Bloodhound's Regression Instinct
Chapter 258

Chapter 258

“First of all, this child’s mind isn’t completely wiped out. It’s as if they discarded it themselves, so naturally, there would be traces left behind.”

“Of course, even so, restoring the torn mind is a very difficult task. In secret, perhaps there isn’t anyone on the continent who can fix this.”

“Well, except for me.”

Yan nodded in agreement with Duke Beowulf, who was rambling. Without letting Momon hear, Yan moved his lips.

“Enough with the chitchat. Tell me the cure already.”

Momon looked at Yan with an annoyed expression and then shook his head.

“First, all the materials needed for the treatment are already there. Just follow my instructions.”

“Materials for treatment?”

“What are you talking about? Which materials are you referring to?”

In response to Yan and Duke Beowulf’s questions, Momon chuckled and pointed to one side.

And both of their gazes followed Momon’s finger.

Yan blinked.

“Me?”

“Yes, you. You’re the material.”

Yan furrowed his brow.

What nonsense was this?

“Could you explain properly?”

“Enough.”

Duke Beowulf raised his hand to stop Yan from speaking.

Then, with a polite tone, he addressed Momon.

“Please continue.”

Momon looked at Yan, seemingly amused.

He then explained the reason why he pointed to Yan as the material.

“Didn’t I implant the White Flame Jade into your body?”

“Could it be?”

“Yes, the White Flame Jade is the material.”

“But wasn’t the White Flame Jade’s ability to absorb souls or similar energies?”

Momon clicked his tongue as if Yan were a fool.

“Tsk, tsk. The Empire’s most promising prodigy, and you think the White Flame Jade’s only purpose is to have a large capacity for absorption?

Nonsense! The true utility of the White Flame Jade lies in ‘fusion.’ It can combine any type of energy, no matter its nature.”

Duke Beowulf swallowed hard.

“So, you’re saying that even the fragmented mind can be merged within the White Flame Jade?”

“At least you’ve lived longer than that idiot, so you understand the meaning.

Yes, using the White Flame Jade, we can merge the various pieces of the torn mind into one. Then, we arrange the jumbled memories within that single mind.

After all, as humans age, their memories naturally organize, so it’s quite simple.”

Although Momon spoke as if it were child’s play, Yan and Duke Beowulf couldn’t fully grasp the exact meaning.

Arranging memories? But how would that work?

Momon assured them that they would understand once they verified it later.

“Now, place your hand on the child’s head.”

“Excuse me.”

Yan politely excused himself to Duke Beowulf and placed his hand on Helena’s forehead.

Following Momon’s instructions, he began manipulating mana.

Then, Yan felt something being drawn into his hand from Helena’s head.

“What’s this?”

“Now, I’ll teach you the incantation. Use it to restore the mind.”

Yan nodded solemnly and followed the incantation Momon provided.

As he did, he felt something leaving his hand, and Helena’s pale face started regaining color.

Suddenly—

Helena’s face flushed, and Duke Beowulf clenched his fist.

“Now it’s time to organize her memories. It’s crucial, so don’t make any mistakes. No, wait. Hey, ice-cold fellow, you’d be better at this. Dealing with mental matters suits you better than that guy.”

Following Momon’s call, Duke Beowulf stood up, stumbling.

Then, he followed Momon’s instructions.

Placing his hand on Helena’s forehead, he closed his eyes.

He allowed mana to flow, granting him access to Helena’s mental realm.

Before him stood a very young Helena, surrounded by a panorama of her entire life.

In other words, simply enjoying this panorama of memories with her would suffice.

Young Helena asked, “Who are you?”

This wasn’t the kind, friendly Helena they knew.

Her guarded demeanor resembled that of a cat.

Kneeling down, Duke Beowulf faced the new aspect of his wife.

“I am your knight.”

“A knight?”

“Yes. If it’s alright with you, may I stay by your side?”

Helena hesitated as Duke Beowulf spoke. It seemed she had never experienced such kindness before, leaving her momentarily awkward. But soon, she leaned into his side.

