Chapter 5: Encountering an Old Acquaintance
“It’s nothing,” Sasha waved her hand dismissively. “Just a little tail. You can just help me take care of it.”
“You crafty girl… While it’s not a big problem, it’s still a bit troublesome.” The old man shook his head helplessly, then turned his gaze to Xu Bai beside Sasha, his eyes suddenly sharpening. “And this is?”
From the moment the old man appeared, Xu Bai had kept her head down, avoiding his gaze.
Because she realized… she knew this burly, robust old man who showed no signs of his age!
“The Commander of the Saint Noyes Garrison Knights—Alois Lugner!”
Beneath her outwardly calm demeanor, Xu Bai’s mind was in turmoil. “How is this possible… Why is he here?!”
Although he had aged considerably, his temples now streaked with white, Xu Bai recognized him instantly.
Alois Lugner had already been steadfastly guarding the border for fifty years when Xu Bai joined the Knights. He was one of the North Empire’s greatest legendary knights.
He was also Xu Bai’s direct superior; the last attack order for the Sharp Assault squad had come from him.
But later, the Saint Noyes Garrison Knights had retreated without warning, leaving the Sharp Assault squad trapped by the demon legions after completing their mission.
Now, facing this legendary knight of the Empire, the superior officer she had once respected, Xu Bai’s emotions were incredibly complex.
“…Was it you who decided to abandon us?”
Xu Bai wondered silently, but didn’t voice her question.
Lugner scrutinized Xu Bai, his right hand unconsciously moving towards his waist, the atmosphere suddenly becoming tense.
Sasha immediately stepped forward, shielding Xu Bai, and glared at Lugner. “Old geezer, what do you think you’re doing?”
Xu Bai quietly took a step back, staying behind Sasha.
Lugner paused, lowering his hand from his waist, and feigning nonchalance. “No, it’s just that Miss Sasha’s friend… her aura seems familiar. Is she a demon from the Abyssal Demon Realm?”
“Little Sister Bai, are you a demon?” Sasha immediately turned to Xu Bai, asking without hesitation.
Xu Bai hesitated, her voice uncertain. “Probably… not?”
She wasn’t entirely sure about her current race.
However, as far as she knew, there were no demons in the Abyss with silver hair and vertical pupils. Of course, it was possible she simply hadn’t encountered all the demon races yet.
“She said she’s not.” Sasha turned back to Lugner, stating firmly.
Lugner twitched his lips. Did this girl think he was deaf? Although the little girl’s voice wasn’t loud, it wasn’t particularly soft either. He wasn’t so old that he couldn’t hear.
However, judging from the current situation, this suspected demon girl didn’t seem hostile or threatening, but rather shy and timid.
“My apologies. I’ve fought on the frontier for many years, and I can’t help but be wary when encountering non-human races.”
Lugner forced a semblance of a kind smile, softening his tone.
“No, it’s alright.” Xu Bai murmured, but under her hood, her expression was one of utter disbelief.
Was she seeing things? Lugner, known for his impartiality and ruthlessness, privately called the “Iron-faced Grim Reaper,” was smiling!
Not only that, but it was also the first time Xu Bai had heard Lugner soften his usually firm tone.
And for some reason, Xu Bai felt that after confirming her response, Lugner seemed slightly disappointed.
It seemed the commander had changed quite a bit over the past year.
“Alright, alright, hurry up and give me what I want. I still have important things to do with Little Sister Bai.” Sasha popped her head out again, interrupting Lugner’s continued scrutiny of Xu Bai’s hooded face.
“You two?” Lugner looked suspiciously at Sasha, then at Xu Bai, his voice deepening. “Miss Sasha, if your next request harms Vikarn Port or humanity, I won’t hold back out of sentimentality.”
“What are you thinking?” Sasha gave Lugner an incredulous look. “Are you senile? I just want to get closer to Little Sister Bai. What else could I possibly be thinking?”
“I hope so.” Lugner shifted his gaze to Xu Bai, his words laced with meaning.
He then lifted the large bag, which Sasha had struggled to carry, with one hand and slung it over his shoulder. “By the way, Miss Sasha, as for the thing you wanted… I haven’t gotten it yet.”
“What?” Sasha’s eyes widened, and she extended her hand. “Then give my things back. No credit, only cash.”
“Ahem, don’t be so hasty. I didn’t expect Miss Sasha to be so efficient. I haven’t had time to retrieve it yet.”
Lugner blushed slightly. The former commander of the Knights was now reduced to haggling with a little girl. He felt a pang of guilt.
However, even with that guilt, he didn’t put down the bag.
Seeing Lugner’s shamelessness, Sasha stamped her foot in frustration. “Oh, you shameless old man…”
Lugner awkwardly scratched his nose, offering no further response.
“Sasha, what’s inside?” Xu Bai tugged at Sasha’s sleeve, whispering.
She couldn’t contain her curiosity. What could be so important that it made Commander Lugner lose face like this?
Sasha replied casually, “Just some junk. I don’t know why the old geezer is making such a fuss over it…”
“It’s not junk.”
Before she could finish, Lugner interrupted.
His face suddenly darkened, the atmosphere becoming somber.
“It’s not junk. It’s… the belongings of old friends. Very precious belongings.” Lugner sighed, patting the bag. “Of course, perhaps ‘precious’ only applies to an old codger like me.”
“Don’t worry, Miss Sasha. I will get you what I promised.”
Lugner looked up at Sasha, a resolute expression on his aged face, just as Xu Bai remembered. “I, Alois Lugner, at least for now, haven’t fallen so low as to break my word.”
Seeing Lugner’s sudden seriousness, Sasha felt a twinge of guilt. “Of course, of course, I trust you. Everyone knows your reputation… Alright, alright, you can continue fiddling with your old friends’ belongings. I’ll take Little Sister Bai and leave!”
Sasha quickly grabbed Xu Bai’s hand and practically fled the dilapidated shop.
“Eh…”
Before Xu Bai could react, Sasha pulled her away.
As they ran, Xu Bai glanced back. Lugner was walking slowly into the shop, his back to them.
For some reason, seeing the once mighty warrior’s now slightly hunched and lonely figure, Xu Bai felt that this familiar figure had, in that instant, become somewhat of a stranger.
This was a side of the “Iron-faced Grim Reaper” she had never seen before.
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