Free Web NovelChapter 50: Theodore’s offer
"Sometimes you’re annoyingly smart."
A proud grin immediately appeared on Nova’s face. "I’ll take that as a compliment."
Rieka rolled her eyes, though the smile on her lips remained. "Yes, he is my grandfather," she replied with a smile.
Nova gently wiped away the dried blood stains on her face with his hand before speaking.
"Why don’t you go see your grandfather now? I’m sure he’ll be happy to know you’re safe after everything that happened. As for me, I still have a few things to take care of."
Seeing Rieka’s expression begin to change, Nova quickly added, "And before you get mad, I’ll tell you everything tonight."
Rieka’s face immediately fell slightly. As a Beast-folk her emotions were naturally more sensitive than those of humans, and disappointment showed on her face almost instantly.
Nova noticed it immediately. Without another word, he pulled her closer and kissed her deeply. A full minute passed before they finally separated.
Fortunately, most people were busy tending to the wounded, gathering supplies, or preparing to return to the city, so no one paid much attention to them. Even if someone had noticed, Nova honestly wouldn’t have cared.
Rieka’s gloomy expression had completely disappeared by then.
"Alright," she said with a bright smile. "I’ll go see Grandpa now. I’ll also tell him that you agreed to meet him."
Nova nodded.
"Good."
After giving him one last look, Rieka turned around and headed toward Tharuk’s location. Once she disappeared into the crowd, Nova’s expression became serious.
"You three, come out."
The moment the words left his mouth, three Imp Archon Deadborns emerged from the shadows and bowed respectfully before him.
Nova looked at them and asked, "Did you find something?"
The three Deadborns immediately nodded before extending their hands toward Frostholme City. Nova followed the direction they were pointing and narrowed his eyes.
"Well, since you can’t speak and I can’t read your minds yet, you’ll just have to take me there yourselves."
The three Imp Archons nodded again.
{Don’t worry, Host. Since your class reached Level 2, I’m sure there’ll be some way to communicate with them now.}
Liya sounded confident.
"You might be right."
Nova glanced at the Deadborns.
"But I’ll worry about that later. Right now, I need to see what these three found." The hidden quest was still incomplete, and his instincts told him the answer lay somewhere inside the city.
However, before investigating further, there was one thing he needed to do first.
"But before that..."
A small smile appeared on his face. "I should meet Dad. He’s probably worried sick." With that, Nova dismissed the Deadborns back into the shadows and started walking toward Edward’s location. ƒreewebɳovel.com
At the central battlefield, the aftermath of war was in full swing. Warriors helped each other carry the wounded back toward the city while the fallen were respectfully gathered and transported inside for proper burial.
The Deadborns also assisted wherever they could, carrying injured soldiers and helping clear the battlefield. However, following their monarch’s orders, none of them entered the city itself, as their appearance was simply too frightening and would only cause panic among the citizens.
Not far away, the knights and knight captains were finally taking a well-earned rest after the battle. Among them was Edward, who was discussing post-battle arrangements with another knight captain when he suddenly heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Father."
Edward immediately turned around, and the moment he saw Nova standing there, relief washed over his face.
"Nova! Are you alright? Did you get hurt anywhere?"
He quickly walked over and looked his son over from head to toe. Despite knowing that Nova had survived situations far more dangerous than this, he couldn’t help but worry. The thought of his fifteen-year-old son being forced to participate in such a brutal battle still pained him as a father.
Nova smiled reassuringly. "Yes, Father. I’m fine. The rear lines were much safer than the front."
Edward visibly relaxed and nodded. "Hmm... that’s good. If you had gotten hurt, your mother would’ve killed me."
Nova couldn’t help but chuckle, but before the father and son could continue talking, another voice interrupted them.
"Edward, who is this young man?"
Both turned toward the speaker and found Duke Theodore Frost approaching. Edward immediately straightened his posture and respectfully replied, "My Lord, this is my son, Nova." He then subtly signaled Nova to greet the Duke, and Nova obediently stepped forward.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, My Lord."
Theodore studied him for a moment before breaking into laughter.
"Hahaha! What a fine young man. You look about the same age as my daughter, but seeing how tall, fit, and handsome you are, it’s hard to believe you’re still a teenager."
