NOVPUB"You must have worked really hard to convince a stubborn girl like Aliya to teach you." Alaric smiled faintly. He could already imagine the difficulties she faced just to get Aliya to teach her swordsmanship.
Elena pouted upon hearing this. "I did a lot of things just to make her teach me…" She murmured resentfully.
Elena's shocking potential came as a surprise, but Alaric was worried about letting her join the army. Their next battles would only get more dangerous and he didn't want her to go through that kind of hell.
"Elena, since you have chosen to learn swordsmanship, do you intend to join the army?" He stared deeply at her with a grave look on his face.
Looking at his serious expression, Elena responded cautiously. "If it's necessary, then I don't mind joining the army, my lord."
She could tell that Alaric was worried for her, making her feel a wave of warmth in her heart.
"Elena, war is cruel. You might have to kill someone if you choose to join the army. Are you prepared for that?" Alaric's voice drifted over.
"That…" Her face turned pale, but she clenched her fists and looked at him with determination.
She had already thought of this when she decided to learn swordsmanship.
To protect Alaric, she knew that there might come a time when she would need to kill someone.
She was afraid of seeing blood, but if it was for her lord's safety, she would do anything!
"I won't hesitate to kill someone to protect you, my lord!"
Alaric was moved by her words. It must have taken a lot of courage for her to say those words. After all, she was such a scaredy cat.
He gently rubbed her head. "Since you have already thought it through, then I won't stop you. However, you need to keep in mind that your safety must be your number one priority. Do you understand?"
Looking at his handsome face, Elena shyly lowered her head. "Yes, my lord."
The two chatted about random topics as they ascended the sacred mountain.
By the time they arrived at the top of the mountain, half an hour had already passed by.
Alaric saw his grandfather kneeling before the tombs of the fallen warriors.
Anton Keller had slimmed down considerably. He was no longer the energetic old man that he was a few months ago. His skin had visibly darkened and he had more wrinkles in his face.
Alaric frowned when he saw the old man's condition.
"Keep quiet and follow me." He told Elena.
Elena nodded and followed him silently.
The warriors who were secretly watching over the old man revealed themselves to greet Alaric.
"My lord."
"My lord."
Alaric made a 'shushing' gesture and waved his hand.
The warriors understood his intentions so they turned around and quietly left.
Alaric slowly walked towards Anton while sweeping his gaze towards each tomb. He sighed when he recalled the faces of those who had died.
He stopped behind Anton and softly called out. "Grandpa…"
Anton opened his eyes when he heard his voice. He turned around and forced a smile. "My grandson. What are you doing here in the middle of the day?"
Alaric stared at him with concern and said.
"Grandpa, I am sure that these warriors have already felt your sincere apology. There is no need for you to visit here every day. You will only hurt yourself if you continue doing this."
Anton shook his head. "It was because of me that they died. I deserve this."
The old man's voice was filled with remorse.
Alaric sighed at his response. "Mom is worried about your health. She is pregnant so it might not be good…"
"W-What did you say?" Anton raised his eyebrows.
"Mom is worried about your health."
"No, not that one."
"I said she is pregnant. It wouldn't be good for her health and the baby if she has a lot on her mind." Alaric could only use this tactic to convince his grandfather.
Anton felt a multitude of emotions. "So my daughter is pregnant?"
No one informed him about this so he was shocked by the news.
Alaric nodded and smiled. "Mn. According to the doctors, it will be a girl."
Anton suddenly became emotional. "So I will be getting a granddaughter soon…"
"Grandpa, if you want to watch your granddaughter grow up, you must keep your body healthy." Alaric gently tapped the old man's shoulders before he helped him to get up.
Hearing this, Anton imagined himself carrying his granddaughter and he couldn't help but let out a smile.
"You are not lying to me, right?" Anton glanced at Alaric inquisitively.
Alaric chuckled and shook his head. "Of course not! If you don't believe me, you can ask Mom or Dad."
"Fine. I will go and ask them." Anton feebly walked away. He had kneeled for a few hours so his knees were incredibly sore right now.
Alaric quickly followed and lent him a hand. "Grandpa, let me bring you there. You might fall down the stairs."
Anton didn't reject his offer. He might indeed fall given how weak his knees were as of the moment.
Elena and the warriors quietly followed them.
They hadn't even reached halfway down the mountain and Alaric noticed that Anton's legs were shaking so he decided to carry the old man.
Anton stared at Alaric and thought.
My grandson is no longer the rebellious youngster that he was a few years ago.
"Who would have thought that the little kid from back then would become such a reliable man?" He mumbled with a gratified smile.
"You are making me embarrassed, Grandpa." Alaric chuckled at the old man's words.
A while later, they finally arrived in front of the mansion.
Anton who had been carried all the way quickly jumped off from Alaric's arms and eagerly stepped inside the mansion.
Seeing the depressed old man look so excited made Alaric and Elena feel relieved.
"My daughter, where are you?" Anton's excited voice echoed inside the mansion, making the servants do a double take in surprise.
