Finally

"Are you going to fight me or what?"

Shily coldly questioned seeing that Dermi' guards didn't give way for her to pass and still raising their swords in front of her.

She wasn't in the mood to play with anyone anymore, so her eyes were leaking only cold indifference.

Dermi, still wearing his cheerful look, but inwardly hesitant, he asked, "Can you tell me why you rejected me? I don't quite understand the reason, so please enlighten me."

Dermi wasn't sure about the reason that made her change her mind so quickly when she appeared to be accepting his proposal, so he decided to ask her and not waste his time thinking.

Wanting to know what she's thinking, all the people around waited for what she's going to say next.

But Shily refused to answer, leaving them disappointed, "I am sure I am not obliged to."

From this moment onward, she is firm to be herself and obey no one's commands. Shily is intending to start for real this time, as she won't tolerate people anymore.

To be honest, Shily is barely holding on from unleashing that burning rage inside her, which gave her the confidence to move forward.

She still doesn't know how she got angry, but she knew that what she did was wrong and that is enough to make her blood boil from frustration.

With nothing left to discuss, Dermi unwillingly waved his hand for his guards to let them leave and sheath their swords, which they obeyed and did.

Benso supported Genus to stand on his feet and walked him to Shily, then they made their way back to the Green Moon Inn.

Despite trying hard to help, Benso found it had to make Genus walk because of his broken legs, as Genus' feet kept dragging on the ground.

What a hindrance, his broken body is really useless.

Benso seriously questioned his Lady' decision. Does she really need this useless sack of bones? On top of that, can he even heal from these wounds and broken state?

'Just what is she thinking…'

Seeing Shily heading back, Dermi spoke solemnly, "You better not regret it."

Shily ignored him.

Dermi didn't wait any longer and walked away with his guards, cheerfully smiling at people.

Truly a polite and humble young man.

After they were out of sight, Ruga asked Ugu, "My lord, was it the right choice?"

Ugu glanced at the crowd around, who dispersed a moment after meeting his eyes, then replied, "Of course."

Ruga still had doubts but he didn't voice them.

"Now go to your business, I'll head back for now." Ugu added afterwards.

Ruga nodded politely before making his way to the slave's market, which is run by him.

Left alone, Ugu stored the pouch of gold in his robes, then made his way back to his residence accompanied by his elite guards.

'Best choice my ass, I had to do it!' Ugu grumbled internally, 'That lunatic bastard isn't someone I want to see anymore, better never again!'

'That bastard isn't easy to handle, I barely keep my life standing before him and I don't wanna have anything to do with him again!'

'But now that his toy got sold, he'll leave me alone, finally!!'

'Some peace of mind indeed!'

—

Dermi marched the streets with his guards, heading back to his residence, and nodding towards people cheerfully.

After sometime, one of the guards asked him politely, "Young master, why did you let her leave that easily? Weren't you preparing for this moment for a long time?"

"Of course I did prepare for this, but I wasn't relying on it to succeed." Dermi replied smiling, "She may think she left easily but it's not the end though. Since that fateful day, the day I saw the big picture, the day I knew the scheme of things, I had already gasped Shily in my hands."

"No matter what she does, she'll end up mine. Hahahaha~"

—

On their way back, Benso struggled to help Genus walk properly.

'Sigh, I think stress days are looming around.'

Noticing how slow they marched, which was just a waste of time, Benso got an idea.

He stooped, then turned facing Genus, who expressionlessly stood like a puppet.

Benso crouched down, then combed his arm around Genus' stomach before getting up.

"Pfft!" Shily tried hard not to laugh at what she saw, it was funny.

Benso held Genus on his shoulder like a potato sac, which swayed back and forth as they walked.

It was her first time seeing her teacher doing such an odd thing, he's always stern and straight without playing around, but now he looks funny.

"What are you giggling for?" Benso asked, inwardly irritated.

"Hehe, nothing. By the way, can you bring food back to the Inn? I don't have the will to eat in a crowded place." She requested.

"As you wish." He nodded.

…

Seeing Genus quiet, Shily got curious why, so she asked him, "why are you so quiet? I've never seen you talk before."

Genus was silent for a while before he decided to reply, but just as he opened his mouth, blood sprung out like a fountain, tainting Benso's armor red with blood.

Out of reaction, Benso swiftly tossed him to the ground.

Tud.

"..." Shily's eyes darkened.

She was horrified, 'he didn't die, did he?'

'Oh…' Benso just realized what he did, and regretted it. He couldn't just kill what his lady paid 50 golds for, could he?

But he really didn't intend to harm him, it was Genus whose unlucky… sigh.

Benso hurriedly crouched down and set Genus on the ground, searching for his condition, which was completely a disaster.

Genus eyed Benso with a weird look that said, 'Are you freaking kidding me? How could you toss me like that?'

'I may not feel pain, but go easy on my body, geezer!'

Benso ignored Genus' strange look and only one thought crossed his mind, 'How on earth is this useless body still hanging on?'

"Is he alright?" Shily asked.

"I don't think so…" Benso replied, doubtful.

He then looked at Genus in the eyes, "I apologize, I didn't mean to hurt you, it just was unexpected. Sorry."

His dignified apology was befitting a sword wielder, truly loyal.

Genus was taken aback, but stayed expressionless, '... so he's an honest man, huh? Good. At least I won't get beaten up everyday, I guess.'

Shily asked again, worried, "How's his condition?"

She knew that Genus had suffered some injuries, but since he could stand on his feet, it's not that severe, right?

"It's…"

Before Benso could inform Shily about the external and internal damage on Genus' body, he sensed a hand press on his.

He saw Genus clutching his hand, and looking at him directly.

Coughing blood, Genus stuttered, "I'm… okay, I… won't die… But.. if you care… that much… how… how about… you treat me to… a feast?"

"..."