The radiant morning sun streamed through the windowpanes, gently caressing Lyney's face like a warm hand, slowly awakening him from his slumber.
He opened his eyes slightly, the world before him still a little hazy.
However, when his gaze fell upon his sister beside him, seeing her peaceful sleeping face, a deep sense of tranquility and happiness welled up within him.
He and his sister had experienced countless hardships and wanderings; now, they finally had a peaceful home.
Lyney gently shook his sister's shoulder and said softly, "Lynette, it's time to get up."
Lynette frowned slightly in her sleep, seemingly unwilling to leave the warm bed.
The soft, large bed felt like a warm embrace, making her feel a comfort and security she had never known before.
Lyney looked at his sister's adorable appearance, and his heart softened.
How could he not want his sister to enjoy this rare moment of peace a little longer?
However, he knew that excessive indulgence would only breed laziness.
So, he restrained the smile on his face, and his voice became serious, "Lynette, it's time to get up."
Hearing the firmness in her brother's tone, Lynette, though reluctant, immediately got out of bed.
She stood by the bed, looking at Lyney with a aggrieved expression.
Lyney walked over and gently touched his sister's head, saying earnestly, "Sister, let's go wash up. Also, remember to call Master Yide 'Father' when you see him in the future."
"Father?" A look of confusion appeared on Lynette's face. The word was both familiar and distant to the siblings. Since she could remember, she knew that she and her brother did not have a father.
She had once asked Lyney this question: why do other people have parents, but they don't?
However, Lyney was never able to answer this question.
"Okay, I understand," she nodded obediently.
Although Lin Yide looked relatively young, he fit the image of a father in her mind: dignified, firm, and strong.
After Lyney helped Lynette wash up, they went to the kitchen, wanting to help make breakfast, but found that Old Dirk had already prepared it for them.
This made Lyney feel a little embarrassed.
On the dining table were soft, sweet bread, golden, tempting fried eggs, and hot milk with a rich, milky aroma.
Old Dirk told them that Lin Yide required them to finish their breakfast and not waste any of it.
Lyney and Lynette looked at the wonderful food. How could they possibly waste it?
They ate all the food cleanly. Lynette even licked the milk cup several times to ensure that not a drop of milk was wasted.
After the meal, Old Dirk kindly told them that they were free to do as they pleased.
Lyney took Lynette to the study first, wanting to see Lin Yide, but after going there, they found that he was not in the study.
After a brief search, they finally found Lin Yide practicing swordsmanship on the lawn of the villa.
The one-handed sword in Lin Yide's hand was like a part of his body, moving with his will. Chopping, slashing, thrusting, parrying, blocking… a series of movements were displayed fluidly in his hands, dazzling the eyes.
The siblings stood aside, their eyes full of admiration and longing.
After a while, Lin Yide ended his swordsmanship practice with a dashing sword-sheathing motion.
Last night, he had used another 400 experience points to upgrade the Favonius Bladework - Gale to the advanced version.
It had to be said that his system was really a rip-off. Buying a basic version of the Favonius Bladework - Gale required 200 experience points, upgrading to the advanced version required 400 experience points, and upgrading to the high-level version required 800 experience points.
But as much as it was a rip-off, you get what you pay for. This advanced version was much stronger than the basic version.
Now, his strength was no longer what it used to be. He was even confident that he could easily defeat five or six of his former selves.
"Father!" Lyney pulled Lynette over, his eyes flashing with excitement. "Your swordsmanship is so cool! Can you teach us?"
Lin Yide looked at their expectant eyes and nodded, "Of course. But you are too thin and weak right now, not suitable for practice."
"Okay, Father," Lyney said obediently.
Lynette stood aside. She also wanted to call Lin Yide "Father" along with her brother, but she found it difficult to say.
At this moment, Old Dirk hurried over and reported to Lin Yide, "Master Yide, Lady Furina has come to visit."
Lin Yide nodded slightly after hearing this, "Okay, I'll go over immediately."
However, just as he took a few steps, he realized that he was covered in sweat, so he turned to Old Dirk and said, "Please ask her to wait a moment. I'll take a shower and then go over."
Soon after, Lin Yide met with Furina in the tidy study.
He keenly observed that Furina's expression was slightly nervous, and he immediately understood that the task he had entrusted to Furina was probably not going smoothly.
He said in a calm tone, "The great Hydro Archon of Fontaine, Lady Furina, I presume the matter I asked you to complete has been successful?"
Furina originally wanted to appear more assertive, but as soon as she saw his deep eyes, she immediately lost all her momentum. She truthfully said, "Neuvillette wants me to prove that the establishment of the West Factory is meaningful before he will support it."
Lin Yide sneered upon hearing this, mocking, "It seems that our goddess has ultimately compromised with Neuvillette."
Furina was very annoyed by his tone. "I had no choice. He is the Chief Justice of Fontaine. I've already tried hard enough, okay?"
"So, in that case, should I praise you?" Lin Yide asked blandly.
How could Furina not understand his implication? This man was so infuriating! She couldn't help but scold, "You're such a jerk!"
"Thank you, Goddess, for your praise," Lin Yide glanced at Furina. "Tell me, what does Neuvillette want in order to support this matter?"
Furina said somewhat embarrassedly, "Solve the unsolved case from three years ago—the Anna Sisters' death case."