Chapter 401 - Present
Chapter 401 Present
After Woodrow was taken away, his soldiers were also detained. Soon, more people from the Gray Temple arrived, and they began to record the names and stories of the deceased miners’ family members, as well as to clean up the crime scene.
After a short while, people from the city lord’s castle also arrived. However, they didn’t participate in the investigation. They were solely there to present food and clothes to all of the residents in the area.
As the residents nibbled on bread and took sips of water, a hint of emotion returned to their numb faces, and the pain that had accumulated in their hearts for many years was finally soothed somewhat.
“Mag, I have to ask you about some details regarding the aforementioned duel. How did you manage to kill that 2nd-tier knight? Of course, his knighthood had been canceled last year.” Brandli looked at Mag with a curious expression. If everyone was telling the truth, and Mag really had used a tree branch to kill Warrick, then that would indicate that he was at least as powerful as a 3rd-tier knight.
“Amy was actually the one who killed him; I only made it appear that I was the one dueling him.” Amy was eating bread with Jessica, and he looked at the two of them with a smile. At times like this, he had no choice but to shift the spotlight away from himself and onto Amy.
“I see. Your daughter sure is a brave little heroine.” Brandli nodded with an enlightened expression. If Amy was the one behind all this, then everything made sense. After all, Mag really didn’t look like someone who was as powerful as a 3rd-tier knight.
“I thank you and your daughter on behalf of the Gray Temple. You assisted us in subduing a serial murderer last time, and now, you’ve exposed this dark underbelly, and brought it to our attention. You have contributed greatly to making Chaos City a better place.” Brandli looked at Mag with genuine gratitude on his face.
“You’re too kind.” Mag nodded as he looked at the residents who were stuffing bread down their gullets. His expression was a little grave as he asked, “I’m curious how many things like this happen in Chaos City on a daily basis. This is a city that prides itself on equality and freedom, as well as its law and order. But, if those laws are used as tools by the wrong people, then wouldn’t these tall city walls transform this city into the harshest prison?”
“Laws give everyone more freedom-that’s what the Gray Temple and city lord’s castle have always tried to do. However, it’s just as you say; this incident should serve as a warning to us. Someone is using the laws that we established against us, and this matter must be reported to Lord Rolan. I’m sure he’ll be able to devise a good solution.” Brandli nodded with a solemn expression.
“Alright, I hope to see a better Chaos City someday. I’ll be taking my leave now.” Mag nodded, and pushed his bicycle toward Amy.
“Amy’s father, thank you so much for what you did today. Thank you for saving us.” Rebecca had just received a few loaves of bread from the employees of the city lord’s castle, and she rushed over with Jessica before falling to her knees.
“You’re very welcome. Jessica is Amy’s friend, so I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.” Mag immediately helped her up, and smiled as he asked, “Can I go in to have a seat?”
“Of course, please come in.” Rebecca hurriedly nodded, and entered through the door with Jessica’s little hand in hers.
Mag took a glance at the workers who were cleaning up the mutilated bodies before entering Jessica’s house with Amy. The house was rather dim, with only one room. There was a bed and a tiny little window, from which light was entering.
There was a little table that had been set up using logs beside the bed, upon which were placed some fabrics, needles, and thread. There was a dilapidated little bamboo chair off to the side and a small cooking bench in the corner. On top of the cooking bench was a pot of porridge, with a small bag of rice placed beside it.
Aside from that, there was nothing else in the room.
“Mr. Amy’s father, please have a seat.” Jessica pulled the bamboo chair over with difficulty as she looked up at Mag. Her eyes were bright and clear, and there was a hint of gratitude shimmering within them.
“Sure, thank you.” Mag nodded with a smile, and sat down on the only chair in the room. The chair had been repaired in many places using pieces of wooden boards, and it squeaked in protest as soon he sat down. He immediately wound his body tightly in fear of crushing the chair beneath his weight.
“Have some water. I’m really sorry, but there’s nothing else I can get you. And thank you so much for the dragon coin that you gave to Jessica last time; it saved my life, and I really don’t know how to thank you.” Rebecca passed some water to Mag in a chipped bowl as she looked at him with grateful eyes.
The bowl was chipped, but it had been thoroughly washed, and was very clean. The water was also very clear, and Mag took a gulped down a big mouthful of it. He turned to Rebecca with a smile, and said, “No need to thank me. Are you a little better now?”
Rebecca was only about 30 years of age, but she already had many wrinkles around the corners of her eyes, making her appear older than her actual age. Her face was also sickly pale, but her expression was far more animated than those of the people outside—their faces looked as if they had been carved from stone, and were perpetually expressionless. What was particularly notable was her eyes. Her black eyes were just as clear as Jessica’s, and they were very gentle and beautiful. It was clear that she had been a gorgeous woman in her younger days.
Even though Jessica was living in such a horrible place, she was still so adorable and energetic, and Mag felt like he had found the reason for that: she had a good mother.
“I felt a lot better after drinking your chicken soup, and I also bought some medicine, so I’m almost completely cured now.” Rebecca nodded with gratitude before extending a hand toward Mag. There was a gold coin sitting on the palm of her hand, and she urged, “After that scuffle, I only managed to find one gold coin, but I’ll definitely return your dragon coin. I’ve taken on some seamstress jobs, and while they don’t pay very well, I can save up a little every day, and should have enough to repay you in two months.”
“Keep the money. Just treat it as my gift to Jessica so she can buy some good food to eat.” Mag shook his head, and gently pushed Rebecca’s hand away. It appeared that she thought that he had come to collect his debt from her.
“No, I must give this money to you.” Rebecca extended her hand forward again, and looked at Mag with a firm expression.
“That’s right, Mr. Amy’s father, my father told me that if I borrow something from someone, then I have to return it. Don’t worry about us; I can already help Mother with her jobs so we can earn more.” Jessica also nodded with an earnest expression.
“Alright, I’ll take the money, but not now. Give it to me in three months.” Mag nodded at the sight of Jessica and Rebecca’s resolute expressions. He then picked up the little bag that was sitting on his lap, and he passed it to Jessica as he said, “Besides, I’m not here for money today. I’m here to invite Jessica to our lunch party today. This is a present that Amy prepared for you; I hope you like it.”
