Bad News

Liam took a deep breath and said in a low voice so that Riya wouldn't hear it, 

"As soon as I returned home, I found a person there who my father had sent to inform me that Bastard Luke has somehow managed to become a servant of a noble family in the core city and seems to be trying to find someone to help him… deal with your family."

Eric was silent for a few moments before he asked, "How did he manage to enter the noble family when he is just an ordinary person and not a warrior?"

All wealthy families, not to mention the noble families of the core city, required their servants to be a warrior, even if it was a grade one warrior, though if you were stronger, your chances would increase of being employed.

So, it was surprising that Luke, without being a warrior, became a noble family's servant.

"No idea about it." Liam shook his head before saying, "You guys need to leave this place as soon as possible. If he managed to get some servant, even a grade one warrior, on his side, you all will be done for."

Eric shook his head, his expression grim. "There is no use doing that. People are already keeping watch over us. No matter where we go, he will know where we are."

"He already has someone watching you? Fuck, he is determined." Liam cursed, "If that noble family hadn't accepted him, he wouldn't have dared be this bold."

He then gritted his teeth, "Let's go to my house. You all can stay there. I'll ask my father to return and help you—

Before he could finish speaking, Eric placed a hand on his shoulder, "Thank you, Liam. But we can't do that."

Although Liam's father was a Grade Two Novice Warrior/Cultivator, because he didn't reach this stage through normal means, he wasn't as strong as a normal Grade Two Novice Warrior. In fact, he was barely a little stronger than a grade one novice warrior.

If Luke brought a grade two warrior or even a young grade one warrior, he wouldn't be able to fight them and would get injured instead. He didn't want his problems to inconvenience Liam's family, so he firmly rejected his offer.

Liam didn't insist because he was also aware his family also could very well suffer. However…

"Then I will stay with you and face him. Maybe we will be able to fight a grade one warrior together." He said, and when he saw Eric was about to refuse, he glared at him, "I'm staying."

Eric felt warm inside, but he couldn't have him risk his life for him. So, he said, "No, Liam. You have a family to look after. If something happened to you—

"My father can take care of them. Even though he doesn't earn as much as he used to, they can get by even without me." Liam said before pushing him to the side and walking inside the house.

Liam stood there for a few seconds before he took a deep breath and peeked inside and saw Liam talking with Riya, trying to cheer her up.

"Liam, come outside for a moment." He called out,

Liam came over but stood at the door as though he was worried if he walked out, Eric would send him away.

Seeing this, Eric smiled and hugged him, "Thank you, brother."

Liam's expression softened, but then he pushed him away, putting on a disgusted look on his face. "I'm not a girl. What are you hugging me for?"

"..."

Eric stared at him blankly, which made him smirk, "Now you know how I feel when you push me away?"

Eric's eyelids twitched in annoyance, but shaking his head, he asked, somewhat awkwardly, "Elsa is at home, right?"

"Yeah, she is." Liam nodded and put on a teasing expression as he asked, "Why? You want to go hug her now that I refused?"

Eric met his gaze and softly said, "What if I am?"

Liam's eyes widened in surprise. "You serious?"

Eric nodded.

Liam's expression shifted; he was visibly a little uncomfortable as he irritably said, "Then what are you telling it to me for? Just go."

Saying this, he was about to turn around and walk back in when Eric stopped him and said in all seriousness, "I promise to take care of her to the best of my ability and give her all the happiness I can provide as long as I'm alive."

"Good. I expect nothing less from you." Liam nodded and went in while saying, "If you want to go meet her, go; I'll take care of Aunt and little Riya here."

…

Soon, Eric arrived in Liam's neighborhood. 

He had expected himself to be nervous because not only was he going to accept her feelings and propose to Elsa, he planned to take the next step too. But contrary to his expectations, he was perfectly calm, which surprised him.

When he approached Liam's house, he saw a middle-aged woman with a few wrinkles on her homely face sitting in a chair in front of the house, knitting some wool into fabric.

This lady was Liam's mother, Leah.

Feeling someone walking over, she raised her head and looked over. When she saw him, a concerned look appeared on her face, which she quickly hid behind her smile.

"Eric, son. How come you are here? Didn't Liam go over to your house?"

Eric nodded, "He is at my house, Aunt Leah. I… I'm here to meet Elsa."

"Meet Elsa?" Leah raised her brows, then suddenly her eyes lit up. "Finally, haha. What are you waiting for? Go in."

Eric nodded and was about to enter the house, when the opened door snapped shut.

Bang!

"E-Eric, please wait for a few seconds, no minutes." Elsa's nervous voice sounded from inside.

Leah shook her head, a wry smile on her face. "This girl… sigh."

She then glanced at him, "Why don't you talk with your aunt for a while until she gets ready? It's been such a long time since we last talked properly."

Eric nodded and sat down on the ground beside her.

"So, Eric… I heard what that kid, Luke, plans to do. What are you going to do about it?" Leah asked, her voice filled with concern.

Eric smiled, "Don't worry about it, aunt. Everything is going to be fine."