In the evening, a carriage arrived at the duke's mansion with a guest.

  This was a strange guest, and the magnificent carriage did not match him at all. Even the coachman of the carriage was more elegant than him. He wore an old and dirty long gown, as if he couldn't be seen by people, and even his face was hidden under the gown.

  The quality of the people below the duke's house is very high. So even if they see the duke smiling and coming to greet this guest in person, they don't show any surprise, still doing their own things. It's just that they remember that even Ernie, the Grand Duke, the duke's quasi-relative, seems to have never received such treatment before.

  "I've told Bishop-sama about what happened when I came here." Asa said as soon as he and the Duke entered the living room and sat down.

  The duke smiled and beckoned to one of his servants, who brought over Asa's sword. The duke took the sword and handed it back to Asa, then ordered all the servants to leave. The living room was left with only the two of them.

  He could see that the young man had no malice and not a hint of cowardice when he said this. He was not threatening his opponent, intimidating them with 'you'd better not mess with me', but rather stating that he was well-prepared.

  Facing enthusiastic hospitality still speaks like this, it's a person who has heart but doesn't like to play tricks.

  The duke likes people like that. Although his cunning methods are rarely matched by anyone, he still likes the straightforwardness of such people. Even as an enemy, they make for a refreshing opponent.

  Now he has a good grasp of the young man's personality. He came to the magnificent ducal mansion wearing a worn-out robe, and although he showed clumsiness everywhere due to his unfamiliarity with etiquette, his expression was neither humble nor arrogant. This is someone who is quite self-aware and doesn't care about power or status at all.

  This is a rare kind of person. The most tempting wealth, power and fame seem to be immune to this kind of person. Ordinary schemers have always had only one way to deal with such hard bones - kill them.

  But the duke liked this kind of person, actually using the most basic and simplest method, just to enlighten him with reason and move him with emotions, let him feel that you are right, then he will unknowingly stand on your side, and it is more reliable than buying with anything. It's just that people who are used to buying others usually have a narrow heart, comparing hearts, thinking that people in the world will only be used by me after getting benefits.

  So even the polite words can be omitted directly. The duke spoke straightforwardly: "Don't worry, now that the archbishop has spoken out, who in the imperial capital would still dare to touch you? I'd rather protect you completely, if anything happens to you, the responsibility will fall on my head." His expression was very gentle, his tone also very casual, without any intention of flattering or fawning, as if he were just chatting with a friend.

  Asa nodded. He took back the knife, as if reconnecting with an old friend he hadn't seen in years, and a sense of stability returned to his heart. Even though he was clueless about politics and power, he knew what kind of concept the Archbishop's position was. And the Duke's straightforward words made him let go of half of his guard.

  The duke said bluntly: "Actually I've always wanted to kill you to shut you up." For someone so direct, one must also be very direct.

  A Sa frowned and asked: "What mouth to extinguish?" He was somewhat unexpected about this reason, but also had a sense of expectation.

  "It's the fact that your unit was completely annihilated by the beastmen in the west, it can't be known to others." The duke still said straightforwardly with a painful expression. "It's a very confidential military matter, absolutely not allowed to leak out."

  Ah Sa nodded his head, that's why the Duke ordered him to be 'executed on the spot'. That was the root of all troubles for two months. Now he finally understood.

  It was somewhat different from what he had expected, the duke was very calm and directly told him about his malicious intentions and the reasons behind them. However, he could also feel that the duke did not deceive him. This also made him feel that the duke was not a sinister person, making him believe that the duke's invitation to him was very sincere.

  "This news is very valuable, and the people in your unit did not sacrifice in vain. However, if this news falls into the hands of some sinister people in the imperial court, the consequences are unthinkable." The duke asked him sternly. "Have you told anyone else about this?"

  "No." Old Man Shandru would never be interested in hearing these stories, and Asa didn't have the chance to mention it to anyone else.

