Emotionless Swordsmanship Genius

Episode 72: The Old Man and the Girl (1)

Splurt

As Andrew pulled the dagger from the wizard’s neck, blood sprayed out like a fountain, drenching his face.

It was his first time killing someone, an outcome he hadn’t anticipated.

Thud

With the wizard’s collapse, the dense fog covering the cemetery vanished as if it had been a lie, and the skeletons all returned to their graves.

As sunlight gradually illuminated the cemetery, the dark aura was completely dispelled.

“It’s really gone, huh?”

“Whew, we got lucky.”

Shong and Hinshan looked around the now-peaceful cemetery and let out sighs of relief.

Without a word, Karon handed Andrew a spare cloth.

Andrew took it silently and began wiping the blood from his face, starting around his eyes. His actions were so natural that, if it hadn’t been blood, it would have been hard to believe he had just killed someone.

“Just what is with this kid? Not a shred of fear.”

“Karon.”

As Shong looked at Karon with a questioning gaze, Hinshan suddenly interjected.

Following his gaze, they saw three figures in black robes on horseback at the cemetery’s exit. They seemed startled, moving nervously before quickly disappearing into the forest.

Hinshan asked Karon urgently, “Should we chase them?”

“We don’t have horses.”

“Oh…”

Hinshan scratched his head awkwardly, remembering that their horses had been killed by the skeletons.

“No need to chase them. Someone else will track them.”

Karon spoke indifferently, gazing at the distant mountain beyond the cemetery.

“Huh? Who do you mean?”

“Just gather our belongings. If we’re lucky, we’ll catch a ride on a carriage.”

Hinshan hurriedly began gathering their things.

Meanwhile, Karon silently searched the dead wizard’s belongings.

—

At the top of a mountain overlooking the cemetery, about ten figures wearing devilish masks stood watching.

They silently observed the scene below, their gazes focused on one spot as the thick fog over the cemetery disappeared.

“As expected, they broke the barrier.”

“What should we do?”

At the leader’s words, a slender woman asked, her gaze fixed on the three wizards at the cemetery’s exit, who had just ridden off.

“Follow them covertly. Make sure you’re not exposed. We must uncover who’s behind this.”

“Understood.”

With a brief nod, the woman led her team and disappeared in an instant.

The leader, left alone, turned his attention to Karon’s group in the distance, lost in thought.

—

Just as Karon predicted, they eventually reached the main road leading from the cemetery to Wattsbell, where they encountered a carriage bound for the port city.

In the carriage were an elderly man with white hair and his young granddaughter with short brown hair.

They kindly allowed Karon’s group to ride along.

Though they squeezed into a cart piled high with luggage, it was far better than walking with their backpacks.

Shong sprawled comfortably at the highest spot, while Karon took the most secluded corner.

“Thank you for letting us ride along, sir. We’ll repay you when we arrive,” Hinshan said politely.

The old man shook his head. “Hohoho, no need. We’re on our way anyhow. Besides, having company will keep my granddaughter from being too bored.”

“Thank you for being so understanding. Haha!”

The elderly man and his granddaughter were farmers from a nearby area who traveled to the port city to sell their crops whenever they had a good harvest. It wasn’t easy, as the trip required an overnight stay halfway.

While Hinshan chatted with the old man up front,

A girl around Andrew’s age cautiously sat before him, extending her hand.

“My name’s Lara! What’s yours?”

Andrew, caught off guard, turned away, avoiding her gaze.

Lara giggled and said, “Aww, you’re shy! Nice to meet you anyway!”

Lara was thrilled to meet someone her age. Living in such an isolated place with her grandfather, it was rare for her to even see other people, let alone anyone her own age. Going to Wattsbell once every few months was her only chance to see others.

Her bright personality allowed her to bridge the gap with Andrew’s reserved demeanor.

After a peaceful day’s travel, they set up camp for their final night.

Hinshan and the old man prepared dinner, while Shong and Karon scouted the area to guard against any potential threats.

Meanwhile, Lara and Andrew fetched water from a nearby stream, playfully splashing each other along the way.

Perhaps thanks to Lara’s friendly efforts, Andrew seemed to be opening up.

“Kyah!”

The old man, stirring soup, straightened up at the sound of his granddaughter’s laughter and looked toward the stream.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen Lara so happy.”

“Haha, I’m glad to hear that,” Hinshan replied with a somewhat awkward smile. He hadn’t expected Andrew to get along with the girl.

‘Despite how he looks, he is still just a kid.’

Just as Shong and Karon returned from their patrol, a simple meal was ready.

Lara and Andrew, called back by the old man, were just leaving the stream.

Flap!

At that moment, a fish about the size of Lara’s palm leapt up toward her.

Andrew noticed the sharp teeth of the small fish just in time.

Slash

A thin flash of light shot out, and before the fish could bite Lara’s arm, it was sliced cleanly in half, dropping back into the stream.

