Chapter 295: Dinner

Chapter 295: Dinner

As people streamed out from the ships, the port became lively again. Stepping back onto land, those who had sailed far for the first time walked a few unsteady steps before finally letting out a long, relieved breath. Seasoned sailors who had weathered many storms shouted loudly as they began the final phase of their busy work. By the time Paul had settled everyone and trudged wearily toward Joey’s house, it was already dinner time.

At Joey’s home, Beth was feeling a bit anxious. Ever since her father told her that Paul would come for dinner, her mood had inexplicably brightened. She did not oppose her father’s arrangements regarding marriage. Besides, Paul was a likable young man. His robust physique, honed by wind and waves, combined with the scholarly air unique to a Scholar, had captivated many girls. At least Beth knew she could not resist his charm.

Beth always felt somewhat insecure about herself. Perhaps she was considered a beauty in this small Seaport, but what about beyond this port?

Sometimes Beth even regretted receiving a Scholar’s education. From books, she learned about the vastness of the outside world. From the stories of passing Scholars, she heard of the prosperity of the City of Wisdom. If she had remained ignorant and uneducated, she would not have these worries.

Although Paul had privately praised her beauty, saying it was pure and clean, she still felt insecure. Paul said that women in the cities relied on extravagance and pretense, creating beauty through concealment. Unlike here, where natural beauty was displayed truthfully. Paul’s explanation reassured her, and in return, she offered her first kiss.

She tried to compliment Paul on his strength, but it always made him blush. Whenever that happened, he would tell her stories about that Continent, focusing on the three powerful combat races—the Hell Knights, the Dragon Riders, and the Northlanders. He would talk about the formidable Hell Knights he had seen with his own eyes, the sharpness of the Dragon Riders, and the extraordinary Northlanders of legend.

She did not think Paul was inferior to those people; her beloved was just modest. Although this was only a small Seaport, it was never short of sailors who boasted about their strength. So she trusted her judgment, even though Paul never showed off.

Ever since she learned that the Scholars had decided to migrate here, she had been very happy. The sea that had separated her from Paul was finally gone. And Paul’s arrival today brought her joy to its peak, so the dinner she prepared was somewhat overly lavish.

Her mother, who usually dominated the kitchen, surprisingly gave up her spot. Her father occasionally cast knowing, half-smiling glances her way, but she pretended not to notice. Beth was just happily preparing dinner.

A knock sounded at the door, and Paul walked in with a smile on his face. He still carried gifts for her parents in his hands, along with a flower to please her.

At the dinner table, Joey, as usual, began asking about the situation on the Continent. As Paul spoke, Joey’s expression gradually grew serious. This seriousness quickly affected everyone, and even Paul, who was narrating fluently, began to hesitate.

After listening to Paul’s account, Joey remained silent for a while before suddenly changing the subject. He tapped the table. “You two are of marriageable age now. If you have no objections, get married sooner rather than later.”

This abrupt statement made Beth blush and run back to her bedroom. Paul stared at Joey in surprise, momentarily at a loss for words.

Joey narrowed his eyes slightly. “What, you don’t agree?”

Paul quickly waved his hands, flustered as he explained, “I’m just not ready yet. I wish to offer a respectable bride price.”

“The best bride price for a Scholar is knowledge and experience. So as a young man, you are already wealthy enough.”

Feeling awkward, Paul nodded solemnly. “Alright, I’ll follow your arrangements.”

Joey’s actions brought the warm dinner to an abrupt end in an unusual atmosphere. Full of questions, Paul followed Joey’s gesture and went out to the courtyard.

Seeing that no one else was around, Paul asked somewhat urgently, “What’s wrong, Uncle Joey?”

“Danger is coming.”

“Didn’t we avoid it?”

Joey shook his head. “You think the Northlands are dangerous, you think Wizard Bran is dangerous. But what if the danger isn’t just from them?”

Looking at Paul, who was staring at him, Joey continued, “Although we are both Scholars, I focus more on war. People like me were trained for war, as Guardians to protect the City of Wisdom. It’s just that the more powerful Warriors overshadowed our light.

Even so, we still appeared in the war against the Demon Clan. We earned respect with our lives and blood, and in return, we gained valuable experience that allows us to detect certain signs in advance.

The Northlanders are pulling back, consolidating their defenses, and gathering strength.

I’ve never met Wizard Bran, and I don’t know if the legendary feats attributed to him actually happened. But even if he were only half of what the rumors say, he would be a terrifying figure. Yet he is cautiously pulling back and waiting. What do you think he’s afraid of?

Your focus needs to shift. Prioritize completing the defensive facilities here. As for living quarters, something that shelters from wind and rain will suffice.”

“But, Uncle Joey…”

“The heritage of the Scholars is long and deep, hiding many secrets you cannot imagine. The explanations given to outsiders are often just a facade, providing an acceptable reason for followers.

Baz might truly fear death, or he might truly desire Immortality. But isn’t that also a form of seeking refuge? He chose to hide under the wing of a powerful figure with his most trusted followers to face the possible crisis.”

Paul was still confused. “But what does this have to do with marriage?”

Joey sighed. “We are isolated overseas with no retreat. This small Seaport cannot withstand too great a storm. And those of us within it should cherish what we have now and fulfill some wishes ahead of time.”

Seeing Joey’s solemn expression and hearing his somewhat heavy tone, Paul sensed an ominous foreboding. The memory of that skeleton resurfaced. He even felt a bit panicked and subconsciously used a somewhat distant, respectful form of address. “Do you think this decision is wrong?”

Seeing Paul’s expression, Joey couldn’t help but smile. “Whether it’s wrong or not depends on the final outcome. Some people hold secrets that you and I cannot access, so many seemingly absurd decisions must have their reasons. Soon, your teacher will also arrive here. He may not have to answer to us, but he must answer to himself.

So, we can trust him for now and work together to overcome this difficulty.”

…

On the other side of the sea, Ge Yin stood under the moonlight, looking at the ships on the water and nodded with satisfaction. Paul had performed well; this child had always pleased him. As for the credit being taken in the end, Ge Yin did not mind much. Internal strife was also a kind of tempering of character. He only hoped this child could endure and ultimately prevail in the contest of human hearts.

The waves gently rocked, and amidst the sound of the surf, faint wading noises were heard. Several Attendants stationed nearby immediately became alert.

“Who’s there? Who is it?”

At the shout, the wading sounds paused briefly before starting again. This time, they made no attempt to conceal themselves. Accompanied by splashing footsteps, they charged directly toward the area. In a tent not far away, the Wizard who should have been on guard duty was also startled awake by the shout.

About a hundred Monsters also appeared in his perception. Still sleepy-eyed, he shuddered and screamed, “Enemy attack!”