  The duke smiled sincerely, nodded and said: "That's good. Actually I also didn't like this annoying way of keeping secrets all along, but it's the rule."

  "What? Are all major secrets kept confidential by silencing people?" Asa was shocked.

  The duke nodded: "Of course. As long as not too many people know, it's all done this way. Think about it, the lives of a few people compared to the safety and interests of millions of people and the country, which is lighter and which is heavier? If you were the ruler of the country, how would you choose?" The duke smiled slightly. "That's how big things are handled in the country."

  Asa furrowed his brow and thought carefully about this impeccable logic, nodded, he believed that the Duke's actions were indeed justified. From then on, his vigilance and hostility towards the Duke completely dissipated.

  "The duke seemed to have casually mentioned: 'I think the bishop should also be unaware of your situation?'"

  Asa shook his head. The duke felt a large stone fall from his heart, and the most important question was no longer a problem. But on the surface, he just nodded lightly and said: "Bishop Ronis is a very kind person, but he has never been interested in military affairs. This time he intervened, probably because of a temporary coincidence or personal reasons."

  Asa nodded. When he saw that the old man who often came to find Sandru at night was actually Archbishop, his surprise in his heart was really unspeakable. Sandru only briefly told him about the situation, and Archbishop immediately ordered the carriage to be driven into the mansion, waiting for the Duke's return.

  From start to finish, neither the bishop nor Sandru asked him why the duke would want to get rid of him so badly. They helped Asa resolve the matter without inquiring about the reasons behind it, not even showing the slightest curiosity, as if they were simply helping a child who had fallen down on the street.

  Although he didn't understand, Asa didn't ask either. The bishop couldn't be bothered to ask, and Sandru had asked but it was pointless, so he could only attribute their nonchalance to the fact that they just didn't care. Moreover, they had resolved this matter that almost got him killed in a very casual manner.

  The Duke was equally unclear about the reasons for the Bishop's and Sandro's intervention. However, this didn't matter, because what he wanted to clarify had already become clear, and this matter would soon be resolved in a very skillful way. He said: "Fortunately, only I and Clavius have seen you, tomorrow we just need to declare that the fugitive has been caught and executed, and you'll be fine." As if looking at Asa with great importance, he said: "As for later, for the stability of the empire, the safety of the people. You just need to keep this secret." This hat was very big, very glorious, no young man would not like it, and once worn, they would absolutely take pride in it and protect it with their lives.

  This was somewhat unexpected for the duke. Asa shook his head, but with an attitude that was as clear as the duke had expected: "Of course I will keep the secret, but not for the sake of the country or its people, I have no interest in state affairs at all. I just don't want to make things difficult for you and the bishop, and also, I don't want to die."

  Although it was a bit unexpected, the ending was satisfactory. The duke smiled happily, picked up his wine glass from the table and said: "So this matter is settled. I'm extremely sorry for the trouble you've been caused over the past two months, please forgive me." He smiled even more happily. "Also, thank you for keeping this secret."

  Asa also raised his glass and smiled faintly: "You just did what you should have done, I'm doing what I should do too."

  Two people clinked their glasses together and drank up in one gulp.

  "In fact, from my personal perspective, I have always been very grateful to you." After discussing some confidential details and other matters, the Duke patted Asa's shoulder, looked into his eyes and said: "I really want to thank you for saving my daughter." The tone was without any pretence, expressing a father's gratitude in a way that was just right.

  A Sa felt a little guilty and asked: "Is Xiao Yi's injury healed now? Where is she now?" These two questions had been in his mind for two months.

  The duke's expression was gloomy, and he shook his head slightly: "After injuring my neck vertebrae and then traveling in a bumpy carriage... My life is fine, but my hands and feet will forever be..."

  "May I see her?" Asa asked impatiently.

  In the bedroom, when Xiao Yi saw A Sa, Duke Mula only then realized that he hadn't seen his daughter's smile for a long time. This discovery made him feel somewhat melancholy.

