Chapter 11：Master Ronin (1/2)

After walking for half an hour in thoughts, Arthur found himself at the address Si gave him. Unlike what he expected, the address led to a Villa on one of Kera city's hills. Arthur could see most of the city from here, as well as the ocean lacing the horizon. He wondered if he could enjoy this view one day from his own house. He then dismissed these thoughts and rang the Villa's bell. After a short while, a girl opened the door. She had a plain-looking face with shoulder-length curly brown hair. The first thing Arthur noticed about her was the distinct mole on the right side of her chin.

”How can I help you?” The girl asked, confused. Arthur took the paper Si wrote for him and handed it over, wordless. The girl took the paper and frowned, making Arthur doubt if Si pranked him. Although it was more like a whisper, Arthur heard the girl call someone a shameless bastard.

”Follow me,” The girl said and went inside. Arthur felt awkward for a second before he followed her. They walked through a hallway and a living room, but Arthur couldn't look closely as he tried to keep up. They reached the backyard where he could see a pond with rocks surrounding it, and an old maple tree sat beside it. Beneath the tree was a large stone where a bald old man sat with his white beard swaying in the wind. He sat motionless under the tree and had his eyes closed.

”Gramps! The bastard Si sent someone!”

Arthur felt relieved that Si's name was mentioned, even if he was cursed. He looked at the old man who now had his eyes opened unlike earlier, and felt a sudden pressure being emitted from him. The old man was frowning, probably at his granddaughter's foul mouth, but he regained his serene expression a moment later. He looked at Arthur for a moment and smiled.

”Come here, kid.” The old man's voice was clear, although a bit weakened by age. It was hoarse yet firm as if he held conviction in every word he said. The girl gestured toward Arthur to go forth and went back inside.

Arthur ambled toward the maple tree and sat on the stone the old man gestured to. A wave of peacefulness swept over him erasing his fatigue, and only then did Arthur notice the runes the stones held.

”How is Si?” The old man asked with a hint of wistfulness, seemingly reminiscing the past. Arthur tried to think of an answer but he was at a loss. Seeing his hesitation, the old man sighed and nodded. ”So, he sent you here just like the others. It seems he isn't that far from reaching his goal.”

”What do you mean?” Arthur titled his head in puzzlement, as Si didn't tell him anything about this. The old man shook his head and continued.

”Si is gathering allies to make his group, people he could trust.”

”How did he know he can trust me?” Arthur asked, feeling doubtful.

”His eyes, they're special. They can look into people's hearts. He probably liked what he saw in you.”