met free Chapter 114 A Fleeting Arrival and Departure
Chapter 114 A Fleeting Arrival and Departure
Chapter 114 A Fleeting Arrival and Departure
They didn't restrain Natalie's limbs, but Natalie knew she had no chance of escaping.
She was currently inside a makeshift tent, where a fully armed soldier stood silently watching Natalie's every move from inside the doorway.
The Unswearing Knights are not incompetent; although they are few in number, each member possesses unique skills and extraordinary martial arts prowess.
Natalie had no choice but to sit obediently on the blanket, hugging her knees tightly.
But her mind was still racing.
Nearly a month ago, she was ambushed by bandits in the Stone Mountains.
But she was not ultimately killed by the bandits; instead, the Unswearing Knights, who had been tracking her all the way, captured her.
Right now, she's being taken west by the Unswearing Knights.
They settled down in a small seaside town.
However, the Unsworn Knights treated her fairly well, not only providing her with food and drinks on time, but also being willing to tell Natalie some information. Natalie thus learned that the nearby town was called Nailport.
She knew this place was the closest port in the kingdom to the frozen continent.
Natalie had taken a ship from this port when she traveled to the frozen continent.
The Unswearing Knights were employed by the witches of the Frozen Continent, which is why they were tasked with bringing Natalie alive to their side.
However, they lingered there for a long time and did not set off.
Natalie guessed that the disturbances caused by the sea divers had disrupted the normal navigation of the Weeping Gorge, which was why they were unable to board the longship.
She knew very well that once she was taken back to the frozen continent, her life would be in grave danger.
If the witches' goal was to use Natalie to appease the sea divers' anger, then Natalie had no chance of surviving.
However, if the witch remains fixated on the mermaid clue, then Natalie might still have room to maneuver.
The problem is that the clues she tore from the divers' notes are still with her, and she has no chance to destroy them.
Although these members didn't seem to intend to search Natalie, the witches certainly would.
Once the witches have a clue about the mermaid, Natalie will lose her value, and they will kill her without hesitation.
So Natalie had to find a way to make the note disappear completely before she was brought to the lady's side.
The Unsworn Cavalry sent men to monitor Natalie day and night in shifts.
If Natalie's actions to destroy the evidence are too obvious, she will inevitably be stopped by the other party.
There was no fire source inside the tent, so Natalie couldn't burn the clues.
Tearing them up is pointless; these members are very perceptive and will surely find the fragments and collect them to give to the witch.
Natalie considered swallowing the paper, but she didn't know what it was made of or whether she could completely digest it.
If she leaves it inside her body, she'll only be digging a hole for herself.
Wizards often have a deep understanding of human anatomy, and there's a reason for that.
However, Natalie was very worried about her situation.
But what she was more concerned about was her son's safety.
Natalie would die a thousand times over if Cathy could be safe.
Natalie's thoughts became increasingly chaotic. Just then, someone lifted the tent flap and walked in.
The man was wearing steel armor but no helmet, so Natalie was able to see his face clearly.
His long hair was jet black and smooth, his eyebrows were thin and thick, and his eyes were exceptionally deep.
He had a high, straight nose, a long chin, and his mouth was covered by a short beard.
In Natalie's opinion, he was a handsome man.
This man was none other than Seth Kelly, the Grand Master of the Unswearing Knights, known as "The Gentleman".
Seth was always polite, kind, and unassuming, living up to the name of "gentleman".
According to Natalie's observations, only the curator and Seth seemed to be more like gentlemen.
However, in her memory, the curator sometimes seemed quite funny—well, who knows.
Seth had several conversations with Natalie, and each time he treated her with great respect.
He approached Natalie and gracefully curtsied.
"Excuse me, miss, please forgive my abrupt visit."
"This is your camp, sir, and I am your prisoner."
Seth straightened up and said with a smile:
"But this is a women's camp."
"Captives are no different from animals, why bother with gender?" Natalie said with annoyance. "Speak, sir, what is it?"
Natalie knew that the Grand Master of the Unswearing Knights wouldn't come looking for her without a reason, and this time was no exception.
Seth nodded and said:
"Miss, please prepare yourselves; we will be setting sail in the next few days."
Natalie had long anticipated this day: "Has the Sea Diver incident subsided?"
"Hmm?" Seth looked puzzled. "A sea diver?"
"Isn't that the reason you've stayed until now?"
Hearing Natalie's words, Seth raised an eyebrow:
"I think you've misunderstood, miss. It's true, I heard that not long ago, the Weeping Gorge was disturbed by a group of people called 'Sea Divers.' But that incident had already subsided before we even arrived near Nailport."
