Prepare a welcome party

~Lucian~

Upon arriving at the temple, I observed Priest Elsen positioned in front of it, accompanied by approximately five disciples who were collecting leaves.

"Priest Elsen!" I called out, and he raised his head to meet my gaze.

The moment he saw me, a smile illuminated his face, and he gradually approached me. Each passing second seemed to age Priest Elsen further.

Compared to our last encounter, his walking pace had noticeably slowed.

He relied on his staff for support, his back was more hunched, and his balance had deteriorated.

"I'll come to you, Priest Elsen," I expressed, causing him to pause as I swiftly approached. Reaching him, I grasped his right hand while one of his disciples held onto his left.

"I apologize, King Lucian. Old age continues to afflict me each day," he spoke, his voice cracking and struggling to emerge.

"I'm sorry, Priest Elsen, but you still appear quite distinguished," I playfully remarked, prompting a chuckle from him.

"Indeed, I do."

After enterin