Chapter 45: The Old Man of Twilight
I strolled over to the War Chariot, exchanging glances with the coachman and two teachers standing nearby. Realizing they were all instructors from the academy, I bowed slightly. The coachman tipped his hat in response, and the other two teachers mirrored the gesture before indicating for me to hop into the carriage.
Behind me, footsteps faded away.
I turned back to see Teacher Melville heading towards the training grounds again.
His earlier words flashed through my mind, and I watched his retreating figure for a couple of seconds before turning back, stepping into the chariot, and sinking into the soft, comfy leather seat. As I looked up, I faced the white-haired, elderly lady sitting right across from me.
Principal Bersa.
She… has lost so much weight.
The old woman leaned back in her seat, one hand resting on the leather armrest while the other dangled limply by her side. Her chest barely rose and fell, and her exposed wrists looked as thin as a bird’s.
She seemed completely unaware of my presence, her head tilted towards the outside of the carriage, staring blankly at the loud training grounds. Her sunken eyes looked dull, and the wrinkles on her face were much deeper than when I last saw her. Her cheekbones jutted out starkly due to her extreme thinness, and her hair was a messy tangle.
My keen sense of smell kicked in, and I could even detect that faint odor of old age wafting from her— that unmistakable scent that lingers as one approaches their twilight years, when the body’s organs begin to falter, metabolism slows down, and sickness rules the day.
No amount of fancy clothes could mask that scent of decay.
The last time I saw her, she didn’t have that smell.
Grandma looked a bit frail.
Yet, incredibly, despite her current state, the first impression she gave me was still one of an indescribable “elegance,” and definitely not “disgusting” or “ugly,” just like the first time we met.
“… Grandma.”
Without thinking, I sat up straight in front of her and gently called out.
Grandma ignored me.
I thought maybe she hadn’t heard, so I raised my voice a bit: “Principal Grandma.”
Then, I watched her shaky hand slowly lift up and wave at me.
“I just came to see… just to see… I wanted to watch the kids’ class… They’re doing great, just great…”
Her voice was hoarse and somewhat sticky, like phlegm stuck in her throat.
?
I was puzzled; I didn’t quite get what she was trying to say. But remembering what Teacher Melville had said, I chose not to ask for clarification. Instead, I reminded her, “Grandma, it’s me. I’m Peilo.”
“I know, I know… Peirololo. You came, look at those kids; aren’t they all so full of energy?” Although her enunciation wasn’t as clear as before, her tone was filled with pride. “They are all my students. In the future, some will become… remarkable figures, cough… some will shoulder responsibilities as family leaders… and even more outstanding individuals will carry the mission of humankind, receiving the title of Pope Knight…”
Uh…
I opened my mouth to speak, somewhat lost and unsure what she wanted from me, but I didn’t interrupt. I just quietly listened.
The old woman’s gaze remained glued to the training ground.
Over there, colorful lights were flashing as the students grouped up, unleashing the power of order at the iron targets. Teacher Melville moved among them, shouting something to the crowd.
Grandma watched intently for a while, a smile creeping onto her lips.
Her tone was slow but warm: “In my life, alongside Ryan… I’ve nurtured nearly ten Pope Knights! They’re all remarkable now… battling through thorns and facing evil… and yet, before me, they act so respectfully. Do you see that little girl over there? The one who uses ice… she’s only sixteen, and already a Pope Knight… a hero who saved the Royal City.”
As she spoke, Grandma’s expression turned nostalgic.
“Oh, I wanted to call her over for a chat… that child is especially endearing. The first time we met, she kept calling me ‘Grandma’… I wanted to find her and give her something.”
Hmm…
What are you planning to give me, Grandma? I’m right here… where are you looking?
Maybe I should remind her.
Thinking that, I leaned forward, gently patting her bony hand.
“Grandma, are you okay? How’s your health…?”
Feeling the hand grasped in mine, Grandma finally turned back, surprise lighting her features.
Her murky gaze met mine before her brow furrowed, confusion mixing with a hint of wariness as her hand slowly slipped away from my grip. “Who are you…?”
She didn’t recognize me.
Oh dear, Grandma, your eyesight seems even worse…
I couldn’t help but lean closer, pointing at my own nose in a childishly pitiful way: “Grandma, it’s me! Pei… Silvya!”
