"Are you preoccupied, Young Master Klad?" An echo resounded in the empty training ground. The approaching figure was a white-haired old man, yet his posture was as straight as a seasoned warrior, making him appear like a towering greatsword!
"Grandpa Lao Jierui, no, I just…", Young Master Klad hesitated, feeling that anything he said now would sound like an excuse, especially after what had happened.
Lao Jierui cleared his throat, undoubtedly aware of the reason for Krade's discomposure. After a moment to gather his thoughts, he spoke in a low voice, "That was too disgraceful, Krade."
"Yes, I was indeed too disgraceful." Krade could not refute. He stood up, his normally proud head bowed low, like a student who had made a mistake.
Lao Jierui shook his head and sighed, "A glorious knight will always make mistakes, and sometimes it's unavoidable. Even His Majesty the Holy King of Light Bathing, one of our great Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, has had experiences of going astray due to matters of the heart. So, there's no need to feel guilty about making a mistake. However, if you know you've made a mistake but then sink into deep self-reproach and can't pull yourself out, that is making a mistake on top of a mistake. That is when a knight loses his honor. Young Master Klad, knowing your mistakes and being able to correct them is true wisdom."
Krade listened to Lao Jierui's words, a thoughtful expression in his eyes. His previously bowed head also lifted.
Seeing that the young man's comprehension was not bad, Lao Jierui showed a benevolent smile. Then, he put a hand on Krade's shoulder and whispered, "Besides, if you really feel you've wronged that Young Miss, just marry her. Why all this talk of who's right and who's wrong?"
"Mar—marry, marry, marry her?!" Krade's mind conjured her breathtaking beauty, and his heart was instantly in turmoil.
"No, I can't do that. I, I have a fiancée, and that Young Miss hasn't even woken up yet. It's very disrespectful of us to discuss her like this."
Seeing his attempt to persuade fail, Lao Jierui put away his somewhat mischievous benevolent smile and cleared his throat again, saying, "Alright, let's put this matter aside for now. I've already reported to the Duke, and the plan is to first investigate the Young Miss's background before making any other decisions."
Krade nodded in agreement, but still felt some worry. "What if that Young Miss is a princess or royal daughter from an enemy nation?"
This assumption was not unfounded. Lao Jierui had subtly brought up this issue when he was in the forest earlier, but Lia and Krade had been too flustered at the time to understand his meaning. Now that Krade's mind was calm, he naturally thought of this problem.
"This matter…" Lao Jierui was about to speak when a sudden rush of footsteps came from outside the training ground, followed by Lia's anxious cry, "Lord Lao Jierui, something's wrong! Little Sister Yue Hai says her head hurts terribly, it might be due to a previous head injury!"
Meeting Lia, the two exchanged glances, and Lao Jierui spoke first, "Let's talk as we walk."
"Yes."
The Dukes Mansion was a colossal estate spanning tens of kilometers, with picturesque scenery inside. Rockeries, bamboo groves, pavilions, and towers were everywhere. There was even a privately developed trading street within, for subordinates, servants, and collateral Family members to conduct business, bustling like a small town.
At this moment, within the core courtyard of the Dukes Mansion, three figures walked quickly.
"So, this beautiful Young Miss is named Moon Sea, but she can't recall her own identity?" Lao Jierui summarized Lia's narration, a faint glint flashing in his eyes.
Next to Lao Jierui, Krade quickened his pace, saying anxiously, "Grandpa Lao Jierui, now is not the time to consider these things. While we're talking, Young Miss Moon Sea might still be suffering from a terrible headache."
Seeing Krade's somewhat flustered appearance, Lia, who was following closely behind, turned pale. Her downcast face went unnoticed by anyone except the guards stationed along the corridor.
Turning the last corner, the three arrived at Moon Sea's residence, which was in the VIP area, originally for important guests visiting the Duke.
Upon reaching the doorway, Lia entered first, speaking softly, "Little Sister Yue Hai, I've brought Grandpa Lao Jierui. How… how are you?"
Lia's words ended in a big question mark, as she truly couldn't see anything wrong with the spirited girl lying on the bed.
"Ah…" Moon Sea stared blankly at Lia, who had burst through the door, and the two who followed closely behind, a sense of foreboding filling her heart.
No matter, she decided to just let things happen.
Moon Sea steeled herself, slowly put down the black stone she had been looking at for a long time, and stood up as if nothing had happened, bowing very formally. "The two adults behind Young Miss Lia must be my saviors. I am truly grateful."
Immediately, a wonderful, delicate fragrance wafted towards the three. And so, Mr. Krade's heart was once again in turmoil.
Lia was naturally startled as well, and asked with some hesitation, "Your headache…"
"Thank you for your concern, Young Miss Lia. After resting for a while, it seems the pain has subsided. Um, if possible, could you tell me the names of these two adults?" Moon Sea spoke elegantly, looking towards Krade and Lao Jierui, a gentle smile playing on her lips, making Krade's already restless heart feel as if dozens more monkeys were causing a ruckus.
"Oh, that's right." Lia finally reacted, quickly stepping aside and respectfully saying, "This is Young Master Krade Cyril, the grandson of Duke Cyril. He is also the foremost among the younger generation in several neighboring countries. Not long ago, he single-handedly slew the Mountain Axe King, a 'Breaker' class bounty target, and is hailed as a Genius rarely seen in Cyril for a hundred years."