"Then why are you lingering until this hour?" Natalie asked, puzzled.
"Ha," Seth grinned. "Miss, I suppose you think of us members of the Unsworn Knights as extraordinary warriors. Indeed, we are very strong, but even the strongest warriors have things they are not good at."
Natalie didn't reply, but simply listened quietly to Seth's narration.
"Knights are warriors on horseback and on land, while ships and seas are not battlefields we are familiar with, and besides, we are not even true knights."
Seth spread his hands and shrugged.
"We lack the confidence to handle unexpected events at sea, so the mission to take you to the other side of the fjord is extremely risky for me, and I must be cautious."
"What are you waiting for?" Natalie asked.
"We'll wait for a sturdy enough ship," Seth said. "It would be easy for us to board a trade ship, but trade ships are light and fast, but not sturdy. If we encounter extreme weather or pirates, we might end up with that ship."
"What kind of ship are you looking for?"
“Warships would be best,” Seth said matter-of-factly, “but the kingdom’s warships can’t just sail to the frozen continent for no reason. So we have to settle for a slave ship.”
Natalie asked with some doubt, "Are the slave ships really that sturdy?"
"At least more robust than trade ships. Since slaves are now primarily from the New World, slave ships must be able to cross the endless ocean of the Sea of Despair."
"Moreover," Seth said slowly and deliberately, with an elegant demeanor and movements, "the shipping lanes are teeming with pirates. Miss, you may have heard that the pirates have taken over Goddess Island, and that island is now a pirate's lair. So now slave ships are generally able to hold their own against pirate warships."
Having heard these explanations, Natalie Minsteres had given them a thorough consideration.
The question now is: "If that's the case, why wait until now?"
"Sigh—." Seth sighed, "Logically speaking, after the shipping route through the Weeping Canyon was restored, slave ships should have resumed traveling between the two sides of the canyon. But now, the slave traders are basically under the control of one person—"
"The Slave King!" Natalie blurted out, "The Slave King Valen!"
The demand for slaves on the frozen continent is enormous, so Natalie has often heard discussions about Valen over the years.
Seth nodded: "That's right, however—Valen is currently missing. Without Valen's command, even if the shipping routes are restored now, all the slave ships will still only sail according to the previous orders."
Natalie wasn't concerned about Valen's disappearance; instead, she asked:
"Then why are there suddenly ships willing to take you across the sea?"
"Some of the ships were dispatched by Warren before the Sea Divers incident, and when they returned from the New World, Warren had already lost contact, so their routes were unaffected."
Upon hearing this, Natalie understood the reason and nodded.
Natalie suddenly thought of another question: "Now that the ship has been found, why not set off immediately instead of waiting a few more days?"
"Miss, you are not only beautiful, but also so intelligent. I admire you very much."
As he spoke, Seth bowed his head slightly towards Natalie.
"You're right, I do have another reason."
Natalie wasn't swayed by other men's flattery; she pressed on:
"What's the reason?"
"I'm not only looking for a boat, but also waiting for someone. Now the boat has been found, but the person hasn't arrived yet, though it should be soon."
Natalie casually asked, "Who?"
Seth parted his lips slightly, as if to reply, but what reached Natalie's ears first was a series of clanging sounds.
Natalie could tell that it was the sound of metal plates from plate armor colliding with each other.
And the sound is so loud, it must be that the wearer doesn't care whether others will be disturbed by the noise he makes, and has never made any special effort to control the noise.
Seth chuckled: "Ha! The person I've been waiting for has arrived!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a burly man outside the tent swept open the tent door and stepped inside.
Natalie looked at the other person, who was a head taller than Henry.
Wearing a suit of steel armor dyed brown, Natalie couldn't see his face under the helmet, but the brown beard tied into a whip under his chin left a deep impression on her.
The man spotted Seth immediately and said in a deep voice:
"They said that you were not playing a trick on me in this tent."
Seth turned around and raised his right palm:
"Jar, you're late!"
"You arrived too early!"
He also extended his right hand and clapped with Jal the giant.
Then the two pulled each other in a half-body hug, and each slapped the other's back hard with their left hand, producing a very jarring metallic sound.
The two retreated one path at a time, and Jar asked:
"How come it's so fast?"
"It was simpler than I expected," Seth said. "The target seems to be just an ordinary person."
"Ordinary people? Why would those witches spend so lavishly on them?"
As he spoke, Jarl turned to Natalie.
Natalie felt a chill run down her spine; she could feel the sharp gaze beneath the giant's helmet.
"Who knows?" Seth shrugged. "It's good that you're back. I've found a boat and am ready to cross the sea, but I plan to leave you here."
Why?