After a moment’s thought, I added, “The one who uses ice.”
Surely you won’t get this wrong…
As expected, Grandma squinted at me, examining my face, her tight frown gradually lifting into a smile.
“Oh, it’s Silvya! I just wanted to find you; when did you arrive?”
“Um…”
I found myself speechless, taking a sigh before settling back in my seat, rubbing my nose tip nervously before saying, “Grandma, I’ve already listened to quite a bit of what you said.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
How is it that Grandma still can’t get my name right…
She literally just said I was so endearing!
“Sorry, Grandma. I didn’t come to visit you earlier.”
“Visit me?”
The old woman looked taken aback, then appeared somewhat displeased: “You went off slaying that monstrous demon, you must be exhausted, what’s the point in coming to see an old lady like me? No need, no need.”
She waved her hand continuously, seemingly annoyed by the very thought of me visiting her. Remembering her peculiar temperament, I figured she might not be fond of visitors, so I steered the conversation elsewhere: “So, are you feeling any better?”
“Me? I’m fine. I’ve had a good appetite lately and slept well… not even a single dream, haha.”
The old woman started to laugh.
Though her smile wasn’t exactly kind, it was certainly spirited.
Yet I could see that her condition was far from good. She looked weak, and throughout our conversation, only her left arm moved. Her right arm, even the entire right side of her body, hung limply, as if it had lost all strength.
She probably…
can’t stand up anymore…
But Grandma appeared unconcerned about it: “Silvya, I was just watching you. Your ice… oh, I adjusted the pace of the order class; I suddenly felt the urge to change it a while back, hehe… In the past, I always worried about most people, afraid that if I moved a little too fast, they wouldn’t understand… but then I thought, wouldn’t that just hold back those… truly talented little ones? Look at you, so small, yet already better than all of us! And that kid from the Williams family… there should be more kids like you… I just wanted to test and see if I could bring out more like that.”
Grandma rambled on, thoughts tumbling out without the clarity she once had.
“The gentle approach from before has to change; they need a sense of urgency… Whether that’s effective, I’m honestly not sure, but it’s all I can do now. In the future, further reforms in education will occur; your Grandmaster Sword Saint’s basic swordsmanship and experiences, I’ll set those as advanced physical training course content, and for some top-notch techniques… oh right, I wanted to give you this.”
With that, Grandma slowly turned in her seat, fumbling in her pocket for a crumpled, worn old notebook that looked like it had been handwritten. She shakily held it out to me—just that simple act seemed to leave her gasping for breath.
“Look at me, huff… huff… I almost forgot. This is something… huff… your Grandmaster Sword Saint wrote for his disciples—it contains insights on sword techniques, footwork, defensive moves, combat skills, and the order… all his personal thoughts and very practical content, but for average students, it might be a bit tough… you should be just fine.”
This is…
I accepted the warm little booklet with both hands, feeling a little astonished.
“Silvya, even though you don’t use a sword, I heard from Viki that you don’t… but the principles behind weapons in this world are often quite similar… take this, read it carefully when you go back. If you don’t get something, just ask Viki… if you ever get the chance to meet Ryan, you can consult him too… I can’t take disciples for him, but if you give him this, he will understand…”
This is the combat techniques of the Grandmaster Sword Saint!
“Grandma…”
I thought she only wanted me to come over for a chat. I never imagined Grandma would give me this; it was such a surprise…
I really need this!
After tucking the booklet into my clothes, I bowed sincerely at Grandma.
“Thank you.”
I understood exactly what this seemingly inconspicuous notebook represented.
Inside it were the most pinnacle techniques for humanity in this world, capable of turning a talentless person like Carlos into a warrior who surpasses many elite affinity users, slaying dozens of Abyss monsters, one of the brightest young Pope Knights of this era. It was the legacy of the strongest Pope Knight, and it was exactly what I lacked most right now.
I bowed again to Grandma.
“I will definitely study it carefully and will not disappoint your expectations.”
Grandma smiled warmly at me.
She slowly extended her left hand, grasping the back of my hand.
“Haha, what’s there to thank? Little Silvy… Actually, Grandma has a bit of selfishness in giving you this.”
Though her hand trembled significantly, it was incredibly warm.
…Selfishness?
