Chapter Forty-Eight: Farewell

Jia Zhengjin greeted his father-in-law and mother-in-law politely, though from beginning to end he understood nothing of their conversation except for their names.

Tina’s full name was Tina Conte, having inherited her father Bolint Conte’s surname. Bolint Conte was a strong, middle-aged man sporting a bushy mustache and a head of messy brown hair that looked like a bird’s nest. Tina’s mother was named Landis Duvie, a graceful woman whose beautiful golden hair was identical to Tina’s. Her features closely resembled Tina’s as well—it was obvious from whom Tina had inherited her fine looks.

Tina’s good friend was named Amber Harling. Only after much gesturing and explanation from Tina did Jia Zhengjin finally understand: this young man wished to join him. Clearly, he took Jia Zhengjin for a noble or a foreign prince.

Truth be told, Jia Zhengjin did not want to keep the boy around, even though Tina seemed to be on good terms with him. This Amber was essentially Tina’s childhood friend. While Tina herself appeared to harbor no romantic feelings for him, who could say what Amber felt? Keeping him nearby might simply invite trouble! If anything were to happen between him and Tina, Jia Zhengjin would never be able to accept it.

Nevertheless, it was clear that Amber had made an enemy of the fat old man by stepping forward. Though the fat old man was now barely clinging to life after being toyed with by two triceratops and might not have many days left, he still seemed influential here. The villagers were clearly afraid of him—otherwise, they would not have urged Tina to hurry home and immediately leave the village with her parents and Jia Zhengjin.

If Amber were left behind, it might endanger him! Out of compassion, and at Tina’s repeated request, Jia Zhengjin finally nodded his assent. However, he decided to have Wolf keep a close eye on Amber, never allowing him any opportunity to be alone with Tina.

Fortunately, Tina could not understand Jia Zhengjin’s inner monologue; otherwise, she would have been infuriated. Since she had already vowed before her gods to follow Jia Zhengjin, she would never betray him in this lifetime. Moreover, her relationship with Amber was nothing more than childhood playmates—akin to siblings, with no romantic feelings involved.

"Bolint! If possible, your family should leave the Empire of Valor and go as far away as you can," a kind-hearted villager advised as the family prepared to depart, villagers gathering around Tina and her family, "I’ve heard that the mayor’s son, who serves in the town guard, is coming home on leave tomorrow. If he learns of what happened, he’ll hunt you to the ends of the earth. Our officials are not friendly toward foreigners, but if you cross the border, they’re unlikely to pursue you into another country!"

"Don’t worry! I understand perfectly," Bolint replied, glancing at Jia Zhengjin before addressing his friends. "Our family will follow this foreign noble, Keane, and leave the Empire of Valor, staying clear of the mayor’s family forever!"

In truth, he knew that the family was to settle in the Monster Forest with the young man whom his daughter had chosen to follow. His heart was uneasy, yet the Monster Forest was indeed an excellent place to hide. Even the imperial army would not dare venture deep into its heart—at most, they might skirt its edges. The villagers only ever dared to gather wild fruit in the grassland’s fringe; no one ventured deeper. Living within the forest would be much like living in a foreign land—encountering others would become a rare event. Still, he worried: was his daughter truly telling him the truth? Could this young man really build a safe home in the Monster Forest? It was a place of legend, said to be inhabited by mythical creatures in its vast, ancient depths.

"Old Harling, are you going to another country to enjoy life with your son?" villagers asked Amber’s father and mother, crowding around them. "Your son is now the follower of a foreign noble—how lucky!"

"Haha! It’s all thanks to my son’s friendship with Tina. They’ve played together since childhood, as close as brother and sister!" Old Harling laughed heartily, unaware that they were not, in fact, going abroad. "Now Tina has found success and hasn’t forgotten to help Amber. That’s wonderful!"

"Landis, after you leave, I won’t have anyone to talk to anymore!" a middle-aged woman said, holding onto Tina’s mother’s hand, reluctant to part.

"You could come with me!" Tina’s mother replied. "It’s nice to have company."

"No, I can’t leave my home," the woman sighed. "But you must write to me—let me know how you’re getting on!"

"I promise you, Becky—I’ll write to you for sure!"

"Bolint, take this iron spear! I know you were a fine warrior in your youth, and once served in the town guard, earning great merit. Let this spear be a keepsake, a symbol of our friendship!"

"Thank you, Bob! I’ll take good care of it!"

"Old Harling, who knows if you’ll find coconut wine in another country? Take this jar I brewed myself!"

"Landis, this new dress is for you! I’ve heard the weather abroad is not as warm as here—be sure to stay warm!"

The villagers were simple people. They gathered at the village entrance, reluctant to say goodbye to Tina’s family and Amber’s, each one offering gifts.

Jia Zhengjin could not understand what was being said, but the emotions of parting were clear as day.

He also understood that, though they were really only moving to a forest a day’s journey from the village, they would likely never return. For all intents and purposes, it was as if they were leaving the country; the two families would seldom, if ever, see their fellow villagers again.

"Keane…" After bidding farewell to several young women, Tina came to Jia Zhengjin, hugging him tightly, her face filled with reluctance. It was plain she did not wish to leave her home and friends.

Seeing the sorrow in her eyes, Jia Zhengjin could not help but gently stroke her long, silky hair. "Tina, don’t worry! When I am stronger, when I have raised a mighty army of kobolds, I will bring you back here! Then, I’ll drive away all those who mean you harm, and you and your friends can live happily together!"

Tina more or less understood Jia Zhengjin’s meaning. Smiling blissfully, she tiptoed to kiss him, then, noticing her parents watching, shyly buried her head in his chest.