Edward looked slightly proud while Nova maintained a polite smile.
Theodore then seemed to remember something and glanced around the battlefield.
"Oh! You should meet my daughter. Hmm... where did she go? She was just here."
His gaze soon landed on a familiar blue-haired girl standing beside Rodrick.
"There she is. Asia, come here!"
Asia, who had been chatting with Rodrick, paused when she heard her father’s voice. She immediately walked toward them, only to freeze slightly when she noticed who was standing beside him. Nova.
Once again.
Although Edward was only a Knight Captain, and there were many captains serving under Frostholme, Duke Theodore had always treated him with a level of respect that exceeded his rank.
In fact, even some officers with higher positions, including Commander Markus, didn’t receive the same treatment.
The reason was simple.
Edward had earned it.
Over the years, Theodore had come to recognize Edward’s character. Despite being a commoner, he had never shown greed, sought personal gain, or harbored hidden motives.
Edward Valencrest was the type of man who simply worked harder than everyone else and fulfilled his duties without complaint. His integrity and dedication had gradually earned Theodore’s trust and respect.
Of course, this special treatment wasn’t appreciated by everyone. Many of the other Knight Captains secretly envied Edward because of it.
Meanwhile, Nova politely looked toward Asia and smiled.
"It’s very nice to meet you, Lady Asia." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com
"Hmph! I don’t like him." Asia immediately turned her face away. Theodore blinked in surprise before looking between the two youngsters.
"Why are you being so rude, my daughter? Do you two know each other?"
Edward instantly became nervous. He had no idea what his son could have possibly done to offend the Duke’s daughter.
Before the situation became awkward, Nova calmly stepped in. "It’s nothing, My Lord. We met at the city square near the Adventurer’s Guild and had a small misunderstanding. That’s all."
Theodore nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, is that so? Then it’s fine. You two can become friends now. Just forget about whatever happened."
Nova honestly didn’t understand why the Duke seemed so determined to make them get along, but he didn’t particularly mind. As long as Theodore continued treating his father well, Nova had no reason to dislike the man.
Meanwhile, Asia reluctantly turned back toward him. Even then, she continued glaring at him. Nova could only smile helplessly before extending his hand.
"Friends?"
After a brief hesitation, Asia extended her hand as well. However, she continued giving him a look that could practically kill. Nova was genuinely confused. He still had no idea why she seemed so annoyed every time she looked at him.
Both of them shook hands, though Asia continued glaring at Nova the entire time, leaving him even more confused than before.
Seeing that the atmosphere had eased, Theodore turned his attention toward Edward.
"Edward, you should consider transferring to Frostholme and leaving Coldrock behind." Edward looked surprised by the sudden suggestion.
Theodore continued,
"I can already sense that you’re on the verge of breaking through and completing your First Evolution. Once that happens, your strength will increase significantly, and staying in a small place like Coldrock would only limit your growth."
A thoughtful expression appeared on Theodore’s face. "As it happens, one of the Vice Commander positions is currently vacant. I believe you’d be the perfect candidate for it."
Edward’s eyes widened slightly. A Vice Commander position was a major promotion, one that many knights dreamed of obtaining.
Before he could respond, Theodore continued. "And it’s not just about you. Think about your son as well."
His gaze shifted toward Nova.
"Frostholme has far better training facilities, stronger instructors, and more opportunities than Coldrock. A talented young man like him would benefit greatly from growing here."
Then a faint smile appeared on Theodore’
s face.
"Who knows? If he develops well enough, perhaps he could even participate in the Grand Competition held in the Royal Capital three years from now."
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[ A/N]
Guys, with this Chapter we’ve officially reached 50 Chapters! As this is my first novel, this milestone means a lot to me.
The story’s foundation has now been laid, and from here onward, things will become much more intense and exciting. I know there are a few errors in some of the earlier Chapters, and I’m gradually working on fixing them.
If you’re still enjoying the novel, I’d really appreciate your support with Golden Tickets. And since this is the 50th Chapter, a few gifts would definitely help boost my motivation to keep bringing you more Chapters!
Thanks for reading....
