Muhak smiled gently as he spoke.

“My dear, I owe you an apology. I ended up testing you, almost as if I wanted to dig into your heart, like an old man playing tricks. But, I wanted to be sure if there was truly hope for that child. In my youth, I felt as though I could do anything, but now, having so much to protect, fear comes first. This is what age brings. Still, your master seems quite confident.”

“A meddlesome old monk,” replied Seomun Surin with a small smile.

Just as the atmosphere began to ease, they received …