Chapter 422

Chapter 45 The Waning Elder

A few steps brought me to the carriage, where I exchanged light bows with the driver and two attendants standing beside him. Upon recognizing them as faculty members of the academy, I bowed respectfully. The driver removed his hat in response, and the other two teachers also bowed. They then gestured for me to enter the carriage.

Behind me, there were footsteps of someone departing.

I turned around and saw Professor Melville heading back toward the training grounds.

Unconsciously, some of his words flashed through my mind. I stared at his back for a couple of seconds before turning around, stepping into the carriage, and sitting down on the soft leather seat. Looking up, I saw the white-haired old lady across from me.

Principal Bertha.

She…

looked much thinner.

The elderly woman was reclining against the seat, one hand leaning on the leather armrest while the other hung naturally by her side. Her chest rose and fell weakly, and her hand and wrist protruded from the sleeve, looking like skin stretched over bones.

She didn’t seem to notice me; her head was still turned toward the outside of the carriage, staring at the bustling training ground. Her eye sockets were sunken, her gaze dull and hazy. The wrinkles on her cheeks had deepened since the last time we met, and her cheekbones were more pronounced due to excessive weight loss. Her hair was sparse and messy.

My keen sense of smell picked up an odor coming from her—elderly odor—the scent that comes when the body’s organs and metabolism begin to deteriorate, causing illness or even failure. Even if she wore the most luxurious clothes, it would be impossible to mask this decay.

The last time I saw her, she didn’t have this smell.

Grandma looked somewhat weak.

But incredibly, despite her current appearance, the first impression she gave me was still an indescribable “elegance,” not “disgusting” or “ugly,” just like the first time we met.

“…Grandma.”

I sat upright in front of her and gently called out to her.

Grandma didn’t respond.

I thought she hadn’t heard me, so I raised my voice: “Grandma Principal.”

Then I saw her shaky hand lift and wave at me.

“I came to look… just to look… I want to see the children’s lessons… they’re doing well, really well…”

Her voice was hoarse and a bit sticky, as if she had phlegm stuck in her throat.

?

I was puzzled, unable to understand what she wanted to express, but remembering what Professor Melville said, I didn’t ask further. Instead, I reminded her, “Grandma, it’s me. It’s Pailuo.”

“I know, I know… Pailolo. You came to see those children, don’t they all seem particularly full of energy?” Despite her unclear speech, her tone was proud. “They are all my students. In the future, some will become leaders, cough… some will take on responsibilities and become family leaders… and there are even greater people who will shoulder the mission of humanity, being knighted as a Papal Knight…”

Uh…

I opened my mouth, feeling a bit lost, unsure what she wanted me to do, but I didn’t interrupt. I listened quietly.

The elder’s gaze remained fixed on the training ground.

There were countless colorful lights shining, and the trainees were releasing the power of order in groups of three or five, aiming at the iron targets. Professor Melville walked over and shouted something to the crowd.

Grandma watched for a while, then a smile appeared on her lips.

She spoke slowly and warmly, “In my life, with Ryan, we’ve trained almost ten Papal Knights together. They are all remarkable now… overcoming obstacles, facing evil, cough… still showing respect in front of me. Did you see that little girl? The one using ice… She’s only sixteen and already a Papal Knight… a hero who saved the capital.”

As she spoke, Grandma looked enlightened.

“Oh, I just said I wanted to talk to her… That child is especially likable. At our first meeting, she called me ‘Grandma’ right away… I wanted to find her because I had something to give her.”

Mmm…

What does she want to give me? Grandma, I’m right here… Where are you looking…

I decided to remind her.

Thinking this, I leaned forward, grabbed her bony hand, and lightly patted it.

“Grandma, how are you? How’s your health…”

Grandma Bertha felt her hand being held and finally turned her gaze back.

The elder looked at me with her cloudy eyes, then raised her eyebrows, gradually showing a puzzled expression, mixed with some wariness. She slowly withdrew her hand from mine: “Are you…”

She didn’t recognize me.

