235 Rain & Death (1/2)

The gate was up when she reached the steps. Standing clad in his pale armor and white cloak blowing from his shoulders was Bai Han. He wore his silver beard long, along with his hair. Behind him, General Guo silently walked forward with his hand on the hilt of his sword in a casual manner.

Finally, when enough soldiers had gathered, drawn from every corner by breathless rumor, Bai Han turned to survey them all, his eyes moving across the crowd, taking in their faces one by one. Landing, at last, on the shorter figure who stood before him.

”Rin…” Bai Han whispered under his breath.

”Grandfather…uncle…” Rin smiled and stepped quickly down the steps toward them.

When she was just close enough, she was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace under the eyes of the many soldiers watching from the side. Her eyes widened before she felt another pair wrap around her.

When she lifted her head, she saw General Guo joining in on their hug. Holding back a chuckle, Rin stepped back from their embrace.

”You two look good,” She teased and looked them up and down.

Bai Han clicked his tongue, but the smile on his face couldn't be hidden. He reached a hand out and ruffled her hair.

”I could say the same to you. Your hair's grown.”

Smoothing her hair out of her eyes, Rin smiled helplessly, lifting a strand between her fingertips.

”Should I cut it again?” She tilted her head.

”No!” Both men shouted in unison.

Blinking her eyes, Rin held a hand to her lips to hide a giggle. When she heard footsteps approach her from behind, she quickly turned her head. It was the emperor.

”Your Majesty,” Rin bowed her head, followed by the two men beside her.

The emperor nodded his head and turned to the Bai commander and general. His eyes roamed their faces. Peeking up, Rin thought she saw for the briefest of moments, a look of disappointment on the emperor's face.

After short introductions between them, to Rin's surprise, the emperor said nothing and arranged their sleeping arrangements.

Exchanging a few more words, he turned and left the three alone. Rin watched his departing figure, a fleeting glimpse running across her face.

”Hmph, so much for a welcome.” Bai Han huffed, followed by a jab in the shoulder by General Guo. Bai Han glared at him.

Turning to her grandfather, Rin smiled faintly and offered to guide them to their rooms to rest. Still wishing to catch up with his granddaughter, Bai Han reluctantly agreed. After traveling a long way, he was still rather tired.

Upon entering their rooms, the two men showered and dressed in fresh, clean clothing before going downstairs to eat among the other soldiers.

Sitting at a table near the end of the room, Rin sat with her back straight and hands wrapped around a bowl of rice. A group of men, all boasting amongst themselves, surrounded her. Her soft, round cheeks were enlarged with food as she chewed in silence.

However, occasionally she would glance at the man beside. He also would stare at her and smile before placing bits of food in her bowl.

Bai Han's eyes followed the man beside her, and his eyes narrowed.

”That bastard…” He stepped down the stairs, broad as a bear, his neck muscles twisting in anger.

As he approached their table, numerous men turned to his direction, some choking on their food when he walked passed. At the same time, An Sun felt a menacing glare on his back. It was a familiar feeling.

Turning, his gaze met with the bloodshot eyes of Bai Han. An Sun's right eyebrow rose, a piece of meat still being chewed on the side of his mouth.

The moment Bai Han opened his mouth to speak, he cut him off in a calm tone, ”Careful old man, any more words, and I'm afraid that blood vessel on your forehead will pop.”

These words only seemed to ignite Bai Han's rage even further as his face burst a blistering red. Rin sitting on the side let out a heavy sigh.

”Grandfather, come sit beside me.” She patted to the seat beside her on the bench.

Bai Han huffed, and rather than sitting where she gestured, he forced himself between An Sun and Rin, the bench rattling from the force.

”I like it here,” Bai Han said shamelessly and already began putting food in his bowl.

Rin could only look at her grandfather helplessly while An Sun's brows twitched, however, like her, he ignored the old man's childish behavior. Meanwhile, General Guo sat on the empty seat beside her, both Bai men surrounding like tall pillars.

”Eat more meat. It'll help you grow.” General Guo's deep, vocal voice sounded around the table as he gently placed a big chunk of meat in Rin's bowl.