Chapter: 46. Fairness
Look, I knew it, wherever I go, my affairs are never absent.
You just chat normally, why pay attention to a poor Shaya who is only thinking about eating cake?
After Carl Light asked this question, the little girl’s head started to shake even faster!
Xiya was still holding Xue Fei’s small hand, but she raised their clasped hands slightly and began to introduce her companion.
“This is Shaya, she has no surname and is an orphan.”
“Oh? That’s really… but Cousin Xiya, aside from the nobles who were specially invited to this occasion, and the royal family led by His Majesty the King, we can totally say this gathering is our family feast. Why did you bring this little subordinate knight… Shaya?”
“Haha… Cousin, please don’t mind. Shaya is my subordinate knight and is here to learn by my side. If there’s anything I need, she can help me promptly, so I brought her along.”
“Subordinate knight…?”
“Yes, Shaya is a trainee knight officially appointed by His Majesty the King. She has great potential, and I’m responsible for guiding her now.”
Miss Shaya looked “pathetic,” not daring to step forward to greet anyone, she could only hide behind Xiya and nod her head in a restrained manner—at least that’s how it appeared on the surface.
In fact, it wasn’t just Carl Light who expressed a slightly surprised retort. All the young family members following him were whispering to each other.
However, Carl’s surprise was only momentary.
Soon, he raised his palm, which was thick and strong from years of fighting in the Northern Region, and the murmurs gradually stopped.
“Everyone quiet down, it’s cousin’s birthday. Let’s send our wishes and express our sentiments. So, Cousin Xiya, our second uncle is over there in the side hall thanking the guests who came with gifts. When you have time later, go greet them. We’ll take a stroll for now; this delicious food and fine wine are rare, and we should celebrate cousin’s birthday joyfully!”
“Alright, thank you, everyone.”
The second uncle refers to the current head of the Light Family, Xiya’s father, Ecklight.
Carl Light’s call to action drew responses, and the members of the Light family began to disperse, chatting in twos and threes in different directions of the banquet hall.
“Let’s go, let’s go!”
“Alright, today you must drink more. You’ve been on the border every year and haven’t returned to the capital. Let’s see if I can get you drunk today! No return without getting drunk!”
“Everyone, drink less! After the banquet, I still have to take the Knight Corps on patrol. I’m not as free as you.”
“What are you afraid of! Tomorrow morning, I have to guard those brats on the Church State’s border! I can still drink, it’s no problem!”
It can be said that they came and went in a hurry.
Xiya politely said, “Cousins, take care,” and once they had walked a distance…
She let out a soft sigh and relaxed.
She gently tapped Xue Fei’s hand and murmured helplessly.
“Ah… really, it would be fine if they just came to talk, but every time they come over I feel exhausted. I’m really not good at handling these situations… Shaya… Shaya? What are you doing?”
“I’m listening to what those guys are saying behind my back… As soon as they leave, they start gossiping and whispering; it can’t be anything good.”
“What do you mean, ah… are you saying you want to eavesdrop on them?!”
“Eavesdrop? Don’t say it so harshly! We’re just listening with justice, acknowledging with understanding!”
People have left.
But look at their grinning faces, occasionally glancing back to sneak a laugh; they must be talking behind your back, Xiya!
Xue Fei activated her magic, and it wasn’t just her eyes that could see through illusions.
If she concentrated the magic density near her ears, she could clearly hear the voices from where she wanted to listen.
Even though the hall was filled with various noisy sounds, when Xue Fei followed her hearing to Carl Light and his sister Nona Light, their conversation became extraordinarily clear.
“Carl, didn’t you notice? Ever since this Xialet got the Holy Sword and became a Hero, she’s been getting more and more arrogant. It’s fine for her to enjoy life in the capital, but to openly bring along a little subordinate knight to the family banquet like this is really quite impolite.”
“Ugh… be cautious with your words, Nona. You’re already this age; stop acting like a child. Today is Cousin Xiya’s birthday; she can bring whoever she wants, it’s a small matter. Our family has never been strict about these trivial things.”
“That’s true… I’m just saying it’s unfair for you, Carl! Hmm… Clearly, you should be the best candidate for becoming a Hero; you’ve fought more battles and have strong strength. If you were recognized by the Holy Sword, you’d have been at the Tenth Stage long ago! But… who knew suddenly this Xialet would pop up? Why did the Holy Sword choose her? Clearly, you were the strongest among us before!”
“We can’t complain about being less capable. The Holy Sword chooses whom it chooses for its reasons. It doesn’t matter. The important thing is, Nona, you are exceptionally gifted. This time when I came home, you’ve already reached the Eighth Stage. You’ll definitely have the chance to reach the Tenth Stage like our second uncle. Just trust me.”
“After all, even Father said I’m a genius~ Actually, Carl, you are too! You’re at the Ninth Stage now; isn’t the Tenth Stage just a step away?!”
“Hahaha, I think I’m in a tough spot! Don’t forget, this year I’m already thirty. There’s a chasm-like gap between the Ninth and Tenth Stages. When I was your age, I was only at the Sixth Stage; I guess I lack talent.”
“That’s not true! If she Xialet can do it, you, Carl, can definitely too.”
“You little clever girl… you know how to speak.”
Oh?
It seems what they’re saying isn’t particularly harsh?
At the very least, they can be considered civilized people.
Xue Fei nodded, just about to retract her auditory magic.
Who knew that at this moment, Nona Light would say something else.
“Haha…! But that little subordinate knight was so stupid! Standing there like an idiot, can’t even say a word. I’ve talked to commoners before, but none were as foolish as she is!”
“Don’t say that; coming from an orphan, it’s not easy for her.”
“Hmph, I don’t think so; stupid is stupid. To be Xialet’s subordinate knight must be a real idiot.”
“?!”
Xiya could feel the tiny hand gripping hers suddenly tightening!
Well well… if there’s a way to heaven, you don’t take it; you barge into hell, huh?
Calling me stupid!
I can’t be bothered to talk to you, but you think I’m foolish?!
The auditory magic was shut down.
But another type of magic was quietly activating at the same time.
Xiya was astonished to see the small hand she held flashing with almost invisible light.
Xiya had previously noticed that when Xue Fei activated her magic, she could almost shield the source of the magic. If it weren’t for being at such a close distance, one wouldn’t even realize she was using magic.
“Xue Fei, what are you…?”
“Shh~ Be quiet, someone insulted me, and I have to return the favor; otherwise, it’d be rude.”
And also, Xiya…
Actually, what they say about me, I don’t mind; a piece of cake can make me feel better.
But this Nona Light’s comments about you made me very unhappy.
She certainly has the right to defend her brother.
And I also have the right to protect my sister from slander.
That is what fairness is.
As the magical light dispersed from her fingertips, Shaya softly exhaled, her dark eyes staring at the floor tile where Nona Light was about to step.
——【Ice Bind】