  "How come you're so late to see me, didn't we agree to meet here?" Xiao Yi's originally pale face flushed with excitement. But she could only express her emotions in this way, even moving a finger was impossible for her now.

  A Sa walked to the head of the bed, squatted down and looked at Xiao Yi: "Sorry, I suddenly have something urgent to do. Am I not here now?" In the corridor, he had already communicated with the Duke through voice and knew that the tone should be consistent.

  "Unfortunately, I'm immobile now, or else I'd definitely cook my signature dessert for you to try," Xiao Yi said with a self-mocking smile. She had lost a lot of weight and her complexion was very pale. The prolonged pain and suffering were tormenting her, but more importantly, she had to face the reality that from now on, she would be bedridden and unable to move. This was unbearable for anyone, let alone someone as young and beautiful as her, with so much future ahead of her and so many dreams yet to be fulfilled.

  Her body lay quietly in the quilt, motionless like those corpses covered with cloth on Sandru's desk, without any vitality. Only her neck could move slightly, faintly revealing a hint of life.

  "It's all my fault......" Asa felt a sour feeling in his eye sockets, as if he had just yawned. It was him who made her like this, Asa recalled the clumsy and vicious lie he told. For the first time in his life, he felt what heartache was. It was a mixture of helplessness and regret, unable to do anything but clearly knowing it was a mistake that could have been avoided.

  "How can you say that, if it weren't for you, I would have died long ago and wouldn't be able to return home, and I wouldn't be able to see my dad and sister again." Xiao Yi said calmly, she seemed even stronger. Perhaps in this period of time, she had already been heartbroken too much and had accepted the reality. "It's just a pity that the notebook in my backpack fell into the swamp, it had all the medicinal data I collected and recorded over the past two years. And unfortunately, I still haven't found those two herbs you mentioned..."

  If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have gotten into this mess. If it weren't for my trap, you wouldn't be hurt like this. These words were too difficult to say out loud, and made him feel even more uncomfortable. Asa had read in Sandru's book that treatment magic was basically ineffective against damage to the brain stem, and after messing around with Sandru for so long, Asa knew that the spinal cord was actually an extension of the brain stem.

  "There must be a way. There must be a way to cure you, don't worry." Asa said, looking at Xiao Yi. He remembered the book that taught him meditation, and he recalled seeing many magical and mysterious events recorded in the table of contents, including strange things like "resurrection techniques". If he went back and carefully read the book again, translating those texts would surely reveal a clue, and there would definitely be hope to find a cure.

  "Thank you for comforting me. Actually, as long as you often come to see me and chat with me, I'll be very happy." Xiao Yi smiled weakly.

  "It's not to comfort you." Asa said with an unusual firmness, emphasizing each word: "I will definitely find a way to cure you, no matter what method, how long it takes."

  She looked at him in surprise, then slowly turned her head away, facing the wall on the other side. Asa couldn't see her face, only heard that her voice was already choked with sobs. "Don't say that. I've decided not to cry anymore."

  Until he left the duke's mansion and walked on the street filled with drizzle, he was still immersed in this immense sense of responsibility.

  The duke was also deeply grateful and thanked him, telling him not to worry about this matter, he was already very thankful for his kindness. After all, it wasn't his fault.

  But was it really my fault? Asa didn't dare to say it out loud. He made up his mind to make up for this mistake, and whenever he thought about how his momentary cowardice and weakness had ruined a beautiful, gentle, and full-of-life woman, leaving her crippled and bedridden like a corpse, he felt as if a pot of boiling lead was being poured into his heart.

  He absolutely cannot let this guilt entangle himself, cannot let himself see those motionless limbs that seemed like a corpse in his half-awake and half-asleep state again.

  And what's more, when he finally saw Xiao Yi's tearful eyes, it left him shaken and bewildered.

