Reginald said, "Andrew, you can blame me, even hate me, because I failed to protect your mom. But I must tell you the truth: Eleanor most likely did not survive."

Andrew's mind buzzed, and in an instant, everything went blank. "What did you say?"

His voice trembled.

All along, Reginald had been telling him that Eleanor was still alive. He had never expected such a revelation.

Reginald lowered his head, slowly shaking it. "Andrew, I'm so sorry. I left Holtrien many years ago. Initially, it was because of a mission, with my heart focused solely on my country. But later, tracking down the entrance to the Veiled Paradise and finding the last hidden small world became an obsession. I had to ask the people of the Veiled Paradise why they did what they did, and if it was truly unforgivable for Eleanor to be with me…"

He continued, "Andrew, remember this: the people of the Veiled Paradise were not actually strong enough to take your mother away. She was forced to leave to conceal your exi