“Huh?”

Feeling a chill, Lara turned her head, only to see Andrew subtly withdrawing his hand back into his pocket.

“Hurry up! Aren’t you coming? I’m starving!”

She grabbed Andrew’s wrist and began to dash back to camp, pulling him along. Andrew, gaze distant, allowed himself to be dragged without resisting.

Around the campfire, the six of them enjoyed a proper meal for the first time in a while.

The old man had brought various vegetables and spices from home, so the meat and soup were perfectly seasoned.

Among the group, Andrew stood out the most.

He devoured the dishes at an incredible pace, already having eaten more than three servings.

Had Karon stayed to eat instead of leaving after a few bites, there might not have been enough food.

“Wow…”

Lara, watching in awe, couldn’t close her mouth as she stared at Andrew. She couldn’t imagine where all that food was going in such a small frame.

Seeing the food running out, she offered him her own portion, but Andrew shook his head, indicating he was done and pushed her hand away.

As night deepened, Karon found it hard to sleep. His senses were unusually alert tonight.

The sound of the crackling fire and chirping insects filled his ears, while the smell of smoke, grass, and earth tickled his nose.

He pulled out his familiar herb and began chewing on it.

He thought he’d grown desensitized after a year of training in the deep forest, but being back in the world proved otherwise.

His mind drifted back to events a year ago at the Grand Duke’s estate.

A man riding away with an unconscious girl in his arms.

Those piercing blue eyes.

The Blue Raven Clan.

‘How did I end up here?’

The question “why” crossed his mind.

But the answer wasn’t about vengeance for his parents or rescuing the girl.

Perhaps, those were just reasons to keep him going.

—

Wattsbell, the western port at the far northern edge of the Rob Empire.

Due to the Altun Mountains forming a natural barrier along the empire’s northern border, foreign merchants relied on ships to conduct trade with the empire.

Naturally, Wattsbell became the nearest port and a hub for foreigners, blending cultures and giving it one of the most unique atmospheres in the empire.

If Bela, the southeastern port city, was known as the city of crime, Wattsbell in the northeast could be called the city of festivals.

Of course, it wasn’t without its dark sides.

Slave traders were present everywhere, and unlike in Bela, the slaves here were mostly exotic-looking foreigners.

Clip-clop, clip-clop

The old man’s cart halted at the town entrance.

Karon and the others gathered their belongings and jumped off the cart.

The old man and his granddaughter also dismounted to bid them farewell.

“Thanks to you, we arrived safely. I’m grateful, sir.”

“It was a comfortable journey, thank you, Grandpa.”

“Haha! I didn’t do much. We enjoyed your company, too.”

Hinshan and Shong expressed their gratitude to the old man, and Karon nodded lightly, conveying his thanks as well—a notable change compared to the past.

“Lara, let’s go.”

The old man climbed back into the driver’s seat and held out his hand to Lara.

Lara, who had been clinging to Andrew, teary-eyed, spoke to him.

“If you ever come back, promise to visit our house! Okay?”

As she held Andrew’s hand and made him promise, he shyly looked away but nodded.

Seizing the moment, Lara kissed Andrew’s cheek before hurrying back to her grandfather.

“Goodbye, Andrew! Let’s meet again someday!”

From the departing cart, Lara’s voice echoed clearly.

“Well, well, impressive! Making promises with a girl about the future already, huh, Karon?”

Shong teased Andrew, but Karon simply slung his pack over his shoulder and headed into the city.

Hinshan also chided Shong. “Just admit you’re jealous, Shong.”

“Me? Never!”

“Idiot.”

Muttering under his breath, Andrew quickly disappeared alongside Karon.

“What did you say, you brat?” Shong, feeling a surge of irritation, waved his fist and hurried after him.

Once again, the group was in high spirits.

After entering the city and taking a quick look around, their first task was to secure some money.

They hadn’t needed to use the pendant given by the Grand Duke yet.

However, since they’d be leaving the empire soon, they wanted to exchange it for extra funds while they could.

The Imperial Bank stood at the city center, an imposing stone building reaching skyward.

Numerous people walked up and down its worn stairs.

Naturally, a knightly order guarded the bank, and many soldiers were stationed there.

The bank was fortified like a stronghold, a necessary measure given the empire’s wealth stored within.

After depositing their belongings and weapons, Karon’s group entered through the main entrance and began climbing the stairs.

But suddenly, Karon turned his head toward the emergency stairs at the back.

“Karon, what is it?”

Shong asked, but Karon remained silent, waiting for something.

Just then…

“Argh! This is so unfair!”

“Has this crazy old man gone senile? What’s so unfair? Get lost! Do you want to be thrown in jail?”

“Waaah! Don’t hit my grandpa!”

A familiar voice.

It was undoubtedly the voices of the old man and granddaughter who had given them a ride from the cemetery to here.

TL NOTE: Rate us on NOVEL UPDATES