Chapter 24: Run Away Together

Many people like to drink when they're happy. Once they're numb, all the trivial emotions and rational thoughts disappear, leaving only happiness, which can lead to feeling even happier, to an overwhelming extent.

Rodhart was very happy right now. At first glance, he didn't seem to be much of a drinker; after just one cup, his face flushed, and his gaze became a bit unfocused, showing signs of drunkenness. However, no matter how much he drank afterward, he remained in that slightly tipsy state, maintaining his reasoning while freely expressing his emotions. This was undoubtedly a highly sought-after skill at the drinking table.

More than a month ago, he had escorted Christine back to the duke's mansion. After a brief conversation, the duke immediately recognized his exceptional potential with a professional eye. It is rare to find talent, but it is even rarer to find someone wholeheartedly committed. A young person with good qualifications, no family background, and no political stance—such a talent nurtured by genuine feelings is truly a trustworthy confidant. Therefore, the duke had him stay and even signed him up for the upcoming recruitment competition for the Knights Templar.

"If I were to say that I have only two people in my life that I respect and am grateful to, they would be my late grandfather and you. Without you, I would have died long ago, and I would never have the opportunities I have now. I owe my growth to your influence. You're not just someone I respect and am grateful to, but also my friend. I can't believe I have a friend like you; I'm so lucky," Rohdart said, his handsome face flushed, expressing his heartfelt thoughts under the influence of alcohol.

Many people like to drink when they're sad, thinking that if they numb themselves, they won't know anything. However, such people usually find it difficult to get drunk because they're constantly distracted, worrying about why they're not drunk yet.

Asa was in that state right now. His head was beginning to spin, and he could feel numbness in his limbs, but his thoughts seemed clearer than ever. He could even distinguish that he felt four parts sadness, three parts worry, two parts anger, and one part regret.

To be honest, he hadn't thought much about his friend. In contrast to Rohdart's idolization of him, he felt a bit guilty. This moment of distraction seemed to weaken his sadness and worry.

Rohdart, with a tone almost pleading, asked if Asa planned to settle down in the capital and whether he would join him in conquering the world. His once-extinguished ambitions reignited fiercely at this newly opened opportunity. "What in this world doesn't require strength? What problems can strength not solve? I used to think that noble things like justice, light, and love could transcend it all. But even those things, while they exist, need power to be realized." He looked at Asa, respect filling his half-drunken eyes. "That's the lesson you taught me."

Asa downed a cup of wheat beer as if it were water and drunkenly shook his head. "You're mistaken. I only know to eat when I'm hungry and sleep when I'm tired. How could I possibly teach you such profound truths..."

"No, you taught me the importance of strength," the half-drunk young knight insisted, believing Asa to be his idol. "And after coming here, I've finally realized that the most important power in this society is status—power."

At least half of his ideological progress could be attributed to Duke Murak's influence. The duke was a master at dealing with passionate young people. A subtle gesture or a casual remark could ignite their ambition in the way he needed.

"Let's work together. If we unite our efforts, we can..."

"I'm not interested." Asa finally felt a bit dizzy, satisfied.

"You're too proud." Rohdart shook his head and sighed, considering even this rejection a display of moral integrity. "You should know that the world is like a kitchen; no exquisite dish can be made without getting a bit greasy and dirty. Would you rather look down from a high place at those mediocre fools instead of letting those bastards, who get to stand above you due to their good background, run wild in this world?"

Suddenly, Christine burst into the tavern, running in and giving Rohdart a light smack on the head, scolding, "How dare you drink here in broad daylight!"

Rohdart, who had just been filled with ambition and felt like he had the world at his feet, froze for a moment, then touched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed as he smiled at Asa and made a face.

That smile made Asa find his friend much more likable and endearing. No matter how much he talked about pursuing power without scruples, at heart, he remained a simple and charming young man.

Christine focused intently on Asa with her beautiful single phoenix eyes, examining him as if he were the strangest animal in the world. Then she suddenly clapped her hands. "So it really is you! I was wondering why you looked so familiar. With this change of clothes, you look so refined that I didn't recognize you!"

It turned out that she only just recognized Asa. Perhaps to women, a man's attire is often more distinguishable than his facial features.

Without hesitation, she sat down beside Rohdart, raised her cup, and boldly downed the contents in one go. She first expressed great interest in Asa's new clothes and his visit to the duke's mansion, leaning in closer, her eyes shining with excitement as she asked, "Hey, what have you and my sister been up to these days? She seems a bit strange…"

"Just a little trip together, helping the Grand Priest with some tasks…" Asa thought these two drinking companions were getting less and less considerate, bringing up matters he preferred to avoid.

But Christine seemed determined to keep digging. "Don't hide it from me; I've already figured out what's going on. I've known my sister for eighteen years, and I've never seen her act so strangely as she has today. She used to run through crowds of plague victims to deliver medicine and carry bodies without batting an eyelash. Even when Dad told her about her engagement, her expression didn't change at all. This calm sister of mine, yesterday, when she saw you, she actually shivered. After you left, she looked like she had lost her soul…" She let out a sigh, then giggled, revealing two delightful dimples. "This really feels like a story from a book: a noble lady secretly promises herself to a lowly commoner, but then she has to marry someone else due to her parents' orders or some other nonsense. Isn't it a twist of fate?"

