Chapter 46: Ch 46: The Morning Outside
Naida’s eyes fluttered open eventually.
The first thing she noticed was his eight-pack abs.
She was stunned when she saw Raidan’s full figure.
His physique was still lean and compact, but something had fundamentally changed. Those muscles looked extremely strong.
And she still remembered he previously had a six-pack, so where did those two extra come from?
By then, he had finished changing into his regular clothes.
Upon seeing Naida awake, he offered a cool smile.
"Awake?"
"Y-yes, I just woke up. Did you... did you exercise during the night? You look completely different."
Raidan chuckled softly, adjusting his collar.
He couldn’t tell her that he had gained nearly 2,000 attribute points from his hidden followers while she was fast asleep.
"Oh you noticed? Its nothing actually. I just did a few stretches."
No one would believe him at all. And yet, she did.
Sometimes, a woman’s mind is too easy.
Seeing Raidan standing there, radiating such immense strength and quiet confidence, gave her a sliver of much-needed comfort.
He had promised to stay by her side. He had promised to marry her.
"Are you hungry? I can head out to the outer market and buy some fresh bread for breakfast. You should stay here and rest a little longer."
"No," Naida said quickly, shaking her head.
She pushed herself up to a sitting position, her pale hands clutching the bedsheets.
"I want to go out with you, Raidan. I do not want to stay in this empty house all by myself right now."
Raidan nodded and extended one hand.
"Alright then. Come with me."
She hurriedly rushed up from the bed.
"Wait here, I need to wash up and get ready!"
He patiently gave her the time needed.
After she was done, they walked outside, and found themselves in front of a small tavern.
Upon entering, the smell of freshly cooked bread and meat soup drifted under their nostrils.
There was a middle-aged couple, but otherwise, the tavern was completely empty.
The woman, Martha, recognized Naida immediately.
"Oh, my sweet Naida. I heard the terrible news this morning. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was a good, kind man."
Naida bowed. "Thank you, Aunt Martha. It happened so fast. I still cannot believe he is gone."
The woman also closed her eyes and bowed her head reverently.
"May the Gods of Olympus guide his soul to the eternal springs. He healed so many in this district, and his immense kindness will never be forgotten. May he finally rest in absolute peace."
"Thank you," Naida whispered, wiping a stray tear from her pale cheek.
Raidan decided to give them some time.
"Naida, I will see if they have any fresh herbal tea for you. Take your time."
"Alright," Naida replied gently.
As soon as Raidan walked out of earshot to the other end of the tavern, Martha’s warm, motherly demeanor shifted entirely.
Her eyes narrowed into thin slits as she watched Raidan’s broad back.
"Naida, sweetie, you must tell me the truth. Who exactly is that man? And why is he following you around right after your grandfather passed away?"
"He is Raidan. He is a good person, Aunt Martha. He has been staying with us for a little while, helping my grandfather before he died."
She lied obviously.
Martha crossed her arms in suspicion.
. "A good person? Child, look at him. That is not the body of a simple apothecary’s assistant. Those broad shoulders, the way he walks with such silent steps, those calculating eyes... he looks exactly like a veteran warrior. Or a wandering bandit. Where did he even come from?"
Naida shook her head.
"You are misunderstanding him, Aunt. He protected me from the Shrine guards. He is the only reason I am still standing here safely today."
Martha refused to let the subject drop.
"Protecting you? Or waiting for an opportunity to strike? You are all alone now, Naida. You own that valuable shop in a prime location, and you have no family left to defend your claim. Men like that do not just offer their help out of the goodness of their hearts. What does he really want from you?"
"No, aunt. He does not want my shop! He promised to stay with me. We are going to be married." Naida retorted, looking down at her hands, as if imagining a wedding ring already.
Martha gasped out loud.
"What! Married? By the Gods, child! Your grandfather’s ashes are barely cold. Has this brute forced you into this? Has he threatened your life? You can tell me the truth right now. My husband has an old hunting crossbow in the back. We can drive him away before it is too late."
"No, it is nothing like that at all! I asked him, Aunt Martha. I begged him to stay. He is the only one I have left in this entire world, and he promised he would not abandon me."
Martha searched Naida’s face for any sign of fear or coercion, but she found only unwavering sincerity.
"Sigh.."
She let out a conflicted sigh, glancing back toward the counter where Raidan was calmly accepting a tray of steaming bowls from her husband.
"I truly hope you know what you are doing, Naida. The world is incredibly cruel to lonely girls with property. Just promise me you will keep your eyes completely open. If he ever shows his true colors, or if he ever raises a single hand against you, you will run straight here. Do you understand me?"
"I understand, Aunt. But you do not need to worry. He is exactly who he claims to be."
---
After finishing their warm meal, Raidan set down his wooden spoon and looked directly at Naida across the small table.
"Naida, once we are done here, I have a very important errand to run."
"Errand? What errand?"
"I am going to the Sun God’s Shrine to deliver the remaining 70 gold coins."
She looked a little shocked.
"Huh! Where would you get the money?"
He flashed a mysterious smile and replied, "Don’t worry, I still have a few valuable stuff to sell. I will explain it to you later."
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