I looked at her, puzzled.
The old woman spoke slowly: “Grandma is old now; many things I want to do, I simply can’t manage anymore… cough cough… but you see, I spent my life with your grandfather… hearing him speak of ‘standing up for the livelihood of the people’—I’ve listened to that all my life. Hearing that often, without realizing, my heart would start to think the same.”
“When I was young, I traveled through mountains and rivers, witnessing the many facets of life, understanding that in this world, most are pitiful and humble people… striving for a stable life, a bit of dignity. Their lives are simple—working, having food and clothes, marrying, raising children, and when they grow old, having someone by their side… that would be a fulfilling and happy life. Such a small wish, isn’t it? Small enough that with just a slip, it can vanish overnight.”
The old woman squeezed my hand tightly.
“Silvy… do you understand? There are many ‘great powers’ in this world that, once they arrive, cannot be resisted; even the spirit to resist disappears. In their eyes, famine, plagues, and bandit raids are disasters equal to the Abyss. Sometimes, just a trip can end in d*ath. Your Grandmaster Sword Saint despised this, and so did I. In my youth, I watched them with compassion. As I grew older, I began to wonder… could I do something for them… oh, come here. Sit beside Grandma; I want to cough, cough—talk with you more.”
She tugged at my hand gently, though the strength behind it was minimal.
But I still stood up and sat beside her.
She finally looked satisfied: “Grandma has followed your grandfather for more than half her life. As I grew older, I slowly couldn’t keep up with him… I’m not as capable as he was, and my body isn’t as strong, so I had to return to the Royal City, agreeing with the late king to become the principal here. What I have in mind is that since I can’t help your grandfather anymore, I might as well come back to help my juniors… nurture them into better people and carry on your grandfather’s spirit from here… cough cough! Find cough cough…”
Suddenly, Grandma was struck by a violent coughing fit, her pale face turning red. I immediately reached to help, eager to pat her back, but found her pressed against the chair, unable to help. Panicking, I glanced around and spotted a water jug by the side of the chair. I hastily grabbed it, opened it, and offered her a few sips.
After drinking, Grandma’s complexion improved somewhat.
“Grandma, why don’t you go rest…”
“Cough cough, rest? I’m perfectly fine. Silvy, let’s talk… do you know that I’m actually lucky to have met you, and I’m very proud of you? In you, Grandma sees a reflection of Ryan when he was young…”
While speaking, Grandma was gazing at me… yet it felt like she wasn’t truly seeing me.
Her eyesight had long since grown murky, her focus blurred. She seemed to be looking at me, yet she probably couldn’t even make out my face.
However, deep within her eyes, I caught a glimpse of something vibrant and striking.
“When I give you this notebook today and share these things, it’s because Grandma believes that a girl like you should do truly monumental things… this is my small selfishness… Silvy, they all think I’m confused, but I’m actually quite clear-minded. There are some things you might not remember, but Grandma remembers them well…”
“Did you know, when you were very small, Grandma met you. At that time, Grandma could still run; I was with your Grandmaster Sword Saint, and some others… oh, your Grandma Apheir was there too, we met your father in Winter City and stayed there for nearly a year. Your father even arranged a house for us… it should still be there.”
“Your Grandmaster Sword Saint especially admired Skarlij’s character and loved drinking Shanter Castle’s snow wine. When he had the time, he often ran over there. Over time, the two became close friends, ahaha… cough… I remember he once said he wanted at least one of Skarlij’s children to be his disciple. At that time, your father was pleased to hear it, but unfortunately, his two sons weren’t interested in swordsmanship. And you were small back then, a girl, so your father didn’t want you to endure any hardship. This matter just faded away… but now, it seems like that promise from back then has been fulfilled.”
Hmm…
After listening to Grandma’s story, I vaguely remembered that the only times Grandmaster Sword Saint had come to the castle was a few times, and each time, I seemed too timid to talk to him.
But…
“Grandma Apheir?”
I realized I had no recollection of that person at all.
Immediately, Grandma Bersa answered my query: “A few days ago, she went to the Eastern Continent with Carlos.”
Oh…
So it’s Fat Grandma.
