After the revelation from Valaric, Eliam, Norkle, and Elise sat in contemplative silence. The weight of their newfound knowledge was immense, and they knew they needed guidance and support.

Eliam: "We should go back to Sister Margarette. She needs to know everything."

Norkle and Elise nodded in agreement. With their decision made, they packed up their camp and set out on their journey back to St. Claire's Orphanage, eager to share their revelations with Sister Margarette, who had been their pillar of support throughout their lives.

Eliam, Norkle, and Elise, along with Valaric, made their way back to the village to inform the elder of the shadowlord's defeat. Valaric remained hidden in a nearby forest, well-concealed to avoid drawing the attention of the other villagers and the village chief.

As they reached the village, the villagers were both amazed and relieved to hear the news. The elder approached them, gratitude in his eyes.

Elder: "You've done a great service for our village. The shadowlord was a constant threat, and his defeat means a brighter future for us all."

Eliam: "We're just glad we could help."

Norkle and Elise nodded in agreement. The elder didn't inquire further about their mysterious companion, focusing instead on their heroic deed.

Elder: "You've earned the reward we promised. You've brought peace to our village."

The group received their reward, and the villagers celebrated their victory over the shadowlord. With their heads held high, they rejoined the hidden Valaric in the forest and continued their journey, feeling a sense of accomplishment and unity as they moved forward.

As they continued their journey back to St. Claire's Orphanage, Valaric couldn't help but be curious about Sister Margarette. He turned to Eliam, who was now known as Zenon, with a questioning look.

Valaric: "Zenon, who is this Sister Margarette, and can she be trusted with this knowledge?"

Zenon took a deep breath, his gaze distant as he considered how to explain.

Zenon/Eliam: "Sister Margarette is like a mother to us. She's been our guardian and mentor for as long as I can remember. She's always known that there was something... different about me, though not the full extent of my heritage."

Norkle: "She never told us everything, but she's always been there for us, even during the toughest times."

Elise: "Sister Margarette is kind and caring. She took care of us when we had no one else."

Zenon nodded in agreement.

Zenon/Eliam: "And she partially knows about my true identity. She's the one who hid the pendant with the Celestine crest that Valaric found, and she's always protected us. I believe we can trust her with this."

Valaric considered their words, recognizing the deep bond they shared with Sister Margarette.

Valaric: "Very well, Zenon. If you trust her, then I'll trust her as well. Let's continue our journey and seek her guidance."

With Valaric's approval, the group pressed on, their determination unwavering as they moved closer to St. Claire's Orphanage and the support of Sister Margarette, who had always been a guiding light in their lives.

As they resumed their journey, Valaric inquired quietly, "Zenon, i told you before your true name but you prefer to be called Eliam. Why is that?"

Eliam looked around, the weight of their situation sinking in.

Eliam: "I don't want to draw the attention of demons affiliated with the other demon lords. Eliam is the name I've used for a long time. It's better to keep it that way, at least for now."

Valaric understood the need for caution, and with a nod, they continued their journey, with Eliam using his preferred name to maintain their secrecy.

Eliam, Norkle, and Elise, along with Valaric, finally returned to Grandale Village. Valaric made the decision to stay hidden in the forest to avoid detection by the villagers. He assured them that he would visit the orphanage at night.

As they walked through the village, the familiar sights and sounds of their homecoming brought a sense of nostalgia and warmth. It was clear that the villagers had missed them, and they were welcomed with smiles and greetings.

Upon reaching St. Claire's Orphanage, Eliam's heart raced with a mix of emotions. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Sister Margarette opened it, her eyes widening with surprise and joy at the sight of the children she considered her own.

Sister Margarette: "Eliam, Norkle, Elise! It's been not too long. Come in, come in."

The trio entered the orphanage, and Eliam wasted no time getting to the point.

Eliam: "Sister Margarette, there's something important I need to tell you. It's about my past and everything that's been happening."

Sister Margarette looked at him with a gentle smile, sensing the seriousness of his tone.

Sister Margarette: "I'm here to listen, my dear. You can tell me anything."

Eliam proceeded to explain everything—the truth about his demonic heritage, the Celestine crest, the sealed princess, and their encounter with Valaric. Sister Margarette listened intently, her expression shifting from surprise to understanding.

Sister Margarette: "I see... It's a heavy burden you carry, Eliam. But you've always been a special child, and I'm proud of the person you've become."

Eliam nodded, relieved that she was taking the news so well.

Eliam: "There's more to this. Valaric, our friend, will visit the orphanage tonight. He's actually my uncle, and he'll explain everything in detail. I trust him completely."

Sister Margarette couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt, and she couldn't hide her concern.

Sister Margarette: "Your uncle, you say? I hope he has your best interests at heart, Eliam. I'll prepare for his visit, but I can't help but be a bit cautious."

With their conversation concluded, they spent the evening together, catching up and sharing stories. As night fell, She knew that their journey was far from over, and she would support them as they faced the challenges ahead, but she couldn't shake her lingering doubts about Valaric's true intentions.

Sister Marietta and Sister Belle returned to the orphanage after completing a mission to heal injured town guards at the request of the local lord. They were warmly welcomed by the children, who were eager to hear about their adventures.

The sisters shared stories of their journey and brought back small trinkets as souvenirs for the children, who eagerly listened to their tales of helping the wounded. In the courtyard, they played games and engaged in lighthearted competitions, their worries momentarily forgotten.

These moments were a testament to the bonds that had been formed over the years. The orphanage was a place of love, support, and belonging, where children and nuns alike found solace and joy in each other's company.

Sister Marietta and Sister Belle, along with their trinkets and stories, were warmly greeted not only by the children but also by Eliam and his party. With bright smiles, they exchanged heartfelt greetings, cherishing the sense of family and unity that St. Claire's Orphanage provided. It was a heartwarming reunion, a reminder of the enduring bonds that tied them all together.

The night was still, and the moon cast a soft glow over St. Claire's Orphanage. Valaric, Eliam's uncle, had arrived and knocked gently on the window of Sister Margarette's quarters. She, filled with a mixture of curiosity and caution, let him in.

But as Valaric stepped into the room, a sudden hush fell over the two adults. Their eyes locked, and a heavy silence hung in the air.

Sister Margarette's surprise was evident in her eyes, and Valaric's expression mirrored her shock. They stood there, silently assessing each other, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the room.

In the adjacent room, Eliam and the others exchanged confused glances, wondering what could be causing this sudden tension and silence between the adults. The air was thick with unspoken questions and anticipation, leaving them all on edge.

End of Chapter