Chapter - 1723

“…Miss Zorn? Is that you?” asked Gerald as he faced the trees.

“…Gerald? So, it really is you!” exclaimed Juno in excitement as she quickly walked out from the trees together with her servants.

“What brings you here, Miss Zorn?” asked the surprised Gerald as he looked at her.

“What do you mean what brings us here? You’ve been gone for two days! Still, I knew you were still alive! I’m just glad I finally managed to locate you! Regardless, what are you doing all the way out here?”

Upon hearing Juno’s question, Gerald momentarily turned to look at Old Hughes before awkwardly replying, “…About that… Let’s just talk about it once we get back. Speaking of which, how are the rest doing?”

“Don’t worry, all of them are doing fine. They’re currently resting up in the Zorn family’s residence!” replied Juno with a smile as Gerald heaved a sigh of relief.

“Now then… Who is he again…?” asked Juno as she raised a slight brow while looking at Old Hughes.

Looking at the old man for a while, Gerald then turned back to face Juno as he replied, “This is Old Hughes, and he’s the one who saved me!”

“…Oh? I see! Well, then it’s a pleasure to meet you, Old Hughes! My name is Juno Zorn, and I’m the eldest young lady of the Zorn family! Thank you very much for saving Gerald!” said Juno with a gratuitous tone.

Smiling in response, Old Hughes then said, “There’s no need to thank me! Anyone would’ve done the same! After all, as the saying goes, ‘Saving a life brings more merit than building a seven-floored pagoda’! Also, the pleasure is mine, eldest young lady of the Zorn family!”

While he naturally knew about the Zorns, this was Old Hughes first time actually meeting someone from that family.

“Well, now that you’re safe, let’s go back to my place, Gerald!” said Juno. After all, it still wasn’t all that safe staying out here for long periods of time.

Hearing that, Gerald then turned to face the old man before asking, “Agreed! Speaking of which, why don’t you come along with us, Old Hughes? Regardless of what you say, I’d still like to properly thank you for all that you’ve done!”

“Gerald’s right! With that in mind, please come along with us, Old Hughes!” seconded Juno.

In response, however, Old Hughes simply smiled as he shook his head before saying, “What that sounds lovely, I’ll have to refuse…”

Seeing that the old man was really unwilling to come along, Gerald could only helplessly say, “…Well, alright then… Since that’s the case, I’ll thank you one final time then! Worry not, I’ll surely find a chance to repay your kindness!”

Chuckling in response, Old Hughes simply replied, “Alright, alright, off you go! Be careful out there, and remember! Use it wisely!”

Upon hearing that, Gerald nodded firmly. Even if the old man hadn’t reminded him, Gerald would’ve used the sword properly anyway.

Following that, Gerald, Juno, and her men then slowly disappeared into the forest…

However, not long after that group left, a shadowy figure leaped out from the forest, followed by a dozen more men in black garb…

Stopping right in front of Old Hughes, the shadowy figure then revealed a sinister expression as he asked, “How did it go, Master Hughes?”

Staring back at the shadowy person, Old Hughes simply replied, “The sword is now in Gerald’s hands. With that said, it’s now your turn to do your job!”