Chapter 764

Chapter 27 Lilith (Part 1)

The scalding tea poured into the cup, emitting wisps of misty white fragrance.

Outside the window, the night was deep. Two crescent moons peeked out from behind the clouds, their light faint, casting dancing halos that blended with the candlelight on the street. The light shone into the dim small room on the second floor of the tavern.

“Rest assured.”

I handed the warm cup to the woman huddled in the corner. I had taken off my cloak and hung it up after entering the room. I still wore a mask, my black hair loosely tied at the back. With a lowered voice, I told her, “I followed those people along with four others. In total, there were nine of us. When I arrived, they were already in conflict. Two died, three were chased away, and two escaped earlier, but I killed one of them before they could get far. All bodies were burned to ashes. What you saw won’t cause any problems; no one knows you were there tonight.”

The woman crouched in the corner by the bed, her high-quality dress still stained with mud. Her face and hair were dirty. After taking the cup, she neither drank nor spoke, holding it close to warm herself. Her beautiful eyes avoided mine, staring blankly at the foot of the bed, as if still in shock from the previous events.

On the single bed in the middle of the room lay the injured and unconscious young knight Barry.

After much deliberation, I decided to bring him back to the city first – this decision came after communicating with the woman named Lilith.

Coincidentally, that night, she didn’t know that someone had found their hiding place. She believed the manor was still safe. Taking advantage of her mother’s early return to rest due to the day’s busy schedule, she planned to secretly deliver some food to them.

When I landed in front of her with Barry in my arms, the girl was stunned for a long time, thinking I was a bounty hunter who had killed Barry. Impulsively, she pulled out a dagger hidden in her chest and rushed towards me.

Fortunately, I remembered her.

Later, when she calmed down and understood what had happened, she hesitantly discussed with me. Though it was supposed to be a discussion, she mostly answered my questions. After understanding my strength, she agreed to take Barry back to the city for care.

Though we both knew the risk of hiding a Third Knight Order member in the city was great, there was an old saying: the most dangerous place is the safest place.

Given Barry’s condition, neither I nor Lilith would have been able to provide proper care outside the city. The woman said it had become increasingly difficult to leave the city recently, and Barry might not wake up anytime soon. Food, water, especially medicinal herbs, were more easily accessible in the city. This way, we could respond promptly to any emergencies.

Barry couldn’t be left alone for now.

But Lilith couldn’t simply bring him back to the castle – the woman lived in the central castle. Thanks to her care, Barry managed to survive with the other two, avoiding starvation. However, all of this was done secretly, especially from her mother.

She mentioned that her mother had been in frequent contact with church officials, aiming to gain control over the suburban farm estate. The castle had become increasingly close to the bishop and monks. Hiding Barry there was out of the question; otherwise, she would have done so already.

So, I carried Barry and Lilith, flying back to Aretheon City, returning to the inn called “Lady Acorn.” To avoid drawing attention, we didn’t enter through the main door but climbed through the window and laid Barry on the bed.

Lilith then curled up in the corner and stayed there.

Perhaps due to the fear of what had happened, or perhaps because of the thrilling sensation of flying, her gaze was blank, her face looking somewhat dazed. Holding the steaming cup, she said nothing, lost in thought.

“Hey.”

I watched her for a while and asked, “It’s very late. You’ll have to go back soon.”

“Uh-huh.”

Only after a long while did she realize I had asked something, nodding slightly.

“The sword wound on Barry’s hand isn’t serious, but if improperly treated, it could lead to infection. So, we need herbs like ginseng. This shouldn’t be too difficult for you, right?”

“Yes, yes.”

“Good. Bring them tomorrow morning. I’ll wait for you.”

“Yes, sir.”

The woman seemed nervous, her eyes never daring to meet mine. She called me “sir.”

Hmph, she must have guessed my identity.

Though I didn’t intend to hide anything from her, I wouldn’t casually remove a blood-stained cloak and reveal my distinctive hair color. She certainly knew I was a member of the Winter Moon of the Valen Empire, but guessing exactly who I was and why I was here wasn’t easy – it certainly wouldn’t be immediately linked to the deceased Pope Knight, Miss Silvija.

Whatever.

The woman saved Barry. She had indeed done many things this year, so I chose to show her some trust for now, to see how she would react – if she truly recognized me.

If everything went smoothly, I could entrust Barry to her with peace of mind.

If not, well, killing her would be no problem.

She was just a mere ant.

I continued to stare at her until she began to panic, curling up tighter, her pale hands unsure where to put themselves, pressing them under her thighs, her head buried lower. Only then did I look away and sit down beside the bed, glancing at Barry’s sleeping face, and asked indifferently, “What’s your relationship with Barry?”

“Eh…”

This sudden question made her even more flustered. She looked up abruptly, waving her hands, “We’re… nothing more than friends, really good friends. He saved my life, so I’ll save his.”

Hmph,

Is this how good friends act?

“To what extent have you progressed?” I suddenly interrupted her.

She froze, perhaps subconsciously unwilling to defy me, she instinctively prepared to answer honestly, “Kiss,” but immediately realized, “No, no, we haven’t done anything, we’re just really good friends.”

I gave a meaningful “Oh,” and turned my gaze back to her, making her lower her head again.

She looks about twenty?

She seems a bit older than Barry, but that’s not a problem. As a noble, her skin was well cared for, her face attractive, though not stunning at first glance, still pleasant to look at, with a delicate, pitiful beauty, yet her character seems resilient.

“You’re the daughter of the former mayor of Aretheon City, aren’t you?” I asked again.

“Yes, yes,” she stammered, pausing, “My father and brother both died in last year’s war against the heretics.”

“Is that so?” I nodded.

I vaguely remembered this incident.

But given her appearance and status, after her father’s death, she should have received more enthusiastic suitors. Barry, lucky guy.

I pursed my lips.

“Alright. If you’re not in a hurry to leave, sit down. It’s strange for you to squat there. I still have some questions for you.”