Chapter 336 Grandfather Didn't Come Back, but Eldest Sister Came Back
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The knocking woke Aaron from his sleep, and he groggily opened his eyes.
The past half-month had been exhausting, enduring Wehert's elemental baptism every day. While Lant's elixir was effective, it still took until the next day for him to recover.
However, Abey's treatment drastically shortened this recovery time. It was fortunate that Gines didn't know Abeyhad awakened this ability, otherwise, his schedule would likely have needed some adjustments.
Not to mention, Gines would absolutely add a few more classes.
Aaron yawned and reluctantly opened the door, "Is there really a need to disturb me so early in the morning? We agreed I'd rest today!"
"My apologies, Young Master," Gines said sheepishly, "However, the Patriarch and Madam are returning today. Would you like to go and meet them?"
"Today?" Aaron's expression was peculiar as he glared at Gines, "I thought you had a change of heart and let me rest for a day. Now it seems I was overthinking things."
Gines chuckled awkwardly, "They're coming back at noon. Young Master Leon has already decided to go to the train station."
"I didn't say I wasn't going!" Aaron said. If nothing unexpected happened, his grandfather would also be returning. With his elder's presence, his holiday days would definitely be much easier.
After breakfast, Leon sat on the sofa reading today's The Daily Prophet, while Aaron petted the dragon, wondering how to tell his grandfather about the hardships he'd endured over the past two or three years.
"Quidditch World Cup," Leon said, looking at the two Quidditch teams in the newspaper, and chuckled lightly, "The biggest event in the Magical World this year. Interested in going to see it?"
"I would like to, but it's not up to me!"
"I almost forgot someone still has to attend tutoring classes." Leon laughed wryly, "But Uncle and Auntie are coming back today. As long as we behave a little, it shouldn't be a big problem."
"I hope so!"
"Young Master, we'll depart in an hour. If possible, it would be best to change into a different outfit," Gines said, walking over.
"Is that really necessary?" Leon frowned slightly, "Uncle and Auntie never care about these things."
"Perhaps my grandfather is coming back," Aaron said calmly, "It's been many years since I've seen him. It's only right to dress a bit more presentably."
"I see."
Gines, however, was bewildered, "The Old Patriarch isn't coming back with them."
"What?!" Aaron turned to him in surprise, "When I returned from Hogwarts, didn't you say that it wasn't just my parents who were coming back?
Who else could it be besides my grandfather?"
"Uh... this subordinate never said it was the Old Patriarch." Gines' expression was complex, "It's Miss Adrian. She's just returning from her vacation."
Pfft!
Leon spat out half of his tea, and a House-elf immediately came over to clean the floor.
Aaron also couldn't help but swallow. His grandfather, who would have stood up for him, wasn't returning, but his eldest sister, whom he both respected and feared, was back. The difference was a bit too great.
"Haha!" Leon chuckled, then put down his teacup, "Uncle Gines, if I may ask, she shouldn't know I'm here, right?"
"Not certain, but it's highly probable.
Even if she didn't know before, traveling on the same train as the Patriarch and Madam, it's inevitable that Young Master Leon would be discussed."
"Understood." Leon took a deep breath, stood up from the sofa, "I'll go change my clothes right away."
Aaron took a while to recover, then asked with difficulty, "She shouldn't know about Clea and my ridiculous affair, right?"
Gines smiled without speaking, but his schadenfreude-filled eyes betrayed his inner thoughts.
Aaron was silent for a moment, then also stood up from the sofa, "Wait a moment, I'll go change my clothes too."
Hurrying back to his bedroom with Abey, Aaron took out several clothes from the closet and stuffed them directly into Abey's pocket.
Besides that, there was also the crystal ball on the table, and the notes on the sealing magic and special defensive magicthat Wehert had taught him.
He had to run. He could handle his parents returning, but he really couldn't handle his eldest sister's oppressive aura.
However, as soon as he opened the door, he saw Ginesblocking the doorway, with a smug smile on his face.
"Young Master, where are you off to?"
Damn it! He blocked me here too?
Aaron cursed inwardly, but on the surface, he feigned an annoyed expression, "Gines, don't you think you're being a bit too nosy? I shouldn't have to report my whereabouts to you!"
"Of course, where the Young Master goes is his freedom," Gines said indifferently, "But I must remind you, Miss Adrian might be displeased if she doesn't see you immediately."
Gulp!
Aaron's hands loosened, and Abey fell from his embrace onto the floor.
"Fine!" Aaron gritted his teeth, "What's coming will come eventually. If it's a blessing, it's not a misfortune; if it's a misfortune, it can't be avoided."
"It's good that the Young Master understands."
Gines secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Aaron was determined to run, he really might not be able to stop him.
