Ahem." Samuel cleared his throat. His piercing gaze locked onto his disciple, slicing through the air with an intensity that sent a shiver down Jethru’s spine.
A few seconds and Jethru recovered, his eyes asking innocently what he did wrong.
"What did you teach your disciple? Is it just fighting and weapons?" Samuel’s voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. He gazed intently at Jethru, his expression that of a stern teacher who had just discovered his student engaged in mischief.
Lara and Prince Alaric both turned their heads toward Samuel at the sa ti, curiosity piqued.
"Little girl..."
Lara’s brows drew together. Her master calling her ’girl’ was irritating enough; to be addressed as ’little girl’ by the legendary master of the Zen Warriors was another sting entirely. Her pride bristled, but she held her tongue.
"I understand your concern," Samuel began, his voice even but purposeful. "And I respect the heart behind your words. Wanting to shield your family, to protect your ho—it’s natural. Noble, even. But allow to offer another perspective."
He glanced toward Jethru. "If I want my grandchildren to live in peace—"
"They’re my grandchildren," Jethru cut in, huffing. "Your great-grandchildren."
Samuel looked at him before continuing, "Fine. If I want them to live in peace, it can’t just be within the walls of this house. If I truly want my great-grandchildren to be safe and lead a peaceful life, then I will strive to create a better world for them—not just in my own bubble but also beyond it."
Samuel’s words crashed over Lara like a relentless tsunami, sweeping away her thoughts and leaving her montarily breathless. She blinked rapidly, three tis, and her gaze settled on the aged man before her. Despite the deep lines etched into his weathered face, there was an uncanny vitality in his eyes that belied his years, making him seem almost ageless in that mont.
Samuel caught her gaze and softened. "I don’t say this to scold you," he said gently, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Only to remind you."
Lara lowered her head. Her voice was quiet, humble. "I’m sorry, Grandpa. I was being selfish. I didn’t want any of you to get hurt."
Samuel’s eyes twinkled, and he nodded. "You’re not alone in that, little girl. We all fear for the people we love. But if Prince Alaric is offering us a chance to set things right, to stand against those who prey on the weak, then I won’t refuse it."
"Of course, Grandpa Samuel. Sorry for my naive words earlier."
Many people were envious and hated Samuel because he not only owned one of the most prestigious martial arts schools in the capital but was also a renowned scholar, an unmatched intellectual.
Alaric leaned forward slightly, smiling with sincere admiration. "As expected of my teacher. The most brilliant scholar of his generation—even among warriors, a man of unmatched mind and heart."
That praise was not flattery—it was reverence. Lara turned to the prince, surprised by the respect that colored his tone. For soone of Alaric’s status, such open admiration was rare.
But Samuel, after all, was more than a martial master—indeed, he was a renowned scholar whose na still echoed in the capital’s highest circles.
However, Lara pondered. If Samuel was well-respected even by Prince Alaric, how could he have fallen so low? She rembered the first ti she t him, he was just skin and bones and very sick. In fact, if not for her help, he would have been at death’s door.
And his two great grand children, were reduced to being beggars. How could he have fallen so low?
Samuel smiled when Lara’s brown orbs bore into his. He knew she was looking at him but not seeing, as she seed to be in a daze. And he knew what was bothering her, too.
"Lara," The old man’s gentle voice sounded serious.
Lara blinked, and she straightened her back when she detected the seriousness in his voice.
"I know what you’re thinking," he said. "You wonder how soone like could fall so far below?"
She said nothing, but her eyes widened slightly.
"Sotis, we must go through tribulations to beco stronger and more resilient. tal is refined through fire to remove its impurities. But what cos after the purification process is a better version of that tal—pure and more beautiful." He cast a glance at Jethru.
"Why are you looking at , old man? Don’t think of using as a taphor." Jethru snapped.
Samuel laughed lightly.
"So defensive."
"I’d rather not go through that tribulation if I could spend ti with my wife and child." Jetrhu’s shoulders sagged, and his face turned gloomy.
"But you gained two very cute grandchildren, and look at you now. You have an amazing talent both in dicine and martial arts. You even surpassed ."
Jethru sighed. "If I had a choice, I would still choose to be with your daughter and my son," Jethru said, his voice full of lancholy.
Samuel could only sigh.
Lara did not say that Jethru was wrong or Samuel was right. The old man looked like a righteous person, so his worldview might be different from hers or her master’s.
"I believe that fate has a hand in everything that happened in my life. I was downtrodden, yes, but in the end, didn’t you find when I was at the end of my rope? You also lead to my disciple which are my great grandchildren’s grandfather. If not fate, then what is it?"
Lara remained silent. She pondered Samuel’s words, finding so interesting insights, and nodded in agreent.
"Your words are wise, Grandpa Samuel. I realized how minuscule my knowledge is compared to your wisdom."
Samuel smiled gently. "Of course. The older you get, the wiser you beco."
All the while, Prince Alaric remained silent. But he was watching—keenly. His gaze never left Lara. Every flicker of her expression, every shift in her posture, was studied with quiet fascination.
He had co to see a healer. But he was beginning to see sothing more.
Reviews
All reviews (0)