Chapter 52: A New Life in Listening Wind Town

Approximately one week had passed since Aisha made the decision to remain in Listening Wind Town.

Perhaps to prevent her from undertaking any further dangerous endeavors, Rodd had specifically assigned her to his younger brother, Allen, entrusting him with the management of Aisha’s daily tasks.

Allen served as the territory’s resident physician, primarily occupied with compounding medicines and tending to the injured. The addition of an extra pair of hands promised to alleviate some of his burdens.

However, for reasons unknown to me, this young man always seemed incredibly wary around Aisha, every nerve taut. This constant vigilance led Aisha to complain to me incessantly.

“I swear, that brat looks at me so strangely! Sometimes, if I just get a little closer to ask if he needs help, he’ll bolt backward like a startled rabbit, shouting things like, ‘Don’t sneak up on me like that!’ What’s his deal? Does he think I’m going to eat him or something?”

Regarding this issue, I had privately questioned Young Master Allen about his behavior. Upon hearing my query, he immediately feigned deafness, steadfastly refusing to provide a direct answer.

It was only when my persistence wore him down that he offered a curt reply:

“I just find that woman unsettling, that’s all.”

“Ah? But why?”

When I pressed for more details, Allen reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his face flushing crimson.

“There’s no ‘why’! You irritating, foolish woman, if you keep pestering me with pointless questions, I’ll kick you out!”

Though I failed to obtain the answer I sought, learning that Allen harbored no animosity towards Aisha brought me considerable relief.

Beyond managing Aisha’s affairs, I had also spent these past few days diligently adapting to my unfamiliar surroundings.

Frankly, despite Listening Wind Town’s impoverished and underdeveloped state, I found life here considerably more relaxed than my days in Coldwind Territory.

For one, my duties revolved solely around Rodd; if he had no specific needs, I could openly indulge in idleness.

Moreover, I had finally escaped the somewhat perverse young miss and the dreadful atmosphere of constant intrigue.

According to Fina, the atmosphere here had been oppressively grim when the previous lord was still alive.

That lord was not only stingy and petty but also prone to beating, scolding, and humiliating his servants. If he fancied a maid, he would resort to coercion and bribery to force her to surrender her chastity.

However, following his accidental demise, the new Lord Rodd proved to be far more gentle.

Fina recounted that Lord Rodd had arrived six months prior. Upon their initial arrival, his entourage was travel-worn and disheveled, appearing as if they were shipwrecked survivors recently hauled from the sea.

It was later revealed that Rodd and his companions had encountered a once-in-a-century storm during their voyage. They had narrowly escaped, eventually reaching Moon Island after a perilous journey.

Although they successfully made landfall, their accompanying ship struck a reef upon docking, tearing a large hole in its hull. Eight or nine tenths of their valuables on board were lost.

Had Rodd not carried the Moen family’s token, the old town elder here might never have recognized him as the new lord.

Fina was unaware of what Lord Rodd and the old town elder had discussed. Yet, just one day later, a brand-new proclamation was posted in the town square.

The notice declared that the newly appointed Lord Rodd had decided to waive this year’s taxes and promised to adjust the previously burdensome tax rates in the future, thereby alleviating the burden on his subjects.

This news spread like wildfire to every corner of the town, allowing the long-suffering residents to finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Another day passed, and Lord Rodd made yet another surprising decision.

He dismissed the servants he deemed unnecessary in the castle, retaining only those in essential positions and those he considered diligent and capable.

This measure caused a stir within the castle. Some felt fortunate, while others lamented their fate. Yet, it proved that with fewer idle hands, the castle’s work did not become harder; instead, those who remained found their tasks considerably lighter.

“I heard Lord Rodd is currently contemplating how to adjust Listening Wind Town’s guard arrangements, but he’s facing significant resistance…”

Fina whispered this to me.

“Oh, is that so…”

I discreetly committed this information to memory, deeming it highly valuable.

However, once Fina had departed, I couldn’t help but reassess Rodd.

Lightening taxes, dismissing idlers, streamlining personnel…

What exactly was Rodd trying to achieve?

Were these the actions of a lord known for extravagance, greed, and lechery?

A lord like that shouldn’t be busy with such matters; he should be busy with women, shouldn’t he?

Lost in thought, I failed to notice the path ahead and inadvertently collided with someone.

“Oh, I’m so sorry…”

I instinctively clutched my head and apologized, only to hear a voice filled with surprise.

“Eh, is that Miss Lilian? So you’re here!”

“Eh?”

Unaccustomed to the name, I paused for a moment before realizing the person was calling me.

I looked up at him.

He had short, neat hair, closely cropped to his scalp, revealing the stern resolve of a warrior. His physique was robust and slender, every line seeming to speak of his past valor and strength.

However, what truly captured attention was his left arm; a portion was missing, replaced by clean white bandages wrapped around the wound, conveying an unyielding dignity. Despite the loss of an arm, his posture remained upright, like an oak tree that had weathered a storm, still standing tall.

“You are…”

He seemed familiar, but I couldn’t immediately recall his identity.

“Have you forgotten? You saved me once.”

He subtly gestured with his empty left sleeve, flashing a carefree smile.

“Oh, oh, oh… I remember now!” I exclaimed with sudden realization. “You… you’re the one whose arm was cut off… uh… Old Seven?”

“That’s right! So Miss Lilian knows my secondary title here too.”

“Ah, I apologize…”

Feeling my words might have been impolite, I quickly added, “I heard Lord Rodd and Young Master Allen call you that. If you find it offensive…”

“Eh—not at all! You saved my life back then; I haven’t even had a chance to properly thank you! Besides, I haven’t used my original name in ages. Just call me Aqi!”

As he spoke, Aqi instinctively reached out to pat my shoulder as a gesture of familiarity, but his left arm, still bare, met only air.

“Oops, you’ve caught me in an embarrassing moment, hahaha!”

Witnessing Aqi’s surprisingly carefree demeanor, I felt a sense of relief.

“I thought you would be quite despondent.”

“Despondent? Ha, I don’t have time for that; I’m too busy practicing my swordplay!”

“Practicing swordplay? But you only have one hand left…”

In medieval times, most combat relied on two-handed broadswords. I found it difficult to imagine how this man could wield such a formidable weapon with only one hand.

“One hand is quite enough! Strength isn’t the most important thing when using a sword! Even a frail young girl like you could learn it!”

Aqi lightly tapped the hilt of the sword at his waist, a gesture of practiced confidence.

“Speaking of which, Miss Lilian, I’ve always wanted to thank you properly. If you don’t mind, how about I teach you how to use a sword?”

“Use a sword?”