Chương 104: Unexpected Attack

An hour later, Richard, having finished practicing his swordsmanship, parted ways with Isabella and walked down the tower with Grace.

"I thought you would find Isabella's rhetoric disgusting or repulsive."

On the way, Grace said to Richard.

Richard looked puzzled.

Grace spread her hands and explained, "After all, you're a bard from the Gulf region, not the kind of domesticated bard who cowers in the court and depends on the powerful, but a wild bard who really travels the world and has an adventurous spirit."

"Shouldn't someone like you be naturally free-spirited and dislike things like powerful empires, rule, and conquest?"

"I said before that you and Isabella would not get along in the future, and that was based on that. I didn't expect her to have the courage to open up to you today, and you seem to be quite accepting of it?"

Richard blinked.

He admitted to being free-spirited and undisciplined, but he genuinely didn't have those feelings of disgust behind it.

After thinking about it carefully for a while, he understood.

Although he was not an imperial citizen, he did not truly consider himself a citizen of the Gulf city-states—if he had to name a homeland, he would only acknowledge the one from his previous life.

Therefore, his attitude was detached from the beginning, giving the impression of a Trisolaran looking at Earth.

Moreover, due to his past life experiences, he is naturally neutral towards elements such as unification and power, and is not so averse to them.

Even if this world has gods and magic, and its productivity is completely different from his previous life, he subconsciously believes that the prevalence of feudal nobles is not a good thing.

As for what constitutes a good thing—well, being a free spirit, he doesn't delve deeply into things and hasn't considered that direction yet.

He then shrugged at Grace: "I'm not entirely sure why, maybe it's because I'm naturally tolerant. Whether it's the Gulf or the Empire, adventurers or emperors, to me, there's not much difference. They're all just notes in the grand symphony of creation, high and low notes, each with its own brilliance."

Grace squinted.

"Interesting. This is quite different from what I expected. It seems I need to get to know you a little better."

"Stay away from me, don't touch me, I'm going to find Elsa!"

By this time the sun had completely set, and Richard thought it over and over and decided that he should go and see the little girl one last time before going to bed.

He immediately abandoned the grinning Grace, turned around, walked through a long corridor filled with oil paintings, climbed a spiral staircase, and finally arrived at the luxurious room at the top of the castle.

"Stop—Oh, it's you."

This was Elsa and Mary's residence. Amélie and the three siblings from the Pegotti family were guarding the door. When Richard arrived, they made way for him with peace of mind.

Richard raised an eyebrow.

Thank you for your trust, but no matter what, I am a man. Is it really appropriate to just let me into the mother and daughter's bedroom like this?

He pushed open the door with a puzzled look, and then he understood why.

It turned out that although it was already dark outside, Elsa and Mary had no intention of going to sleep at all. On the contrary, the little girl was sitting at her desk, holding a book, and reading by candlelight!

"Brother Richard!"

When she saw Richard arrive, she put down her book, ran over, and, as usual, threw herself into Richard's arms.

Richard, as usual, smiled and ruffled the little girl's hair.

What's wrong with her? She's known about her background for so many days now, and she still doesn't act like a duchess at all!

As he rubbed it, he suddenly heard the little gray head seem to be muttering something: "Why does it smell like Sister Isabella—"

"Huh? Elsa, what are you saying?"

"N-nothing! I just mean, I'm so happy to see my brother!"

Elsa stepped out of Richard's arms, revealing a bright, sunny smile.

Richard didn't pay much attention and instead looked at the book Elsa had just been reading, only to find that it was "Rhetoric for Cats and the Goddess of Art"!

"Why are you reading this again?"

"Because my sister Isabella said that in order to become a qualified Grand Duke, in addition to mastering the power of magic, one must also learn how to speak and write, and if one has the energy, one should also learn Elvish."

Elsa explained, "So I asked Earl Schneider to find this book for me—I want to learn it as soon as possible so I can help everyone—" Hearing this, Mary sighed softly and tapped her daughter's head with her finger: "Even so, you can't overwork yourself. You should actually go to sleep now."

Elsa covered her head: "Oh! Mommy!"

Richard nodded in agreement.

He could understand Elsa's feelings.

But the little girl is only ten years old, and she has been traveling since last night. Although she has been riding a horse, the physical and mental exertion is still considerable.

In this state, it's better to rest early than to continue pushing your body to study harder.

He then advised, "I once heard a wise man say that those who do not know how to rest do not know how to work. Elsa, I believe you will definitely become a great duke in the future, but right now, what you need most is to take good care of your health."

"Hmm—I understand."

Seeing that her mother and older brother had both said this, Elsa could only pout and close her book.

Then Richard added, "And to be honest, this book is a bit too difficult for you. If you really want to learn rhetoric, how about starting with some catchy poems?"

"The Psalms?"

"That's right, your brother can sing, not just those vulgar tunes from taverns, but also many masterpieces written by people who are good at rhetoric—" As he spoke, Richard took out his lute and began to hum a soothing and peaceful tune.

"The evening breeze gently caresses the crescent moon of the wilderness, and the stars and moon quietly unfold the journey."

Swords are sheathed, songs have slowed, and the hardships of today have all vanished.

Listening to Richard's music, Elsa's little eyebrows gradually relaxed, and she finally obediently climbed into bed and closed her eyes a short while later.

Mary gently tucked her daughter in and smiled at Richard, saying, "Thank you, Richard."

Richard replied, "You're welcome, madam. Besides, you should rest now—" Having said that, Richard, being a man, prepared to leave the room.

But just then, he heard Aisha's breathing become rapid.

He turned his head and was surprised to find that not only was she breathing, but the little girl's body was also trembling violently!

"W-What's going on?!"

Mary also sensed something was wrong and screamed. Amelie and the others outside quickly pushed open the door and entered. Seeing the situation, they assumed it was another bloodline awakening issue and immediately took out a soothing potion and fed it to Aisha.

However, to everyone's dismay, this time the medicine had no effect!

Elsa's condition continued to deteriorate, and her eyes remained closed, showing no sign of waking up!

"Quickly, summon His Highness and the others!"

The three siblings, Peiguoti, turned to call for backup, while Richard approached to observe. He noticed that Aisha's temperature hadn't risen as before; instead, strange marks had appeared on her arms, as if she had been whipped.

No, this isn't a bloodline issue!

This is the result of some kind of attack!