Her ability to measure time came from the new device Lord Aaron had asked Sir Torvald to build. It marked each hour, and Captain Monga would ring a bell to signal the passing of time.
Aaron, glancing at the calm sea, replied, "You have to keep your mind and heart calm, clear like water."
As he spoke, he looked at the map, cast his line, and, once again, hooked a fish with ease, pulling it to shore.
Kelly glared at him, half in frustration, half in awe.
Duke Augustine Frostmoon sat in his study, reading through letters sent by his most trusted informants.
One particular report from Starfall City caught his attention.
"Lord, I’ve discovered something important, specifically, a person. He seemed to appear out of thin air. Many now know him as Aaron. He was the first to discover the miraculous uses of the wood fruit, which he named coconut. Lord, beware of greedy merchants, some are already trying to sell the fruit. But our kingdom has an abundance of coconut trees. Don’t be deceived." Updates are released by novel·fiɾe·net
"Lord, another critical update. Last night, during the undead attack, I disguised myself as a soldier. I was stunned to see Aaron fighting alongside the guards. He’s only sixteen, but his strength has clearly reached Knight level. His archery is terrifying. He killed over a thousand undead within the time it takes a candle to burn. Also, the two captains guarding the city are peak-tier Great Knights, and their subordinates wield fire-based sword techniques. Fire is the undead’s weakness. I’ll continue investigating Aaron’s identity and report again soon."
"Lord, urgent news. Miss Alice’s marriage ceremony was held yesterday, but Aaron was nowhere to be seen. This morning, rumors spread that he was rewarded Green Fort for discovering the coconut. During the ceremony, Duke Alaric claimed his daughter invented a cloth that slows falling. I believe this was to protect her reputation. But I saw Aaron days earlier, escorting Miss Alice and guards while carrying something important. I also witnessed her jump from the castle wearing feathered wings. That invention was clearly Aaron’s, not hers."
"Lord... the latest news is astonishing. Some say Duke Alaric had chosen Aaron as his future son-in-law. But due to Aaron’s poor background, his mother was a slave, he wasn’t allowed to attend the ceremony. Otherwise, he could’ve easily outshone the geniuses from Verdia Kingdom and won Miss Alice’s hand. I’ll continue to report any developments."
Duke Augustine read the letter twice, then sat in silence for a long time. He suddenly realized that the young man everyone was calling Aaron was the same person who had once saved his daughter.
He had believed he would never hear that name again.
But reality had dealt him a harsh blow, within just a week, Aaron’s name had resurfaced, and this time, his achievements were dazzling.
A sense of regret welled up in his chest, "If only I had known about his true strength earlier. My subordinates reported he was just a Knight Apprentice... or did he use some kind of breathing technique to hide it?"
His thoughts grew darker, "Duke Alaric outplayed everyone. Aaron is a genius, and he was directly appointed as a Baron and sent to Green Fort. No matter how you look at it, it reeks of conspiracy. Alaric used him for profit, then sent him to defend a territory bordering the Forbidden Zone. It was all well-planned."
"And if Aaron had refused the territory, Alaric could’ve executed him, claiming disobedience or even framing him as a spy."
He clenched his fists, "Damn it. If this chess piece had been in my hands, River Bend could’ve had an Earth Knight, or even a Golden Knight, within ten years. We could’ve launched a war and crushed Verdia Kingdom."
The thought filled him with bitter regret.
He took a deep breath to calm himself, then burned the letter. It no longer served any purpose.
Deep down, he believed one thing with certainty:
Aaron was going to die soon, once he reached Green Fort.
Edrin, Garric, and Elwood sat together once again, sipping wine in silence.
Edrin leaned forward and spoke in a low tone, "Garric, Elwood... did you hear the news?"
Garric and Elwood’s expressions remained unchanged.
Garric shrugged and replied, "Edrin, don’t sympathize with Aaron. I’m inviting you again come with me to Riverbend. You can earn again."
Edrin sighed, "No way, Garric. You know my wife is pregnant, she’s due in a few months. I can’t leave the city now. Maybe later, I’ll talk to you again."
Elwood chimed in with a sarcastic tone, "Come on, Edrin. We all know you’re sad about Aaron leaving. Honestly, if I’d known he was a slave’s son, I’d never have spoken to him."
Garric nodded, "Me too."
Then his face twisted with disgust, "Damn it. Just thinking about the time I spent with Aaron makes me sick."
Edrin silently finished his ale and stood up. "You guys chat. I’m leaving."
Without hesitation, he walked out of the inn. He couldn’t bear to sit with them any longer.
Aaron had sailed with them for a week, generous, open, and kind. He had shared rare fish and even his ideas without holding back. And now, these two were cursing him behind his back.
For the first time, Edrin saw their true nature.
Fortunately, from today onward, he could walk his own path.
Just as he stepped outside, a young boy approached.
"Sir Edrin, you have a letter."
Edrin blinked in surprise, "Who sent it?"
The boy replied, "My boss, Sir Torvald."
He handed the envelope and ran off.
Edrin stared at the letter, dazed. He hesitated, then tucked it inside his coat and hurried home.
As soon as he opened the door, a fair-skinned middle-aged woman greeted him warmly, "Dear, you’re back so soon."
Edrin quickly closed the door behind him and embraced her, "My love, Emily. I have something important to take care of. Please eat, I’ve already had my meal."
Without waiting for a reply, he hurried into his room and shut the door. Emily stood stunned. She had never s
een Edrin behave . Though curious, she quietly sat down and began to eat.