"Someone from Nail Town has asked us for help, and I'd like you to handle it."
Jarl shook his head: "I'm afraid that's not a good idea."
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"I also have a target that needs to be transported."
"What mission?"
Natalie noticed that Seth's tone had suddenly become serious.
Jarl didn't speak, but instead pointed his brown-bearded chin at Natalie.
Seth turned and gave Natalie a warning look, then said:
"Go to the main camp."
"Are my hostages being held here too?"
"No problem, someone's watching over things," Seth nodded in agreement.
After saying this, he turned to face Natalie and bowed, saying:
"Then, Miss, please allow me to take my leave."
After speaking, the two left the tent.
Natalie did not respond.
She was just a prisoner, and her opinion was meaningless.
She had just heard that someone from Namcha Barrier had made a request to the Unswearing Knights.
The Unswearing Knights have always demanded exorbitant prices, and since Seth just mentioned it, it means that their offer is enough to tempt this "gentleman."
Although Najaport is famous, it is not very prosperous. Who here can afford to hire these Unsworn Knights, and what unsolvable problem would make them spend a lot of money to seek help from the Unsworn Knights?
Natalie suddenly remembered something Seth had mentioned before Jarl arrived.
The slave king Valen has disappeared. Natalie wondered to herself—could it be that they were asked to search for Valen?
But she will inevitably be unable to reach a conclusion.
Jarl just said that he also brought a hostage.
Natalie was curious about who was worthy of being escorted by the Unsworn Knights.
Not long after, the hostages were brought to the camp.
Natalie's heart stopped the moment she saw him.
It was a little boy.
He has a small face and fair skin.
He wasn't short for a boy, but he was rather thin.
But the most crucial thing is the boy's hair.
The boy had orange-yellow curly hair!
She had the same orange-yellow hair as Natalie and the same curly hair as Henry.
Natalie hurriedly stood up, panting heavily, staring intently at the boy.
The boy was clearly startled by the extreme expression and froze on the spot, looking timidly at Natalie.
Natalie then realized her lapse in composure.
She closed her eyes and shook her head vigorously.
Only then did he extend his hand and say:
"She found her voice to be very hoarse."
Damn it, Natalie thought, I'll force myself to use a gentle voice.
So he cleared his throat and spoke again:
"What's your name?"
The boy looked at Natalie with a puzzled expression, hesitated for a long time, and then finally answered:
I cannot tell you my name.
Natalie smiled with relief upon hearing this.
At that moment, she felt a strong sense of pride.
She beckoned: "Come here!"
The boy hesitated for a moment, but still walked over.
But when the boy stood in front of her, Natalie shrank back.
She wanted to touch the boy's face, but when she reached out her hand to him, she didn't dare to touch him.
The hand seemed to be frozen in mid-air, as if by the cold.
The boy was puzzled by Natalie's behavior. His eyes scanned Natalie and finally settled on her hair.
Natalie glanced at the strands of hair on her shoulder, smiled, and asked:
Do you know what my hair color means?
The boy nodded.
Natalie then asked, "Then—may I touch your hair?"
The boy hesitated for a moment, but nodded anyway.
Natalie placed her fingers on the boy's hair, then ran them along the ends of his hair, inserting them into his curls.
She moved with extreme gentleness, as if afraid of hurting the boy's scalp.
Natalie then placed her palm on the boy's head to feel his body temperature.
The hair feels warm inside; this is a healthy boy!
Natalie then reached out her other hand and began combing the boy's hair.
After that, she could no longer control herself, and her fingers slid down to caress the boy's face.
The boy's face was soft, moist, and smooth, and Natalie couldn't help but touch it to feel every exquisite detail, so that she could firmly imprint it in her mind.
Natalie touched harder and harder, and her breathing became more and more rapid.
She then squatted down, wrapped her arms around the boy's neck, and hugged him tightly.
It was as if the boy would fly away if they relaxed even a little.
This time, she used her own face to feel the boy's face.
Natalie felt the temperature on her face rise rapidly.
Hmm? You have a fever?
At that moment, the boy reached out and forcefully pushed Natalie away.
Natalie dared not resist and could only loosen her arms.
She then noticed that the boy's face was flushed, and he even looked a little aggrieved.
Natalie understood the reason and burst out laughing.
It's often said that boys mature later than girls, and it seems to be true.
"What are you laughing at!" the boy said angrily.
He seemed to feel like he had been tricked.
Natalie glanced at the soldiers monitoring them; she knew she had to be careful what she said here.
So she asked, "Are you thirteen years old?"
The boy looked surprised: "How did you know?"
Yes, Natalie closed her eyes happily—this is my Cathy!
