NABC Chapter 136 Family Time and the Approaching Farewell
Chapter 136 Family Time and the Approaching Farewell
Chapter 136 Family Time and the Approaching Farewell
Sunlight streamed lazily into the garden; only two days remained before the Hawthorne family left France. An atmosphere of wistful anticipation and tranquil contentment filled the air. Nicole and Perenel had deliberately reserved this day for pure family time.
David's gaze habitually surveyed the manor's engineering structures, finally settling on a sophisticated automatic irrigation system at the edge of the garden. Water flowed silently along transparent pipes, precisely dripping onto each plant. He wasn't investigating its magical core, but rather admiring the ingenious efficiency of its physical layout.
"The water flow distribution is very well designed," David said to Nico beside him, his tone filled with professional appreciation. "Even in non-magical fields, such efficiency is impressive."
Nicole smiled in response, her eyes revealing her approval of David's observational skills: "Thank you, David. Good design has its own charm."
Whether or not magic is used, just like the ship you designed, excellent structure itself is a manifestation of power. He simply pointed to a few key nodes, "Look here, by utilizing natural drops and diversions, precise water supply to different areas can be achieved." The two exchanged a few brief and witty remarks about the design concept, and David nodded in agreement. This cross-disciplinary appreciation made the atmosphere relaxed and harmonious.
On the other side, Perenel was strolling through the flowerbeds with Emily and Lily. Perenel's hand gently brushed against a lavender plant whose leaves shimmered with silver light.
“Emily, look,” Perenel’s voice was gentle and clear, “the secret to caring for these magical plants often lies not in how powerful the spells are, but in ‘seeing’ and ‘understanding.’ Just like caring for a patient, you need to observe subtle changes.” She plucked a slightly curled leaf. “The silver sheen at the edge of this leaf has dimmed, indicating that it needs more moonlight, or that the magic in the soil is somewhat unbalanced. This is essentially the same as ordinary plants turning yellow, indicating a lack of water and fertilizer.”
Emily listened attentively; her professional instincts as a head nurse immediately made her understand the importance of this observation. "I understand,"
Mrs. Perenel. Just as we observe a patient's complexion, temperature, and breathing rate when diagnosing an illness—subtle changes often indicate underlying problems—magical plants also have their own 'vital signs.'"
“Exactly,” Perenel smiled with satisfaction. “These ‘Tranquilizer’ plants,” she pointed to several plants with pale purple flowers, “have a subtle calming effect. They grow well even in non-magical environments, though the effect will be weaker. Here are some seeds for you to take back to your garden. Remember to give them plenty of gentle morning sunlight, keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged, and most importantly, talk to them often; plants can sense your feelings.” She carefully placed several seedlings along with specially prepared soil into a small wicker basket.
Emily gratefully accepted them: "Thank you! These are so precious. I will take good care of them." She looked at Perenel and felt that this elegant lady was not only a master of magic, but also a wise mentor in life. A mutual respect and friendship developed between them.
Lily was completely immersed in the fairytale world of the Magic Garden. She chased after several magical butterflies whose wings refracted sunlight like rainbow glass, letting out a clear laugh. A fluffy, round caterpillar was carefully held in her palm, making a comfortable "purring" sound. Little fairies hovered above her head, sprinkling fine, shimmering dust.
"Karen, look! It glows!" Lily excitedly held the fluffy fur in front of Karen. The little creature rolled over comfortably in her palm, its fur emitting a soft, warm light.
Karen sat on a stone bench not far away, a thick alchemy notebook spread out before him. He had just emerged from a complex energy harmonization exercise and was now enjoying the warmth of his family and the tranquility of the garden. Watching his sister's carefree smile and the harmonious exchange between his parents and the Nicos, a warm feeling welled up inside him. He temporarily put down his quill, rubbed his slightly sore eyes, and smiled, saying, "Yes,"
Lily, it likes you a lot. Be gentle, don't scare it.
