Chapter 285: A Heart for a Heart
The next day, Yuliya woke up to find guests in her home.
Wait! No, she was the guest! The hosts had arrived!
She quickly tidied herself up and dashed outside.
At this moment, Edward was in the yard playfully sparring with Griphis.
And by playfully, I mean they were actually throwing punches—none of that soft patty-cake nonsense, thank you very much!
They were using techniques that only involved their fists and feet, and it was clear they were holding back.
Otherwise, a legendary powerhouse like them could have demolished the place without breaking a sweat.
Even so, Yuliya was thoroughly dazzled by the display.
Also left speechless was Princess Alisa, who was nearby.
She was so wide-eyed that she almost turned into a starry-eyed cartoon character, mumbling something incoherent.
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind swooped through, nearly knocking the spectators off their feet but managing to wake Alisa from her trance.
As they focused again, they saw the fighters in the middle of the yard, fists poised, standing still like statues.
Soon, they exchanged smiles and retracted their moves.
“Edward, your moves are still as fierce as ever. You’ve definitely got me beat,” Griphis chuckled.
“Your Majesty, you’re being too humble. I’m not what I used to be. All thanks to your graciousness,” Edward replied.
“Do you still have any major issues with your health?” Griphis asked.
“Mostly good. Just need a bit of rehab.”
“Perfect! I’ll keep you company for your morning exercises, haha!”
What a character! They almost blew away a little Loli!
Is this what a legendary powerhouse looks like? Terrifying!
“Wow, that’s amazing!” Alisa exclaimed. “You’re so cool!”
Griphis chuckled lightly, “It’s just a warm-up, nothing to write home about.”
“I meant Lord Edward!”
“…” Griphis’ mouth twitched, glancing at Edward, then keeping his smile on, “Of course, Edward is powerful. Or is Your Majesty not impressive enough?”
“Eh, you’re okay.”
“…”
Just okay, huh?
“Ahem.” Edward cleared his throat, shifting the topic, “So, Yuliya is up too?”
“Yes, teacher! I’ve been watching for a while.”
Yuliya’s eyes darted, and then she proclaimed, “From my perspective, His Majesty Griphis is on par with my teacher, truly a majestic sight! They shine like the sun and moon, complement each other like heaven and earth—equally dashing! It’s simply…”
“Alright, alright!” Edward interrupted with a wave, “Enough with the flattery! We’re supposed to keep this casual; His Majesty isn’t fond of excessive compliments.”
“Cough, cough, right. We can relax a bit,” Griphis straightened his posture. “But Princess Alisa has quite the discerning eye for someone so young; far better than my daughter!”
“Since you’re Edward’s student, I can consider myself a half-teacher to you,” he said, reaching into his spatial ring and pulling out a book, handing it to Yuliya.
“This is a glimpse of my training insights, just a little welcome gift. I likely won’t have much time to teach you, so take a look yourself.”
Yuliya accepted the book and saw a few words written in Eagle Script on the cover, which translated to “Jadeite Sword Technique.”
She had already mastered the previous book, and now understood the Eagle Script, known in the Verdant Empire as Azure Tongue, quite well.
All their discussions here were in that language.
She glanced at the “Jadeite Sword Technique,” a purple skill book, a quite precious gift by the way!
“Thank you, Your Majesty! I will study hard when I have the chance!”
Yuliya tucked the book away when, suddenly, she felt a sharp stare on her.
She turned to find Alisa glaring at her.
That look was ripe with jealousy; Alisa’s eyes practically shimmered with lemon juice!
A light bulb flickered in Yuliya’s brain, and she got a brilliant idea.
She rummaged through her pocket for a moment and pulled out another book, handing it to Alisa.
“Then I’ll give this to you as a return gift, Sister Alisa! This one was given to me by Teacher Edward, and now I’m passing it on to you.”
Alisa took the book eagerly.
She could read the jade-green characters as well, and it was titled “Jadeite Ten Swords.”
Also a purple skill book? Perfect!
“Is this really Lord Edward’s?”
“Of course!”
Thinking back to how it was just something tossed aside, it made sense it could be Edward’s thrown-away treasure.
“Thank you, Lord Edward! And thank you, little Yuliya!”
Alisa hugged the book with a face full of joy.
“Yuliya, you…” Edward started, but then stopped.
Yuliya looked up with her big innocent eyes, “Am I not allowed to gift it?”
“It’s fine, do as you wish.”
Well, that was settled.
Today I’ll gift you a book, tomorrow I’ll gift you my heart; we’ll take it step by step!
“Hahaha, this is fun! So much fun!” Griphis burst out laughing, “Edward, you’ve certainly taken on a great student!”
Edward could only sigh.
How to describe the greatness of this student? Of course, she was great! But why does it feel so… uncomfortable?
Not completely uncomfortable, just a tad uncomfortable, mixed with a bit of happiness, a dash of confusion, and a sprinkle of relief.
In short, it felt bizarre, like something tickling the pit of his stomach.
“Edward, I can see you look a bit pained. How about leaving her here with me for a while?”
“No way! Not happening!”
If you asked whether taking on this student was the right decision, Edward’s answer would be an emphatic yes! No one could snatch her from him!
“Hahahaha! This is too amusing! Edward, you used to be completely carefree! You were ready to give up the Jade Emperor Kingdom’s throne without a second thought. Now, look at you! Tied down by a little girl!”
“Come on, let’s sit down and chat,” Edward quickly redirected the conversation.
After a moment of thought, he turned to Alisa, “Since I gave you this book, you also need to study hard. Don’t let Yuliya’s heartfelt kindness go to waste.”
“Yes! Lord Edward!”
The group gathered around a stone table in the yard, ready to chat.
They had talked yesterday, but it was in the grand hall, which had its formality. Now it was nice and cozy, the boys began to discuss all kinds of topics from the past.
Recounting old memories, sharing stories about Edward’s adventures, and what he had been up to lately.
Yuliya and Alisa listened intently, occasionally chiming in with questions.
This time they were really engaged.
Like stories or gossip, all the little girls loved it, and so did the little princess.
Especially when they talked about Edward’s past expeditions and ancient ruins he had visited; Yuliya was particularly engrossed.
Suddenly, Yuliya interjected, “Speaking of ancient ruins, we recently discovered one in the Jade Emperor Kingdom, and it was directly found by yours truly.”
“Oh?” Griphis perked up, “What is it called?”
“It’s called the Golden City. I wonder if Your Majesty has heard of it?”