After adjusting her mindset and taking a few breaths, Natalie reopened her eyes and looked at her son.
But Cathy remained wary of Natalie, her expression one of caution.
No mother wants to distance herself from her child, Natalie said:
"I'm also a hostage here, and I'm your friend."
The boy nodded slightly.
"and-
As she spoke, Natalie fiddled with her orange-yellow hair.
"Um,"
Kathy responded.
He understood my hint!
Natalie laughed and held out her hand:
"Come, let's sit down and talk."
Although Kathy was still somewhat hesitant, her vigilance was clearly much lower than before.
He stepped forward, took Natalie's hand, and then sat down on the blanket.
The two sat side by side, and Natalie's gaze could not leave Cathy's face for even a moment.
Cathy was clearly shy. After exchanging a glance with him, she quickly looked away and nervously faced forward.
Natalie, seeing this amusing expression, laughed and asked:
Why won't you look at me?
"Because—you're so beautiful—" Casey stammered, "but I already have a fiancée."
"Ahhh!" Natalie exclaimed inwardly, "He's so cute!"
"It's okay," Natalie said happily, "I don't have those feelings for you."
"But I—" Cathy tightened her legs, "maybe I'm a bad guy—..."
Natalie chuckled softly, then asked:
Have you suffered any injustices over the years?
Upon hearing this, Cathy turned to look at Natalie, but immediately lowered her head again.
"These past years?"
"It's you from childhood to adulthood."
"I haven't been wronged. I'm surrounded by kind people, and everyone takes good care of me—"
As Cathy spoke, her expression turned somber.
"But I always disappoint everyone, yet they never scold me, and always comfort me instead."
Upon hearing this, Natalie suddenly felt a strong sense of self-reproach.
If I stayed with Cathy, Natalie thought, then he could whine to me and confide his sorrows to me.
She raised an eyebrow and reached out to touch Cathy's head.
At least, let's offer him some belated comfort now.
Kathy allowed Natalie's caresses and seemed to enjoy it.
After a moment, Kathy said:
"Miss?"
Haha, you should call her Mommy:
"Hmm! What is it?"
"You are so gentle."
But I felt that this gentleness was far from enough: "You're just too sensible."
The two remained in this position for a long time, until Natalie asked again:
Why were you arrested?
"A conman killed the person who was protecting me."
"That liar will definitely go to hell," Natalie sincerely hoped.
"That's what I think too."
Kathy nodded, then looked at Natalie.
"Miss, am I very wicked?"
"Silly girl," Natalie gently pinched Cathy's cheek, "how can it be considered malicious for someone important to you? This is a sign of your kindness."
"But I wish for someone to go to hell, I even want to kill that person."
“Not everyone deserves your kindness,” Natalie admonished. “Punishing the wicked is never a bad thing!”
"Hmm—" Cathy nodded gently.
Looking at her adorable child, Natalie felt she must be the happiest mother in the world.
She wished she could watch Cathy forever, she wished time could stand still at this moment.
At the same time, she also had a lot to say to Cathy and a lot of questions to ask.
But Natalie understood that at this moment, both she and Cathy were prisoners, and for Cathy's sake, she could not ask any more questions.
Cathy's refusal to reveal her name from the beginning suggests that the other party may not know Cathy's true identity.
The Unsworn Knights will not actively pursue bounties.
In other words, someone entrusted Cassie to the Unswearing Knights.
Since the other party captured Cathy but didn't exchange her for it themselves, it means that person didn't know Cathy's specific identity, but only that Cathy had value.
Therefore, Natalie must help Cathy conceal her identity.
As long as she isn't sent back to the plateau, and with the protection of the Unswearing Knights, no one can harm Cathy.
In that case, Natalie thought, what should I say?
After hesitating for a long time, Natalie asked:
"Child, do you have your own dreams?"
"Dreams?" Cathy looked at Natalie with a puzzled expression.
"Yes, it's something you want to do yourself."
The boy thought for a moment, then shook his head:
"There are no things I want to do, but people who are good to me want me to do things, so I want to do those things well."
But I'm too stupid, I can never do things right, and now, all those people have left me, I don't know what to do anymore.
Upon hearing this, Natalie's nose tingled with emotion, and she gently hugged Cathy.
"Don't worry, not everyone will leave you. You will definitely meet someone who will always be with you. You're so hardworking, so sensible, and so obedient. I think those people from the past must have liked you a lot and were very satisfied with you!"
This time, Cathy didn't push Natalie away.
After a moment, he said:
"Miss?"
"Um?"
"You are so, so gentle."
But not enough.
Natalie then asked, "So, you don't have anything you want?"
