"My mother?"
Ace's voice trembled as he stared intently at River.
From the day he was born, he had never seen either his father or his mother. Garp had practically raised him.
Only recently, after growing up, had he learned that he had an uncle. Then he had learned that his mother was still alive.
Most of what he knew about his father and mother had come from scattered clues he picked up from the outside world.
"My sister Rouge has been waiting for you for a long time, Ace!"
"That's exactly why I summoned you here. Compared with this, all those other tedious matters no longer seem important, do they?"
River smiled gently.
He knew very well how much his sister missed Ace. They had been separated since his birth, and now they finally had a chance to reunite.
"Where is she?"
Ace drew a deep breath, his voice trembling.
"Freya, take him to see my sister."
River beckoned.
Freya walked over and gestured invitingly. "Please follow me, Ace."
Ace remained dazed almost the entire way, his thoughts a blur as he followed her into a warm, spacious bedroom, lavish and magnificent.
A blonde woman stood quietly by the window with her back to him, gazing outside as though expecting something, waiting for something.
The instant Ace saw her silhouette, he froze. An emotion he could not name enveloped him, and his vision began to blur.
Seeing this, Freya did not disturb them. She quietly withdrew and closed the door behind her.
"River, hasn't Ace arrived yet?"
"Didn't you say he'd be here soon?"
The blonde woman by the window spoke, her gentle voice carrying a hint of anxiety and apprehension.
Ace's lips trembled. He wanted to say something, but for a moment, no words would come.
Tears streamed