“Well, then.”

Together, they began walking through the panorama of memories.

Duke Beowulf faced Helena’s past, silently accompanying her.

When the young girl cried over a fallen comrade, Helena comforted her. She celebrated Helena’s successes after passing exams.

As memories flowed, Helena’s body matured. She paused, uncertain.

“I... don’t want to go.”

Her anxious expression hinted at anticipation of what lay ahead. Duke Beowulf stopped beside her.

“Then I’ll stay by your side.”

Helena looked at him, standing there quietly.

“You won’t tell me to leave?”

“Everyone needs rest sometimes. If you want to rest now, why would I ask you to leave?”

“Thank you.”

“But don’t flee. Trials find us all. Running away won’t lead us forward. Whether you stumble or overcome, facing challenges shapes our future.”

Helena widened her eyes at Duke Beowulf’s matter-of-fact words, then took a determined step forward.

The subsequent memories held shocking scenes. She killed friends, harmed strangers, and deceived others. She knelt before the emperor, received secret missions, and aged alongside Lorena.

Yet, Helena now appeared more fragile than in her youth. Her trembling hand held Duke Beowulf’s, and her face grew paler.

He squeezed her hand, and she gazed at him, as if about to cry.

“Do you hate me?”

“Why would I?”

“You were deceived by me.”

Her words differed from her younger self’s, but Duke Beowulf remained unfamiliar with this aspect of her.

He smiled gently. “In the next memories, you won’t say such things. You’ll realize how happy you made me.”

Helena swallowed, moving toward the next memory. Duke Beowulf stayed by her side.

They glimpsed scenes of their wedding, the birth of Theo and Lorena, and reading fairy tales to their children. Amidst these joyful memories, they reached the moment when their children protected Helena in her mental realm.

Duke Beowulf’s shoulders felt damp, but he didn’t turn away.

“Sniffle.”

“Why cry on such a beautiful day?”

“I don’t know.”

“I love you.”

Thump, thump.

“You already know who I am.”

“My beloved wife and Theo and Lorena’s proud mother.”

Sniffle.

“Comforting tears is nice, but the children are waiting. Shouldn’t we move forward?”

“I’m not sure... How should I face the children? Won’t they dislike me?”

Duke Beowulf laughed brightly.

“If that happens, I’ll scold them for you.”

Laughter returned after Helena’s loss, as she regained herself. Together, they stepped toward the exit—a gateway from her mental world back to reality.

* * *

Yan stepped out of the room to give Theo and Lorena some time to share their family reunion. As he emerged, he found a burly man staring at him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

It was Vila.

Yan couldn’t fathom why Vila regarded him with such meaningful eyes.

“Thank you.”

“Huh?”

“For your efforts.”

Vila’s words made Yan smirk. Apparently, when they returned to Winterhold, Yan had promised Duke Beowulf to bring Vila along.

Hadn’t Vila collapsed under the perpetual frost?

“Wasn’t it just a pretense to faint from Duke Beowulf’s momentum?”

“Heh, I only pretended to faint. At least I know he’s not the type to swing a sword at an unarmed opponent.”

“Is that so?”

Yan raised an eyebrow, and Vila blushed furiously.

“You rascal! Are you mocking me?”

“Haha, not at all. But more importantly...”

Yan’s expression turned serious.

Vila mirrored his stern look.

“You want me to lend my strength?”

“That was the deal.”

An agreement: Yan would share information with Duke Beowulf, and in return, Vila would provide equivalent assistance.

Vila scratched his cheek, looking unsure.

“Isn’t this a bad deal for us? We’re giving away too much.”

“But it’s necessary.”

“Fine. I may be capricious, but I won’t break promises lightly.”

Yan lowered his head, acknowledging Vila’s commitment.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me so pathetically.”

Vila grumbled, rubbing his cheek.

And then...

Creak.

The bedroom door opened, revealing Duke Beowulf stepping out.

Had he overheard Yan and Vila’s conversation?

“Beowulf will also lend his strength.”

He declared his cooperation with Yan.