They had already failed twice; a third time wouldn't matter, but this third time absolutely couldn't happen while the other two families were visiting.
"You go prepare the car. I'll be there in a moment."
"Yes."
After Gines left, Aaron picked up Abey and quickly walked towards Leon's room.
After waiting a few minutes at the door, the door suddenly opened, and Leon walked out pulling a suitcase.
"Oh! Where are you going?" Aaron said sarcastically, "If our family's hospitality has been lacking, you should say so. There's no need to leave without a word!"
"Move."
Aaron placed one hand on his suitcase and looked him directly in the eyes, saying in a low voice, "Don't leave me behind."
Hearing this, Leon rolled his eyes, both amused and exasperated, "Alright! We'll run together. We should be fine after we get through this period."
"That won't work." Aaron shook his head, "She already knows we're home."
"Then you're on your own. This isn't my home.
Besides, as the heir of the Darwin Family, I'm very busy.
The ruins of Atlantis are still waiting for me to excavate. Though I'm reluctant, I must go."
"You... it shouldn't matter if you leave a few hours later!" Aaron said with a bitter expression, "If nothing unexpected happens, she's probably coming because of Clea's matter."
"Why do you think I'm in such a hurry to leave?" Leon retorted, "I've thought very clearly about your and my sister's situation: let nature take its course.
But I don't know what my eldest sister thinks. What if she insists I state my position?"
"Just tell her the truth!"
"I can tell you the truth, but can I tell her?" Leon said with a wry smile, "She cares more about Clea than I, her own brother, does. If my answer doesn't satisfy her..."
"Calm down, calm down." Aaron quickly comforted him, "Big Sister is usually very reasonable, and it's been years since we last saw her. She won't lay a hand on you in front of my parents.
Besides, if you avoid it today, can you avoid it tomorrow?"
"Better to die later than sooner!"
"There's also a saying, 'long pain is not as good as short pain,'" Aaron said earnestly, "We are not who we used to be. If she really wants to make a move, she might not even be able to defeat us."
Leon was stunned for a moment, "Are you serious?"
Aaron didn't answer, just nodded heavily.
"Alright." Leon pushed his suitcase back into the room, sighing, "Consider it for my sister's sake!"
"Thank you!" Aaron expressed his sincere gratitude. It was impossible not to be moved by having someone share half of his pressure... More than an hour later, Gines drove the car, carrying the two to the station.
A red train slowly pulled into the platform. Watching more and more people disembark from the train, Aaron and Leon's moods grew heavier.
Finally, Vico and Lisanna emerged, each carrying a suitcase, chatting and laughing as they walked over.
Behind them was a beautiful girl, whose appearance instantly captivated almost everyone's attention.
Her dark, flowing hair cascaded over her shoulders like a smooth black waterfall. Her face was elegant and beautiful, and her eyes were like autumn water. Her undeniable elegant demeanor made her appear even more extraordinary.
However, besides being beautiful and moving, she also exuded an aura that warned people to keep their distance, forcing those who wished to know her to retreat.
Gines got out of the driver's seat, helped the three put their luggage into the trunk, and respectfully opened the car door.
Gines' Undetectable Extension Charm was far more skillfully executed than Arthur Weasley's. The car's interior was a vast space, understatedly luxurious and fully equipped.
"After a few years, Big Sister has become even more beautiful," Aaron praised sincerely.
"You're still so articulate," Adrian chuckled, "Uncle and Auntie told me you went to Hogwarts for school?"
"That was the best decision I ever made," Aaron said bluntly, glancing at Vico and Lisanna.
In the Magical World, not every child is required to attend a magic school. Wealthy Wizarding families hire professional private tutors. Their teaching standards might not match a Professor's at a school, but with one-on-one tutoring, the knowledge gained is no less than what's taught in schools.
And ancient Wizarding families like theirs have internal inheritances; they might not value school knowledge. Attending school or not is entirely based on their mood.
But Aaron absolutely didn't regret his decision, because if he had stayed home, over twenty teachers plus a dedicated butler would have absolutely kept him on a tight schedule.
"Sister, have some water." Leon handed a cup of warm water to Adrian, then sat down, "I completely agree with what Aaron said. The Gaius learning model is much more brutal."
"I can barely accept'serious,' but 'brutal'... that's a bit much!" Vico said, displeased.
"Uncle, you haven't seen how miserable Aaron looks after being beaten these past few days.
Lord Wehert is truly ruthless when he lays his hands on someone. He's been enduring this for over half a month."
"That's good," Vico said indifferently, "He's not like you all. Enduring more hardship now means less suffering later."
Lisanna, though pained, still nodded in agreement.
She had also approved Gines' schedule, and her son being beaten was with their permission as a couple.
Aaron:...I really am not their biological child, am I!