Our Family Has Fallen

Grendel understood that the current prosperity of Hamlet was illusory, lacking any true pillar industries. If she could concoct a suitable potion, it would greatly alleviate Lance’s pressure.

The Deerhead Tribe’s heritage included similar potions, even more effective ones.

But the problem lay in the high cost, complex processes, and scarcity of raw materials that restricted her ability.

She could only think of ways to improve by substituting materials... but of course, this also meant the effectiveness might diminish.

Grendel rarely left Hamlet to wander with Lance, but this didn’t mean she was idle.

On the contrary, many tasks in Hamlet were very important, but only she could perform them.

For instance, treating leprosy, making Ascension Potions, researching internal medicine, managing potion farms, developing and improving various potions... all of these were alongside handling governmental affairs after Lance left.

It could be said that the burden of pressure on her was equally significant.

However, Grendel did not show much negative emotion; on the contrary, she displayed a positive attitude towards these matters.

The reason was simple: after witnessing Warwolf’s death before her eyes, she had emerged from her past shadows.

More importantly, she found the hope she was striving for.

It was so dazzling, so warm...

According to the experience of a certain bath enthusiast, normally, soaking in warm water should not exceed half an hour. Beyond that, it would leave one more tired and could harm the body.

And Grendel’s concocted potion would last about this long, with the water’s color fading to a faint blue reflection.

Upon getting up, others could wrap themselves in a towel, but for Amanda, it was difficult; she had to lift it with her hands to barely manage binding it.

This fabric, designed for ordinary people, clearly did not account for certain situations, and the tightness suggested it might pop open any second.

After changing into loose shorts and a t-shirt, the effect was even more exaggerated, turning the oversized t-shirt into a cropped top that wobbled slightly with movement.

Under the light, her tanned skin appeared exquisite and delicate, with no roughness from being exposed to the elements. Her plump thighs emerged from the shorts, and a slight exertion revealed defined muscles, strong and not at all greasy.

A toss of her head scattered her freshly dried, thick, wavy chestnut hair. After removing the flashy accessories, combined with her relaxed visage, she no longer appeared imposing but instead somewhat languid.

The bath had washed away most of her stress; her whole body seemed to unwind, an unprecedented feeling.

Now Amanda understood why the Lord vigorously promoted bathhouses; indeed, it was a good place.

Normally, there would also be saunas, aromatherapy, and similar offerings, but Grendel did not mention them.

Because she could tell that although Amanda was relaxed, her energy was nearly spent; what she needed now was rest, not more relaxation.

Dragging her into further activities would only make her uncomfortable.

Moreover, judging by her earlier response, while she seemed willing to engage, she was inherently resistant.

But since it was their first interaction, Amanda’s unease was understandable.

Grendel had to consider these things, ensuring not to come across as overly assertive; sometimes maintaining distance was a way to show goodwill, allowing both parties to relax a bit.

”This is an aromatherapy sachet I made. Hanging it at your bedside might help you sleep better.”

As she was leaving, Grendel handed an aroma sachet to her. Amanda hesitated for a moment before accepting it, a ”thank you” slipping out.

She seemed somewhat unaccustomed to it; as a Seeker of Omens raised as an assassin, she rarely experienced such care.

Everyone went their separate ways, while Grendel caught up with Catherine to inquire.

”How are things going recently? Have you sorted out the necessary items?”

”They’re sorted, but some need the Lord’s review before...”

The two casually chatted away.

Catherine was something of a nobody, but as the Bald Sorcerer’s assistant, whether by force or circumstance, she had killed many, regardless of age or gender.

She was brave, even daring to tangle with Junia, the Combat Nun, under the Wizard’s enhancement, and later daring enough to backstab the Wizard.

But truthfully, she didn’t like fighting; the terms ”entangle” and ”backstab” already indicated her skill level.

With the powerful boosts she received, she could temporarily hold Junia at bay and only dared to strike when the Wizard was distracted by casting sorcery.

Both the killings and her roles resulted from coercion; she had been forced to do many things over the years as the Wizard’s assistant, lest she be used as a sacrifice.

Her pre-Hamlet experiences left her somewhat extreme and twisted.

This was evident in her tremendous lack of security, resulting in extreme behaviors.

This was why Lance chose to let her be, knowing her nerves, strained for over a decade, could endure no provocation.

As for assigning her to manage the school library, it was to occupy her, hoping the library’s serene environment would free her from high pressure, and interaction with lively, vibrant students might improve her mental state.

Simply put, what Lance could do was to create this harmonious and loving environment in Hamlet, letting time heal her wounds.

Others weren’t aware of Catherine’s situation, but Grendel knew. A Transcendent, now seemingly unremarkable managing the school library, but her importance would manifest.

Indeed, understanding Catherine’s circumstances fostered a sense of empathy; Grendel often showed concern, inviting her to gatherings like today, demonstrating significant care, which helped familiarize their relationship.

And the topic of their conversation was precisely the preparations for nurturing Transcendents.

Lance had discussed his plans concerning Transcendents with Grendel a long time ago, even before the Warwolf invasion.

It was evident Lance wasn’t keeping secrets from her; however, there was little reason to hide since Grendel had no other support but him. Her hope lay in Hamlet, and only by relying on his power did she have any chance of exacting vengeance.

Lance’s nurturing plan involved providing foundational education to students with Extraordinary Talent.

This required collating mystical knowledge, part of which was the Bald Sorcerer’s leftovers.

In Hamlet, no one was more suited to organize the Bald Sorcerer’s relics than Catherine, the apprentice.

Their conversation indicated that the task was progressing.

Moreover, over time, Catherine adapted to the Hamlet environment, showing significant improvement, especially displaying respect and awe when mentioning the Lord.

She seldom saw Lance but was constantly under his influence, receiving information that continually glorified that figure...

Amanda was indeed tired. Upon leaving the bathhouse, she returned home instead of visiting the Lord’s Mansion.

However, she didn’t enter her room but went into the carriage.

The restful sleep she had earlier nearly stole her soul because she was too dirty then, so she went to her room instead of returning to the carriage.

Combined with the sudden relaxation from exhaustion, she forgot about her fall into the Void and failed to cleanse the void energy from her body, which affected her.

Returning to the carriage, within its familiar environment protected by intricate rituals, isolating the Void’s corrosive breath, she found true safety.

Amanda hesitated slightly but hung the aromatic sachet from Grendel—a small pouch emitting a mild floral scent—above her head.

Typically, Transcendents wouldn’t easily accept such things. Even if they did, they would inspect it for any curse magic.

But this time, Amanda hung it directly on the canopy above her bed.

Lying in bed, she exhaled deeply.

Hoping to have a good night’s sleep...