Grand Return System-Chapter 89: Parting at Ashford Street

Parting at Ashford Street

Shera had come in high spirits... and left with a face darker than storm clouds.

The breeze that swept through Ashford City carried faint dust and the aftershock of clashing auras. Moments ago, this street had trembled under the pressure of sage Realm experts. Now, it was slowly returning to the mundane rhythm of mortal life.

Shera had originally planned to visit the Zain family quietly, collect his usual "gratitude," and leave satisfied.

Instead, he left lighter in storage space... and heavier in humiliation.

"Haha, let’s go. There’s no show left to watch..."

Someone in the crowd muttered it first. Then another. Soon the onlookers dispersed like falling leaves carried by the wind. Doors shut. Curtains dropped. Curiosity faded into whispers.

Before Rex Vine departed, he cupped his hands respectfully toward Leon.

"Respected Leon," he said, eyes burning with restrained excitement, "today’s lesson... I will remember it."

Leon merely nodded. Calm. Unmoved. As though the storm had never touched him.

Behind Rex, Jadis glanced at him and sighed inwardly. This boy... once he becomes obsessed with a sword path, nothing else exists.

"Fiona, let’s go," Jadis said gently.

"Okay, Uncle Jadis. Let’s go."

Fiona turned before leaving. Her azure hair swayed in the light breeze. She did not speak. She only looked at Leon once—longer than necessary.

There was no flirtation in that gaze.

Only quiet curiosity.

And something else.

A measuring silence.

Beside her, Yasmin also paused. Golden eyes lingered on Leon’s tall, composed figure. Behind her, a maid leaned close and whispered softly,

"Young miss... we should leave. Your father worries when you wander too long."

Yasmin didn’t respond immediately.

Her gaze traced Leon’s silhouette—midnight robes edged with amethyst threads, long black hair shifting with the wind, purple eyes steady and unreadable.

Then she nodded once.

"...Let’s go."

But when she turned, her heartbeat betrayed her composure.

So this is the man who crushed three sage Realm experts without drawing a weapon...

For the first time in years, admiration stirred in her chest.

Soon, only Leon, the Taylor family, the Zain family, and the three elders of Sky Breaker Acedmy remained.

The street felt strangely wide.

"Teacher... where are we going next?" Rias tugged lightly at the sleeve of her red silk robe, her voice soft now that the tension had passed.

The fire in her eyes earlier had faded back into warmth.

At that moment, Harrier Taylor stepped forward respectfully.

"Respected Leon, would you honor us with a visit to the Taylor household?"

Leon smiled faintly.

"I appreciate Patriarch Taylor’s kindness. But this trip down the Acedmy Premises has already delayed us long enough. The Seven Division Martial Gathering approaches. It is time to return."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Harry Taylor.

Meaningful.

"Young Master Harry... you did well this time. Seems you did not lie to me."

Harry’s back stiffened.

"Hehe... Senior, how would I dare lie to you? I’m extremely filial. Everyone in Ashford City knows that I, Harry Taylor, am one of the most filial sons."

He wiped sweat from his brow.

Leon almost laughed.

Filial? You were shaking like a rabbit in a thunderstorm earlier.

But instead he nodded solemnly.

"Very good. Continue maintaining it."

Then he turned.

"This matter is settled. Let’s go."

With a gentle step, Leon led Selena and Rias away, heading toward the distant silhouette of Amethyst Summit Division.

Akeno remained standing in place.

Her long purple hair stirred faintly in the wind.

She had followed Rias for years.

Served her.

Protected her.

Laughed with her.

Now she was being told to return... to pursue her own life.

Rias stepped close and took her hands.

"You don’t belong in chains, Akeno," she said softly. "You deserve your own freedom. Not to serve others forever."

Akeno’s lips trembled.

"My princess... I—"

Her voice broke.

She bowed deeply to Leon.

"Respected Leon... once I finish my obligations at the palace... once I am truly free... may I come find you? If... if I wished to become your student..."

Leon studied her quietly.

Her aura was stable. Her foundation solid. Her Mana flowed clean.

Her talent... was real.

And yes.

He would be lying if he said beauty did not make the mountain more pleasant.

But his voice remained steady.

"When you are free," Leon said calmly, "come to Amethyst Summit Division. If your heart remains firm... I will give you an opportunity."

Akeno’s eyes shimmered.

She bowed again.

"Thank you, Respected Leon."

Then she turned to Rias and embraced her tightly.

"Wait for me."

Selena stepped forward as well. Akeno hugged her gently.

The parting felt heavier than any battle.

Only when she had taken several steps away did Akeno finally stop turning back.

Then she disappeared into the street.

—

"Father... what are you thinking?"

After Leon left, Harrier Taylor stood frozen in place, staring toward the distant horizon.

Harry asked curiously.

Harrier exhaled slowly.

"Respected Leon... is truly a genius of this era."

His voice carried both awe and relief.

"At such a young age... he already stands in the sage Realm. With his own strength, he suppressed three elders of Sky Breaker Acedmy until they were covered in wounds... without even drawing a treasure."

His eyes flickered with disbelief.

"I still cannot comprehend it. His attainment in the Sword Principal has reached a realm I cannot even describe."

He paused.

"And his two students..."

He looked toward the distant figures of Selena and Rias.

"They are like phoenixes soaring in the Nine Heavens. Divine Ice Bones... exceptional foundation... and the other carries a flame heart that does not bend."

"Their futures are limitless."

He turned to his son.

"It seems... placing our bet on Amethyst Summit Division was the right choice."

Harry swallowed.

For the first time in his life, he felt that clinging to someone stronger was not cowardice.

It was wisdom.

And far above, on the path toward the Acedmy Premises, Leon walked quietly.

Selena at his left.

Rias at his right.

The wind carried the scent of distant pine trees.

Behind them, Ashford City grew smaller.

Ahead, destiny waited.