world, but couldnt fully deceive myself instead, I forced you and I into this shameful situation

He raised his head and gently gripped the fluttering wisp of ash, only to have his fingers bypass the dust.

I wish I knew nothing like Heidi. This way, I could at least see you again, touch you again. I havent been able to see how you look for eleven years now~

This time, only a soft rubbing of particles came from the ash, the version of the woman weeping.

I understand, I understand All this will eventually end; after all, every show has an ending at some point. No matter what it is that responded to my wish, it will eventually come collect its price. I am ready for that. When it comes, I will ensure my clean disappearance from this world. Even if its a shadow of subspace, I wont allow it to invade reality through this wish.

Morris raised his head and stared at the silhouette of ash in the dim light.

But until that day comes, just stay with me for a while longer.