****(POV)

Things have been so lively recently.

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun.

This new protege of mine is totally insane.

I fucking love it.

The more I interact with him, the more I believe his future is boundless.

He accomplishes insane things without a worry.

At first, it was disciplining a noble lady.

Then he instantly managed to befriend that guy from Gluto.

Afterward, we learned that he had a conflict with the Moon Keep's champion.

Then not long after he came back with a door he obviously stole from some bigshots.

I mean just the engraving on it was next level.

The most impressive is that I observed him all the while.

There are many times he became worried and apparently scared.

Yet never did he fall into despair.

All the while all these tumultuous events were happening.

His wolf companion remained a silent protector.

Smart enough to understand all that was happening.

Yet never worried in the slightest.

This is a peculiar power dynamic.

As if she knows more about her owner's power than he himself.

Still, none of that matters.

He will inherit my legacy.

He is also a nice young man.

People tend to complicate life too much.

Especially here.

There are countless gods.

All subtly fighting for dominance.

Hidden fights, trying to offer the most benefits.

Trying to sway believers to their side.

Funny how all of them are but minor deities.

When one lives as long as I have, understanding some things is a given.

But something comes to interrupt this reverie of mine.

At the door is someone.

Someone I haven't seen in a long time.

The only family member I have left.

"Hey there, nephew, what brings you here? Did you finally change your mind about the bakery?"

He is wearing flashy clothes.

The golden lion insignia on his chest proudly placed.

He looks as if he has been through a lot lately.

Not surprising, every profession has its difficulties.

Trading is one of the most merciless ones.

That I know.

Still won't change a thing.

"*Sigh* How have you been uncle? I can't believe you are still working here even at your age!"

"Well, you know me. The day I leave is the day I die."

"*Sigh*, why are you like that uncle? Can't you just give up already? You won't magically find any decent apprentice!"

"You think so?"

"Of course! You have had many and you rejected them all after a short time! Hell, they even refer to you as the mad baker in your circle!"

"Hehe, of course. Still, you are a merchant. Information gathering is your forte. You are already aware, aren't you?"

"Of course. How much do you trust him?"

"On baking? Completely. On everything else? He would probably get lost on a straight road hahahaha."

"Coming from you, that's high praise. *Sigh*. Why?"

"You perfectly know why kid. You'll bring it all down if I leave it to you."

"I can keep the business up, uncle. For your sake. I may not be much of an artisan, but I can manage a shop well."

"Actually, I know you can. But it wouldn't be you. You would just be faking. Only torturing yourself."

He looks lost in thought.

"You are right. Still, it kinda hurts to know that you are leaving everything to him."

"You say that but we both know that you don't need any of it. You managed to successfully join one of the most renowned trading guilds there are!"

He gives a self-deprecating laugh.

"Uncle, do you think I'm unaware of your implication in the matter?"

"What are you talking about? I am but a simple baker."

"Please, as if a simple baker would have access to all the cities facilities and could order all the soldiers."

"Hehe, just some small perks of having lived a long life."

"Haha, how many would kill to have these few perks of yours?"

"Only the people of this city really."

"Still, thank you, uncle. I know the strings you had to pull. Everything I have right now I owe…"

"Stop. That is where you are mistaken. If anything I simply accelerated the process. I do believe you would have accomplished all of it by yourself."

"I'm not so sure haha."

"Who cares, I am and that's enough. By the way, did you bring what I asked you to?"

"That…yes, but are you sure?"

"Of course kid. I have thought long and hard about it. Life was never meant to be endless. It is its ephemeral nature that gives it beauty."

He hands me a wine bottle.

One of the best fine vintage wines money can buy.

One that, even with my old connections I struggle to get.

Yet my nephew managed to procure it.

Just this shows his potential.

He hands it over without asking for anything in return.

Yet we both know how valuable it is.

As I take hold of it, the wolf in the corner starts growling.

She has understood what is in the wine.

"What's up with this wolf?!"

"Hehe, that is Wolfie. The smartest creature I have ever seen. You should do well to respect her boy."

"That's impossible?! Didn't you fight beast kings in the past?!"

"Yes, yes I did."

He looks at her warily.

Half disbelieving half horrified.

"Don't worry, Wolfie. I know exactly what I am doing."

She nods and lies down again.

I was wondering why she stayed with me today.

Seems it was to protect me.

That is the feeling I am getting.

If there is one thing, I have learned is to trust my instincts.

Right now my instincts are telling me that a calamity is about to befall this place.

Still, it should be fine.

I have taken appropriate measures.

That grumpy guy at city hall will take care of them.

He has promised me.

They will be fine.

Free to live their lives as they so desire.

But if anything happens, they will have a guardian angel.

One that will watch their backs.

This is the best I can do.

This will be my legacy.

Both to my craft and to my family.

The first that I picked up on a whim in order to forget the past.

The second all that I have left of the old days.

Thus are humans.

A constant duality

I wonder what the future will bring…