Happy times always fly by. The moment of parting finally arrived. In the bright and spacious foyer of the tranquil residence, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and reluctance.
Nicole and Perenel prepared a generous parting gift for the Hawthorne family.
Nico handed David a thick, antique book with a worn dark leather cover and brass trim. "David,"
This is an atlas and structural analysis of some incredibly ingenious and magical ancient mechanical devices. Please note that it records pure mechanical wisdom and does not delve into any core magical driving principles. I think the design concepts of levers, gears, transmissions, and balance contained within might resonate interestingly with your familiarity with shipbuilding engineering, offering you some different perspectives.
David accepted the book with great care, his fingers tracing the texture of the cover; he could feel its weight and value. "Mr. Lemaître, this is invaluable! I look forward to studying it. Thank you!"
Perenel then handed Emily a set of gardening tools that gleamed with a warm luster, along with a wicker basket containing seedlings of calming grass. "My dear Emily, I hope these will help you take better care of your garden. Remember, patience and observation are the best magic."
"Mrs. Perenel, thank you! I will miss your guidance and the garden here." Emily's eyes were filled with tears of gratitude as she hugged Perenel tightly.
Finally, Perenel magically produced a delicate little flower basket and handed it to Lily. The basket was woven from supple vines.
Inside bloom several magical little flowers that never fade, their petals like rainbow crystals, shimmering with different colors as the light changes, and emitting a sweet candy scent. "For the cutest little gardener, Lily, may it bring eternal color and joy to your room!"
"Wow! How beautiful! Thank you, Grandma Perenel!" Lily hugged the flower basket with delight, her previous sorrow lessened considerably by this magical gift.
Karen stood to the side, watching his family receive the gifts, his heart filled with gratitude. He walked up to Nico and Perenel and bowed deeply: "Mr. Nico, Mrs. Perenel, thank you so much for taking care of my family these past few days, allowing them to have such an unforgettable time here. Thank you also for your continued guidance."
Nico patted him on the shoulder, his eyes kind and expectant. "We were honored to host your family, Karen. Seeing them enjoy the magical world made us truly happy. Now they're going home with wonderful memories, and you," he emphasized slightly, "will be your classroom and workshop from now on. Settle down and focus on the knowledge before you."
Perenel smiled and nodded, her tone gentle and concerned: "Yes, Karen. We'll miss David, Emily, and Lily. Focus on your studies here, and let us know if you need anything. Remember to balance work and rest, and don't push yourself too hard." Her words revealed her care for Karen, who was left alone.
David, Emily, and Lily thanked the Nicoles again. Lily held the flower basket in one arm and tightly grasped Emily's hand with the other.
Her big eyes were full of reluctance: "I'll miss the Pegasus, the little flower that shines, and Grandma Perenel's ice cream—"
"We'll miss you too, sweet little Lily." Perenel knelt down and gently stroked Lily's head.
The Thestrals that were supposed to pick them up were already quietly waiting outside. Hugs, waves, and reminders like "Be careful on the road" and "Let me know when you arrive"—the Hawthorne family boarded the carriage. Before the doors closed, Karen saw her mother, Emily, quietly wipe her eyes, her father, David, give her a firm and encouraging look, and Lily wave her little hand vigorously at him.
The carriage slowly rose into the air, blending into the evening glow, flying towards Paris and finally disappearing from sight. Karen stood on the porch, watching the direction the carriage had vanished, motionless for a long time. Only he, Nicole, and Perenel remained in the garden. The space, which had just been filled with laughter and joy, was now eerily quiet.
A faint sense of loneliness mixed with a new sense of responsibility welled up in his heart. His family had gone home, and his own magical training was about to enter a deeper stage.
"Alright, Karen," Nico's gentle voice broke the silence, "parting is for a better reunion. Now, let's return to the workshop. Your alchemy journey has only just begun to accelerate." His tone carried anticipation for the lessons to come.
Karen took a deep breath, turned around, and the sorrow in her eyes was quickly replaced by focus and determination. "Yes, Professor Nico. I'm ready."