The lord of Chier County City, Keane, was merely a fourteen-year-old boy. Although his sister Jenny was at his side helping him, in truth, how much did Jenny actually know? Most of the time, it was the old servant Lambert who lent a hand.
Lambert dressed impeccably, his hair combed to a neat shine as he strolled through the castle, exuding a refined, aristocratic air.
"The young lady is the same as always, always fretting over that Lord Lei," Lambert sighed inwardly. Jenny wanted to see Lin Lei, but Lin Lei had once said he didn't wish to be disturbed during cultivation. So Jenny could only wait in the castle, and Lin Lei hadn't visited in a very long time.
Seeing how haggard Jenny had become, Lambert's heart ached for her.
"Lambert."
Lambert turned at the voice and saw Lin Lei approaching alone, dressed in a light-blue warrior's combat outfit. Jenny and Keane had long since ordered the castle guards that Lin Lei was to be let through without announcement.
"Lord Lei!" Lambert's face broke into a broad smile.
"Lord Lei, please wait in the drawing room. I'll go fetch the young master and miss right away."
In the drawing room.
Lin Lei sat quietly in a chair. This trip to the provincial capital of Basil—he, Seisler, and the Lena sisters would likely remain in the vicinity of Basil for some time.
After all, he had to be cautious. If the Church of Light truly lost its mind and sent a Saint Realm expert after him, at least the provincial capital of Basil had "Mackenzie," which meant the Church of Light wouldn't dare act too brazenly.
"Big Brother Lei!"
A delighted voice rang from the doorway. Lin Lei turned to see Jenny rushing in wearing a pale-red dress, her cheeks flushed crimson, her chest heaving as she panted. The moment she'd heard that Lin Lei had arrived, she'd sprinted here at top speed.
"Why run so fast? Look at you out of breath. Sit down," Lin Lei said with a laugh.
"Mm." Jenny obediently sat down beside him.
A moment later, Keane and Lambert came in as well. Keane grinned and complained, "Sister, you ran way too fast. I couldn't even keep up."
Jenny blushed with embarrassment and shot Keane a fierce glare.
"Big Brother Lei, it's been so long since you've come. This time you have to stay for a few more days," Keane said to Lin Lei.
Lin Lei shook his head. "I came this time to say goodbye. I'm planning to leave Chier County City."
"What?"
Keane and Lambert froze. They both turned to look at Jenny. The girl, who had been blushing and shy just a moment ago, went completely blank.
"Big Brother Lei, where are you going?" Jenny was the first to ask.
"For now, I'm heading to the provincial capital of Basil," Lin Lei replied.
The provincial capital of Basil was quite far from Chier County City—by carriage, it would normally take two or three days.
"Big Brother Lei, I'm going with you," Jenny said, mustering her courage.
Lin Lei sighed inwardly. How could he not see through Jenny's feelings? But toward Jenny, all he felt was the tender affection one has for a younger sister—a brother doting on his little sister.
"Jenny, I'm going there on business. I could run into danger at any moment. You shouldn't come with me," Lin Lei refused.
Jenny shook her head firmly. "I'm not afraid."
Looking at Jenny, Lin Lei knew that if he didn't put his foot down, she would never give up. He let out a long sigh. "Jenny, my heart is set entirely on cultivation. There's nothing else. Jenny, I simply can't take care of you."
Though Lin Lei put it gently, how could Jenny not understand?
Jenny's face went pale. She had spent her eight years of growing up in a small countryside town, living a quiet but difficult life. It was only after coming to Chier County City—nurtured and protected by Lin Lei the entire way—that she and her brother had finally secured the position of city lord.
"Big Brother Lei, I don't want to hold back my feelings anymore. I know you don't feel the same way about me. My demands aren't high—just let me follow you. Big Brother Lei, I'll serve as your maidservant. As long as I can stay by your side, I'll be happy," Jenny said, her eyes full of hope.
Keane and Lambert both fell silent.
Lin Lei's heart was heavy with sorrow. Jenny truly was a kind-hearted girl, but—
"Jenny, you don't need to follow me out on dangerous adventures. You're a noblewoman now. There must be plenty of outstanding young men in Chier County City pursuing you," Lin Lei said.
Jenny bit her lip and shook her head with unwavering resolve. Her eyes glistened with tears.
"Big Brother Lei," Keane spoke up. "Just agree to it. While you've been away, sister has barely eaten or slept. She's wasted away."
Jenny's eyes were brimming with tears as she gazed at Lin Lei with desperate longing.
"Jenny."
Lin Lei's resolve finally crumbled. "Five years. I'll give you five years, and you give me five years. In five years, I'll come see you again. If you still feel the same way then, I'll agree to let you stay with me."
Time was the best medicine.
After five years, Jenny would have grown. Her temperament and thoughts would surely change. Lin Lei believed that Jenny's attachment likely stemmed from growing up without a father's care, which was why she clung to him so tightly. In a few more years, once she matured, her feelings might change—and then he could breathe easy.
"Five years. Okay." A glimmer of hope lit up Jenny's eyes.
"Jenny."
Lin Lei looked at her. "Before I go, I want to tell you something. My real name isn't just 'Lei'—it's Lin Lei Baruch."
"Lin Lei Baruch?" Jenny murmured.
"Lin Lei? Lord Lei, you're that genius stone sculptor?" Lambert exclaimed in shock. Lambert had once lived in the Holy Alliance. Within the Holy Alliance, Lin Lei's reputation was immense.
"I hope you won't reveal my whereabouts to anyone. Goodbye."
Lin Lei forced a smile, then turned and strode away.
Jenny watched his retreating figure. Tears slid down her cheeks, and her fists clenched tight, nails digging into her palms.
On the road outside Chier County City.
Rebecca and Lena, the two sisters, sat atop the black-striped cloud leopard, Heilu, while Bei Bei lay comfortably in Lena's lap. Lin Lei, still in his warrior's combat outfit, and Seisler, clad in a mage's robe, walked briskly alongside.
The group raced toward the provincial capital of Basil at top speed.
The provincial capital of Basil came into view from far off in the countryside—a massive city stretching across the landscape. Without hesitation, Lin Lei and his companions entered the city of Basil.