"You're really busy, aren't you? You haven't had a moment to yourself recently," Grandpa sighed, looking at the Hero who had narrowly escaped from the underground ruins a few days ago and was now preparing to embark on the Highland journey. His eyes showed a hint of helplessness but also concern.
After another three-way meeting with the Count and the Old Factory Manager ended not long ago, the Maid Supervisor, under the Count's orders, had once again packed the Hero's bag for the journey.
Before leaving the Highland initially, she had entrusted the relic Long Blade of the Undead Warrior to the White Snake, which was said to be properly placed in the Sword Tomb of the Ancient Hero, marked in the sword shape position on the map seized from the Goblins.
The Ice Heaven Lake and Sword Tomb were precisely the treasured places that met the requirements of the Ancient Method of Forging.
Since this forging needed her to be personally involved, the Hero naturally took on the task of heading to the Highland.
Moreover, to her, the Border Plateau was no longer a perilous place and should not present any trouble like the oblivious Sand Lizardfolk she encountered before.
"You're too impulsive. Losing your voice is just a minor issue; it would have passed if you endured a bit. But now..." Grandpa slightly shook his head.
Out of the wolf's den and into the tiger's mouth, she had set out to lift the Siren's curse, only to end up with the Corrupted Phoenix's curse in the end.
Although he did not know that the Hero's curse had been deepened considerably by the Devouring Curse Demon, the elder's expression was filled with helplessness and worry.
"I didn't want to become ," upon hearing these words, the Hero looked somewhat aggrieved, though her eyes held little shadow.
"And I don't regret coming here."
In this series of recent events, if she said she was indispensable, it might be an exaggeration.
But reflecting on her experiences since arriving at the Border, she had genuinely helped many people and saved many who needed assistance, and these efforts and achievements were recognized and even overly rewarded.
Although she didn't revel in the ever-increasing curse upon her, she didn't think this price was regrettable.
The elder was stunned for a moment, a hint of remorse crossing his eyes, as he said softly, "I'm sorry, I spoke without thinking."
"No worries, I know Grandpa is concerned about me," the Hero smiled awkwardly.
She understood the elder's good intentions—after all, not everyone could calmly watch the curse upon their family grow like a snowball...
Even the obstinate old man who once insisted on pushing his children towards Strength never ventured into curses and such powers. Now, having realized his mistake, Grandpa had long laid down those obsessions, showing much more tolerance and love towards her.
"Besides, I really haven't talked much with you lately, Grandpa, or learned anything about our family inheritance..."
As she spoke, the Hero's voice gradually lowered, a hint of embarrassment on her face.
Of course, she hadn't forgotten the Taboo secret Grandpa had buried deep in his heart for most of his life, especially since the Great Hunter who had left had not really gone far; on quiet nights, she occasionally sensed that familiar presence.
Even though due to the Magic Power from the deep sea within her and the previous Awakening Ritual, she couldn't successfully make the Third Ascension, she now stood at the threshold of the Legend Road.
The experiences from numerous battles not only strengthened the girl's Magic Power and Constitution but also made her mind increasingly agile.
Undoubtedly, she was a smart kid now, and even the knowledge of the Legendary Level could be learned if she tried hard enough—probably.
Even though she lacked much confidence herself, at least in memorizing by rote, the Hero had once practiced with the Hunting Knowledge, proving that with the activity based on Taboo Knowledge, she could fully pass it on even without fully understanding its contents.
She had initially thought of discussing this family's Taboo Legacy with Grandpa after the conferring ceremony, but things didn't go as planned, and plans couldn't keep up with change…
The elder looked at her, shook his head, and offered some comfort: "No rush. Thanks to Lord Count's generosity, your village chief grandma and I are eating well, living well here, and not worrying about much. There aren't urgent matters at the old home, so you just do what you need to do."
Though the village chief grandma was the village chief, the little village actually didn't have any crucial tasks that couldn't be managed without her.
"The immediate priority is the trouble you're dealing with."
Recalling his earlier conversation with the Count, Grandpa straightened his face again, his expression serious.
The Count did not want him to pass on that Taboo to his granddaughter, knowing it was a family matter that even the Border Count couldn't interfere in. However, the elder could understand the Count's reasoning.
"It has long been our wish to safely pass knowledge to worthy descendants and free the family from the gaze of the Hunting Knowledge, but Grandpa would never want to see you in danger because of it.
"If I thought you couldn't handle it, I'd rather entrust this inheritance to the Count than let you become unrecognizable because of my obsession."
Through their time together, Grandpa also agreed that as a candidate to entrust such Taboo, the Border Count was impeccable.