“Your Grandma Apheir was quite a remarkable woman. Decades ago, when you weren’t even born, when we were all young, she was the most prestigious female Pope Knight at that time… just like you now. Young, strong, beautiful, admired and pursued by many… but then she fell in love with an unremarkable poor fellow, haha. That guy was nice to her, but somewhat dull; we couldn’t really connect with him…”
Fat Grandma was a Pope Knight!
I felt a jolt of shock.
But amidst the shock, I also had a sense of ‘of course’ about it.
I figured she must be incredible…
Yet…
Beautiful?
I couldn’t help but picture Fat Grandma’s younger self: draped in heavy iron armor, wielding an enormous sword. Standing atop a mountain, her cape billowing in the wind… yet it did little to conceal her hefty figure… uh…
I could only think of that.
Sorry…
I quietly apologized in my heart.
Meanwhile, Grandma Bersa seemed lost in her memories.
“Eventually, they had a daughter named Olivia. Your Grandmaster Sword Saint named her; she inherited Apheir’s Water Order talents and took after her personality, always very competitive. Your grandfather said she would definitely achieve great things… and eventually became a Pope Knight. But sadly… she fell during the Valen tragedy three years ago in Winter City…”
Ah…
When Grandma mentioned this, her tone was disturbingly calm.
But it weighed heavily on my heart.
I vaguely recalled the textbooks mentioning one of those five Pope Knights named Mercury Olivia…
Was that Fat Grandma’s daughter?
Then she…
“She’s not dead, but… it’s almost the same as being dead. She lies in bed all day, unable to move anything except her head; surviving on liquid food and medicine, often in distress… for strong-willed little Olivia, it’s worse than d*ath. She couldn’t even bite her tongue; there were times she begged Grandma Apheir to end her life, and I accidentally witnessed it once—it broke my heart…”
Listening to her, I too felt a pang of sadness…
“Is there no divine miracle… to heal her?”
“No way, she missed that chance… after that, Apheir seemed to become a different person, drowning herself in alcohol. Whenever I see her, she’s always drunk. She said only when inebriated does she feel a bit better. This time, I… hehe, why am I telling you all this?”
Grandma shook her head, unwilling to delve further into the subject.
“Your Grandmaster Sword Saint and I have gone through life without children; we regarded little Olivia almost as our own daughter. That silly girl shared our temperament, always running about, caring for the people, yet she never managed to love any man—this is the biggest regret in our hearts…”
The old woman sighed, her expression full of melancholy.
“Now I am old, Apheir is old, and your Grandmaster Sword Saint is old. Our generation has burned through everything we could for the fire in our hearts… after the incident in Cataloma, I occasionally think that maybe I can’t do anything anymore… Silvy, how the future path unfolds still depends on your resolve…”
“Grandma…”
“I’ve heard that you are quite close to little Viki… that’s wonderful, cough… Viki has grown up under my watch; she has a certain pride and is quite clever. I had thought there weren’t many people she’d look up to… now that you two are getting along well, Grandma is truly relieved…”
Hmm…
I puffed out my cheeks.
Grandma, did you misunderstand something?
“Viki is a good girl, and you’re a good girl too. You’re both excellent children, but still too young; you must take care of each other… the road ahead will be long, and you’ll walk together. Grandma feels assured…”
A look of fervent anticipation shone on Grandma Bersa’s wrinkled face.
“Promise Grandma that you will take care of each other…”
…Even if she might have misunderstood.
But…
“We will take care of each other, Grandma.”
Yet honestly, such things didn’t even need saying…
…………
Grandma Bersa chatted a lot with me.
After she left, Teacher Melville approached me once more.
“How was it? Was the conversation smooth?”
“Yep.”
“What did Principal Bersa talk about?”
I tilted my head, thinking back.
“Just… she shared some things about her and the Grandmaster Sword Saint.”
Teacher Melville nodded upon hearing that, not asking me any further questions.
We stood by the iron fence of the training grounds, watching the white War Chariot gradually fade from view, its silhouette bathing in the blazing sunlight, stretching wide and long, no matter how far it went.
After a while, Teacher Melville said to me, “A few days ago, Principal Bersa called me as well. She held onto my hand, discussing many thoughts and plans regarding the Royal Academy… finally telling me that she wants to hand over this academy to me.”
“Is that so…”
“She’s beginning to make arrangements for the future; I hope you understand that.”
…I understand.
