Chapter 426: The Family
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 426: The Family
Inside the warm tent, the campfire blazed brightly.
Ariel took small sips of the coffee brought by the maid, her expression dazed.
The exhaustion of a month spent braving the elements seemed to dissipate significantly amidst the warmth of the tent and the sweet aroma of the milk coffee, yet she still felt a hollow ache somewhere deep inside.
That feeling... it was like throwing a full-strength punch only for it to land on cotton.
Or perhaps like gathering every ounce of courage to confess to the person you love, only to suddenly realize they not only have a ring on their finger but children as well.
She was bursting with pent-up energy and had nowhere to release it!
No, no, how can I think like that?
Ariel shook her head vigorously, driving the messy thoughts from her mind.
Liya had escaped the forest safely—that was a good thing!
It was something to be celebrated!
Granted, hearing from Count Eller that Liya was sharing a carriage with that loathsome Muen on the way to the Holy City made her feel inexplicably sour. But "sharing a carriage" likely just meant they were traveling in the same convoy.
Hadn't it been like that before? There was no reason to overthink a simple convoy arrangement.
In her memory, Liya and that annoying Muen Campbell had almost no interaction; they had barely spoken a few words to each other. Even if Muen Campbell was a notorious playboy, what could he possibly achieve in a mere month? Especially in the Holy City, which was Liya’s home turf.
She was definitely overthinking it.
Ariel gave a self-deprecating laugh and quickly composed herself.
The failure of her plan to play the hero and save the beauty in front of Liya was indeed disappointing and melancholy.
But it wasn't a big deal. Given the deep bond she shared with Liya, she believed that turning their friendship into something more would be as easy as piercing a thin sheet of paper.
Losing one small opportunity wasn't enough to make her lose heart.
Childhood sweethearts, deep emotions, a natural progression—I’m at the finish line, and the odds are in my favor!
A wild smirk played on Ariel’s lips, and a confident glint returned to her eyes.
"Thank you for your assistance, Count Eller."
Ariel set down her coffee and spoke politely to Count Eller, who sat at the head of the long table.
"The Bugard family will remember this kindness."
Though Ariel had always detested the rigid formalities of the nobility, she was, after all, the first heir of the Bugard family. She had to observe the necessary etiquette.
"No, there is no need to thank me."
Count Eller did not accept her gratitude; he didn't even look up from the official documents before him.
"I was merely following Young Master Muen’s orders."
"Muen Campbell?"
Ariel blinked, wondering what that guy was up to now... then she quickly realized:
"Did the Academy ask him to help?"
"I am not clear on that point. I am simply a soldier who follows orders."
Count Eller shook his head, seemingly indifferent to the details.
"Then, was it also his order to send those commoners into the forest to search?" Ariel added casually.
But perhaps those words touched a nerve. Count Eller suddenly looked up, sweeping a cold, expressionless gaze over Ariel.
For a moment, the atmosphere turned icy.
"Did I... say something wrong?"
"No. A month ago, a Calamity appeared in the forest. Although it caused no disaster, Young Master Muen is not the type of arrogant man who disregards the lives of commoners."
Count Eller recalled the gentle youth he had met a month ago—a far cry from the rumors—and paused before continuing:
"He only ordered us to wait for you outside. The one who truly forced me to issue that command... was you."
"Eh?"
Ariel looked bewildered.
Me?
What the hell?
I was busy smashing iron golems in the ruins back then. Since when could I send messages out from inside a ruin?
"Apologies, that phrasing was inappropriate."
Count Eller looked at Ariel with a meaningful gaze.
"What I should have said was... the Bugard family behind you."
*
"Count."
After Ariel left, a maid suddenly entered the tent, presenting an exquisite treasure box.
"This was left by that gentleman. He said it is the promised reward for your help."
Count Eller gave it a cold glance and said, "Take it back. I don't need it."
"But that gentleman said..."
"..."
Eller sighed, rubbing his weary brow.
"Then go sell the contents. Distribute the money to the soldiers so they can buy some wine. They’ve worked hard these past few days."
"Yes, sir."
"Those maggots, truly..."
After the maid left, Count Eller looked down at the letter he had read many times by the bright candlelight. A rare, cold sneer appeared on his stern face.
"Usually, they don't even care about their own flesh and blood, but the moment they catch the scent of meat, they move faster than stray dogs."
*
"Miss Ariel, I have finally found you."
Just as Ariel stepped out of the tent, she bumped into a well-dressed old man.
The man looked quite elderly, but his hair was meticulously combed, so slick with oil it could have served as a mirror.
He seemed to have been waiting there for a long time. Upon seeing Ariel, his eyes instantly reddened with emotion.
"Who are you?"
Ariel loathingly dodged the hand he tried to reach out with. After seeing the old man's face clearly, her brow furrowed.
"You're... the fellow who's always hanging around my 'dear older brother,' aren't you? What are you doing here?"
"I am here because I was worried about you, Miss Ariel, of course."
Ignoring Ariel’s visible disgust, the old man pulled out a handkerchief to dab at the corners of his eyes.
"After learning of your disappearance, your older brother was so distraught he could neither eat nor sleep. He specifically sent me to supervise those lowly commoners to ensure they searched for you diligently. Seeing you safe and sound, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."
"Distraught? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. Doesn't he want me dead more than anyone?"
Ariel stared at the old man suspiciously.
"Did that guy get punched stupid by me back then? Does he need a doctor? I happen to know a few good ones who specialize in brain issues. For my sake, I’m sure they’d give him a twenty percent markup."
"..."
The old man’s cheek twitched, but he quickly resumed his sincere smile.
"Miss Ariel, how can you say such things? We are all family; there’s no need for such distance. There were indeed some misunderstandings in the past, but your brother is truly worried about you this time. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent me all this way."
"Cut the crap."
Ariel narrowed her eyes, her expression turning hostile toward this fawning old dog.
"Say what you have to say. My patience is limited."
"It’s nothing! Nothing at all. I truly just came to see you this time. You needn't be so guarded."
As the old man spoke, he rubbed his hands together and suddenly leaned in, asking respectfully:
"So, Miss Ariel... are you going to the Holy City next to find Miss Liya? If you don't mind, I can prepare a carriage for you..."
"Not interested. Get lost!"
"Right away! I’m going, I’m going. I’ll get lost right now."
But before scurrying off, the old man leaned closer to Ariel, his expression unreadable.
"The family thinks very highly of you, Miss Ariel. We hope you can always... maintain your deep friendship with Miss Liya!"
*