Grandma, her eyes seem to have gotten worse…

Unable to hold back, I moved my head close to the elder, pointed at my nose, and said somewhat pitifully, “Grandma, it’s me, it’s me! Pailo… Silvija.”

After thinking for a moment, I added, “The one who uses ice.”

This time, you won’t get it wrong…

Sure enough, Grandma squinted her eyes after hearing this.

She stared at my face, looking left and right, and slowly relaxed her frown, revealing a smile.

“Oh, it’s Silvia… I just said I wanted to find you. When did you come?”

“Uh…”

I felt speechless, sighed softly, and sat back down, rubbing my nose. Then I said somewhat gloomily, “Grandma, I’ve been listening to you for a while.”

I couldn’t help but laugh again.

Why can’t Grandma call my name right…

She just said I was likable.

“Grandma, I’m sorry. I didn’t visit you earlier.”

“Visit me?”

The elder seemed stunned for a moment, then became somewhat displeased, “You went to slay that monster demon and must be exhausted. Why bother visiting an old woman like me? Don’t visit, don’t visit.”

She waved her hand repeatedly at me, as if saying I should visit her was such a troublesome thing. I thought about her eccentric personality and how she might not appreciate visitors, so I changed the subject, “Well, are you feeling better?”

“Me? I’m fine. These days, my appetite is good, and I sleep soundly… I haven’t even had a dream, hehe.”

The elder smiled again.

Although her smile wasn’t exactly kind, it was very spirited.

However, I noticed that her condition wasn’t good. Not only was her complexion weak, but during our conversation, only her left arm was moving. Her right arm, and even the entire right side of her body, seemed limp and unmoving.

She might…

not be able to stand anymore…

But Grandma didn’t seem to care about these things, “Silvia, I just watched you. Your ice… oh, I adjusted the pace of the order class recently, suddenly wanting to do it, hehe… Before, I always worried about most people, afraid they wouldn’t understand if I went too fast… Later, I thought, would this delay those truly talented little ones. Look, you’re so young, and you’re already better than us. And Williams’ boy… there should be more little ones like you… I wanted to try to see if I could push out more people like you.”

Grandma chattered on, speaking whatever came to mind, her words no longer as clear as before.

“We need to change the previous gentle approach and make them feel a sense of urgency… Whether it works or not, I’m not sure, but these are the only things I can do. Next, there will be reforms in education. Your sword saint grandfather’s basic sword skills and some experiences, I set them as advanced physical training courses. As for some top techniques… Oh, yes, I’ll give this to you.”

With difficulty, Grandma Bertha shifted her body sideways and took out a wrinkled, handwritten old notebook from her pocket, tremblingly handing it to me—just this simple action made the elder pant slightly.

“Look at me, huff… huff… almost forgot. This was written by your sword saint grandfather for his disciples, about the use of swords, steps, parrying, enemy combat techniques, and order… all insights he personally experienced, very practical content, though it might be a bit difficult for general trainees… you should be fine.”

This…

I took the warm small book with both hands, feeling surprised.

“Silvia, although you don’t use a sword, I heard from Vicki that you don’t use one, but many principles of weapons are the same… hold it tightly, go home and read it carefully. If you don’t understand anything, ask Vicki… if you have the chance, you can also seek advice from Ryan… I can’t take on disciples for him, but giving this to you will make him understand…”

These are the battle techniques of the Sword Saint!

“Grandma…”

I originally thought she just wanted to say something, never expecting her to give me this thing, too unexpected…

I needed this perfectly!

After tucking the book into my robe, I bowed deeply to Grandma.

“Thank you.”

I understood the true significance of this unremarkable notebook.

It contained the world’s most advanced techniques, allowing Carlos, who lacks talent, to become a warrior surpassing many top affinity users, slaying dozens of abyss creatures, and becoming one of the brightest young Papal Knights of this era. It is the legacy left by the strongest Papal Knight and what I currently lack the most.

I bowed to Grandma again.

“I will definitely study hard and live up to your expectations.”

Grandma smiled at me.

She slowly lifted her left hand, holding my hand.

“Hehe, there’s nothing to thank for, little Shelby… actually, I have a selfish reason for giving this to you.”

