After a brief pause, Nadia offered them a gentle smile. "I don't mind," she said, her voice carrying a quiet warmth. "In fact, I understand how you feel. I, too, miss my late daughter. And when her anniversary comes, I sometimes see her face in people who resemble her. And I too miss my grandson…"
Kael and Laura both froze in shock.
"You… had a grandson?" Laura asked, eyes widening.
Nadia chuckled softly at their expressions. "Yes." She took a sip of her tea before adding, "I'm a lot older than I look."
Laura studied her carefully. While Nadia did appear middle-aged, there was nothing particularly extraordinary about her presence. She didn't seem like a high-ranking noble or a powerful mage. In fact, by her aura, she was only around Tier-3. The conclusion was obvious—she had likely married young and lost her daughter early in life.
Accepting her explanation without further suspicion, they allowed the conversation to shift.
