The white-haired elder, whom Leslie Howard referred to as 'Grandfather Mountain,' was none other than the Howard Family's Second Elder, Koen Howard.
From a young age, Leslie grew up under his care and was treated as though he were Koen's own dear grandson.
Koen's affection for Leslie far exceeded even Valentin Howard's—Leslie's father.
This was because Valentin's love was divided in half between Leslie and Everly.
But Koen gave all his love exclusively to Leslie.
"Leslie, your father is not a foolish man. If he's trusting him, it suggests that the man could indeed be someone from a 'seven-stream faction.'"
Koen shook his head and said with a smile.
"Grandfather Mountain, you also said 'could be.' What if he actually isn't?"
Leslie replied, "My father kindly invited him and planned to host him at the feast. Yet, he declined... claiming he had a meeting with his elder. If I had to guess, that's most likely just an excuse."
Perhaps, even Leslie himself didn't realize.
