191 Strict Authority (1/2)
”What?” Rin's almond-shaped eyes were opened wide, a trace of confusion in their depths.
An Sun's eyes stared at the Bai Manor gate before shifting down to look at her.
”All my life, I've been pledged to the An Clan. Now…I am free of those shackles. I am no longer the adopted bastard of the An Clan or the fallen commander. This is my chance to rid of my multiple faces and find what I've lost.”
To uncover his identity.
Rin looked at him without any visible emotions in her expression, although she appeared slightly stiff. She hid her troubled mind and responded very calmly.
”Where in the north do you plan to go?”
”I hear in the town Jinping they're requesting troops to enlist in their army. I intend to join the troop training there.” He replied calmly.
Rin lowered her head. So, he was going off to join an army. She couldn't deny this was a wise decision on An Sun's part, considering he wanted to develop his own strength. Moreover, with his already experienced training in warfare, he would be able to grow in a few years or less.
But Rin didn't know why his words troubled her.
”How long until you leave?” Her eyes lifted to look at him.
”It's too early for me to leave. I'll need time to prepare.” He said.
”I see.” Rin's voice softened. She let out a helpless sigh and said with a faint smile on her face, ”I'm happy for you, Sun. I hope on your journey you're able to find what you're looking for.”
An Sun turned to her. He kept his eyes placed on her, not willing to miss the slightest change of expression on her face. After a while, a slow, faint smile finally appeared on his lips.
”Yeah, me too.” He chuckled.
Rin nodded her head with a quiet expression while she suppressed the turbulent of emotions within her heart.
…
When the two finally joined everyone at the main hall for breakfast, Rin instantly noticed the two vacant seats at the table.
”Where's grandfather?” She cast her gaze over to General Guo with a frown.
Looking up from his bowl, General Guo glanced at the empty seat beside him and sighed.
”He's eating breakfast in his study.”
”His study?” Rin's frown deepened.
Her eyes glanced over the empty seat again. She pressed her lips together tightly and sighed softly. It would appear he was still upset with her.
”Please inform grandfather not to work too hard. It's not good for his health.” Rin said casually and sat down at the table filled with warm food.
General Guo stared at his niece with a troubled expression. He very quickly took note of the affliction in her eyes that she tried to conceal.
His brow wrinkled slightly and he offered in a gentle tone, ”If you want I can have him…”
”There's no need,” Rin gave him a reassuring, close-lip smile. ”Let him be alone for a while.”
With her head lowered, he couldn't read her expression at all. However, from her slow and unenthusiastic chewing, he could suspect that she was in deep thought. An Sun cursed the old man in his heart.
While doing so, his chewing grew more and more aggressive. A dark and gloomy vibe filled the air and sent a chill down the spine.
”Pass the rice.” His voice came out colder than he expected.
Aiguo, faced with his cold command visibly stiffened. He carefully glanced up from his food to see An Sun staring at him with piercing eyes. His gaze wasn't intentionally cold, but it somehow created a chilly effect on Aiguo for a long time. He felt that the air around An Sun was turning a little too chilly.
Aiguo trembled as he passed the large bowl of rice to him, ”H-Here.”
An Sun paid no mind to the boy's trembling as he took a large scoop of rice and set it in his bowl.
Damn, he wished he had wine.
…
A cool spring breeze sweeps withering leaves into flight, the window to a room wide open. A tilted moon filling the bedroom with light.