Eric mirrored his brother’s approach, extending his arm toward Hadley. “Why haven’t you moved from this spot? Have you truly been standing here this entire time?”

“Leave me be. I’m perfectly fine.” Before Hadley could respond, Elissa shook her head with firm resolve. “I must continue praying for Grandpa. Keeping vigil is my sacred duty.”

Ernest’s brows drew together in deep concern. Keep vigil? Did she truly intend to remain standing in this very spot throughout the entire night—until the first rays of dawn broke? Such a plan was absolutely unacceptable.

Feeling helpless, Ernest cast a desperate glance toward Hadley, silently pleading for her assistance.

Hadley, who had already begun moving under Eric’s gentle guidance, immediately pushed against his arm to free herself.

“Please don’t try to lead me away. I absolutely must remain here with Elissa.”

“Well done,” Ernest thought silently, grateful for her loyalty. He shot Hadley a deeply appreciative glance.

“Elissa, please allow yourself some rest. Just sit down for a few moments.” Ernest immediately seized the opportunity to persuade her. “Hadley will torment herself with worry if you continue standing here. She desperately needs rest as well, but she couldn’t leave you alone.”

Then, he skillfully drew Eric into his reasoning. “Consider Eric’s feelings as well. You and Hadley share such a close bond, practically inseparable. Eric will suffer tremendous anxiety over Hadley’s well-being.”

With the utmost gentleness, he took hold of Elissa’s arm and continued in the softest tone he could manage. “Please, both of you deserve proper rest. You and Hadley have endured enough strain today.”

Elissa’s frown deepened as she caught her lower lip between her teeth, wavering in clear internal conflict. She desperately wanted to avoid accepting his help.

“Hadley should accompany Eric now.” Reading her reluctance with perfect clarity, Ernest quickly added, “Eric has been patiently waiting for Hadley throughout this entire ordeal. Please don’t force them to remain separated any longer.”

g?ν.0, novels

Finding herself cornered by his reasoning, Elissa reluctantly permitted him to offer his support.

Ernest released a long breath of relief. “You’ve made the right choice… Grandpa would never want to see you pushing yourself to such dangerous limits.”

While providing steady support as they moved toward the exit, he continued with gentle encouragement. “You must be absolutely famished by now. Let’s find you some proper nourishment—they’ve already arranged a meal in the lounge.”

The pair proceeded forward together at a measured pace.

Several steps behind, Eric drew Hadley close with a protective arm around her shoulders, deliberately slowing their walk. He lowered his head and brushed his fingertips tenderly across her cheek. “Have you completely lost your senses? When Elissa stubbornly insisted on maintaining that vigil, why didn’t you try to dissuade her?”

“What’s wrong with it?” Hadley’s lips curved into a small pout of defiance. “What purpose do friendships serve if not this? I’m meant to stand beside her during her darkest moments!”

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