Though her hand trembled badly, it was incredibly warm.

…Selfish reasons?

I looked at her, somewhat confused.

“Well… Cough, cough… But you know, grandma followed grandpa for his whole life, and she heard him say ‘to secure the livelihood of the people’ over and over again. Hearing those words so many times, her heart gradually began to think along the same lines.”

“When grandma was young, she had walked through mountains and rivers, seen all sorts of human conditions, and realized that most people in this world are pitiful and humble… They strive for a stable life and a little dignity. Their lives are simple: working, eating, dressing, getting married, having children, raising kids, and when they grow old, someone will be by their side… That’s considered a fulfilling and happy life, isn’t it? Such a small wish, isn’t it? So small that it can be destroyed in one night if not careful.”

The old woman held my hand tightly.

“Xi Xi… Do you understand that there are many ‘powers’ in this world that cannot be stopped once they come, not even the thought to resist them. In their eyes, famine, plague, banditry are disasters as terrible as the abyss. Sometimes, going on a journey might result in death outside. Your sword saint grandpa is someone who can’t bear to see these things… Grandma feels the same way. When we were young, seeing them made us feel sorry for them. As we aged, we started thinking… Could we do something for them… Oh, come here. Sit next to grandma, grandma wants to talk more with you.”

She gently pulled on my hand, but the force was weak.

I still stood up and sat beside the old woman.

Only then did she feel satisfied: “Grandma has been following your grandpa for most of her life. As she grows old, she’s slowly falling behind him… Grandma doesn’t have his abilities, and her body isn’t as strong. So, she returned to the royal city and promised the former king, becoming the principal here. Her heart desired to help the younger generation since she couldn’t help your grandpa… To cultivate them into better people, continuing his spirit from here… Cough, cough!”

Grandma suddenly had a severe cough, her pale face turning red. I hurriedly patted her arm, intending to pat her back, but found her entire body pressed against the chair, unable to reach. Panicked, I looked around and saw a water bag beside the chair. I quickly grabbed it, unscrewed the cap, and fed her some water.

After drinking the water, grandma’s complexion improved.

“Grandma, why don’t you go rest…”

“Cough, cough, rest? I’m very healthy. Xi Xi, let me talk with you… Do you know, I feel blessed to meet you and am proud of you. In you, grandma sees the shadow of young Leon…”

While talking, grandma looked at me… yet not quite looking at me.

Her eyes were clouded over, unfocused, seemingly looking at me, but she could barely make out my face.

Yet, deep within those eyes, I saw a distinct glow.

“Today, grandma entrusts you with her notes and tells you this because grandma believes that someone like you should do truly great things… This is grandma’s selfish wish… Xi Xi, they all think I’m senile, but I’m actually very clear-headed. Some things you may not remember, but grandma remembers very clearly…”

“Do you know, grandma met you when you were very young. At that time, grandma was still active, accompanying your sword saint grandpa and others… Oh, your Apufel grandma was there too. We met your father in Winter City and stayed there for nearly a year. Your father even arranged a house for us… It should still be there.”

“Your sword saint grandpa particularly admired Scarlajji’s character and enjoyed drinking Snow Wine from Santel Castle. Whenever he had free time, he would visit often. Over time, they became close friends, ha ha… Cough… I remember he said he wanted at least one child from Scarlajji to be his disciple. Your father was delighted, but sadly, neither of his sons had the heart for swords. You were young then, and a girl. Your father didn’t want you to suffer, so nothing came of it… Now it seems like he fulfilled his promise.”

Hmm…

Recalling grandma’s words, I remembered only that the sword saint grandpa had visited the castle a few times, and each time I seemed too scared to speak to him.

However…

“Apufel grandma?”

I had no recollection of who this person was.

Then, Bertha grandma answered my confusion: “A few days ago, she went to the East Continent with Carlos.”

Oh…

It’s the fat grandma.