"So this is what you're worried about…" Rohdart suddenly realized. Since they met, Asa had been silent, and even after being dragged to the tavern, he only drank in silence.

Asa wasn't deliberately trying to hide anything. In fact, he wished he could find someone to pour out all his inner pain, frustration, and sadness to share the burden with a friend. But the story between him and Elaine involved many secrets, such as the duke's plans, the leaves of the World Tree, and the necromancer guild, etc. The fewer people who knew about these matters, the better, especially since Rohdart's relationship with the duke was quite delicate at the moment.

Rohdart fell silent, glancing at Christine, who was beside him. She was also the duke's daughter. He sighed deeply, patting Asa on the shoulder. "Forget it; just try to look at things more openly. A real man should prioritize his career. While feelings are indeed beautiful, it's unnecessary to be stubborn about them. What's gained is a blessing; what's lost is fate… let go when it's time to let go."

Asa sighed deeply. Many things in this world can't just be put down because one wants to. The more beautiful something is, the harder it is to let go, and the more painful it becomes.

"What nonsense are you talking about? It's not like they have a broken relationship." Christine hit Rohdart again. She turned to Asa with a serious expression. "I chased you down for a specific reason. I want to ask you one question: do you really like my sister?"

Asa squinted at the ceiling, lifted his empty cup, took a sip, and realized he didn't even notice that nothing had gone into his mouth. In a foggy state, he said, "What difference does it make if I like her?"

"As long as you like her, that's enough. That's the most important reason for two people to be together. I can say with certainty that my sister likes you very much too." She spoke as if she had finally solved a crucial puzzle, her tone lightening. "As for the little difficulties we face right now, they are merely minor external factors that your relationship must endure. Don't worry; it's all within human control."

"'Within human control'?" Both Asa and Rohdart were taken aback. They genuinely couldn't understand how this could be 'controlled'; if this was merely a 'little' external factor, it would be hard to find something bigger than this in the world.

"Where are you living now?" Christine asked.

"On the outskirts of the west side, in that big house—the one the Magic Academy uses to store corpses," Asa obediently answered.

"Go pack your things and wait there. I'll have my sister come find you at midnight." Christine's voice was soft, but every word tugged at Asa's nerves. "You two run away together."

"Run away?" Asa and Rohdart were both startled awake from their drunken state by this word.

Rodhart looked at this audacious proposer and said cautiously yet seriously, "Christine, this isn't a joke. Do you know how important your sister's wedding is and what significant relationships are involved?" Of course, he didn't truly understand the hidden implications behind the marriage, but even just the political alliance between the duke and the Ernie family was substantial enough to overshadow any personal feelings.

"No matter how significant, it's someone else's business, not my sister's. She's my only sister, and I want her to be happy for the rest of her life. For a woman, happiness with the person she loves is the most important thing. Women don't need grand displays; they just want to be together gently and happily."

"But this is really…" Rodhart scratched his head, struggling to accept it.

Christine stared at him with the most fierce expression and tone she could muster. "I'm warning you seriously. If you dare let my dad know about this, you'll see how I'll deal with you…"

"Okay, okay, okay…" Rodhart hurriedly nodded. "I'll stay put…"

"Have you… talked to your sister yet?" Asa's throat felt dry, and his voice trembled. "Did she send you here…"

"No. She doesn't know yet. I came to find you on my own. I'll tell her the plan when I get back."

"She won't agree. You don't understand… since she chose to come back, she chose responsibility and her commitments to others…"

"She will agree. You don't know, maybe even she doesn't know. She's nowhere near as strong and rational as she thinks she is. I could see it in her expression earlier, which is why I came to find you." Christine smiled. "Just wait for the news."

Asa quickly returned to the big house.

"You bastard! You came back just in time; come help!" Sandru was busy dividing and loading body parts, as if the Magic Academy was going to conduct another experiment.

Asa numbly walked over to help Sandru with the corpses. He was feeling very chaotic and bothered inside, even more so than when he left the duke's mansion.

He had actually given up hope, resigned to his fate. He had prepared perfect excuses in his mind: wasn't this carefree situation exactly what he had always yearned for? During the time he was being hunted and tortured by guilt, wasn't this the state he had strived to achieve? He no longer needed to be pursued for that secret, nor did he need to feel guilty about her injury. He had also helped Sandru retrieve the book. Everything was resolved, he was free. He had returned to the starting point from when he had just run away from kalendor, and the life of free travel he dreamed of was about to unfold. This was his life; it was truly his own. Whatever plans the duke had to marry her off and establish Ouf City were all already predetermined. It didn't matter how he wanted to act; it wasn't his life. Now that he had withdrawn from the entanglements he had accidentally stepped into, returning to his starting point was actually a good outcome…

But now there was a flicker of hope, and the feelings that had originally gone silent suddenly boiled over, clashing violently with the rationality he had abandoned. The most painful part was that he could only wait here for the unknown outcome, sometimes feeling excited in the beautiful light of hope, while other times sinking into fear and disappointment. He had never felt like this before; it felt like he was going crazy.

