“We’re leaving tomorrow, definitely tomorrow.”
Every time she strolled through the courtyard and met the old fellows, freeloading Third Captain’s excellent tea every day, Xiadam always said they’d leave tomorrow.
And then…
They ended up lingering in the Border City for another month.
A whole month of eating and drinking for free!
This month was mainly spent by Xiadam on fiercely honing her Strength Augmentation technique, trying to lessen the Side Effect that came after using it.
At the very least, she had to practice until she wouldn’t be left aching all over and bedridden after using it.
She had to train until her spells wouldn’t leave her paralyzed for three days straight, leaving herself some Error Tolerance.
Otherwise, how could she venture out into the Jianghu?
“You’re still eating my rice, all you know is eat, eat, eat. I might as well have raised three pigs.”
Though the Old Lord’s words were harsh, Osiris wouldn’t really drive them away, and was honestly ready to let Xiadam stay for life.
But if you really want to keep me?
“That’s enough. We’re leaving tomorrow.”
Xiadam packed her things. This time, she really was leaving.
You scold me, you drive me out, yet I insist on staying.
But if you don’t scold me? Then my pride kicks in.
Farewell! I refuse to live off others without earning it!
Goodbye! This is what it means to be a man!
Speaking of packing, there wasn’t much luggage.
Because everything could be stuffed into Sheffield’s Void Pouch.
The next morning…
Xiadam held the White Branch Staff in her left hand and cradled the Fat Little Dragon in her right.
It looked like she’d finally recovered from the Side Effect of Strength Augmentation.
Of course! A whole month had passed! Even the dead would have revived by now!
Ahem. She and Sheffield walked under the shadow along the edge of the courtyard, heading for the back door of the Lord’s Mansion, planning to leave without saying goodbye.
But Osiris and his son Lavini were also in the pavilion in the courtyard, chatting with a squad of noble Knights from the Central Royal Capital.
They also noticed Xiadam and her companions sneaking away, so it wasn’t truly leaving without a word.
For men, farewells don’t need words—a single glance is enough.
Xiadam had long heard that some Kingdom’s Capital Knights would be coming soon, supposedly bringing some important message for Lord Lavini.
“That old man’s like a turtle, looks like he’ll live for years yet.”
Xiadam wasn’t interested. Just seeing those arrogant Kingdom’s Capital Knights gave her a headache and itchy hands, and she only wanted to slip away quickly.
Nothing good ever came of getting involved with Kingdom’s Capital Knights.
After all, these were a bunch of meddlesome, powerless Noble Knight lords who loved to point fingers.
Their character and style were completely different from countryside knights like herself.
“Hmm? I didn’t expect even a backwater village like this to have country Magicians?”
Speak of the devil. Suddenly, a petite black figure blocked Xiadam’s path out of nowhere.
Xiadam was forced to stop, feigning an expressionless face, silent.
The newcomer was a mysterious girl with a black hood half-covering her face, vivid red hair spilling out.
She looked to be about Xiadam’s age—maybe more developed in some places, or perhaps Xiadam was just small.
“Mi—Miss, why did you get out of the carriage?”
“Miss, please be careful, stand behind me.”
“Miss, please don’t approach such country folk.”
The three golden-armored Kingdom’s Capital Knights, who had been chatting with Osiris and Lord Lavini, dropped everything and rushed over, quickly surrounding and protecting the unknown Red-haired Young Lady.
“Hmph! I don’t need your protection. I’m talking with the country Magician, this is none of you commoners’ business. Move aside.” The Red-haired Young Lady’s tone was nothing but domineering and arrogant.
Truly, she was everything Xiadam had ever imagined a Noble Young Lady to be.
“Yes!” The Kingdom’s Capital Knights weren’t even angered by such an insult and obediently moved aside.
“Father, should we help out?” Lord Lavini whispered.
“Who do you think you are? Just sit back and watch.” Osiris had already poured his tea, settling in for the show.
“Heh, you look about my age, but your magic power is so much less than mine. Seems you country Magicians never got much education. Who’s your Master? Do you have any reputation?” The Red-haired Young Lady eyed Xiadam up and down, grinning smugly.
This was just as expected—Xiadam could play the expert in front of ordinary people, but in front of peers, she’d always be exposed.
Magicians could sense the magic power radiating from others and judge their strength by it.
The magic power drifting from Xiadam could only be called pitiful.
Any expert could see at a glance—she was a total magic novice.
As for Sheffield, she had no magic power at all—she was more ordinary than ordinary folk.
So in the eyes of Human Mages, Sheffield didn’t even count as a Magician.
“I don’t have a Master.” Xiadam replied.
“Haha, I knew it!” The Red-haired Young Lady laughed even harder.
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.” Xiadam had no desire to tangle with her, and moved to walk past.
“Wait, did I say you could leave?” The Red-haired Young Lady’s tone grew sour.
The Kingdom’s Capital Knights instantly blocked Xiadam and her group’s way.
People from the Central Royal Capital really were something else—overbearing and lawless.
“What more do you want?” Xiadam stood in the sunlight and turned her head to ask.
“I really don’t like your eyes.” The Red-haired Young Lady said coldly.
“That’s not my problem.” Xiadam stared back, unblinking.
“What’s that you’re holding?” The Red-haired Young Lady finally noticed the Fat Little Dragon in Xiadam’s arms, curiosity piqued.
“My Magic Pet.” Xiadam replied.
“Magic Pet? What kind of ugly thing is that? Just what sort of weak Monster is this?” The Red-haired Young Lady laughed, full of mockery.
The Fat Little Dragon seemed to sense her disgust and malice, and shrank into a ball in fright.
Xiadam fell silent, her gaze growing icy.
“How about this—since we’re about the same age, let’s have a Magic Duel. If you can withstand a single spell from me, I’ll let you go. But if you can’t, your Magic Pet is mine. I just happen to want to dissect and study this Wild Monster. Heh, you don’t have the right to refuse…” The Red-haired Young Lady suggested.
“Fine.” But Xiadam agreed in less than half a second, so quickly the other party couldn’t finish her sentence.
Sheffield, standing to the side, inwardly groaned.
Xiadam was generally good-tempered, just a bit stubborn and sharp-tongued, soft-hearted and easy to talk to.
But this time, she was genuinely angry.
“Comfort Little Black for me, I’ve got a little trouble to take care of.” Xiadam handed the Fat Little Dragon over for Sheffield to hold.
“Don’t go too hard.” Sheffield whispered.
“I know my limits.” Xiadam replied, her voice barely audible.
With that, she stepped into the center of the courtyard, standing across from the Red-haired Young Lady, about ten meters apart.
All other onlookers retreated into the shadows at the corners of the wall.
“What are they doing in my courtyard?” Lord Lavini was a bit confused.
“At that distance, it’s either a duel or a fight to the death.” Osiris commented sharply.