“Your Apufel grandma is also an impressive woman. Decades ago, when you hadn’t been born yet and we were all young, she was the most prominent female knight-priest… just like you. Young, powerful, beautiful, adored and pursued by many… Later, she fell in love with an unremarkable poor boy, heh. He treated her well, but he was somewhat dull and didn’t get along with any of us…”

Fat grandma is a knight-priest!

I felt a sudden shock.

But amidst the shock, there was also a sense of “as expected.”

I guessed she must be very capable…

But…

Beautiful?

I couldn’t help but imagine what fat grandma looked like when she was young: clad in heavy steel armor, wielding a giant mountain-splitting sword. She stood atop a mountain, her cloak flapping in the wind, yet it couldn’t conceal her bulky figure… Ugh…

That’s all I could conjure.

Sorry…

I quietly apologized in my heart.

And Bertha grandma, who was sitting beside me, seemed lost in memories.

“Afterwards, they had a daughter named Olivia. The name was given by your sword saint grandpa, inheriting Apufel’s Water Order, and her personality was similar to hers. She was strong-willed from a young age, and your grandpa said she would surely accomplish great things… Indeed, she became a knight-priest. Unfortunately… three years ago, during the Valen disaster, she went to Winter City and died there…”

Ah…

When grandma mentioned this, her tone was calm.

But my heart sank.

I vaguely recalled from textbooks that among the five knight-priests, there was someone called Mercury Olivia…

Was she fat grandma’s daughter?

If so…

“She didn’t die, but… it’s almost the same. Lying in bed all day, unable to move except for her head, surviving on liquid food and medication, often soiling herself… For a strong-willed Olivia, that’s worse than death. But she couldn’t even bite her tongue, and several times begged Apufel to kill her. I caught her once, and it was truly heartbreaking…”

Listening, my heart was also heavy…

“Miracles… couldn’t cure her?”

“There’s no way, the timing was missed… After that, Apufel seemed to change. She was always drunk, no matter when you saw her. She said she only felt better when drunk. This time… heh, why am I telling you this.”

Grandma shook her head, unwilling to continue on this topic.

“You and I, sword saint grandpa, have never had children. For little Olivia, we treated her like our own daughter. That silly girl shared our temperament, loved traveling, and cared about the common people. In the end, she never fell in love with anyone, which is our greatest regret…”

The old woman sighed, her gaze distant.

“Now I’m old, Apufel is old, and your sword saint grandpa is old too. Our generation burned everything we could for the fire in our hearts… After the Cataleoma incident, sometimes I wonder if we’re truly powerless anymore… Xi Xi, how the future unfolds depends on your will…”

“Grandma…”

“I heard you and little Vicky are very close. That’s good, cough… Little Vicky grew up under my watch. She has pride and is exceptionally smart. Grandma originally thought there weren’t many people she would look up to… Now that you two are close, grandma is truly relieved…”

Mmm…

I puffed up my cheeks slightly.

Grandma, are you misunderstanding something?

“Vicky is a good girl, and you’re a good girl too. You’re both excellent children, but you’re still too young. You need to take care of each other… The road ahead is long, and if you walk together, grandma will feel at ease…”

Bertha grandma’s wrinkled face carried a hint of enthusiasm and anticipation.

“Promise grandma, you’ll be fine…”

…Even though she might misunderstand.

But…

“Grandma, we will, be fine.”

But this is something she doesn’t need to say…

…………

Bertha grandma told me many stories.

After she left, Professor Melville came over again.

“How was the conversation?”

“Mm-hm.”

“What did Principal Bertha tell you?”

I tilted my head in thought.

“Just… some things about her and the sword saint grandpa.”

Professor Melville nodded, no longer asking further.

We stood outside the training ground’s iron fence, watching the white unicorn carriage in the distance, its shadow bathed in intense sunlight, still wide and long even as it moved farther away.

After a moment, Professor Melville said to me: “A few days ago, Principal Bertha called me in too. She held my hand and talked about many ideas and plans for the Royal Academy… Finally, she told me she would leave the academy to me.”

“Is that so…”

“This is her starting to arrange for her passing, I hope you understand this.”

…I understand.

The translation continues with the provided context and maintains the narrative style of the original text.