  When she finally adjusted her voice and breathing, turned around, Asa saw a face with tear stains. The already emaciated face revealed an unmatching radiance. It was a haggard plumpness, an unfortunate satisfaction.

  He could see that it wasn't sorrow, but another emotion he didn't quite understand. Although unclear, a nameless emotion was sprouting in his body and instantly spreading to every corner of his thoughts. It was as if a string in an unknown corner of his heart had been touched, resonating with her inexplicable feelings.

  This feeling merged with his sorrowful sense of responsibility, blending into a bittersweet emotion that filled every limb. He felt he had gained boundless courage, and even if the road ahead was treacherous, he would charge forward undaunted.

  He was completely absorbed in his own thoughts until he heard a loud shout: "Halt." It was only then that he realized he had been surrounded by several people.

  Four fully armed knights stood in the four cardinal directions, sandwiching him in the middle. Outside the circle were several young nobles, among whom one with a small braid led the way. Asa recognized him as the guy who had broken his wrist and injured his throat last night. The pedestrians on the street saw that something was amiss and scattered to avoid the scene.

  The little braid faced the firelight and looked at Asa. Pointing at him loudly, he shouted: "It's you! Do you think that after disguising yourself last night, no one would recognize you today? Let me tell you, someone has already informed me. And heroic rescue of a beauty, isn't it a great show-off? Tonight I'll cut off your head and use it as a urinal!" The very lively appearance showed that Wang Du's medical skills were indeed high.

  "Get out of here." Asa didn't pay attention to him and continued walking forward.

  Xiao Bianzi shouted loudly: "Stop him for me." Two armored swordsmen moved towards the middle, stretched out their hands and pushed, pushing Asa back.

  The young master jumped up like a dog whose tail had been stepped on, shouting: "How dare you look down on me? Do you know who I am? Don't think that just because you can cast a few spells and swing a sword, you're impressive." He pointed at the four armored knights, as if showing them off. "Look at their equipment, they are imperial guards, do you think they would be afraid of your little tricks? Let me tell you, I can mobilize hundreds of men to kill you at any time, I am..."

  "I told you to get out of here." Asa didn't hear what he was saying at all, staring with his eyes fixed on the two swordsmen in front of him.

  "Kill him! Kill him at once!" Little Whiskers jumped up and shrieked in a shrill voice. The two armored swordsmen in front raised their shields, drew out their long swords, and charged towards Asa.

  "Damn you!" Asa flew into a rage, drawing his sword from beneath his long robe and striking the shields of the swordsmen with great force.

  A loud crash, two armored swordsmen fell straight back, covering their hands and letting out painful cries. The deformed shield flew backward, one hitting the small ponytail's face, the other striking his chest, two muffled sounds and several cracking bone sounds rang out in succession. This time, Xiaoma didn't even let out a cry before falling to the ground.

  "Master, Master..." The people around him immediately gathered around, while the two swordsmen behind were completely stunned by this blow and stood still, not daring to move. Asa walked through the crowd towards the direction of the big house.

  It wasn't until Asa walked a long way that he realized the force he used earlier was too strong, and he had actually dislocated his own wrist. He connected the joint himself, breaking out in cold sweat from the pain.

  With a try-it-out idea, Asa still asked Sandru if there was any way to restore the mobility of people with spinal cord injuries.

  The result was as expected. Shandru yawned and replied, "Yes, you can take him to the Valley of the Dead to find the Death Spirit Association, which will allow him to run around freely, and maybe even fly."

  "Is there a way to survive?" Asa thought he was asking too much.

  But this time, Asa's answer was beyond his expectation. "Of course there is." Shandru lay down and prepared to sleep. "You can also go to the Whispering Woods to find a leaf of the World Tree. Hehe."

  "What is it? Where is it? How can..." Asa hastily asked back.

  "I'm going to sleep, go look for the book yourself." Shandru closed his eyes and curled up on the bed.