Chapter 96: Good or Evil? (1/2)

Kadyn looked out of the carriage window at the gurgling Tonton River — that was obscured in fog in the distance, only shadows of river and mountains and forest could be seen — as the caravan passed the bridge. Kadyn's face was filled with unexplainable emotions at this moment.

This was the place where he first opened his eyes in this wonderful yet scary world. He stared below the bridge and saw anglers fishing and laughing and enjoying themselves. He sighed and his attention returned towards the bridge that was made of iron, and concrete, and woods, and ropes. The bridge made noises as the wagons passed one by one.

”Such a beautiful scene,” Zelie exclaimed as she peered into the distance. ”I didn't know that one could admire such compelling scenery from this bridge.”

”Oh, I've seen it so many times that I don't see any beauty in it anymore,” Elora replied with a flat tone.

Zelie rolled her eyes at her and continued to peer in the distance. Kadyn eyed the girl and asked after some hesitation. ”Patriarch Irable, is he interested in you or something?”

Zelie's expression froze and she turned her attention towards Kadyn, peering and scowling at him. ”Where that stupid idea came into your head?” She rolled her eyes. ”Do you think if he had such thoughts towards me that my father would let him live in Avibria City peacefully?”

”True,” Kadyn nodded. Indeed, Barret would have beaten him half to death if not to death — if he had done something like that. After all, the man was similar in age to Barret, he would never tolerate such a thing. Then he asked. ”But why was he looking at you in such a ...strange manner outside the city?”

”That's because I've rejected his marriage proposal.”

”Didn't you just say…”

”He wanted his son to marry me!” She scoffed when she saw his smirking face.

”Oh,” he nodded and fell silent. Zelie glanced at him briefly and continued her gossip with Elora. Not bothering with him.

The carriages passed the bridge in the meantime and reached the cobbled and broken path. Full of pits and puddles. The trees stood tall on either side, rustling and waving and disappearing behind as the wheels of the wagon rolled over the uneven and bouncy ground.

After two hours later the forest vanished and a plain grassland appeared. The name was Exclusive Terrain. In the distance, Kadyn spotted a herd of elk. Not far away there was a group of bulls. Then his gaze fell over the pack of jackals, gawking at the elk as if waiting for the right time to attack.

As Kadyn stared outside the window, at the Exclusive Terrain in front of him, inside the Avibria City a shout rumbled in the Branch of Magic Association. ”That unruly brat!” Barret clenched his teeth furiously and shattered the table in front of him.

Elder Jyn glanced at him and shook his head. ”Kadyn isn't as simple as he appears. He would protect her.”

”I'm not worried about bandits, but that guy is a snake. Zelie had humiliated him cruelly last time. He would not let the matter rest easily. He was just waiting for the right time. But I never gave him that chance. However, what better chance he could get than this time? Though Kadyn might be powerful, I don't think he is powerful enough to fight with him.”

Barret grumbled in frustration. ”Furthermore, later he could say that it was the doing of bandits. We won't be able to do anything to him. Though he isn't as powerful as Mayor Palius, he has good relations with many powerful people. I thought I could help Kadyn this time but who would have thought I would hit the axe on my own foot by doing it.”

Elder Jyn thought for a moment and then smiled. ”Don't worry. Hot Rod is also Rank 1 Magus. If Patriarch Irabel tried something wicked he would be hitting an iron plate.” Though he said that his face was also grave. Hot Rod might not be his match.

”We would have captured him as well when we did the Mayor,” Barret said regretfully. He never thought that something like this would happen so he cared little about the Irable Family. However, who would have thought that stupid daughter would enter the bill of a snake willingly?

”If you aren't at ease then why don't you go yourself?” Potioneer Yel said from the side. ”They have a large caravan so their speed won't be that fast. Maybe you will be able to catch them in time.”

Barret didn't reply and turned towards Elder Jyn. The old man smiled and said. ”Don't look at me. If you want, then go.”