The boy was silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought:
"I want my mother."
Upon hearing this, Natalie felt as if the blood in her body had instantly frozen.
The boy continued, "My mother left me when I was little. I only heard about her from the people who were responsible for protecting me. They said my mother was beautiful and smart. Sometimes I wonder why I'm so stupid. Is it because she thought I was too stupid that she left me?"
Large tears streamed down Natalie's face.
She hugged Cathy tightly, tighter and tighter, but it still wasn't enough—
Natalie said, "How could your mother think you're stupid, let alone despise you? She definitely doesn't want to leave; she wants to stay by your side forever."
How did you know?
“Because—I am also a mother,” Natalie said firmly, “your mother must love you very much.”
Cathy nodded. "Thank you, Miss. But I really want to see my mother. I also want to ask her who my father is. Every night, I fantasize about them appearing beside me. I miss them so much."
Good heavens, Natalie's face was covered in tears and snot.
But she didn't care about anything else; she pinned Cathy down and kissed his cheek.
He kissed from the left cheek to the right cheek, from the chin to the forehead, then the nose, mouth, ears, and eyes.
Natalie wanted to kiss everything about Cathy.
Kathy!
My Cathy!
Natalie is deeply in love with Cathy.
My son!
I am your mother!
I'm right here beside you!
However, Cathy pleaded, "Miss, please don't do this. I have a fiancée. If this continues, I'm afraid I'll fall in love with you. Of course, I hope you love me," Natalie thought, and even more so, she hoped that even if you knew I was your incompetent mother, you would still choose to love me.
Natalie desperately wanted to tell Cathy right now that she was his mother.
Tell Cathy who her father is.
But she can't.
Once the Unsworn Knights learn that the boy is Natalie's child, and this information reaches the ears of the witches...
So even if Natalie manages to escape, those inhuman wizards will probably take their anger out on Cathy.
Natalie absolutely cannot let her own troubles fall on Cathy's shoulders.
It was at this moment that Natalie remembered the clue she had about the mermaid.
She turned and hugged Cathy, reached into her own chest, took out the piece of paper, and quietly stuffed it into Cathy's clothes.
In this way, the witch will not be able to obtain this clue.
Natalie then released Cathy, but the little boy's face was even redder than before, redder than the bright sun, redder than the roses of June.
Just like a freshly fired iron billet, it's not only red-hot, but also scorching hot!
Natalie gazed at Cathy's face, and she truly felt how lucky she was to have such a son!
The boy asked, "Miss, why are you crying?"
Natalie shook her head, and just as she opened her mouth—
At this moment, the two men entered the tent.
Natalie turned around and saw Seth and Jar.
Seth said, "Miss, we should get going."
Natalie frowned and protested vehemently:
"Didn't they say we'd have to wait a few more days?"
"Oh, miss," Seth said gracefully, "I told you I was here for two reasons: to find a ship and to wait for someone. Now that both purposes are accomplished, it's time to get going."
Natalie pleaded, "Please, just a few more days! Just one more day! Even just one more day!"
"Oh," Seth said with an expression of empathy. "Of course I want to grant your wish, but time is a precious commodity for the Unswearing Knights. Unfortunately, it's not you who will pay us, but the people who want to capture you. So I'm very sorry, miss, we must set off immediately."
After saying that, Seth gave Natalie a dance invitation.
Natalie understood that the other party would not compromise.
Furthermore, if they show too much resistance, they are likely to discover something.
Do not underestimate these Unsworn Knights; they are virtuous in martial arts, but their intelligence is equally impressive.
Natalie had no choice but to get up and follow them out of the tent.
Natalie stopped at the doorway.
She wiped her dirty face clean with her sleeve and turned to face Cathy.
When they parted, Natalie hoped that Cathy would remember her as a presentable person.
She smiled gently: "A child?"
"Hmm?" Cathy tilted her head.
"Your mother definitely loves you very, very much; you must believe me!"
Kathy nodded slowly, waited a moment, and then said:
"I understand, miss. Thank you, you're such a kind person."
"child?"
"Um."
"I'm also a mother. Could you call me 'Mother' on his behalf?"
Kathy thought for a few seconds, then laughed heartily:
"Your child will be so happy—yes!"
Upon hearing this, Natalie burst into tears again.
"I should have made a good impression on him," Natalie thought resentfully. "Why did I have to cry at this time?"
"Should I yell?" Kathy said.
Natalie wiped away her tears, then faced Cathy, a hopeful smile on her face.
She vowed to etch this moment, Cathy's appearance, and Cathy's voice firmly into her heart.
She saw Cathy take a deep breath and open her lips:
"......"