Chapter 2118
“Eric, what are you doing here?” Jerome turned back, his face full of both surprise and confusion.
Eric clenched his jaw and stayed silent.
Jerome said bitterly, “I know you resent me. All these years, I failed to realize how deeply you buried the pain from your childhood. Go back now. I’m heading to Basoria to investigate Hunter’s death.”
Eric’s tone was cold. “He’s been dead for years. What’s left to investigate? I came to tell you that there’s no point in going to Basoria. The Assassin’s Guild is one of the strongest sects today. You going alone will achieve nothing.”
Jerome snorted. “Whether it’s useless or not, I have to see for myself. They killed my son back then. I may be powerless, but I’ll at least make sure the Assassin’s Guild pays in blood!”
Eric hesitated before asking, “Do you blame me, Dad? Last time I ambushed you, I nearly cost you your life."
Jerome looked stunned. “Why would you even ask that? Of course, I don’t blame you. I know you silently carried hatred toward me, but it was my failure not to see it. The fault was mine, not yours.”
Pain flickered across Eric’s face as he lowered his head. “I didn’t want to do it.”
Jerome’s voice grew gentle. “Of course, I know you didn’t. I raised you myself and know exactly what kind of person you are.”
Eric shook his head. “No, if you really knew me, you’d understand the torment I’ve carried all these years. Forget it. Just go. I only came to tell you to take care of yourself.”
Jerome’s heart was moved. “So, Eric… you forgive me?”
Eric turned away without answering directly. “I’m leaving Sunstrand too. That’s all.”
Jerome’s heart lifted with relief as he nodded again and again. “Good. Go with Andrew to Gabo Creek. I believe he’ll soon return to Chetvine, his hometown. When that time comes, you can follow him into a wider world. Eric, don’t think I’m nagging, but listen carefully. Stay by Andrew’s side.
“He’s a once-in-a-century genius, unmatched in talent. Even early on, his wisdom and skill in martial arts left me in awe. And now we know he’s Reginald’s son, the royal heir of the Lloyd family.
“Men like him appear only once in a century, maybe even a few centuries. If you can be his friend, his brother, and stand with him, then that’s your fortune. It’s a chance heaven itself has given you. I’ll rest easy knowing you’re with him.”
Eric muttered reluctantly, “Fine, I get it. I’m leaving now. Just… be careful in Basoria.”
Jerome blinked in surprise. He never expected his aloof adopted son to express concern for him. In the past, Eric never would have said such words, especially after his betrayal.
‘It seems following Andrew has changed you a lot… Perhaps in my later years, I’ve finally found a true leader worth following. Once I return from Basoria, I’ll devote myself to Andrew and help him build his legacy. That will be my way of repaying his kindness,’ Jerome thought with a smile, his heart full of emotion and joy.
With that resolution, he set off on his journey.
Meanwhile, Andrew waited until Eric finally came back. He teased, “So, what did you and Mr. Thornton talk about? You two didn’t hug and cry, did you?”
Eric snorted. “You’re insane.”
Andrew patted his shoulder. “Insane or not, just tell me straight.”
Eric’s face flushed. “Can you stop being so annoying?”
Andrew could tell by his reaction that he and Jerome had reconciled. “Alright, let’s head to Gabo Creek. With Shiloh awakened and returning to her Greene family, Holtrien’s martial world will never be the same. And I’ll soon head to Chetvine to deal with some old grudges. But first, I need to strengthen myself. Otherwise, I won’t last long when I get there.”
Eric frowned. “You plan on going to war with the houses of Chetvine?”
Andrew shrugged. “War? Hardly. Do you think those clans are made of paper? For most people, yes, it would be impossible. But for me… they really might as well be made of paper.”
Eric’s lips twitched. Was this guy even capable of speaking without bragging?