"Pass me that hand saw." Sandru handed him a saw. Asa took the saw, his mind still in turmoil, and pressed the wrist down to saw it off.

Crack. Sandru slapped him across the face, making Asa see stars. The old man jumped back, covering his hand and shouting, "Damn it! Are you crazy?"

"Huh? Oh. Sorry." Asa then realized he was sawing Sandru's hand instead. Luckily, he had pulled back quickly.

"Thinking about women, are you?" Sandru frowned at him.

"Yeah." Asa nodded. He had no intention of hiding anything from this old man. As long as he asked, he could share anything. Of course, Sandru had no interest in hearing his story and was definitely not a good listener for his feelings and worries.

"Women, huh? Trouble. Annoyance." Sandru surprisingly seemed contemplative. His half-dead voice sounded like he was reflecting but came out like a dying lament. "The most annoying thing is that you know they're a bother, yet you can't help but be bothered by them." He patted Asa's back. "The best way to deal with worries is to stop thinking about them. Just do your own thing; what's meant to come will come naturally. If it doesn't come, that's better. Let the rest continue to bother you."

Asa looked up, thought for a moment, and sighed. "Yeah. What's meant to come will come."

The night grew late, and Duke Murak felt tired.

This was extremely rare for him. He had previously set astonishing records of working for three days and nights without sleep. Even now, in his middle age, his abundant physical strength and energy, coupled with his fighting spirit and ambition, showed no signs of waning.

However, he felt tired now because of the emotional ups and downs he experienced today.

Today, he had failed in his earnest persuasion, which left him feeling somewhat frustrated. This was entirely different from the "sincerity" he could display at any moment. He hadn't revealed his true feelings like this in decades, whether in public or private.

Another reason for his fatigue was his daughter's impending wedding.

This was part of his grand plan, and he felt a sense of accomplishment in successfully reaching this point. Yet, at the same time, it also marked the execution of his daughter's happiness. He could sense the pain his daughter felt upon seeing that young man. A father implementing this death sentence for his daughter surely wouldn't feel good.

No one knew the temperament of the groom better than he did. He would definitely not be a good husband. He wouldn't even consider this a marriage but merely a ceremonial performance. The duke was even certain that he wouldn't lift a finger to touch Elaine.

Sigh, no matter what. Things had come to this point, so there was no other way. The duke sighed, preparing to rest.

Suddenly, a servant rushed in to report, "My lord! Miss Christine has gotten into trouble. She's fighting against people at the casino and has injured someone; she's already sustained by the casino staff."

"That damn girl." The duke stood up angrily. The casinos in the royal capital had powerful backing, with many being royal relatives. While he believed nothing serious would happen, he still had to go check it out.

Not long after the duke left his estate, a figure leaped over the wall and quietly headed toward the west of the city.

Elaine was dressed inconspicuously, wearing a hat pulled low. Unless someone was looking specifically, no one would recognize her as the duke's daughter about to be married.

She walked quickly through the streets, her heart racing. She never expected that she would be swayed by her younger sister, whom she had always taught. She had thought she had made a firm decision with great determination, but it seemed to collapse without effort. She had mindlessly accepted her sister's plan and had escaped in a daze. No matter how resolute one's rationality is, it can never compete with emotions.

She was certain this was the most absurd and audacious decision she had ever made in her life.

But it was also the happiest decision. As she gradually walked out of the bustling central street, the surroundings grew darker. But with each step she took toward the dark west, the world seemed a little more lovable.

"Looks like we're headed the same way." A hoarse voice suddenly rang out from the darkness not far from her. "But I didn't expect to have a bride accompany me on this night walk."

Elaine was startled and jumped back. She hadn't noticed anyone there, let alone someone recognizing her.

"Don't be afraid. Maybe we're both looking for the same person." The figure illuminated by a soft glow revealed an old man dressed in a black robe. Despite his smile, his emaciated face appeared imposing.

"Bishop Ronis." Elaine was even more surprised to find that the esteemed bishop was disguised in a black robe, quietly walking the night streets like her. No one would believe such a tale if told to others.

Bishop Ronis smiled slightly, shook his head, and sighed. "Since we've met here, it seems best that we don't go on. I happen to have something to say to you. Come with me."

Daylight broke.

Asa struggled to stand up. He had slept the entire night sprawled on the stone platform at the entrance of the big house. He was surprised that he could actually sleep despite being startled awake multiple times by the footsteps of stray cats outside.

Finally, she hadn't come. Asa looked up at the sunlight rising from the horizon, feeling a bit dazzled, yawning and shedding tears.

Forget it, forget it, forget it. Did she still stick to her choice? I should just go about my own business. Asa decided that he would head to the Adventurers' Guild soon to buy some supplies and prepare to set off on his journey.

Four white steeds pulled a white carriage rushing toward him. Asa recognized it as Bishop Ronis's carriage, but he didn't know what brought it here so early in the morning.

"Bishop Ronis requests your presence." The priest driving the carriage said respectfully to Asa.