166: Chapter 97 Eve of the Storm 166: Chapter 97 Eve of the Storm Stepping onto the top floor’s tower platform, Leon heard a series of swift, crisp clinks from Iron Boots.
Under the bright glow of the Crystal Stone Wall Lamp, the golden-haired girl’s long sword became a flowing light, whirling with each motion.
The deadly yet elegant steps were still so pleasing to the eye.
Leon leaned against the wall, quietly appreciating Olivia’s sword dance.
Only when a Furious Strike whizzed through the air and spiraled down did the girl finally stop her ever-changing sword stance and looked towards Leon.
She smiled apologetically and quickly sheathed her sword.
“Sorry, did you have to wait for me long?
Have you finished your tasks?”
Leon shrugged indifferently, “No worries; I’m not in a rush to go back to sleep.
Please, take your time to relax.
If only I had a practice sword on hand, I’d join you for a few rounds.”
Olivia shook her head, “That won’t be necessary.
I was just swinging my sword to get some movement, hoping it might keep my mind from wandering too much.”
Seeing that the girl had gathered her emotions, Leon walked up to her and tried to console her, “Don’t worry, for now, just treat your ancestor’s identity as a fun fact, especially since you do not actually plan to go to the Capital to claim any kinship.”
“You’re right…” Olivia said pensively, looking out the tower window into the night, “but now, I understand why my father wants to move us out of Selva.”
“What, you’re moving?” Leon frowned; he hadn’t heard about this.
Olivia nodded, “I thought my father was just talking initially, but this time, he is very determined.”
Leon collected his surprise and asked with a resigned expression, “What do you think then?”
Olivia looked at Leon and shook her head, “My father wants to relocate to Boraiden Territory to start anew, which is too far away.
Once we go to the North, I doubt we’d be able to meet again.”
Boraiden, Leon recalled the location on the map, which was in the far northern part of the Orland Kingdom, almost a month’s journey by the most common speeds along the main road.
In an era without trains or airplanes, if Olivia settled in the North, he feared he might not see her many times again during their lifetimes.
Leon sighed, “I can understand your father’s reasonings; he probably feels Selva is becoming increasingly unsafe.
He then patted his chest armor jokingly but seriously added, “However, I am still your Lord.
Even if your family are freemen, moving away from the territory still requires my consent.
If you don’t want to leave, I assure you your father cannot force you.
If he insists on moving north on his own, you should not worry about livelihood.
I can hire you as a swordsmanship instructor, with a salary.
After all, my house already supports many people, and one more person won’t break me.”
Olivia’s mouth curved up slightly at his words, “Thank you, I knew you’d help me.”
But after her smile faded, she looked down, “Yet, I feel my father’s previous attitude about keeping me away from the Great Nobles.
Since he doesn’t want outsiders to know about my existence, there must be unexpected troubles associated with my heritage.
If I insist on staying, I fear it may eventually bring danger to all of you.”
Hearing this, Leon patted the girl’s shoulder, “I have not lived a day free of danger in the past few months.
Moreover, if your background indeed poses a threat, your father currently being an older blacksmith unable to protect himself when unexpected events like those in Selva occur, how can he ensure your and his own safety?
Now that I know a bit about your situation, you can confront him, tell him that I know about your lineage.
Just tell him, whatever trouble your royal blood might bring, as a friend, I will protect you no matter who tries to harm you.”
His sudden earnest promise made Leon pause, then he sighed and resignedly said: “Of course, whether you stay or leave depends on what sort of future and life you want for yourself.
You’ve seen during this trip, the troubles and dangers I am facing are probably not less than the risks posed by your background.
Despite my reluctance to see such a friend leave, if you yearn for a peaceful and quiet life, the increasingly turbulent Selva is indeed not for you.
Actually, even if you go to the North, the future is long.
When you have the chance to travel far, it’s not impossible for us to meet again.”
Olivia listened, looking at her friend who made the promises and suddenly appeared contemplative.
“Leon, what about you?” the girl suddenly asked.
“Yes, have you thought about your own future?” Olivia nodded.
Leon frowned, reminiscing about his trials since waking up, and sank into deep thought.
Leon realized he had indeed never considered this question.
Or rather, he simply had never had the time to think about it.
When he opened his eyes in the cage two months ago, all he longed for was to break free.
When he embarked on the path of escape, his hope was to find a safe haven.
After several unforeseen events and becoming a knight of Orland, his greatest goal was to hopefully rescue his best friend’s only lost relative soon.
Now, he needed to repay Lola’s kindness, fulfill his promise, and return Miss Mage’s Spiritual Body to Rolannar Great Temple.
But what about after that?
Returning to Earth was clearly hopeless.
Once all was settled, what kind of future did he desire in this world?
Was it to continue as a knight, to fight on the battlefields, to build achievements and work his way up the noble ranks, to gain power?